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John J M Bergeron

Publications and source records attributed to John J M Bergeron.

17 recordsLinked to original sources

Methods for peptide identification by spectral comparison.

BACKGROUND: Tandem mass spectrometry followed by database search is currently the predominant technology for peptide sequencing in shotgun proteomics experiments. Most methods compare experimentally observed spectra to the theoretical spectra predicted from the sequences in protein databases. There is a growing interest, however, in comparing unknown experimental spectra to a library of previously identified spectra. This approach has the advantage of taking into account instrument-dependent factors and peptide-specific differences in fragmentation probabilities. It is also computationally more efficient for high-throughput proteomics studies. RESULTS: This paper investigates computational issues related to this spectral comparison approach. Different methods have been empirically evaluated over several large sets of spectra. First, we illustrate that the peak intensities follow a Poisson distribution. This implies that applying a square root transform will optimally stabilize the peak intensity variance. Our results show that the square root did indeed outperform other transforms, resulting in improved accuracy of spectral matching. Second, different measures of spectral similarity were compared, and the results illustrated that the correlation coefficient was most robust. Finally, we examine how to assemble multiple spectra associated with the same peptide to generate a synthetic reference spectrum. Ensemble averaging is shown to provide the best combination of accuracy and efficiency. CONCLUSION: Our results demonstrate that when combined, these methods can boost the sensitivity and specificity of spectral comparison. Therefore they are capable of enhancing and complementing existing tools for consistent and accurate peptide identification.

Journal Article↗

Quantitative proteomics analysis of the secretory pathway.

We report more than 1400 proteins of the secretory-pathway proteome and provide spatial information on the relative presence of each protein in the rough and smooth ER Golgi cisternae and Golgi-derived COPI vesicles. The data support a role for COPI vesicles in recycling and cisternal maturation, showing that Golgi-resident proteins are present at a higher concentration than secretory cargo. Of the 1400 proteins, 345 were identified as previously uncharacterized. Of these, 230 had their subcellular location deduced by proteomics. This study provides a comprehensive catalog of the ER and Golgi proteomes with insight into their identity and function.

Animals↗

Insulin receptor kinase-associated phosphotyrosine phosphatases in hepatic endosomes: assessing the role of phosphotyrosine phosphatase-1B.

Previous work has shown that bisperoxo(1,10-phenanthroline)-oxovanadate(v) anion [bpV(phen)] induces potent insulin-mimicking effects in the rat, selectively activates the endosomal (EN) insulin receptor kinase (IRK) in liver, and markedly abolishes endosomal IRK-associated phosphotyrosine phosphatase (PTP) activity while reducing that of total ENs by approximately 30%. In this study we examined the relatively selective effect of bpv(phen) on endosomal PTP activities for the purpose of defining IRK-associated PTP(s). Using an in-gel PTP assay, we detected multiple (approximately 20) species of endosomal PTP (30 to >220 kDa), with five that were markedly inhibited after in vivo bpV(phen) administration. Using a combination of Mono Q anionic exchange chromatography and immunoblotting, we demonstrated that LAR (leukocyte common antigen-related), PTP-alpha, and PTP-1B were present in endosomal subfractions not significantly inhibited by bpv(phen). PTP-1B activity was assayed in immunoprecipitates from hepatic ENs of control and bpV(phen)-treated rats and was found to be inhibited by approximately 30% after bpv(phen) treatment. To clarify the role of PTP-1B in dephosphorylating IRK, we prepared hepatic ENs from wild-type and PTP-1B-null mice. We found that the phosphotyrosine content of IRK was similar in these two types of ENs, and that IRK dephosphorylation was not affected in ENs from PTP-1B-null mice compared with that in ENs from wild-type mice. These data suggest that LAR , PTP-alpha, and PTP-1B are not candidates for the IRK-associated PTP in hepatic ENs, and that IRK dephosphorylation in ENs may result from the concerted actions of several PTPs.

Animals↗

Proteomics of organelles and large cellular structures.

The mass-spectrometry-based identification of proteins has created opportunities for the study of organelles, transport intermediates and large subcellular structures. Traditional cell-biology techniques are used to enrich these structures for proteomics analyses, and such analyses provide insights into the biology and functions of these structures. Here, we review the state-of-the-art proteomics techniques for the analysis of subcellular structures and discuss the biological insights that have been derived from such studies.

Cell Fractionation↗

Proteomic approaches in brain research and neuropharmacology.

Numerous applications of genomic technologies have enabled the assembly of unprecedented inventories of genes, expressed in cells under specific physiological and pathophysiological conditions. Complementing the valuable information generated through functional genomics with the integrative knowledge of protein expression and function should enable the development of more efficient diagnostic tools and therapeutic agents. Proteomic analyses are particularly suitable to elucidate posttranslational modifications, expression levels and protein-protein interactions of thousands of proteins at a time. In this review, two-dimensional polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (2D-PAGE) investigations of brain tissues in neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer's disease, Down syndrome and schizophrenia, and the construction of 2D-PAGE proteome maps of the brain are discussed. The role of the Human Proteome Organization (HUPO) as an international coordinating organization for proteomic efforts, as well as challenges for proteomic technologies and data analysis are also addressed. It is expected that the use of proteomic strategies will have significant impact in neuropharmacology over the coming decade.

Alzheimer Disease↗

Nck-dependent activation of extracellular signal-regulated kinase-1 and regulation of cell survival during endoplasmic reticulum stress.

In response to stress, the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) signaling machinery triggers the inhibition of protein synthesis and up-regulation of genes whose products are involved in protein folding, cell cycle exit, and/or apoptosis. We demonstrate that the misfolding agents azetidine-2-carboxylic acid (Azc) and tunicamycin initiate signaling from the ER, resulting in the activation of Jun-N-terminal kinase, p44(MAPK)/extracellular signal-regulated kinase-1 (ERK-1), and p38(MAPK) through IRE1alpha-dependent mechanisms. To characterize the ER proximal signaling events involved, immuno-isolated ER membranes from rat fibroblasts treated with ER stress inducers were used to reconstitute the activation of the stress-activated protein kinase/mitogen-activate protein kinase (MAPK) pathways in vitro. This allowed us to demonstrate a role for the SH2/SH3 domain containing adaptor Nck in ERK-1 activation after Azc treatment. We also show both in vitro and in vivo that under basal conditions ER-associated Nck represses ERK-1 activation and that upon ER stress this pool of Nck dissociates from the ER membrane to allow ERK-1 activation. Moreover, under the same conditions, Nck-null cells elicit a stronger ERK-1 activation in response to Azc stress, thus, correlating with an enhanced survival phenotype. These data delineate a novel mechanism for the regulation of ER stress signaling to the MAPK pathway and demonstrate a critical role for Nck in ER stress and cell survival.

Adaptor Proteins, Signal Transducing↗

Tandem MS analysis of brain clathrin-coated vesicles reveals their critical involvement in synaptic vesicle recycling.

Tandem MS has identified 209 proteins of clathrin-coated vesicles (CCVs) isolated from rat brain. An overwhelming abundance of peptides were assigned to the clathrin coat with a 1:1 stoichiometry observed for clathrin heavy and light chains and a 2:1 stoichiometry of clathrin heavy chain with clathrin adaptor protein heterotetramers. Thirty-two proteins representing many of the known components of synaptic vesicles (SVs) were identified, supporting that a main function for brain CCVs is to recapture SVs after exocytosis. A ratio of vesicle-N-ethylmaleimide-sensitive factor attachment protein receptors to target-N-ethylmaleimide-sensitive factor attachment protein receptors, similar to that previously detected on SVs, supports a single-step model for SV sorting during CCV-mediated recycling of SVs. The uncovering of eight previously undescribed proteins, four of which have to date been linked to clathrin-mediated trafficking, further attests to the value of the current organelle-based proteomics strategy.

Animals↗

Specific interaction of ERp57 and calnexin determined by NMR spectroscopy and an ER two-hybrid system.

Calnexin and ERp57 act cooperatively to ensure a proper folding of proteins in the endoplasmic reticulum (ER). Calnexin contains two domains: a lectin domain and an extended arm termed the P-domain. ERp57 is a protein disulfide isomerase composed of four thioredoxin-like repeats and a short basic C-terminal tail. Here we show direct interactions between the tip of the calnexin P-domain and the ERp57 basic C-terminus by using NMR and a novel membrane yeast two-hybrid system (MYTHS) for mapping protein interactions of ER proteins. Our results prove that a small peptide derived from the P-domain is active in binding ERp57, and we determine the structure of the bound conformation of the P-domain peptide. The experimental strategy of using the MYTHS two-hybrid system to map interaction sites between ER proteins, together with NMR, provides a powerful new strategy for establishing the function of ER complexes.

Amino Acid Sequence↗

The ER protein folding sensor UDP-glucose glycoprotein-glucosyltransferase modifies substrates distant to local changes in glycoprotein conformation.

We present in vitro data that explain the recognition mechanism of misfolded glycoproteins by UDP-glucose glycoprotein-glucosyltransferase (UGGT). The glycoprotein exo-(1,3)-beta-glucanase (beta-Glc) bearing two glycans unfolds in a pH-dependent manner to become a misfolded substrate for UGGT. In the crystal structure of this glycoprotein, the local hydrophobicity surrounding each glycosylation site coincides with the differential recognition of N-linked glycans by UGGT. We introduced a single F280S point mutation, producing a beta-Glc protein with full enzymatic activity that was both recognized as misfolded and monoglucosylated by UGGT. Contrary to current views, these data show that UGGT can modify N-linked glycans positioned at least 40 A from localized regions of disorder and sense subtle conformational changes within structurally compact, enzymatically active glycoprotein substrates.

Base Sequence↗

A national effort.

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Biomedical Research↗

The ER glycoprotein quality control system.

The endoplasmic reticulum (ER) is the major site for folding and sorting of newly synthesized secretory cargo proteins. One central regulator of this process is the quality control machinery, which retains and ultimately disposes of misfolded secretory proteins before they can exit the ER. The ER quality control process is highly effective and mutations in cargo molecules are linked to a variety of diseases. In mammalian cells, a large number of secretory proteins, whether membrane bound or soluble, are asparagine (N)-glycosylated. Recent attention has focused on a sugar transferase, UDP-Glucose: glycoprotein glucosyl transferase (UGGT), which is now recognized as a constituent of the ER quality control machinery. UGGT is capable of sensing the folding state of glycoproteins and attaches a single glucose residue to the Man9GlcNAc2 glycan of incompletely folded or misfolded glycoproteins. This enables misfolded glycoproteins to rebind calnexin and reenter productive folding cycles. Prolonging the time of glucose addition on misfolded glycoproteins ultimately results in either the proper folding of the glycoprotein or its presentation to an ER associated degradation machinery.

Amino Acid Sequence↗

Organelle proteomics: looking at less to see more.

The recent finding that the human genome comprises between 21000 and 39000 genes, a number much lower than expected, has in no way simplified the complexity associated with the understanding of how cells perform their functions. Elucidation of the molecular mechanisms underlying cell functions will require a global knowledge of the expressed proteins, including splice variant products, their post-translational modifications, their subcellular localizations and their assembly into molecular machines as deduced from protein-protein interactions, at any given time during the life of the cell or under any cellular conditions. Current and expected advances in mass spectrometry and bioinformatics might help the realization of these goals in a shorter time than is currently predicted.

Animals↗

Lectin control of protein folding and sorting in the secretory pathway.

Glycan moieties are essential for folding, sorting and targeting of glycoproteins through the secretory pathway to various cellular compartments. The molecular mechanisms that underlie these processes, however, are only now coming to light. Recent crystallographic and NMR studies of proteins located in the endoplasmic reticulum (ER), Golgi complex and ER-Golgi intermediate compartment have illuminated their roles in glycoprotein folding and secretion. Calnexin and calreticulin, both ER-resident proteins, have lectin domains that are crucial for their function as chaperones. The crystal structure of the carbohydrate-recognition domain of ER-Golgi intermediate compartment (ERGIC)-53 complements the biochemical and functional characterization of the protein, confirming that a lectin domain is essential for the role of this protein in sorting and transfer of glycoproteins from the ER to the Golgi complex. The lectin domains of calnexin and ERGIC-53 are structurally similar, although there is little primary sequence similarity. By contrast, sequence similarity between ERGIC-53 and vesicular integral membrane protein (VIP36), a Golgi-resident protein, leaves little doubt that a similar lectin domain is central to the transport and/or sorting functions of VIP36. The theme emerging from these studies is that carbohydrate recognition and modification are central to mediation of glycoprotein folding and secretion.

Amino Acid Sequence↗

Glycopeptide specificity of the secretory protein folding sensor UDP-glucose glycoprotein:glucosyltransferase.

Secretory and membrane N-linked glycoproteins undergo folding and oligomeric assembly in the endoplasmic reticulum with the aid of a folding mechanism known as the calnexin cycle. UDP-glucose glycoprotein:glucosyltransferase (UGGT) is the sensor component of the calnexin cycle, which recognizes these glycoproteins when they are incompletely folded, and transfers a glucose residue from UDP-glucose to N-linked Man9-GlcNAc2 glycans. To determine how UGGT recognizes incompletely folded glycoproteins, we used purified enzyme to glucosylate a set of Man9-GlcNAc2 glycopeptide substrates in vitro, and determined quantitatively the glucose incorporation into each glycan by mass spectrometry. A ranked order of glycopeptide specificity was found that provides the criteria for the recognition of substrates by UGGT. The preference for amino-acid residues close to N-linked glycans provides criteria for the recognition of glycopeptide substrates by UGGT.

Amino Acid Sequence↗

Endoplasmic reticulum-mediated phagocytosis is a mechanism of entry into macrophages.

Phagocytosis is a key aspect of our innate ability to fight infectious diseases. In this study, we have found that fusion of the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) with the macrophage plasmalemma, underneath phagocytic cups, is a source of membrane for phagosome formation in macrophages. Successive waves of ER become associated with maturing phagosomes during phagolysosome biogenesis. Thus, the ER appears to possess unexpectedly pluripotent fusion properties. ER-mediated phagocytosis is regulated in part by phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase and used for the internalization of inert particles and intracellular pathogens, regardless of their final trafficking in the host. In neutrophils, where pathogens are rapidly killed, the ER is not used as a major source of membrane for phagocytosis. We propose that intracellular pathogens have evolved to adapt and exploit ER-mediated phagocytosis to avoid destruction in host cells.

Animals↗