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Nature Reviews. Microbiology May 2017Cyclic dinucleotides (CDNs) are highly versatile signalling molecules that control various important biological processes in bacteria. The best-studied example is cyclic... (Review)
Review
Cyclic dinucleotides (CDNs) are highly versatile signalling molecules that control various important biological processes in bacteria. The best-studied example is cyclic di-GMP (c-di-GMP). Known since the late 1980s, it is now recognized as a near-ubiquitous second messenger that coordinates diverse aspects of bacterial growth and behaviour, including motility, virulence, biofilm formation and cell cycle progression. In this Review, we discuss important new insights that have been gained into the molecular principles of c-di-GMP synthesis and degradation, which are mediated by diguanylate cyclases and c-di-GMP-specific phosphodiesterases, respectively, and the cellular functions that are exerted by c-di-GMP-binding effectors and their diverse targets. Finally, we provide a short overview of the signalling versatility of other CDNs, including c-di-AMP and cGMP-AMP (cGAMP).
Topics: Bacteria; Biofilms; Cyclic GMP; Dinucleoside Phosphates; Gene Expression Regulation, Bacterial; Nucleotides, Cyclic; Second Messenger Systems; Signal Transduction
PubMed: 28163311
DOI: 10.1038/nrmicro.2016.190 -
Microbiota triggers STING-type I IFN-dependent monocyte reprogramming of the tumor microenvironment.Cell Oct 2021The tumor microenvironment (TME) influences cancer progression and therapy response. Therefore, understanding what regulates the TME immune compartment is vital. Here we...
The tumor microenvironment (TME) influences cancer progression and therapy response. Therefore, understanding what regulates the TME immune compartment is vital. Here we show that microbiota signals program mononuclear phagocytes in the TME toward immunostimulatory monocytes and dendritic cells (DCs). Single-cell RNA sequencing revealed that absence of microbiota skews the TME toward pro-tumorigenic macrophages. Mechanistically, we show that microbiota-derived stimulator of interferon genes (STING) agonists induce type I interferon (IFN-I) production by intratumoral monocytes to regulate macrophage polarization and natural killer (NK) cell-DC crosstalk. Microbiota modulation with a high-fiber diet triggered the intratumoral IFN-I-NK cell-DC axis and improved the efficacy of immune checkpoint blockade (ICB). We validated our findings in individuals with melanoma treated with ICB and showed that the predicted intratumoral IFN-I and immune compositional differences between responder and non-responder individuals can be transferred by fecal microbiota transplantation. Our study uncovers a mechanistic link between the microbiota and the innate TME that can be harnessed to improve cancer therapies.
Topics: Akkermansia; Animals; Dendritic Cells; Dietary Fiber; Dinucleoside Phosphates; Humans; Immune Checkpoint Inhibitors; Immunomodulation; Interferon Type I; Killer Cells, Natural; Macrophages; Melanoma; Membrane Proteins; Mice, Inbred BALB C; Mice, Inbred C57BL; Microbiota; Monocytes; Phagocytes; Transcription, Genetic; Tumor Microenvironment; Mice
PubMed: 34624222
DOI: 10.1016/j.cell.2021.09.019 -
Nature Dec 2022Cyclic dinucleotides (CDNs) are ubiquitous signalling molecules in all domains of life. Mammalian cells produce one CDN, 2'3'-cGAMP, through cyclic GMP-AMP synthase...
Cyclic dinucleotides (CDNs) are ubiquitous signalling molecules in all domains of life. Mammalian cells produce one CDN, 2'3'-cGAMP, through cyclic GMP-AMP synthase after detecting cytosolic DNA signals. 2'3'-cGAMP, as well as bacterial and synthetic CDN analogues, can act as second messengers to activate stimulator of interferon genes (STING) and elicit broad downstream responses. Extracellular CDNs must traverse the cell membrane to activate STING, a process that is dependent on the solute carrier SLC19A1. Moreover, SLC19A1 represents the major transporter for folate nutrients and antifolate therapeutics, thereby placing SLC19A1 as a key factor in multiple physiological and pathological processes. How SLC19A1 recognizes and transports CDNs, folate and antifolate is unclear. Here we report cryo-electron microscopy structures of human SLC19A1 (hSLC19A1) in a substrate-free state and in complexes with multiple CDNs from different sources, a predominant natural folate and a new-generation antifolate drug. The structural and mutagenesis results demonstrate that hSLC19A1 uses unique yet divergent mechanisms to recognize CDN- and folate-type substrates. Two CDN molecules bind within the hSLC19A1 cavity as a compact dual-molecule unit, whereas folate and antifolate bind as a monomer and occupy a distinct pocket of the cavity. Moreover, the structures enable accurate mapping and potential mechanistic interpretation of hSLC19A1 with loss-of-activity and disease-related mutations. Our research provides a framework for understanding the mechanism of SLC19-family transporters and is a foundation for the development of potential therapeutics.
Topics: Animals; Humans; Cryoelectron Microscopy; Dinucleoside Phosphates; Folic Acid; Folic Acid Antagonists; Mammals; Nucleotides, Cyclic; Reduced Folate Carrier Protein
PubMed: 36265513
DOI: 10.1038/s41586-022-05452-z -
Nature Apr 2022Stimulator of interferon genes (STING) is an adaptor protein in innate immunity against DNA viruses or bacteria. STING-mediated immunity could be exploited in the...
Stimulator of interferon genes (STING) is an adaptor protein in innate immunity against DNA viruses or bacteria. STING-mediated immunity could be exploited in the development of vaccines or cancer immunotherapies. STING is a transmembrane dimeric protein that is located in the endoplasmic reticulum or in the Golgi apparatus. STING is activated by the binding of its cytoplasmic ligand-binding domain to cyclic dinucleotides that are produced by the DNA sensor cyclic GMP-AMP (cGAMP) synthase or by invading bacteria. Cyclic dinucleotides induce a conformational change in the STING ligand-binding domain, which leads to a high-order oligomerization of STING that is essential for triggering the downstream signalling pathways. However, the cGAMP-induced STING oligomers tend to dissociate in solution and have not been resolved to high resolution, which limits our understanding of the activation mechanism. Here we show that a small-molecule agonist, compound 53 (C53), promotes the oligomerization and activation of human STING through a mechanism orthogonal to that of cGAMP. We determined a cryo-electron microscopy structure of STING bound to both C53 and cGAMP, revealing a stable oligomer that is formed by side-by-side packing and has a curled overall shape. Notably, C53 binds to a cryptic pocket in the STING transmembrane domain, between the two subunits of the STING dimer. This binding triggers outward shifts of transmembrane helices in the dimer, and induces inter-dimer interactions between these helices to mediate the formation of the high-order oligomer. Our functional analyses show that cGAMP and C53 together induce stronger activation of STING than either ligand alone.
Topics: Cell Cycle Proteins; Cryoelectron Microscopy; Dinucleoside Phosphates; Humans; Immunity, Innate; Ligands; Membrane Proteins; Nucleotides, Cyclic; Tumor Suppressor Proteins
PubMed: 35388221
DOI: 10.1038/s41586-022-04559-7 -
Science (New York, N.Y.) May 2017The majority of CpG dinucleotides in the human genome are methylated at cytosine bases. However, active gene regulatory elements are generally hypomethylated relative to...
The majority of CpG dinucleotides in the human genome are methylated at cytosine bases. However, active gene regulatory elements are generally hypomethylated relative to their flanking regions, and the binding of some transcription factors (TFs) is diminished by methylation of their target sequences. By analysis of 542 human TFs with methylation-sensitive SELEX (systematic evolution of ligands by exponential enrichment), we found that there are also many TFs that prefer CpG-methylated sequences. Most of these are in the extended homeodomain family. Structural analysis showed that homeodomain specificity for methylcytosine depends on direct hydrophobic interactions with the methylcytosine 5-methyl group. This study provides a systematic examination of the effect of an epigenetic DNA modification on human TF binding specificity and reveals that many developmentally important proteins display preference for mCpG-containing sequences.
Topics: CpG Islands; Cytosine; DNA; DNA Methylation; Dinucleoside Phosphates; Epigenesis, Genetic; Genome, Human; Humans; Protein Binding; Protein Domains; SELEX Aptamer Technique; Transcription Factors
PubMed: 28473536
DOI: 10.1126/science.aaj2239 -
Nature Communications Feb 2022In addition to its role as a TB vaccine, BCG has been shown to elicit heterologous protection against many other pathogens including viruses through a process termed...
In addition to its role as a TB vaccine, BCG has been shown to elicit heterologous protection against many other pathogens including viruses through a process termed trained immunity. Despite its potential as a broadly protective vaccine, little has been done to determine if BCG-mediated trained immunity levels can be optimized. Here we re-engineer BCG to express high levels of c-di-AMP, a PAMP recognized by stimulator of interferon genes (STING). We find that BCG overexpressing c-di-AMP elicits more potent signatures of trained immunity including higher pro-inflammatory cytokine responses, greater myeloid cell reprogramming toward inflammatory and activated states, and enhances epigenetic and metabolomic changes. In a model of bladder cancer, we also show that re-engineered BCG induces trained immunity and improved functionality. These results indicate that trained immunity levels and antitumor efficacy may be increased by modifying BCG to express higher levels of key PAMP molecules.
Topics: Animals; BCG Vaccine; CD8-Positive T-Lymphocytes; Cancer Vaccines; Cell Line, Tumor; Cytokines; Dinucleoside Phosphates; Humans; Immunity, Innate; Macrophages; Membrane Proteins; Mice; Myeloid Cells; Pathogen-Associated Molecular Pattern Molecules; Rats; Urinary Bladder Neoplasms; Urothelium; Vaccination
PubMed: 35169141
DOI: 10.1038/s41467-022-28509-z -
Nature Immunology Feb 2022The volume-regulated anion channel (VRAC) is formed by LRRC8 proteins and is responsible for the regulatory volume decrease (RVD) after hypotonic cell swelling. Besides...
The volume-regulated anion channel (VRAC) is formed by LRRC8 proteins and is responsible for the regulatory volume decrease (RVD) after hypotonic cell swelling. Besides chloride, VRAC transports other molecules, for example, immunomodulatory cyclic dinucleotides (CDNs) including 2'3'cGAMP. Here, we identify LRRC8C as a critical component of VRAC in T cells, where its deletion abolishes VRAC currents and RVD. T cells of Lrrc8c mice have increased cell cycle progression, proliferation, survival, Ca influx and cytokine production-a phenotype associated with downmodulation of p53 signaling. Mechanistically, LRRC8C mediates the transport of 2'3'cGAMP in T cells, resulting in STING and p53 activation. Inhibition of STING recapitulates the phenotype of LRRC8C-deficient T cells, whereas overexpression of p53 inhibits their enhanced T cell function. Lrrc8c mice have exacerbated T cell-dependent immune responses, including immunity to influenza A virus infection and experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis. Our results identify cGAMP uptake through LRRC8C and STING-p53 signaling as a new inhibitory signaling pathway in T cells and adaptive immunity.
Topics: Animals; Anions; Calcium; Dinucleoside Phosphates; Female; Ion Channels; Membrane Proteins; Mice; Mice, Inbred C57BL; Nucleotides, Cyclic; Signal Transduction; T-Lymphocytes; Tumor Suppressor Protein p53
PubMed: 35105987
DOI: 10.1038/s41590-021-01105-x -
Molecules (Basel, Switzerland) Nov 2019Dinucleoside 5',5'-polyphosphates (DNPs) are endogenous substances that play important intra- and extracellular roles in various biological processes, such as cell... (Review)
Review
Dinucleoside 5',5'-polyphosphates (DNPs) are endogenous substances that play important intra- and extracellular roles in various biological processes, such as cell proliferation, regulation of enzymes, neurotransmission, platelet disaggregation and modulation of vascular tone. Various methodologies have been developed over the past fifty years to access these compounds, involving enzymatic processes or chemical procedures based either on P(III) or P(V) chemistry. Both solution-phase and solid-support strategies have been developed and are reported here. Recently, green chemistry approaches have emerged, offering attracting alternatives. This review outlines the main synthetic pathways for the preparation of dinucleoside 5',5'-polyphosphates, focusing on pharmacologically relevant compounds, and highlighting recent advances.
Topics: Deoxycytosine Nucleotides; Dinucleoside Phosphates; Dry Eye Syndromes; Green Chemistry Technology; Humans; Ophthalmic Solutions; Phosphorylation; Polyphosphates; Purinergic P2Y Receptor Agonists; Receptors, Purinergic; Uracil Nucleotides; Uridine
PubMed: 31783537
DOI: 10.3390/molecules24234334 -
Microbiology (Reading, England) Nov 2019Antibiotic producing sense and respond to environmental signals by using nucleotide second messengers, including (p)ppGpp, cAMP, c-di-GMP and c-di-AMP. As summarized in... (Review)
Review
Antibiotic producing sense and respond to environmental signals by using nucleotide second messengers, including (p)ppGpp, cAMP, c-di-GMP and c-di-AMP. As summarized in this review, these molecules are important message carriers that coordinate the complex morphological transition from filamentous growth to sporulation along with the secondary metabolite production. Here, we provide an overview of the enzymes that make and break these second messengers and suggest candidates for (p)ppGpp and cAMP enzymes to be studied. We highlight the target molecules that bind these signalling molecules and elaborate individual functions that they control in the context of development. Finally, we discuss open questions in the field, which may guide future studies in this exciting research area.
Topics: Bacterial Proteins; Cyclic AMP; Dinucleoside Phosphates; Gene Expression Regulation, Bacterial; Guanine Nucleotides; Protein Binding; Second Messenger Systems; Spores, Bacterial; Streptomyces
PubMed: 31535967
DOI: 10.1099/mic.0.000846 -
Current Opinion in Pharmacology Aug 2018Live attenuated vaccines elicit stronger protective immunity than dead vaccines. Distinct PAMPs designated as vita-PAMPs signify microbial viability to innate immune... (Review)
Review
Live attenuated vaccines elicit stronger protective immunity than dead vaccines. Distinct PAMPs designated as vita-PAMPs signify microbial viability to innate immune cells. Two vita-PAMPs have been characterized: cyclic-di-adenosine-monophosphate (c-di-AMP) and prokaryotic messenger RNA (mRNA). c-di-AMP produced by live Gram-positive bacteria elicits augmented production of STING-dependent type-I interferon, whereas prokaryotic mRNA from live bacteria is detected by TLR8 enabling discrimination of live from dead bacteria. Bacterial mRNA from live Gram-negative bacteria triggers a heightened type-I interferon and NLRP3 inflammasome response. By mobilizing unique viability-associated innate responses, vita-PAMPs mobilize adaptive immunity that best elicits protection, including follicular T helper cell and antibody responses. Here, we review the molecular mechanisms that confer the unique adjuvanticity of vita-PAMPs and discuss their applications in vaccine design.
Topics: Adaptive Immunity; Adjuvants, Immunologic; Animals; Bacterial Infections; Dinucleoside Phosphates; Humans; Immunity, Innate; Membrane Proteins; Microbial Viability; Pathogen-Associated Molecular Pattern Molecules; RNA, Messenger; Signal Transduction; Vaccines, Attenuated; Vaccines, Inactivated; Vaccines, Live, Unattenuated
PubMed: 29890457
DOI: 10.1016/j.coph.2018.05.012