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Toxins May 2016A disintegrin and metalloproteinase (ADAM) family proteins constitute a major class of membrane-anchored multidomain proteinases that are responsible for the shedding of... (Review)
Review
A disintegrin and metalloproteinase (ADAM) family proteins constitute a major class of membrane-anchored multidomain proteinases that are responsible for the shedding of cell-surface protein ectodomains, including the latent forms of growth factors, cytokines, receptors and other molecules. Snake venom metalloproteinases (SVMPs) are major components in most viper venoms. SVMPs are primarily responsible for hemorrhagic activity and may also interfere with the hemostatic system in envenomed animals. SVMPs are phylogenetically most closely related to ADAMs and, together with ADAMs and related ADAM with thrombospondin motifs (ADAMTS) family proteinases, constitute adamalysins/reprolysins or the M12B clan (MEROPS database) of metalloproteinases. Although the catalytic domain structure is topologically similar to that of other metalloproteinases such as matrix metalloproteinases, the M12B proteinases have a modular structure with multiple non-catalytic ancillary domains that are not found in other proteinases. Notably, crystallographic studies revealed that, in addition to the conserved metalloproteinase domain, M12B members share a hallmark cysteine-rich domain designated as the "ADAM_CR" domain. Despite their name, ADAMTSs lack disintegrin-like structures and instead comprise two ADAM_CR domains. This review highlights the current state of our knowledge on the three-dimensional structures of M12B proteinases, focusing on their unique domains that may collaboratively participate in directing these proteinases to specific substrates.
Topics: ADAM Proteins; Animals; Humans; Metalloendopeptidases; Protein Conformation; Snake Venoms; von Willebrand Factor
PubMed: 27196928
DOI: 10.3390/toxins8050155 -
Biomolecules Aug 2020Thimet oligopeptidase (EC 3.4.24.15; EP24.15, THOP1) is a metallopeptidase ubiquitously distributed in mammalian tissues. Beyond its previously well characterized role... (Review)
Review
Thimet oligopeptidase (EC 3.4.24.15; EP24.15, THOP1) is a metallopeptidase ubiquitously distributed in mammalian tissues. Beyond its previously well characterized role in major histocompatibility class I (MHC-I) antigen presentation, the recent characterization of the THOP1 C57BL6/N null mice (THOP1) phenotype suggests new key functions for THOP1 in hyperlipidic diet-induced obesity, insulin resistance and non-alcoholic liver steatosis. Distinctive levels of specific intracellular peptides (InPeps), genes and microRNAs were observed when comparing wild type C57BL6/N to THOP1 fed either standard or hyperlipidic diets. A possible novel mechanism of action was suggested for InPeps processed by THOP1, which could be modulating protein-protein interactions and microRNA processing, thus affecting the phenotype. Together, research into the biochemical and biomedical significance of THOP1 suggests that degradation by the proteasome is a step in the processing of various proteins, not merely for ending their existence. This allows many functional peptides to be generated by proteasomal degradation in order to, for example, control mRNA translation and the formation of protein complexes.
Topics: Amino Acid Sequence; Animals; Antigen Presentation; Catalytic Domain; Encephalomyelitis, Autoimmune, Experimental; Energy Metabolism; Female; Genetic Association Studies; Histocompatibility Antigens Class I; Humans; Male; Metalloendopeptidases; Mice; Mice, Inbred C57BL; Mice, Knockout; Models, Biological; Neuropeptides; Protease Inhibitors; Proteasome Endopeptidase Complex; Proteolysis; Substrate Specificity
PubMed: 32847123
DOI: 10.3390/biom10091229 -
Nature Communications Apr 2024Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) develops through step-wise genetic and molecular alterations including Kras mutation and inactivation of various apoptotic...
Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) develops through step-wise genetic and molecular alterations including Kras mutation and inactivation of various apoptotic pathways. Here, we find that development of apoptotic resistance and metastasis of Kras-driven PDAC in mice is accelerated by deleting Plk3, explaining the often-reduced Plk3 expression in human PDAC. Importantly, a 41-kDa Plk3 (p41Plk3) that contains the entire kinase domain at the N-terminus (1-353 aa) is activated by scission of the precursor p72Plk3 at Arg354 by metalloendopeptidase nardilysin (NRDC), and the resulting p32Plk3 C-terminal Polo-box domain (PBD) is removed by proteasome degradation, preventing the inhibition of p41Plk3 by PBD. We find that p41Plk3 is the activated form of Plk3 that regulates a feed-forward mechanism to promote apoptosis and suppress PDAC and metastasis. p41Plk3 phosphorylates c-Fos on Thr164, which in turn induces expression of Plk3 and pro-apoptotic genes. These findings uncover an NRDC-regulated post-translational mechanism that activates Plk3, establishing a prototypic regulation by scission mechanism.
Topics: Humans; Mice; Animals; Proto-Oncogene Proteins p21(ras); Pancreatic Neoplasms; Carcinoma, Pancreatic Ductal; Metalloendopeptidases
PubMed: 38605037
DOI: 10.1038/s41467-024-47242-3 -
The FEBS Journal May 2021Progeroid laminopathies are characterized by the premature appearance of certain signs of physiological aging in a subset of tissues. They are caused by mutations in... (Review)
Review
Progeroid laminopathies are characterized by the premature appearance of certain signs of physiological aging in a subset of tissues. They are caused by mutations in genes coding for A-type lamins or lamin-binding proteins. Here, we review how different mutations causing progeroid laminopathies alter protein structure or protein-protein interactions and how these impact on mechanisms that protect cell viability and function. One group of progeroid laminopathies, which includes Hutchinson-Gilford progeria syndrome, is characterized by accumulation of unprocessed prelamin A or variants. These are caused by mutations in the A-type lamin gene (LMNA), altering prelamin A itself, or in ZMPSTE24, encoding an endoprotease involved in its processing. The abnormally expressed farnesylated proteins impact on various cellular processes that may contribute to progeroid phenotypes. Other LMNA mutations lead to the production of nonfarnesylated A-type lamin variants with amino acid substitutions in solvent-exposed hot spots located mainly in coil 1B and the immunoglobulin fold domain. Dominant missense mutations might reinforce interactions between lamin domains, thus giving rise to excessively stabilized filament networks. Recessive missense mutations in A-type lamins and barrier-to-autointegration factor (BAF) causing progeroid disorders are found at the interface between these interacting proteins. The amino acid changes decrease the binding affinity of A-type lamins for BAF, which may contribute to lamina disorganization, as well as defective repair of mechanically induced nuclear envelope rupture. Targeting these molecular alterations in A-type lamins and associated proteins identified through structural biology studies could facilitate the design of therapeutic strategies to treat patients with rare but severe progeroid laminopathies.
Topics: Amino Acids; Humans; Intracellular Signaling Peptides and Proteins; Lamin Type A; Laminopathies; Membrane Proteins; Metalloendopeptidases; Mutation, Missense; Nuclear Proteins; Progeria; Protein Conformation
PubMed: 32799420
DOI: 10.1111/febs.15526 -
Toxins Aug 2016The research on natural snake venom metalloendopeptidase inhibitors (SVMPIs) began in the 18th century with the pioneering work of Fontana on the resistance that vipers... (Review)
Review
The research on natural snake venom metalloendopeptidase inhibitors (SVMPIs) began in the 18th century with the pioneering work of Fontana on the resistance that vipers exhibited to their own venom. During the past 40 years, SVMPIs have been isolated mainly from the sera of resistant animals, and characterized to different extents. They are acidic oligomeric glycoproteins that remain biologically active over a wide range of pH and temperature values. Based on primary structure determination, mammalian plasmatic SVMPIs are classified as members of the immunoglobulin (Ig) supergene protein family, while the one isolated from muscle belongs to the ficolin/opsonin P35 family. On the other hand, SVMPIs from snake plasma have been placed in the cystatin superfamily. These natural antitoxins constitute the first line of defense against snake venoms, inhibiting the catalytic activities of snake venom metalloendopeptidases through the establishment of high-affinity, non-covalent interactions. This review presents a historical account of the field of natural resistance, summarizing its main discoveries and current challenges, which are mostly related to the limitations that preclude three-dimensional structural determinations of these inhibitors using "gold-standard" methods; perspectives on how to circumvent such limitations are presented. Potential applications of these SVMPIs in medicine are also highlighted.
Topics: Animals; Antidotes; History, 18th Century; History, 19th Century; History, 20th Century; History, 21st Century; Humans; Metalloendopeptidases; Protease Inhibitors; Protein Conformation; Reptilian Proteins; Snake Bites; Snake Venoms; Structure-Activity Relationship
PubMed: 27571103
DOI: 10.3390/toxins8090250 -
Toxins Mar 2016The historical development of discoveries and conceptual frames for understanding the hemorrhagic activity induced by viperid snake venoms and by hemorrhagic... (Review)
Review
The historical development of discoveries and conceptual frames for understanding the hemorrhagic activity induced by viperid snake venoms and by hemorrhagic metalloproteinases (SVMPs) present in these venoms is reviewed. Histological and ultrastructural tools allowed the identification of the capillary network as the main site of action of SVMPs. After years of debate, biochemical developments demonstrated that all hemorrhagic toxins in viperid venoms are zinc-dependent metalloproteinases. Hemorrhagic SVMPs act by initially hydrolyzing key substrates at the basement membrane (BM) of capillaries. This degradation results in the weakening of the mechanical stability of the capillary wall, which becomes distended owing of the action of the hemodynamic biophysical forces operating in the circulation. As a consequence, the capillary wall is disrupted and extravasation occurs. SVMPs do not induce rapid toxicity to endothelial cells, and the pathological effects described in these cells in vivo result from the mechanical action of these hemodynamic forces. Experimental evidence suggests that degradation of type IV collagen, and perhaps also perlecan, is the key event in the onset of microvessel damage. It is necessary to study this phenomenon from a holistic, systemic perspective in which the action of other venom components is also taken into consideration.
Topics: Animals; Basement Membrane; Endothelial Cells; Hemorrhage; Metalloendopeptidases; Microvessels; Reptilian Proteins; Viper Venoms
PubMed: 27023608
DOI: 10.3390/toxins8040093 -
Cellular and Molecular Life Sciences :... Aug 2019Alzheimer's Disease (AD) is the sixth-leading cause of death in industrialized countries. Neurotoxic amyloid-β (Aβ) plaques are one of the pathological hallmarks in AD... (Review)
Review
Alzheimer's Disease (AD) is the sixth-leading cause of death in industrialized countries. Neurotoxic amyloid-β (Aβ) plaques are one of the pathological hallmarks in AD patient brains. Aβ accumulates in the brain upon sequential, proteolytic processing of the amyloid precursor protein (APP) by β- and γ-secretases. However, so far disease-modifying drugs targeting β- and γ-secretase pathways seeking a decrease in the production of toxic Aβ peptides have failed in clinics. It has been demonstrated that the metalloproteinase meprin β acts as an alternative β-secretase, capable of generating truncated Aβ peptides that have been described to be increased in AD patients. This indicates an important β-site cleaving enzyme 1 (BACE-1)-independent contribution of the metalloprotease meprin β within the amyloidogenic pathway and may lead to novel drug targeting avenues. However, meprin β itself is embedded in a complex regulatory network. Remarkably, the anti-amyloidogenic α-secretase a disintegrin and metalloproteinase domain-containing protein 10 (ADAM10) is a direct competitor for APP at the cell surface, but also a sheddase of inactive pro-meprin β. Overall, we highlight the current cellular, molecular and structural understanding of meprin β as alternative β-secretase within the complex protease web, regulating APP processing in health and disease.
Topics: ADAM10 Protein; Alzheimer Disease; Amyloid beta-Peptides; Humans; Membrane Proteins; Metalloendopeptidases; Presenilin-1; Proteolysis; Serine Endopeptidases
PubMed: 31201463
DOI: 10.1007/s00018-019-03179-1 -
ALTEX 2015Tetanus neurotoxin (TeNT) consists of two protein chains connected by a disulfide linkage: The heavy chain mediates the toxin binding and uptake by neurons, whereas the... (Review)
Review
Tetanus neurotoxin (TeNT) consists of two protein chains connected by a disulfide linkage: The heavy chain mediates the toxin binding and uptake by neurons, whereas the light chain cleaves synaptobrevin and thus blocks neurotransmitter release.Chemically inactivated TeNT (tetanus toxoid) is utilized for the production of tetanus vaccines. For safety reasons, each toxoid bulk has to be tested for the "absence of toxin and irreversibility of toxoid". To date, these mandatory tests are performed as toxicity tests in guinea pigs. A replacement by an animal-free method for the detection of TeNT would be desirable. The BINACLE (BINding And CLEavage) assay takes into account the receptor-binding as well as the proteolytic characteristics of TeNT: The toxin is bound to immobilized receptor molecules, the light chains are then released by reduction and transferred to a microplate containing synaptobrevin, and the fragment resulting from TeNT-induced cleavage is finally detected. This assay offers a higher specificity for discriminating between toxic TeNT and inactivated toxoid molecules than other published assays. Validation studies have shown that the BINACLE assay allows the sensitive and robust detection of TeNT in toxoids, and thus may indeed represent a suitable alternative to the prescribed animal safety tests for toxoids from several European vaccine manufacturers. Product-specific validations (and possibly adaptations) of the assay protocol will be required. A European collaborative study is currently being initiated to further examine the applicability of the method for toxoid testing. The final aim is the inclusion of the method into the European Pharmacopoeia.
Topics: Animal Testing Alternatives; Animals; Biological Assay; Guinea Pigs; In Vitro Techniques; Metalloendopeptidases; R-SNARE Proteins; Reproducibility of Results; Tetanus Toxin; Tetanus Toxoid; Toxicity Tests
PubMed: 25769344
DOI: 10.14573/altex.1412181 -
PloS One 2017Clostridium tetani and Clostridium botulinum produce two of the most potent neurotoxins known, tetanus neurotoxin and botulinum neurotoxin, respectively. Extensive... (Comparative Study)
Comparative Study
Clostridium tetani and Clostridium botulinum produce two of the most potent neurotoxins known, tetanus neurotoxin and botulinum neurotoxin, respectively. Extensive biochemical and genetic investigation has been devoted to identifying and characterizing various C. botulinum strains. Less effort has been focused on studying C. tetani likely because recently sequenced strains of C. tetani show much less genetic diversity than C. botulinum strains and because widespread vaccination efforts have reduced the public health threat from tetanus. Our aim was to acquire genomic data on the U.S. vaccine strain of C. tetani to better understand its genetic relationship to previously published genomic data from European vaccine strains. We performed high throughput genomic sequence analysis on two wild-type and two vaccine C. tetani strains. Comparative genomic analysis was performed using these and previously published genomic data for seven other C. tetani strains. Our analysis focused on single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNP) and four distinct constituents of the mobile genome (mobilome): a hypervariable flagellar glycosylation island region, five conserved bacteriophage insertion regions, variations in three CRISPR (clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats)-Cas (CRISPR-associated) systems, and a single plasmid. Intact type IA and IB CRISPR/Cas systems were within 10 of 11 strains. A type IIIA CRISPR/Cas system was present in two strains. Phage infection histories derived from CRISPR-Cas sequences indicate C. tetani encounters phages common among commensal gut bacteria and soil-borne organisms consistent with C. tetani distribution in nature. All vaccine strains form a clade distinct from currently sequenced wild type strains when considering variations in these mobile elements. SNP, flagellar glycosylation island, prophage content and CRISPR/Cas phylogenic histories provide tentative evidence suggesting vaccine and wild type strains share a common ancestor.
Topics: Bacterial Proteins; Bacteriophages; Base Sequence; CRISPR-Cas Systems; Chromosome Mapping; Clostridium tetani; Genome, Bacterial; Genomic Islands; Glycosylation; Metalloendopeptidases; Phylogeny; Plasmids; Polymorphism, Single Nucleotide; Sequence Analysis, DNA; Tetanus Toxin; Tetanus Toxoid
PubMed: 28800585
DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0182909 -
International Journal of Molecular... Jan 2018Down syndrome (DS), also known as "trisomy 21", is a genetic disorder caused by the presence of all or part of a third copy of chromosome 21. Silencing these extra genes... (Review)
Review
Down syndrome (DS), also known as "trisomy 21", is a genetic disorder caused by the presence of all or part of a third copy of chromosome 21. Silencing these extra genes is beyond existing technology and seems to be impractical. A number of pharmacologic options have been proposed to change the quality of life and lifespan of individuals with DS. It was reported that treatment with epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG) improves cognitive performance in animal models and in humans, suggesting that EGCG may alleviate symptoms of DS. Traditionally, EGCG has been associated with the ability to reduce dual specificity tyrosine phosphorylation regulated kinase 1A activity, which is overexpressed in trisomy 21. Based on the data available in the literature, we propose an additional way in which EGCG might affect trisomy 21-namely by modifying the proteolytic activity of the enzymes involved. It is known that, in Down syndrome, the nerve growth factor (NGF) metabolic pathway is altered: first by downregulating tissue plasminogen activator (tPA) that activates plasminogen to plasmin, an enzyme converting proNGF to mature NGF; secondly, overexpression of metalloproteinase 9 (MMP-9) further degrades NGF, lowering the amount of mature NGF. EGCG inhibits MMP-9, thus protecting NGF. Urokinase (uPA) and tPA are activators of plasminogen, and uPA is inhibited by EGCG, but regardless of their structural similarity tPA is not inhibited. In this review, we describe mechanisms of proteolytic enzymes (MMP-9 and plasminogen activation system), their role in Down syndrome, their inhibition by EGCG, possible degradation of this polyphenol and the ability of EGCG and its degradation products to cross the blood-brain barrier. We conclude that known data accumulated so far provide promising evidence of MMP-9 inhibition by EGCG in the brain, which could slow down the abnormal degradation of NGF.
Topics: Animals; Biomarkers; Catechin; Down Syndrome; Humans; Matrix Metalloproteinase Inhibitors; Metalloendopeptidases; Methylation; Proteolysis; Signal Transduction; Tissue Plasminogen Activator
PubMed: 29342922
DOI: 10.3390/ijms19010248