Globular domains of agrin are functional units that collaborate to induce acetylcholine receptor clustering

1999 ◽  
Vol 112 (8) ◽  
pp. 1213-1223 ◽  
Author(s):  
T. Cornish ◽  
J. Chi ◽  
S. Johnson ◽  
Y. Lu ◽  
J.T. Campanelli
Keyword(s):  
Amino Acid ◽  
Acetylcholine Receptors ◽  
Matrix Protein ◽  
Extracellular Matrix Protein ◽  
Physical Separation ◽  
Surface Receptors ◽  
Physical Interactions ◽  
Functional Units ◽  
Covalently Linked ◽  
Achr Clustering

Agrin, an extracellular matrix protein involved in neuromuscular junction formation, directs clustering of postsynaptic molecules, including acetylcholine receptors (AChRs). This activity resides entirely in the C-terminal portion of the protein, which consists of three laminin-like globular domains (G-domains: G1, G2 and G3) and four EGF-like repeats. Additionally, alternate mRNA splicing yields G-domain variants G2(0,4) with 0- or 4-amino-acid inserts, and G3(0, 8,11,19) with 0-, 8-, 11- or 19-amino-acid inserts. In order to better understand the contributions of individual domains and alternate splicing to agrin activity, single G-domains and covalently linked pairs of G-domains were expressed as soluble proteins and their AChR clustering activity measured on cultured C2 myotubes. These analyses reveal the following: (1) While only G3(8) exhibits detectable activity by itself, all G-domains studied (G1, G2(0), G2(4), G3(0) and G3(8)) enhance G3(8) activity when physically linked to G3(8). This effect is most pronounced when G2(4) is linked to G3(8) and is independent of the order of the G-domains. (2) The deletion of EGF-like repeats enhances activity. (3) Increasing the physical separation between linked G1 and G3(8) domains produces a significant increase in activity; similar alterations to linked G2 and G3(8) domains are without effect. (4) Clusters induced by two concatenated G3(8) domains are significantly smaller than all other agrin forms studied. These data suggest that agrin G-domains are the functional units which interact independently of their specific organization to yield AChR clustering. G-domain synergism resulting in biological output could be due to physical interactions between G-domains or, alternatively, independent interactions of G-domains with cell surface receptors which require spatially localized coactivation for optimal signal transduction.

Structual comparison of dermatopontin amino acid sequences

Biologia ◽  
2010 ◽  
Vol 65 (5) ◽  
Author(s):  
Takumi Takeuchi
Keyword(s):  
Amino Acid ◽  
Amino Acid Sequence ◽  
Matrix Protein ◽  
Expressed Sequence Tag ◽  
Amine Oxidase ◽  
Repeat Sequence ◽  
Amino Acid Sequences ◽  
Extracellular Matrix Protein ◽  
Coding Region ◽  
Matrix Assembly

AbstractDermatopontin is a tyrosine-rich acidic extracellular matrix protein of 22 kD with possible functions in cellmatrix interactions and matrix assembly. Database of GenBank+EMBL+DDBJ sequences from Nucleotide, Gene, and Expressed Sequence Tag (EST) Divisions was searched with a keyword “dermatopontin” or mouse dermatopontin amino acid sequence. In addition to five mammals previously described, five mammalian, two bird, one fish dermatopontin genes were detected in vertebrates. Additionally, a goat EST was also shown as goat dermatopontin missing 5′-end of the coding region. Moreover, a mRNA sequence of rhesus monkey dermatopontin was identified, but the deduced amino acid sequence was terminated abruptly due to a nonsense codon. For three 6-residue repeat regions (D-R-E/Q-W-X-F/Y) that may function as part of a glycosaminoglycan binding site, the first repeat sequence is D-R-Q-W-N-Y in all mammals while Glutamine is substituted for Leucine in birds. The second and the third repeats are conserved in all vertebrates. The N-Y-D sequence, the consensus in many amine oxidases, is conserved in mammals except rodents. Asparagine is substituted for Threonine in birds. The tetrapeptide R-G-A-T sequence possibly recognizing the integrin family is conserved in mammals and birds, but Alanine was substituted for Glutamine in zebrafish resulting in loss of activity. In conclusion, functionally significant amino acid sequences in vertebrate dermatopontins are conserved in mammals, while they are not necessarily identified in birds and fish. The original function of vertebrate dermatopontins may be glycosaminoglycan binding and functions as a ligand for integrin and an amine oxidase may be gained in the process of evolution.

Agrin mRNA expression in the developing chick Edinger-Westphal nucleus

1996 ◽  
Vol 13 (2) ◽  
pp. 293-301 ◽  
Author(s):  
Michael McAvoy ◽  
Martin A. Smith ◽  
Joanne T. Fujii
Keyword(s):  
Mrna Expression ◽  
Acetylcholine Receptors ◽  
Matrix Protein ◽  
Synapse Formation ◽  
Extracellular Matrix Protein ◽  
Ciliary Ganglion ◽  
Cholinergic Synapses ◽  
Ciliary Ganglion Neurons ◽  
Ganglion Neurons ◽  
Edinger Westphal Nucleus

AbstractAgrin is a large extracellular matrix protein that directs the accumulation of acetylcholine receptors at the neuromuscular junction. Recent evidence suggests that agrin may be involved in organizing synapses in the visual system as well. Focussing on the pathway that controls accommodation and pupilloconstriction, this study examined the temporal pattern of agrin expression with reference to the organization of cholinergic synapses between embryonic chick Edinger-Westphal and ciliary ganglion neurons. In situ hybridization with an S35-labeled agrin cRNA probe was used to characterize agrin expression in the Edinger-Westphal nucleus during development. Agrin mRNA was detected in the Edinger-Westphal nucleus at all time points studied, from embryonic day 7 (E7, Hamburger and Hamilton stage 31) through newly hatched chicks. Throughout this period, agrin mRNA expression in Edinger-Westphal neurons was lower than in nearby oculomotor and trochlear neurons, suggesting that cells projecting to neuronal targets may require less agrin than those projecting to muscle. Agrin mRNA expression in the Edinger-Westphal nucleus at E7, E8, E9, and E10 was significantly higher than at E12. The early appearance of agrin mRNA coincides with the period during which acetylcholine receptors are being organized on ciliary ganglion neurons, consistent with the possibility that agrin contributes to neuron-neuron synapse formation in this pathway.

scholarly journals Functional Mapping of an Oligomeric Autotransporter Adhesin of Aggregatibacter actinomycetemcomitans

2008 ◽  
Vol 190 (9) ◽  
pp. 3098-3109 ◽  
Author(s):  
Chunxiao Yu ◽  
Teresa Ruiz ◽  
Christopher Lenox ◽  
Keith P. Mintz
Keyword(s):  
Amino Acids ◽  
Amino Acid ◽  
Matrix Protein ◽  
Aggregatibacter Actinomycetemcomitans ◽  
Binding Activity ◽  
Extracellular Matrix Protein ◽  
Deletion Mutants ◽  
Mature Protein ◽  
Collagen Binding ◽  
Transmission Electron

ABSTRACT Extracellular matrix protein adhesin A (EmaA) is a 202-kDa nonfimbrial adhesin, which mediates the adhesion of the oral pathogen Aggregatibacter actinomycetemcomitans to collagen. EmaA oligomers form surface antenna-like protrusions consisting of a long helical rod with an ellipsoidal ending. The functional analysis of in-frame emaA deletion mutants has located the collagen binding activity to the amino terminus of the protein corresponding to amino acids 70 to 386. The level of collagen binding of this deletion mutant was comparable to the emaA mutant strain. Transmission electron microscopy studies indicate that the first 330 amino acids of the mature protein form the ellipsoidal ending of the EmaA protrusions, where the activity resides. Amino acid substitution analysis within this sequence has identified a critical amino acid, which is essential for the formation of the ellipsoidal ending and for collagen binding activity.

1280: Increased Susceptibility to Genitovaginal Prolapse Associated with a Polymorphism in the Promoter of the Extracellular Matrix Protein LAMC1

2007 ◽  
Vol 177 (4S) ◽  
pp. 421-422
Author(s):  
Ganka Nikolova ◽  
Christian O. Twiss ◽  
Hane Lee ◽  
Nelson Stanley ◽  
Janet Sinsheimer ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Extracellular Matrix ◽  
Matrix Protein ◽  
Extracellular Matrix Protein ◽  
Increased Susceptibility

scholarly journals Homogenous overexpression of the extracellular matrix protein Netrin-1 in a hollow fiber bioreactor

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Aniel Moya-Torres ◽  
Monika Gupta ◽  
Fabian Heide ◽  
Natalie Krahn ◽  
Scott Legare ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Extracellular Matrix ◽  
Hollow Fiber ◽  
Mammalian Cells ◽  
Matrix Protein ◽  
Continuous Production ◽  
Extracellular Matrix Protein ◽  
Close Monitoring ◽  
High Quality ◽  
Biolayer Interferometry ◽  
Hollow Fiber Bioreactor

Abstract The production of recombinant proteins for functional and biophysical studies, especially in the field of structural determination, still represents a challenge as high quality and quantities are needed to adequately perform experiments. This is in part solved by optimizing protein constructs and expression conditions to maximize the yields in regular flask expression systems. Still, work flow and effort can be substantial with no guarantee to obtain improvements. This study presents a combination of workflows that can be used to dramatically increase protein production and improve processing results, specifically for the extracellular matrix protein Netrin-1. This proteoglycan is an axon guidance cue which interacts with various receptors to initiate downstream signaling cascades affecting cell differentiation, proliferation, metabolism, and survival. We were able to produce large glycoprotein quantities in mammalian cells, which were engineered for protein overexpression and secretion into the media using the controlled environment provided by a hollow fiber bioreactor. Close monitoring of the internal bioreactor conditions allowed for stable production over an extended period of time. In addition to this, Netrin-1 concentrations were monitored in expression media through biolayer interferometry which allowed us to increase Netrin-1 media concentrations tenfold over our current flask systems while preserving excellent protein quality and in solution behavior. Our particular combination of genetic engineering, cell culture system, protein purification, and biophysical characterization permitted us to establish an efficient and continuous production of high-quality protein suitable for structural biology studies that can be translated to various biological systems. Key points • Hollow fiber bioreactor produces substantial yields of homogenous Netrin-1 • Biolayer interferometry allows target protein quantitation in expression media • High production yields in the bioreactor do not impair Netrin-1 proteoglycan quality Graphical abstract

scholarly journals Identifying and Characterizing a Novel Peritrophic Matrix Protein (MdPM-17) Associated With Antibacterial Response From the Housefly, Musca domestica (Diptera: Muscidae)

2020 ◽  
Vol 20 (6) ◽  
Author(s):  
Yu Wang ◽  
Jinzhi Cheng ◽  
Man Luo ◽  
Jianwei Wu ◽  
Guo Guo
Keyword(s):  
Amino Acid ◽  
Antimicrobial Peptide ◽  
Musca Domestica ◽  
Matrix Protein ◽  
Binding Capacity ◽  
Malpighian Tubule ◽  
Peritrophic Membrane ◽  
Distribution Analysis ◽  
Peritrophic Matrix ◽  
Amino Acid Residues

Abstract Peritrophic matrix/membrane (PM) critically prevents the midgut of insects from external invasion by microbes. The proteins in the peritrophic membrane are its major structural components. Additionally, they determine the formation and function of this membrane. However, the role of PM proteins in immune regulation is unclear. Herein, we isolated a novel PM protein (MdPM-17) from Musca domestica larvae. Further, the function of MdPM-17 in regulating host innate immunity was identified. Results showed that the cDNA of MdPM-17 full is 635 bp in length. Moreover, it consists of a 477-bp open reading frame encoding 158 amino acid residues. These amino acid residues are composed of two Chitin-binding type-2 domain (ChtBD2) and 19 amino acids as a signal peptide. Moreover, tissue distribution analysis indicates that MdPM-17 was enriched expressed in midgut, and moderate levels in the fat body, foregut, and malpighian tubule. Notably, MdPM-17 recombinant protein showed high chitin-binding capacity, thus belongs to the Class III PM protein group. MdPM-17 protein silencing via RNA interference resulted in the expression of antimicrobial peptide (defensin, cecropins, and diptericin) genes, and this occurred after oral inoculation with exogenous microbes Escherichia coli (Enterobacteriales:Enterobacteriaceae), Staphylococcus aureus (Bacillales:Staphylococcaceae), and Candida albicans (Endomycetales:Saccharomycetaceae)). Therefore, all the antimicrobial peptide (AMP) gene expression levels are high in MdPM-17-depleted larvae during microbial infection compared to controls. Consequently, these findings indicate that MdPM-17 protein is associated with the antibacterial response from the housefly.

Direct interaction of the extracellular matrix protein DANCE with apolipoprotein(a) mediated by the kringle IV-type 2 domain

2002 ◽  
Vol 267 (4) ◽  
pp. 440-446 ◽  
Author(s):  
A. Kapetanopoulos ◽  
F. Fresser ◽  
G. Millonig ◽  
Y. Shaul ◽  
G. Baier ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Extracellular Matrix ◽  
Matrix Protein ◽  
Direct Interaction ◽  
Extracellular Matrix Protein ◽  
Apolipoprotein A

scholarly journals Specific heparan sulfate modifications stabilize the synaptic organizer MADD-4/Punctin at C. elegans neuromuscular junctions

Genetics ◽  
2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Mélissa Cizeron ◽  
Laure Granger ◽  
Hannes E BÜlow ◽  
Jean-Louis Bessereau
Keyword(s):  
Heparan Sulfate ◽  
Matrix Protein ◽  
Neuromuscular Junctions ◽  
Core Protein ◽  
Extracellular Matrix Protein ◽  
Inhibitory Synapses ◽  
Single Chain ◽  
C Elegans ◽  
Sugar Chains

Abstract Heparan sulfate proteoglycans contribute to the structural organization of various neurochemical synapses. Depending on the system, their role involves either the core protein or the glycosaminoglycan chains. These linear sugar chains are extensively modified by heparan sulfate modification enzymes, resulting in highly diverse molecules. Specific modifications of glycosaminoglycan chains may thus contribute to a sugar code involved in synapse specificity. Caenorhabditis elegans is particularly useful to address this question because of the low level of genomic redundancy of these enzymes, as opposed to mammals. Here, we systematically mutated the genes encoding heparan sulfate modification enzymes in C. elegans and analyzed their impact on excitatory and inhibitory neuromuscular junctions. Using single chain antibodies that recognize different heparan sulfate modification patterns, we show in vivo that these two heparan sulfate epitopes are carried by the SDN-1 core protein, the unique C. elegans syndecan orthologue, at neuromuscular junctions. Intriguingly, these antibodies differentially bind to excitatory and inhibitory synapses, implying unique heparan sulfate modification patterns at different neuromuscular junctions. Moreover, while most enzymes are individually dispensable for proper organization of neuromuscular junctions, we show that 3-O-sulfation of SDN-1 is required to maintain wild-type levels of the extracellular matrix protein MADD-4/Punctin, a central synaptic organizer that defines the identity of excitatory and inhibitory synaptic domains at the plasma membrane of muscle cells.

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