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L Patthy

Publications and source records attributed to L Patthy.

At least 37 records · Page 2Linked to original sources

Convergent evolution of apolipoprotein(a) in primates and hedgehog.

Apolipoprotein(a) [apo(a)] is the distinguishing protein component of lipoprotein(a), a major inherited risk factor for atherosclerosis. Human apo(a) is homologous to plasminogen. It contains from 15 to 50 repeated domains closely related to plasminogen kringle four, plus single kringle five-like and inactive protease-like domains. This expressed gene is confined to a subset of primates. Although most mammals lack apo(a), hedgehogs produce an apo(a)-like protein composed of highly repeated copies of a plasminogen kringle three-like domain, with complete absence of protease domain sequences. Both human and hedgehog apo(a)-like proteins form covalently linked lipoprotein particles that can bind to fibrin and other substrates shared with plasminogen. DNA sequence comparisons and phylogenetic analysis indicate that the human type of apo(a) evolved from a duplicated plasminogen gene during recent primate evolution. In contrast, the kringle three-based type of apo(a) evolved from an independent duplication of the plasminogen gene approximately 80 million years ago. In a type of convergent evolution, the plasminogen gene has been independently remodeled twice during mammalian evolution to produce similar forms of apo(a) in two widely divergent groups of species.

Animals↗

Apolipoproteins(a): a puzzling evolutionary story.

Human apolipoprotein(a), a risk factor for heart disease, has over 80% sequence identity to plasminogen. Plasminogen contains five distinct kringle domains plus a catalytic protease subunit. Human apo(a) consists of multiple copies (the number varies in individuals) of a domain resembling kringle 4, a single copy of a domain resembling kringle 5, and a protease-like domain. The recently cloned hedgehog version of apolipoprotein(a), which contains 31 nearly identical copies of plasminogen kringle 3 and lacks a protease domain, has prompted us to investigate the evolutionary history of the apolipoprotein(a) gene in mammals. Our analysis supports the nonfunctionality of the human apolipoprotein(a) protease domain, and a single (or multiple) duplication of plasminogen gene before mammal radiation, which originated apolipoprotein(a) in mammals.

Animals↗

Exon shuffling and other ways of module exchange.

Thanks to recent improvements in techniques used for the detection of homologies, it is now clear that module exchange played a major role in protein evolution. Analysis of the genes of various modular proteins has identified a large number of cases where gene assembly was facilitated by intronic recombination--i.e., the proteins were formed by exon shuffling. Studies of the principles and mechanistic details of exon shuffling, however, revealed that this powerful evolutionary mechanism could become significant only after the appearance of spliceosomal introns typical of higher eukaryotes. Although exon shuffling is the most efficient way of constructing modular proteins, recent studies on the evolution of multidomain proteins of prokaryotes emphasize that intronic recombination is not an absolute prerequisite of module exchange.

Animals↗

The recurring evolution of lipoprotein(a). Insights from cloning of hedgehog apolipoprotein(a).

The lipoprotein Lp(a), a major inherited risk factor for atherosclerosis, consists of a low density lipoprotein-like particle containing apolipoprotein B-100 plus the distinguishing component apolipoprotein(a) (apo(a)). Human apo(a) contains highly repeated domains related to plasminogen kringle four plus single kringle five and protease-like domains. Apo(a) is virtually confined to primates, and the gene may have arisen during primate evolution. One exception is the occurrence of an Lp(a)-like particle in the hedgehog. Cloning of the hedgehog apo(a)-like gene shows that it is distinctive in form and evolutionary history from human apo(a), but that it has acquired several common features. It appears that the primate and hedgehog apo(a) genes evolved independently by duplication and modification of different domains of the plasminogen gene, providing a novel type of "convergent" molecular evolution.

Amino Acid Sequence↗

The SEA module: a new extracellular domain associated with O-glycosylation.

Using a variety of homology search methods and multiple alignments, a new extracellular module was identified in (1) agrin, (2) enterokinase, (3) a 63-kDa sea urchin sperm protein, (4) perlecan, (5) the breast cancer marker MUCI (episialin), (6) the cell surface antigen 114/A10, and (7/8) two functionally uncharacterized, probably extracellular, Caenorhabditis elegans proteins. Despite the functional diversity of these adhesive proteins, a common denominator seems to be their existence in heavily glycosylated environments. In addition, the better characterized proteins mentioned above contain all O-glycosidic-linked carbohydrates such as heparan sulfate that contribute considerably to their molecular masses. The common module might regulate or assist binding to neighboring carbohydrate moieties.

Agrin↗

The gelatin-binding site of human 72 kDa type IV collagenase (gelatinase A).

To identify structures critical for gelatin-binding of 72 kDa type IV collagenase (gelatinase A), fragments of this metalloproteinase have been expressed in Escherichia coli and assayed for their gelatin affinity. Each of the three fibronectin-related type II domains was found to have affinity for gelatin. Fragments containing all three tandem type II domains had significantly stronger affinity than any of the constituent units, indicating that they co-operate to form the high-affinity gelatin-binding site. Competition experiments have also shown that gelatinase A binds more tightly to gelatin than fibronectin and can displace the latter from denatured collagen.

Base Sequence↗

Agrin-like proteins of the neuromuscular junction.

Agrin, a molecule synthesized by motorneurons, plays a key role in the formation of the neuromuscular junction. Agrin is released from motoneurons at the axon terminal after anterograde axonal transport and binds to agrin receptors present on muscle cells. Through a tyrosine kinase-dependent signal transduction mechanism agrin induces rearrangement of various cytoskeletal, cytoplasmic and membrane proteins of muscle cells, giving rise to the molecular topography characteristic of postsynaptic membranes. The most prominent aspect of these rearrangements is the aggregation of acetylcholine receptors and acetylcholinesterases in postsynaptic membranes of muscle cells. Agrin and agrin-like proteins deposited in the extracellular matrix of the synaptic cleft may also serve as a reservoir of trophic factors for motor neurons thereby ensuring the maintenance of a long-lasting synaptic architecture.

Agrin↗

Functions of agrin and agrin-related proteins.

Agrin, a molecule produced by motoneurons that induces the aggregation of nicotinic acetylcholine receptors (nAChRs), has recently been structurally characterized. Agrin-related proteins (ARPs) that arise from differential splicing are synthesized by neurons and muscle. The C-terminal region of agrin that instructs muscle to aggregate nAChRs contains three laminin A modules separated by epidermal growth factor-like modules. Alternative splicing in the laminin A modules leads to the formation of at least three ARPs that are devoid of nAChR-aggregating activity. In their N-terminal regions, both agrin and ARPs contain nine follistatin-related modules that, like those in follistatin and in another related protein, osteonectin, may have the capability to bind members of the transforming growth factor beta (TGF-beta) or platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF) families. This review proposes that these follistatin-like regions of agrin and ARPs might bind and localize growth factors, and thus provide a matrix-bound concentration of them. Beyond agrin's role in inducing AChR aggregation, the function of agrin and ARPs to provide a localized reservoir of growth factors could contribute to the formation and maintenance of the long-lasting synaptic architecture by specifying and limiting the area of influence of these molecules.

Agrin↗

A family of laminin-related proteins controlling ectodermal differentiation in Drosophila.

It is shown that the proteins encoded by the tumor suppressor fat gene, the neurogenic slit gene and crumbs gene of Drosophila contain domains homologous with modules identified previously in laminin A. These proteins of Drosophila have a number of features in common: they have large extracellular regions containing laminin A modules linked to epidermal growth factor-like domains, and they are all involved in cell-cell interactions that are crucial for correct morphogenesis of ectodermal tissues (development of midline neuroepithelia, organizationof epithelial tissues etc.). It is suggested that the laminin A-type modules of these proteins play important roles in the interactions that control ectodermal differentiation.

Amino Acid Sequence↗

Refined solution structure and ligand-binding properties of PDC-109 domain b. A collagen-binding type II domain.

We have determined, via 1H-n.m.r., the solution conformation of the collagen-binding b-domain of the bovine seminal fluid protein PDC-109 (PDC-109/b). The structure determination is based on 341 interproton distance estimates and 42 dihedral angle estimates: a set of 24 initial structures were computed; 12 using the variable target function program DIANA, and 12 using the metric matrix program DISGEO. These structures were optimized by restrained energy minimization and dynamic simulated annealing using the CHARMM and X-PLOR programs. The average pairwise root-mean-square difference (r.m.s.d) between the optimized DIANA (DISGEO) structures is 0.71 A (0.82 A) for the backbone atoms, and 1.73 A (2.03 A) for all atoms. Both sets of structures exhibit the same global fold, secondary structure and placement of most non-polar side-chains. Two central antiparallel beta-sheets, which lie roughly perpendicular to each other, and two irregular loops support a large, partially exposed, hydrophobic surface that defines a putative binding site. A test of a hybrid relaxation matrix-based distance refinement protocol (MIDGE program) was performed using a normalized 250 millisecond NOESY spectrum. The resulting distances were input to the molecular mechanics/dynamics procedures mentioned above in order to optimize the DIANA structures. Our results indicate that relaxation matrix refinement of distances is most useful when used conservatively for identifying underestimated distance constraints. 1H-n.m.r. monitored ligand titration experiments revealed definite, albeit weak, binding interactions for phenethylamine and leucine analogs (Ka less than or equal to 25 M-1). Residues perturbed by ligand binding include Tyr7, Trp26, Tyr33, Asp34 and Trp39. These results suggest that PDC-109/b may recognize specific leucine and/or isoleucine-containing sequences within collagen.

Amino Acid Sequence↗

Laminin A-related domains in crb protein of Drosophila and their possible role in epithelial polarization.

It is shown that four domains of the integral membrane protein crb of Drosophila are homologous with five C-terminal domains of the laminin A chain and merosin. Since the latter domains of laminin A have been implicated in determining epithelial polarity, the homology may suggest a similar function for these domains of crb. Such a function would be consistent with the known importance of crb for organization of epithelia in Drosophila.

Amino Acid Sequence↗

The ligand-binding domain of the cell surface receptor for urokinase-type plasminogen activator.

The purified urokinase plasminogen activator receptor (u-PAR) was cleaved into two fragments by mild chymotrypsin treatment. The smaller fragment (apparent Mr 16,000) possessed the ligand-binding capability, as shown by chemical cross-linking analysis. This fragment constituted the NH2-terminal part of the intact receptor, probably including the whole sequence 1-87, and contained N-linked carbohydrate. After detergent phase separation in the Triton X-114 system, the fragment was present in the water phase where its binding activity could be demonstrated in the absence of the rest of the protein. An analysis of internal homology in the amino acid sequence of u-PAR revealed the presence of three repeats of approximately 90 residues each. The ligand-binding fragment corresponds to the first repeat, supporting that this unit is a structurally autonomous domain. Domains homologous with the internal repeats of u-PAR constitute the extracellular part of Ly-6 antigens and of the squid glycoprotein Sgp-2. Like u-PAR, these proteins are attached to the membrane by a glycosyl-phosphatidylinositol anchor. The hydrophilic, ligand-binding u-PAR domain identified in the present study has potential applications in interfering with cell-surface plasmin-mediated proteolysis.

Amino Acid Sequence↗

Conformation of Lys-plasminogen and the kringle 1-3 fragment of plasminogen analyzed by small-angle neutron scattering.

Native human Glu-plasminogen (Glu1-Asn791) was previously shown to have a radius of gyration of 39 A and a shape best described by a prolate ellipsoid [Mangel, W. F., Lin, B., & Ramakrishnan, V. (1990) Science 248, 69-73]. Upon occupation of a weak lysine-binding site, the shape reversibly changes to that best described by a Debye random coil with a radius of gyration of 56 A. Conversion from the closed to the open form is not accompanied by any change in secondary structure, hence the closed conformation is formed by interaction between domains, the five kringles and the protease domain, and this is abolished upon conversion to the open form. Here we analyzed by small-angle neutron scattering the conformations of human Lys-plasminogen (Lys78-Asn791) and the fragment K1-3 that contains the first three kringles of plasminogen (Tyr80-Val338 or Tyr80-Val354). The shape of Lys-plasminogen was best described by a Debye random coil with a radius of gyration of 51 A, and occupation of its lysine-binding sites by 6-aminohexanoic acid did not dramatically alter its conformation. Thus Lys-plasminogen was in the open form, similar to that of Glu-plasminogen with its lysine-binding sites occupied. The fragment K1-3 in the absence or presence of 6-aminohexanoic acid had a shape best described equally either by an elongated prolate ellipsoid or by a Debye random coil, with a radius of gyration of 29 A. Our model for the two forms of plasminogen is that, in the closed form, domain interaction generates a compact, almost globular, structure.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Amino Acid Sequence↗

Evidence for the involvement of type II domains in collagen binding by 72 kDa type IV procollagenase.

The fibronectin-related region of the 72 kDa type IV procollagenase has been expressed in E. coli as a beta-galactosidase fusion product. The fragment containing the three type II units of the protein was found to have affinity for denatured collagen, suggesting that these domains may be responsible for the collagen-affinity of type IV collagenase. We have also shown that segment Ala-Ala-His-Glu of type IV collagenase (residues 372-375), which is similar to a fibronectin-segment previously implicated in collagen-binding, is not essential for binding activity.

Amino Acid Sequence↗

Homology of the precursor of pulmonary surfactant-associated protein SP-B with prosaposin and sulfated glycoprotein 1.

The precursor of pulmonary surfactant-associated protein, SP-B, is composed of an NH2-terminal domain of 30 residues (a-type domain) and three tandem repeats of about 90 residues (b-type domain); biophysically active mature SP-B corresponds to the second b-type repeat. Consensus sequences constructed for the b-type repeats were used to search the data base for homologous sequences, and the search has revealed that prosaposin and sulfated glycoprotein 1 show a remarkable homology with these repeats. The domain organizations of the latter proteins, however, differ from that of SP-B precursor inasmuch as they contain four tandem copies of the b-type domain and a-type domains are present both in the NH2-terminal and COOH-terminal parts of the proteins. The implications of the homology of saposins and SP-B for their structure and function are discussed.

Amino Acid Sequence↗

Sequence-specific 1H NMR assignments and structural characterization of bovine seminal fluid protein PDC-109 domain b.

Sequence-specific resonance assignments for the isolated second or b domain of the bovine seminal fluid protein PDC-109 have been obtained from analysis of two-dimensional 1H NMR experiments recorded at 500 MHz. These assignments include the identification of all aromatic and most aliphatic amino acid resonances. Stereospecific assignment of resonances stemming from the Val2 CH3 gamma,gamma' groups and from seven CH beta,beta' geminal pairs has been accomplished by analysis of 3J alpha beta coupling constants in conjunction with patterns of cross-peak intensities observed in two-dimensional nuclear Overhauser effect (NOESY) spectra. Analysis of NOESY and 3J alpha NH data reveals a small antiparallel beta-sheet involving stretches containing residues 25-28 and 39-42, a cis-proline residue (Pro4), antiparallel strands consisting of residues 1-3, 5-7, and 10-13, and an aromatic cluster composed of Tyr7, Trp26, and Tyr33. The results of distance geometry and restrained molecular dynamics calculations indicate that the global fold of the PDC-109 b domain, a type II module related to those found in fibronectin, is somewhat different from that predicted by modeling the structure on the basis of homology between type II and kringle units. A shallow depression in the molecular surface which presents a solvent-exposed hydrophobic area--a potential ligand-binding site-is identified in the NMR-based models.

Amino Acid Sequence↗