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Cells Jul 2023Ion channels are the second largest class of drug targets after G protein-coupled receptors. In addition to well-recognized ones like voltage-gated Na/K/Ca channels in... (Review)
Review
Ion channels are the second largest class of drug targets after G protein-coupled receptors. In addition to well-recognized ones like voltage-gated Na/K/Ca channels in the heart and neurons, novel ion channels are continuously discovered in both excitable and non-excitable cells and demonstrated to play important roles in many physiological processes and diseases such as developmental disorders, neurodegenerative diseases, and cancer. However, in the field of ion channel discovery, there are an unignorable number of published studies that are unsolid and misleading. Despite being the gold standard of a functional assay for ion channels, electrophysiological recordings are often accompanied by electrical noise, leak conductance, and background currents of the membrane system. These unwanted signals, if not treated properly, lead to the mischaracterization of proteins with seemingly unusual ion-conducting properties. In the recent ten years, the technical revolution of cryo-electron microscopy (cryo-EM) has greatly advanced our understanding of the structures and gating mechanisms of various ion channels and also raised concerns about the pore-forming ability of some previously identified channel proteins. In this review, we summarize cryo-EM findings on ion channels with molecular identities recognized or disputed in recent ten years and discuss current knowledge of proposed channel proteins awaiting cryo-EM analyses. We also present a classification of ion channels according to their architectures and evolutionary relationships and discuss the possibility and strategy of identifying more ion channels by analyzing structures of transmembrane proteins of unknown function. We propose that cross-validation by electrophysiological and structural analyses should be essentially required for determining molecular identities of novel ion channels.
Topics: Cryoelectron Microscopy; Ion Channels; Membrane Proteins
PubMed: 37508534
DOI: 10.3390/cells12141870 -
The Journal of Biological Chemistry Aug 2023Peroxisomes and the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) are intimately linked subcellular organelles, physically connected at membrane contact sites. While collaborating in lipid...
Peroxisomes and the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) are intimately linked subcellular organelles, physically connected at membrane contact sites. While collaborating in lipid metabolism, for example, of very long-chain fatty acids (VLCFAs) and plasmalogens, the ER also plays a role in peroxisome biogenesis. Recent work identified tethering complexes on the ER and peroxisome membranes that connect the organelles. These include membrane contacts formed via interactions between the ER protein VAPB (vesicle-associated membrane protein-associated protein B) and the peroxisomal proteins ACBD4 and ACBD5 (acyl-coenzyme A-binding domain protein). Loss of ACBD5 has been shown to cause a significant reduction in peroxisome-ER contacts and accumulation of VLCFAs. However, the role of ACBD4 and the relative contribution these two proteins make to contact site formation and recruitment of VLCFAs to peroxisomes remain unclear. Here, we address these questions using a combination of molecular cell biology, biochemical, and lipidomics analyses following loss of ACBD4 or ACBD5 in HEK293 cells. We show that the tethering function of ACBD5 is not absolutely required for efficient peroxisomal β-oxidation of VLCFAs. We demonstrate that loss of ACBD4 does not reduce peroxisome-ER connections or result in the accumulation of VLCFAs. Instead, the loss of ACBD4 resulted in an increase in the rate of β-oxidation of VLCFAs. Finally, we observe an interaction between ACBD5 and ACBD4, independent of VAPB binding. Overall, our findings suggest that ACBD5 may act as a primary tether and VLCFA recruitment factor, whereas ACBD4 may have regulatory functions in peroxisomal lipid metabolism at the peroxisome-ER interface.
Topics: Humans; Adaptor Proteins, Signal Transducing; Endoplasmic Reticulum; HEK293 Cells; Lipid Metabolism; Membrane Proteins; Mitochondrial Membranes; Peroxisomes
PubMed: 37414147
DOI: 10.1016/j.jbc.2023.105013 -
The Journal of Cell Biology Oct 2023The severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) expresses high amounts of the protein Orf9b to target the mitochondrial outer membrane protein Tom70....
The severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) expresses high amounts of the protein Orf9b to target the mitochondrial outer membrane protein Tom70. Tom70 serves as an import receptor for mitochondrial precursors and, independently of this function, is critical for the cellular antiviral response. Previous studies suggested that Orf9b interferes with Tom70-mediated antiviral signaling, but its implication for mitochondrial biogenesis is unknown. In this study, we expressed Orf9b in human HEK293 cells and observed an Orf9b-mediated depletion of mitochondrial proteins, particularly in respiring cells. To exclude that the observed depletion was caused by the antiviral response, we generated a yeast system in which the function of human Tom70 could be recapitulated. Upon expression of Orf9b in these cells, we again observed a specific decline of a subset of mitochondrial proteins and a general reduction of mitochondrial volume. Thus, the SARS-CoV-2 virus is able to modulate the mitochondrial proteome by a direct effect of Orf9b on mitochondrial Tom70-dependent protein import.
Topics: Humans; Coronavirus Nucleocapsid Proteins; COVID-19; HEK293 Cells; Membrane Proteins; Mitochondrial Membrane Transport Proteins; Saccharomyces cerevisiae; SARS-CoV-2
PubMed: 37682539
DOI: 10.1083/jcb.202303002 -
MBio Feb 2024Many temperate phages encode prophage-expressed functions that interfere with superinfection of the host bacterium by external phages. phage P22 has four such systems...
Many temperate phages encode prophage-expressed functions that interfere with superinfection of the host bacterium by external phages. phage P22 has four such systems that are expressed from the prophage in a lysogen that are encoded by the (repressor), , , and genes. Here we report that the P22-encoded SieA protein is necessary and sufficient for exclusion by the SieA system and that it is an inner membrane protein that blocks DNA injection by P22 and its relatives, but has no effect on infection by other tailed phage types. The P22 virion injects its DNA through the host cell membranes and periplasm via a conduit assembled from three "ejection proteins" after their release from the virion. Phage P22 mutants that overcome the SieA block were isolated, and they have amino acid changes in the C-terminal regions of the gene and encoded ejection proteins. Three different single-amino acid changes in these proteins are required to obtain nearly full resistance to SieA. Hybrid P22 phages that have phage HK620 ejection protein genes are also partially resistant to SieA. There are three sequence types of extant phage-encoded SieA proteins that are less than 30% identical to one another, yet comparison of two of these types found no differences in phage target specificity. Our data strongly suggest a model in which the inner membrane protein SieA interferes with the assembly or function of the periplasmic gp20 and membrane-bound gp16 DNA delivery conduit.IMPORTANCEThe ongoing evolutionary battle between bacteria and the viruses that infect them is a critical feature of bacterial ecology on Earth. Viruses can kill bacteria by infecting them. However, when their chromosomes are integrated into a bacterial genome as a prophage, viruses can also protect the host bacterium by expressing genes whose products defend against infection by other viruses. This defense property is called "superinfection exclusion." A significant fraction of bacteria harbor prophages that encode such protective systems, and there are many different molecular strategies by which superinfection exclusion is mediated. This report is the first to describe the mechanism by which bacteriophage P22 SieA superinfection exclusion protein protects its host bacterium from infection by other P22-like phages. The P22 prophage-encoded inner membrane SieA protein prevents infection by blocking transport of superinfecting phage DNA across the inner membrane during injection.
Topics: Humans; Bacteriophage P22; Superinfection; Bacteriophages; Prophages; Membrane Proteins; DNA; Amino Acids
PubMed: 38236051
DOI: 10.1128/mbio.02169-23 -
MBio Feb 2024Biofilms are matrix-encased microbial communities that increase the environmental fitness and infectivity of many human pathogens including . Biofilm matrix assembly is...
Biofilms are matrix-encased microbial communities that increase the environmental fitness and infectivity of many human pathogens including . Biofilm matrix assembly is essential for biofilm formation and function. Known components of the biofilm matrix are the polysaccharide polysaccharide (VPS), matrix proteins RbmA, RbmC, Bap1, and extracellular DNA, but the majority of the protein composition is uncharacterized. This study comprehensively analyzed the biofilm matrix proteome and revealed the presence of outer membrane proteins (OMPs). Outer membrane vesicles (OMVs) were also present in the biofilm matrix and were associated with OMPs and many biofilm matrix proteins suggesting that they participate in biofilm matrix assembly. Consistent with this, OMVs had the capability to alter biofilm structural properties depending on their composition. OmpU was the most prevalent OMP in the matrix, and its absence altered biofilm architecture by increasing VPS production. Single-cell force spectroscopy revealed that proteins critical for biofilm formation, OmpU, the matrix proteins RbmA, RbmC, Bap1, and VPS contribute to cell-surface adhesion forces at differing efficiency, with VPS showing the highest efficiency whereas Bap1 showing the lowest efficiency. Our findings provide new insights into the molecular mechanisms underlying biofilm matrix assembly in , which may provide new opportunities to develop inhibitors that specifically alter biofilm matrix properties and, thus, affect either the environmental survival or pathogenesis of .IMPORTANCECholera remains a major public health concern. , the causative agent of cholera, forms biofilms, which are critical for its transmission, infectivity, and environmental persistence. While we know that the biofilm matrix contains exopolysaccharide, matrix proteins, and extracellular DNA, we do not have a comprehensive understanding of the majority of biofilm matrix components. Here, we discover outer membrane vesicles (OMVs) within the biofilm matrix of . Proteomic analysis of the matrix and matrix-associated OMVs showed that OMVs carry key matrix proteins and polysaccharide (VPS) to help build biofilms. We also characterize the role of the highly abundant outer membrane protein OmpU in biofilm formation and show that it impacts biofilm architecture in a VPS-dependent manner. Understanding biofilm formation is important for developing a better prevention and treatment strategy framework.
Topics: Humans; Vibrio cholerae; Membrane Proteins; Extracellular Polymeric Substance Matrix; Proteomics; Bacterial Proteins; Biofilms; Polysaccharides; DNA
PubMed: 38206049
DOI: 10.1128/mbio.03304-23 -
The EMBO Journal Jul 2023There is growing evidence that ion channels are critically involved in cancer cell invasiveness and metastasis. However, the molecular mechanisms of ion signaling...
There is growing evidence that ion channels are critically involved in cancer cell invasiveness and metastasis. However, the molecular mechanisms of ion signaling promoting cancer behavior are poorly understood and the complexity of the underlying remodeling during metastasis remains to be explored. Here, using a variety of in vitro and in vivo techniques, we show that metastatic prostate cancer cells acquire a specific Na /Ca signature required for persistent invasion. We identify the Na leak channel, NALCN, which is overexpressed in metastatic prostate cancer, as a major initiator and regulator of Ca oscillations required for invadopodia formation. Indeed, NALCN-mediated Na influx into cancer cells maintains intracellular Ca oscillations via a specific chain of ion transport proteins including plasmalemmal and mitochondrial Na /Ca exchangers, SERCA and store-operated channels. This signaling cascade promotes activity of the NACLN-colocalized proto-oncogene Src kinase, actin remodeling and secretion of proteolytic enzymes, thus increasing cancer cell invasive potential and metastatic lesions in vivo. Overall, our findings provide new insights into an ion signaling pathway specific for metastatic cells where NALCN acts as persistent invasion controller.
Topics: Male; Humans; Sodium; Ion Channels; Ion Transport; Prostatic Neoplasms; Membrane Proteins
PubMed: 37278161
DOI: 10.15252/embj.2022112198 -
Biochemistry. Biokhimiia Oct 2023In the bioenergetics studies, the direct electrometric method played an important role. This method is based on measuring the electrical potential difference (Δψ)... (Review)
Review
In the bioenergetics studies, the direct electrometric method played an important role. This method is based on measuring the electrical potential difference (Δψ) between two compartments of the experimental cell generated by some membrane proteins. These proteins are incorporated into closed lipid-protein membrane vesicles associated with an artificial lipid membrane that separates the compartments. The very existence of such proteins able to generate Δψ was one of the consequences of Peter Mitchell's chemiosmotic concept. The discovery and investigation of their functioning contributed to the recognition of this concept and, eventually the well-deserved awarding of the Nobel Prize to P. Mitchell. Lel A. Drachev (1926-2022) was one of the main authors of the direct electrometrical method. With his participation, key studies were carried out on the electrogenesis of photosynthetic and respiratory membrane proteins, including bacteriorhodopsin, visual rhodopsin, photosynthetic bacterial reaction centers, cytochrome oxidase and others.
Topics: Photosynthetic Reaction Center Complex Proteins; Bacteria; Electron Transport Complex IV; Lipids
PubMed: 38105014
DOI: 10.1134/S0006297923100012 -
Proceedings of the National Academy of... Nov 2023In a forward genetic screen of mice with -ethyl--nitrosourea-induced mutations for aberrant immune function, we identified animals with low percentages of B220 cells in...
In a forward genetic screen of mice with -ethyl--nitrosourea-induced mutations for aberrant immune function, we identified animals with low percentages of B220 cells in the peripheral blood. The causative mutation was in , encoding immediate early response 3 interacting protein 1 (IER3IP1), an endoplasmic reticulum membrane protein mutated in an autosomal recessive neurodevelopmental disorder termed Microcephaly with simplified gyration, Epilepsy and permanent neonatal Diabetes Syndrome (MEDS) in humans. However, no immune function for IER3IP1 had previously been reported. The viable hypomorphic allele uncovered in this study, identical to a reported variant in a MEDS patient, reveals an essential hematopoietic-intrinsic role for IER3IP1 in B cell development and function. We show that IER3IP1 forms a complex with the Golgi transmembrane protein 167A and limits activation of the unfolded protein response mediated by inositol-requiring enzyme-1α and X-box binding protein 1 in B cells. Our findings suggest that B cell deficiency may be a feature of MEDS.
Topics: Humans; Animals; Mice; Membrane Proteins; Diabetes Mellitus; Mutation; Microcephaly; Epilepsy; Unfolded Protein Response
PubMed: 37934820
DOI: 10.1073/pnas.2312810120 -
Biomolecules Feb 2024The protein 4.1R is an essential component of the erythrocyte membrane skeleton, serving as a key structural element and contributing to the regulation of the membrane's... (Review)
Review
The protein 4.1R is an essential component of the erythrocyte membrane skeleton, serving as a key structural element and contributing to the regulation of the membrane's physical properties, including mechanical stability and deformability, through its interaction with spectrin-actin. Recent research has uncovered additional roles of 4.1R beyond its function as a linker between the plasma membrane and the membrane skeleton. It has been found to play a crucial role in various biological processes, such as cell fate determination, cell cycle regulation, cell proliferation, and cell motility. Additionally, 4.1R has been implicated in cancer, with numerous studies demonstrating its potential as a diagnostic and prognostic biomarker for tumors. In this review, we provide an updated overview of the gene and protein structure of 4.1R, as well as its cellular functions in both physiological and pathological contexts.
Topics: Membrane Proteins; Cytoskeletal Proteins; Spectrin; Actins; Erythrocyte Membrane
PubMed: 38397451
DOI: 10.3390/biom14020214 -
Applied Microbiology and Biotechnology Mar 2024The massive usage of phthalate esters (PAEs) has caused serious pollution. Bacterial degradation is a potential strategy to remove PAE contamination. So far, an... (Review)
Review
The massive usage of phthalate esters (PAEs) has caused serious pollution. Bacterial degradation is a potential strategy to remove PAE contamination. So far, an increasing number of PAE-degrading strains have been isolated, and the catabolism of PAEs has been extensively studied and reviewed. However, the investigation into the bacterial PAE uptake process has received limited attention and remains preliminary. PAEs can interact spontaneously with compounds like peptidoglycan, lipopolysaccharides, and lipids on the bacterial cell envelope to migrate inside. However, this process compromises the structural integrity of the cells and causes disruptions. Thus, membrane protein-facilitated transport seems to be the main assimilation strategy in bacteria. So far, only an ATP-binding-cassette transporter PatDABC was proven to transport PAEs across the cytomembrane in a Gram-positive bacterium Rhodococcus jostii RHA1. Other cytomembrane proteins like major facilitator superfamily (MFS) proteins and outer membrane proteins in cell walls like FadL family channels, TonB-dependent transporters, and OmpW family proteins were only reported to facilitate the transport of PAEs analogs such as monoaromatic and polyaromatic hydrocarbons. The functions of these proteins in the intracellular transport of PAEs in bacteria await characterization and it is a promising avenue for future research on enhancing bacterial degradation of PAEs. KEY POINTS: • Membrane proteins on the bacterial cell envelope may be PAE transporters. • Most potential transporters need experimental validation.
Topics: Phthalic Acids; Membrane Transport Proteins; ATP-Binding Cassette Transporters; Bacteria; Esters; Dibutyl Phthalate; China
PubMed: 38536521
DOI: 10.1007/s00253-024-13105-6