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Identification of residues of Rhodobacter capsulatus ferredoxin I important for its interaction with nitrogenase.

In Rhodobacter capsulatus, ferredoxin I (FdI) serves as natural electron donor to nitrogenase. In order to probe amino acid residues possibly involved in the interaction with dinitrogenase reductase, FdI was subjected to site-specific mutagenesis. A three-dimensional structure of FdI was designed by computer modelling and used for selecting target residues. Mutant ferredoxins bearing substitutions of surface residues, as well as a variant having a Met2 --> Tyr replacement in the vicinity of one cluster, have been constructed. All FdI variants were expressed to similar levels both in Escherichia coli and in a FdI-deleted mutant of the natural host. Once purified, the mutant ferredoxins exhibited molecular and spectroscopic properties almost identical to wild-type FdI. Determination of the reduction potential of FdI by cyclic voltammetry gave an E'o of -510 mV (pH 7.6) for both clusters, which is one of the lowest values reported for a 2[4Fe-4S] ferredoxin. Only the [Tyr2]FdI variant showed a significant difference in redox potential (delta E'o = -15 mV). Based on in vitro assays, a [Glu27, Glu28]FdI double mutant exhibited a twofold decrease in the electron transfer rate to dinitrogenase reductase while the affinity of this mutant for the enzyme was barely affected. On the other hand, an Asp36 --> His substitution resulted in a sevenfold increase of the apparent Km for dinitrogenase reductase. Unlike FdI and the other mutant ferredoxins, the [His36]FdI variant also failed to form a cross-linked complex with dinitrogenase reductase upon incubation with a carbodiimide. It is concluded that Asp36 in FdI probably participates in the interaction between the two protein partners. Nevertheless, all the FdI mutants proved competent in restoring a wild-type phenotype when expressed in a FdI-deleted mutant background, indicating that none of the studied residues was absolutely critical for electron transfer to nitrogenase.

Amino Acid Sequence↗

Targeted disruption of the murine zyxin gene.

Zyxin is an evolutionarily conserved protein that is concentrated at sites of cell adhesion, where it associates with members of the Enabled (Ena)/vasodilator-stimulated phosphoprotein (VASP) family of cytoskeletal regulators and is postulated to play a role in cytoskeletal dynamics and signaling. Zyxin transcripts are detected throughout murine embryonic development, and the protein is widely expressed in adults. Here we used a reverse genetic approach to examine the consequences of loss of zyxin function in the mouse. Mice that lack zyxin function are viable and fertile and display no obvious histological abnormalities in any of the organs examined. Because zyxin contributes to the localization of Ena/VASP family members at certain subcellular locations, we carefully examined the zyxin(-/-) mice for evidence of defects that have been observed when Ena/VASP proteins are compromised in the mouse. Specifically, we evaluated blood platelet function, nervous system development, and skin architecture but did not detect any defects in these systems. Zyxin is the founding member of a family of proteins that also includes the lipoma preferred partner (LPP) and thyroid receptor-interacting protein 6 (TRIP6). These zyxin family members display patterns of expression that significantly overlap that of zyxin. Western blot analysis indicates that there is no detectable upregulation of either LPP or TRIP6 expression in tissues derived from zyxin-null mice. Because zyxin family members may have overlapping functions, a comprehensive understanding of the role of these proteins in the mouse will require the generation of compound mutations in which multiple zyxin family members are simultaneously compromised.

ATPases Associated with Diverse Cellular Activitie↗

Building of the tetraspanin web: distinct structural domains of CD81 function in different cellular compartments.

The tetraspanin web is composed of a network of tetraspanins and their partner proteins that facilitate cellular interactions and fusion events by an unknown mechanism. Our aim was to unravel the web partnership between the tetraspanin CD81 and CD19, a cell surface signaling molecule in B lymphocytes. We found that CD81 plays multiple roles in the processing, intracellular trafficking, and membrane functions of CD19. Surprisingly, these different roles are embodied in distinct CD81 domains, which function in the different cellular compartments: the N-terminal tail of CD81 has an effect on the glycosylation of CD19; the first transmembrane domain of CD81 is sufficient to support the exit of CD19 from the endoplasmic reticulum, although the large extracellular loop (LEL) of CD81 associates physically with CD19 early during biosynthesis; and finally, the TM2 and TM3 domains of CD81 play a role in the transmission of signals initiated upon engagement of the LEL. The participation of distinct CD81 domains in varied functions may explain the pleiotropic effects of CD81 within the tetraspanin web.

Animals↗

Nuclear effects: unexpected intracellular actions of insulin-like growth factor binding protein-3.

Insulin-like growth factor (IGF) binding protein (IGFBP)-3 has been shown to be a growth inhibitory, apoptosis-inducing molecule by virtue of its ability to bind IGFs, in addition to previously demonstrated IGF-independent effects. The recent discovery of the interaction between nuclear IGFBP-3 and 9-cis retinoic acid receptor-alpha (retinoid X receptor alpha RXRalpha), a nuclear receptor, and its involvement in the regulation of transcriptional signaling and apoptosis represents an important paradigm shift in the understanding of IGFBP function. RXRalpha is required for the apoptosis-inducing effects of IGFBP-3. IGFBP-3 and RXR ligands are additive in inducing apoptosis in cancer cells. IGFBP-3 has direct effects on gene transcription, as RXR response element reporter signaling was enhanced and the all-trans retinoic acid receptor response element reporter signaling was inhibited. Accumulating evidence further confirms IGF-independent functions of this multifunction binding protein. Other binding proteins, in addition to other members of the IGF axis, have now been described in the nucleus and are postulated to have effects on transcriptional events. Investigation into these new interactions will expose new protein partners in the interface between the nuclear receptor and growth factor pathways and reveal new targets to be exploited in the treatment of cancer and other diseases.

Animals↗

Interaction between Arabidopsis Brca2 and its partners Rad51, Dmc1, and Dss1.

The Arabidopsis (Arabidopsis thaliana) orthologs of Brca2, a protein whose mutations are involved in breast cancer in humans, were previously shown to be essential at meiosis. In an attempt to better understand the Brca2-interacting properties, we examined four partners of the two isoforms of Brca2 identified in Arabidopsis (AtRad51, AtDmc1, and two AtDss1 isoforms). The two Brca2 and the two Dss1 isoforms are named AtBrca2(IV), AtBrca2(V), AtDss1(I), and AtDss1(V) after their chromosomal localization. We first show that both AtBrca2 proteins can interact with either AtRad51 or AtDmc1 in vitro, and that the N-terminal region of AtBrca2 is responsible for these interactions. More specifically, the BRC motifs (so called because iterated in the Brca2 protein) in Brca2 are involved in these interactions: BRC motif number 2 (BRC2) alone can interact with AtDmc1, whereas BRC motif number 4 (BRC4) recognizes AtRad51. The human Rad51 and Dmc1 proteins themselves can interact with either the complete (HsRad51) or a shorter version of AtBrca2 (HsRad51 or HsDmc1) that comprises all four BRC motifs. We also identified two Arabidopsis isoforms of Dss1, another known partner of Brca2 in other organisms. Although all four Brca2 and Dss1 proteins are much conserved, AtBrca2(IV) interacts with only one of these AtDss1 proteins, whereas AtBrca2(V) interacts with both of them. Finally, we show for the first time that an AtBrca2 protein could bind two different partners at the same time: AtRad51 and AtDss1(I), or AtDmc1 and AtDss1(I).

Adenosine Triphosphatases↗

Predicting in vivo protein peptide interactions with random phage display.

Binding sites in protein complexes occasionally map to small peptides within one or more proteins. Random peptide display methods simulate binding interactions by providing all possible peptide combinations with an equal opportunity to bind a protein of interest. The natural substrates for the protein are typically known in advance. However, it is often the case that such substrates are identified as putative partner proteins by using in vivo methods such as yeast two hybrid screening. Unfortunately, such methods often produce lengthy datasets of protein sequences and offer little mechanistic insight into how such interactions might take place in vivo. Here, we review an approach that addresses this problem. First, sequence alignment tools identify and characterize blocks of conserved sequences among peptides recovered during random peptide display. Next, searching programs detect similar blocks of conserved sequences within naturally occurring proteins to predict partner proteins. Finally, the significance of an interaction is tested using site specific mutagenesis, binding competition or co-immunoprecipitation experiments. This strategy should become increasingly powerful with the growing popularity of interaction studies, sequencing projects and microarray analyses in modern biology.

Amino Acid Sequence↗

Novel cytosolic binding partners of the neural cell adhesion molecule: mapping the binding domains of PLC gamma, LANP, TOAD-64, syndapin, PP1, and PP2A.

The neural cell adhesion molecule (NCAM) is implicated in important functions during development and maintenance of the nervous system. Two of the three major isoforms, NCAM 140 and NCAM 180, are transmembrane glycoproteins with large cytoplasmic domains of different length. The purpose of this study was to identify novel intracellular binding partners of NCAM 140 and NCAM 180. We expressed both cytoplasmic domains, as well as cytoplasmic fragments of NCAM, as fusion proteins in Escherichia coli and used them for ligand affinity chromatography or glutathione S-transferase (GST) pull-down assays. By peptide mass fingerprinting Western blot analysis, or both, we identified PLCgamma, LANP, syndapin, PP1, and PP2A as binding partners for both NCAM 140 and NCAM 180, whereas TOAD-64 was identified as a NCAM 180-specific interacting protein. Furthermore, we were able to show that binding of these novel binding proteins, as well as the previously described interaction partners ROK alpha (rho A binding kinase alpha) and alpha- and beta-tubulin, bind to specific cytosolic sequences of NCAM. For this purpose, we performed GST pull-down experiments using cytosolic fragments of NCAM as GST-fusion proteins and cytosolic- or cytoskeleton-enriched protein fractions of rat brain.

Animals↗

Structural and kinetic studies of the Y73E mutant of octaheme cytochrome c3 (Mr = 26 000) from Desulfovibrio desulfuricans Norway.

A combination of structural, kinetic, and interaction experiments has been used to study the role of a highly conserved aromatic residue, Tyr73, parallel to the sixth heme axial ligand of heme 4 in multiheme cytochrome c3 (Mr = 26 000), also called cytochrome cc3 or octaheme cytochrome, from Desulfovibrio desulfuricans Norway. This residue is expected to be involved in intermolecular electron transfer and protein-protein interaction, since heme 4 is described to be the interaction site between physiological partners. The kinetic experiments show that the Y73E replacement provokes no significant change in the electron-transfer reaction with the physiological partner, the [NiFeSe] hydrogenase, but that the protein-protein interaction between cytochrome c3 (Mr = 26 000) and hydrogenase is strongly affected by the mutation. The aromatic residue does not play a role in maintaining the axial heme ligand in a particular orientation, since the mutation did not affect the orientation of histidine 77, the sixth axial ligand of heme 4. The structural analysis by X-ray crystallography clearly shows that a rearrangement of the charged residues in the vicinity of the mutation site is responsible for the change in protein-protein interaction, which is of an electrostatic nature. Lys22 and Arg66, residues which are located at the interacting surface, are twisted toward the mutated position Glu73 in order to compensate for the negative charge and therefore are no longer accessible for the docking with a physiological partner. Tyr73 has instead a structural function and probably a role in maintaining the hydrophobic environment of the heme 4 cavity rather than a function in the intermolecular electron transfer with the physiological partners.

Binding Sites↗

Identification of chromatin-related protein interactions using protein microarrays.

Dynamic structural changes in chromatin are mediated by protein interactions that modulate multiple cellular processes including replication, transcription, recombination and DNA repair. Complexes that recognize chromatin are defined by several distinct groups of proteins that either directly modify histones or interact with histone-DNA complexes. A protein microarray format was used to analyze the interaction of various DNA repair proteins with chromatin components. We applied proteins, antibodies and DNA to functionalized glass slides and interrogated the slides with our proteins of interest to identify novel protein-protein interactions for proteins involved in DNA double-strand break repair. Here we demonstrate that the DNA repair protein RAD51B, and not its cognate partner RAD51C, interacts with histones and not nucleosomes. Nucleosome-specific interactions were demonstrated with the recently identified SWI/SNF protein, SMARCAL1. Unique RAD51B-histone interactions were corroborated using Far Western analysis. This is the first demonstration of an interaction between RAD51B and histone proteins that may be important for the successful repair of DNA double-strand breaks.

Blotting, Far-Western↗

TBP-TAF complexes: selectivity factors for eukaryotic transcription.

Recent evidence indicates that the TATA-binding protein (TBP) is central to transcription by all three eukaryotic RNA polymerases (I, II, and III). Interestingly, the majority of the TBP does not appear to be free protein in vivo. Instead, it is found associated with other factors (TAFs) in multisubunit complexes. The past year has brought significant advances in our understanding of the subunit compositions and biochemical functions of these complexes. In addition, the crystal structures of the TBP core domain and the TBP-TATA box DNA complex provide new insights into how this small protein might interact with many different partners.

Animals↗

Identification and characterization of RanBPM, a novel coactivator of thyroid hormone receptors.

Thyroid hormone receptors (TRs) are transcription factor members of the nuclear receptor superfamily. The transcriptional activity of TRs is controlled by thyroid hormones and cell-specific coregulators. Using the yeast two-hybrid system, we identified RanBPM as a new protein partner for TRs. RanBPM was initially discovered as an interacting partner for Ran, and was also shown to be a protein partner and coactivator of the androgen receptor. The novel interaction between RanBPM and TR isoforms was addressed by glutathione-S-transferase (GST) pull-down assays and co-immunoprecipitation in intact mammalian cells, where RanBPM was shown to bind TRs in a ligand-independent fashion. We also studied the regions implicated in the interaction with deletion mutants: the principal interacting region of RanBPM is comprised within its carboxyl-terminal end and the TR DNA-binding domain is sufficient to mediate the interaction. To investigate the potential role of RanBPM in thyroid hormone action, transient transfections with luciferase reporter genes were performed in CV-1 cells. We found that the over-expression of RanBPM increases the activation of TRETK- and DR+4-positive thyroid hormone response elements. Interestingly, over-expression of the truncated protein RanBPM55, which lacks the N-terminal polyglutaminated region but binds TRs, decreased the fold activation by almost 80%. Furthermore, we performed competition assays using transient transfection of RanBPM and increasing amounts of RanBPM55. This revealed that the stimulating effect on TR transactivation by the full-length protein is inhibited in a dose-dependent fashion by RanBPM55. This suggests that although the polyglutaminated region of RanBPM is not required for the binding to TRs, it is required for the stimulation of TR transactivation. Taken together, our results provide evidence that RanBPM is a potent novel coactivator for thyroid hormone receptors.

Cell Line↗

Deciphering protein complexes and protein interaction networks by tandem affinity purification and mass spectrometry: analytical perspective.

We employed a combination of tandem affinity purification and mass spectrometry for deciphering protein complexes and the protein interaction network in budding yeast. 53 genes were epitope-tagged, and their interaction partners were isolated by two-step immunoaffinity chromatography from whole cell lysates. 38 baits pulled down a total of 220 interaction partners, which are members of 19 functionally distinct protein complexes. We identified four proteins shared between complexes of different functionality thus charting segments of a protein interaction network. Concordance with the results of genome-wide two-hybrid screening was poor (14% of identified interactors overlapped) suggesting that the two approaches may provide complementary views on physical interactions within the proteome.

Chromatography, Affinity↗

Molecular insights into the interaction of PYM with the Mago-Y14 core of the exon junction complex.

The exon junction complex (EJC) is deposited on mRNAs as a consequence of splicing and influences postsplicing mRNA metabolism. The Mago-Y14 heterodimer is a core component of the EJC. Recently, the protein PYM has been identified as an interacting partner of Mago-Y14. Here we show that PYM is a cytoplasmic RNA-binding protein that is excluded from the nucleus by Crm1. PYM interacts directly with Mago-Y14 by means of its N-terminal domain. The crystal structure of the Drosophila ternary complex at 1.9 A resolution reveals that PYM binds Mago and Y14 simultaneously, capping their heterodimerization interface at conserved surface residues. Formation of this ternary complex is also observed with the human proteins. Mago residues involved in the interaction with PYM have been implicated in nonsense-mediated mRNA decay (NMD). Consistently, human PYM is active in NMD tethering assays. Together, these data suggest a role for PYM in NMD.

Amino Acid Sequence↗

A trans-acting factor, isolated by the three-hybrid system, that influences alternative splicing of the amyloid precursor protein minigene.

Two clones were isolated in a three-hybrid screen of a rat fetal brain P5 cDNA library with an intronic splicing enhancer of the amyloid precursor protein (APP) gene as RNA bait. These clones represent the rat homologues of the previously described genes CUG-binding protein (CUG-BP) and Siah-binding protein (Siah-BP). Both interact in a sequence-specific manner with the RNA bait used for library screening as well as with the CUG repeat. In contrast, no interactions were observed in the three-hybrid assay with other baits tested. In two-hybrid assays, Siah-BP interacts with U2AF65 as well as with itself. EWS, an RGG-type RNA-binding protein associated with Ewing sarcoma, was identified as an interacting partner for the CUG-BP homologue in a two-hybrid assay for protein-protein interactions performed with various factors involved in RNA metabolism. Splicing assays performed by RT-PCR from cells cotransfected with certain cDNAs and an APP minigene, used as a reporter, indicate exclusion of exon 8 if the CUG-BP homologue is present. We conclude that clone AF169013 and its counterpart in human CUG-BP could be the trans-acting factors that interact with the splicing enhancer downstream of exon 8, and in this way influence alternative splicing of the APP minigene.

Alternative Splicing↗

Overexpression of EB1 in human esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC) may promote cellular growth by activating beta-catenin/TCF pathway.

Esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC) has a multifactorial etiology involving environmental and/or genetic factors. End-binding protein 1 (EB1), which was cloned as an interacting partner of the adenomatous polyposis coli (APC) tumor suppressor protein, was previously found overexpressed in ESCC. However, the precise role of EB1 in the development of this malignancy has not yet been elucidated. In this study, we analysed freshly resected ESCC specimens and demonstrated that EB1 was overexpressed in approximately 63% of tumor samples compared to matched normal tissue. We report that overexpression of EB1 in the ESCC line EC9706 significantly promotes cell growth, whereas suppression of EB1 protein level by RNA interference significantly inhibited growth of esophageal tumor cells. In addition, EB1 overexpression induced nuclear accumulation of beta-catenin and promoted the transcriptional activity of beta-catenin/T-cell factor (TCF). These effects were partially or completely abolished by coexpression of APC or DeltaN TCF4, respectively. Also, we found that EB1 affected the interaction between beta-catenin and APC. Furthermore, EB1 overexpression was correlated with cytoplasmic/nuclear accumulation of beta-catenin in primary human ESCC. Taken together, these results support the novel hypothesis that EB1 overexpression may play a role in the development of ESCC by affecting APC function and activating the beta-catenin/TCF pathway.

Base Sequence↗

Regulation mechanism of ERM (ezrin/radixin/moesin) protein/plasma membrane association: possible involvement of phosphatidylinositol turnover and Rho-dependent signaling pathway.

The ERM proteins, ezrin, radixin, and moesin, are involved in the actin filament/plasma membrane interaction as cross-linkers. CD44 has been identified as one of the major membrane binding partners for ERM proteins. To examine the CD44/ERM protein interaction in vitro, we produced mouse ezrin, radixin, moesin, and the glutathione-S-transferase (GST)/CD44 cytoplasmic domain fusion protein (GST-CD44cyt) by means of recombinant baculovirus infection, and constructed an in vitro assay for the binding between ERM proteins and the cytoplasmic domain of CD44. In this system, ERM proteins bound to GST-CD44cyt with high affinity (Kd of moesin was 9.3 +/- 1.6nM) at a low ionic strength, but with low affinity at a physiological ionic strength. However, in the presence of phosphoinositides (phosphatidylinositol [PI], phosphatidylinositol 4-monophosphate [4-PIP], and phosphatidylinositol 4.5-bisphosphate [4,5-PIP2]), ERM proteins bound with a relatively high affinity to GST-CD44cyt even at a physiological ionic strength: 4,5-PIP2 showed a marked effect (Kd of moesin in the presence of 4,5-PIP2 was 9.3 +/- 4.8 nM). Next, to examine the regulation mechanism of CD44/ERM interaction in vivo, we reexamined the immunoprecipitated CD44/ERM complex from BHK cells and found that it contains Rho-GDP dissociation inhibitor (GDI), a regulator of Rho GTPase. We then evaluated the involvement of Rho in the regulation of the CD44/ERM complex formation. When recombinant ERM proteins were added and incubated with lysates of cultured BHK cells followed by centrifugation, a portion of the recombinant ERM proteins was recovered in the insoluble fraction. This binding was enhanced by GTP gamma S and markedly suppressed by C3 toxin, a specific inhibitor of Rho, indicating that the GTP form of Rho in the lysate is required for this binding. A mAb specific for the cytoplasmic domain of CD44 also markedly suppressed this binding, identifying most of the binding partners for exogenous ERM proteins in the insoluble fraction as CD44. Consistent with this binding analysis, in living BHK cells treated with C3 toxin, most insoluble ERM proteins moved to soluble compartments in the cytoplasm, leaving CD44 free from ERM. These findings indicate that Rho regulates the CD44/ERM complex formation in vivo and that the phosphatidylinositol turnover may be involved in this regulation mechanism.

ADP Ribose Transferases↗

The continued evolution of two-hybrid screening approaches in yeast: how to outwit different preys with different baits.

The original two-hybrid system, an experimental approach designed to detect protein interactions, exploited the modular nature of many transcription factors. It has provided the intellectual and technical seed for the evolution of an array of innovative approaches, the application of which broadens the scope of experimentally feasible questions to include the interaction of proteins with diverse binding partners. The available array of modified and alternative approaches facilitates the analysis of complex cellular machinery and signaling networks that rely on multiple protein interactions. Such advances have facilitated the functional analysis of proteins on the genome level, a feat considered untenable a decade ago.

Animals↗

Repression of the Transactivating Capacity of the Oncoprotein PLAG1 by SUMOylation.

Human pleomorphic adenoma gene 1 (PLAG1), a developmentally regulated proto-oncogene, is consistently rearranged and overexpressed in pleomorphic salivary gland adenomas and lipoblastomas with 8q12 translocations. Together with PLAGL1 and PLAGL2, PLAG1 belongs to a subfamily of C(2)H(2) zinc finger transcription factors that activate transcription through binding to the bipartite consensus sequence GRGGC(N)(6-8)GGG. Ectopic expression of PLAG1 deregulates target genes and presumably results in uncontrolled cell proliferation. To gain insight into molecular mechanisms regulating PLAG transcriptional capacity, we searched for interaction partners using the yeast two-hybrid system and confirmed these by glutathione S-transferase pull-down. Ubiquitin-conjugating enzyme 9 (UBC9) and protein inhibitor of activated STAT (PIAS) proteins were first identified as genuine interacting partners of mouse PlagL2. Because UBC9 and PIAS are components of the small ubiquitin-related modifier (SUMO) modification pathway, we hypothesized that PLAG proteins could be SUMOylated. Here, we report results obtained for founding family member PLAG1. Its endogenous SUMOylation was demonstrated, and SUMOylation of PLAG1 was further investigated in cells co-transfected with PLAG1 and SUMO-1 DNA or a SUMO-1 mutant form and similarly examined in the presence or absence of DNA encoding the various PIAS proteins. Using anti-PLAG1 antibodies, we discovered single and double SUMO-1-modified forms of PLAG1. By mutating predicted SUMO consensus sites, we defined two important target lysines for SUMOylation in PLAG1, Lys-244 and Lys-263. Moreover, mutation of both SUMO consensus sequences, resulting in inhibition of SUMOylation, led to a significant increase of the transactivation capacity of PLAG1. Nuclear distribution of PLAG1 was not measurably influenced. Our results suggest a direct repression of the transactivating capacity of the oncoprotein PLAG1 by SUMOylation.

DNA-Binding Proteins↗