scholarly journals Heterologous Expression Studies of Saccharomyces cerevisiae Reveal Two Distinct Trypanosomatid CaaX Protease Activities and Identify Their Potential Targets

2009 ◽  
Vol 8 (12) ◽  
pp. 1891-1900 ◽  
Author(s):  
David Z. Mokry ◽  
Surya P. Manandhar ◽  
Kristen A. Chicola ◽  
George M. Santangelo ◽  
Walter K. Schmidt
Keyword(s):  
Posttranslational Modifications ◽  
Carboxyl Methylation ◽  
Cell Extracts ◽  
Expression Studies ◽  
Biological Studies ◽  
Protease Specificity ◽  
Hsp40 Protein ◽  
Potential Use ◽  
Caax Motif

ABSTRACT The CaaX tetrapeptide motif typically directs three sequential posttranslational modifications, namely, isoprenylation, proteolysis, and carboxyl methylation. In all eukaryotic systems evaluated to date, two CaaX proteases (Rce1 and Ste24/Afc1) have been identified. Although the Trypanosoma brucei genome also encodes two putative CaaX proteases, the lack of detectable T. brucei Ste24 activity in trypanosome cell extracts has suggested that CaaX proteolytic activity within this organism is solely attributed to T. brucei Rce1 (J. R. Gillespie et al., Mol. Biochem. Parasitol. 153:115-124. 2007). In this study, we demonstrate that both T. brucei Rce1 and T. brucei Ste24 are enzymatically active when heterologously expressed in yeast. Using a-factor and GTPase reporters, we demonstrate that T. brucei Rce1 and T. brucei Ste24 possess partially overlapping specificities much like, but not identical to, their fungal and human counterparts. Of interest, a CaaX motif found on a trypanosomal Hsp40 protein was not cleaved by either T. brucei CaaX protease when examined in the context of the yeast a-factor reporter but was cleaved by both in the context of the Hsp40 protein itself when evaluated using an in vitro radiolabeling assay. We further demonstrate that T. brucei Rce1 is sensitive to small molecules previously identified as inhibitors of the yeast and human CaaX proteases and that a subset of these compounds disrupt T. brucei Rce1-dependent localization of our GTPase reporter in yeast. Together, our results suggest the conserved presence of two CaaX proteases in trypanosomatids, identify an Hsp40 protein as a substrate of both T. brucei CaaX proteases, support the potential use of small molecule CaaX protease inhibitors as tools for cell biological studies on the trafficking of CaaX proteins, and provide evidence that protein context influences T. brucei CaaX protease specificity.

Neurofilaments and Paired Helical Filaments

1985 ◽  
Vol 43 ◽  
pp. 740-743
Author(s):  
J. Metuzals
Keyword(s):  
Animal Model ◽  
Posttranslational Modifications ◽  
Posttranslational Modification ◽  
Giant Axon ◽  
Paired Helical Filaments ◽  
Squid Giant Axon ◽  
In Vitro Experiments ◽  
Thin Sections ◽  
Structural Relationships

It has been demonstrated that the neurofibrillary tangles in biopsies of Alzheimer patients, composed of typical paired helical filaments (PHF), consist also of typical neurofilaments (NF) and 15nm wide filaments. Close structural relationships, and even continuity between NF and PHF, have been observed. In this paper, such relationships are investigated from the standpoint that the PHF are formed through posttranslational modifications of NF. To investigate the validity of the posttranslational modification hypothesis of PHF formation, we have identified in thin sections from frontal lobe biopsies of Alzheimer patients all existing conformations of NF and PHF and ordered these conformations in a hypothetical sequence. However, only experiments with animal model preparations will prove or disprove the validity of the interpretations of static structural observations made on patients. For this purpose, the results of in vitro experiments with the squid giant axon preparations are compared with those obtained from human patients. This approach is essential in discovering etiological factors of Alzheimer's disease and its early diagnosis.

Rhenium-188 Labeled Hydroxyapatite and Rhenium-188 Sulfur Colloid

1997 ◽  
Vol 36 (02) ◽  
pp. 71-75 ◽  
Author(s):  
S. Glatz ◽  
S. N. Reske ◽  
K. G. Grillenberger
Keyword(s):  
Synovial Fluid ◽  
Ph Value ◽  
Surgical Removal ◽  
Radiation Synovectomy ◽  
Sulfur Colloid ◽  
Target Organs ◽  
Aseptic Conditions ◽  
In Vitro Stability ◽  
Potential Use

Summary Aim: One therapeutic approach to rheumatoid arthritis and other inflammatory arthropathies besides surgical removal of inflamed synovium is radiation synovectomy using beta-emitting radionuclides to destroy the affected synovial tissue. Up to now the major problem associated with the use of labeled particles or colloids has been considerable leakage of radionuclides from the injected joint coupled with high radiation doses to liver and other non target organs. In this study we compared 188Re labeled hydroxyapatite particles and 188Re rhenium sulfur colloid for their potential use in radiation synovectomy. Methods: To this end we varied the labeling conditions (concentrations, pH-value, heating procedure) and analyzed the labeling yield, radiochemical purity, and in vitro stability of the resulting radiopharmaceutical. Results: After optimizing labeling conditions we achieved a labeling yield of more than 80% for 188Re hydroxyapatite and more than 90% for the rhenium sulfur colloid. Both of the radiopharmaceuticals can be prepared under aseptic conditions using an autoclav for heating without loss of activity. In vitro stability studies using various challenge solutions (water, normal saline, diluted synovial fluid) showed that 188Re labeled hydroxyapatite particles lost about 80% of their activity within 5 d in synovial fluid. Rhenium sulfur colloid on the other hand proved to be very stable with a remaining activity of more than 93% after 5 d in diluted synovial fluid. Conclusion: These in vitro results suggest that 188Re labeled rhenium sulfur colloid expects to be more suitable for therapeutic use in radiation synovectomy than the labeled hydroxyapatite particles.

scholarly journals In VitroActivities of Hexaazatrinaphthylenes against Leishmania spp.

2015 ◽  
Vol 59 (5) ◽  
pp. 2867-2874 ◽  
Author(s):  
Atteneri López-Arencibia ◽  
Daniel García-Velázquez ◽  
Carmen M. Martín-Navarro ◽  
Ines Sifaoui ◽  
María Reyes-Batlle ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Therapeutic Agents ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Inhibition Effect ◽  
Intracellular Amastigotes ◽  
Dependent Inhibition ◽  
Leishmania Spp ◽  
Dose Dependent Inhibition ◽  
Dose Dependent ◽  
Potential Use

ABSTRACTThein vitroactivity of a novel group of compounds, hexaazatrinaphthylene derivatives, against two species ofLeishmaniais described in this study. These compounds showed a significant dose-dependent inhibition effect on the proliferation of the parasites, with 50% inhibitory concentrations (IC50s) ranging from 1.23 to 25.05 μM against the promastigote stage and 0.5 to 0.7 μM against intracellular amastigotes. Also, a cytotoxicity assay was carried out to in order to evaluate the possible toxic effects of these compounds. Moreover, different assays were performed to determine the type of cell death induced after incubation with these compounds. The obtained results highlight the potential use of hexaazatrinaphthylene derivatives againstLeishmaniaspecies, and further studies should be undertaken to establish them as novel leishmanicidal therapeutic agents.

scholarly journals Transcription of 4′-thioDNA templates to natural RNA in vitro and in mammalian cells

2015 ◽  
Vol 51 (37) ◽  
pp. 7887-7890 ◽  
Author(s):  
Hideto Maruyama ◽  
Kazuhiro Furukawa ◽  
Hiroyuki Kamiya ◽  
Noriaki Minakawa ◽  
Akira Matsuda
Keyword(s):  
Nucleic Acids ◽  
Mammalian Cells ◽  
Genetic Material ◽  
Rna Polymerases ◽  
Chemically Modified ◽  
Biological Studies ◽  
Modified Nucleic Acids

Synthetic chemically modified nucleic acids, which are compatible with DNA/RNA polymerases, have great potential as a genetic material for synthetic biological studies.

scholarly journals E3 ligase Nedd4l promotes antiviral innate immunity by catalyzing K29-linked cysteine ubiquitination of TRAF3

2021 ◽  
Vol 12 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Peng Gao ◽  
Xianwei Ma ◽  
Ming Yuan ◽  
Yulan Yi ◽  
Guoke Liu ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Posttranslational Modifications ◽  
Type I Interferon ◽  
Zinc Fingers ◽  
E3 Ligase ◽  
Type I ◽  
E3 Ligases ◽  
Protein Posttranslational Modifications ◽  
Antiviral Innate Immunity

AbstractUbiquitination is one of the most prevalent protein posttranslational modifications. Here, we show that E3 ligase Nedd4l positively regulates antiviral immunity by catalyzing K29-linked cysteine ubiquitination of TRAF3. Deficiency of Nedd4l significantly impairs type I interferon and proinflammatory cytokine production induced by virus infection both in vitro and in vivo. Nedd4l deficiency inhibits virus-induced ubiquitination of TRAF3, the binding between TRAF3 and TBK1, and subsequent phosphorylation of TBK1 and IRF3. Nedd4l directly interacts with TRAF3 and catalyzes K29-linked ubiquitination of Cys56 and Cys124, two cysteines that constitute zinc fingers, resulting in enhanced association between TRAF3 and E3 ligases, cIAP1/2 and HECTD3, and also increased K48/K63-linked ubiquitination of TRAF3. Mutation of Cys56 and Cys124 diminishes Nedd4l-catalyzed K29-linked ubiquitination, but enhances association between TRAF3 and the E3 ligases, supporting Nedd4l promotes type I interferon production in response to virus by catalyzing ubiquitination of the cysteines in TRAF3.

scholarly journals Ultramicronized Palmitoylethanolamide (um-PEA): A New Possible Adjuvant Treatment in COVID-19 patients

2021 ◽  
Vol 14 (4) ◽  
pp. 336
Author(s):  
Annalisa Noce ◽  
Maria Albanese ◽  
Giulia Marrone ◽  
Manuela Di Lauro ◽  
Anna Pietroboni Zaitseva ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Adjuvant Treatment ◽  
Pulmonary Involvement ◽  
In Vivo Studies ◽  
Pharmacological Treatments ◽  
Beneficial Effects ◽  
Coronavirus Infection ◽  
Ultramicronized Palmitoylethanolamide ◽  
Potential Use

The Coronavirus Disease-19 (COVID-19) pandemic has caused more than 100,000,000 cases of coronavirus infection in the world in just a year, of which there were 2 million deaths. Its clinical picture is characterized by pulmonary involvement that culminates, in the most severe cases, in acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS). However, COVID-19 affects other organs and systems, including cardiovascular, urinary, gastrointestinal, and nervous systems. Currently, unique-drug therapy is not supported by international guidelines. In this context, it is important to resort to adjuvant therapies in combination with traditional pharmacological treatments. Among natural bioactive compounds, palmitoylethanolamide (PEA) seems to have potentially beneficial effects. In fact, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) authorized an ongoing clinical trial with ultramicronized (um)-PEA as an add-on therapy in the treatment of Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection. In support of this hypothesis, in vitro and in vivo studies have highlighted the immunomodulatory, anti-inflammatory, neuroprotective and pain-relieving effects of PEA, especially in its um form. The purpose of this review is to highlight the potential use of um-PEA as an adjuvant treatment in SARS-CoV-2 infection.

scholarly journals A biallelic variant in CLRN2 causes non-syndromic hearing loss in humans

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Barbara Vona ◽  
Neda Mazaheri ◽  
Sheng-Jia Lin ◽  
Lucy A. Dunbar ◽  
Reza Maroofian ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Hearing Loss ◽  
Amino Acid ◽  
Rna Splicing ◽  
Stop Codon ◽  
Missense Variant ◽  
Homozygosity Mapping ◽  
Deafness Gene ◽  
Expression Studies ◽  
Hearing Function

AbstractDeafness, the most frequent sensory deficit in humans, is extremely heterogeneous with hundreds of genes involved. Clinical and genetic analyses of an extended consanguineous family with pre-lingual, moderate-to-profound autosomal recessive sensorineural hearing loss, allowed us to identify CLRN2, encoding a tetraspan protein, as a new deafness gene. Homozygosity mapping followed by exome sequencing identified a 14.96 Mb locus on chromosome 4p15.32p15.1 containing a likely pathogenic missense variant in CLRN2 (c.494C > A, NM_001079827.2) segregating with the disease. Using in vitro RNA splicing analysis, we show that the CLRN2 c.494C > A variant leads to two events: (1) the substitution of a highly conserved threonine (uncharged amino acid) to lysine (charged amino acid) at position 165, p.(Thr165Lys), and (2) aberrant splicing, with the retention of intron 2 resulting in a stop codon after 26 additional amino acids, p.(Gly146Lysfs*26). Expression studies and phenotyping of newly produced zebrafish and mouse models deficient for clarin 2 further confirm that clarin 2, expressed in the inner ear hair cells, is essential for normal organization and maintenance of the auditory hair bundles, and for hearing function. Together, our findings identify CLRN2 as a new deafness gene, which will impact future diagnosis and treatment for deaf patients.

Sign in / Sign up

Export Citation Format

Share Document