The p53 protein family is the most studied protein family of all. Sequence analysis and structure determination have revealed a high similarity of crucial domains between p53, p63 and p73. Functional ...studies, however, have shown a wide variety of different tasks in tumor suppression, quality control and development. Here we review the structure and organization of the individual domains of p63 and p73, the interaction of these domains in the context of full-length proteins and discuss the evolutionary origin of this protein family. FACTS: Distinct physiological roles/functions are performed by specific isoforms. The non-divided transactivation domain of p63 has a constitutively high activity while the transactivation domains of p53/p73 are divided into two subdomains that are regulated by phosphorylation. Mdm2 binds to all three family members but ubiquitinates only p53. TAp63α forms an autoinhibited dimeric state while all other vertebrate p53 family isoforms are constitutively tetrameric. The oligomerization domain of p63 and p73 contain an additional helix that is necessary for stabilizing the tetrameric states. During evolution this helix got lost independently in different phylogenetic branches, while the DNA binding domain became destabilized and the transactivation domain split into two subdomains. OPEN QUESTIONS: Is the autoinhibitory mechanism of mammalian TAp63α conserved in p53 proteins of invertebrates that have the same function of genomic quality control in germ cells? What is the physiological function of the p63/p73 SAM domains? Do the short isoforms of p63 and p73 have physiological functions? What are the roles of the N-terminal elongated TAp63 isoforms, TA* and GTA?
Selective autophagy ensures recognition and removal of various cytosolic cargos. Hence, aggregated proteins, damaged organelles, or pathogens are enclosed into the double-membrane vesicle, the ...autophagosome, and delivered to the lysosome for degradation. This process is mediated by selective autophagy receptors, such as p62/SQSTM1. These proteins recognize autophagic cargo and, via binding to small ubiquitin-like modifiers (UBLs)—Atg8/LC3/GABARAPs and ATG5—mediate formation of selective autophagosomes. Recently, it was found that UBLs can directly engage the autophagosome nucleation machinery. Here, we review recent findings on selective autophagy and propose a model for selective autophagosome formation in close proximity to cargo.
Selective autophagy ensures recognition and removal of various cytosolic cargos. In this review article, Rogov et al. highlight recent findings from the literature on selective autophagy and propose a model for selective autophagosome formation in close proximity to cargo.
The articles in this special issue highlight how modern cellular, biochemical, biophysical and computational techniques are allowing deeper and more detailed studies of allosteric kinase regulation.
Membrane proteins frequently assemble into higher order homo- or hetero-oligomers within their natural lipid environment. This complex formation can modulate their folding, activity as well as ...substrate selectivity. Non-disruptive methods avoiding critical steps, such as membrane disintegration, transfer into artificial environments or chemical modifications are therefore essential to analyze molecular mechanisms of native membrane protein assemblies. The combination of cell-free synthetic biology, nanodisc-technology and non-covalent mass spectrometry provides excellent synergies for the analysis of membrane protein oligomerization within defined membranes. We exemplify our strategy by oligomeric state characterization of various membrane proteins including ion channels, transporters and membrane-integrated enzymes assembling up to hexameric complexes. We further indicate a lipid-dependent dimer formation of MraY translocase correlating with the enzymatic activity. The detergent-free synthesis of membrane protein/nanodisc samples and the analysis by LILBID mass spectrometry provide a versatile platform for the analysis of membrane proteins in a native environment.
Resistance to apoptosis is a hallmark of cancer and deregulation of apoptosis often leads to chemoresistance. Therefore, new approaches to target apoptosis-resistant cancer cells are crucial for the ...development of directed cancer therapies. In the present study, we investigated the effect of cell cycle regulators on interferon (IFN)-induced necroptosis as an alternative cell death mechanism to overcome apoptosis resistance. Here, we report a novel combination treatment of IFNs with cell cycle arrest-inducing compounds that induce necroptosis in apoptosis-resistant cancer cells and elucidate the underlying molecular mechanisms. Combination treatment of IFNs (i.e. IFNβ) with inhibitors of the cell cycle (e.g. vinorelbine (VNR), nocodazole (Noc), polo-like kinase-1 (Plk-1) inhibitor BI 6727) co-operate to induce necroptotic cell death upon caspase inactivation. The mode of cell death was confirmed by pharmacological inhibition and siRNA-mediated downregulation of the key necroptotic factors receptor-interacting protein (RIP) kinase 3 (RIP3) and mixed-lineage kinase-like (MLKL) in various cell lines. Mechanistically, we show that necroptosis upon VNR/IFNβ/zVAD.fmk treatment is RIP1-independent but relies on IFNβ-induced gene expression of Z-DNA-binding protein 1 (ZBP1) as shown by quantitative RT-PCR and genetic knockdown experiments. Interestingly, we find that RIP3 is phosphorylated in response to compounds that trigger mitotic arrest, even in the absence of IFNβ signaling and necroptosis induction. Together, the identification of a novel combination treatment that triggers necroptosis has implications for the development of molecular-targeted therapies to circumvent apoptosis resistance and point to an underestimated role of cell cycle regulation in cell death signaling.
Cell-free protein production has become a core technology in the rapidly spreading field of synthetic biology. In particular the synthesis of membrane proteins, highly problematic proteins in ...conventional cellular production systems, is an ideal application for cell-free expression. A large variety of artificial as well as natural environments for the optimal co-translational folding and stabilization of membrane proteins can rationally be designed. The high success rate of cell-free membrane protein production allows to focus on individually selected targets and to modulate their functional and structural properties with appropriate supplements. The efficiency and robustness of lysates from Escherichia coli strains allow a wide diversity of applications and we summarize current strategies for the successful production of high quality membrane protein samples.
Through the canonical LC3 interaction motif (LIR), W/F/Y‐X1‐X2‐I/L/V, protein complexes are recruited to autophagosomes to perform their functions as either autophagy adaptors or receptors. How these ...adaptors/receptors selectively interact with either LC3 or GABARAP families remains unclear. Herein, we determine the range of selectivity of 30 known core LIR motifs towards individual LC3s and GABARAPs. From these, we define a GABARAP Interaction Motif (GIM) sequence (W/F‐V/I‐X2‐V) that the adaptor protein PLEKHM1 tightly conforms to. Using biophysical and structural approaches, we show that the PLEKHM1‐LIR is indeed 11‐fold more specific for GABARAP than LC3B. Selective mutation of the X1 and X2 positions either completely abolished the interaction with all LC3 and GABARAPs or increased PLEKHM1‐GIM selectivity 20‐fold towards LC3B. Finally, we show that conversion of p62/SQSTM1, FUNDC1 and FIP200 LIRs into our newly defined GIM, by introducing two valine residues, enhances their interaction with endogenous GABARAP over LC3B. The identification of a GABARAP‐specific interaction motif will aid the identification and characterization of the expanding array of autophagy receptor and adaptor proteins and their in vivo functions.
Synopsis
Mammalian Atg8 proteins are separated into LC3 and GABARAP families that interact with autophagy receptors or adaptors via an LC3 interaction region (LIR). This study defines a GABARAP interaction motif (GIM) to aid our understanding of the individual families’ function.
Identification of a GABARAP Interaction Motif (GIM; W/F‐V/I‐x2‐V).
The LIR of the lysosomal adaptor protein PLEKHM1 conforms to the newly defined GIM and interacts with GABARAP in vivo.
LIR specificity can be altered by single amino acid substitutions in the previously unassigned X1 and X2 residues in the classical W‐X1‐X2‐L motif.
Mutation of known LIRs to a GIM, drives interaction with endogenous GABARAP over LC3.
Mammalian LC3 and GABARAP family proteins interact with autophagy receptors or adaptors via an LC3 interaction region (LIR). This study defines a GABARAP interaction motif (GIM) to aid our understanding of the individual families’ function.
Ubiquitination in the ERAD Process Lopata, Anna; Kniss, Andreas; Löhr, Frank ...
International journal of molecular sciences,
07/2020, Letnik:
21, Številka:
15
Journal Article
Recenzirano
Odprti dostop
In this review, we focus on the ubiquitination process within the endoplasmic reticulum associated protein degradation (ERAD) pathway. Approximately one third of all synthesized proteins in a cell ...are channeled into the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) lumen or are incorporated into the ER membrane. Since all newly synthesized proteins enter the ER in an unfolded manner, folding must occur within the ER lumen or co-translationally, rendering misfolding events a serious threat. To prevent the accumulation of misfolded protein in the ER, proteins that fail the quality control undergo retrotranslocation into the cytosol where they proceed with ubiquitination and degradation. The wide variety of misfolded targets requires on the one hand a promiscuity of the ubiquitination process and on the other hand a fast and highly processive mechanism. We present the various ERAD components involved in the ubiquitination process including the different E2 conjugating enzymes, E3 ligases, and E4 factors. The resulting K48-linked and K11-linked ubiquitin chains do not only represent a signal for degradation by the proteasome but are also recognized by the AAA+ ATPase Cdc48 and get in the process of retrotranslocation modified by enzymes bound to Cdc48. Lastly we discuss the conformations adopted in particular by K48-linked ubiquitin chains and their importance for degradation.
The selective removal of undesired or damaged mitochondria by autophagy, known as mitophagy, is crucial for cellular homoeostasis, and prevents tumour diffusion, neurodegeneration and ageing. The ...pro-autophagic molecule AMBRA1 (autophagy/beclin-1 regulator-1) has been defined as a novel regulator of mitophagy in both PINK1/PARKIN-dependent and -independent systems. Here, we identified the E3 ubiquitin ligase HUWE1 as a key inducing factor in AMBRA1-mediated mitophagy, a process that takes place independently of the main mitophagy receptors. Furthermore, we show that mitophagy function of AMBRA1 is post-translationally controlled, upon HUWE1 activity, by a positive phosphorylation on its serine 1014. This modification is mediated by the IKKα kinase and induces structural changes in AMBRA1, thus promoting its interaction with LC3/GABARAP (mATG8) proteins and its mitophagic activity. Altogether, these results demonstrate that AMBRA1 regulates mitophagy through a novel pathway, in which HUWE1 and IKKα are key factors, shedding new lights on the regulation of mitochondrial quality control and homoeostasis in mammalian cells.
PDF
