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Characterization of prenylated protein methyltransferase in Leishmania.

Prenylated protein methyltransferase, an enzyme involved in the post-translational modification of many signalling proteins, has been characterized in a parasitic flagellated protozoan, Leishmania donovani. The activity of this enzyme was monitored by the methylation of an artificial substrate, an S-prenylated cysteine analogue, with S-adenosyl-l-[methyl-(3)H]methionine as methyl donor. More than 85% of the methyltransferase activity was associated with membranes. The enzyme methylates N-acetyl-S-trans, trans-farnesyl-l-cysteine and N-acetyl-S-all-trans-geranylgeranyl-l-cysteine, but N-acetyl-S-trans, trans-geranyl-l-cysteine only very weakly. In contrast with the enzyme from mammals, the leishmanial enzyme had a greater affinity for the farnesylated substrate than for the geranylgeranylated one. Activity in vitro was not modulated by cAMP, protein kinase C activator or guanosine 5'-[gamma-thio]triphosphate. An analysis of the endogenous substrates showed that the carboxymethylated proteins were also isoprenylated. The main carboxymethylated proteins have molecular masses of 95, 68, 55, 46, 34-23, 18 and less than 14 kDa. Treatment of cells with N-acetyl-S-trans,trans-farnesyl-l-cysteine decreased the carboxymethylation level, whereas treatment with guanosine 5'-[gamma-thio]triphosphate increased the carboxymethylation of various proteins, particularly those of molecular masses 30-20 kDa.

Animals↗

Secondary structure and post-translational modifications of the leucine-rich repeat protein PGIP (polygalacturonase-inhibiting protein) from Phaseolus vulgaris.

A detailed analysis of the secondary structure has been carried out on the polygalacturonase-inhibiting protein (PGIP) from Phaseolus vulgaris, a leucine-rich repeat (LRR) protein present in the cell wall of many plants. Far-UV CD and infrared spectroscopies coupled to constrained secondary structure prediction methods indicated the presence of 12 alpha- and 12 beta-segments, thus allowing a schematic representation of three domains of the protein, namely, the central LRR region and the two cysteine-rich flanking domains. Peptides from endoproteinase-degraded PGIP were analyzed by mass spectrometry, and four disulfide bonds were identified. Mass spectrometric analysis in combination with glycosidase treatments revealed two N-linked oligosaccharides located on Asn 64 and Asn 141. The main structure resembled the typical complex plant N-glycan consisting of a core pentasaccharide beta1,2-xylosylated, carrying an alpha1,3-fucose linked to the innermost N-acetylglucosamine and one outer arm N-acetylglucosamine residue. The schematic representation of PGIP structural domains is discussed in the framework of the structure and function of LRR proteins.

Amino Acid Sequence↗

The role of oxidative stress in the dysregulation of gene expression and protein metabolism in neurodegenerative disease.

There are few examples for which the genetic basis for neurodegenerative disease has been identified. For the majority of these disorders, the key to their understanding lies in knowledge of the molecular changes that contribute to altered gene expression and the translational modification of the protein products. Environmental factors play a role in the development and chronicity of neurodegenerative disorders. Environmental stimuli such as hypoxia, toxins, or heavy metals, increase production of reactive oxygen species and lower energy reserves. Chronic exposure to oxidative radicals can adversely affect gene expression and proteolysis. This review summarizes what is currently known about some of the changes in gene expression and protein metabolism that occur after oxidative stress which contribute to neurodegeneration, and reveals areas where more research is clearly needed.

DNA Damage↗

The biosynthesis and post-translational modification of Pbs21 an ookinete-surface protein of Plasmodium berghei.

Radiolabelled methionine incorporation into synchronised Plasmodium berghei gametocytes or ookinete cultures, showed that Pbs21 is not synthesised in bloodstage parasites; synthesis was detected within three hours of induction of gametogenesis; synthesis was triggered at gametogenesis, not by fertilisation. We show native Pbs21 to be a hydrophobic membrane protein that was insensitive to cleavage by phosphatidylinositol phospholipase C (PI-PLC), but sensitive to alkaline hydroxylamine, and partially sensitive to glycosylphosphatidylinositol-dependent phospholipase D (GPI-PLD) and HNO2. 3H-myristic and palmitic acid, 3H-glucosamine and mannose incorporation indicated Pbs21 was acylated and glycosylated. Linkage of the acyl group was sensitive to HNO2, which released an acyl-phosphatidylinositol more hydrophobic than that released from P3 of Trypanosoma brucei. All these properties are consistent with the presence of a malaria-specific glycosylphosphatidylinositol (GPI) anchor. In contrast recombinant Pbs21 (rPbs21), expressed in Spodoptera frugiperda cells, was sensitive to both PI-PLC and GPI-PLD, consistent with the protein being modified by a different (S. frugiperda) GPI anchor. Brefeldin A blocked secretion of rPbs21 within a cytoplasmic reticular compartment. Following deletion of the putative GPI anchor addition site (amino acids 189 213), the protein was transported to the cell surface and secreted directly into the aqueous phase of the culture medium. Deletion of amino acids 205-213 disrupted Pbs21 processing, transport through the ER and distribution onto the cell surface. Deletion of amino acids 1-28 prevented transport of Pbs21 into the ER. This suggests that correct processing of the GPI anchor in the ER-Golgi network is essential for the successful secretion of the recombinant protein, which is additionally dependent upon an N-terminal secretory signal sequence.

Acylation↗

Novel protein modification by kynurenine in human lenses.

It is known that human lenses increase in color and fluorescence with age, but the molecular basis for this is not well understood. We demonstrate here that proteins isolated from human lenses contain significant levels of the UV filter kynurenine covalently bound to histidine and lysine residues. Identification was confirmed by synthesis of the kynurenine amino acid adducts and comparison of the chromatographic retention times and mass spectra of these authentic standards with those of corresponding adducts isolated from human lenses following acid hydrolysis. Using calf lens proteins as a model, covalent binding of kynurenine to lens proteins has been shown to proceed via side chain deamination in a manner analogous to that observed for the related UV filter, 3-hydroxykynurenine O-beta-D-glucoside. Levels of histidylkynurenine and lysylkynurenine were low in human lenses in subjects younger than 30, but thereafter increased in concentration with the age of the individual. Post-translational modification of lens proteins by tryptophan metabolites therefore appears to be responsible, at least in part, for the age-dependent increase in coloration and fluorescence of the human lens, and this process may also be important in other tissues in which up-regulation of tryptophan catabolism occurs.

Adult↗

Tandem mass spectrometry identifies sites of three post-translational modifications of spinach light-harvesting chlorophyll protein II. Proteolytic cleavage, acetylation, and phosphorylation.

The photosynthetic membranes of spinach (Spinacia oleracea L.) chloroplasts were incubated with [gamma-32P] ATP. When the thylakoid membrane kinase was activated with light, the 25- and 27-kDa forms of the light-harvesting chlorophyll a/b protein (LHC II) were phosphorylated on their amino termini. Treatment of the membranes with proteinase K or thermolysin released phosphopeptides which were purified by ferric ion affinity chromatography and reverse phase high performance liquid chromatography. Sequencing of the phosphopeptides was performed with tandem quadrupole mass spectrometry. Three different phosphopeptides Ac-RKTAGKPKT, Ac-RKTAGKPKN, and Ac-RKSAGKPKN originating from class I LHC II were examined after release by thermolysin. One phosphopeptide, Ac-RRTVKSAPQ, originating from class II LHC II was examined after release by proteinase K. Each of the four LHC II phosphopeptides was derived from the amino terminus of a distinct protein. Peptides were acetylated at their amino-terminal arginine and were phosphorylated on either threonine or serine in the third position. We conclude that proteolytic processing of pre-LHC II occurs at a conserved methionyl-arginyl bond and is followed by amino-terminal acetylation of the arginine and nearby phosphorylation of the mature LHC II. Eight different peptides were synthesized in acetylated and nonacetylated forms as substrates for the thylakoid membrane kinase. From a comparison of the kinetics of phosphate incorporation into the peptides, we conclude that basic residues on both sides of the phosphorylation site are important for enzyme recognition. Acetylation of the amino terminus is not required for phosphorylation.

Acetylation↗

Advanced glycation end products induce specific glycoprotein alterations in retinal microvascular cells.

In order to investigate the mechanisms involved in diabetic retinopathy, we studied the effects of advanced glycosylation end products (AGE) on retinal microvascular cell glycoproteins. Bovine retinal pericytes (BRP) and endothelial cells (BREC) were incubated in the presence of AGE-modified albumin and cell glycoproteins analyzed by lectin affinoblotting and metabolic radiolabeling with sugar precursors. Selective modifications in the glycoprotein sugar chains were observed mainly in BREC and for a 210 kDa membrane glycoprotein. Indeed, a 40% decrease of alpha(2,3) sialic acid, beta(1,3) galactose or alpha(1,6) fucose content was observed without significant protein amount changes. These glycoprotein alterations were related to the concentration of AGE. Neither BRP nor BREC glycoproteins were modified when cells were incubated with high glucose or fructose concentrations. These results suggest a new diabetic pathogenic mechanism in which a protein post-translational modification, in this case glycation, could modify another post-translational process such as the enzymatic glycosylation.

Animals↗

Peptide mapping characterization by capillary electrophoresis of a human monoclonal anti-Rh(D) antibody produced for clinical study.

CE has been employed for peptide mapping characterization of the light chain of a human anti-Rhesus (D) (Rh[D]) antibody presently undergoing clinical evaluation. In the presence of an ion-pairing agent used to increase resolution, reproducible maps were obtained within 55 min after injection of 12 fmol of protein. CE has also been employed as a direct and quick screening tool for purity evaluation of the tryptic peptides obtained from reversed-phase high-performance liquid chromatography (RP-HPLC) prior to sequence analysis. Post-translational modifications of the protein were determined by identification of the cysteine residues implicated in disulfide linkages.

Amino Acid Sequence↗

An immunoblotting method for high-resolution isoelectric focusing of protein isoforms on immobilized pH gradients.

Post-translational modifications such as phosphorylation and acetylation are important elements for regulating the activity of enzymes or structural proteins. These modifications give rise to isoforms that are often not resolved by separation methods relying on the size of proteins. Here, we optimized an isoelectric focusing (IEF)-immunoblotting method suitable for analyzing protein isoforms in total cell extracts. The separations were carried out in parallel on commercially available immobilized pH gradient slab gels (IPG). The buffer used for separation contained urea, thiourea, dithiothreitol, as well as the detergent 3-[(3-cholamidopropyl)dimethylammonio]-1-propane-sulfonate (CHAPS), and was designed to match those used in two-dimensional polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (PAGE) separations where efficient solubilization is required. Proteins were transferred to membranes by passive diffusion in the presence of 4 M guanidinium chloride using protocols optimized for several protein classes (tubulin, stathmin, 14-3-3 proteins) some of which required removal of CHAPS prior to transfer. In conjunction with narrow-range pH gradient gels, excellent resolution of isoforms differing by phosphorylation or acetylation was achieved. The usefulness of pI and titration curve calculations for predicting the pI shifts expected for post-translational modifications of proteins with known amino acid composition was demonstrated. Using stathmin--which contains four phosphorylation sites--as an example, the effects on the pI-shifts were well predicted. This sensitive and widely applicable IEF-blotting technology is expected to be especially suited for analyzing protein isoforms first detected by two-dimensional electrophoresis.

14-3-3 Proteins↗

Lipopolysaccharide-induced methylation of HuR, an mRNA-stabilizing protein, by CARM1. Coactivator-associated arginine methyltransferase.

The RNA-binding protein HuR stabilizes labile mRNAs carrying AU-rich instability elements. This mRNA stabilization can be induced by hypoxia, lipopolysaccharide, and UV light. The mechanism by which these stimuli activate HuR is unclear and might be related to post-translational modification of this protein. Here we show that HuR can be methylated on arginine. However, HuR is not a substrate for PRMT1, the most prominent protein-arginine methyltransferase in mammalian cells, which methylates a number of heterogeneous nuclear ribonucleoproteins. Instead, HuR is specifically methylated by coactivator-associated arginine methyltransferase 1 (CARM1), a protein-arginine methyltransferase previously shown to serve as a transcriptional coactivator. By analyzing methylation of specific HuR arginine-to-lysine mutants and by sequencing radioactively methylated HuR peptides, Arg(217) was identified as the major HuR methylation site. Arg(217) is located in the hinge region between the second and third of the three HuR RNA recognition motif domains. Antibodies against a methylated HuR peptide were used to demonstrate in vivo methylation of HuR. HuR methylation increased in cells that overexpressed CARM1. Importantly, lipopolysaccharide stimulation of macrophages, which leads to HuR-mediated stabilization of tumor necrosis factor alpha mRNA in these cells, caused increased methylation of endogenous HuR. Thus, CARM1, which plays a role in transcriptional activation through histone H3 methylation, may also play a role in post-transcriptional gene regulation by methylating HuR.

Animals↗

In vitro coupled transcription translation: effects of modification in lysate preparation on protein composition and biosynthesis activity.

Cell-free extracts (lysates) from Escherichia coli were used for protein synthesis in vitro. Essential steps of the lysate preparation were modified and analyzed with respect to their impact on in vitro protein synthesis capacity, using the green fluorescent protein (GFP) as a target protein. Variably manufactured lysates of low, medium and higher protein synthesis activity, were examined by high resolution two-dimensional gel electrophoresis to determine whether the modifications result in substantial alterations in protein composition of the final lysate. The total number of proteins calculated from the gel maps did not vary for lysates with different activity and thus cannot serve as an evaluation parameter. Ribosomal proteins RP-S1, RP-L9, and RP-L10 were found in stoichiometric amounts for each of these lysates and in equal concentrations in comparison among the different lysates. Conversely, depending on the activity profiles, up to 7 different isoforms of the elongation factor EF-Ts were detected in the gel maps.

Bacterial Proteins↗

cAMP-dependent protein kinase defines a family of enzymes.

The structure of the recombinant mouse catalytic subunit of cAMP-dependent protein kinase is reviewed with particular emphasis on the overall features and specific amino acids that are shared by all members of the eukaryotic protein kinase family. The crystal structure of a ternary complex containing both MgATP and a twenty-residue inhibitor peptide defines the precise role of the conserved residues that are clustered at the active site. In addition to catalysing the post-translational modification of other proteins, the catalytic subunit is itself subject to covalent modifications. It is a phosphoprotein and is also myristylated at its amino terminus. The enzyme when crystallized in the presence of detergent shows a detergent molecule bound to an acyl pocket that is presumably occupied by the myristyl moiety in the mammalian enzyme. When expressed in E. coli, the catalytic subunit is autophosphorylated at four sites. Two stable phosphates at Ser338 and Thr197 interact with multiple protein side chains thus explaining why they are inaccessible to phosphatases. Although all substrates and inhibitors of the catalytic subunit share a general minimum consensus sequence, the high affinity binding of protein inhibitors such as the regulatory subunits and the heat stable protein kinase inhibitors require additional determinants that lie beyond the consensus site. These two physiological inhibitors of the catalytic subunit appear to use different sites to achieve high-affinity binding.

Amino Acid Sequence↗

Post-genomics of microsporidia, with emphasis on a model of minimal eukaryotic proteome: a review.

The genome sequence of the microsporidian parasite Encephalitozoon cuniculi Levaditi, Nicolau et Schoen, 1923 contains about 2,000 genes that are representative of a non-redundant potential proteome composed of 1,909 protein chains. The purpose of this review is to relate some advances in the characterisation of this proteome through bioinformatics and experimental approaches. The reduced diversity of the set of E. cuniculi proteins is perceptible in all the compilations of predicted domains, orthologs, families and superfamilies, available in several public databases. The phyletic patterns of orthologs for seven eukaryotic organisms support an extensive gene loss in the fungal clade, with additional deletions in E. cuniculi. Most microsporidial orthologs are the smallest ones among eukaryotes, justifying an interest in the use of these compacted proteins to better discriminate between essential and non-essential regions. The three components of the E. cuniculi mRNA capping apparatus have been especially well characterized and the three-dimensional structure of the cap methyltransferase has been elucidated following the crystallisation of the microsporidial enzyme Ecm1. So far, our mass spectrometry-based analyses of the E. cuniculi spore proteome has led to the identification of about 170 proteins, one-quarter of these having no clearly predicted function. Immunocytochemical studies are in progress to determine the subcellular localisation of microsporidia-specific proteins. Post-translational modifications such as phosphorylation and glycosylation are expected to be soon explored.

Animals↗

Nitrogen-containing bisphosphonates inhibit the mevalonate pathway and prevent post-translational prenylation of GTP-binding proteins, including Ras.

Bisphosphonates are currently the most important class of antiresorptive drugs used for the treatment of metabolic bone diseases. Although the molecular targets of bisphosphonates have not been identified, these compounds inhibit bone resorption by mechanisms that can lead to osteoclast apoptosis. Bisphosphonates also induce apoptosis in mouse J774 macrophages in vitro, probably by the same mechanisms that lead to osteoclast apoptosis. We have found that, in J774 macrophages, nitrogen-containing bisphosphonates (such as alendronate, ibandronate, and risedronate) inhibit post-translational modification (prenylation) of proteins, including the GTP-binding protein Ras, with farnesyl or geranylgeranyl isoprenoid groups. Clodronate did not inhibit protein prenylation. Mevastatin, an inhibitor of 3-hydroxy-3-methylglutatyl (HMG)-CoA reductase and hence the biosynthetic pathway required for the production of farnesyl pyrophosphate and geranylgeranyl pyrophosphate, also caused apoptosis in J774 macrophages and murine osteoclasts in vitro. Furthermore, alendronate-induced apoptosis, like mevastatin-induced apoptosis, could be suppressed in J774 cells by the addition of farnesyl pyrophosphate or geranylgeranyl pyrophosphate, while the effect of alendronate on osteoclast number and bone resorption in murine calvariae in vitro could be overcome by the addition of mevalonic acid. These observations suggest that nitrogen-containing bisphosphonate drugs cause apoptosis following inhibition of post-translational prenylation of proteins such as Ras. It is likely that these potent antiresorptive bisphosphonates also inhibit bone resorption by preventing protein prenylation in osteoclasts and that enzymes of the mevalonate pathway or prenyl protein transferases are the molecular targets of the nitrogen-containing bisphosphonates. Furthermore, the data support the view that clodronate acts by a different mechanism.

Alendronate↗

[Computational search for potential post-translational modification sites in human RNA polymerase III subunits].

The transcription of small stable non-translated RNA genes (class III genes), directed by RNA polymerase III, is strictly regulated in accordance to physiological state of the cell (growth rate, cell cycle stage, apoptosis, etc.) Post-translational modifications of the polymerase may play the important role in class III gene transcription regulation. Using computational programs searching for potential post-translational modifications sites in proteins (MotifScan, NetPhos 2.0, and Yin-Yan 1.2), possible sites of phosphorylation were identified in all 17 subunits of human RNA polymerase III, and possible sites of reciprocal phosphorylation and glycosilation ("yin-yan" sites) - in 13 subunits. Among the identified sites -17 sites of phosphorylation in seven subunits are conservative in human, Saccharomyces cerevisiae and Schizosaccharomyces pombe, including two "yin-yan" sites in two subunits. The data obtained can be used for experimental identification of RNA polymerase III modification sites in vivo in cells being in different physiological states.

Computational Biology↗

Signal transduction via G-protein-linked receptors: physiological regulation from the plasma membrane to the genome.

Many neurotransmitters, hormones, and drugs express their actions through binding to cell-surface receptors that are coupled to membrane-localized effectors via GTP-binding regulatory proteins (G-proteins). Muscarinic acetylcholine, alpha- and beta-adrenergic receptors are members of this populous class of G-protein-linked receptors. Adenylyl cyclase, phospholipase C, and ion channel activities are examples of effectors regulated via these receptors. Signal transduction via G-protein-linked receptors can be regulated at the level of the receptor, G-protein(s), and effector(s). Activation of G-protein-mediated pathway propagates the signal and leads to desensitization (short-term adaptation) and then down-regulation (long-term adaptation). How transmembrane signaling is linked to expression at the level of the gene (transcriptional control), at the level of mRNA (post-transcriptional control) and at the level of the protein (post-translational modification) remains a central question of neurobiology. Investigations at each of these potential loci for regulation have begun to reveal the molecular basis for down-regulation by agonist, up-regulation by permissive hormones (like adrenal steroids), and cross-regulation among G-protein-mediated pathways. The general topic will be discussed drawing upon recent studies of the regulation of the adrenergic receptor family (alpha- and beta-). These recent advances provide a focus for a broader understanding of the integration of information between the genome and transmembrane signaling.

Animals↗

A survey of the plant mitochondrial proteome in relation to development.

To expand the functional analysis of plant mitochondria, we have undertaken the building of the proteome of pea mitochondria purified from leaves (green and etiolated), roots and seeds. In the first stage, we focused our proteomic exploration on the soluble protein complement of the green leaf mitochondria. We used traditional two-dimensional polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis, in combination with size exclusion chromatography as a third dimension, to identify the major proteins and further resolve their macromolecular complexity. The two-dimensional map of soluble proteins of green leaf mitochondria revealed 433 spots (with Coomassie blue staining) and around 73% of the proteins (in mass) were identified using three different approaches: Edman degradation, matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization mass spectrometry and electrospray ionization tandem mass spectrometry. Quite a lot of the polypeptides were present in multiforms which indicated the presence of isoforms or the occurrence of post-translational modifications. Among these proteins, we uncovered an abundant family that was identified as aldehyde dehydrogenases, representing approximately 7.5% of the soluble proteins. The comparative analysis of soluble mitochondrial proteomes led to the identification of a number of proteins which were specifically present in root or in seed mitochondria, thus revealing the impact of tissue differentiation at the mitochondrial level.

Cell Fractionation↗

The effects of phosphorylation on adaptor protein function.

Adaptor proteins are specialized protein binding partners that serve to link signaling proteins to each other, as a mechanism to propagate a cellular signal. Ultimately, these signals are required for a specific biological response. Thus, it is important that the cell develop mechanisms to regulate these signaling cascades. One way these cascades can be regulated is through post translational modifications of adaptor proteins which would regulate their ability to forge protein-protein interactions. In this review, we summarize the effects of serine/threonine and tyrosine phosphorylation on adaptor protein function, with a specific focus upon those adaptor proteins in which phosphorylation has been demonstrated to regulate a signaling cascade or biological response.

Animals↗