scholarly journals Detection Limit for Optically Sensing Specific Protein Interactions in Free-solution

2017 ◽  
Author(s):  
Harish Sasikumar ◽  
Manoj M. Varma

Optical molecular sensing techniques are often limited by the refractive index change associated with the probed interactions. In this work, we present a closed form analytical model to estimate the magnitude of optical refractive index change arising from protein-protein interactions. The model, based on the Maxwell Garnett effective medium theory and first order chemical kinetics serves as a general framework for estimating the detection limits of optical sensing of molecular interactions. The model is applicable to situations where one interacting species is immobilized to a surface, as commonly done, or to emerging techniques such as Back-Scattering Interferometry (BSI) where both interacting species are un-tethered. Our findings from this model point to the strong role of as yet unidentified factors in the origin of the BSI signal resulting in significant deviation from linear optical response. <br>

2017 ◽  
Author(s):  
Harish Sasikumar ◽  
Manoj M. Varma

Optical molecular sensing techniques are often limited by the refractive index change associated with the probed interactions. In this work, we present a closed form analytical model to estimate the magnitude of optical refractive index change arising from protein-protein interactions. The model, based on the Maxwell Garnett effective medium theory and first order chemical kinetics serves as a general framework for estimating the detection limits of optical sensing of molecular interactions. The model is applicable to situations where one interacting species is immobilized to a surface, as commonly done, or to emerging techniques such as Back-Scattering Interferometry (BSI) where both interacting species are un-tethered. Our findings from this model point to the strong role of as yet unidentified factors in the origin of the BSI signal resulting in significant deviation from linear optical response. <br>


2018 ◽  
Vol 25 (1) ◽  
pp. 5-21 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ylenia Cau ◽  
Daniela Valensin ◽  
Mattia Mori ◽  
Sara Draghi ◽  
Maurizio Botta

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.


2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Nikolaj Riis Christensen ◽  
Christian Parsbæk Pedersen ◽  
Vita Sereikaite ◽  
Jannik Nedergaard Pedersen ◽  
Maria Vistrup-Parry ◽  
...  

SUMMARYThe organization of the postsynaptic density (PSD), a protein-dense semi-membraneless organelle, is mediated by numerous specific protein-protein interactions (PPIs) which constitute a functional post-synapse. Postsynaptic density protein 95 (PSD-95) interacts with a manifold of proteins, including the C-terminal of transmembrane AMPA receptor (AMAPR) regulatory proteins (TARPs). Here, we uncover the minimal essential peptide responsible for the stargazin (TARP-γ2) mediated liquid-liquid phase separation (LLPS) formation of PSD-95 and other key protein constituents of the PSD. Furthermore, we find that pharmacological inhibitors of PSD-95 can facilitate formation of LLPS. We found that in some cases LLPS formation is dependent on multivalent interactions while in other cases short peptides carrying a high charge are sufficient to promote LLPS in complex systems. This study offers a new perspective on PSD-95 interactions and their role in LLPS formation, while also considering the role of affinity over multivalency in LLPS systems.


Inorganics ◽  
2019 ◽  
Vol 7 (7) ◽  
pp. 85 ◽  
Author(s):  
Yap Shing Nim ◽  
Kam-Bo Wong

Maturation of urease involves post-translational insertion of nickel ions to form an active site with a carbamylated lysine ligand and is assisted by urease accessory proteins UreD, UreE, UreF and UreG. Here, we review our current understandings on how these urease accessory proteins facilitate the urease maturation. The urease maturation pathway involves the transfer of Ni2+ from UreE → UreG → UreF/UreD → urease. To avoid the release of the toxic metal to the cytoplasm, Ni2+ is transferred from one urease accessory protein to another through specific protein–protein interactions. One central theme depicts the role of guanosine triphosphate (GTP) binding/hydrolysis in regulating the binding/release of nickel ions and the formation of the protein complexes. The urease and [NiFe]-hydrogenase maturation pathways cross-talk with each other as UreE receives Ni2+ from hydrogenase maturation factor HypA. Finally, the druggability of the urease maturation pathway is reviewed.


1995 ◽  
Vol 15 (10) ◽  
pp. 5214-5225 ◽  
Author(s):  
A D Catling ◽  
H J Schaeffer ◽  
C W Reuter ◽  
G R Reddy ◽  
M J Weber

Mammalian MEK1 and MEK2 contain a proline-rich (PR) sequence that is absent both from the yeast homologs Ste7 and Byr1 and from a recently cloned activator of the JNK/stress-activated protein kinases, SEK1/MKK4. Since this PR sequence occurs in MEKs that are regulated by Raf family enzymes but is missing from MEKs and SEKs activated independently of Raf, we sought to investigate the role of this sequence in MEK1 and MEK2 regulation and function. Deletion of the PR sequence from MEK1 blocked the ability of MEK1 to associate with members of the Raf family and markedly attenuated activation of the protein in vivo following growth factor stimulation. In addition, this sequence was necessary for efficient activation of MEK1 in vitro by B-Raf but dispensable for activation by a novel MEK1 activator which we have previously detected in fractionated fibroblast extracts. Furthermore, we found that a phosphorylation site within the PR sequence of MEK1 was required for sustained MEK1 activity in response to serum stimulation of quiescent fibroblasts. Consistent with this observation, we observed that MEK2, which lacks a phosphorylation site at the corresponding position, was activated only transiently following serum stimulation. Finally, we found that deletion of the PR sequence from a constitutively activated MEK1 mutant rendered the protein nontransforming in Rat1 fibroblasts. These observations indicate a critical role for the PR sequence in directing specific protein-protein interactions important for the activation, inactivation, and downstream functioning of the MEKs.


2019 ◽  
Vol 19 (7) ◽  
pp. 555-564 ◽  
Author(s):  
Mayasah Y. Al-Nema ◽  
Anand Gaurav

Background: Phosphodiesterases (PDEs) are enzymes that play a key role in terminating cyclic nucleotides signalling by catalysing the hydrolysis of 3’, 5’- cyclic adenosine monophosphate (cAMP) and/or 3’, 5’ cyclic guanosine monophosphate (cGMP), the second messengers within the cell that transport the signals produced by extracellular signalling molecules which are unable to get into the cells. However, PDEs are proteins which do not operate alone but in complexes that made up of a many proteins. Objective: This review highlights some of the general characteristics of PDEs and focuses mainly on the Protein-Protein Interactions (PPIs) of selected PDE enzymes. The objective is to review the role of PPIs in the specific mechanism for activation and thereby regulation of certain biological functions of PDEs. Methods: Methods The article discusses some of the PPIs of selected PDEs as reported in recent scientific literature. These interactions are critical for understanding the biological role of the target PDE. Results: The PPIs have shown that each PDE has a specific mechanism for activation and thereby regulation a certain biological function. Conclusion: Targeting of PDEs to specific regions of the cell is based on the interaction with other proteins where each PDE enzyme binds with specific protein(s) via PPIs.


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