scholarly journals A large disordered region confers a wide spanning volume to vertebrate Suppressor of Fused as shown in a trans-species solution study.

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Staëlle Makamte ◽  
Amira Jabrani ◽  
Annick Paquelin ◽  
Anne Plessis ◽  
Matthieu Sanial ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Crystal Structures ◽  
Vertebrate Development ◽  
Large Area ◽  
Post Translational Modifications ◽  
Suppressor Of Fused ◽  
X Ray Scattering ◽  
C Terminus ◽  
Species Solution ◽  
Major Variation ◽  
Pathway Inhibition

Hedgehog (Hh) pathway inhibition by the conserved protein Suppressor of Fused (SuFu) is crucial to vertebrate development. By constrast, SuFu removal has little effect in drosophila. Previous publications showed that the crystal structures of human and drosophila SuFu consist of two ordered domains that are capable of breathing motions upon ligand binding. However, the crystal structure of human SuFu does not give information about 20 N-terminal residues (IDR1) and an eighty-residue-long disordered region (IDR2) in the C-terminus, whose function is important for the pathway repression. These two IDRs are species-dependent. We studied SuFu structure in solution, both with circular dichroism and small angle X-ray scattering, comparing drosophila, zebrafish and human species, to better understand this considerable difference. Our studies show that, in spite of similar crystal structures restricted to ordered domains, drosophila and vertebrate SuFu have very different structures in solution. The IDR2 of vertebrates spans a large area, thus enabling it to reach for partners and be accessible for post-translational modifications. Furthermore, we show that the IDR2 region is highly conserved within phyla but varies in length and sequence, with insects having a shorter disordered region while that of vertebrates is broad and mobile. This major variation may explain the different phenotypes observed upon SuFu removal.

scholarly journals TMOD-24. GENERATION AND CHARACTERIZATION OF A NOVEL TRANSGENIC IDO REPORTER MOUSE FOR IDO POSTTRANSLATIONAL MODIFICATION ANALYSIS IN SITU

2020 ◽  
Vol 22 (Supplement_2) ◽  
pp. ii233-ii233
Author(s):  
April Bell ◽  
Lijie Zhai ◽  
Erik Ladomersky ◽  
Kristen Lauing ◽  
Lakshmi Bollu ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Mouse Model ◽  
Tumor Cell ◽  
Central Nervous System Tumor ◽  
Post Translational Modifications ◽  
Reporter Mouse ◽  
C Terminus ◽  
Human Gbm

Abstract Glioblastoma (GBM) is the most common and aggressive primary central nervous system tumor in adults with a median survival of 14.6 months. GBM is a potently immunosuppressive cancer due in-part to the prolific expression of immunosuppressive indoleamine 2,3 dioxygenase 1 (IDO). Tumor cell IDO facilitates the intratumoral accumulation of regulatory T cells (Tregs; CD4+CD25+FoxP3+). Although immunosuppressive IDO activity is canonically characterized by the conversion of tryptophan into kynurenine, we have utilized transgenic and syngeneic mouse models and mutant glioma lines to demonstrate that tumor cell IDO increases Treg accumulation independent of tryptophan metabolism. Here, we address the gap in our understanding of IDO signaling activity in vivo. Subcutaneously-engrafted human GBM expressing human IDO-GFP cDNA was isolated from immunodeficient humanized NSG-SGM3 mice. The tumor was immunoprecipitated for the GFP tag using GFP-TRAP followed by mass spectrometry which revealed a novel methylation site on a lysine residue at amino acid 373 in the IDO C-terminus region. Western blot analysis of IDO protein also revealed the presence of tyrosine phosphorylation. Additionally, we recently created a new transgenic IDO reporter mouse model whereby endogenous IDO is fused to GFP via a T2A linker (IDO→GFP). This model allows for the isolation of IDO+ cells in real-time and without causing cell death, thereby creating the opportunity for downstream molecular analysis of in situ-isolated GFP+ cells. Collectively, our work suggests that IDO non-enzyme activity may involve the post-translational modifications we recently identified. As IDO activity may differ between in vitro and in vivo modeling systems, we will use the new IDO→GFP reporter mouse model for an improved mechanistic understanding of how immunosuppressive IDO facilitates Treg accumulation in vivo.

scholarly journals Structural Analysis of the Partially Disordered Protein EspK from Mycobacterium tuberculosis

Crystals ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 11 (1) ◽  
pp. 18
Author(s):  
Abril Gijsbers ◽  
Nuria Sánchez-Puig ◽  
Ye Gao ◽  
Peter J. Peters ◽  
Raimond B. G. Ravelli ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Host Response ◽  
Limited Proteolysis ◽  
Maximal Dimension ◽  
Globular Domain ◽  
Saxs Data ◽  
X Ray ◽  
Disordered Protein ◽  
X Ray Scattering ◽  
C Terminus ◽  
New Treatments

For centuries, tuberculosis has been a worldwide burden for human health, and gaps in our understanding of its pathogenesis have hampered the development of new treatments. ESX-1 is a complex machinery responsible for the secretion of virulence factors that manipulate the host response. Despite the importance of these secreted proteins for pathogenicity, only a few of them have been structurally and functionally characterised. Here, we describe a structural study of the ESX-secretion associated protein K (EspK), a 74 kDa protein known to be essential for the secretion of other substrates and the cytolytic effects of ESX-1. Small-Angle X-ray Scattering (SAXS) data show that EspK is a long molecule with a maximal dimension of 228 Å. It consists of two independent folded regions at each end of the protein connected by a flexible unstructured region driving the protein to coexist as an ensemble of conformations. Limited proteolysis identified a 26 kDa globular domain at the C-terminus of the protein consisting of a mixture of α-helices and β-strands, as shown by circular dichroism (CD) and SAXS. In contrast, the N-terminal portion is mainly helical with an elongated shape. Sequence conservation suggests that this architecture is preserved amongst the different mycobacteria species, proposing specific roles for the N- and C-terminal domains assisted by the middle flexible linker.

Phosphate tungsten bronze series: crystallographic and structural properties of low-dimensional conductors

2001 ◽  
Vol 57 (5) ◽  
pp. 603-632 ◽  
Author(s):  
P. Roussel ◽  
O. Pérez ◽  
Ph. Labbé
Keyword(s):  
Crystal Structures ◽  
Structural Properties ◽  
Tungsten Bronze ◽  
Structural Description ◽  
X Ray ◽  
X Ray Scattering ◽  
Modulated Structures ◽  
Low Dimensionality ◽  
Low Dimensional ◽  
Thickness Function

Phosphate tungsten bronzes have been shown to be conductors of low dimensionality. A review of the crystallographic and structural properties of this huge series of compounds is given here, corresponding to the present knowledge of the different X-ray studies and electron microscopy investigations. Three main families are described, monophosphate tungsten bronzes, Ax (PO2)4(WO3)2m , either with pentagonal tunnels (MPTBp) or with hexagonal tunnels (MPTBh), and diphosphate tungsten bronzes, Ax (P2O4)2(WO3)2m , mainly with hexagonal tunnels (DPTBh). The general aspect of these crystal structures may be described as a building of polyhedra sharing oxygen corners made of regular stacking of WO3-type slabs with a thickness function of m, joined by slices of tetrahedral PO4 phosphate or P2O7 diphosphate groups. The relations of the different slabs with respect to the basic perovskite structure are mentioned. The structural description is focused on the tilt phenomenon of the WO6 octahedra inside a slab of WO3-type. In this respect, a comparison with the different phases of the WO3 crystal structures is established. The various modes of tilting and the different possible connections between two adjacent WO3-type slabs involve a great variety of structures with different symmetries, as well as the existence of numerous twins in MPTBp's. Several phase transitions, with the appearance of diffuse scattering and modulation phenomena, were analysed by X-ray scattering measurements and through the temperature dependence of various physical properties for the MPTBp's. The role of the W displacements within the WO3-type slabs, in two modulated structures (m = 4 and m = 10), already solved, is discussed. Finally, the complexity of the structural aspects of DPTBh's is explained on the basis of the average structures which are the only ones solved.

scholarly journals Subcellular orchestration of alpha-synuclein variants in Parkinson’s disease brains revealed by 3D multicolor STED microscopy

2018 ◽  
Author(s):  
Tim E. Moors ◽  
Christina A. Maat ◽  
Daniel Niedieker ◽  
Daniel Mona ◽  
Dennis Petersen ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Parkinson’S Disease ◽  
Parkinson's Disease ◽  
Lewy Bodies ◽  
Distribution Patterns ◽  
Alpha Synuclein ◽  
Label Free ◽  
Post Translational Modifications ◽  
Sted Microscopy ◽  
C Terminus

AbstractPost-translational modifications of alpha-synuclein (aSyn), particularly phosphorylation at Serine 129 (Ser129-p) and truncation of its C-terminus (CTT), have been implicated in Parkinson’s disease (PD) pathology. To gain more insight in the relevance of Ser129-p and CTT aSyn under physiological and pathological conditions, we investigated their subcellular distribution patterns in normal aged and PD brains using highly-selective antibodies in combination with 3D multicolor STED microscopy. We show that CTT aSyn localizes in mitochondria in PD patients and controls, whereas the organization of Ser129-p in a cytoplasmic network is strongly associated with pathology. Nigral Lewy bodies show an onion skin-like architecture, with a structured framework of Ser129-p aSyn and neurofilaments encapsulating CTT aSyn in their core, which displayed high content of proteins and lipids by label-free CARS microscopy. The subcellular phenotypes of antibody-labeled pathology identified in this study provide evidence for a crucial role of Ser129-p aSyn in Lewy body formation.

scholarly journals Aspartic Acid Isomerization Characterized by High Definition Mass Spectrometry Significantly Alters the Bioactivity of a Novel Toxin from Poecilotheria

Toxins ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 12 (4) ◽  
pp. 207 ◽  
Author(s):  
Stephen R. Johnson ◽  
Hillary G. Rikli
Keyword(s):  
Mass Spectrometry ◽  
Protein Interactions ◽  
Ion Mobility ◽  
Protein Protein Interactions ◽  
High Definition ◽  
Vast Number ◽  
Post Translational Modifications ◽  
C Terminus ◽  
Acid Isomerization

Research in toxinology has created a pharmacological paradox. With an estimated 220,000 venomous animals worldwide, the study of peptidyl toxins provides a vast number of effector molecules. However, due to the complexity of the protein-protein interactions, there are fewer than ten venom-derived molecules on the market. Structural characterization and identification of post-translational modifications are essential to develop biological lead structures into pharmaceuticals. Utilizing advancements in mass spectrometry, we have created a high definition approach that fuses conventional high-resolution MS-MS with ion mobility spectrometry (HDMSE) to elucidate these primary structure characteristics. We investigated venom from ten species of “tiger” spider (Genus: Poecilotheria) and discovered they contain isobaric conformers originating from non-enzymatic Asp isomerization. One conformer pair conserved in five of ten species examined, denominated PcaTX-1a and PcaTX-1b, was found to be a 36-residue peptide with a cysteine knot, an amidated C-terminus, and isoAsp33Asp substitution. Although the isomerization of Asp has been implicated in many pathologies, this is the first characterization of Asp isomerization in a toxin and demonstrates the isomerized product’s diminished physiological effects. This study establishes the value of a HDMSE approach to toxin screening and characterization.

scholarly journals The Influence of Co-Surfactants on Lamellar Liquid Crystal Structures Formed in Creams

Pharmaceutics ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 12 (9) ◽  
pp. 864
Author(s):  
Delaram Ahmadi ◽  
Najet Mahmoudi ◽  
Richard K. Heenan ◽  
David J. Barlow ◽  
M. Jayne Lawrence
Keyword(s):  
Liquid Crystal ◽  
Crystal Structures ◽  
Small Angle ◽  
Liquid Paraffin ◽  
Sodium Dodecyl ◽  
Ternary Systems ◽  
Continuous Phase ◽  
Lamellar Liquid Crystal ◽  
X Ray Scattering ◽  
Oil In Water

It is well-established that oil-in-water creams can be stabilised through the formation of lamellar liquid crystal structures in the continuous phase, achieved by adding (emulsifier) mixtures comprising surfactant(s) combined (of necessity) with one or more co-surfactants. There is little molecular-level understanding, however, of how the microstructure of a cream is modulated by changes in co-surfactant and of the ramifications of such changes on cream properties. We investigate here the molecular architectures of oil-free, ternary formulations of water and emulsifiers comprising sodium dodecyl sulfate and one or both of the co-surfactants hexadecanol and octadecanol, using microscopy, small-angle and wide-angle X-ray scattering and small-angle neutron scattering. We then deploy these techniques to determine how the structures of the systems change when liquid paraffin oil is added to convert them to creams, and establish how the structure, rheology, and stability of the creams is modified by changing the co-surfactant. The ternary systems and their corresponding creams are shown to contain co-surfactant lamellae that are subtly different and exhibit different thermotropic behaviours. The lamellae within the creams and the layers surrounding their oil droplets are shown to vary with co-surfactant chain length. Those containing a single fatty alcohol co-surfactant are found to contain crystallites, and by comparison with the cream containing both alcohols suffer adverse changes in their rheology and stability.

Combined Small-Angle Neutron and X-Ray Scattering Studies of Polymers

1992 ◽  
Vol 36 ◽  
pp. 355-372
Author(s):  
George D. Wignall
Keyword(s):  
Crystal Structures ◽  
Small Angle ◽  
Polymer Science ◽  
X Ray ◽  
X Ray Scattering ◽  
Made In ◽  
Ray Scattering

Scattering technigues have been employed since the beginnings of polymer science to provide information on the spatial arrangements of macromolecules. The first measurements were made in the 1920s and were concerned primarily with the determination of crystal structures via the Bragg lawnλ = 2dsinθ.

scholarly journals Dynamical charge density fluctuations pervading the phase diagram of a Cu-based high-Tc superconductor

Science ◽  
2019 ◽  
Vol 365 (6456) ◽  
pp. 906-910 ◽  
Author(s):  
R. Arpaia ◽  
S. Caprara ◽  
R. Fumagalli ◽  
G. De Vecchi ◽  
Y. Y. Peng ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Phase Diagram ◽  
Charge Density ◽  
Charge Density Waves ◽  
Density Fluctuations ◽  
Large Area ◽  
High Tc ◽  
Superconducting Cuprates ◽  
X Ray Scattering ◽  
Underdoped Region ◽  
Dynamical Charge

Charge density modulations have been observed in all families of high–critical temperature (Tc) superconducting cuprates. Although they are consistently found in the underdoped region of the phase diagram and at relatively low temperatures, it is still unclear to what extent they influence the unusual properties of these systems. Using resonant x-ray scattering, we carefully determined the temperature dependence of charge density modulations in YBa2Cu3O7–δ and Nd1+xBa2–xCu3O7–δ for several doping levels. We isolated short-range dynamical charge density fluctuations in addition to the previously known quasi-critical charge density waves. They persist up to well above the pseudogap temperature T*, are characterized by energies of a few milli–electron volts, and pervade a large area of the phase diagram.

Fabrication of Large Area “Woodpile” Photonic Crystal Structures for Near IR

2009 ◽  
Author(s):  
Neilanjan Dutta ◽  
Peng Yao ◽  
Shouyuan Shi ◽  
Ahmed Sharkawy ◽  
Ozgenc Ebil ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Photonic Crystal ◽  
Crystal Structures ◽  
Large Area ◽  
Near Ir
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