scholarly journals Site-Specific Proteasome Inhibitors

Biomolecules ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 12 (1) ◽  
pp. 54
Author(s):  
Alexei F. Kisselev

Proteasome is a multi-subunit protein degradation machine, which plays a key role in the maintenance of protein homeostasis and, through degradation of regulatory proteins, in the regulation of numerous cell functions. Proteasome inhibitors are essential tools for biomedical research. Three proteasome inhibitors, bortezomib, carfilzomib, and ixazomib are approved by the FDA for the treatment of multiple myeloma; another inhibitor, marizomib, is undergoing clinical trials. The proteolytic core of the proteasome has three pairs of active sites, β5, β2, and β1. All clinical inhibitors and inhibitors that are widely used as research tools (e.g., epoxomicin, MG-132) inhibit multiple active sites and have been extensively reviewed in the past. In the past decade, highly specific inhibitors of individual active sites and the distinct active sites of the lymphoid tissue-specific immunoproteasome have been developed. Here, we provide a comprehensive review of these site-specific inhibitors of mammalian proteasomes and describe their utilization in the studies of the biology of the active sites and their roles as drug targets for the treatment of different diseases.

Author(s):  
Beth Burnside

The vertebrate photoreceptor provides a drammatic example of cell polarization. Specialized to carry out phototransduction at its distal end and to synapse with retinal interneurons at its proximal end, this long slender cell has a uniquely polarized morphology which is reflected in a similarly polarized cytoskeleton. Membranes bearing photopigment are localized in the outer segment, a modified sensory cilium. Sodium pumps which maintain the dark current critical to photosensory transduction are anchored along the inner segment plasma membrane between the outer segment and the nucleus.Proximal to the nucleus is a slender axon terminating in specialized invaginating synapses with other neurons of the retina. Though photoreceptor diameter is only 3-8u, its length from the tip of the outer segment to the synapse may be as great as 200μ. This peculiar linear cell morphology poses special logistical problems and has evoked interesting solutions for numerous cell functions. For example, the outer segment membranes turn over by means of a unique mechanism in which new disks are continuously added at the proximal base of the outer segment, while effete disks are discarded at the tip and phagocytosed by the retinal pigment epithelium. Outer segment proteins are synthesized in the Golgi near the nucleus and must be transported north through the inner segment to their sites of assembly into the outer segment, while synaptic proteins must be transported south through the axon to the synapse.The role of the cytoskeleton in photoreceptor motile processes is being intensely investigated in several laboratories.


Author(s):  
Rajnee Hasan ◽  
Md. Nazmul Haq Rony ◽  
Rasel Ahmed

Abstract Background The M4 family of metalloproteases is comprised of a large number of zinc-containing metalloproteases. A large number of these enzymes are important virulence factors of pathogenic bacteria and therefore potential drug targets. Whereas some enzymes have potential for biotechnological applications, the M4 family of metalloproteases is known almost exclusively from bacteria. The aim of the study was to identify the structure and properties of M4 metalloprotease proteins. Results A total of 31 protein sequences of M4 metalloprotease retrieved from UniProt representing different species of bacteria have been characterized for various physiochemical properties. They were thermostable, hydrophillic protein of a molecular mass ranging from 38 to 66 KDa. Correlation on the basis of both enzymes and respective genes has also been studied by phylogenetic tree. B. cereus M4 metalloprotease (PDB ID: 1NPC) was selected as a representative species for secondary and tertiary structures among the M4 metalloprotease proteins. The secondary structure displaying 11 helices (H1-H11) is involved in 15 helix-helix interactions, while 4 β-sheet motifs composed of 15 β-strands in PDBsum. Possible disulfide bridges were absent in most of the cases. The tertiary structure of B. cereus M4 metalloprotease was validated by QMEAN4 and SAVES server (Ramachandran plot, verify 3D, and ERRAT) which proved the stability, reliability, and consistency of the tertiary structure of the protein. Functional analysis was done in terms of membrane protein topology, disease-causing region prediction, proteolytic cleavage sites prediction, and network generation. Transmembrane helix prediction showed absence of transmembrane helix in protein. Protein-protein interaction networks demonstrated that bacillolysin of B. cereus interacted with ten other proteins in a high confidence score. Five disorder regions were identified. Active sites analysis showed the zinc-binding residues—His-143, His-147, and Glu-167, with Glu-144 acting as the catalytic residues. Conclusion Moreover, this theoretical overview will help researchers to get a details idea about the protein structure and it may also help to design enzymes with desirable characteristics for exploiting them at industrial level or potential drug targets.


Hemato ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 2 (2) ◽  
pp. 167-181
Author(s):  
Marie Thérèse Rubio ◽  
Adèle Dhuyser ◽  
Stéphanie Nguyen

Myeloma tumor cells are particularly dependent on their microenvironment and sensitive to cellular antitumor immune response, including natural killer (NK) cells. These later are essential innate lymphocytes implicated in the control of viral infections and cancers. Their cytotoxic activity is regulated by a balance between activating and inhibitory signals resulting from the complex interaction of surface receptors and their respective ligands. Myeloma disease evolution is associated with a progressive alteration of NK cell number, phenotype and cytotoxic functions. We review here the different therapeutic approaches that could restore or enhance NK cell functions in multiple myeloma. First, conventional treatments (immunomodulatory drugs-IMids and proteasome inhibitors) can enhance NK killing of tumor cells by modulating the expression of NK receptors and their corresponding ligands on NK and myeloma cells, respectively. Because of their ability to kill by antibody-dependent cell cytotoxicity, NK cells are important effectors involved in the efficacy of anti-myeloma monoclonal antibodies targeting the tumor antigens CD38, CS1 or BCMA. These complementary mechanisms support the more recent therapeutic combination of IMids or proteasome inhibitors to monoclonal antibodies. We finally discuss the ongoing development of new NK cell-based immunotherapies, such as ex vivo expanded killer cell immunoglobulin-like receptors (KIR)-mismatched NK cells, chimeric antigen receptors (CAR)-NK cells, check point and KIR inhibitors.


2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Zhihao Fang ◽  
Yiqiu Hu ◽  
Jinhui Hu ◽  
Yanqin Huang ◽  
Shu Zheng ◽  
...  

AbstractAs the predominant modification in RNA, N6-methyladenosine (m6A) has attracted increasing attention in the past few years since it plays vital roles in many biological processes. This chemical modification is dynamic, reversible and regulated by several methyltransferases, demethylases and proteins that recognize m6A modification. M6A modification exists in messenger RNA and affects their splicing, nuclear export, stability, decay, and translation, thereby modulating gene expression. Besides, the existence of m6A in noncoding RNAs (ncRNAs) could also directly or indirectly regulated gene expression. Colorectal cancer (CRC) is a common cancer around the world and of high mortality. Increasing evidence have shown that the changes of m6A level and the dysregulation of m6A regulatory proteins have been implicated in CRC carcinogenesis and progression. However, the underlying regulation laws of m6A modification to CRC remain elusive and better understanding of these mechanisms will benefit the diagnosis and therapy. In the present review, the latest studies about the dysregulation of m6A and its regulators in CRC have been summarized. We will focus on the crucial roles of m6A modification in the carcinogenesis and development of CRC. Moreover, we will also discuss the potential applications of m6A modification in CRC diagnosis and therapeutics.


Antioxidants ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 10 (8) ◽  
pp. 1244
Author(s):  
Se-Jin Jeong ◽  
Jong-Gil Park ◽  
Goo Taeg Oh

Increased oxidative stress (OS) is considered a common etiology in the pathogenesis of cardiovascular disease (CVD). Therefore, the precise regulation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) in cardiovascular cells is essential to maintain normal physiological functions. Numerous regulators of cellular homeostasis are reportedly influenced by ROS. Hydrogen peroxide (H2O2), as an endogenous ROS in aerobic cells, is a toxic substance that can induce OS. However, many studies conducted over the past two decades have provided substantial evidence that H2O2 acts as a diffusible intracellular signaling messenger. Antioxidant enzymes, including superoxide dismutases, catalase, glutathione peroxidases, and peroxiredoxins (Prdxs), maintain the balance of ROS levels against augmentation of ROS production during the pathogenesis of CVD. Especially, Prdxs are regulatory sensors of transduced intracellular signals. The intracellular abundance of Prdxs that specifically react with H2O2 act as regulatory proteins. In this review, we focus on the role of Prdxs in the regulation of ROS-induced pathological changes in the development of CVD.


2013 ◽  
Vol 23 ◽  
pp. 47-54 ◽  
Author(s):  
Gascia Ouzounian

This article introduces examples of recent sound art in Belfast, a city that has undergone radical transformation over the past decade and is home to a burgeoning community of sound artists. The text investigates the ways in which sonic art can redraw boundaries in a city historically marked by myriad political, socioeconomic, religious and sectarian divisions. The article focuses on sound works that reimagine a “post-conflict” Belfast. These include site-specific sound installations in urban and public spaces, soundwalks, sculptures, locative and online works, and experimental sonic performances that draw upon traditional Irish song and music.


2013 ◽  
Vol 7 ◽  
pp. BBI.S12449 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ajit K. Sharma ◽  
Abhilasha Mansukh ◽  
Ashok Varma ◽  
Nikhil Gadewal ◽  
Sanjay Gupta

Histone modifications occur in precise patterns, with several modifications known to affect the binding of proteins. These interactions affect the chromatin structure, gene regulation, and cell cycle events. The dual modifications on the H3 tail, serine10 phosphorylation, and lysine14 acetylation (H3Ser10PLys14Ac) are reported to be crucial for interaction with 14-3-3ζ. However, the mechanism by which H3Ser10P along with neighboring site-specific acetylation(s) is targeted by its regulatory proteins, including kinase and phosphatase, is not fully understood. We carried out molecular modeling studies to understand the interaction of 14-3-3ζ, and its regulatory proteins, mitogen-activated protein kinase phosphatase-1 (MKP1), and mitogen- and stress-activated protein kinase-1 (MSK1) with phosphorylated H3Ser10 alone or in combination with acetylated H3Lys9 and Lys14. In silico molecular association studies suggested that acetylated Lys14 and phosphorylated Ser10 of H3 shows the highest binding affinity towards 14-3-3ζ. In addition, acetylation of H3Lys9 along with Ser10PLys14Ac favors the interaction of the phosphatase, MKP1, for dephosphorylation of H3Ser10P. Further, MAP kinase, MSK1 phosphorylates the unmodified H3Ser10 containing N-terminal tail with maximum affinity compared to the N-terminal tail with H3Lys9AcLys14Ac. The data clearly suggest that opposing enzymatic activity of MSK1 and MKP1 corroborates with non-acetylated and acetylated, H3Lys9Lys14, respectively. Our in silico data highlights that site-specific phosphorylation (H3Ser10P) and acetylation (H3Lys9 and H3Lys14) of H3 are essential for the interaction with their regulatory proteins (MKP1, MSK1, and 14-3-3ζ) and plays a major role in the regulation of chromatin structure.


Microbiology ◽  
2014 ◽  
Vol 160 (12) ◽  
pp. 2745-2754 ◽  
Author(s):  
Alistair J. Standish ◽  
Jonathan J. Whittall ◽  
Renato Morona

Tyrosine phosphorylation has long been recognized as a crucial post-translational regulatory mechanism in eukaryotes. However, only in the past decade has recognition been given to the crucial importance of bacterial tyrosine phosphorylation as an important regulatory feature of pathogenesis. This study describes the effect of tyrosine phosphorylation on the activity of a major virulence factor of the pneumococcus, the autolysin LytA, and a possible connection to the Streptococcus pneumoniae capsule synthesis regulatory proteins (CpsB, CpsC and CpsD). We show that in vitro pneumococcal tyrosine kinase, CpsD, and the protein tyrosine phosphatase, CpsB, act to phosphorylate and dephosphorylate LytA. Furthermore, this modulates LytA function in vitro with phosphorylated LytA binding more strongly to the choline analogue DEAE. A phospho-mimetic (Y264E) mutation of the LytA phosphorylation site displayed similar phenotypes as well as an enhanced dimerization capacity. Similarly, tyrosine phosphorylation increased LytA amidase activity, as evidenced by a turbidometric amidase activity assay. Similarly, when the phospho-mimetic mutation was introduced in the chromosomal lytA of S. pneumoniae, autolysis occurred earlier and at an enhanced rate. This study thus describes, to our knowledge, the first functional regulatory effect of tyrosine phosphorylation on a non-capsule-related protein in the pneumococcus, and suggests a link between the regulation of LytA-dependent autolysis of the cell and the biosynthesis of capsular polysaccharide.


eLife ◽  
2015 ◽  
Vol 4 ◽  
Author(s):  
Peter Tsvetkov ◽  
Marc L Mendillo ◽  
Jinghui Zhao ◽  
Jan E Carette ◽  
Parker H Merrill ◽  
...  

Proteasomes are central regulators of protein homeostasis in eukaryotes. Proteasome function is vulnerable to environmental insults, cellular protein imbalance and targeted pharmaceuticals. Yet, mechanisms that cells deploy to counteract inhibition of this central regulator are little understood. To find such mechanisms, we reduced flux through the proteasome to the point of toxicity with specific inhibitors and performed genome-wide screens for mutations that allowed cells to survive. Counter to expectation, reducing expression of individual subunits of the proteasome's 19S regulatory complex increased survival. Strong 19S reduction was cytotoxic but modest reduction protected cells from inhibitors. Protection was accompanied by an increased ratio of 20S to 26S proteasomes, preservation of protein degradation capacity and reduced proteotoxic stress. While compromise of 19S function can have a fitness cost under basal conditions, it provided a powerful survival advantage when proteasome function was impaired. This means of rebalancing proteostasis is conserved from yeast to humans.


2021 ◽  
Vol 10 (2) ◽  
pp. 60
Author(s):  
Sylvia Frisancho-Kiss

During the past decades, populous expansion in mast cell scientific literature came forth with more, than forty-four thousand PubMed publications available to date. Such surge is due to the appreciation of the momentous role of mast cells in the evolution of species, in the development and maintenance of vital physiological functions, such as reproduction, homeostasis, and fluids, diverse immunological roles, and the potential of far-reaching effects despite minute numbers. While the emerging knowledge of the importance of mast cells in equilibrium comes of age when looking at the matter from an evolutionary perspective, the recognition of mast cells beyond detrimental performance in allergies and asthma, during protection against parasites, falters. Beyond well known classical functions, mast cells can process and present antigens,can serve as a viral reservoir, can respond to hormones and xenobiotics,initiate antiviral and antibacterial responses, phagocytosis, apoptosis, and participate in important developmental cornerstones. During evolution,upon the development of a sophisticated niche of innate and adaptive cell populations, certain mast cell functions became partially transmutable,yet the potency of mast cells remained considerable. Reviewing mast cells enables us to reflect on the certitude, that our sophisticated, complex physiology is rooted deeply in evolution, which we carry ancient remnants of, ones that may have decisive roles in our functioning. This communication sets out the goal of characterizing mast cells, particularly the aspects less in limelight yet of immense significance, without the aspiration exhaust it all.


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