scholarly journals A C-Terminal Transmembrane Anchor Targets the Nuage-Localized Spermatogenic Protein Gasz to the Mitochondrial Surface

2013 ◽  
Vol 2013 ◽  
pp. 1-7 ◽  
Author(s):  
Yelena Altshuller ◽  
Qun Gao ◽  
Michael A. Frohman
Keyword(s):  
Rna Processing ◽  
Mammalian Cells ◽  
Close Association ◽  
Surface Proteins ◽  
Mitochondrial Targeting ◽  
Multidomain Protein ◽  
Transmembrane Anchor

Mitochondria, normally tubular and distributed throughout the cell, are instead found in spermatocytes in perinuclear clusters in close association with nuage, an amorphous organelle composed of RNA and RNA-processing proteins that generate piRNAs. piRNAs are a form of RNAi required for transposon suppression and ultimately fertility. MitoPLD, another protein required for piRNA production, is anchored to the mitochondrial surface, suggesting that the nuage, also known as intermitochondrial cement, needs to be juxtaposed there to bring MitoPLD into proximity with the remainder of the piRNA-generating machinery. However, the mechanism underlying the juxtaposition is unknown. Gasz, a multidomain protein of known function found in the nuage in vertebrates, is required for piRNA production and interacts with other nuage proteins involved in this pathway. Unexpectedly, we observed that Gasz, in nonspermatogenic mammalian cells lines, localizes to mitochondria and does so through a previously unrecognized conserved C-terminal mitochondrial targeting sequence. Moreover, in this setting, Gasz is able to recruit some of the normally nuage-localized proteins to the mitochondrial surface. Taken together, these findings suggest that Gasz is a nuage-localized protein in spermatocytes that facilitates anchoring of the nuage to the mitochondrial surface where piRNA generation takes place as a collaboration between nuage and mitochondrial-surface proteins.

scholarly journals Identification and Functional Mapping of the Mycoplasma fermentans P29 Adhesin

2002 ◽  
Vol 70 (9) ◽  
pp. 4925-4935 ◽  
Author(s):  
Spencer A. Leigh ◽  
Kim S. Wise
Keyword(s):  
Disulfide Bond ◽  
Hela Cells ◽  
Mammalian Cells ◽  
Flow Cytometric Analysis ◽  
Phase Variation ◽  
Surface Proteins ◽  
Mycoplasma Species ◽  
Phase Variable ◽  
Binding Region ◽  
Mycoplasma Fermentans

ABSTRACT Initial adherence interactions between mycoplasmas and mammalian cells are important for host colonization and may contribute to subsequent pathogenic processes. Despite significant progress toward understanding the role of specialized, complex tip structures in the adherence of some mycoplasmas, particularly those that infect humans, less is known about adhesins through which other mycoplasmas of this host bind to diverse cell types, even though simpler surface components are likely to be involved. We show by flow cytometric analysis that a soluble recombinant fusion protein (FP29), representing the abundant P29 surface lipoprotein of Mycoplasma fermentans, binds human HeLa cells and inhibits M. fermentans binding to these cells, in both a quantitative and a saturable manner, whereas analogous fusion proteins representing other mycoplasma surface proteins did not. Constructs representing nested N- or C-terminal truncations of FP29 allowed initial mapping of this specific adherence function to a central region of the P29 sequence containing a 36-amino-acid disulfide loop. A derivative of FP29 containing a mutation converting one participating Cys to Ser, precluding intrachain disulfide bond formation, retained full activity. Together these results suggest that the direct interaction of M. fermentans with a ligand on the HeLa cell surface involves a limited segment of the P29 surface lipoprotein and requires neither the disulfide bond nor the contribution of adjacent portions of the protein. Earlier results indicating phase-variable display of monoclonal antibody surface epitopes on P29, now recognized to be outside this ligand binding region, raise the possibility that variation of mycoplasma surface architecture might alter the presentation of the binding region and the adherence phenotype. Preliminary results further indicated that FP29 could inhibit binding to HeLa cells by Mycoplasma hominis, a distinct human mycoplasma species displaying the phase-variable adhesin Vaa, but not that by Mycoplasma capricolum, an organism infecting caprine species. This result raises the additional, testable possibility that a common host cell ligand for two human mycoplasma species may be recognized through structurally dissimilar adhesins that undergo phase variation by two distinct mechanisms, governing protein expression (Vaa) or surface masking (P29).

scholarly journals Heterologously Expressed Staphylococcus aureusFibronectin-Binding Proteins Are Sufficient for Invasion of Host Cells

2000 ◽  
Vol 68 (12) ◽  
pp. 6871-6878 ◽  
Author(s):  
Bhanu Sinha ◽  
Patrice Francois ◽  
Yok-Ai Que ◽  
Muzaffar Hussain ◽  
Christine Heilmann ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Mammalian Cells ◽  
Binding Proteins ◽  
Surface Protein ◽  
Latex Agglutination ◽  
Surface Proteins ◽  
Host Cells ◽  
Gram Positive ◽  
Fibronectin Receptor ◽  
293 Cells ◽  
Accessible Surface

ABSTRACT Staphylococcus aureus invasion of mammalian cells, including epithelial, endothelial, and fibroblastic cells, critically depends on fibronectin bridging between S. aureusfibronectin-binding proteins (FnBPs) and the host fibronectin receptor integrin α5β1 (B. Sinha et al., Cell. Microbiol. 1:101–117, 1999). However, it is unknown whether this mechanism is sufficient for S. aureus invasion. To address this question, various S. aureus adhesins (FnBPA, FnBPB, and clumping factor [ClfA]) were expressed in Staphylococcus carnosus and Lactococcus lactis subsp.cremoris. Both noninvasive gram-positive microorganisms are genetically distinct from S. aureus, lack any knownS. aureus surface protein, and do not bind fibronectin. Transformants of S. carnosus and L. lactisharboring plasmids coding for various S. aureus surface proteins (FnBPA, FnBPB, and ClfA) functionally expressed adhesins (as determined by bacterial clumping in plasma, specific latex agglutination, Western ligand blotting, and binding to immobilized and soluble fibronectin). FnBPA or FnBPB but not of ClfA conferred invasiveness to S. carnosus and L. lactis. Invasion of 293 cells by transformants was comparable to that of strongly invasive S. aureus strain Cowan 1. Binding of soluble and immobilized fibronectin paralleled invasiveness, demonstrating that the amount of accessible surface FnBPs is rate limiting. Thus, S. aureus FnBPs confer invasiveness to noninvasive, apathogenic gram-positive cocci. Furthermore, FnBP-coated polystyrene beads were internalized by 293 cells, demonstrating that FnBPs are sufficient for invasion of host cells without the need for (S. aureus-specific) coreceptors.

scholarly journals Streptococcal Erythrogenic Toxin B Abrogates Fibronectin-Dependent Internalization of Streptococcus pyogenes by Cultured Mammalian Cells

2000 ◽  
Vol 68 (6) ◽  
pp. 3226-3232 ◽  
Author(s):  
Michael S. Chaussee ◽  
Robert L. Cole ◽  
Jos P. M. van Putten
Keyword(s):  
Streptococcus Pyogenes ◽  
Mammalian Cells ◽  
Chinese Hamster ◽  
Sulfated Polysaccharide ◽  
Surface Proteins ◽  
Toxin B ◽  
Tissue Culture Model ◽  
Fibronectin Binding Protein ◽  
Fibronectin Binding ◽  
Spe B

ABSTRACT Streptococcus pyogenes secretes several proteins that influence host-pathogen interactions. A tissue-culture model was used to study the influence of the secreted cysteine protease streptococcal erythrogenic toxin B (SPE B) on the interaction between S. pyogenes strain NZ131 (serotype M49) and mammalian cells. Inactivation of the speB gene enhanced fibronectin-dependent uptake of the pathogen by Chinese hamster ovary (CHO-K1) cells compared to that in the isogenic wild-type strain. Preincubation of the NZ131 speB mutant with purified SPE B protease significantly inhibited fibronectin-dependent uptake by both CHO-K1 and CHO-pgs745 cells. The effect was attributed to an abrogation of fibronectin binding to the surface of the bacteria that did not involve either the M49 protein or the streptococcal fibronectin-binding protein SfbI. In contrast, pretreatment of the NZ131 speB mutant with SPE B did not influence sulfated polysaccharide-mediated uptake by CHO-pgs745 cells. The results indicate that the SPE B protease specifically alters bacterial cell surface proteins and thereby influences pathogen uptake.

scholarly journals Nuclear RNA-protein interactions and messenger RNA processing.

1983 ◽  
Vol 97 (5) ◽  
pp. 1321-1326 ◽  
Author(s):  
T Pederson
Keyword(s):  
Detailed Analysis ◽  
Recent Work ◽  
Protein Interactions ◽  
Rna Processing ◽  
Messenger Rna ◽  
Mammalian Cells ◽  
General Hypothesis ◽  
Ribonucleoprotein Particles ◽  
Nuclear Rna ◽  
Nuclear Ribonucleoprotein

Eucaryotic messenger RNA precursors are processed in nuclear ribonucleoprotein particles (hnRNP). Here recent work on the structure of hnRNP is reviewed, with emphasis on function. Detailed analysis of a specific case, the altered assembly of hnRNP in heat-shocked Drosophila and mammalian cells, leads to a general hypothesis linking hnRNP structure and messenger RNA processing.

scholarly journals ASAP, a Novel Protein Complex Involved in RNA Processing and Apoptosis

2003 ◽  
Vol 23 (8) ◽  
pp. 2981-2990 ◽  
Author(s):  
Christian Schwerk ◽  
Jayendra Prasad ◽  
Kurt Degenhardt ◽  
Hediye Erdjument-Bromage ◽  
Eileen White ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Cell Death ◽  
Rna Processing ◽  
Protein Complex ◽  
Mammalian Cells ◽  
Cell Extract ◽  
Hela Cell Extract ◽  
In Vitro Splicing ◽  
Induction Of Apoptosis ◽  
Novel Protein

ABSTRACT Different isoforms of a protein complex termed the apoptosis- and splicing-associated protein (ASAP) were isolated from HeLa cell extract. ASAP complexes are composed of the polypeptides SAP18 and RNPS1 and different isoforms of the Acinus protein. While Acinus had previously been implicated in apoptosis and was recently identified as a component of the spliceosome, RNPS1 has been described as a general activator of RNA processing. Addition of ASAP isoforms to in vitro splicing reactions inhibits RNA processing mediated by ASF/SF2, by SC35, or by RNPS1. Additionally, microinjection of ASAP complexes into mammalian cells resulted in acceleration of cell death. Importantly, after induction of apoptosis the ASAP complex disassembles. Taken together, our results suggest an important role for the ASAP complexes in linking RNA processing and apoptosis.

Nuclear domains of the RNA subunit of RNase P

1997 ◽  
Vol 110 (7) ◽  
pp. 829-837
Author(s):  
M.R. Jacobson ◽  
L.G. Cao ◽  
K. Taneja ◽  
R.H. Singer ◽  
Y.L. Wang ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Ribosomal Rna ◽  
Rna Processing ◽  
Mammalian Cells ◽  
Rat Kidney ◽  
Rnase P ◽  
Transfer Rna ◽  
Binding Domain ◽  
Ribosomal Rna Processing ◽  
Nuclear Domains ◽  
Fibrillar Component

The ribonucleoprotein enzyme RNase P catalyzes the 5′ processing of pre-transfer RNA, and has also recently been implicated in pre-ribosomal RNA processing. In the present investigation, in situ hybridization revealed that RNase P RNA is present throughout the nucleus of mammalian cells. However, rhodamine-labeled human RNase P RNA microinjected into the nucleus of rat kidney (NRK) epithelial cells or human (HeLa) cells initially localized in nucleoli, and subsequently became more evenly distributed throughout the nucleus, similar to the steadystate distribution of endogenous RNase P RNA. Parallel microinjection and immunocytochemical experiments revealed that initially nucleus-microinjected RNase P RNA localized specifically in the dense fibrillar component of the nucleolus, the site of pre-rRNA processing. A mutant RNase P RNA lacking the To antigen binding domain (nucleotides 25–75) did not localize in nucleoli after nuclear microinjection. In contrast, a truncated RNase P RNA containing the To binding domain but lacking nucleotides 89–341 became rapidly localized in nucleoli following nuclear microinjection. However, unlike the full-length RNase P RNA, this 3′ truncated RNA remained stably associated with the nucleoli and did not translocate to the nucleoplasm. These results suggest a nucleolar phase in the maturation, ribonucleoprotein assembly or function of RNase P RNA, mediated at least in part by the nucleolar To antigen. These and other recent findings raise the intriguing possibility of a bifunctional role of RNase P in the nucleus: catalyzing pre-ribosomal RNA processing in the nucleolus and pre-transfer RNA processing in the nucleoplasm.

scholarly journals Clostridium septicum Alpha-Toxin Is Active against the Parasitic Protozoan Toxoplasma gondii and Targets Members of the SAG Family of Glycosylphosphatidylinositol-Anchored Surface Proteins

2002 ◽  
Vol 70 (8) ◽  
pp. 4353-4361 ◽  
Author(s):  
Michael J. Wichroski ◽  
Jody A. Melton ◽  
Carolyn G. Donahue ◽  
Rodney K. Tweten ◽  
Gary E. Ward
Keyword(s):  
Plasma Membrane ◽  
Toxoplasma Gondii ◽  
Protein Trafficking ◽  
Mammalian Cells ◽  
Molecular Genetic ◽  
Molecular Genetic Analysis ◽  
Surface Proteins ◽  
Alpha Toxin ◽  
Clostridium Septicum ◽  
Ultrastructural Studies

ABSTRACT As is the case with many other protozoan parasites, glycosylphosphatidylinositol (GPI)-anchored proteins dominate the surface of Toxoplasma gondii tachyzoites. The mechanisms by which T. gondii GPI-anchored proteins are synthesized and transported through the unusual triple-membrane structure of the parasite pellicle to the plasma membrane remain largely unknown. As a first step in developing tools to study these processes, we show here that Clostridium septicum alpha-toxin, a pore-forming toxin that targets GPI-anchored protein receptors on the surface of mammalian cells, is active against T. gondii tachyzoites (50% effective concentration, 0.2 nM). Ultrastructural studies reveal that a tight physical connection between the plasma membrane and the underlying membranes of the inner membrane complex is locally disrupted by toxin treatment, resulting in a massive outward extension of the plasma membrane and ultimately lysis of the parasite. Toxin treatment also causes swelling of the parasite endoplasmic reticulum, providing the first direct evidence that alpha-toxin is a vacuolating toxin. Alpha-toxin binds to several parasite GPI-anchored proteins, including surface antigen 3 (SAG3) and SAG1. Interestingly, differences in the toxin-binding profiles between the virulent RH and avirulent P strain were observed. Alpha-toxin may prove to be a powerful experimental tool for molecular genetic analysis of GPI anchor biosynthesis and GPI-anchored protein trafficking in T. gondii and other susceptible protozoa.

scholarly journals Selective labelling of cell-surface polyamine-binding proteins on leukaemic and solid-tumour cell types using a new polyamine photoprobe

1997 ◽  
Vol 328 (3) ◽  
pp. 889-895 ◽  
Author(s):  
M. Donna FELSCHOW ◽  
Zenghui MI ◽  
J. STANEK ◽  
J. FREI ◽  
W. Carl PORTER
Keyword(s):  
Cell Surface ◽  
Tumour Cell ◽  
Solid Tumour ◽  
Mammalian Cells ◽  
Binding Proteins ◽  
Protein S ◽  
Cell Types ◽  
Biochemical Properties ◽  
Surface Proteins ◽  
Polyamine Transport

Polyamine transport is an active process which contributes to the regulation and maintenance of intracellular polyamine pools. Although the biochemical properties of polyamine transport in mammalian cells have been extensively studied, attempts to isolate and characterize the actual protein(s) have met with limited success. As one approach, photoaffinity labelling of cell surface proteins using a polyamine-conjugated photoprobe may lead to the identification of polyamine-binding proteins (pbps) associated with the transport apparatus and/or other regulatory responses. In a previous study [Felschow, MacDiarmid, Bardos, Wu, Woster and Porter (1995) J. Biol. Chem. 270, 28705-28711], we demonstrated that the photoprobes N4-ASA-spermidine and N1-ASA-norspermine [where the ASA (azidosalicylamidoethyl) group represents the photoreactive moiety] competed effectively with polyamines for transport and selectively labelled two major pbps at 118 and 50 kDa on the surface of murine and human leukaemia cells. In the present study, a new and more potent polyamine-conjugated photoprobe, N1-ASA-spermine, has been synthesized and used to develop a method based on detergent lysis for identifying putative cell-surface pbps on solid-tumour cell types. Transport kinetic assays showed that the new photoprobe competed with spermidine uptake with an apparent Ki of 1 μM, a value 20-50-fold lower than those of earlier probes. In L1210 cells, the new probe identified pbp50 and pbp118 thus reaffirming their identity as pbps. Two new bands were also detected. In A549 human lung adenocarcinoma cells, N1-ASA-spermine identified pbps at 39, 62, 73 and 130 kDa, the latter believed to be a size variant of pbp118. The presence of pbp130/118 in two very different cell types suggests the generality of the protein among mammalian cell types as well as its importance for further study. The high affinity of the photoprobe for the polyamine-transport system strongly suggests that at least some of the identified pbps may be associated with that function.

Intracellular location of the multidomain protein CAD in mammalian cells

1988 ◽  
Vol 2 (14) ◽  
pp. 2982-2989 ◽  
Author(s):  
Michael G. Chaparian ◽  
David R. Evans
Keyword(s):  
Mammalian Cells ◽  
Intracellular Location ◽  
Multidomain Protein
Sign in / Sign up

Export Citation Format

Share Document