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Molecular Biology Reports Jul 2022Recent studies have highlighted that uncoupling of sarco-/endoplasmic reticulum Ca-ATPase (SERCA) by sarcolipin (SLN) increases ATP consumption and contributes to heat...
BACKGROUND
Recent studies have highlighted that uncoupling of sarco-/endoplasmic reticulum Ca-ATPase (SERCA) by sarcolipin (SLN) increases ATP consumption and contributes to heat liberation. Exploiting this thermogenic mechanism in skeletal muscle may provide an attractive strategy to counteract obesity and associated metabolic disorders. In the present study, we have investigated the role of SLN on substrate metabolism in human skeletal muscle cells.
METHODS AND RESULTS
After generation of skeletal muscle cells with stable SLN knockdown (SLN-KD), cell viability, glucose and oleic acid (OA) metabolism, mitochondrial function, as well as gene expressions were determined. Depletion of SLN did not influence cell viability. However, glucose and OA oxidation were diminished in SLN-KD cells compared to control myotubes. Basal respiration measured by respirometry was also observed to be reduced in cells with SLN-KD. The metabolic perturbation in SLN-KD cells was reflected by reduced gene expression levels of peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor γ coactivator 1α (PGC1α) and forkhead box O1 (FOXO1). Furthermore, accumulation of OA was increased in cells with SLN-KD compared to control cells. These effects were accompanied by increased lipid formation and incorporation of OA into complex lipids. Additionally, formation of complex lipids and free fatty acid from de novo lipogenesis with acetate as substrate was enhanced in SLN-KD cells. Detection of lipid droplets using Oil red O staining also showed increased lipid accumulation in SLN-KD cells.
CONCLUSIONS
Overall, our study sheds light on the importance of SLN in maintaining metabolic homeostasis in human skeletal muscle. Findings from the current study suggest that therapeutic strategies involving SLN-mediated futile cycling of SERCA might have significant implications in the treatment of obesity and associated metabolic disorders.
Topics: Glucose; Humans; Muscle Fibers, Skeletal; Muscle Proteins; Muscle, Skeletal; Obesity; Proteolipids; Sarcoplasmic Reticulum Calcium-Transporting ATPases
PubMed: 35364719
DOI: 10.1007/s11033-022-07387-0 -
Cellular and Molecular Life Sciences :... Apr 2022Proteolipids are proteins with unusual lipid-like properties. It has long been established that PLP and plasmolipin, which are two unrelated membrane-tetra-spanning...
Proteolipids are proteins with unusual lipid-like properties. It has long been established that PLP and plasmolipin, which are two unrelated membrane-tetra-spanning myelin proteolipids, can be converted in vitro into a water-soluble form with a distinct conformation, raising the question of whether these, or other similar proteolipids, can adopt two different conformations in the cell to adapt their structure to distinct environments. Here, we show that MALL, another proteolipid with a membrane-tetra-spanning structure, distributes in membranes outside the nucleus and, within the nucleus, in membrane-less, liquid-like PML body biomolecular condensates. Detection of MALL in one or other environment was strictly dependent on the method of cell fixation used, suggesting that MALL adopts different conformations depending on its physical environment -lipidic or aqueous- in the cell. The acquisition of the condensate-compatible conformation requires PML expression. Excess MALL perturbed the distribution of the inner nuclear membrane proteins emerin and LAP2β, and that of the DNA-binding protein BAF, leading to the formation of aberrant nuclei. This effect, which is consistent with studies identifying overexpressed MALL as an unfavorable prognostic factor in cancer, could contribute to cell malignancy. Our study establishes a link between proteolipids, membranes and biomolecular condensates, with potential biomedical implications.
Topics: Biomolecular Condensates; Cell Nucleus; Humans; Molecular Conformation; Neoplasms; Proteolipids
PubMed: 35399121
DOI: 10.1007/s00018-022-04270-w -
Biophysical Journal Jan 2020Membrane proteins are embedded in a complex lipid environment that influences their structure and function. One key feature of nearly all biological membranes is a...
Membrane proteins are embedded in a complex lipid environment that influences their structure and function. One key feature of nearly all biological membranes is a distinct lipid asymmetry. However, the influence of membrane asymmetry on proteins is poorly understood, and novel asymmetric proteoliposome systems are beneficial. To our knowledge, we present the first study on a multispanning protein incorporated in large unilamellar liposomes showing a stable lipid asymmetry. These asymmetric proteoliposomes contain the Na/H antiporter NhaA from Salmonella Typhimurium. Asymmetry was introduced by partial, outside-only exchange of anionic phosphatidylglycerol (PG), mimicking this key asymmetry of bacterial membranes. Outer-leaflet and total fractions of PG were determined via ζ-potential (ζ) measurements after lipid exchange and after scrambling of asymmetry. ζ-Values were in good agreement with exclusive outside localization of PG. The electrogenic Na/H antiporter was active in asymmetric liposomes, and it can be concluded that reconstitution and generation of asymmetry were successful. Lipid asymmetry was stable for more than 7 days at 23°C and thus enabled characterization of the Na/H antiporter in an asymmetric lipid environment. We present and validate a simple five-step protocol that addresses key steps to be taken and pitfalls to be avoided for the preparation of asymmetric proteoliposomes: 1) optimization of desired lipid composition, 2) detergent-mediated protein reconstitution with subsequent detergent removal, 3) generation of lipid asymmetry by partial exchange of outer-leaflet lipid, 4) verification of lipid asymmetry and stability, and 5) determination of protein activity in the asymmetric lipid environment. This work offers guidance in designing asymmetric proteoliposomes that will enable researchers to compare functional and structural properties of membrane proteins in symmetric and asymmetric lipid environments.
Topics: Lipids; Proteolipids; Salmonella typhimurium; Unilamellar Liposomes
PubMed: 31843262
DOI: 10.1016/j.bpj.2019.10.043 -
Biochemical and Biophysical Research... Mar 2022L-enantiomers of antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) are sensitive to proteolytic degradation; however, D-enantiomers of AMPs are expected to provide improved proteolytic... (Comparative Study)
Comparative Study
L-enantiomers of antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) are sensitive to proteolytic degradation; however, D-enantiomers of AMPs are expected to provide improved proteolytic resistance. The present study aimed to comparatively investigate the in vitro antibacterial activity, trypsin and serum stability, toxicity, and in vivo antibacterial activity of L-enantiomeric bovine NK2A (L-NK2A) and its D-enantiomeric NK2A (D-NK2A). Circular dichroism spectroscopy of D-NK2A and L-NK2A in anionic liposomes showed α-helical structures and the α-helical conformation of D-NK2A was a mirror image of L-NK2A. Both D-NK2A and L-NK2A displayed minimal in vitro and in vivo toxicities. RP-HPLC and mass spectrometry analyses revealed that D-NK2A, but not L-NK2A, was resistant to trypsin digestion. D-NK2A and L-NK2A showed similar in vitro bacterial killing activities against Histophilus somni. Slightly reduced antibacterial activity was observed when D-NK2A and L-NK2A were pre-incubated with serum. Confocal and transmission electron microscopic findings confirmed that both peptides induced disruption of bacterial inner- and outer-membranes. Improved survivals with D-NK2A treatment were observed when compared to L-NK2A in a murine model of acute H. somni septicemia. We conclude that antibacterial activity and mode of action of NK2A are not chiral specific. With further optimization, D-NK2A may be a viable AMP candidate to combat bacterial infections.
Topics: Animals; Anti-Bacterial Agents; Antimicrobial Peptides; Cattle; Circular Dichroism; Kaplan-Meier Estimate; Mice; Microscopy, Electron, Transmission; Pasteurellaceae; Pasteurellaceae Infections; Protein Stability; Protein Structure, Secondary; Proteolipids; Stereoisomerism
PubMed: 35101666
DOI: 10.1016/j.bbrc.2022.01.071 -
Cells Apr 2021The gene encodes a 17-kDa protein containing four putative transmembrane segments whose expression is restricted to human T cells, polarized epithelial cells and... (Review)
Review
The gene encodes a 17-kDa protein containing four putative transmembrane segments whose expression is restricted to human T cells, polarized epithelial cells and myelin-forming cells. The MAL protein has two unusual biochemical features. First, it has lipid-like properties that qualify it as a member of the group of proteolipid proteins. Second, it partitions selectively into detergent-insoluble membranes, which are known to be enriched in condensed cell membranes, consistent with MAL being distributed in highly ordered membranes in the cell. Since its original description more than thirty years ago, a large body of evidence has accumulated supporting a role of MAL in specialized membranes in all the cell types in which it is expressed. Here, we review the structure, expression and biochemical characteristics of MAL, and discuss the association of MAL with raft membranes and the function of MAL in polarized epithelial cells, T lymphocytes, and myelin-forming cells. The evidence that MAL is a putative receptor of the epsilon toxin of , the expression of MAL in lymphomas, the hypermethylation of the gene and subsequent loss of MAL expression in carcinomas are also presented. We propose a model of MAL as the organizer of specialized condensed membranes to make them functional, discuss the role of MAL as a tumor suppressor in carcinomas, consider its potential use as a cancer biomarker, and summarize the directions for future research.
Topics: Animals; Cell Membrane; Epithelial Cells; Humans; Lymphocytes; Myelin and Lymphocyte-Associated Proteolipid Proteins; Neoplasms; Schwann Cells
PubMed: 33946345
DOI: 10.3390/cells10051065 -
Bioelectrochemistry (Amsterdam,... Oct 2024Functional characterization of transporters is impeded by the high cost and technical challenges of current transporter assays. Thus, in this work, we developed a new...
Functional characterization of transporters is impeded by the high cost and technical challenges of current transporter assays. Thus, in this work, we developed a new characterization workflow that combines cell-free protein synthesis (CFPS) and solid supported membrane-based electrophysiology (SSME). For this, membrane protein synthesis was accomplished in a continuous exchange cell-free system (CECF) in the presence of nanodiscs. The resulting transporters expressed in nanodiscs were incorporated into proteoliposomes and assayed in the presence of different substrates using the surface electrogenic event reader. As a proof of concept, we validated this workflow to express and characterize five diverse transporters: the drug/H-coupled antiporters EmrE and SugE, the lactose permease LacY, the Na/H antiporter NhaA from Escherichia coli, and the mitochondrial carrier AAC2 from Saccharomyces cerevisiae. For all transporters kinetic parameters, such as K, I, and pH dependency, were evaluated. This robust and expedite workflow (e.g., can be executed within only five workdays) offers a convenient direct functional assessment of transporter protein activity and has the ability to facilitate applications of transporters in medical and biotechnological research.
Topics: Cell-Free System; Escherichia coli Proteins; Membrane Transport Proteins; Saccharomyces cerevisiae; Escherichia coli; Proteolipids; Sodium-Hydrogen Exchangers; Saccharomyces cerevisiae Proteins; Monosaccharide Transport Proteins; Kinetics; Antiporters; Electrophysiological Phenomena; Symporters
PubMed: 38810322
DOI: 10.1016/j.bioelechem.2024.108732 -
Cancer Biology & Therapy May 2018This study investigated miR-422a and PLP2 expressions in breast cancer cells and breast cancer stem cells (BCSCs). Besides, their influences on polymorphism changes were...
OBJECTIVE
This study investigated miR-422a and PLP2 expressions in breast cancer cells and breast cancer stem cells (BCSCs). Besides, their influences on polymorphism changes were observed.
METHODS
Flow cytometry and fluorescence-activated cell sorting was performed and CD24/CD44 cells were sorted from breast cancer cells and recognized as BCSCs. Microarray was applied to search for the differentially expressed miRNAs and mRNAs between MCF7 and BCSCs. The aberrant expression of miR-422a and PLP2 was further confirmed by RT-qPCR and the direct targeted relationship was verified by dual-luciferase reporter assay. After in vitro transfection, the expression of miR-422a and PLP2 were manipulated and biological functions of BMSCs were compared with CCK-8, colony formation and sphere formation assay. The tumorigenesis ability of transfected BMSCs was also investigated in NOD/SCID tumor mice models.
RESULTS
BMSCs were successfully established from MCF7 cells and miR-422a expression was downregulated while PLP2 level decreased in BMSCs. MiR-422a directly targets the 3'UTR of PLP2 and suppressed its expression. Besides, the up-regulation of miR-422a contributed to weakened ability of proliferation and microsphere formation of BMSCs, while PLP2 overexpression facilitated those biological abilities. Tumorigenesis of BMSCs in mice models was impaired by either overexpression of miR-442a or silencing of PLP2.
CONCLUSION
Up-regulation of miR-422a attenuated microsphere formation, proliferation and tumor formation of breast cancer stem cells via suppressing the PLP2 expression.
Topics: Animals; Breast Neoplasms; Cell Line, Tumor; Female; Heterografts; Humans; MARVEL Domain-Containing Proteins; MCF-7 Cells; Mice, Inbred NOD; Mice, SCID; MicroRNAs; Neoplastic Stem Cells; Proteolipids; Transfection
PubMed: 29509055
DOI: 10.1080/15384047.2018.1433497 -
Journal of Neurochemistry May 2002In this study, we have investigated the structure of the native myelin proteolipid protein (PLP), DM-20 protein and several low molecular mass proteolipids by mass...
In this study, we have investigated the structure of the native myelin proteolipid protein (PLP), DM-20 protein and several low molecular mass proteolipids by mass spectrometry. The various proteolipid species were isolated from bovine spinal cord by size-exclusion and ion-exchange chromatography in organic solvents. Matrix-assisted laser desorption ionization-time of flight-mass spectrometry (MALDI-TOF-MS) of PLP and DM-20 revealed molecular masses of 31.6 and 27.2 kDa, respectively, which is consistent with the presence of six and four molecules of thioester-bound fatty acids. Electrospray ionization-MS analysis of the deacylated proteins in organic solvents produced the predicted molecular masses of the apoproteins (29.9 and 26.1 kDa), demonstrating that palmitoylation is the major post-translational modification of PLP, and that the majority of PLP and DM-20 molecules in the CNS are fully acylated. A series of myelin-associated, palmitoylated proteolipids with molecular masses raging between 12 kDa and 18 kDa were also isolated and subjected to amino acid analysis, fatty acid analysis, N- and C-terminal sequencing, tryptic digestion and peptide mapping by MALDI-TOF-MS. The results clearly showed that these polypeptides correspond to the N-terminal region (residues 1-105/112) and C-terminal region (residues 113/131-276) of the major PLP, and they appear to be produced by natural proteolytic cleavage within the 60 amino acid-long cytoplasmic domain. These proteolipids are not postmortem artifacts of PLP and DM-20, and are differentially distributed across the CNS.
Topics: Acylation; Amino Acids; Animals; Cattle; Chromatography, Gel; Chromatography, Ion Exchange; Fatty Acids; Membrane Proteins; Molecular Weight; Myelin Proteolipid Protein; Palmitic Acids; Peptide Fragments; Proteolipids; Solvents; Spectrometry, Mass, Electrospray Ionization; Spectrometry, Mass, Matrix-Assisted Laser Desorption-Ionization; Spinal Cord
PubMed: 12065672
DOI: 10.1046/j.1471-4159.2002.00852.x -
Biochimica Et Biophysica Acta Nov 2000The physico-chemical properties of short-chain phosphatidylcholine are reviewed to the extent that its biological activity as a mild detergent can be rationalized.... (Comparative Study)
Comparative Study Review
The physico-chemical properties of short-chain phosphatidylcholine are reviewed to the extent that its biological activity as a mild detergent can be rationalized. Long-chain diacylphosphatidylcholines are typical membrane phospholipids that form preferentially smectic lamellar phases (bilayers) when dispersed in water. In contrast, the preferred phase of the short-chain analogues dispersed in excess water is the micellar phase. The preferred conformation and the dynamics of short-chain phosphatidylcholines in the monomeric and micellar state present in H(2)O are discussed. The motionally averaged conformation of short-chain phosphatidylcholines is then compared to the single-crystal structures of membrane lipids. The main conclusion emerging is that in terms of preferred conformation and motional averaging short-chain phosphatidylcholines closely resemble their long-chain analogues. The dispersing power of short-chain phospholipids is emphasized in the second part of the review. Evidence is presented to show that this class of compounds is superior to most other detergents used in the solubilization of membrane proteins and the reconstitution of the solubilized proteins to artificial membrane systems (proteoliposomes). The prominent feature of the solubilization/reconstitution of integral membrane proteins by short-chain PC is the retention of the native protein structure and hence the protein function. Due to their special detergent-like properties, short-chain PC lend themselves very well not only to membrane solubilization but also to the purification of integral membrane proteins. The retention of the native protein structure in the solubilized state, i.e. in mixed micelles consisting of the integral membrane protein, intrinsic membrane lipids and short-chain PC, is rationalized. It is hypothesized that short-chain PC interacts primarily with the lipid bilayer of a membrane and very little if at all with the membrane proteins. In this way, the membrane protein remains associated with its preferred intrinsic membrane lipids and retains its native structure and its function.
Topics: Detergents; Magnetic Resonance Spectroscopy; Membrane Proteins; Micelles; Molecular Conformation; Phosphatidylcholines; Phospholipids; Protein Conformation; Proteolipids; Solubility; Terminology as Topic
PubMed: 11090824
DOI: 10.1016/s0304-4157(00)00008-3 -
Nature Materials Sep 2016A multitude of micro- and nanoparticles have been developed to improve the delivery of systemically administered pharmaceuticals, which are subject to a number of...
A multitude of micro- and nanoparticles have been developed to improve the delivery of systemically administered pharmaceuticals, which are subject to a number of biological barriers that limit their optimal biodistribution. Bioinspired drug-delivery carriers formulated by bottom-up or top-down strategies have emerged as an alternative approach to evade the mononuclear phagocytic system and facilitate transport across the endothelial vessel wall. Here, we describe a method that leverages the advantages of bottom-up and top-down strategies to incorporate proteins derived from the leukocyte plasma membrane into lipid nanoparticles. The resulting proteolipid vesicles-which we refer to as leukosomes-retained the versatility and physicochemical properties typical of liposomal formulations, preferentially targeted inflamed vasculature, enabled the selective and effective delivery of dexamethasone to inflamed tissues, and reduced phlogosis in a localized model of inflammation.
Topics: Biomimetic Materials; Drug Carriers; Inflammation; Leukocytes; Membrane Proteins; Proteolipids
PubMed: 27213956
DOI: 10.1038/nmat4644