Plasma thermogram profiling: A novel biomarker for lung cancer

2009 ◽  
Vol 27 (15_suppl) ◽  
pp. e22074-e22074 ◽  
Author(s):  
D. Xiang ◽  
N. C. Garbett ◽  
J. Chaires ◽  
D. L. Laber ◽  
G. H. Kloecker
Keyword(s):  
Lung Cancer ◽  
Healthy Volunteers ◽  
Protein Interactions ◽  
Plasma Proteins ◽  
Molecular Mechanisms ◽  
Plasma Proteome ◽  
Protein Protein Interactions ◽  
Scanning Calorimetry ◽  
Novel Approach ◽  
The Individual

e22074 Background: Currently, there are no clinically useful biomarkers for lung cancer (LC). We developed a novel approach by using differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) to analyze the plasma proteome of LC patients. Our assay produces a signature snapshot of the plasma proteome based on the thermal properties of the constituent proteins within the mixture. Each individual protein has a unique and characteristic melting temperature and melting enthalpy. These biophysical properties are as intrinsic and unique for each protein as are its sequence, mass, and charge. The denaturation of plasma results in a composite signature thermogram that represents the sum of all of the individual proteins within the proteome, weighted according to their concentration within the plasma or serum. Our goal is to identify unique thermogram profiles as biomarkers for lung cancer evaluation. Methods: Plasma samples were collected from LC patients and healthy volunteers. Sample analysis was performed using an automated capillary DSC. Comparison of plasma thermograms from controls and diseased individuals was done using quantile-quantile plots and the Kolmogorov-Smirnov test. Results: One hundred samples were obtained from healthy volunteers. DSC thermograms from control plasma were highly reproducible and yielded a characteristic signature with a well-defined shape and temperature maxima. Twenty samples from LC patients were obtained at diagnosis. Plasma from LC individuals yielded a unique thermogram that differs from that of healthy controls. Preliminary results suggested that DSC was sensitive to properties of the plasma proteins other than their charge and mass. We hypothesize that changes in thermogram shapes and positions in LC can arise from changes in the concentrations of plasma proteins, from disease-induced protein-protein interactions, or from the secretion into plasma of disease-related peptides that can bind to the most abundant plasma proteins. Conclusions: Lung cancer may have a characteristic signature thermogram that may serve as a biomarker for LC; further studies are needed to elucidate the biophysical and molecular mechanisms of different thermograms between normal individuals versus those with disease or cancer. No significant financial relationships to disclose.

Structure, Function, Involvement in Diseases and Targeting of 14-3-3 Proteins: An Update

2018 ◽  
Vol 25 (1) ◽  
pp. 5-21 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ylenia Cau ◽  
Daniela Valensin ◽  
Mattia Mori ◽  
Sara Draghi ◽  
Maurizio Botta
Keyword(s):  
Protein Interactions ◽  
Molecular Mechanisms ◽  
Physiological Role ◽  
Specific Protein ◽  
Protein Protein Interactions ◽  
Cellular Processes ◽  
Protein Partners ◽  
High Sequence Homology ◽  
Small Molecule Modulators

14-3-3 is a class of proteins able to interact with a multitude of targets by establishing protein-protein interactions (PPIs). They are usually found in all eukaryotes with a conserved secondary structure and high sequence homology among species. 14-3-3 proteins are involved in many physiological and pathological cellular processes either by triggering or interfering with the activity of specific protein partners. In the last years, the scientific community has collected many evidences on the role played by seven human 14-3-3 isoforms in cancer or neurodegenerative diseases. Indeed, these proteins regulate the molecular mechanisms associated to these diseases by interacting with (i) oncogenic and (ii) pro-apoptotic proteins and (iii) with proteins involved in Parkinson and Alzheimer diseases. The discovery of small molecule modulators of 14-3-3 PPIs could facilitate complete understanding of the physiological role of these proteins, and might offer valuable therapeutic approaches for these critical pathological states.

Quantitative analysis of the interactions between HIV-1 integrase and retroviral reverse transcriptases

2008 ◽  
Vol 412 (1) ◽  
pp. 163-170 ◽  
Author(s):  
Alon Herschhorn ◽  
Iris Oz-Gleenberg ◽  
Amnon Hizi
Keyword(s):  
Conformational Changes ◽  
Protein Interactions ◽  
Molecular Mechanisms ◽  
Reaction Model ◽  
Protein Protein Interactions ◽  
Common Site ◽  
Leukaemia Virus ◽  
Reverse Transcriptases ◽  
Interaction Kinetics ◽  
Hiv 1

The RT (reverse transcriptase) of HIV-1 interacts with HIV-1 IN (integrase) and inhibits its enzymatic activities. However, the molecular mechanisms underling these interactions are not well understood. In order to study these mechanisms, we have analysed the interactions of HIV-1 IN with HIV-1 RT and with two other related RTs: those of HIV-2 and MLV (murine-leukaemia virus). All three RTs inhibited HIV-1 IN, albeit to a different extent, suggesting a common site of binding that could be slightly modified for each one of the studied RTs. Using surface plasmon resonance technology, which monitors direct protein–protein interactions, we performed kinetic analyses of the binding of HIV-1 IN to these three RTs and observed interesting binding patterns. The interaction of HIV-1 RT with HIV-1 IN was unique and followed a two-state reaction model. According to this model, the initial IN–RT complex formation was followed by a conformational change in the complex that led to an elevation of the total affinity between these two proteins. In contrast, HIV-2 and MLV RTs interacted with IN in a simple bi-molecular manner, without any apparent secondary conformational changes. Interestingly, HIV-1 and HIV-2 RTs were the most efficient inhibitors of HIV-1 IN activity, whereas HIV-1 and MLV RTs showed the highest affinity towards HIV-1 IN. These modes of direct protein interactions, along with the apparent rate constants calculated and the correlations of the interaction kinetics with the capacity of the RTs to inhibit IN activities, are all discussed.

scholarly journals Cytosolic localization and in vitro assembly of human de novo thymidylate synthesis complex

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Sharon Spizzichino ◽  
Dalila Boi ◽  
Giovanna Boumis ◽  
Roberta Lucchi ◽  
Francesca R. Liberati ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Cancer Cells ◽  
Protein Interactions ◽  
De Novo ◽  
Proximity Ligation Assay ◽  
Protein Protein Interactions ◽  
Aggregation State ◽  
Entire Complex ◽  
The Individual ◽  
Thymidylate Synthesis

ABSTRACTDe novo thymidylate synthesis is a crucial pathway for normal and cancer cells. Deoxythymidine monophosphate (dTMP) is synthesized by the combined action of three enzymes: thymidylate synthase (TYMS), serine hydroxymethyltransferase (SHMT) and dihydrofolate reductase (DHFR), targets of widely used chemotherapeutics such as antifolates and 5-fluorouracil. These proteins translocate to the nucleus after SUMOylation and are suggested to assemble in this compartment into the thymidylate synthesis complex (dTMP-SC). We report the intracellular dynamics of the complex in lung cancer cells by in situ proximity ligation assay, showing that it is also detected in the cytoplasm. We have successfully assembled the dTMP synthesis complex in vitro, employing tetrameric SHMT1 and a bifunctional chimeric enzyme comprising human TYMS and DHFR. We show that the SHMT1 tetrameric state is required for efficient complex assembly, indicating that this aggregation state is evolutionary selected in eukaryotes to optimize protein-protein interactions. Lastly, our results on the activity of the complete thymidylate cycle in vitro, provide a useful tool to develop drugs targeting the entire complex instead of the individual components.

scholarly journals Significance of thiol-disulfide balance in SARS-CoV-2 infection

2021 ◽  
Vol 72 (3) ◽  
pp. 30-36
Author(s):  
Tatjana Simić
Keyword(s):  
Cell Surface ◽  
Host Cell ◽  
Protein Interactions ◽  
Viral Entry ◽  
Molecular Mechanisms ◽  
Alkylating Agents ◽  
Protein S ◽  
Protein Protein Interactions ◽  
Virus Surface ◽  
Host Cell Surface

Studies of the molecular mechanisms regarding interaction of different viruses with receptors on the host cell surface have shown that the viral entry depends on the specific relationship between free thiol (SH) groups and disulfides on the virus surface, as well as the thiol disulfide balance on the host cell surface. The presence of oxidizing compounds or alkylating agents, which disturb the thiol-disulfide balance on the surface of the virus, can also affect its infectious potential. Disturbed thiol-disulfide balance may also influence protein-protein interactions between SARS-CoV-2 protein S and ACE2 receptors of the host cell. This review presents the basic mechanisms of maintaining intracellular and extracellular thiol disulfide balance and previous experimental and clinical evidence in favor of impaired balance in SARS-CoV-2 infection. Besides, the results of the clinical application or experimental analysis of compounds that induce changes in the thiol disulfide balance towards reduction of disulfide bridges in proteins of interest in COVID-19 infection are presented.

scholarly journals β-Subunit overexpression alters the stoicheometry of assembled Na-K-ATPase subunits in MDCK cells

2008 ◽  
Vol 295 (5) ◽  
pp. F1314-F1323 ◽  
Author(s):  
Rebecca J. Clifford ◽  
Jack H. Kaplan
Keyword(s):  
Protein Interactions ◽  
Mdck Cells ◽  
Β Subunit ◽  
Protein Protein Interactions ◽  
Cellular Mechanisms ◽  
Atpase Subunit ◽  
Subunit Expression ◽  
Atpase Subunits ◽  
Confocal Images ◽  
The Individual

In eukaryotic cells, the apparent maintenance of 1:1 stoicheometry between the Na-K-ATPase α- and β-subunits led us to question whether this was alterable and thus if some form of regulation was involved. We have examined the consequences of overexpressing Na-K-ATPase β1-subunits using Madin-Darby canine kidney (MDCK) cells expressing flag-tagged β1-subunits (β1flag) or Myc-tagged β1-subunits (β1myc) under the control of a tetracycline-dependent promoter. The induction of β1flag subunit synthesis in MDCK cells, which increases β1-subunit expression at the plasma membrane by more than twofold, while maintaining stable α1 expression levels, revealed that all mature β1-subunits associate with α1-subunits, and no evidence of “free” β1-subunits was obtained. Consequently, the ratio of assembled β1- to α1-subunits is significantly increased when “extra” β-subunits are expressed. An increased β1/α1 stoicheometry is also observed in cells treated with tunicamycin, suggesting that the protein-protein interactions involved in these complexes are not dependent on glycosylation. Confocal images of cocultured β1myc-expressing and β1flag-expressing MDCK cells show colocalization of β1myc and β1flag subunits at the lateral membranes of neighboring cells, suggesting the occurrence of intercellular interactions between the β-subunits. Immunoprecipitation using MDCK cells constitutively expressing β1myc and tetracycline-regulated β1flag subunits confirmed β-β-subunit interactions. These results demonstrate that the equimolar ratio of assembled β1/α1-subunits of the Na-K-ATPase in kidney cells is not fixed by the inherent properties of the interacting subunits. It is likely that cellular mechanisms are present that regulate the individual Na-K-ATPase subunit abundance.

Protein Interactions for Functional Genomics

2012 ◽  
Vol 3 (4) ◽  
pp. 15-30
Author(s):  
Pablo Minguez ◽  
Joaquin Dopazo
Keyword(s):  
Graph Theory ◽  
Protein Interactions ◽  
Biological Networks ◽  
State Of The Art ◽  
Protein Protein Interactions ◽  
Pairwise Interactions ◽  
Novel Approach ◽  
Functional Profiling ◽  
Available Resources

Here the authors review the state of the art in the use of protein-protein interactions (ppis) within the context of the interpretation of genomic experiments. They report the available resources and methodologies used to create a curated compilation of ppis introducing a novel approach to filter interactions. Special attention is paid in the complexity of the topology of the networks formed by proteins (nodes) and pairwise interactions (edges). These networks can be studied using graph theory and a brief introduction to the characterization of biological networks and definitions of the more used network parameters is also given. Also a report on the available resources to perform different modes of functional profiling using ppi data is provided along with a discussion on the approaches that have typically been applied into this context. They also introduce a novel methodology for the evaluation of networks and some examples of its application.

scholarly journals Search for New Candidate Genes Involved in the Comorbidity of Asthma and Hypertension Based on Automatic Analysis of Scientific Literature

2018 ◽  
Vol 15 (4) ◽  
Author(s):  
Olga V. Saik ◽  
Pavel S. Demenkov ◽  
Timofey V. Ivanisenko ◽  
Elena Yu. Bragina ◽  
Maxim B. Freidin ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Protein Interactions ◽  
Gene Networks ◽  
Molecular Mechanisms ◽  
Molecular Genetic ◽  
Genetic Networks ◽  
Positive Sign ◽  
Phenotypic Traits ◽  
Protein Protein Interactions ◽  
Scientific Publications ◽  
Associative Gene Networks

AbstractComorbid states of diseases significantly complicate diagnosis and treatment. Molecular mechanisms of comorbid states of asthma and hypertension are still poorly understood. Prioritization is a way for identifying genes involved in complex phenotypic traits. Existing methods of prioritization consider genetic, expression and evolutionary data, molecular-genetic networks and other. In the case of molecular-genetic networks, as a rule, protein-protein interactions and KEGG networks are used. ANDSystem allows reconstructing associative gene networks, which include more than 20 types of interactions, including protein-protein interactions, expression regulation, transport, catalysis, etc. In this work, a set of genes has been prioritized to find genes potentially involved in asthma and hypertension comorbidity. The prioritization was carried out using well-known methods (ToppGene and Endeavor) and a cross-talk centrality criterion, calculated by analysis of associative gene networks from ANDSystem. The identified genes, including IL1A, CD40LG, STAT3, IL15, FAS, APP, TLR2, C3, IL13 and CXCL10, may be involved in the molecular mechanisms of comorbid asthma/hypertension. An analysis of the dynamics of the frequency of mentioning the most priority genes in scientific publications revealed that the top 100 priority genes are significantly enriched with genes with increased positive dynamics, which may be a positive sign for further studies of these genes.

Bioinformatics studies on structures, functions and diversifications of rolling leaf related genes in rice (Oryza sativa L.)

2020 ◽  
pp. 1-14
Author(s):  
Md. Jahangir Alam ◽  
Md. Alamin ◽  
Most. Humaira Sultana ◽  
Md. Asif Ahsan ◽  
Md. Ripter Hossain ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Protein Interactions ◽  
Molecular Mechanisms ◽  
Oryza Sativa L ◽  
Vital Role ◽  
High Yield ◽  
Leaf Rolling ◽  
Protein Protein Interactions ◽  
Conserved Domains ◽  
Kegg Pathways ◽  
Conserved Domain

Abstract Leaf morphology of crop plants has significant value in agronomy. Leaf rolling in rice plays a vital role to increase grain yield. However, collective information on the rolling leaf (RL) genes reported to date and different comparative bioinformatics studies of their sequences are still incomplete. This bioinformatics study was designed to investigate structures, functions and diversifications of the RL related genes reported till now through several studies. We performed different comparative and functional analyses of the selected 42 RL genes among 103 RL genes using different bioinformatics techniques including gene structure, conserved domain, phylogenetic, gene ontology (GO), transcription factor (TF), Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) and protein–protein network. Exon-intron organization and conserved domain analysis showed diversity in structures and conserved domains of RL genes. Phylogenetic analysis classified the proteins into five major groups. GO and TF analyses revealed that regulation-related genes were remarkably enriched in biological process and 10 different TF families were involved in rice leaf rolling. KEGG analysis demonstrated that 14 RL genes were involved in the KEGG pathways, among which 50% were involved in the metabolism pathways. Of the selected RL proteins, 55% proteins were non-interacting with other RL proteins and OsRL9 was the most interacting RL protein. These results provide important information regarding structures, conserved domains, phylogenetic revolution, protein–protein interactions and other genetic bases of RL genes which might be helpful to the researchers for functional analysis of new candidate RL genes to explore their characteristics and molecular mechanisms for high yield rice breeding.

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