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ELife Aug 2023Membrane receptor guanylyl cyclases play a role in many important facets of human physiology, from regulating blood pressure to intestinal fluid secretion. The...
Membrane receptor guanylyl cyclases play a role in many important facets of human physiology, from regulating blood pressure to intestinal fluid secretion. The structural mechanisms which influence these important physiological processes have yet to be explored. We present the 3.9 Å resolution cryo-EM structure of the human membrane receptor guanylyl cyclase GC-C in complex with Hsp90 and its co-chaperone Cdc37, providing insight into the mechanism of Cdc37 mediated binding of GC-C to the Hsp90 regulatory complex. As a membrane protein and non-kinase client of Hsp90-Cdc37, this work shows the remarkable plasticity of Cdc37 to interact with a broad array of clients with significant sequence variation. Furthermore, this work shows how membrane receptor guanylyl cyclases hijack the regulatory mechanisms used for active kinases to facilitate their regulation. Given the known druggability of Hsp90, these insights can guide the further development of membrane receptor guanylyl cyclase-targeted therapeutics and lead to new avenues to treat hypertension, inflammatory bowel disease, and other membrane receptor guanylyl cyclase-related conditions.
Topics: Humans; Cell Cycle Proteins; Chaperonins; HSP90 Heat-Shock Proteins; Molecular Chaperones; Protein Binding; Receptors, Guanylate Cyclase-Coupled
PubMed: 37535399
DOI: 10.7554/eLife.86784 -
Nature Structural & Molecular Biology Dec 2023Hsp90 is an essential molecular chaperone responsible for the folding and activation of hundreds of 'client' proteins, including the glucocorticoid receptor (GR)....
Hsp90 is an essential molecular chaperone responsible for the folding and activation of hundreds of 'client' proteins, including the glucocorticoid receptor (GR). Previously, we revealed that Hsp70 and Hsp90 remodel the conformation of GR to regulate ligand binding, aided by co-chaperones. In vivo, the co-chaperones FKBP51 and FKBP52 antagonistically regulate GR activity, but a molecular understanding is lacking. Here we present a 3.01 Å cryogenic electron microscopy structure of the human GR:Hsp90:FKBP52 complex, revealing how FKBP52 integrates into the GR chaperone cycle and directly binds to the active client, potentiating GR activity in vitro and in vivo. We also present a 3.23 Å cryogenic electron microscopy structure of the human GR:Hsp90:FKBP51 complex, revealing how FKBP51 competes with FKBP52 for GR:Hsp90 binding and demonstrating how FKBP51 can act as a potent antagonist to FKBP52. Altogether, we demonstrate how FKBP51 and FKBP52 integrate into the GR chaperone cycle to advance GR to the next stage of maturation.
Topics: Humans; Receptors, Glucocorticoid; Cryoelectron Microscopy; Tacrolimus Binding Proteins; HSP90 Heat-Shock Proteins; Molecular Chaperones; Protein Binding
PubMed: 37945740
DOI: 10.1038/s41594-023-01128-y -
Journal of Molecular Biology Jul 2024Inorganic polyphosphate (polyP), one of the first high-energy compound on earth, defies its extreme compositional and structural simplicity with an astoundingly wide... (Review)
Review
Inorganic polyphosphate (polyP), one of the first high-energy compound on earth, defies its extreme compositional and structural simplicity with an astoundingly wide array of biological activities across all domains of life. However, the underlying mechanism of such functional pleiotropy remains largely elusive. In this review, we will summarize recent studies demonstrating that this simple polyanion stabilizes protein folding intermediates and scaffolds select native proteins. These functions allow polyP to act as molecular chaperone that protects cells against protein aggregation, as pro-amyloidogenic factor that accelerates both physiological and disease-associated amyloid formation, and as a modulator of liquid-liquid phase separation processes. These activities help to explain polyP's known roles in bacterial stress responses and pathogenicity, provide the mechanistic foundation for its potential role in human neurodegenerative diseases, and open a new direction regarding its influence on gene expression through condensate formation. We will highlight critical unanswered questions and point out potential directions that will help to further understand the pleiotropic functions of this ancient and ubiquitous biopolymer.
Topics: Polyphosphates; Humans; Protein Folding; Molecular Chaperones; Amyloid; Protein Aggregates; Proteins; Animals; Neurodegenerative Diseases
PubMed: 38423453
DOI: 10.1016/j.jmb.2024.168504 -
Advances in Clinical Chemistry 2024Proteostasis is essential for normal function of proteins and vital for cellular health and survival. Proteostasis encompasses all stages in the "life" of a protein,... (Review)
Review
Proteostasis is essential for normal function of proteins and vital for cellular health and survival. Proteostasis encompasses all stages in the "life" of a protein, that is, from translation to functional performance and, ultimately, to degradation. Proteins need native conformations for function and in the presence of multiple types of stress, their misfolding and aggregation can occur. A coordinated network of proteins is at the core of proteostasis in cells. Among these, chaperones are required for maintaining the integrity of protein conformations by preventing misfolding and aggregation and guide those with abnormal conformation to degradation. The ubiquitin-proteasome system (UPS) and autophagy are major cellular pathways for degrading proteins. Although failure or decreased functioning of components of this network can lead to proteotoxicity and disease, like neuron degenerative diseases, underlying factors are not completely understood. Accumulating misfolded and aggregated proteins are considered major pathomechanisms of neurodegeneration. In this chapter, we have described the components of three major branches required for proteostasis-chaperones, UPS and autophagy, the mechanistic basis of their function, and their potential for protection against various neurodegenerative conditions, like Alzheimer's, Parkinson's, and Huntington's disease. The modulation of various proteostasis network proteins, like chaperones, E3 ubiquitin ligases, proteasome, and autophagy-associated proteins as therapeutic targets by small molecules as well as new and unconventional approaches, shows promise.
Topics: Humans; Neurodegenerative Diseases; Proteostasis; Proteasome Endopeptidase Complex; Autophagy; Molecular Chaperones; Animals; Ubiquitin
PubMed: 38797543
DOI: 10.1016/bs.acc.2024.04.002 -
Annual Review of Virology Sep 2023Understanding the factors that shape viral evolution is critical for developing effective antiviral strategies, accurately predicting viral evolution, and preventing... (Review)
Review
Understanding the factors that shape viral evolution is critical for developing effective antiviral strategies, accurately predicting viral evolution, and preventing pandemics. One fundamental determinant of viral evolution is the interplay between viral protein biophysics and the host machineries that regulate protein folding and quality control. Most adaptive mutations in viruses are biophysically deleterious, resulting in a viral protein product with folding defects. In cells, protein folding is assisted by a dynamic system of chaperones and quality control processes known as the proteostasis network. Host proteostasis networks can determine the fates of viral proteins with biophysical defects, either by assisting with folding or by targeting them for degradation. In this review, we discuss and analyze new discoveries revealing that host proteostasis factors can profoundly shape the sequence space accessible to evolving viral proteins. We also discuss the many opportunities for research progress proffered by the proteostasis perspective on viral evolution and adaptation.
Topics: Proteostasis; Protein Folding; Molecular Chaperones; Viral Proteins; Viruses
PubMed: 37071930
DOI: 10.1146/annurev-virology-100220-112120 -
Life Sciences Nov 2023The male gamete is a highly differentiated cell that aims to fuse with the oocyte in fertilization. Sperm have silenced the transcription and translational processes,... (Review)
Review
The male gamete is a highly differentiated cell that aims to fuse with the oocyte in fertilization. Sperm have silenced the transcription and translational processes, maintaining proteostasis to guarantee male reproductive health. Despite the information about the implication of molecular chaperones as orchestrators of protein folding or aggregation, and the handling of body homeostasis by the endocannabinoid system, there is still a lack of basic investigation and random controlled clinical trials that deliver more evidence on the involvement of cannabinoids in reproductive function. Besides, we noticed that the information regarding whether recreational marijuana affects male fertility is controversial and requires further investigation. In other cell models, it has recently been evidenced that chaperones and cannabinoids are intimately intertwined. Through a literature review, we aim to explore the interaction between chaperones and cannabinoid signaling in sperm development and function. To untangle how or whether this dialogue happens within the sperm proteostasis. We discuss the action of chaperones, the endocannabinoid system and phytocannabinoids in sperm proteostasis. Reports of some heat shock and lipid proteins interacting with cannabinoid receptors prove that chaperones and the endocannabinoid system are in an intimate dialogue. Meanwhile, advancing the evidence to decipher these mechanisms for introducing innovative interventions into routine clinical settings becomes crucial. We highlight the potential interaction between chaperones and cannabinoid signaling in regulating proteostasis in male reproductive health.
Topics: Proteostasis; Endocannabinoids; Seeds; Molecular Chaperones; Spermatozoa; Cannabinoids
PubMed: 37827231
DOI: 10.1016/j.lfs.2023.122167 -
Cell Death & Disease Aug 2023Daxx functions as a histone chaperone for the histone H3 variant, H3.3, and is essential for embryonic development. Daxx interacts with Atrx to form a protein complex...
Daxx functions as a histone chaperone for the histone H3 variant, H3.3, and is essential for embryonic development. Daxx interacts with Atrx to form a protein complex that deposits H3.3 into heterochromatic regions of the genome, including centromeres, telomeres, and repeat loci. To advance our understanding of histone chaperone activity in vivo, we developed two Daxx mutant alleles in the mouse germline, which abolish the interactions between Daxx and Atrx (Daxx), and Daxx and H3.3 (Daxx). We found that the interaction between Daxx and Atrx is dispensable for viability; mice are born at the expected Mendelian ratio and are fertile. The loss of Daxx-Atrx interaction, however, does cause dysregulated expression of endogenous retroviruses. In contrast, the interaction between Daxx and H3.3, while not required for embryonic development, is essential for postnatal viability. Transcriptome analysis of embryonic tissues demonstrates that this interaction is important for silencing endogenous retroviruses and for maintaining proper immune cell composition. Overall, these results clearly demonstrate that Daxx has both Atrx-dependent and independent functions in vivo, advancing our understanding of this epigenetic regulatory complex.
Topics: Female; Pregnancy; Animals; Mice; Histone Chaperones; Embryonic Development; Alleles; Centromere; Molecular Chaperones; Co-Repressor Proteins
PubMed: 37633949
DOI: 10.1038/s41419-023-06089-0 -
International Journal of Molecular... Jul 2023Inflammatory bowel diseases (IBDs) represent chronic idiopathic disorders, including Crohn's disease (CD) and ulcerative colitis (UC), in which one of the trigger... (Review)
Review
Inflammatory bowel diseases (IBDs) represent chronic idiopathic disorders, including Crohn's disease (CD) and ulcerative colitis (UC), in which one of the trigger factors is represented by aberrant immune interactions between the intestinal epithelium and the intestinal microbiota. The involvement of heat shock proteins (HSPs) as etiological and pathogenetic factors is becoming of increasing interest. HSPs were found to be differentially expressed in the intestinal tissues and sera of patients with CD and UC. It has been shown that HSPs can play a dual role in the disease, depending on the stage of progression. They can support the inflammatory and fibrosis process, but they can also act as protective factors during disease progression or before the onset of one of the worst complications of IBD, colorectal cancer. Furthermore, HSPs are able to mediate the interaction between the intestinal microbiota and intestinal epithelial cells. In this work, we discuss the involvement of HSPs in IBD considering their genetic, epigenetic, immune and molecular roles, referring to the most recent works present in the literature. With our review, we want to shed light on the importance of further exploring the role of HSPs, or even better, the role of the molecular chaperone system (CS), in IBD: various molecules of the CS including HSPs may have diagnostic, prognostic and therapeutic potential, promoting the creation of new drugs that could overcome the side-effects of the therapies currently used.
Topics: Humans; Heat-Shock Proteins; Inflammatory Bowel Diseases; Colitis, Ulcerative; Crohn Disease; Intestines
PubMed: 37569505
DOI: 10.3390/ijms241512129 -
FEBS Letters Jul 2023Photosynthesis uses the energy of sunlight to convert water and atmospheric CO into sugars, providing food and oxygen for life. The fixation of atmospheric CO in this... (Review)
Review
Photosynthesis uses the energy of sunlight to convert water and atmospheric CO into sugars, providing food and oxygen for life. The fixation of atmospheric CO in this crucial biological process is mediated by the enzyme Rubisco. The inefficiencies of Rubisco have inspired researchers for decades to explore ways to improve its function with the goal of increasing crop yields [1-4], and more recently to combat global warming [5]. In this graphical review we highlight the challenges involved in engineering plant Rubisco, with a focus on the extensive chaperone requirement for its biogenesis. We discuss strategies for engineering the catalytic properties of Rubisco and for sequestering the enzyme in membraneless compartments to increase CO fixation.
Topics: Ribulose-Bisphosphate Carboxylase; Carbon Dioxide; Photosynthesis; Molecular Chaperones; Plants
PubMed: 37334940
DOI: 10.1002/1873-3468.14678 -
Science Advances Jun 2023P23, historically known as a heat shock protein 90 (HSP90) co-chaperone, exerts some of its critical functions in an HSP90-independent manner, particularly when it...
P23, historically known as a heat shock protein 90 (HSP90) co-chaperone, exerts some of its critical functions in an HSP90-independent manner, particularly when it translocates into the nucleus. The molecular nature underlying how this HSP90-independent p23 function is achieved remains as a biological mystery. Here, we found that p23 is a previously unidentified transcription factor of COX-2, and its nuclear localization predicts the poor clinical outcomes. Intratumor succinate promotes p23 succinylation at K7, K33, and K79, which drives its nuclear translocation for COX-2 transcription and consequently fascinates tumor growth. We then identified M16 as a potent p23 succinylation inhibitor from 1.6 million compounds through a combined virtual and biological screening. M16 inhibited p23 succinylation and nuclear translocation, attenuated COX-2 transcription in a p23-dependent manner, and markedly suppressed tumor growth. Therefore, our study defines p23 as a succinate-activated transcription factor in tumor progression and provides a rationale for inhibiting p23 succinylation as an anticancer chemotherapy.
Topics: Humans; Succinic Acid; Transcription Factors; Cyclooxygenase 2; Pyridinolcarbamate; Carcinogenesis; Cell Transformation, Neoplastic; Succinates; Adenocarcinoma of Lung; Molecular Chaperones; HSP90 Heat-Shock Proteins; Lung Neoplasms
PubMed: 37390202
DOI: 10.1126/sciadv.ade0387