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Proteolytic Processing (proteolytic + processing)
Selected AbstractsProteolytic processing of the receptor-type protein tyrosine phosphatase PTPBR7FEBS JOURNAL, Issue 1 2007Gönül Dilaver The single-copy mouse gene Ptprr gives rise to different protein tyrosine phosphatase (PTP) isoforms in neuronal cells through the use of distinct promoters, alternative splicing, and multiple translation initiation sites. Here, we examined the array of post-translational modifications imposed on the PTPRR protein isoforms PTPBR7, PTP-SL, PTPPBS,42 and PTPPBS,37, which have distinct N-terminal segments and localize to different parts of the cell. All isoforms were found to be short-lived, constitutively phosphorylated proteins. In addition, the transmembrane isoform, PTPBR7, was subject to N-terminal proteolytic processing, in between amino acid position 136 and 137, resulting in an additional, 65-kDa transmembrane PTPRR isoform. Unlike for some other receptor-type PTPs, the proteolytically produced N-terminal ectodomain does not remain associated with this PTPRR-65. Shedding of PTPBR7-derived polypeptides at the cell surface further adds to the molecular complexity of PTPRR biology. [source] Structural Investigation of the HIV-1 Envelope Glycoprotein gp160 Cleavage Site 3: Role of Site-Specific Mutations,CHEMBIOCHEM, Issue 12 2004Lucia Falcigno Dr. Abstract Proteolytic processing of HIV gp160 to produce gp120 and gp41 is performed by PC enzymes. This process is a prerequisite for the virus infectivity, since both gp120 and gp41 participate in the virus HIV-1 entry mechanism. The structure of the gp120/gp41 junction remains to be elucidated, and the structural features required for molecular recognition between HIV-1 gp160 and proteolytic enzymes have not been clarified. Furin is the best PC candidate for the gp160 proteolytic processing known to date. In previous studies on model peptides, we have shown the relevance of an N-terminal helix for the proper recognition of the gp160 processing site by furin. Here we analyze the effect of point mutations in peptides lacking a regular N-terminal helix. To this end, we present the structure,activity characterization of three peptide analogues of the HIV gp160 processing site that all present mutations in proline at positions P3 and/or P2,, while sharing the same N-terminal sequence, containing helix-breaking D -amino acids. Conformational analysis of the peptides was carried out in solution by NMR techniques, and furin's efficiency in cleaving them was measured. Structural findings are presented and discussed in relation to the different exhibited activity. [source] Planar cell polarity effector gene Fuzzy regulates cilia formation and Hedgehog signal transduction in mouseDEVELOPMENTAL DYNAMICS, Issue 12 2009Westley Heydeck Abstract Precise planar cell polarity (PCP) is critical for the development of multiple organ systems in animals. A group of core-PCP proteins are recognized to play crucial roles in convergent extension and other PCP-related processes in mammals. However, the functions of another group of PCP-regulating proteins, the PCP-effector proteins, are yet to be fully studied. In this study, the generation and characterization of a mouse mutant for the PCP effector gene Fuzzy (Fuz) is reported. Fuz homozygous mutants are embryonically lethal, with multiple defects including neural tube defects, abnormal dorsal/ventral patterning of the spinal cord, and defective anterior/posterior patterning of the limb buds. Fuz mutants also exhibit abnormal Hedgehog (Hh) signaling and inefficient proteolytic processing of Gli3. Finally, a significant decrease in cilia was found in Fuz homozygous mutants. In conclusion, Fuz plays an important role in cilia formation, Hh signal transduction, and embryonic development in mammals. Developmental Dynamics 238:3035,3042, 2009. © 2009 Wiley-Liss, Inc. [source] Glucagon-like peptide 1(GLP-1) in biology and pathologyDIABETES/METABOLISM: RESEARCH AND REVIEWS, Issue 2 2005Juris J. Meier Abstract Post-translational proteolytic processing of the preproglucagon gene in the gut results in the formation of glucagon-like peptide 1 (GLP-1). Owing to its glucose-dependent insulinotropic effect, this hormone was postulated to primarily act as an incretin, i.e. to augment insulin secretion after oral glucose or meal ingestion. In addition, GLP-1 decelerates gastric emptying and suppresses glucagon secretion. Under physiological conditions, GLP-1 acts as a part of the ,ileal brake', meaning that is slows the transition of nutrients into the distal gut. Animal studies suggest a role for GLP-1 in the development and growth of the endocrine pancreas. In light of its multiple actions throughout the body, different therapeutic applications of GLP-1 are possible. Promising results have been obtained with GLP-1 in the treatment of type 2 diabetes, but its potential to reduce appetite and food intake may also allow its use for the treatment of obesity. While rapid in vivo degradation of GLP-1 has yet prevented its broad clinical use, different pharmacological approaches aiming to extend the in vivo half-life of GLP-1 or to inhibit its inactivation are currently being evaluated. Therefore, antidiabetic treatment based on GLP-1 may become available within the next years. This review will summarize the biological effects of GLP-1, characterize its role in human biology and pathology, and discuss potential clinical applications as well as current clinical studies. Copyright © 2005 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. [source] Monitoring neuropeptide-specific proteases: processing of the proopiomelanocortin peptides adrenocorticotropin and , -melanocyte-stimulating hormone in the skinEXPERIMENTAL DERMATOLOGY, Issue 10 2006Simone König Abstract:, The neuroendocrine precursor protein proopiomelanocortin (POMC) and its derived neuropeptides are involved in a number of important regulatory processes in the central nervous system as well as in peripheral tissues. Despite its important role in controlling the local activation of melanocortin (MC) receptors, the extracellular proteolytic processing of POMC peptides has received little attention. The mechanisms relevant for controlling the bioavailability of adrenocorticotropin and melanocyte-stimulating hormones for the corresponding MC receptors in the skin by specific peptidases such as neprilysin (neutral endopeptidase; NEP) or angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) have been addressed in a number of recent investigations. This review summarizes the current body of knowledge concerning the qualitative and quantitative POMC peptide processing with respect to the action and specificity of NEP and ACE and discusses relevant recent analytical methodologies. [source] De novo synthesis, uptake and proteolytic processing of lipocalin-type prostaglandin D synthase, ,-trace, in the kidneysFEBS JOURNAL, Issue 23 2009Nanae Nagata Lipocalin-type prostaglandin D synthase (L-PGDS) is a multifunctional protein that produces prostaglandin D2 and binds and transports various lipophilic substances after secretion into various body fluids as ,-trace. L-PGDS has been proposed to be a useful diagnostic marker for renal injury associated with diabetes or hypertension, because the urinary and plasma concentrations are increased in patients with these diseases. However, it remains unclear whether urinary L-PGDS is synthesized de novo in the kidney or taken up from the blood circulation. In crude extracts of monkey kidney and human urine, we found L-PGDS with its original N-terminal sequence starting from Ala23 after the signal sequence, and also its N-terminal-truncated products starting from Gln31 and Phe34. In situ hybridization and immunohistochemical staining with monoclonal antibody 5C11, which recognized the amino-terminal Ala23,Val28 loop of L-PGDS, revealed that both the mRNA and the intact form of L-PGDS were localized in the cells of Henle's loop and the glomeruli of the kidney, indicating that L-PGDS is synthesized de novo in these tissues. However, truncated forms of L-PGDS were found in the lysosomes of tubular cells, as visualized by immunostaining with 10A5, another monoclonal antibody, which recognized the three-turn ,-helix between Arg156 and Thr173. These results suggest that L-PGDS is taken up by tubular cells and actively degraded within their lysosomes to produce the N-terminal-truncated form. Structured digital abstract ,,MINT-7266187: L-PGDS (uniprotkb:P41222) and Cathepsin D (uniprotkb:Q4R4P0) colocalize (MI:0403) by fluorescence microscopy (MI:0416) ,,MINT-7266176: L-PGDS (uniprotkb:P41222) and Cathepsin B (uniprotkb:Q4R5M2) colocalize (MI:0403) by fluorescence microscopy (MI:0416) [source] A novel 2D-based approach to the discovery of candidate substrates for the metalloendopeptidase meprinFEBS JOURNAL, Issue 18 2008Daniel Ambort In the past, protease-substrate finding proved to be rather haphazard and was executed by in vitro cleavage assays using singly selected targets. In the present study, we report the first protease proteomic approach applied to meprin, an astacin-like metalloendopeptidase, to determine physiological substrates in a cell-based system of Madin,Darby canine kidney epithelial cells. A simple 2D IEF/SDS/PAGE-based image analysis procedure was designed to find candidate substrates in conditioned media of Madin,Darby canine kidney cells expressing meprin in zymogen or in active form. The method enabled the discovery of hitherto unkown meprin substrates with shortened (non-trypsin-generated) N- and C-terminally truncated cleavage products in peptide fragments upon LC-MS/MS analysis. Of 22 (17 nonredundant) candidate substrates identified, the proteolytic processing of vinculin, lysyl oxidase, collagen type V and annexin A1 was analysed by means of immunoblotting validation experiments. The classification of substrates into functional groups may propose new functions for meprins in the regulation of cell homeostasis and the extracellular environment, and in innate immunity, respectively. [source] The C-terminal region of the proprotein convertase 1/3 (PC1/3) exerts a bimodal regulation of the enzyme activity in vitroFEBS JOURNAL, Issue 13 2007Nadia Rabah The proprotein convertase PC1/3 preferentially cleaves its substrates in the dense core secretory granules of endocrine and neuroendocrine cells. Similar to most proteinases synthesized first as zymogens, PC1/3 is synthesized as a larger precursor that undergoes proteolytic processing of its signal peptide and propeptide. The N-terminally located propeptide has been shown to be essential for folding and self-inhibition. Furthermore, PC1/3 also possesses a C-terminal region (CT-peptide) which, for maximal enzymatic activity, must also be cleaved. To date, its role has been documented through transfection studies in terms of sorting and targeting of PC1/3 and chimeric proteins into secretory granules. In this study, we examined the properties of a 135-residue purified bacterially produced CT-peptide on the in vitro enzymatic activity of PC1/3. Depending on the amount of CT-peptide used, it is shown that the CT-peptide increases PC1/3 activity at low concentrations (nm) and decreases it at high concentrations (µm), a feature typical of an activator. Furthermore, we show that, contrary to the propeptide, the CT-peptide is not further cleaved by PC1/3 although it is sensitive to human furin activity. Based on these results, it is proposed that PC1/3, through its various domains, is capable of controlling its enzymatic activity in all regions of the cell that it encounters. This mode of self-control is unique among members of all proteinases families. [source] Proteolytic processing of the receptor-type protein tyrosine phosphatase PTPBR7FEBS JOURNAL, Issue 1 2007Gönül Dilaver The single-copy mouse gene Ptprr gives rise to different protein tyrosine phosphatase (PTP) isoforms in neuronal cells through the use of distinct promoters, alternative splicing, and multiple translation initiation sites. Here, we examined the array of post-translational modifications imposed on the PTPRR protein isoforms PTPBR7, PTP-SL, PTPPBS,42 and PTPPBS,37, which have distinct N-terminal segments and localize to different parts of the cell. All isoforms were found to be short-lived, constitutively phosphorylated proteins. In addition, the transmembrane isoform, PTPBR7, was subject to N-terminal proteolytic processing, in between amino acid position 136 and 137, resulting in an additional, 65-kDa transmembrane PTPRR isoform. Unlike for some other receptor-type PTPs, the proteolytically produced N-terminal ectodomain does not remain associated with this PTPRR-65. Shedding of PTPBR7-derived polypeptides at the cell surface further adds to the molecular complexity of PTPRR biology. [source] BJ46a, a snake venom metalloproteinase inhibitorFEBS JOURNAL, Issue 10 2001Isolation, characterization, cloning, insights into its mechanism of action Fractionation of the serum of the venomous snake Bothrops jararaca with (NH4)2SO4, followed by phenyl-Sepharose and C4 -reversed phase chromatographies, resulted in the isolation of the anti-hemorrhagic factor BJ46a. BJ46a is a potent inhibitor of the SVMPs atrolysin C (class P-I) and jararhagin (P-III) proteolytic activities and B. jararaca venom hemorrhagic activity. The single-chain, acidic (pI 4.55) glycoprotein has a molecular mass of 46 101 atomic mass units determined by MALDI-TOF MS and 79 kDa by gel filtration and dynamic laser light scattering, suggesting a homodimeric structure. mRNA was isolated from the liver of one specimen and transcribed into cDNA. The cDNA pool was amplified by PCR, cloned into a specific vector and used to transform competent cells. Clones containing the complete coding sequence for BJ46a were isolated. The deduced protein sequence was in complete agreement with peptide sequences obtained by Edman degradation. BJ46a is a 322-amino-acid protein containing four putative N-glycosylation sites. It is homologous to the proteinase inhibitor HSF (member of the fetuin family, cystatin superfamily) isolated from the serum of the snake Trimeresurus flavoviridis, having 85% sequence identity. This is the first report of a complete cDNA sequence for an endogenous inhibitor of snake venom metalloproteinases (SVMPs). The sequence reveals that the only proteolytic processing required to obtain the mature protein is the cleavage of the signal peptide. Gel filtration analyses of the inhibitory complexes indicate that inhibition occurs by formation of a noncovalent complex between BJ46a and the proteinases at their metalloproteinase domains. Furthermore, the data shows that the stoichiometry involved in this interaction is of one inhibitor monomer to two enzyme molecules, suggesting an interesting mechanism of metalloproteinase inhibition. [source] Impact of cyclins E, neutrophil elastase and proteinase 3 expression levels on clinical outcome in primary breast cancer patients,INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF CANCER, Issue 11 2006Christine Desmedt Abstract Uncontrolled cell proliferation is one of the hallmarks of cancer and the transition from the G1 to S phase is the most commonly reported cell cycle abnormality in tumors. It has been shown that the oncogenic activity of G1 cyclin E (CCNE) can be amplified by generating hyperactive low molecular weight forms (LMW) through elastase-mediated proteolytic processing. Neutrophil elastase (NE) and proteinase 3 (PR3) are 2 proteases that are aberrantly expressed in breast cancer cells and seem to be involved in cell proliferation. In this study, we evaluated the effect of the expression of these 2 proteases in addition to 2 potential intracellular targets of NE (CCNE1 and CCNE2) on clinical outcome in a population of 205 primary breast cancer patients. By univariate analysis, CCNE1, CCNE2, estrogen receptor and grade significantly predicted relapse free interval (RFI). NE and PR3 did not achieve statistical significance. In a multivariate analysis, elevated CCNE2 [hazard ratio (HR) 2.10, p = 0.008] predicted shorter RFI. In subgroup analyses of the tamoxifen-only treated patients, high CCNE1 levels predicted treatment resistance, while high levels of CCNE2 were associated with poor RFI in untreated patients. Investigation of the relationship between CCNE1, CCNE2 and NE did not show any impact on RFI. To conclude, this study was the first to evaluate these markers at the mRNA level by RT-PCR in a series of primary breast cancer patients, and our results confirmed the impact of high CCNE levels on clinical outcome in systemically untreated and of CCNE1 in tamoxifen-only treated early breast cancer patients. © 2006 Wiley-Liss, Inc. [source] 2,-Deoxyadenosine causes apoptotic cell death in a human colon carcinoma cell lineJOURNAL OF BIOCHEMICAL AND MOLECULAR TOXICOLOGY, Issue 6 2003Michela Giannecchini Abstract The combination of 2,-deoxyadenosine and 2,-deoxycoformycin is toxic for the human colon carcinoma cell line LoVo. In this study we investigated the mode of action of the two compounds and have found that they promote apoptosis. The examination by fluorescence microscopy of the cells treated with the combination revealed the characteristic morphology associated with apoptosis, such as chromatin condensation and nuclear fragmentation. The occurrence of apoptosis was also confirmed by the release of cytochrome c and the proteolytic processing of procaspase-3 in cells subjected to the treatment. To exert its triggering action on the apoptotic process, 2,-deoxyadenosine enters the cells through an equilibrative nitrobenzyl-thioinosine-insensitive carrier, and must be phosphorylated by intracellular kinases. Indeed, in the present work we demonstrate by analysis of the intracellular metabolic derivatives of 2,-deoxyadenosine that, as suggested by our previous findings, in the incubation performed with 2,-deoxyadenosine and 2,-deoxycoformycin, an appreciable amount of dATP was formed. Conversely, when also an inhibitor of adenosine kinase was added to the incubation mixture, dATP was not formed, and the toxic and apoptotic effect of the combination was completely reverted. © 2003 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biochem Mol Toxicol 17:329,337, 2003; Published online in Wiley InterScience (www.interscience.wiley.com). DOI 10.1002/jbt.10095 [source] Transient forebrain ischemia modulates focal adhesion kinase (FAK)-mediated signal transduction in gerbil hippocampusJOURNAL OF NEUROCHEMISTRY, Issue 2003M. Ziemka-Na Focal adhesion kinase (FAK) is thought to play a major role in conveying survival signals from extracellular matrix (ECM). Phosphorylated FAK may interact with other nonreceptor kinases such as Src, and adaptor molecule Cas, perhaps providing a pathway by which ECM may regulate cell viability. In the present study the expression and tyrosine phosphorylation of FAK, Src and Cas after 5 min of global ischemia were investigated. The primary activation/phosphorylation of FAK, observed during first 6 h after ischemic injury, was followed by its profound down-regulation. At 72 h of reperfusion the level of phosphorylated FAK decrease to about 50% of the control. The decrease of FAK phosphorylation coincides with its proteolytic degradation. Cleavage of FAK coincided temporally with the loss of Src and Cas. Ischemia-induced proteolytic processing of the investigated proteins may lead to the interruption of ECM-derived signals and compromise neuronal survival. Acknowledgements:, Sponsored by SCSR 4P05A 08619 and Med. Res. Ctr. [source] Involvement of Gadd153 in the pathogenic action of presenilin-1 mutationsJOURNAL OF NEUROCHEMISTRY, Issue 3 2002Ollivier Milhavet Abstract Mutations in the presenilin-1 (PS1) gene cause early onset familial Alzheimer's disease (FAD) by a mechanism believed to involve perturbed endoplasmic reticulum (ER) function and altered proteolytic processing of the amyloid precursor protein. We investigated the molecular mechanisms underlying cell death and ER dysfunction in cultured cells and knock-in mice expressing FAD PS1 mutations. We report that PS1 mutations cause a marked increase in basal protein levels of the pro-apoptotic transcription factor Gadd153. PS1 mutations increase Gadd153 protein translation without affecting mRNA levels, while decreasing levels of the anti-apoptotic protein Bcl-2. Moreover, an exaggerated Gadd153 response to stress induced by ER stress agents was observed in PS1 mutant cells. Cell death in response to ER stress is enhanced by PS1 mutations, and this endangering effect is attenuated by anti-sense-mediated suppression of Gadd153 production. An abnormality in the translational regulation of Gadd153 may sensitize cells to the detrimental effects of ER stress and contribute to the pathogenic actions of PS1 mutations in FAD. [source] Rac1 inhibition negatively regulates transcriptional activity of the amyloid precursor protein geneJOURNAL OF NEUROSCIENCE RESEARCH, Issue 9 2009Pi-Lin Wang Abstract Rac1, a member of the Rho family GTPases, participates in a variety of cellular functions including lamellipodia formation, actin cytoskeleton organization, cell growth, apoptosis, and neuronal development. Recent studies have implicated Rac1 in cytoskeletal abnormalities, production of reactive oxygen species, and generation of the amyloid ,-peptide (A,) observed in Alzheimer's disease. In this study, we examined the relationship between Rac1 and amyloid precursor protein (APP), because the abnormal proteolytic processing of APP is a pathologic feature of Alzheimer's disease. In primary hippocampal neurons, the Rac1-specific inhibitor NSC23766 decreased both Rac1 activity and APP protein levels in a concentration-dependent manner. To elucidate how NSC23766 decreases APP protein levels, we examined the effects of NSC23766 on APP processing, degradation, and biosynthesis. NSC23766 did not increase the levels of the proteolytic products of APP, sAPP,, A,40, and A,42. The proteasome inhibitor lactacystin did not reverse the NSC23766-induced decrease in APP protein levels. NSC23766 did, however, decrease the levels of both APP mRNA and APP protein. Decreased levels of APP mRNA and protein were also observed when HEK293 cells were transfected with an expression vector containing a dominant-negative Rac1 mutant or with siRNA targeting Rac1. By overexpressing progressively deleted fragments of the APP promoter in HEK293 cells, we identified a Rac1 response site at positions ,233 to ,41 bp in the APP promoter. Taken together, our results suggest that Rac1 regulates transcription of the APP gene in primary hippocampal neurons. © 2009 Wiley-Liss, Inc. [source] The FE65 proteins and Alzheimer's diseaseJOURNAL OF NEUROSCIENCE RESEARCH, Issue 4 2008Declan M. McLoughlin Abstract The FE65s (FE65, FE65L1, and FE65L2) are a family of multidomain adaptor proteins that form multiprotein complexes with a range of functions. FE65 is brain-enriched, whereas FE65L1 and FE65L2 are more widely expressed. All three members contain a WW domain and two PTB domains. Through the PTB2 domain, they all interact with the Alzheimer's disease amyloid precursor protein (APP) intracellular domain (AICD) and can alter APP processing. After sequential proteolytic processing of membrane-bound APP and release of AICD to the cytoplasm, FE65 can translocate to the nucleus to participate in gene transcription events. This role is further mediated by interactions of FE65 PTB1 with the transcription factors CP2/LSF/LBP1 and Tip60 and the WW domain with the nucleosome assembly factor SET. However, FE65 target genes have not yet been confirmed. The FE65 PTB1 domain also interacts with two cell surface lipoproteins receptors, the low-density lipoprotein receptor-related protein (LRP) and ApoEr2, forming trimeric complexes with APP. The FE55 WW domain also binds to mena, through which it functions in regulation of the actin cytoskeleton, cell motility, and neuronal growth cone formation. While single knockout mice appear normal, double FE65,/,/FE65L1,/, mice have substantial neurodevelopmental defects. These include heterotopic neurons and axonal pathfinding defects, findings similar to findings in both Mena and triple APP:APLP1:APLP2 knockout mice and also lissencephalopathies in humans. Thus APPs, FE65s, and mena may act together in a developmental signalling pathway. This article reviews the known functions of the FE65 family and their role in APP function and Alzheimer's disease. © 2007 Wiley-Liss, Inc. [source] The secreted brain-derived neurotrophic factor precursor pro-BDNF binds to TrkB and p75NTR but not to TrkA or TrkCJOURNAL OF NEUROSCIENCE RESEARCH, Issue 1 2005B. Fayard Abstract The neurotrophin brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) binds to two cell surface receptors: TrkB receptors that promote neuronal survival and differentiation and p75NTR that induces apoptosis or survival. BDNF, as well as the other members of the neurotrophin family, is synthesized as a larger precursor, pro-BDNF, which undergoes posttranslational modifications and proteolytic processing by furin or related proteases. Both mature neurotrophins and uncleaved proneurotrophins are secreted from cells. The bioactivities of proneurotrophins could differ from those of mature, cleaved neurotrophins; therefore, we wanted to test whether pro-BDNF would differ from mature BDNF in its neurotrophin receptor binding and activation. A furin-resistant pro-BDNF, secreted from COS-7 cells, bound to TrkB-Fc and p75NTR-Fc, but not to TrkA-Fc or TrkC-Fc. Likewise, pro-BDNF elicited prototypical TrkB responses in biological assays, such as TrkB tyrosine phosphorylation, activation of ERK1/2, and neurite outgrowth. Moreover, mutation of the R103 residue of pro-BDNF abrogated its binding to TrkB-Fc but not to p75NTR-Fc. Taken together, these data indicate that pro-BDNF binds to and activates TrkB and could be involved in TrkB-mediated neurotrophic activity in vivo. © 2005 Wiley-Liss, Inc. [source] Carboxy terminus of secreted phosphoprotein-24 kDa (spp24) is essential for full inhibition of BMP-2 activityJOURNAL OF ORTHOPAEDIC RESEARCH, Issue 9 2010Elsa J. Brochmann Abstract Secreted phosphoprotein-24,kDa (spp24) is a bone morphogenetic protein (BMP)-binding protein isolated from bone. It exists in a number of size forms and is hypothesized to function as a BMP latency protein and/or a "slow release" mechanism for BMPs involved in bone turnover and repair. We have examined the hypothesis that proteolytic modification of the C-terminus of spp24 affects its BMP-2,binding properties and bioactivity in the BMP-2,stimulated ectopic bone forming bioassay. Three different size forms of recombinant spp24 that correspond to predicted 18.1,kDa, 16.0,kDa, and 14.5,kDa proteolytic products were compared to full-length (fl) spp24. One of these forms (spp18.1) we hypothesize to be the protein which Urist initially, but apparently inaccurately, called "BMP." Only full-length spp24 completely inhibited BMP-2,induced bone formation. The 18.1,kDa truncated isoform of spp24 which we hypothesize to be Urist's protein did not. The inhibitory capacity of the proteins was correlated with their kinetic constants, assessed by surface plasmon resonance. At the highest, inhibitory, dose of spp24 and its derivatives, kd ("stability") best predicted the extent of ectopic bone formation whereas at the lowest dose, which was not inhibitory, ka ("recognition") best predicted the extent of ectopic bone formation. We conclude that proteolytic processing of spp24 affects the interaction of this protein with BMP-2 and this affects the function of the protein. © 2010 Orthopaedic Research Society. Published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Orthop Res 28:1200,1207, 2010 [source] Recently identified a novel neuropeptide manserin colocalize with the TUNEL-positive cells in the top villi of the rat duodenumJOURNAL OF PEPTIDE SCIENCE, Issue 6 2008Aika Yajima Abstract We recently isolated a novel 40 amino acid neuropeptide designated manserin from the rat brain. Manserin is derived from secretogranin II, a member of granin acidic secretory protein family by proteolytic processing, as previously reported secretoneurin and EM66. Manserin peptide are localized in the endocrine cells of the pituitary. In this study, we further investigated the manserin localization in the digestive system by immunohistochemical analysis using antimanserin antibody. In the duodenum, manserin immunostaining was exclusively observed in the nuclei of top villi instead of cytosol as observed in neurons in our previous study. Interestingly, manserin-positive cells in the duodenum are colocalized with terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase-mediated dUTP nick-end labeling (TUNEL) positive cells, the cells whose DNA was damaged. Since the top villi of duodenum epithelial cells are known to undergo spontaneous apoptosis during epithelial cell turn over, and since other peptides such as secretoneurin and EM66 derived from SgII have been reported to be cancer-related, these results indicated that manserin peptide may have a role in apoptosis and/or cancer pathogenesis in the digestive organ. Copyright © 2008 European Peptide Society and John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. [source] Systems Biology of Vascular Endothelial Growth FactorsMICROCIRCULATION, Issue 8 2008FEILIM MAC GABHANN ABSTRACT Several cytokine families have roles in the development, maintenance, and remodeling of the microcirculation. Of these, the vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) family is one of the best studied and one of the most complex. Five VEGF ligand genes and five cell-surface receptor genes are known in the human, and each of these may be transcribed as multiple splice isoforms to generate an extensive family of proteins, many of which are subject to further proteolytic processing. Using the VEGF family as an example, we describe the current knowledge of growth-factor expression, processing, and transport in vivo. Experimental studies and computational simulations are being used to measure and predict the activity of these molecules, and we describe avenues of research that seek to fill the remaining gaps in our understanding of VEGF family behavior. [source] Primary and secondary metabolism, and post-translational protein modifications, as portrayed by proteomic analysis of Streptomyces coelicolorMOLECULAR MICROBIOLOGY, Issue 4 2002A. R. Hesketh Summary The newly sequenced genome of Streptomyces coelicolor is estimated to encode 7825 theoretical proteins. We have mapped approximately 10% of the theoretical proteome experimentally using two-dimensional gel electrophoresis and matrix-assisted laser desorption ionization time-of-flight (MALDI-TOF) mass spectrometry. Products from 770 different genes were identified, and the types of proteins represented are discussed in terms of their anno-tated functional classes. An average of 1.2 proteins per gene was observed, indicating extensive post-translational regulation. Examples of modification by N-acetylation, adenylylation and proteolytic processing were characterized using mass spectrometry. Proteins from both primary and certain secondary metabolic pathways are strongly represented on the map, and a number of these enzymes were identified at more than one two-dimensional gel location. Post-translational modification mechanisms may therefore play a significant role in the regulation of these pathways. Unexpectedly, one of the enzymes for synthesis of the actinorhodin polyketide antibiotic appears to be located outside the cytoplasmic compartment, within the cell wall matrix. Of 20 gene clusters encoding enzymes characteristic of secondary metabolism, eight are represented on the proteome map, including three that specify the production of novel metabolites. This information will be valuable in the characterization of the new metabolites. [source] Phosphorylated and cleaved TDP-43 in ALS, FTLD and other neurodegenerative disorders and in cellular models of TDP-43 proteinopathyNEUROPATHOLOGY, Issue 2 2010Tetsuaki Arai Transactivation response (TAR) DNA-binding protein of Mr 43 kDa (TDP-43) is a major component of the tau-negative and ubiquitin-positive inclusions that characterize amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) and frontotemporal lobar degeneration which is now referred to as FTLD-TDP. Concurrent TDP-43 pathology has been reported in a variety of other neurodegenerative disorders such as Alzheimer's disease, forming a group of TDP-43 proteinopathy. Accumulated TDP-43 is characterized by phosphorylation and fragmentation. There is a close relationship between the pathological subtypes of FTLD-TDP and the immunoblot pattern of the C-terminal fragments of phosphorylated TDP-43. These results suggest that proteolytic processing of accumulated TDP-43 may play an important role for the pathological process. In cultured cells, transfected C-terminal fragments of TDP-43 are more prone to form aggregates than full-length TDP-43. Transfecting the C-terminal fragment of TDP-43 harboring pathogenic mutations of TDP-43 gene identified in familial and sporadic ALS cases into cells enhanced the aggregate formation. Furthermore, we found that methylene blue and dimebon inhibit aggregation of TDP-43 in these cellular models. Understanding the mechanism of phosphorylation and truncation of TDP-43 and aggregate formation may be crucial for clarifying the pathogenesis of TDP-43 proteinopathy and for developing useful therapeutics. [source] Exploring snake venom proteomes: multifaceted analyses for complex toxin mixturesPROTEINS: STRUCTURE, FUNCTION AND BIOINFORMATICS, Issue 4 2008Jay W. Fox Dr. Abstract Snake venom proteomes are complex mixtures of a large number of distinct proteins. In a sense, the field of snake venom proteomics has been under investigation since the very earliest biochemical studies on venoms where peptides and proteins were isolated and structurally and biologically characterized. With the recent developments in mass spectrometry for the identification of proteins, coupled with venom gland transcriptomes, has the field of snake venom proteomics began to flourish. These developments have led to exciting insights into the protein composition of venoms and subsequently their pathological activities. In this review, we will discuss the state of art of snake venom proteomics. Although we have not reached the ultimate goal of characterizing and quantifying all unique proteins in a venom proteome, current technologies have opened many opportunities for high-throughput proteomic studies that have gone beyond simple protein identification to analyzing various functional aspects, such as post-translational modifications, proteolytic processing and toxin-target interactions. In this review, we will discuss the technological approaches used in the study of venom proteomics highlighting the advances made and future directions. [source] Plasma protein profiling: Unique and stable features of individualsPROTEINS: STRUCTURE, FUNCTION AND BIOINFORMATICS, Issue 15 2005Gary L. Nelsestuen Dr. Abstract Carefully controlled ZipTip extraction of diluted human plasma or serum was combined with MALDI-TOF-MS to produce highly reproducible protein profiles. Components detected included apolipoproteins CI, CII and CIII as well as transthyretin and several isoforms of each protein that are created by glycosylation or other modification and by proteolytic processing. Profiles of healthy individuals all contained the same 15,components. Others were found in plasma from individuals with disease. Profiles were analyzed by peak ratios within the same spectrum. Reproducibility for multiple assays was generally 4 to 10%. Within the healthy population, a given peak ratio occurred with a range of about fourfold. However, peak ratios of multiple samples from the same individual showed a much lower range, typically ±10%. In fact, each individual displayed a personal protein profile that changed very little over time. Because of the stability of protein profiles over time within individuals, these results suggest further studies may discover that certain profile characteristics or changes in an individual's profile may be a sign of current or future disease, even when the altered profile remains within the range for healthy individuals. [source] Correlation-associated peptide networks of human cerebrospinal fluidPROTEINS: STRUCTURE, FUNCTION AND BIOINFORMATICS, Issue 11 2005Jens Lamerz Dr. Abstract Profiling of peptides and small proteins from either human body fluids or tissues by chromatography and subsequent mass spectrometry reveals several thousand individual peptide signals per sample. Any peptide is an intermediate in the course of biosynthesis, post-translational modification (PTM), proteolytic processing and degradation. Changes in the concentration of one peptide often affects the concentration of the other, hence a challenge consists in the development of suitable tools to turn this large amount of data into biologically relevant information. Comprehensive statistical analysis of the peptide profiling data allows associating peptides, which are closely related in terms of peptide biochemistry. Here, the bioinformatic concept of peptide networks, correlation-associated peptide networks (CANs), is introduced. Peptides with statistical similarity of their concentrations are grouped in form of networks, and these networks are interpreted in terms of peptide biochemistry. The spectrum of functional relationships found in cerebrospinal fluid CAN covers PTM and proteolytic degradation of peptides, clearance processing in the complement cascade, common secretion of peptides by neuroendocrine cells as well as ubiquitin-mediated degradation. Our results indicate that CAN is a powerful bioinformatic tool for the systematic analysis and interpretation of large peptidomics and proteomics data and helps to discover novel bioactive and diagnostic peptides. [source] Maturation of the lantibiotic subtilin: matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization time-of-flight mass spectrometry to monitor precursors and their proteolytic processing in crude bacterial culturesRAPID COMMUNICATIONS IN MASS SPECTROMETRY, Issue 2 2002Torsten Stein Bacillus subtilis synthesizes the lanthionine containing 32-amino-acid peptide antibiotic (lanti-biotic) subtilin from a ribosomally generated 56-amino-acid precursor pre-propeptide by extensive posttranslational modifications. Matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization time-of-flight mass spectrometry (MALDI-TOFMS) was used to monitor the production of matured subtilin within crude samples taken from B. subtilis culture media without prior fractionation. The processing reaction of subtilin was blocked with the serine protease inhibitor phenylmethylsulfonyl fluoride and different subtilin precursor peptides in the molecular mass range up to 6220 were observed. Two of these species were isolated by reversed-phase high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) and structurally analyzed by post-source decay MALDI-TOFMS. We provide evidence that the precursor species comprise the posttranslational modified C-terminal part of subtilin to which leader peptide moieties with different chain lengths are attached. These antimicrobial-inactive species could be processed to antibiotic-active subtilin by incubation with culture media of different subtilin-nonproducing B. subtilis strains as indicated by a combination of antimicrobial growth assays and MALDI-TOFMS analyses. These achievements are strong evidence for the sensitivity of MALDI-TOFMS methodology that allows straightforward investigations of analytes even in complex mixtures without time-consuming sample preparations. Copyright © 2001 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. [source] Cathepsin protease activity modulates amyloid load in extracerebral amyloidosisTHE JOURNAL OF PATHOLOGY, Issue 4 2006C Röcken Abstract In cerebral amyloidoses, such as Alzheimer's disease, proteolytic processing of the precursor protein is a fundamental mechanism of the disease, since it generates the amyloid protein. However, the putative significance of proteases in extracerebral amyloidoses is less well defined. In this study, we investigated the biological significance of cathepsin (Cath) B, CathK, and CathL in the pathology and pathogenesis of extracerebral amyloidoses by using the murine model of reactive or secondary AA amyloidosis with three different cathepsin-deficient mouse strains. Extracerebral AA amyloid was induced by injecting amyloid-enhancing factor and silver nitrate into CathB,/,, CathK,/,, and CathL,/, mice. Wild-type mice served as a control. CathK,/, mice deposited over 90% more amyloid and CathL,/, mice 60% less amyloid than the control (p < 0.0001). The amyloid load in CathB,/, mice did not differ from that in wild-type mice. In vitro degradation experiments with recombinant human and murine serum amyloid A (SAA) 1.1 and CathK and CathL showed that CathL generates a large number of differently sized SAA cleavage products. One of these fragments spans the heparin/heparan sulphate binding site and the neutral cholesterol ester hydrolase activating region of SAA. CathK showed only endoproteolytic activity and did not generate any AA amyloid-like peptides. This study provides unequivocal evidence that proteases modulate amyloid load in extracerebral amyloidosis. CathL was identified as an amyloid-promoting and CathK as an amyloid-retarding cysteine protease. CathB may only modulate the primary structure of the amyloid peptide without affecting amyloid load. Copyright © 2006 Pathological Society of Great Britain and Ireland. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. [source] The Pseudomonas syringae effector protein, AvrRPS4, requires in planta processing and the KRVY domain to functionTHE PLANT JOURNAL, Issue 6 2009Kee Hoon Sohn Summary A Pseudomonas syringae pv. pisi effector protein, AvrRPS4, triggers RPS4 -dependent immunity in Arabidopsis. We characterized biochemical and genetic aspects of AvrRPS4 function. Secretion of AvrRPS4 from Pst DC3000 is type III secretion-dependent, and AvrRPS4 is processed into a smaller form in plant cells but not in bacteria or yeast. Agrobacterium -mediated transient expression analysis of N-terminally truncated AvrRPS4 mutants revealed that the C-terminal 88 amino acids are sufficient to trigger the hypersensitive response in turnip. N-terminal sequencing of the processed AvrRPS4 showed that processing occurs between G133 and G134. The processing-deficient mutant, R112L, still triggers RPS4 -dependent immunity, suggesting that the processing is not required for the AvrRPS4 avirulence function. AvrRPS4 enhances bacterial growth when delivered by Pta 6606 into Nicotiana benthamiana in which AvrRPS4 is not recognized. Transgenic expression of AvrRPS4 in the Arabidopsis rps4 mutant enhances the growth of Pst DC3000 and suppresses PTI (PAMP-triggered immunity), showing that AvrRPS4 promotes virulence in two distinct host plants. Furthermore, full virulence activity of AvrRPS4 requires both proteolytic processing and the KRVY motif at the N-terminus of processed AvrRPS4. XopO, an Xcv effector, shares the amino acids required for AvrRPS4 processing and the KRVY motif. XopO is also processed into a smaller form in N. benthamiana, similar to AvrRPS4, suggesting that a common mechanism is involved in activation of the virulence activities of both AvrRPS4 and XopO. [source] Mutation of conserved aspartates affect maturation of presenilin 1 and presenilin 2 complexesACTA NEUROLOGICA SCANDINAVICA, Issue 2000G. Yu Presenilin (PS1 and PS2) holoproteins are transiently incorporated into low molecular weight (MW) complexes. During subsequent incorporation into a higher MW complex, they undergo endoproteolysis to generate stable N- and C-terminal fragments (NTF/CTF). Mutation of either of two conserved aspartate residues in transmembrane domains inhibits both presenilin-endoproteolysis and the proteolytic processing of APP and Notch. We show that aspartate-mutant holoprotein presenilins are not incorporated into the high molecular weight, NTF/CTF-containing complexes. Aspartate-mutant presenilin holoproteins also preclude entry of endogenous wild-type PS1/PS2 into the high molecular weight complexes, but do not affect the incorporation of wild-type holoproteins into lower molecular weight holoprotein complexes. These data suggest that the loss-of-function aspartate-mutants cause altered PS complex maturation, and argue that the functional presenilin moieties are contained in the high molecular weight presenilin NTF/CTF-containing complexes. [source] Proteases in pathogenesis and plant defenceCELLULAR MICROBIOLOGY, Issue 10 2004Yiji Xia Summary Plant pathogens deliver a variety of virulence factors to host cells to suppress basal defence responses and create suitable environments for their propagation. Plants have in turn evolved disease resistance genes whose products detect the virulence factors as a signal of invasion and activate effective defence responses. Understanding how a virulence effector contributes to virulence on susceptible hosts but becomes an avirulence factor that triggers defence responses on resistance hosts has been a major focus in plant research. Recent studies have shown that a growing list of pathogen-encoded effectors functions as proteases that are secreted into plant cells to modify host proteins. In addition, several plant proteases have been found to function in activation of the defence mechanism. These findings reveal that post-translational modification of host proteins through proteolytic processing is a widely used mechanism in regulating the plant defence response. [source] | ||||||||||||||||