Role of amino terminus in voltage gating and junctional rectification of Shaking B innexins

2014 ◽  
Vol 111 (6) ◽  
pp. 1383-1395 ◽  
Author(s):  
William D. Marks ◽  
I. Martha Skerrett
Keyword(s):  
Gap Junctions ◽  
Xenopus Oocytes ◽  
Neural Systems ◽  
Amino Terminus ◽  
Chimeric Proteins ◽  
Giant Fiber ◽  
Fiber System ◽  
Amino Terminal ◽  
Voltage Relationship

Rectifying electrical synapses are rare gap junctions that favor transmission of signals in one direction. Such synapses have been identified in neural systems, including those mediating rapid escape responses of arthropods. In the Drosophila giant fiber system, adjacent cells express and contribute different transcript variants of the innexin Shaking B, resulting in heterotypic gap junctions with rectifying properties. When expressed exogenously, variants Shaking B Lethal (ShakBL) and Shaking B neural + 16 (ShakBN16) form heterotypic junctions that gate asymmetrically in response to transjunctional voltage. To determine whether the amino terminus confers properties of gating and rectification, amino-terminal domains were exchanged between ShakBL and ShakBN16, creating chimeric proteins SBL NTN16 and SBN16 NTL. The properties were analyzed in paired Xenopus oocytes. Our results suggest that the amino terminus plays an important role in establishing rectifying properties inherent to heterotypic junctions composed of ShakBL and ShakBN16. ShakBL/SBL NTN16 junctions behaved similarly to ShakBL/ShakBN16 junctions, gating in response to transjunctional voltage of one polarity and inducing a highly asymmetric conductance-voltage relationship. However, the amino terminus did not act independently to confer sensitivity to transjunctional voltage. The complementary pairing ShakBN16/SBN16 NTL displayed little sensitivity to voltage of either polarity, and in homotypic pairings SBL NTN16 was strongly gated by transjunctional voltage. We propose a model in which the amino terminus induces gating only when matched with an accommodating innexin body.

scholarly journals Overproduction of Polypeptides Corresponding to the Amino Terminus of the F-Box Proteins Cdc4p and Met30p Inhibits Ubiquitin Ligase Activities of Their SCF Complexes

2003 ◽  
Vol 2 (1) ◽  
pp. 123-133 ◽  
Author(s):  
Cheryl Dixon ◽  
Lee Ellen Brunson ◽  
Mary Margaret Roy ◽  
Dechelle Smothers ◽  
Michael G. Sehorn ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Ubiquitin Ligase ◽  
Ubiquitin Ligases ◽  
Cellular Responses ◽  
Amino Terminus ◽  
Variable Component ◽  
Amino Terminal ◽  
F Box Protein ◽  
Substrate Proteins

ABSTRACT Ubiquitin ligases direct the transfer of ubiquitin onto substrate proteins and thus target the substrate for proteasome-dependent degradation. SCF complexes are a family of ubiquitin ligases composed of a common core of components and a variable component called an F-box protein that defines substrate specificity. Distinct SCF complexes, defined by a particular F-box protein, target different substrate proteins for degradation. Although a few have been identified to be involved in important biological pathways, such as the cell division cycle and coordinating cellular responses to changes in environmental conditions, the role of the overwhelming majority of F-box proteins is not clear. Creating inhibitors that will block the in vivo activities of specific SCF ubiquitin ligases may provide identification of substrates of these uncharacterized F-box proteins. Using Saccharomyces cerevisiae as a model system, we demonstrate that overproduction of polypeptides corresponding to the amino terminus of the F-box proteins Cdc4p and Met30p results in specific inhibition of their SCF complexes. Analyses of mutant amino-terminal alleles demonstrate that the interaction of these polypeptides with their full-length counterparts is an important step in the inhibitory process. These results suggest a common means to inhibit specific SCF complexes in vivo.

scholarly journals The 43-kD polypeptide of heart gap junctions: immunolocalization, topology, and functional domains.

1989 ◽  
Vol 108 (6) ◽  
pp. 2241-2254 ◽  
Author(s):  
S B Yancey ◽  
S A John ◽  
R Lal ◽  
B J Austin ◽  
J P Revel
Keyword(s):  
Gap Junctions ◽  
Gap Junction ◽  
Cell Communication ◽  
Amino Terminus ◽  
Dye Transfer ◽  
Amino Terminal ◽  
Antibody Binding Site ◽  
Sds Page ◽  
Junctional Permeability ◽  
And Control

Analysis by SDS-PAGE of gap junction fractions isolated from heart suggests that the junctions are comprised of a protein with an Mr 43,000. Antibodies against the electroeluted protein and a peptide representing the 20 amino terminal residues bind specifically on immunoblots to the 43-kD protein and to the major products arising from proteolysis during isolation. By immunocytochemistry, the protein is found in ventricle and atrium in patterns consistent with the known distribution of gap junctions. Both antibodies bind exclusively to gap junctions in fractions from heart examined by EM after gold labeling. Since only domains of the protein exposed at the cytoplasmic surface should be accessible to antibody, we conclude that the 43-kD protein is assembled in gap junctions with the amino terminus of the molecule exposed on the cytoplasmic side of the bilayer, that is, on the same side as the carboxy terminus as determined previously. By combining proteolysis experiments with data from immunoblotting, we can identify a third cytoplasmic region, a loop of some 4 kD between membrane protected domains. This loop carries an antibody binding site. The protein, if transmembrane, is therefore likely to cross the membrane four times. We have used the same antisera to ascertain if the 43-kD protein is involved in cell-cell communication. The antiserum against the amino terminus blocked dye coupling in 90% of cell pairs tested; the antiserum recognizing epitopes in the cytoplasmic loop and cytoplasmic tail blocked coupling in 75% of cell pairs tested. Preimmune serum and control antibodies (one against MIP and another binding to a cardiac G protein) had no or little effect on dye transfer. Our experimental evidence thus indicates that, in spite of the differences in amino acid sequence, the gap junction proteins in heart and liver share a general organizational plan and that there may be several domains (including the amino terminus) of the molecule that are involved in the control of junctional permeability.

Protease-Activated Receptors and Platelet Function

1999 ◽  
Vol 82 (08) ◽  
pp. 353-356 ◽  
Author(s):  
Shaun Coughlin
Keyword(s):  
Platelet Activation ◽  
Human Platelets ◽  
The Body ◽  
Amino Terminus ◽  
Protease Activated Receptors ◽  
Amino Terminal ◽  
Thrombin Activation ◽  
High Concentrations ◽  
Blocking Antibodies

IntroductionPlatelet activation is critical for normal hemostasis, and platelet-dependent arterial thrombosis underlies most myocardial infarctions. Thrombin is the most potent activator of platelets.1,2 For this reason, understanding the process by which thrombin activates platelets is necessary for understanding hemostasis and thrombosis and may yield novel anti-platelet therapies. This chapter focuses on our recent studies of the receptors that mediate activation of human platelets by thrombin.3,4 Thrombin signaling is mediated, at least in part, by a family of G protein-coupled protease-activated receptors (PARs), for which PAR1 is the prototype.5,6 PAR1 is activated when thrombin binds to and cleaves its amino terminal exodomain to unmask a new receptor amino terminus.5 This new amino terminus then serves as a tethered peptide ligand, binding intramolecularly to the body of the receptor to effect transmembrane signaling.5,7,8 The synthetic peptide SFLLRN, which mimics the first six amino acids of the new amino terminus unmasked by receptor cleavage, functions as a PAR1 agonist and activates the receptor independent of thrombin and proteolysis.5,9,10 Such peptides have been used as pharmacological probes of PAR function in various cell types.Our understanding of the role of PARs in platelet activation is evolving rapidly. PAR1 mRNA and protein were detected in human platelets,5,11-13 SFLLRN-activated human platelets,5,9,10 and PAR1-blocking antibodies inhibited human platelet activation by low, but not high, concentrations of thrombin.11,12 These data suggested a role for PAR1 in activation of human platelets by thrombin but left open the possibility that other receptors contribute.Curiously, PAR1 appeared to play no role in mouse platelets.14-16 PAR1-activating peptides did not activate rodent platelets, and platelets from PAR1-deficient mice responded like wild-type platelets to thrombin.16 The latter observation prompted a search for additional thrombin receptors and led to the identification of PAR3.17 PAR3 is activated by thrombin and is expressed in mouse platelets. PAR3 blocking antibodies inhibited mouse platelet activation by low, but not high, concentrations of thrombin,18 and knockout of PAR3 abolished mouse platelet responses to low, but not high, concentrations of thrombin.3 These results established that PAR3 is necessary for normal thrombin signaling in mouse platelets but also pointed to the existence of another mouse platelet thrombin receptor. Such a receptor, PAR4, was recently identified.3,19 PAR4 appears to function in both mouse and human platelets.3 The role of PAR3 in human platelets, if any, remains to be determined, and whether still unidentified receptors contribute to thrombin activation of platelets is unknown. Nonetheless, available data suggest a testable, working model in which PAR3 and PAR4 mediate thrombin activation of mouse platelets and PAR1 and PAR4 mediate activation of human platelets.To determine the roles of PAR1, PAR3, and PAR4 in activation of human platelets by thrombin, we examined PAR mRNA and protein expression in platelets and probed PAR function using specific peptide agonists. We also examined the effect of receptor desensitization, receptor blocking antibodies, and a PAR1 antagonist, used alone and in combination, on platelet activation.4

scholarly journals A Genetic Analysis of Interactions with Spc110p Reveals Distinct Functions of Spc97p and Spc98p, Components of the Yeast γ-Tubulin Complex

1998 ◽  
Vol 9 (8) ◽  
pp. 2201-2216 ◽  
Author(s):  
Thu Nguyen ◽  
Dani B.N. Vinh ◽  
Douglas K. Crawford ◽  
Trisha N. Davis
Keyword(s):  
Spindle Pole Body ◽  
Spindle Pole ◽  
Amino Terminus ◽  
Temperature Sensitive ◽  
Microtubule Organizing Center ◽  
Synthetic Lethal ◽  
Lethal Phenotype ◽  
Amino Terminal ◽  
N Terminus ◽  
Two Hybrid

The spindle pole body (SPB) in Saccharomyces cerevisiae functions as the microtubule-organizing center. Spc110p is an essential structural component of the SPB and spans between the central and inner plaques of this multilamellar organelle. The amino terminus of Spc110p faces the inner plaque, the substructure from which spindle microtubules radiate. We have undertaken a synthetic lethal screen to identify mutations that enhance the phenotype of the temperature-sensitive spc110–221 allele, which encodes mutations in the amino terminus. The screen identified mutations inSPC97 and SPC98, two genes encoding components of the Tub4p complex in yeast. The spc98–63allele is synthetic lethal only with spc110 alleles that encode mutations in the N terminus of Spc110p. In contrast, thespc97 alleles are synthetic lethal withspc110 alleles that encode mutations in either the N terminus or the C terminus. Using the two-hybrid assay, we show that the interactions of Spc110p with Spc97p and Spc98p are not equivalent. The N terminus of Spc110p displays a robust interaction with Spc98p in two different two-hybrid assays, while the interaction between Spc97p and Spc110p is not detectable in one strain and gives a weak signal in the other. Extra copies of SPC98 enhance the interaction between Spc97p and Spc110p, while extra copies of SPC97interfere with the interaction between Spc98p and Spc110p. By testing the interactions between mutant proteins, we show that the lethal phenotype in spc98–63 spc110–221 cells is caused by the failure of Spc98–63p to interact with Spc110–221p. In contrast, the lethal phenotype in spc97–62 spc110–221 cells can be attributed to a decreased interaction between Spc97–62p and Spc98p. Together, these studies provide evidence that Spc110p directly links the Tub4p complex to the SPB. Moreover, an interaction between Spc98p and the amino-terminal region of Spc110p is a critical component of the linkage, whereas the interaction between Spc97p and Spc110p is dependent on Spc98p.

scholarly journals Psychobiological risk factors for suicidal thoughts and behaviors in adolescence: a consideration of the role of puberty

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Tiffany C. Ho ◽  
Anthony J. Gifuni ◽  
Ian H. Gotlib
Keyword(s):  
Pubertal Timing ◽  
Anterior Cingulate ◽  
Neural Systems ◽  
Hormonal Changes ◽  
Suicidal Thoughts ◽  
Social Stressors ◽  
And Behaviors ◽  
Suicidal Thoughts And Behaviors ◽  
Pubertal Transition

AbstractSuicide is the second leading cause of death among adolescents. While clinicians and researchers have begun to recognize the importance of considering multidimensional factors in understanding risk for suicidal thoughts and behaviors (STBs) during this developmental period, the role of puberty has been largely ignored. In this review, we contend that the hormonal events that occur during puberty have significant effects on the organization and development of brain systems implicated in the regulation of social stressors, including amygdala, hippocampus, striatum, medial prefrontal cortex, orbitofrontal cortex, and anterior cingulate cortex. Guided by previous experimental work in adults, we also propose that the influence of pubertal hormones and social stressors on neural systems related to risk for STBs is especially critical to consider in adolescents with a neurobiological sensitivity to hormonal changes. Furthermore, facets of the pubertal transition, such as pubertal timing, warrant deeper investigation and may help us gain a more comprehensive understanding of sex differences in the neurobiological and psychosocial mechanisms underlying adolescent STBs. Ultimately, advancing our understanding of the pubertal processes that contribute to suicide risk will improve early detection and facilitate the development of more effective, sex-specific, psychiatric interventions for adolescents.

scholarly journals Evolution of the hedgehog Gene Family

Genetics ◽  
1996 ◽  
Vol 142 (3) ◽  
pp. 965-972 ◽  
Author(s):  
Sudhir Kumar ◽  
Kristi A Balczarek ◽  
Zhi-Chun Lai
Keyword(s):  
Intercellular Communication ◽  
Short Range ◽  
Gene Duplications ◽  
Future Directions ◽  
Amino Terminal ◽  
Terminal Fragment ◽  
Carboxyl Terminal ◽  
Multicellular Organisms ◽  
Amino Terminal Fragment

Abstract Effective intercellular communication is an important feature in the development of multicellular organisms. Secreted hedgehog (hh) protein is essential for both long- and short-range cellular signaling required for body pattern formation in animals. In a molecular evolutionary study, we find that the vertebrate homologs of the Drosophila hh gene arose by two gene duplications: the first gave rise to Desert hh, whereas the second produced the Indian and Sonic hh genes. Both duplications occurred before the emergence of vertebrates and probably before the evolution of chordates. The amino-terminal fragment of the hh precursor, crucial in long- and short-range intercellular communication, evolves two to four times slower than the carboxyl-terminal fragment in both Drosophila hh and its vertebrate homologues, suggesting conservation of mechanism of hh action in animals. A majority of amino acid substitutions in the amino- and carboxyl-terminal fragments are conservative, but the carboxyl-terminal domain has undergone extensive insertion-deletion events while maintaining its autocleavage protease activity. Our results point to similarity of evolutionary constraints among sites of Drosophila and vertebrate hh homologs and suggest some future directions for understanding the role of hh genes in the evolution of developmental complexity in animals.

scholarly journals Role of the amino-terminal region of the DnaA protein in opening of the duplex DNA at theoriCregion

1999 ◽  
Vol 176 (1) ◽  
pp. 163-167 ◽  
Author(s):  
Shinji Mima ◽  
Yoshihiro Yamagachi ◽  
Taemi Kondo ◽  
Tomofusa Tsuchiya ◽  
Tohru Mizushima
Keyword(s):  
Terminal Region ◽  
Duplex Dna ◽  
Dnaa Protein ◽  
Amino Terminal

Role of the amino-terminal extrahelical region of type I collagen in directing the 4D overlap in fibrillogenesis

Biopolymers ◽  
1979 ◽  
Vol 18 (12) ◽  
pp. 3005-3014 ◽  
Author(s):  
Donald L. Helseth ◽  
Joseph H. Lechner ◽  
Arthur Veis
Keyword(s):  
Type I Collagen ◽  
Type I ◽  
Amino Terminal

scholarly journals The Herpes Simplex Virus Type 1 UL20 Protein and the Amino Terminus of Glycoprotein K (gK) Physically Interact with gB

2010 ◽  
Vol 84 (17) ◽  
pp. 8596-8606 ◽  
Author(s):  
Vladimir N. Chouljenko ◽  
Arun V. Iyer ◽  
Sona Chowdhury ◽  
Joohyun Kim ◽  
Konstantin G. Kousoulas
Keyword(s):  
Amino Acids ◽  
Herpes Simplex Virus ◽  
Herpes Simplex ◽  
Herpes Simplex Virus Type ◽  
Protein Complex ◽  
Amino Terminus ◽  
Amino Terminal ◽  
Glycoprotein K ◽  
Simplex Virus

ABSTRACT Herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV-1) glycoprotein K (gK) and the UL20 protein (UL20p) are strictly required for virus-induced cell fusion, and mutations within either the gK or UL20 gene cause extensive cell fusion (syncytium formation). We have shown that gK forms a functional protein complex with UL20p, which is required for all gK and UL20p-associated functions in the HSV-1 life cycle. Recently, we showed that the amino-terminal 82 amino acids (aa) of gK (gKa) were required for the expression of the syncytial phenotype of the mutant virus gBΔ28 lacking the carboxyl-terminal 28 amino acids of gB (V. N. Chouljenko, A. V. Iyer, S. Chowdhury, D. V. Chouljenko, and K. G. Kousoulas, J. Virol. 83:12301-12313, 2009). This work suggested that the amino terminus of gK may directly or indirectly interact with gB and/or other viral glycoproteins. Two-way coimmunoprecipitation experiments revealed that UL20p interacted with gB in infected cells. Furthermore, the gKa peptide was coimmunoprecipitated with gB but not gD. Three recombinant baculoviruses were constructed, expressing the amino-terminal 82 aa of gKa together with either the extracellular portion of gB (30 to 748 aa), gD (1 to 340 aa), or gH (1 to 792 aa), respectively. Coimmunoprecipitation experiments revealed that gKa physically interacted with the extracellular portions of gB and gH but not gD. Three additional recombinant baculoviruses expressing gKa and truncated gBs encompassing aa 30 to 154, 30 to 364, and 30 to 500 were constructed. Coimmunoprecipitation experiments showed that gKa physically interacted with all three truncated gBs. Computer-assisted prediction of possible gKa binding sites on gB suggested that gKa may interact predominantly with gB domain I (E. E. Heldwein, H. Lou, F. C. Bender, G. H. Cohen, R. J. Eisenberg, and S. C. Harrison, Science 313:217-220, 2006). These results imply that the gK/UL20p protein complex modulates the fusogenic properties of gB and gH via direct physical interactions.

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