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Yeast synaptobrevin homologs are modified posttranslationally by the addition of palmitate.

Yeast possess two homologs of the synaptobrevin family of vesicle-associated membrane proteins that function in membrane recognition and vesicle fusion. Yeast proteins Snc1 and Snc2 localize to secretory vesicles and are required for constitutive exocytosis. They also form a physical complex with a plasma membrane protein, Sec9, which is necessary for vesicle docking and fusion to occur in vivo. Formation of this molecular complex, as a prerequisite for vesicle fusion, appears to have been conserved evolutionarily. Here we demonstrate that Snc proteins undergo a single posttranslational modification with the addition of a palmitate moiety to Cys-95 in Snc1. Modification of Cys-95 (which is located proximal to the transmembrane domain) is rapid, occurs in the endoplasmic reticulum, and is long-lasting. Mutation of Cys-95 to Ser-95 blocks palmitoylation and appears to affect Snc protein stability. This provides evidence that synaptobrevin-like proteins are modified posttranslationally, and we predict that fatty acylation may be common to those found in higher eukaryotes.

Amino Acid Sequence↗

Tubulin polyglycylation in Platyhelminthes: diversity among stable microtubule networks and very late occurrence during spermiogenesis.

The distribution of glycylated tubulin has been analyzed in different populations of stable microtubules in a digenean flatworm, Echinostoma caproni (Platyhelminthes). Two cellular types, spermatozoa and ciliated excretory cells, have been analyzed by means of immunofluorescence, immunogold, and immunoblotting techniques using two monoclonal antibodies (mAbs), AXO 49, and TAP 952, specifically directed against differently glycylated isoforms of tubulin. The presence of glycylated tubulin in the two cell types was shown. However, the differential reactivities of TAP 952 and AXO 49 mAbs with the two axoneme types suggest a difference in their glycylation level. In addition, within a single cell, the spermatozoon, cortical microtubules underlying the flagellar membrane, and axonemal microtubules were shown to comprise different tubulin isoforms, the latter ones only being labelled with one of the antiglycylated tubulin mAbs, TAP 952. Similarly, the antiacetylated (6-11B-1) and polyglutamylated (GT335) tubulin mAbs decorated the two types of axonemal microtubules, but not the cortical ones. From these data, a subcellular sorting of posttranslationally modified tubulin isoforms within spermatozoa, on the one hand, and a cellular sorting of glycylated isoforms inside the whole organism, on the other hand, is demonstrated in the flatworm E. caproni. Last, a sequential occurrence of tubulin posttranslational modifications was observed in the course of spermiogenesis. Acetylation appears first, followed shortly by glutamylation; glycylation takes place at the extreme end of spermiogenesis and, specifically, in a proximo-distal process. Thus in agreement with, and extending other studies [Bré et al., 1996], glycylation appears to close the sequence of posttranslational events occurring in axonemal microtubules during spermiogenesis.

Animals↗

The chromosomal passenger complex: guiding Aurora-B through mitosis.

During mitosis, the chromosomal passenger complex (CPC) orchestrates highly different processes, such as chromosome alignment, histone modification, and cytokinesis. Proper and timely localization of this complex is the key to precise control over the enzymatic core of the CPC, the Aurora-B kinase. We discuss the molecular mechanisms by which the CPC members direct the dynamic localization of the complex throughout cell division. Also, we summarize posttranslational modifications that occur on the CPC and discuss their roles in regulating localization and function of this mitotic complex.

Animals↗

Histone modifications at gene promoter regions in rat hippocampus after acute and chronic electroconvulsive seizures.

The mechanism of action of electroconvulsive seizures (ECS), one of the most effective treatments of major depression, may involve the regulation of gene expression. Chromatin remodeling at gene promoter regions is increasingly recognized as a key control point of gene expression and may, therefore, partly mediate acute and chronic effects of ECS on gene activity. Here, we assayed how posttranslational modifications of histones, a major form of chromatin remodeling, are altered at several gene promoters in rat hippocampus at 30 min, 2 hr, and 24 hr after acute or repeated ECS. We performed chromatin immunoprecipitation assays to measure levels of histone H3 and H4 acetylation and phosphoacetylation at the promoters of the c-fos, BDNF, and CREB (cAMP response element-binding protein) genes, the expression of which is altered by ECS. We found that, with few exceptions, levels of H4 acetylation correlated with mRNA levels for c-fos, BDNF, and CREB throughout the acute and chronic time course study, whereas acetylation and phosphoacetylation of H3 were detected more selectively. Our findings suggest that the chronic downregulation of c-fos transcription, observed in this study, may be achieved at the level of H4 acetylation, whereas chronic upregulation of BDNF transcription may be sustained via control of H3 acetylation, selectively at the BDNF P3 and P4 promoters. These data provide the first in vivo demonstration of the involvement of chromatin remodeling in ECS-induced regulation of gene expression in the brain and will help in understanding the mechanisms underlying the efficacy of ECS in the treatment of depression.

Acetylation↗

Histone modification governs the cell cycle regulation of a replication-independent chromatin assembly pathway in Saccharomyces cerevisiae.

We describe a replication-independent, cell cycle-regulated chromatin assembly pathway in budding yeast. The activity of this pathway is low in S phase extracts but is very high in G2, M, and G1 cell extracts, with peak activity in late M/early G1. The cell cycle regulation of this pathway requires a specific pattern of posttranslational modification of histones H3 and/or H4, which is distinct for H3/H4 present in S phase versus M and G1 phase cell extracts. Histone H3/H4 modification is therefore important for the reciprocal control of replication-dependent and -independent chromatin assembly pathways during the cell cycle.

Cell Cycle↗

B-50 (GAP-43): biochemistry and functional neurochemistry of a neuron-specific phosphoprotein.

The biochemistry and functional neurochemistry of the synaptosomal plasma membrane phosphoprotein B-50 (GAP-43) are reviewed. The protein is putatively involved in seemingly diverse functions within the nervous system, including neuronal development and regeneration, synaptic plasticity, and formation of memory and other higher cognitive behaviors. There is a considerable amount of information concerning the spatial and temporal localization of B-50 (GAP-43) in adult, fetal, and regenerating nervous tissue but far less is known about the physical chemistry and biochemistry of the protein. Still less information is available about posttranslational modifications of B-50 (GAP-43) that may be the basis of neurochemical mechanisms that could subsequently permit a variety of physiological functions. Hence, consideration is given to several plausible roles for B-50 (GAP-43) in vivo, which are discussed in the context of the cellular localization of the protein, significant posttranslational enzymes, and regulatory proteins, including protein kinases, phosphoinositides, calmodulin, and proteases.

Adrenocorticotropic Hormone↗

Proteomics.

PURPOSE OF REVIEW: Proteomics encompasses a group of technologies that attempt to separate, identify and characterize a global set of proteins. This review will highlight the technologies available, outline the capabilities, advantages and disadvantages of each and briefly describe applications in nephrology. RECENT FINDINGS: Proteomics provides information about abundance, location, chemical modification and protein-protein interactions that is not available from genomic technologies. Several proteomic approaches are now widely available. Liquid chromatography/mass spectrometry, two-dimensional gel electrophoresis, antibody arrays and protein chips (surface enhanced laser desorption ionization) provide opportunities to identify and compare an abundance of proteins as well as to determine posttranslational modifications, subcellular location and molecular interactions. Recent advances such as multidimensional chromatographic analysis and isotope coded affinity tags have expanded the usefulness of these approaches. SUMMARY: Proteomic technologies are improving and developing rapidly. These techniques will be valuable tools to develop markers for disease, identify and evaluate proteins as drug targets and understand renal physiology at the protein level.

Antibodies↗

Congenital haemolytic anaemia in a low birth weight infant due to congenital stomatocytosis.

A baby girl born at 31 weeks gestation showed severe haemolytic anaemia and hyperbilirubinaemia which led to exchange transfusion within the first 12 hours of life. There was no blood group incompatibility between mother and child but there was a marked stomatocytosis of the baby's red blood cells. Family history revealed a congenital stomatocytosis in the mother. Biochemical characterization of the defect was performed. Phospholipid analysis of the erythrocyte membrane of mother and child showed an increase in phosphatidylserine with a compensatory decrease in phosphatidylcholine and phosphatidylethanolamine. SDS-electrophoresis showed multiple modifications of the protein pattern with a decrease in band 6, an increased content of band 4.1b, a slight decrease in band 7 and a clear change in the shape of the protein band 3 pattern. The results suggest that the basis of the observed abnormalities is a common defect in protein posttranslational modification, rather than multiple genetic defects in the synthesis of several proteins. Haematologic, biochemical and clinical course of the disease in this preterm infant are discussed.

Anemia, Hemolytic, Congenital↗

Structure of the polyglutamyl side chain posttranslationally added to alpha-tubulin.

Polyglutamylation, a new posttranslational modification of tubulin identified originally on the acidic alpha variants by Eddé et al. (Eddé, B., Rossier, J., Le Caer, J. P., Desbruyeres, E., Gros, F., and Denoulet, P. (1990) Science 247, 83-85), consists of the successive addition of glutamyl units to the Glu445. To characterize their linkage mode mouse tubulin was posttranslationally labeled with [3H]glutamate. After digestion of [3H]tubulin with thermolysin, up to eight radioactive peaks were separated on an anion exchange column (DEAE). Combined use of Edman degradation sequencing and mass spectrometry analysis of the first 6 one indicated that they all correspond to the same COOH-terminal sequence 440VEGEGEEEGEE450 bearing one to six glutamyl units on the Glu445. The first glutamyl residue is amide-linked to the gamma-carboxyl group of Glu445, but the additional residues can be linked to the gamma- or alpha-carboxyl groups of the preceding one. All possible linkages for the biglutamylated tubulin peptides (gamma 1 alpha 2, gamma 1 gamma 2) and triglutamylated (gamma 1 alpha 2 alpha 3, gamma 1 alpha 2 gamma 3, gamma 1 alpha 2 gamma 2, gamma 1 gamma 2 alpha 3, gamma 1 gamma 2 gamma 3) were synthesized. These different peptides were successfully separated on a C18 5-micron reverse phase column. We found that the bi- and triglutamylated tubulin peptides behave as the gamma 1 alpha 2 and gamma 1 alpha 2 alpha 3 synthetic peptides, respectively. These results indicate that the second and third glutamyl residues of the polyglutamyl side chain are amide-linked to the alpha-carboxyl group of the preceding unit.

Amino Acid Sequence↗

The ras/cholesterol connection: implications for ras oncogenicity.

The frequent detection of mutated ras genes in a variety of cancers (reviewed in Bos, 1988, 1989; Der, 1988) suggests that ras makes a significant contribution to human malignancies (reviewed in Barbacid, 1987; Lacal and Tronick, 1988; Der, 1989). While the role of ras in malignancy is unclear, it is well-established that the association of ras protein with the inner surface of the plasma membrane is critical for triggering ras oncogenicity. The trafficking of ras proteins to the plasma membrane requires a series of three closely linked posttranslational modifications (farnesylation, proteolysis, and carboxymethylation) that are signaled by the consensus C-terminal CAAX motif present on all ras proteins (reviewed in Rine and Kim, 1990; Gibbs, 1991; Der and Cox, 1991). THe recent discovery that an essential intermediate in cholesterol biosynthesis, the isoprenoid farnesol, is attached covalently to ras proteins has stimulated considerable interest and has identified important new directions for studies of ras function. First, understanding the role of farnesol-linked interactions with the plasma membrane may identify the biochemical basis for the oncogenic actions of ras proteins. Second, the enzymes that catalyze the processing steps that trigger membrane association of ras proteins are promising targets for pharmacologic intervention in ras-associated disease. In this review, we summarize our current knowledge of the role of posttranslational processing in ras-membrane interaction and transforming activity. We also provide an update of recent studies addressing the role of isoprenoid modification in the function of ras and of other isoprenoid-modified proteins (reviewed in James and Olson, 1990; Glomset et al., 1990; Maltese, 1990). While this role is likely to be specific for each protein, ras proteins can provide an excellent prototype for understanding the role of isoprenoid modification in protein function.

Amino Acid Sequence↗

Myeloperoxidase biosynthesis by a human promyelocytic leukemia cell line: insight into myeloperoxidase deficiency.

The biosynthesis and processing of myeloperoxidase (MPO), a cationic enzyme present in the azurophilic granules of human polymorphonuclear leukocytes (PMNs), were studied in the human promyelocytic leukemia cell line, HL-60. HL-60 cells produce large quantities of enzymatically active MPO that has the same electrophoretic behavior as MPO isolated from normal PMNs. Mature MPO is a glycoprotein of approximately 150,000 molecular weight (mol wt) composed of two heavy-light protomers (alpha 2 beta 2) with subunits of 59,000 and 13,500 mol wt, respectively, under reducing conditions. The primary translation product of MPO messenger RNA (mRNA) isolated from HL-60 cells was a single polypeptide of mol wt 80,000. In HL-60 cells labeled with [35S]-methionine, the labeled MPO isolated by immunoprecipitation had a mol wt of 89,000. Treatment of this 89-kilodalton (kDa) species with endoglycosidase H produced a 79-kDa peptide, suggesting that the 89-kDa protein contained high-mannose side chains. The 89-kDa species had no detectable peroxidase activity. During chase experiments some of the 89-kDa peptide was processed to smaller species of mol wt 39,000, 59,000, and 13,500, although a fraction of the 89-kDa peptide remained unprocessed after a chase of 100 hours. In addition, a small amount of the 89-kDa peptide appeared in the medium without any of the processed smaller peptides. These studies suggest that the primary translation product in MPO biosynthesis is an 80-kDa peptide that undergoes cotranslational cleavage of the signal peptide and glycosylation to produce an 89-kDa pro-MPO, that pro-MPO is a single polypeptide containing the alpha and beta subunits of MPO and contains endoglycosidase H-susceptible high-mannose side chains, and that posttranslational modification of pro-MPO results in targeting to the lysosome and proteolytic maturation of pro-MPO to active enzyme. In light of the previous observation that MPO-deficient and normal PMNs contain an 89-kDa protein immunochemically related to MPO, these studies on MPO biosynthesis indirectly support the hypothesis that defective posttranslation processing by pro-MPO may underlie hereditary MPO deficiency.

Acetylglucosaminidase↗

Injury-associated differential regulation of histone expression and modification in the thymus of mice.

One of the key events in the regulation of gene expression is chromatin remodeling involving histone regulation. We investigated the effects of burns on the expression of histone that might be associated with altered molecular and pathological profiles in the thymus. A markedly decreased expression of histone variant H2A.1 mRNA was identified in the thymus after burn during a differential display experiment. Subsequently, we examined the histone expression (mRNA and protein) and posttranslational modification in the thymus after burn. Also, changes in proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA), a central molecule in chromatin assembly, was examined. Reverse-transcription polymerase chain reaction analysis revealed a transient decrease in the expression of several histone variants (H2A.1, H1(r1), H3-B, H3-1, and H4-D) mRNAs in the thymus at 1 day after burn. A decrease in histone subtypes H2A, H2B, H3, and H4, but not H1, was demonstrated 1 and 3 days after burn according to the results of Western blot. Furthermore, there were different levels of decreases in acetylated and dimethylated forms of histone H3 1 and 3 days after burn. In addition, decreased levels of PCNA were evident in the thymus 1 day after burn. Changes in the expression of histones and PCNA may reflect mere decrease in proliferating cells and/or a reorganization of the chromatin structure associated with altered transcriptional activities, eventually contributing to the phenotypic changes in the thymus after burn.

Animals↗

A small heat shock protein from Artemia franciscana is phosphorylated at serine 50.

Encysted embryos of Artemia franciscana are exceptionally resistant to stress and an important part of this tolerance involves p26, a small heat shock protein which functions as a molecular chaperone. Cloning and sequencing of randomly selected p26 cDNAs produced by RT-PCR with poly(A)(+) mRNA from encysted embryos as template yielded 10 clones encoding identical polypeptides. The noncoding nucleotide sequences extending from the termination codon to the poly(A) tail of each clone were also identical. These data indicated a single p26 gene is expressed during embryo development. However, two-dimensional gel electrophoresis showed that purified p26 consisted of four isoforms, providing evidence for posttranslational modification of the protein, a possibility supported by mass spectrometry and immunoprobing of Western blots. The major isoform observed in two-dimensional gels, termed a, is the primary gene product, whereas isoform c is phosphorylated at serine 50, a residue located in a protein kinase C reactive site. Isoforms b and d were generated posttranslationally, but by unknown processes. The results represent the first description of posttranslationally modified small heat shock proteins in crustaceans and they expand the phylogenetic range of organisms that possess phosphorylated isoforms of these proteins. At least two small heat shock proteins from other organisms contain serine residues equivalent in position to serine 50 of p26, but neither is phosphorylated.

Amino Acid Sequence↗

Characterization of transthyretin variants in familial transthyretin amyloidosis by mass spectrometric peptide mapping and DNA sequence analysis.

Transthyretin (TTR) is a 127-amino acid residue transport protein. In plasma, TTR exists as a tetramer and binds the hormone thyroxine and the retinol-binding protein-vitamin A complex. Amino acid substitutions in TTR are hypothesized to destabilize the tetramer and cause the protein to form intermediates that self-associate into amyloid fibrils. Familial transthyretin amyloidosis (ATTR) is associated with extracellular deposition of wild-type TTR, its variants or fragments as amyloid fibrils in various tissues and organs. A definitive diagnosis of ATTR depends on the detection and identification of TTR variants. Electrospray ionization (ESI) and matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization (MALDI) time-of-flight (TOF) mass spectrometry (MS), in combination with trypsin digestion, have been shown to be powerful tools in characterizing TTR variants. Typically, TTR or its tryptic digest is analyzed by MALDI-TOF MS, liquid chromatography ESI MS, or both. Analysis of tryptic digests by MALDI-TOF MS does not provide enough sequence coverage in TTR to identify all possible modifications. To improve sequence coverage, aliquots of immunoprecipitated TTR samples were digested with trypsin, lysyl endopeptidase Lys-C, or endoproteinase Asp-N. Identification of the peptides from each digest by MALDI-TOF MS provided preliminary information about the sites and mass shifts due to amino acid substitutions from genetic mutations and to posttranslational modifications. The location and identity of the modifications in the variant proteins were then confirmed by tandem mass spectrometry, accurate mass measurements, and direct DNA sequence analysis. Using these methodologies, we achieved 100% sequence coverage. The detection of two nonpathologic variants (Thr119Met and Gly6Ser) and four pathologic variants (Phe64Leu, Asp38Ala, Phe44Ser, and previously unreported Trp41Leu) are described as illustrations of this approach.

Adult↗

Role of desumoylation in the development of prostate cancer.

SUMO is a novel ubiquitin-like protein that can covalently modify a large number of nuclear proteins. SUMO modification has emerged as an important regulatory mechanism for protein function and localization. Sumoylation is a dynamic process that is mediated by activating (E1), conjugating (E2), and ligating (E3) enzymes and is readily reversed by a family of SUMO-specific proteases (SENPs). Since SUMO was discovered 10 years ago, the biologic contribution of this posttranslational modification has remained unclear. In this review, we report that SENP1, a member of the SENP family, is overexpressed in human prostate cancer specimens. The induction of SENP1 is observed with the chronic exposure of prostate cancer cells to androgen and/or interleukin (IL) 6. SENP1 upregulation modulates the transcriptional activity of androgen receptors (ARs) and c-Jun, as well as cyclin D1 expression. Initial in vivo data from transgenic mice indicate that overexpression of SENP1 in the prostate leads to the development of prostatic intraepithelial neoplasia at an early age. Collectively, these studies indicate that overexpression of SENP1 is associated with prostate cancer development.

Animals↗

Residue-specific mass signatures for the efficient detection of protein modifications by mass spectrometry.

Currently available mass spectrometric (MS) techniques lack specificity in identifying protein modifications because molecular mass is the only parameter used to characterize these changes. Consequently, the suspected modified peptides are subjected to tandem MS/MS sequencing that may demand more time and sample. We report the use of stable isotope-enriched amino acids as residue-specific "mass signatures" for the rapid and sensitive detection of protein modifications directly from the peptide mass map (PMM) without enrichment of the modified peptides. These mass signatures are easily recognized through their characteristic spectral patterns and provide fingerprints for peptides containing the same content of specific amino acid residue(s) in a PMM. Without the need for tandem MS/MS sequencing, a peptide and its modified form(s) can readily be identified through their identical fingerprints, regardless of the nature of modifications. In this report, we demonstrate this strategy for the detection of methionine oxidation and protein phosphorylation. More interestingly, the phosphorylation of a histone protein, H2A.X, obtained from human skin fibroblast cells, was effectively identified in response to low-dose radiation. In general, this strategy of residue-specific mass tagging should be applicable to other posttranslational modifications.

Fibroblasts↗

Lens metabolism and aging: enzyme activities and enzyme alterations in lenses of different species during the process of aging.

Extensive investigations on the metabolism of animal lenses over the life span indicate various changes that, regarded collectively, suggest a decrease in metabolic energy. A factor analytic interpretation and discussion of these results indicate that enzyme modifications might be one of the fundamental causes of the age-related changes in lens metabolism. Detailed investigations on the kinetic and physicochemical properties of certain enzymes of the carbohydrate breakdown in lenses of different ages verify this assumption. Since the changes observed are found mostly in the lens nucleus protein neosynthesis no longer takes place, posttranslational modifications appear to be responsible.

Aging↗

T cell recognition of carbohydrates on type II collagen.

A critical event in an immune response is the T cell recognition of peptides bound to major histocompatibility complex (MHC) molecules on the surface of an antigen presenting cell (APC). Although the majority of eukaryotic proteins are glycosylated, it has not yet been shown that T cell recognition of such proteins involves recognition of the bound carbohydrates. Type II collagen (CII), the major protein constituent of joint cartilage, is posttranslationally modified by hydroxylation and glycosylation of lysines. In this report we show that posttranslational modifications of the immunodominant peptide CII(256-270) generate a structural determinant that is distinct from the determinant represented by the corresponding synthetic peptide. Elimination of carbohydrates, present on CII, by two different biochemical methods revealed that the carbohydrates, O-linked to the hydroxylysines within the CII(256-270) determinant, were crucial for the reactivity towards the posttranslationally modified peptide. Furthermore, a T cell hybridoma specific for the glycosylated determinant was stimulated by tryptic CII-peptides presented by fixed APCs, thus showing that the carbohydrates are involved in the trimolecular complex T cell receptor/peptide/MHC. Finally, the importance of the bound carbohydrates for the arthritogenicity of CII was investigated by comparing the development of arthritis after immunization with carbohydrate-depleted and glycosylated CII, respectively. Incidence, time of onset, and severity of the disease were significantly affected by the elimination of carbohydrates, whereas no significant difference in anti-CII antibody titers was seen.

Amino Acid Sequence↗