Biomedical subjects

Jun Qin

Publications and source records attributed to Jun Qin.

At least 19 recordsLinked to original sources

PubMed2026

Nrsn1-Smarcc1 Coupling Regulates Neural Stem Cell Differentiation and Chronic-phase Recovery After Ischemic Stroke.

Stroke remains a leading cause of long-term neurological disability worldwide, largely due to irreversible neuronal loss and the limited regenerative capacity of the adult mammalian brain. Neural stem cells (NSCs) in the adult brain possess the potential to generate new neurons after injury, yet the molecular mechanisms regulating their neuronal differentiation following ischemic insult remain incompletely understood. Here, integrating single-cell multi-omics analyses with spatial transcriptomics, we systematically delineated cell type-specific spatiotemporal dynamics in the striatum of a mouse model of ischemia-reperfusion injury. We identified Neurensin 1 (Nrsn1) as a gene markedly upregulated during NSC-derived neuronal differentiation in the recovery phase. Mechanistically, Foxa2 directly activates Nrsn1 transcription, whereas Nrsn1 promotes neuronal differentiation by facilitating the nuclear translocation of the chromatin-remodeling factor Smarcc1 in vitro. In vivo, both endogenous NSCs and transplanted NSCs overexpressing Nrsn1 significantly enhanced neuronal regeneration and improved functional recovery in mice subjected to middle cerebral artery occlusion and reperfusion (MCAO/R). Collectively, these findings identify Nrsn1 as a key regulator of NSC neuronal differentiation and uncover a Nrsn1-Smarcc1 coupling mechanism that promotes neural regeneration after ischemic brain injury, highlighting a potential molecular target for strategies aimed at enhancing post-stroke recovery.

Foxa2↗

PubMed2007

The expression pattern of nuclear receptors during cerebellar development.

The cerebellum is essential for fine control of movement and posture, and it has been a useful model for studying many aspects of neural development because of its relatively simple anatomy and developmental program. However, the roles of nuclear receptors (NRs) underlying formation of the cerebellum and maintenance of cerebellar functions are still poorly characterized. As a contribution to the Nuclear Receptor Signaling Atlas (NURSA), we employed immunohistochemistry to investigate the expression pattern of 18 NRs in the cerebellum. Ten receptors were demonstrated to be expressed in the postnatal day 21 (P21) cerebellum. Among them, five receptors (COUP-TFI, COUP-TFII, RORalpha, ERbeta, and ERRgamma) were expressed at all stages (embryonic stage, P0, P7, and P21) examined. Interestingly, COUP-TFI and COUP-TFII show differential anterior-posterior expression patterns during cerebellar development. Taken together, our results suggest that members of the nuclear receptor superfamily might play importantly physiological roles in the cerebellum.

Animals↗

PubMed2006

Identification and characterization of peptides that interact with hepatitis B virus via the putative receptor binding site.

A direct involvement of the PreS domain of the hepatitis B virus (HBV) large envelope protein, and in particular amino acid residues 21 to 47, in virus attachment to hepatocytes has been suggested by many previous studies. Several PreS-interacting proteins have been identified. However, they share few common sequence motifs, and a bona fide cellular receptor for HBV remains elusive. In this study, we aimed to identify PreS-interacting motifs and to search for novel HBV-interacting proteins and the long-sought receptor. PreS fusion proteins were used as baits to screen a phage display library of random peptides. A group of PreS-binding peptides were obtained. These peptides could bind to amino acids 21 to 47 of PreS1 and shared a linear motif (W1T2X3W4W5) sufficient for binding specifically to PreS and viral particles. Several human proteins with such a motif were identified through BLAST search. Analysis of their biochemical and structural properties suggested that lipoprotein lipase (LPL), a key enzyme in lipoprotein metabolism, might interact with PreS and HBV particles. The interaction of HBV with LPL was demonstrated by in vitro binding, virus capture, and cell attachment assays. These findings suggest that LPL may play a role in the initiation of HBV infection. Identification of peptides and protein ligands corresponding to LPL that bind to the HBV envelope will offer new therapeutic strategies against HBV infection.

Amino Acid Motifs↗

PubMed2006

The yeast PH domain proteins Slm1 and Slm2 are targets of sphingolipid signaling during the response to heat stress.

The PH domain-containing proteins Slm1 and Slm2 were previously identified as effectors of the phosphatidylinositol-4,5-bisphosphate (PI4,5P(2)) and TORC2 signaling pathways. Here, we demonstrate that Slm1 and Slm2 are also targets of sphingolipid signaling during the heat shock response. We show that upon depletion of cellular sphingolipid levels, Slm1 function becomes essential for survival under heat stress. We further demonstrate that Slm proteins are regulated by a phosphorylation/dephosphorylation cycle involving the sphingolipid-activated protein kinases Pkh1 and Pkh2 and the calcium/calmodulin-dependent protein phosphatase calcineurin. By using a combination of mass spectrometry and mutational analysis, we identified serine residue 659 in Slm1 as a site of phosphorylation. Characterization of Slm1 mutants that mimic dephosphorylated and phosphorylated states demonstrated that phosphorylation at serine 659 is vital for survival under heat stress and promotes the proper polarization of the actin cytoskeleton. Finally, we present evidence that Slm proteins are also required for the trafficking of the raft-associated arginine permease Can1 to the plasma membrane, a process that requires sphingolipid synthesis and actin polymerization. Together with previous work, our findings suggest that Slm proteins are subject to regulation by multiple signals, including PI4,5P(2), TORC2, and sphingolipids, and may thus integrate inputs from different signaling pathways to temporally and spatially control actin polarization.

3-Phosphoinositide-Dependent Protein Kinases↗

PubMed2006

Radioimmunotherapy of human colon cancer xenografts by using 131I labeled-CAb1 F(ab')2.

PURPOSE: Therapeutic efficacy, suitable dose, and administration times of 131I-CAb1 F(ab')2, a new monoclonal antibody therapeutics specifically directed against a cell surface-associated glycoprotein of colon cancer, were investigated in this article. METHODS AND MATERIALS: In human colon cancer xenografts, 131I-CAb1 F(ab')2 at the dose of 125 muCi, 375 muCi, and 1125 muCi were administrated intraperitoneally on Days 6 and 18 after implantation of HR8348 cells with CAb1 high reactivity. Survival time and tumor growth inhibition rate were used to evaluate the efficacy and safety of 131I-CAb1 F(ab')2 in treatment of colon cancer xenografts. RESULTS: Treatment of 125, 375, and 1125 muCi 131I-CAb1 F(ab')2 did not significantly decrease the mean survival time of nude mice when compared with nontreated groups (p = 0.276, 0.865, 0.582, respectively). Moreover, the mean survival times of nude mice receiving 375 muCi and 1125 muCi 131I-CAb1 F(ab')2 were significantly longer than that of 5-FU-treated groups (p = 0.018 and 0.042). Tumor growth inhibition rates of the first therapy were 35.67% and 41.37%, with corresponding 131I-labeled antibody dosage of 375 muCi and 1125 muCi. After single attack dosage, second reinforcement therapy may rise efficacy significantly. Tumor growth inhibition rates of 125 muCi, 375 muCi, and 1125 muCi 131I-labeled antibody on Day 20 posttherapy were 42.65%, 56.56%, and 84.41%, respectively. Histopathology examination revealed that tissue necrosis of various degrees was found in 131I-CAb1 F(ab')2-treated groups. CONCLUSION: 131I-CAb1 F(ab')2 is safe and effective for colon cancer. It may be a novel and potentially adjuvant therapeutics for colon cancer.

Animals↗

PubMed2006

A novel histone deacetylase pathway regulates mitosis by modulating Aurora B kinase activity.

Histone deacetylase (HDAC) inhibitors perturb the cell cycle and have great potential as anti-cancer agents, but their mechanism of action is not well established. HDACs classically function as repressors of gene expression, tethered to sequence-specific transcription factors. Here we report that HDAC3 is a critical, transcription-independent regulator of mitosis. HDAC3 forms a complex with A-Kinase-Anchoring Proteins AKAP95 and HA95, which are targeted to mitotic chromosomes. Deacetylation of H3 in mitosis requires AKAP95/HA95 and HDAC3 and provides a hypoacetylated H3 tail that is the preferred substrate for Aurora B kinase. Phosphorylation of H3S10 by Aurora B leads to dissociation of HP1 proteins from methylated H3K9 residues on mitotic heterochromatin. This transcription-independent pathway, involving interdependent changes in histone modification and protein association, is required for normal progression through mitosis and is an unexpected target of HDAC inhibitors, a class of drugs currently in clinical trials for treating cancer.

A Kinase Anchor Proteins↗

PubMed2006

SIN1/MIP1 maintains rictor-mTOR complex integrity and regulates Akt phosphorylation and substrate specificity.

Mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) controls cell growth and proliferation via the raptor-mTOR (TORC1) and rictor-mTOR (TORC2) protein complexes. Recent biochemical studies suggested that TORC2 is the elusive PDK2 for Akt/PKB Ser473 phosphorylation in the hydrophobic motif. Phosphorylation at Ser473, along with Thr308 of its activation loop, is deemed necessary for Akt function, although the regulatory mechanisms and physiological importance of each phosphorylation site remain to be fully understood. Here, we report that SIN1/MIP1 is an essential TORC2/PDK2 subunit. Genetic ablation of sin1 abolished Akt-Ser473 phosphorylation and disrupted rictor-mTOR interaction but maintained Thr308 phosphorylation. Surprisingly, defective Ser473 phosphorylation affected only a subset of Akt targets in vivo, including FoxO1/3a, while other Akt targets, TSC2 and GSK3, and the TORC1 effectors, S6K and 4E-BP1, were unaffected. Our findings reveal that the SIN1-rictor-mTOR function in Akt-Ser473 phosphorylation is required for TORC2 function in cell survival but is dispensable for TORC1 function.

Adaptor Proteins, Signal Transducing↗

PubMed2006

Mn-mediated coupling of alkyl iodides and chiral N-acylhydrazones: optimization, scope, and evidence for a radical mechanism.

Stereoselective radical additions have excellent potential as mild, nonbasic carbon-carbon bond constructions for direct asymmetric amine synthesis. Efficient intermolecular radical addition to C=N bonds with acyclic stereocontrol has previously been limited mainly to secondary and tertiary radicals, a serious limitation from the perspective of synthetic applications. Here, we provide full details of the use of photolysis with manganese carbonyl to mediate stereoselective intermolecular radical addition to N-acylhydrazones. Photolysis (300 nm) of alkyl halides and hydrazones in the presence of Mn2(CO)10 and InCl(3) as a Lewis acid led to reductive radical addition; diastereomer ratios ranged from 93:7 to 98:2 at ca. 35 degrees C. The reaction tolerates additional functionality in either reactant, enabling subsequent transformations as shown in an efficient asymmetric synthesis of coniine. A series of hydrazones bearing different substituents on the oxazolidinone auxiliary were compared; consistently high diastereocontrol revealed that the identity of the substituent had little practical effect on the diastereoselectivity. Further mechanistic control experiments confirmed the intermediacy of radicals and showed that independently prepared alkyl- or acylmanganese pentacarbonyl compounds do not undergo efficient addition to the N-acylhydrazones under thermal or photolytic (300 nm) conditions. These Mn-mediated conditions avoid toxic tin reagents and enable stereoselective intermolecular radical additions to C=N bonds with the broadest range of alkyl halides yet reported, including previously ineffective primary alkyl halides.

Free Radicals↗

PubMed2006

MPS1-dependent mitotic BLM phosphorylation is important for chromosome stability.

Spindle assembly checkpoint (SAC) ensures bipolar attachment of chromosomes to the mitotic spindle and is essential for faithful chromosome segregation, thereby preventing chromosome instability (CIN). Genetic evidence suggests a causal link between compromised SAC, CIN, and cancer. Bloom syndrome (BS) is a genetic disorder that predisposes affected individuals to cancer. BS cells exhibit elevated rates of sister chromatid exchange, chromosome breaks, and CIN. The BS gene product, BLM, is a member of the RecQ helicases that are required for maintenance of genome stability. The BLM helicase interacts with proteins involved in DNA replication, recombination, and repair and is required for the repair of stalled-replication forks and in the DNA damage response. Here we present biochemical evidence to suggest a role of BLM phosphorylation during mitosis in maintaining chromosome stability. BLM is associated with the SAC kinase MPS1 and is phosphorylated at S144 in a MPS1-dependent manner. Phosphorylated BLM interacts with polo-like kinase 1, a mitotic kinase that binds to phosphoserine/threonine through its polo-box domain (PBD). Furthermore, BS cells expressing BLM-S144A show normal levels of sister chromatid exchange but fail to maintain the mitotic arrest when SAC is activated and exhibit a broad distribution of chromosome numbers. We propose that MPS1-dependent BLM phosphorylation is important for ensuring accurate chromosome segregation, and its deregulation may contribute to cancer.

Adenosine Triphosphatases↗

PubMed2006

A scoring system for the follow up study of nuclear receptor coactivator complexes.

We have systematically isolated a variety of coactivator complexes from HeLa S3 cells using proteomic approaches. In the present report, we have evaluated twelve coactivator complexes involved in nuclear receptor-dependent gene transcription that have been purified by using an immunoprecipitation method. The twelve purified coactivator complexes are SRC-1, SRC-2, SRC-3, CBP, p300, CAPER, E6-AP, ASC-1, CoREST, CRSP3, CRSP2, and CDK7 containing complexes. We have identified 153 protein components associated with these coactivator complexes using mass spectrometry. In order to systematically characterize the functional roles for these components in nuclear receptor-dependent gene transcription and their investigative potential, we have developed a scoring system. This scoring system is comprised of biological and experimental parameters. The biological evaluation considers aspects such as intrinsic enzymatic activity of a protein component, cellular signaling processes in which protein components may be involved, associations with human disease, specific protein motifs, and the known biological roles of other interacting partners of the identified protein. In the experimental evaluation, we include parameters, such as the availability of research materials for the functional study of the identified protein component; such as full-length cDNA clones, antibodies, and commercially available knock-out embryonic stem (ES) cells. Each scoring parameter has been assigned an arbitrary number of points according to perceived relative importance. On the basis of this scoring system, we prioritized each of the protein components in terms of the likelihood of their importance for coactivator complex networking in nuclear receptor-dependent gene transcription.

Journal Article↗

PubMed2006

Molecular basis for PKR activation by PACT or dsRNA.

The mammalian protein kinase PKR is a critical component of the innate immune response against virus infection. Its cellular actions are mediated by modulating cell signaling and translational regulation. To be enzymatically active, latent PKR needs to be activated by binding to one of its activators, dsRNA or PACT protein. Although the structures of the N-terminal dsRNA-binding domain and the C-terminal kinase domain of PKR have been separately determined, the mode of activation of the enzyme remains unknown. To address this problem, we used biochemical, genetic, and NMR analyses to identify the PACT-binding motif (PBM) located in the kinase domain and demonstrated an intramolecular interaction between PBM and dsRNA-binding domain. This interaction is responsible for keeping PKR in an inactive conformation, because its disruption by point mutations of appropriate residues produced constitutively active PKR. Furthermore, a short decoy peptide, representing PBM, was able to activate PKR by interfering with the intramolecular interaction. These observations suggest a model for PKR activation upon binding of dsRNA or PACT.

Amino Acid Motifs↗

PubMed2006

Regulation of integrin alphaIIbbeta3 activation by distinct regions of its cytoplasmic tails.

The short cytoplasmic tails regulate activation of integrin adhesion receptors via clasping/unclasping of their membrane-proximal helices. Using integrin alpha(IIb)beta(3) as a model, we show that a previously reported activating mutation alpha(IIb)(R(995)D) that perturbs the electrostatic interface in the clasp only partially activates alpha(IIb)beta(3) and that extensive activation of the receptor is achieved by complete deletion of alpha(IIb) CT or triple mutations in alpha(IIb)(V(990)A/F(992)A/R(995)D) that disrupt both electrostatic and hydrophobic interfaces in the clasp. The results provide quantitative evidence for an equilibrium-based integrin activation process where shifting the equilibrium to the fully activated state requires total unclasping of the cytoplasmic tails. We further demonstrate that while the C-terminal region of the alpha(IIb) tail minimally influences alpha(IIb)beta(3) activation, the C-terminal region of the beta(3) tail is critically involved. A disease-causing mutation of S(752)P in this region, but not S(752)A, suppressed partial activation induced by R(995)D or the talin head domain but did not affect activation induced by alpha(IIb) truncation. NMR spectroscopy revealed that S(752)P but not the S(752)A mutation disrupted a C-terminal helix within the beta(3) tail, suggesting that the C-terminal helix may regulate the equilibrium-based clasping/unclasping process. Together, these data provide molecular insights into how distinct regions of the cytoplasmic tails differentially and cooperatively regulate integrin activation.

Amino Acid Sequence↗

PubMed2006

The nongenotoxic carcinogens naphthalene and para-dichlorobenzene suppress apoptosis in Caenorhabditis elegans.

Naphthalene (1) and para-dichlorobenzene (PDCB, 2), which are widely used as moth repellents and air fresheners, cause cancer in rodents and are potential human carcinogens. However, their mechanisms of action remain unclear. Here we describe a novel method for delivering and screening hydrophobic chemicals in C. elegans and apply this technique to investigate the ways in which naphthalene and PDCB may promote tumorigenesis in mammals. We show that naphthalene and PDCB inhibit apoptosis in C. elegans, a result that suggests a cellular mechanism by which these chemicals may promote the survival and proliferation of latent tumor cells. In addition, we find that a naphthalene metabolite directly inactivates caspases by oxidizing the active site cysteine residue; this suggests a molecular mechanism by which these chemicals suppress apoptosis. Naphthalene and PDCB are the first small-molecule apoptosis inhibitors identified in C. elegans. The power of C. elegans molecular genetics, in combination with the possibility of carrying out large-scale chemical screens in this organism, makes C. elegans an attractive and economic animal model for both toxicological studies and drug screens.

Animals↗

PubMed2006

Structure and interactions of the helical and U-box domains of CHIP, the C terminus of HSP70 interacting protein.

The heat-shock proteins Hsp70 and Hsp90 play a crucial role in regulating protein quality control both by refolding and by preventing the aggregation of misfolded proteins. It has recently been shown that Hsp70 and Hsp90 act not only in protein refolding but also cooperate with the C terminus of Hsp70 interacting protein (CHIP), a multidomain ubiquitin ligase, to mediate the degradation of unfolded proteins. We present the crystal structure of the helical linker domain and U-box domain of zebrafish CHIP (DrCHIP-HU). The structure of DrCHIP-HU shows a symmetric homodimer. The conformation of the helical linker domains and the relative positions of the helical and U-box domains differ substantially in DrCHIP-HU from those in a recently published structure of an asymmetric dimer of mammalian (mouse) CHIP. We used an in vitro ubiquitination assay to identify residues, located on two long loops and a central alpha helix of the CHIP U-box domain, that are important for interacting with the ubiquitin-conjugating enzyme UbcH5b. In addition, we used NMR spectroscopy to define a complementary interaction surface located on the N-terminal alpha helix and the L4 and L7 loops of UbcH5b. Our results provide insights into conformational variability in the domain arrangement of CHIP and into U-box-mediated recruitment of UbcH5b for the ubiquitination of Hsp70 and Hsp90 substrates.

Adaptor Proteins, Signal Transducing↗

PubMed2006

Linker chains of the gigantic hemoglobin of the earthworm Lumbricus terrestris: primary structures of linkers L2, L3, and L4 and analysis of the connectivity of the disulfide bonds in linker L1.

The extracellular hemoglobin (Hb) of the earthworm, Lumbricus terrestris, has four major kinds of globin chains: a, b, c, and d, present in equimolar proportions, and additional non-heme, non-globin scaffolding chains called linkers that are required for the calcium-dependent assembly of the full-sized molecule. The amino acid sequences of all four of the globin chains and one of the linkers (L1) have previously been determined. The amino acid sequences via cDNA of each of the three remaining linkers, L2, L3, and L4, have been determined so that the sequences of all constituent polypeptides of the hemoglobin are now known. Each linker has a highly conserved cysteine-rich segment of approximately 40 residues that is homologous with the seven ligand-binding repeats of the human low-density lipoprotein receptor (LDLR). Analysis of linker L1 shows that the connectivity of the three disulfide bonds is exactly the same as in the LDLR ligand-binding repeats. The presence of a calcium-binding site comprising one glutamyl and three aspartyl residues in both the LDLR repeats and in the linkers supports the suggestion that calcium is required for the folding and disulfide connectivity of the linkers as in the LDLR repeats. Linker L2 is markedly heterogeneous and contains unusual glycine-rich sequences near the NH2-terminus and a polar zipper-like sequence with imperfect repeats of Asp-Asp-His at the carboxyl terminus. Similar Asp-Asp-His repeats have been found in a protein homologous to superoxide dismutase in the hemolymph of certain mussels. These repeats may function as metal-binding sites.

Amino Acid Sequence↗

PubMed2006

Structural basis for the phosphorylation-regulated focal adhesion targeting of type Igamma phosphatidylinositol phosphate kinase (PIPKIgamma) by talin.

Phosphatidylinositol-4,5-bisphosphate (PIP2) is a key lipid messenger that regulates myriad diverse cellular signaling pathways. To ensure specificity in disparate cellular events, PIP2 must be localized to specific sub-cellular sites. At PIP2-regulated focal adhesion (FA) sites, such localization is in part mediated via the recruitment and activation of PIP2-producing enzyme, type Igamma phosphatidylinositol phosphate kinase (PIPKIgamma), by a phosphotyrosine binding (PTB) domain of talin. Transient phosphorylation of PIPKIgamma at Y644 regulates the interaction and efficient FA targeting of PIPKIgamma; however, the underlying structural basis remains elusive. We have determined the NMR structure of talin-1 PTB in complex with the Y644-phosphorylated PIPKIgamma fragment (WVpYSPLH). As compared to canonical PTB domains that typically recognize the NPXpY turn motif from a variety of signaling proteins, our structure displays an unusual non-NPXpY-based recognition mode for talin-1 PTB where K(357)RW in beta5 strand forms an antiparallel beta-sheet with the VpYS of PIPKIgamma. A specific electrostatic triad between K357/R358 of talin-1 PTB and the pY644 of PIPKIgamma was observed, which is consistent with the mutagenesis and isothermal calorimetry data. Combined with previous in vivo data, our results provide a framework for understanding how phosphorylation of Y644 in PIPKIgamma promotes its specific interaction with talin-1, leading to efficient local synthesis of PIP2 and dynamic regulation of integrin-mediated FA assembly.

Animals↗

PubMed2006

Three-dimensional correlated accordion NMR spectroscopy of proteins.

A major step toward the protein structure determination by nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy is the assignment of multidimensional NMR signals that provide through-bond and through-space inter-atomic correlations. Ambiguities often occur during the assignment process due to resonance degeneracy, which challenges high resolution and larger size protein structure determination. Here, we present a method that will significantly improve the efficiency and accuracy of the NMR signal assignment. The method is based on a correlated accordion principle that, when incorporated into conventional three-dimensional (3D) heteronuclear NMR experiments, allows the retrieval of additional frequency correlation information at high resolution. We show that 3D spectra derived from this method are as effective as the impractical high resolution four-dimensional (4D) spectra with substantially reduced signal ambiguity as compared to their conventional counterparts. The approach promises increased accuracy and size of protein structures determined by NMR.

Carbon Isotopes↗

PubMed2006

The SRC-3/AIB1 coactivator is degraded in a ubiquitin- and ATP-independent manner by the REGgamma proteasome.

Steroid receptor coactivator-3 (SRC-3/AIB1) is an oncogene frequently amplified and overexpressed in breast cancers. Here we report that SRC-3 interacts with REGgamma, a proteasome activator known to stimulate the trypsin-like activity of the 20S proteasome. RNAi knockdown and gain-of-function experiments suggest that REGgamma promotes SRC-3 protein degradation. Cellular levels of REGgamma expression affect estrogen-receptor target-gene expression and cell growth as a result of its ability to promote degradation of the SRC-3 protein. In vitro proteasome proteolysis assays using purified REGgamma, SRC-3, and the 20S proteasome reinforce these conclusions and demonstrate that REGgamma promotes the degradation of SRC-3 in a ubiquitin- and ATP-independent manner. This work demonstrates the first example of a physiologically relevant endogenous cellular target for the REGgamma-proteasome complex. It also highlights the fact that an alternative mode of proteasome-mediated protein degradation, independent of the 19S proteasome regulatory cap, targets the SRC-3 protein for degradation.

Acetyltransferases↗