scholarly journals A Novel Combined Scientific and Artistic Approach for the Advanced Characterization of Interactomes: The Akirin/Subolesin Model

Vaccines ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 8 (1) ◽  
pp. 77 ◽  
Author(s):  
Sara Artigas-Jerónimo ◽  
Juan Pastor Comín ◽  
Margarita Villar ◽  
Marinela Contreras ◽  
Pilar Alberdi ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Protein Interactions ◽  
Functional Characterization ◽  
Advanced Characterization ◽  
Research Area ◽  
Dependent Manner ◽  
Biological Processes ◽  
Visual Artists ◽  
Protective Antigens ◽  
Specific Regulation

The main objective of this study was to propose a novel methodology to approach challenges in molecular biology. Akirin/Subolesin (AKR/SUB) are vaccine protective antigens and are a model for the study of the interactome due to its conserved function in the regulation of different biological processes such as immunity and development throughout the metazoan. Herein, three visual artists and a music professor collaborated with scientists for the functional characterization of the AKR2 interactome in the regulation of the NF-κB pathway in human placenta cells. The results served as a methodological proof-of-concept to advance this research area. The results showed new perspectives on unexplored characteristics of AKR2 with functional implications. These results included protein dimerization, the physical interactions with different proteins simultaneously to regulate various biological processes defined by cell type-specific AKR–protein interactions, and how these interactions positively or negatively regulate the nuclear factor kappa-light-chain-enhancer of activated B cells (NF-κB) signaling pathway in a biological context-dependent manner. These results suggested that AKR2-interacting proteins might constitute suitable secondary transcription factors for cell- and stimulus-specific regulation of NF-κB. Musical perspective supported AKR/SUB evolutionary conservation in different species and provided new mechanistic insights into the AKR2 interactome. The combined scientific and artistic perspectives resulted in a multidisciplinary approach, advancing our knowledge on AKR/SUB interactome, and provided new insights into the function of AKR2–protein interactions in the regulation of the NF-κB pathway. Additionally, herein we proposed an algorithm for quantum vaccinomics by focusing on the model proteins AKR/SUB.

scholarly journals Molecular and Functional Characterization of a ToxR-Regulated Lipoprotein from a Clinical Isolate of Aeromonas hydrophila

2006 ◽  
Vol 74 (7) ◽  
pp. 3742-3755 ◽  
Author(s):  
Lakshmi Pillai ◽  
Jian Sha ◽  
Tatiana E. Erova ◽  
Amin A. Fadl ◽  
Bijay K. Khajanchi ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Virulence Factor ◽  
Aeromonas Hydrophila ◽  
Functional Characterization ◽  
Affinity Column ◽  
Serum Resistance ◽  
Classical Pathway ◽  
Dependent Manner ◽  
T7 Promoter

ABSTRACT Human diseases caused by species of Aeromonas have been classified into two major groups: septicemia and gastroenteritis. In this study, we reported the molecular and functional characterization of a new virulence factor, ToxR-regulated lipoprotein, or TagA, from a diarrheal isolate, SSU, of Aeromonas hydrophila. The tagA gene of A. hydrophila exhibited 60% identity with that of a recently identified stcE gene from Escherichia coli O157:H7, which encoded a protein (StcE) that provided serum resistance to the bacterium and prevented erythrocyte lysis by controlling classical pathway of complement activation by cleaving the complement C1-esterase inhibitor (C1-INH). We purified A. hydrophila TagA as a histidine-tagged fusion protein (rTagA) from E. coli DE3 strain using a T7 promoter-based pET30 expression vector and nickel affinity column chromatography. rTagA cleaved C1-INH in a time-dependent manner. The tagA isogenic mutant of A. hydrophila, unlike its corresponding wild-type (WT) or the complemented strain, was unable to cleave C1-INH, which is required to potentiate the C1-INH-mediated lysis of host and bacterial cells. We indeed demonstrated colocalization of C1-INH and TagA on the bacterial surface by confocal fluorescence microscopy, which ultimately resulted in increased serum resistance of the WT bacterium. Likewise, we delineated the role of TagA in contributing to the enhanced ability of C1-INH to inhibit the classical complement-mediated lysis of erythrocytes. Importantly, we provided evidence that the tagA mutant was significantly less virulent in a mouse model of infection (60%) than the WT bacterium at two 50% lethal doses, which resulted in 100% mortality within 48 h. Taken together, our data provided new information on the role of TagA as a virulence factor in bacterial pathogenesis. This is the first report of TagA characterization from any species of Aeromonas.

Functional analysis of a stable transcription arrest site in the first intron of the murine adenosine deaminase gene

1993 ◽  
Vol 13 (5) ◽  
pp. 2718-2729
Author(s):  
S F Kash ◽  
J W Innis ◽  
A U Jackson ◽  
R E Kellems
Keyword(s):  
Rna Polymerase Ii ◽  
Adenosine Deaminase ◽  
Functional Characterization ◽  
Gel Filtration ◽  
Point Mutations ◽  
Elongation Factor ◽  
Dependent Manner ◽  
First Intron ◽  
Intron 1

Transcription arrest plays a role in regulating the expression of a number of genes, including the murine adenosine deaminase (ADA) gene. We have previously identified two prominent arrest sites at the 5' end of the ADA gene: one in the first exon and one in the first intron (J. W. Innis and R. E. Kellems, Mol. Cell. Biol. 11:5398-5409, 1991). Here we report the functional characterization of the intron 1 arrest site, located 137 to 145 nucleotides downstream of the cap site. We have determined, using gel filtration, that the intron 1 arrest site is a stable RNA polymerase II pause site and that the transcription elongation factor SII promotes read-through at this site. Additionally, the sequence determinants for the pause are located within a 37-bp fragment encompassing this site (+123 to +158) and can direct transcription arrest in an orientation-dependent manner in the context of the ADA and adenovirus major late promoters. Specific point mutations in this region increase or decrease the relative pausing efficiency. We also show that the sequence determinants for transcription arrest can function when placed an additional 104 bp downstream of their natural position.

scholarly journals Functional Characterization of a Na+-Coupled Dicarboxylate Carrier Protein from Staphylococcus aureus

2005 ◽  
Vol 187 (15) ◽  
pp. 5189-5194 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jason A. Hall ◽  
Ana M. Pajor
Keyword(s):  
Staphylococcus Aureus ◽  
Structural Analysis ◽  
Transport Properties ◽  
Sequence Homology ◽  
Cytoplasmic Membrane ◽  
Functional Characterization ◽  
Carrier Protein ◽  
Dependent Manner ◽  
Reaction Sequence

ABSTRACT We have cloned and functionally characterized a Na+-coupled dicarboxylate transporter, SdcS, from Staphylococcus aureus. This carrier protein is a member of the divalent anion/Na+ symporter (DASS) family and shares significant sequence homology with the mammalian Na+/dicarboxylate cotransporters NaDC-1 and NaDC-3. Analysis of SdcS function indicates transport properties consistent with those of its eukaryotic counterparts. Thus, SdcS facilitates the transport of the dicarboxylates fumarate, malate, and succinate across the cytoplasmic membrane in a Na+-dependent manner. Furthermore, kinetic work predicts an ordered reaction sequence with Na+ (K 0.5 of 2.7 mM) binding before dicarboxylate (Km of 4.5 μM). Because this transporter and its mammalian homologs are functionally similar, we suggest that SdcS may serve as a useful model for DASS family structural analysis.

New GroEL-like chaperonin of bacteriophage OBP Pseudomonas fluorescens suppresses thermal protein aggregation in an ATP-dependent manner

2016 ◽  
Vol 473 (15) ◽  
pp. 2383-2393 ◽  
Author(s):  
Pavel I. Semenyuk ◽  
Victor N. Orlov ◽  
Olga S. Sokolova ◽  
Lidia P. Kurochkina
Keyword(s):  
Pseudomonas Fluorescens ◽  
Functional Characterization ◽  
Dependent Manner ◽  
Double Ring ◽  
Protein Inactivation ◽  
Electron Microscopy Analysis ◽  
Microscopy Analysis ◽  
Ring Architecture

Recently, we discovered and studied the first virus-encoded chaperonin of bacteriophage EL Pseudomonas aeruginosa, gene product (gp) 146. In the present study, we performed bioinformatics analysis of currently predicted GroEL-like proteins encoded by phage genomes in comparison with cellular and mitochondrial chaperonins. Putative phage chaperonins share a low similarity and do not form a monophyletic group; nevertheless, they are closer to bacterial chaperonins in the phylogenetic tree. Experimental investigation of putative GroEL-like chaperonin proteins has been continued by physicochemical and functional characterization of gp246 encoded by the genome of Pseudomonas fluorescens bacteriophage OBP. Unlike the more usual double-ring architecture of chaperonins, including the EL gp146, the recombinant gp246 produced by Escherichia coli cells has been purified as a single heptameric ring. It possesses ATPase activity and does not require a co-chaperonin for its function. In vitro experiments demonstrated that gp246 is able to suppress the thermal protein inactivation and aggregation in an ATP-dependent manner, thus indicating chaperonin function. Single-particle electron microscopy analysis revealed the different conformational states of OBP chaperonin, depending on the bound nucleotide.

Molecular and functional characterization of a Taenia adhesion gene family (TAF) encoding potential protective antigens of Taenia saginata oncospheres

2006 ◽  
Vol 100 (3) ◽  
pp. 519-528 ◽  
Author(s):  
Luis Miguel Gonzalez ◽  
Pedro Bonay ◽  
Laura Benitez ◽  
Elizabeth Ferrer ◽  
Leslie J. S. Harrison ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Gene Family ◽  
Functional Characterization ◽  
Taenia Saginata ◽  
Protective Antigens

scholarly journals Functional Requirement of Noncoding Y RNAs for Human Chromosomal DNA Replication

2006 ◽  
Vol 26 (18) ◽  
pp. 6993-7004 ◽  
Author(s):  
Christo P. Christov ◽  
Timothy J. Gardiner ◽  
Dávid Szüts ◽  
Torsten Krude
Keyword(s):  
Dna Replication ◽  
Functional Characterization ◽  
Noncoding Rnas ◽  
Biological Processes ◽  
Replication Forks ◽  
Chromosomal Dna ◽  
Free System ◽  
Specific Degradation

ABSTRACT Noncoding RNAs are recognized increasingly as important regulators of fundamental biological processes, such as gene expression and development, in eukaryotes. We report here the identification and functional characterization of the small noncoding human Y RNAs (hY RNAs) as novel factors for chromosomal DNA replication in a human cell-free system. In addition to protein fractions, hY RNAs are essential for the establishment of active chromosomal DNA replication forks in template nuclei isolated from late-G1-phase human cells. Specific degradation of hY RNAs leads to the inhibition of semiconservative DNA replication in late-G1-phase template nuclei. This inhibition is negated by resupplementation of hY RNAs. All four hY RNAs (hY1, hY3, hY4, and hY5) can functionally substitute for each other in this system. Mutagenesis of hY1 RNA showed that the binding site for Ro60 protein, which is required for Ro RNP assembly, is not essential for DNA replication. Degradation of hY1 RNA in asynchronously proliferating HeLa cells by RNA interference reduced the percentages of cells incorporating bromodeoxyuridine in vivo. These experiments implicate a functional role for hY RNAs in human chromosomal DNA replication.

scholarly journals Data-independent acquisition mass spectrometry enables reproducible characterization of microbiota function

2018 ◽  
Author(s):  
Juhani Aakko ◽  
Sami Pietilä ◽  
Tomi Suomi ◽  
Mehrad Mahmoudian ◽  
Raine Toivonen ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Mass Spectrometry ◽  
Dynamic Range ◽  
Functional Characterization ◽  
Research Area ◽  
Microbial Composition ◽  
Complex Samples ◽  
Data Independent Acquisition ◽  
Novel Approach ◽  
Open Source Software Package

AbstractMetaproteomics is an emerging research area which aims to reveal the functionality of microbial communities – unlike the increasingly popular metagenomics providing insights only on the functional potential. So far, the common approach in metaproteomics has been data-dependent acquisition mass spectrometry (DDA). However, DDA is known to have limited reproducibility and dynamic range with samples of complex microbial composition. To overcome these limitations, we introduce here a novel approach utilizing data-independent acquisition (DIA) mass spectrometry, which has not been applied in metaproteomics of complex samples before. For robust analysis of the data, we introduce an open-source software package diatools, which is freely available at Docker Hub and runs on various operating systems. Our highly reproducible results on laboratory-assembled microbial mixtures and human fecal samples support the utility of our approach for functional characterization of complex microbiota. Hence, the approach is expected to dramatically improve our understanding on the role of microbiota in health and disease.

scholarly journals Cryo-EM structure of human type-3 inositol triphosphate receptor reveals the presence of a self-binding peptide that acts as an antagonist

2020 ◽  
Vol 295 (6) ◽  
pp. 1743-1753 ◽  
Author(s):  
Caleigh M. Azumaya ◽  
Emily A. Linton ◽  
Caitlin J. Risener ◽  
Terunaga Nakagawa ◽  
Erkan Karakas
Keyword(s):  
Calcium Signaling ◽  
Metabolic Diseases ◽  
Inositol Triphosphate ◽  
Biological Processes ◽  
Human Type ◽  
Physiological Processes ◽  
Molecular Determinant ◽  
Specific Regulation ◽  
Type 3

Calcium-mediated signaling through inositol 1,4,5-triphosphate receptors (IP3Rs) is essential for the regulation of numerous physiological processes, including fertilization, muscle contraction, apoptosis, secretion, and synaptic plasticity. Deregulation of IP3Rs leads to pathological calcium signaling and is implicated in many common diseases, including cancer and neurodegenerative, autoimmune, and metabolic diseases. Revealing the mechanism of activation and inhibition of this ion channel will be critical to an improved understanding of the biological processes that are controlled by IP3Rs. Here, we report structural findings of the human type-3 IP3R (IP3R-3) obtained by cryo-EM (at an overall resolution of 3.8 Å), revealing an unanticipated regulatory mechanism where a loop distantly located in the primary sequence occupies the IP3-binding site and competitively inhibits IP3 binding. We propose that this inhibitory mechanism must differ qualitatively among IP3R subtypes because of their diverse loop sequences, potentially serving as a key molecular determinant of subtype-specific calcium signaling in IP3Rs. In summary, our structural characterization of human IP3R-3 provides critical insights into the mechanistic function of IP3Rs and into subtype-specific regulation of these important calcium-regulatory channels.

scholarly journals Structural and functional characterization of Rpn12 identifies residues required for Rpn10 proteasome incorporation

2012 ◽  
Vol 448 (1) ◽  
pp. 55-65 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jonas Boehringer ◽  
Christiane Riedinger ◽  
Konstantinos Paraskevopoulos ◽  
Eachan O. D. Johnson ◽  
Edward D. Lowe ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Protein Interactions ◽  
Functional Characterization ◽  
Ubiquitin Proteasome System ◽  
26S Proteasome ◽  
Structural Motif ◽  
Protein Protein Interactions ◽  
Ubiquitin Proteasome

The ubiquitin–proteasome system targets selected proteins for degradation by the 26S proteasome. Rpn12 is an essential component of the 19S regulatory particle and plays a role in recruiting the extrinsic ubiquitin receptor Rpn10. In the present paper we report the crystal structure of Rpn12, a proteasomal PCI-domain-containing protein. The structure helps to define a core structural motif for the PCI domain and identifies potential sites through which Rpn12 might form protein–protein interactions. We demonstrate that mutating residues at one of these sites impairs Rpn12 binding to Rpn10 in vitro and reduces Rpn10 incorporation into proteasomes in vivo.

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