FEBS Letters
Latest articles in this journal
FEBS Letters; https://doi.org/10.1002/1873-3468.14666
Abstract:
Human phytanoyl-CoA dioxygenase domain-containing 1 (PHYHD1) is a 2-oxoglutarate (2OG)-dependent dioxygenase implicated in Alzheimer's disease, some cancers, and immune cell functions. The substrate, kinetic and inhibitory properties, function and subcellular localization of PHYHD1 are unknown. We used recombinant expression and enzymatic, biochemical, biophysical, cellular and microscopic assays for their determination. The apparent Km values of PHYHD1 for 2OG, Fe2+ and O2 were 27, 6 and > 200 μm, respectively. PHYHD1 activity was tested in the presence of 2OG analogues, and it was found to be inhibited by succinate and fumarate but not R-2-hydroxyglutarate, whereas citrate acted as an allosteric activator. PHYHD1 bound mRNA, but its catalytic activity was inhibited upon interaction. PHYHD1 was found both in the nucleus and cytoplasm. Interactome analyses linked PHYHD1 to cell division and RNA metabolism, while phenotype analyses linked it to carbohydrate metabolism. Thus, PHYHD1 is a potential novel oxygen sensor regulated by mRNA and citrate.
Katherine A.B. Kellett, Kate Fisher, Harry Aldworth,
FEBS Letters; https://doi.org/10.1002/1873-3468.14667
Abstract:
Bone morphogenetic protein 1 (BMP1), a member of the astacin family of zinc-metalloproteases, proteolytically cleaves the low-density lipoprotein receptor (LDLR) within its ligand-binding domain, reducing the binding and cellular uptake of LDL-cholesterol. Here, we aimed to determine whether astacin proteases other than BMP1 may also cleave LDLR. Although human hepatocytes express all six astacin proteases, including the meprins and mammalian tolloid, we found through pharmacological inhibition and genetic knockdown that only BMP1 contributed to the cleavage of LDLR in its ligand-binding domain. We also found that the minimum amino acid change required to render mouse LDLR susceptible to cleavage by BMP1 is mutation at the P1' and P2 positions of the cleavage site. When expressed in cells, the resulting humanised-mouse LDLR internalised LDL-cholesterol. This work provides insight into the biological mechanisms regulating LDLR function.
FEBS Letters; https://doi.org/10.1002/1873-3468.14668
Abstract:
Me31B/DDX6 is a DEAD-box family RNA helicase playing roles in post-transcriptional RNA regulation in different cell types and species. Despite the known motifs/domains of Me31B, the in vivo functions of the motifs remain unclear. Here, we used the Drosophila germline as a model and used CRISPR to mutate the key Me31B motifs/domains: helicase domain, N-terminal domain, C-terminal domain, and FDF-binding motif. Then, we performed screening characterization on the mutants and report the effects of the mutations on the Drosophila germline, on processes such as fertility, oogenesis, embryo patterning, germline mRNA regulation, and Me31B protein expression. The study indicates that the Me31B motifs contribute different functions to the protein and are needed for proper germline development, providing insights into the in vivo working mechanism of the helicase.
Matthew Reiss, Joshua Keegan, Anne Aldrich, Shawn M. Lyons,
FEBS Letters; https://doi.org/10.1002/1873-3468.14639
Abstract:
The telomeric repeat-containing RNA, TERRA, associates with both telomeric DNA and telomeric proteins, often forming RNA:DNA hybrids (R-loops). TERRA is most abundant in cancer cells utilizing the alternative lengthening of telomeres (ALT) pathway for telomere maintenance, suggesting that persistent TERRA R-loops may contribute to activation of the ALT mechanism. Therefore, we sought to identify the enzyme(s) that regulate TERRA metabolism in mammalian cells. Here, we identify that the 5'-3' exoribonuclease XRN2 regulates the stability of TERRA RNA. Moreover, while stabilization of TERRA alone was insufficient to drive ALT, depletion of XRN2 in ALT-positive cells led to a significant increase in TERRA R-loops and exacerbated ALT activity. Together, our findings highlight XRN2 as a key determinant of TERRA metabolism and telomere stability in cancer cells that rely on the ALT pathway.
FEBS Letters; https://doi.org/10.1002/1873-3468.14635
Abstract:
Aggregation of the 43 kDa TAR DNA-binding protein (TDP-43) is a pathological hallmark of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) and frontotemporal lobar degeneration (FTLD). RNA binding and TDP-43 N-terminal domain dimerisation has been suggested to ameliorate TDP-43 aggregation. However, the relationship between these factors and the solubility of TDP-43 is largely unknown. Therefore, we developed new oligonucleotides that can recruit two TDP-43 molecules and interfere with their intermolecular interactions via spatial separation. Using these oligonucleotides and TDP-43-preferable UG-repeats, we uncovered two distinct mechanisms for modulating TDP-43 solubility by RNA binding: One is N-terminal domain dimerisation, and the other is the spatial separation of two TDP-43 molecules. This study provides new molecular insights into the regulation of TDP-43 solubility.
Pablo Villalobos, Alonso I. Carvajal,
, Jorge Babul,
,
FEBS Letters; https://doi.org/10.1002/1873-3468.14665
Abstract:
Human FoxP proteins share a highly conserved DNA-binding domain that dimerizes via three-dimensional domain swapping, although showing varying oligomerization propensities among its members. Here, we present an experimental and computational characterization of all human FoxP proteins to unravel how their amino acid substitutions impact their folding and dimerization mechanism. We solved the crystal structure of the forkhead domain of FoxP4 to then perform a comparison across all members, finding that their sequence changes impact not only the structural heterogeneity of their forkhead domains but also the protein-protein association energy barrier. Lastly, we demonstrate that the accumulation of a monomeric intermediate is an oligomerization-dependent feature rather than a common aspect of monomers and dimers in this protein subfamily.
Joana I. Rodrigues, Emma Lorentzon, Sansan Hua, Andrew Boucher,
FEBS Letters; https://doi.org/10.1002/1873-3468.14638
Abstract:
Arsenite causes proteotoxicity by targeting nascent proteins for misfolding and aggregation. Here, we assessed how selected yeast chaperones and ubiquitin ligases contribute to proteostasis during arsenite stress. Loss of the ribosome-associated chaperones Zuo1, Ssz1, and Ssb1/Ssb2 reduced global translation and protein aggregation, and increased arsenite resistance. Loss of cytosolic GimC/prefoldin function led to defective aggregate clearance and arsenite sensitivity. Arsenite did not induce ribosomal stalling or impair ribosome quality control, and ribosome-associated ubiquitin ligases contributed little to proteostasis. Instead, the cytosolic ubiquitin ligase Rsp5 was important for aggregate clearance and resistance. Our study suggests that damage prevention, by decreased aggregate formation, and damage elimination, by enhanced aggregate clearance, are important protective mechanisms that maintain proteostasis during arsenite stress.
FEBS Letters; https://doi.org/10.1002/1873-3468.14633
Abstract:
Naïve B cells become activated and differentiate into antibody-secreting plasma cells (PCs) when encountering antigens. Here, we reveal that the WW domain-containing adapter protein with coiled-coil (Wac), which is important for histone H2B ubiquitination (ubH2B), is essential for PC differentiation. We demonstrate that B cell-specific Wac knockout mice have severely compromised T cell-dependent and -independent antibody responses. PC differentiation is drastically compromised despite undisturbed germinal center B cell response in the mutant mice. We also observe a significant reduction in global ubH2B in Wac-deficient B cells, which is correlated with downregulated expression of some genes critical for cell metabolism. Thus, our findings demonstrate an essential role of Wac-mediated ubH2B in PC differentiation and shed light on the epigenetic mechanisms underlying this process.
FEBS Letters; https://doi.org/10.1002/1873-3468.14634
Abstract:
Despite great progress in recent years, gender equity in science is still missing. Women are underrepresented in senior/leadership positions and struggle to be funded and awarded. Social norms, gender bias, stereotypes in education, and lack of support for the family are just some of the issues that need to be addressed to revert this trend. Historically, many women have been overshadowed by their men colleagues. Although it is hard to give the deserved credit to all women who went unnoticed for centuries, it is time to properly recognize the growing number of them who succeded in science despite the challenges. These women can inspire many more who intend to make of science their future.