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Fusion of the NH2-terminal domain of the basic helix-loop-helix protein TCF12 to TEC in extraskeletal myxoid chondrosarcoma with translocation t(9;15)(q22;q21).

Extraskeletal myxoid chondrosarcomas (EMCs) are characterized by recurrent t(9;22) or t(9;17) translocations resulting in fusions of the NH2-terminal transactivation domains of EWS or TAF2N to the entire TEC protein. We report here an EMC with a novel translocation t(9; 15)(q22;q21) and a third type of TEC-containing fusion gene. The chimeric transcript encodes a protein in which the first 108 amino acids of the NH2-terminus of the basic helix-loop-helix (bHLH) protein TCF12 is linked to the entire TEC protein. The translocation separates the NH2-terminal domain of TCF12 from the bHLH domain as well as from a potential leucine zipper domain located immediately downstream of the breakpoint. These results demonstrate that the NH2-terminal transactivation domains of EWS or TAF2N are not unique in their ability to convert the TEC protein into an oncogenically active fusion protein, and that they may be replaced by a domain from a bHLH protein that presumably endows the fusion protein with similar functions.

Aged↗

Variabilin, a novel RGD-containing antagonist of glycoprotein IIb-IIIa and platelet aggregation inhibitor from the hard tick Dermacentor variabilis.

A novel inhibitor of human platelet aggregation, named variabilin, was isolated from salivary glands of the hard tick Dermacentor variabilis using a combination of gel filtration and high pressure liquid chromatography. Variabilin was a potent antagonist of the fibrinogen receptor glycoprotein IIb-IIIa (GPIIb-IIIa; alphaIIbbeta3) and the vitronectin receptor alphavbeta3. Amino acid sequence analysis by Edman degradation revealed that it has 47 residues, with a molecular weight of 4968.5. Like many other naturally occurring antagonists of GPIIb-IIIa, variabilin contains the RGD (Arg-Gly-Asp) motif. However, unlike the RGD-containing antagonists of GPIIb-IIIa, the RGD sequence of variabilin is not positioned in a loop bracketed by cysteine residues. It has little sequence homology to the other known naturally occurring antagonists of GPIIb-IIIa, including the disintegrins from snakes, decorsin and ornatin from leeches, and disagregin from soft ticks. Variabilin is the first RGD-containing antagonist isolated from ticks.

Amino Acid Sequence↗

Concerted motions in the photoactive yellow protein.

Molecular dynamics simulations have been performed with the aim of identifying concerted backbone motions in the photoactive yellow protein. Application of the essential dynamics method revealed large, chromophore-linked fluctuations of the protein in the ground state, as well as in a form containing the isomerized chromophore. Various loops become more mobile upon isomerization of the chromophore, including a loop which is part of the PAS domain motif, found in light perception proteins. The hinge points identified in these fluctuations correlate with the positions of evolutionary conserved glycines. The results derived from the simulations directly correlate with available experimental data, provide a framework for understanding the dynamic behaviour of the yellow protein and give clues to subsequent steps in the signal transduction pathway.

Amino Acid Sequence↗

Structure of the 5' nontranslated region of the coxsackievirus b3 genome: Chemical modification and comparative sequence analysis.

Coxsackievirus B3 (CVB3) is a picornavirus which causes myocarditis and pancreatitis and may play a role in type I diabetes. The viral genome is a single 7,400-nucleotide polyadenylated RNA encoding 11 proteins in a single open reading frame. The 5' end of the viral genome contains a highly structured nontranslated region (5'NTR) which folds to form an internal ribosome entry site (IRES) as well as structures responsible for genome replication, both of which are critical for virulence. A structural model of the CVB3 5'NTR, generated primarily by comparative sequence analysis and energy minimization, shows seven domains (I to VII). While this model provides a preliminary basis for structural analysis, the model lacks comprehensive experimental validation. Here we provide experimental evidence from chemical modification analysis to determine the structure of the CVB3 5'NTR. Chemical probing results show that the theoretical model for the CVB3 5'NTR is largely, but not completely, supported experimentally. In combination with our chemical probing data, we have used the RNASTRUCTURE algorithm and sequence comparison of 105 enterovirus sequences to provide evidence for novel secondary and tertiary interactions. A comprehensive examination of secondary structure is discussed, along with new evidence for tertiary interactions. These include a loop E motif in domain III and a long-range pairing interaction that links domain II to domain V. The results of our work provide mechanistic insight into key functional elements in the cloverleaf and IRES, thereby establishing a base of structural information from which to interpret experiments with CVB3 and other picornaviruses.

5' Untranslated Regions↗

Functional implications of the human T-lymphotropic virus type 1 transmembrane glycoprotein helical hairpin structure.

Retrovirus entry into cells follows receptor binding by the surface-exposed envelope glycoprotein (Env) subunit (SU), which triggers the membrane fusion activity of the transmembrane (TM) protein. TM protein fragments expressed in the absence of SU adopt helical hairpin structures comprising a central coiled coil, a region of chain reversal containing a disulfide-bonded loop, and a C-terminal segment that packs onto the exterior of the coiled coil in an antiparallel manner. Here we used in vitro mutagenesis to test the functional role of structural elements observed in a model helical hairpin, gp21 of human T-lymphotropic virus type 1. Membrane fusion activity requires the stabilization of the N and C termini of the central coiled coil by a hydrophobic N cap and a small hydrophobic core, respectively. A conserved Gly-Gly hinge motif preceding the disulfide-bonded loop, a salt bridge that stabilizes the chain reversal region, and interactions between the C-terminal segment and the coiled coil are also critical for fusion activity. Our data support a model whereby the chain reversal region transmits a conformational signal from receptor-bound SU to induce the fusion-activated helical hairpin conformation of the TM protein.

Cell Line↗

The conformation of 23S rRNA nucleotide A2058 determines its recognition by the ErmE methyltransferase.

The ErmE methyltransferase confers resistance to MLS antibiotics by specifically dimethylating adenine 2058 (A2058, Escherichia coli numbering) in bacterial 23S rRNA. To define nucleotides in the rRNA that are part of the motif recognized by ErmE, we investigated both in vivo and in vitro the effects of mutations around position A2058 on methylation. Mutagenizing A2058 (to G or U) completely abolishes methylation of 23S rRNA by ErmE. No methylation occurred at other sites in the rRNA, demonstrating the fidelity of ErmE for A2058. Breaking the neighboring G2057-C2611 Watson-Crick base pair by introducing either an A2057 or a U2611 mutation, greatly reduces the rate of methylation at A2058. Methylation remains impaired after these mutations have been combined to create a new A2057-U2611 Watson-Crick base interaction. The conformation of this region in 23S rRNA was probed with chemical reagents and it was shown that the A2057 and U2611 mutations alone and in combination alter the reactivity of A2058 and adjacent bases. However, mutagenizing position G-->A2032 in an adjacent loop, which has been implicated to interact with A2058, alters neither the ErmE methylation at A2058 nor the accessibility of this region to the chemical reagents. The data indicate that a less-exposed conformation at A2058 leads to reduction in methylation by ErmE. Nucleotide G2057 and its interaction with C2611 maintain the conformation at A2058, and are thus important in forming the structural motif that is recognized by the ErmE methyltransferase.

Base Sequence↗

The solution structure of type III effector protein AvrPto reveals conformational and dynamic features important for plant pathogenesis.

Pseudomonas syringae pv. tomato, the causative agent of bacterial speck disease of tomato, uses a type III secretion system (TTSS) to deliver effector proteins into the host cell. In resistant plants, the bacterial effector protein AvrPto physically interacts with the host Pto kinase and elicits antibacterial defense responses. In susceptible plants, which lack the Pto kinase, AvrPto acts as a virulence factor to promote bacterial growth. The solution structure of AvrPto reveals a functional core consisting of a three-helix bundle motif flanked by disordered N- and C-terminal tails. Residues required for Pto binding lie in a 19 residue Omega loop. Modeling suggests a hydrophobic patch involving the activation loop of Pto forms a contact surface with the AvrPto Omega loop and that helix packing mediates interactions between AvrPto and putative virulence targets Api2 and Api3. The AvrPto structure has a low stability that may facilitate chaperone-independent secretion by the TTSS.

Amino Acid Sequence↗

Structure of the recombinant Paramecium tetraurelia calmodulin at 1.68 A resolution.

The crystal structure of the recombinant calmodulin from Paramecium tetraurelia (rPCaM, M(r) = 16 700, 148 residues) has been determined at 1.68 A resolution. X-ray intensity data were collected at 263 K using a Siemens-Nicolet area detector and Cu Kalpha radiation from a rotating-anode source. A total of 35 936 observations were processed with XENGEN1.3 and scaled to yield 16 255 unique reflections with R(symm)(I) of 4.1%. The crystals are triclinic, with unit-cell dimensions a = 29.89, b = 53.42, c = 25.35 A, alpha = 93.67, beta = 96.88, gamma = 89.24 degrees, space group P1, with one molecule in the unit cell. The atomic coordinates of the wild-type Paramecium calmodulin (PCaM) studied in our laboratory provided the starting model. Refinement of the structure by X-PLOR and refitting it into omit maps yielded an R value of 0.194 for 15 965 reflections greater than 3sigma(F) in the 6.0-1.68 A resolution range. The final model contained 1165 protein atoms for all of the 148 residues, four Ca(2+) ions, and 172 water molecules. The dumbbell structure has seven alpha-helices including a long 7.8 turn central helix connecting the two terminal domains each containing two EF-hand (helix-loop-helix motif) calcium-binding sites. The loops within each pair of EF-hand motifs in the N- and C-terminal domains are brought into juxtaposition to form a pair of hydrogen-bonded antiparallel beta-sheets which are extended at either ends by water bridges. The four calcium-binding EF-hands are superposable with r.m.s. deviations of 0.31-0.79 A. The best agreement is between site 1 and site 3 and the worst agreement is between site 1 and 4. The largest differences are in the ninth and tenth residues of the calcium-binding loops probably because of their involvement in the mini beta-sheets. The calcium coordination distances vary between 2.04 and 2.69 A, average 2.34 A. The rPCaM and wild-type PCaM have an r.m.s. deviation of 0.36 A for equivalent C(alpha) atoms. The side chains of Lys13 and Lys115 are more extended in rPCaM compared to the wild type where the post-translational modified di- and tri-methylated lysine residues are more folded. The sequence of PCaM differs from those of mammalian (MCaM) and Drosophila calmodulin (DCaM), but the overall structures are very similar, with r.m.s,. deviations of 0.44 and 1.68 A for equivalent C(alpha) atoms, respectively. However, in rPCaM, the first four N-terminal residues stretch out and make intermolecular crystal contacts, in contrast to those in recombinant Drosophila calmodulin (rDCaM), they stretch out in the opposite direction and towards the second calcium-binding site (see note below), while in MCaM and wild-type PCaM, the N-terminal residues are not visible. The central helix in rPCaM has all its backbone hydrogen bonds intact with no unusually long separation between the carbonyl and amide groups as found in MCaM and rDCaM.

Journal Article↗

Molecular analysis of the t(1;19) breakpoint cluster region in pre-B cell acute lymphoblastic leukemias.

The t(1;19) chromosomal translocation in acute lymphoblastic pre-B cell leukemias involves the gene E2A for helix-loop-helix (HLH) proteins E12 and E47, ubiquitous transcriptional proteins implicated in the regulation of various lymphoid and nonlymphoid genes. To characterize the molecular features of the t(1;19)(q23;p13) translocation, we molecularly cloned breakpoint DNA from t(1;19)-carrying pre-B cell leukemias. In all cases, breakpoints on chromosome 19 occurred within 2 kb of each other in a single intron of the E2A gene. This clustered arrangement resulted in specific truncation of the E2A gene and transcript, with loss of sequences encoding the basic DNA-binding and HLH dimerization motifs from the derivative 19 chromosome. In contrast, breakpoints on chromosome 1 were distributed over a large region and could not be linked to exonic sequences of the PBX1 gene, although identical chromosome 1 sequences are joined to E2A sequences in 1;19 fusion transcripts. These data show that the 1;19 translocation consistently results in exchange of 3' exons encoding the HLH motifs of E2A with DNA from chromosome 1 to form a fusion gene on the derivative 19 chromosome.

Blotting, Southern↗

Sequence and structural homology among membrane-associated domains of CFTR and certain transporter proteins.

A sequence comparison of the two membrane-associated (MA) domains of the cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator (CFTR), multidrug resistance transporter (MDR), and alpha-factor pheromone export system (STE6) proteins, each of which are believed to contain a total of 12 transmembrane (TM) segments, reveals significant amino acid homology and length conservation in the loop regions that connect individual TM sequences. Similar structural homology is observed between these proteins, hemolysin B (HLYB) and the major histocompatibility-linked peptide transporter, HAM1, the latter two which contain a single MA domain composed of six TM segments. In addition, there are specific sequences that are conserved within the TM segments of the five different membrane proteins. This observation suggests that the folding topologies of the MA domains of MDR, STE6, and CFTR in the plasma membrane are likely to be very similar. The sequence analysis also reveals that there are three characteristic motifs (a pair of aromatic residues, LTLXXXXXXP and GXXL) that are conserved in MDR, STE6, HLYB, HAM1, but not in CFTR. We propose that although CFTR may be evolutionarily related to these other membrane proteins, it belongs to a separate subclass.

Amino Acid Sequence↗

Identification and characterization of NuhA, a novel Nudix hydrolase specific for ADP-ribose in the cyanobacterium Synechococcus sp. PCC 7002.

We cloned the gene for a novel Nudix hydrolase in the cyanobacterium Synechococcus sp. PCC 7002 and termed it nuhA. The deduced amino acid sequence of NuhA included the Nudix motif, GX(5)EX(7)RELXEEXGV, which is common to Nudix hydrolases, and in addition, a proline at the 15th amino acid from the C-terminus of the Nudix motif, which is characteristic of the subfamily of ADP-ribose pyrophosphatases. The recombinant NuhA with a hexahistidine tag was overexpressed in Escherichia coli and purified. The recombinant NuhA hydrolyzed ADP-ribose specifically among various nucleoside diphosphate derivatives. The hydrolytic activity for ADP-ribose required Mg(2+) and was optimal at pH 9.5. The V(max) and K(m) values of hydrolysis were 23.6 units mg(-1) and 0.094 mM, respectively. NuhA contained an uncharacterized domain in the C-terminal region, termed Pfam-B-3116, which is conserved in several hypothetical proteins. The mutated NuhA deficient in the Pfam-B-3116 domain failed to form the hexamers that are characteristic of NuhA, and exhibited a significantly higher K(m) value for ADP-ribose, suggesting that the Pfam-B-3116 domain might be responsible for oligomerization of NuhA and full binding affinity for ADP-ribose. These unique features suggest that NuhA is a novel type of ADP-ribose pyrophosphatase.

Adenosine Diphosphate Ribose↗

An essential phosphorylation-site domain of human cdc25C interacts with both 14-3-3 and cyclins.

Human cdc25C is a dual-specificity phosphatase involved in the regulation of cell cycle progression in both unperturbed cells and in cells subject to DNA damage or replication checkpoints. In this study, we describe the structure-function relationship of an essential domain of human cdc25C that interacts with 14-3-3 proteins. We show that this domain is a bi-functional interactive motif that interacts with cyclins primarily through their P-box motif in addition to 14-3-3 proteins. Characterization of the structural features of this domain by NMR and circular dichroism reveals two distinct alpha helical moieties interconnected by a loop carrying the 14-3-3 binding site. Moreover, the helical folding is induced upon binding to 14-3-3, suggestive of a conformational regulation of this domain of cdc25C through interactions with partner proteins in vivo. Combining our structural and biochemical data, we propose a detailed model of the molecular mechanism of cdc25C regulation by differential association with 14-3-3 and cdc2-cyclin B.

14-3-3 Proteins↗

Specific Pax-6/microphthalmia transcription factor interactions involve their DNA-binding domains and inhibit transcriptional properties of both proteins.

Pax-6 and microphthalmia transcription factor (Mitf) are required for proper eye development. Pax-6, expressed in both the neuroretina and pigmented retina, has two DNA-binding domains: the paired domain and the homeodomain. Mice homozygous for Pax-6 mutations are anophthalmic. Mitf, a basic helix-loop-helix leucine zipper (b-HLH-LZ) transcription factor associated with the onset and maintenance of pigmentation, identifies the retinal pigmented epithelium during eye development. Loss of Mitf function results in the formation of an ectopic neuroretina at the expense of the dorsal retinal pigmented epithelium. In the present study, we investigated the interaction between Pax-6 and Mitf. In transient transfection-expression experiments, we found that transactivating effects of Pax-6 and Mitf on their respective target promoters were strongly inhibited by co-transfection of both transcription factors. This repression was due to direct protein/protein interactions involving both Pax-6 DNA-binding domains and the Mitf b-HLH-LZ domain. These results suggest that Pax-6/Mitf interactions may be critical for retinal pigmented epithelium development.

Animals↗

Different population histories of the Mundari- and Mon-Khmer-speaking Austro-Asiatic tribes inferred from the mtDNA 9-bp deletion/insertion polymorphism in Indian populations.

Length variation in the human mtDNA intergenic region between the cytochrome oxidase II (COII) and tRNA lysine (tRNA(lys)) genes has been widely studied in world populations. Specifically, Austronesian populations of the Pacific and Austro-Asiatic populations of southeast Asia most frequently carry the 9-bp deletion in that region implying their shared common ancestry in haplogroup B. Furthermore, multiple independent origins of the 9-bp deletion at the background of other mtDNA haplogroups has been shown in populations of Africa, Europe, Australia, and India. We have analyzed 3293 Indian individuals belonging to 58 populations, representing different caste, tribal, and religious groups, for the length variation in the 9-bp motif. The 9-bp deletion (one copy) and insertion (three copies) alleles were observed in 2.51% (2.15% deletion and 0.36% insertion) of the individuals. The maximum frequency of the deletion (45.8%) was observed in the Nicobarese in association with the haplogroup B5a D-loop motif that is common throughout southeast Asia. The low polymorphism in the D-loop sequence of the Nicobarese B5a samples suggests their recent origin and a founder effect, probably involving migration from southeast Asia. Interestingly, none of the 302 (except one Munda sample, which has 9-bp insertion) from Mundari-speaking Austro-Asiatic populations from the Indian mainland showed the length polymorphism of the 9-bp motif, pointing either to their independent origin from the Mon-Khmeric-speaking Nicobarese or to an extensive admixture with neighboring Indo-European-speaking populations. Consistent with previous reports, the Indo-European and Dravidic populations of India showed low frequency of the 9-bp deletion/insertion. More than 18 independent origins of the deletion or insertion mutation could be inferred in the phylogenetic analysis of the D-loop sequences.

Asia, Southeastern↗

Melatonin biosynthesis: the structure of serotonin N-acetyltransferase at 2.5 A resolution suggests a catalytic mechanism.

Conversion of serotonin to N-acetylserotonin, the precursor of the circadian neurohormone melatonin, is catalyzed by serotonin N-acetyltransferase (AANAT) in a reaction requiring acetyl coenzyme A (AcCoA). AANAT is a globular protein consisting of an eight-stranded beta sheet flanked by five alpha helices; a conserved motif in the center of the beta sheet forms the cofactor binding site. Three polypeptide loops converge above the AcCoA binding site, creating a hydrophobic funnel leading toward the cofactor and serotonin binding sites in the protein interior. Two conserved histidines not found in other NATs are located at the bottom of the funnel in the active site, suggesting a catalytic mechanism for acetylation involving imidazole groups acting as general acid/base catalysts.

Acetyl Coenzyme A↗

Chromosomal translocations in lymphoid malignancies reveal novel proto-oncogenes.

Chromosomal translocation within B and T cell malignancies has proven a rich source for proto-oncogenes. The obligate DNA breaks within immunoglobulin (Ig) and T cell receptor (TCR) loci are frequently the sites of recurrent translocations. Burkitt's lymphoma established the paradigm by introducing the myc oncogene from chromosome segment 8q24 into the Ig heavy chain gene locus at 14q32. Molecular cloning of an aberrant Ig rearrangement in follicular lymphoma revealed Bcl-2. Bcl-2 constitutes the first member of a new category of oncogenes: regulators of programmed cell death. Bcl-2 blocks apoptosis and maintains long-term immune responsiveness including B-cell memory. The PRAD1 gene of parathyroid adenomas appears to be the elusive Bcl-1 gene of t(11;14)(q13;q32) bearing lymphomas. It proves to be a novel G1 cyclin. Acute lymphoblastic leukemias (ALL) pre-B phenotype produce a E2A/PBX fusion protein that possesses the leucine zipper of E2A with the homeodomain of PBX. Two molecular forms of the BCR/ABL fusion protein are produced by the Philadelphia chromosome. A deregulated p210 tyrosine kinase is found in chronic myelogenous leukemia, while a p190 form predominates in Ph+ ALL. In contrast, T-cell ALLs introduce a potpourri of genes into their T cell receptor loci. However, a common theme is emerging. These oncogenes (Ttg1, Ttg2, SCL, LylI, H0X11) all belong to classic families of transcription factors, possessing LIM domains, helix-loop-helix motifs, or homeodomains. Provocatively, these transcription factors are normally intended for lineages other than T cells. These genes have widened the horizons of both oncogenesis and normal development.

Genes, Immunoglobulin↗

Solution structure of the fourth metal-binding domain from the Menkes copper-transporting ATPase.

Menkes disease is an X-linked disorder in copper transport that results in death during early childhood. The solution structures of both apo and Ag(I)-bound forms of the fourth metal-binding domain (mbd4) from the Menkes copper-transporting ATPase have been solved. The 72-residue mbd4 has a ferredoxin-like beta alpha beta beta alpha beta fold. Structural differences between the two forms are limited to the metal-binding loop, which is disordered in the apo structure but well ordered in the Ag(I)-bound structure. Ag(I) binds in a linear bicoordinate manner to the two Cys residues of the conserved GMTCxxC motif; Cu(I) likely coordinates in a similar manner. Menkes mbd4 is thus the first bicoordinate copper-binding protein to be characterized structurally. Sequence comparisons with other heavy-metal-binding domains reveal a conserved hydrophobic core and metal-binding motif.

Adenosine Triphosphatases↗

Derivation of primary sequences and secondary structures of rev responsive element from HIV-1 infected mothers and infants following vertical transmission.

We have characterized the primary RRE sequences of HIV-1, including in vivo genetic variation and functional motifs required for Rev-RRE interactions as well as evaluated the RNA secondary structures of RRE derived from five mother-infant pairs following vertical transmission. Multiple (157) RRE sequences derived from mother-infant pairs showed that primary nucleotide sequences of RRE were highly conserved with a low degree of viral heterogeneity following vertical transmission. We found that the RRE sequences from mothers and infants folded and retained all the essential stem-loop formation required for Rev-RRE interactions. More importantly, a primary 9-nucleotide (5'-CACTATGGG-3') RRE sequence in the stem-loop B that is required for optimal Rev recognition and must be presented as a stem-bulge-stem structure was highly conserved in most of the sequences. The domains required for RRE-host protein interactions were also conserved in most of the RRE sequences. Taken together, the primary RRE sequences in the context of secondary structures were maintained and the Rev-RRE interaction domains were conserved following vertical transmission, which is consistent with a crucial role of RRE in HIV-1 pathogenesis.

Adult↗