scholarly journals The solid and liquid states of chromatin

2021 ◽  
Vol 14 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Jeffrey C. Hansen ◽  
Kazuhiro Maeshima ◽  
Michael J. Hendzel

AbstractThe review begins with a concise description of the principles of phase separation. This is followed by a comprehensive section on phase separation of chromatin, in which we recount the 60 years history of chromatin aggregation studies, discuss the evidence that chromatin aggregation intrinsically is a physiologically relevant liquid–solid phase separation (LSPS) process driven by chromatin self-interaction, and highlight the recent findings that under specific solution conditions chromatin can undergo liquid–liquid phase separation (LLPS) rather than LSPS. In the next section of the review, we discuss how certain chromatin-associated proteins undergo LLPS in vitro and in vivo. Some chromatin-binding proteins undergo LLPS in purified form in near-physiological ionic strength buffers while others will do so only in the presence of DNA, nucleosomes, or chromatin. The final section of the review evaluates the solid and liquid states of chromatin in the nucleus. While chromatin behaves as an immobile solid on the mesoscale, nucleosomes are mobile on the nanoscale. We discuss how this dual nature of chromatin, which fits well the concept of viscoelasticity, contributes to genome structure, emphasizing the dominant role of chromatin self-interaction.

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Nazanin Farahi ◽  
Tamas Lazar ◽  
Shoshana J. Wodak ◽  
Peter Tompa ◽  
Rita Pancsa

AbstractLiquid-liquid phase separation (LLPS) is a molecular process that leads to the formation of membraneless organelles (MLOs), i.e. functionally specialized liquid-like cellular condensates formed by proteins and nucleic acids. Integration of data on LLPS-associated proteins from dedicated databases revealed only modest overlap between them and resulted in a confident set of 89 human LLPS driver proteins. Since LLPS is highly concentration-sensitive, the underlying experiments are often criticized for applying higher-than-physiological protein concentrations. To clarify this issue, we performed a naive comparison of in vitro applied and quantitative proteomics-derived protein concentrations and discuss a number of considerations that rationalize the choice of apparently high in vitro concentrations in most LLPS studies. The validity of in vitro LLPS experiments is further supported by in vivo phase-separation experiments and by the observation that the corresponding genes show a strong propensity for dosage sensitivity. This observation implies that the availability of the respective proteins is tightly regulated in cells to avoid erroneous condensate formation. In all, we propose that although local protein concentrations are practically impossible to determine in cells, proteomics-derived cellular concentrations should rather be considered as lower limits of protein concentrations, than strict upper bounds, to be respected by in vitro experiments.


2019 ◽  
Vol 18 (9) ◽  
pp. 1289-1294 ◽  
Author(s):  
Kusum Vats ◽  
Rohit Sharma ◽  
Haladhar D. Sarma ◽  
Drishty Satpati ◽  
Ashutosh Dash

Aims: The urokinase Plasminogen Activator Receptors (uPAR) over-expressed on tumor cells and their invasive microenvironment are clinically significant molecular targets for cancer research. uPARexpressing cancerous lesions can be suitably identified and their progression can be monitored with radiolabeled uPAR targeted imaging probes. Hence this study aimed at preparing and evaluating two 68Ga-labeled AE105 peptide conjugates, 68Ga-NODAGA-AE105 and 68Ga-HBED-CC-AE105 as uPAR PET-probes. Method: The peptide conjugates, HBED-CC-AE105-NH2 and NODAGA-AE105-NH2 were manually synthesized by standard Fmoc solid phase strategy and subsequently radiolabeled with 68Ga eluted from a commercial 68Ge/68Ga generator. In vitro cell studies for the two radiotracers were performed with uPAR positive U87MG cells. Biodistribution studies were carried out in mouse xenografts with the subcutaneously induced U87MG tumor. Results: The two radiotracers, 68Ga-NODAGA-AE105 and 68Ga-HBED-CC-AE105 that were prepared in >95% radiochemical yield and >96% radiochemical purity, exhibited excellent in vitro stability. In vivo evaluation studies revealed higher uptake of 68Ga-HBED-CC-AE105 in U87MG tumor as compared to 68Ga-NODAGAAE105; however, increased lipophilicity of 68Ga-HBED-CC-AE105 resulted in slower clearance from blood and other non-target organs. The uPAR specificity of the two radiotracers was ascertained by significant (p<0.05) reduction in the tumor uptake with a co-injected blocking dose of unlabeled AE-105 peptide. Conclusion: Amongst the two radiotracers studied, the neutral 68Ga-NODAGA-AE105 with more hydrophilic chelator exhibited faster clearance from non-target organs. The conjugation of HBED-CC chelator (less hydrophilic) resulted in negatively charged 68Ga-HBED-CC-AE105 which was observed to have high retention in blood that decreased target to non-target ratios.


1987 ◽  
Vol 52 (9) ◽  
pp. 2317-2325 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jan Hlaváček ◽  
Jan Pospíšek ◽  
Jiřina Slaninová ◽  
Walter Y. Chan ◽  
Victor J. Hruby

[8-Neopentylglycine]oxytocin (II) and [8-cycloleucine]oxytocin (III) were prepared by a combination of solid-phase synthesis and fragment condensation. Both analogues exhibited decreased uterotonic potency in vitro, each being about 15-30% that of oxytocin. Analogue II also displayed similarly decreased uterotonic potency in vivo and galactogogic potency. On the other hand, analogue III exhibited almost the same potency as oxytocin in the uterotonic assay in vivo and in the galactogogic assay.


1995 ◽  
Vol 60 (12) ◽  
pp. 2170-2177 ◽  
Author(s):  
Zdenko Procházka ◽  
Jiřina Slaninová
Keyword(s):  

Solid phase technique on p-methylbenzhydrylamine resin was used for the synthesis of four analogs of oxytocin and four analogs of vasopressin with the non-coded amino acids L- or D- and 1- or 2-naphthylalanine and D-homoarginine. [L-1-Nal2]oxytocin, [D-1-Nal2]oxytocin, [L-2-Nal2]oxytocin, [D-2-Nal2]oxytocin, [L-1-Nal2, D-Har8]vasopressin, [D-1-Nal2, D-Har8]vasopressin, [L-2-Nal2, D-Har8]vasopressin and [D-2-Nal2, D-Har8]vasopressin were synthesized. All eight analogs were found to be uterotonic inhibitors in vitro and in vivo. Analogs with 2-naphthylalanine are stronger inhibitors, particularly in the vasopressin series than the analogs with 1-naphthylalanine. Analogs with 1-naphthylalanine have no activity in the pressor test, analogs with 2-naphthylalanine are weak pressor inhibitors.


Author(s):  
AMOL SHETE ◽  
PRIYANKA THORAT ◽  
RAJENDRA DOIJAD ◽  
SACHIN SAJANE

Objective: The objectives of present investigation were to prepare and evaluate proniosomes of neomycin sulphate (NS) by coacervation phase separation method by using sorbitan monostearate (span 60) and lecithin as a surfactant to increase the penetration through the skin and study the effect of concentration of the same. Methods: Proniosomes of neomycin sulphate (NS) were prepared by coacervation phase separation method by using span 60 and lecithin. The effect of concentration of span 60 and lecithin was studied by factorial design. The prepared proniosomes were converted to gel by using carbopol as a gelling agent. The prepared formulations were evaluated for entrapment efficiency, in vitro drug diffusion, in vitro antibacterial activity and in vivo skin irritation test etc. Results: All Formulation showed the percentage entrapment efficiency in the range 38.31±0.05% to 77.96±0.06%, good homogeneity and gel was easily spreadable with minimal of shear. Optimized formulation showed enhanced rate of diffusion in vitro, increase in zone of inhibition against staphylococcus aureus, no skin irritation and showed good stability. Conclusion: The results of present study indicates that proniosomal gel formulated by using combination of span 60, Lecithin, cholesterol can be used to enhance skin delivery of NS because of excellent permeation of drug. Developed proniosomal gel formulation was promising carrier for NS


2006 ◽  
Vol 172 (7) ◽  
pp. 1009-1022 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jawdat Al-Bassam ◽  
Mark van Breugel ◽  
Stephen C. Harrison ◽  
Anthony Hyman

Stu2p from budding yeast belongs to the conserved Dis1/XMAP215 family of microtubule-associated proteins (MAPs). The common feature of proteins in this family is the presence of HEAT repeat–containing TOG domains near the NH2 terminus. We have investigated the functions of the two TOG domains of Stu2p in vivo and in vitro. Our data suggest that Stu2p regulates microtubule dynamics through two separate activities. First, Stu2p binds to a single free tubulin heterodimer through its first TOG domain. A large conformational transition in homodimeric Stu2p from an open structure to a closed one accompanies the capture of a single free tubulin heterodimer. Second, Stu2p has the capacity to associate directly with microtubule ends, at least in part, through its second TOG domain. These two properties lead to the stabilization of microtubules in vivo, perhaps by the loading of tubulin dimers at microtubule ends. We suggest that this mechanism of microtubule regulation is a conserved feature of the Dis1/XMAP215 family of MAPs.


Biomolecules ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (6) ◽  
pp. 915
Author(s):  
Jazelli Mueterthies ◽  
Davit A. Potoyan

Proteins with low complexity, disordered sequences are receiving increasing attention due to their central roles in the biogenesis and regulation of membraneless organelles. In eukaryotic organisms, a substantial fraction of disordered proteins reside in the nucleus, thereby facilitating the formation of nuclear bodies, nucleolus, and chromatin compartmentalization. The heterochromatin family of proteins (HP1) is an important player in driving the formation of gene silenced mesoscopic heterochromatin B compartments and pericentric regions. Recent experiments have shown that the HP1a sequence of Drosophila melanogaster can undergo liquid-liquid phase separation under both in vitro and in vivo conditions, induced by changes of the monovalent salt concentration. While the phase separation of HP1a is thought to be the mechanism underlying chromatin compartmentalization, the molecular level mechanistic picture of salt-driven phase separation of HP1a has remained poorly understood. The disordered hinge region of HP1a is seen as the driver of salt-induced condensation because of its charge enriched sequence and post-translational modifications. Here, we set out to decipher the mechanisms of salt-induced condensation of HP1a through a systematic study of salt-dependent conformations of single chains and fuzzy dimers of disordered HP1a hinge sequences. Using multiple independent all-atom simulations with and without enhanced sampling, we carry out detailed characterization of conformational ensembles of disordered HP1a chains under different ionic conditions using various polymeric and structural measures. We show that the mobile ion release, enhancement of local transient secondary structural elements, and side-chain exposure to solvent are robust trends that accompany fuzzy dimer formation. Furthermore, we find that salt-induced changes in the ensemble of conformations of HP1a disordered hinge sequence fine-tune the inter-chain vs. self-chain interactions in ways that favor fuzzy dimer formation under low salt conditions in the agreement with condensation trends seen in experiments.


2021 ◽  
Vol 12 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Jing Liu ◽  
Ying Xie ◽  
Jing Guo ◽  
Xin Li ◽  
Jingjing Wang ◽  
...  

AbstractDevelopment of chemoresistance is the main reason for failure of clinical management of multiple myeloma (MM), but the genetic and epigenetic aberrations that interact to confer such chemoresistance remains unknown. In the present study, we find that high steroid receptor coactivator-3 (SRC-3) expression is correlated with relapse/refractory and poor outcomes in MM patients treated with bortezomib (BTZ)-based regimens. Furthermore, in immortalized cell lines, high SRC-3 enhances resistance to proteasome inhibitor (PI)-induced apoptosis. Overexpressed histone methyltransferase NSD2 in patients bearing a t(4;14) translocation or in BTZ-resistant MM cells coordinates elevated SRC-3 by enhancing its liquid–liquid phase separation to supranormally modify histone H3 lysine 36 dimethylation (H3K36me2) modifications on promoters of anti-apoptotic genes. Targeting SRC-3 or interference of its interactions with NSD2 using a newly developed inhibitor, SI-2, sensitizes BTZ treatment and overcomes drug resistance both in vitro and in vivo. Taken together, our findings elucidate a previously unrecognized orchestration of SRC-3 and NSD2 in acquired drug resistance of MM and suggest that SI-2 may be efficacious for overcoming drug resistance in MM patients.


Author(s):  
Jonathon A Ditlev

Abstract Liquid‒liquid phase separation (LLPS) of biomolecules has emerged as an important mechanism that contributes to cellular organization. Phase separated biomolecular condensates, or membrane-less organelles, are compartments composed of specific biomolecules without a surrounding membrane in the nucleus and cytoplasm. LLPS also occurs at membranes, where both lipids and membrane-associated proteins can de-mix to form phase separated compartments. Investigation of these membrane-associated condensates using in vitro biochemical reconstitution and cell biology has provided key insights into the role of phase separation in membrane domain formation and function. However, these studies have generally been limited by available technology to study LLPS on model membranes and the complex cellular environment that regulates condensate formation, composition, and function. Here, I briefly review our current understanding of membrane-associated condensates, establish why LLPS can be advantageous for certain membrane-associated condensates, and offer a perspective for how these condensates may be studied in the future.


2021 ◽  
Vol 22 (8) ◽  
pp. 3995
Author(s):  
Cheong-Yong Yun ◽  
Nahyun Choi ◽  
Jae Un Lee ◽  
Eun Jung Lee ◽  
Ji Young Kim ◽  
...  

Nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2), which is linked to autophagy regulation and melanogenesis regulation, is activated by marliolide. In this study, we investigated the effect of a marliolide derivative on melanosome degradation through the autophagy pathway. The effect of the marliolide derivative on melanosome degradation was investigated in α-melanocyte stimulating hormone (α-MSH)-treated melanocytes, melanosome-incorporated keratinocyte, and ultraviolet (UV)B-exposed HRM-2 mice (melanin-possessing hairless mice). The marliolide derivative, 5-methyl-3-tetradecylidene-dihydro-furan-2-one (DMF02), decreased melanin pigmentation by melanosome degradation in α-MSH-treated melanocytes and melanosome-incorporated keratinocytes, evidenced by premelanosome protein (PMEL) expression, but did not affect melanogenesis-associated proteins. The UVB-induced hyperpigmentation in HRM-2 mice was also reduced by a topical application of DMF02. DMF02 activated Nrf2 and induced autophagy in vivo, evidenced by decreased PMEL in microtubule-associated proteins 1A/1B light chain 3B (LC3)-II-expressed areas. DMF02 also induced melanosome degradation via autophagy in vitro, and DMF02-induced melanosome degradation was recovered by chloroquine (CQ), which is a lysosomal inhibitor. In addition, Nrf2 silencing by siRNA attenuated the DMF02-induced melanosome degradation via the suppression of p62. DMF02 induced melanosome degradation in melanocytes and keratinocytes by regulating autophagy via Nrf2-p62 activation. Therefore, Nrf2 activator could be a promising therapeutic agent for reducing hyperpigmentation.


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