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At least 289 records · Page 16

Phage K gp102 Drives Temperature-Sensitive Antibacterial Activity on USA300 MRSA

There is widespread interest in using obligately lytic bacteriophages (“phages”) to treat human bacterial infections. Among Staphylococcus aureus infections, the USA300 lineage is a frequent cause of invasive disease. We observed that phage K, a model S. aureus myophage, exhibits temperature-sensitive growth on USA300 strains, with the wild-type phage providing poorer growth suppression in broth and forming smaller and fainter plaques at 37 °C vs. 30 °C. We isolated 65 mutants of phage K that had improved plaquing characteristics at 37 °C when compared to the parental phage. In all 65 mutants, this phenotype was attributable to loss-of-function (LoF) mutations in gp102, which encodes a protein of unknown function that has homologs only among the Herelleviridae (SPO1-like myophages infecting gram-positive bacteria). Additional experiments with representative mutants consistently showed that the temperature-sensitive plaque phenotype was specific to USA300 MRSA strains and that Gp102 disruption was correlated with improved suppression of bacterial growth in broth and improved antibacterial activity in a mouse model of upper respiratory tract infection. The same genotype and in vitro phenotypes could be replicated in close relatives of phage K. Gp102 disruption did not have a detectable effect on adsorption but did delay cell culture lysis relative to wild-type under permissive infection conditions, suggesting that gp102 conservation might be maintained by selective pressure for more rapid replication. Expression of gp102 on a plasmid was toxic to both an MSSA and a USA300 MRSA strain. Molecular modeling predicts a protein with two helix-turn-helix domains that displays some similarity to DNA-binding proteins such as transcription factors. While its function remains unclear, gp102 is a conserved gene that is important to the infection process of Kayvirus phages, and it appears that the manner in which USA300 strains defend against them at 37 °C can be overcome by gp102 LoF mutations.

59 BASIC BIOLOGICAL SCIENCES↗

Nop9 recognizes structured and single-stranded RNA elements of preribosomal RNA

Nop9 is an essential factor in the processing of preribosomal RNA. Its absence in yeast is lethal, and defects in the human ortholog are associated with breast cancer, autoimmunity, and learning/language impairment. PUF family RNA-binding proteins are best known for sequence-specific RNA recognition, and most contain eight α-helical repeats that bind to the RNA bases of single-stranded RNA. Nop9 is an unusual member of this family in that it contains eleven repeats and recognizes both RNA structure and sequence. Here we report a crystal structure of Saccharomyces cerevisiae Nop9 in complex with its target RNA within the 20S preribosomal RNA. This structure reveals that Nop9 brings together a carboxy-terminal module recognizing the 5' single-stranded region of the RNA and a bifunctional amino-terminal module recognizing the central double-stranded stem region. We further show that the 3' single-stranded region of the 20S target RNA adds sequence-independent binding energy to the RNA–Nop9 interaction. Both the amino- and carboxy-terminal modules retain the characteristic sequence-specific recognition of PUF proteins, but the amino-terminal module has also evolved a distinct interface, which allows Nop9 to recognize either single-stranded RNA sequences or RNAs with a combination of single-stranded and structured elements.

59 BASIC BIOLOGICAL SCIENCES↗

Nitrogenase Bioelectrocatalysis: ATP-Independent Ammonia Production Using a Redox Polymer/MoFe Protein System

Nitrogenase is the only biological catalyst that is understood to be able to convert nitrogen gas to ammonia. In microorganisms, the MoFe catalytic protein of nitrogenase is reduced by a transient Fe protein binding and separate hydrolysis of ATP. Yet, the requirement of 16 ATP molecules by the Fe protein for the 8 electron transfer is an energy-intense caveat to the enzymatic synthesis of NH 3 and is challenging from an electrochemical perspective. Thus, we report the redox polymer-based ATP-free mediated electron-transfer system of MoFe nitrogenase using cobaltocene-functionalized poly(allylamine) (Cc-PAA), which is able to reduce the MoFe nitrogenase directly with a low redox potential of -0.58 V vs SHE. An efficient immobilization of MoFe nitrogenase via Cc-PAA allowed for the bioelectrocatalytic reduction of N 3 – , NO 2 – , and N 2 to NH 3 . Bulk bioelectrosynthetic experiments produced 7 ± 2 and 30 ± 5 nmol of NH 3 from NO 2 – and N 3 – reduction for 30 min, respectively. In addition, biosynthetic N 2 reduction to NH 3 was confirmed by 15 N 2 labeling experiments with NMR analysis. This mediated electron-transfer approach of the immobilized nitrogenase using the Cc-PAA redox polymer provides a valuable technological basis for scale-up and industrial uses in the future of bioelectrosynthesis.

32 ENERGY CONSERVATION, CONSUMPTION, AND UTILIZATI↗

Interrogating biomineralization one amino acid at a time: amplification of mutational effects in protein-aided titania morphogenesis through reaction-diffusion control

To emulate the control that biomineralizing organisms exert over reactant transport, we construct a countercurrent reaction-diffusion chamber in which an agarose hydrogel regulates the fluxes of inorganic precursor and precipitating solid-binding protein. Furthermore, we show that the morphology of the bioprecipitated titania can be changed from monolithic to interconnected particle networks and dispersed nanoparticles either by decreasing reaction time or by increasing agarose weight percentage at constant precursor and protein concentrations. More strikingly, protein variants with one or two substitutions in their metal oxide-binding domain yield unique peripheral morphologies (needles, threads, plates, and peapods) with distinct crystallography and photocatalytic activity. Our results suggest that diffusional control can magnify otherwise subtle mutational effects in biomineralizing proteins and provide a path for the green synthesis of morphologically and functionally diverse inorganic materials.

59 BASIC BIOLOGICAL SCIENCES↗

The bacterial copper resistance protein CopG contains a cysteine-bridged tetranuclear copper cluster

CopG is an uncharacterized protein ubiquitous in Gram-negative bacteria whose gene frequently occurs in clusters of copper resistance genes and can be recognized by the presence of a conserved CxCC motif. To investigate its contribution to copper resistance, here we undertook a structural and biochemical characterization of the CopG protein from Pseudomonas aeruginosa . Results from biochemical analyses of CopG purified under aerobic conditions indicate that it is a green copper-binding protein that displays absorbance maxima near 411, 581, and 721 nm and is monomeric in solution. Determination of the three-dimensional structure by X-ray crystallography revealed that CopG consists of a thioredoxin domain with a C-terminal extension that contributes to metal binding. We noted that adjacent to the CxCC motif is a cluster of four copper ions bridged by cysteine sulfur atoms. Structures of CopG in two oxidation states support the assignment of this protein as an oxidoreductase. On the basis of these structural and spectroscopic findings and also genetic evidence, we propose that CopG has a role in interconverting Cu(I) and Cu(II) to minimize toxic effects and facilitate export by the Cus RND transporter efflux system.

37 INORGANIC, ORGANIC, PHYSICAL, AND ANALYTICAL CH↗

Proteome-wide analysis of protein stability in Escherichia coli under acid stress

Knowledge of protein acid sensitivity remains sparse and is largely derived from low-throughput, enzyme-specific assays. We used a scalable framework to map acid stability across the Escherichia coli proteome to assess the acid stability of 1,675 unique proteins, estimating pH 50 values for over 90% of them. The parameter pH50 was defined as the pH value at which only 50% of the initial protein remains in solution following acid treatment. Proteome-wide pH 50 values ranged from 2.28 to 6.33 (median 5.11). Approximately 9% of detected proteins remained stable across all tested pH conditions. Our results align with published data and the assay of citrate synthase (GltA) performed here. Protein acid stability differed significantly by subcellular localization: periplasmic proteins were relatively more abundant in the acid-stable group, cytoplasmic proteins were abundant at pH 50 values 4.5–5.5, and inner membrane proteins at higher pH 50 between 5.5 and 6.0. Outer membrane proteins were too few to draw strong conclusions regarding enrichment within specific pH 50 groups. Notably, the periplasmic binding protein of the molybdate ABC transporter (ModA), was enriched after incubation at low pH. Estimated pH 50 values showed no correlation with protein isoelectric point and molecular weight. Together, this work provides the first proteome-wide map of protein acid stability and establishes a general framework for studying different chemical stressors.

37 INORGANIC, ORGANIC, PHYSICAL, AND ANALYTICAL CH↗

PNNL-Predictive-Phenomics/ProCaliper

ProCaliper is a Python library that curates, organizes, and computes protein structure features in a way that easily interfaces with user-provided experimental data. It extracts or computes protein binding site, active site, charge, pLDDT (order/disorder), acid dissociation, protonation, solvent accessible surface area, disulfide bond distance, and protein secondary structure data using precomputed protein structures and publicly available databases. It provides a unified API for integrating additional residue-level data and for visualizing residue features in 3D.

Rozum, Jordan [Pacific Northwest National Lab]↗

Molecular genetics of root gravitropism and waving in Arabidopsis thaliana

When Arabidopsis thaliana seedlings grow embedded in an agar-based medium, their roots grow vertically downward. This reflects their ability to sense the gravity vector and to position their tip parallel to it (gravitropism). We have isolated a number of mutations affecting root gravitropism in Arabidopsis thaliana. One of these mutations, named arg1, affects root and hypocotyl gravitropism without promoting defects in starch content or in the ability of seedlings' organs to respond to plant hormones. The ARG1 gene was cloned and shown to code for a protein with a J domain at its amino terminus and a second sequence motif found in several cytoskeleton binding proteins. Mutations in the AGR1 locus promote a strong defect in root gravitropism. Some alleles also confer an increased root resistance to exogenous ethylene and an increased sensitivity to auxin. AGR1 was cloned and found to encode a putative transmembrane protein which might be involved in polar auxin transport, or in regulating the differential growth response to gravistimulation. When Arabidopsis seedlings grow on the surface of agar-based media tilted backward, their roots wave. That wavy pattern of root growth derives from a combined response to gravity, touch and other surface-derived stimuli. It is accompanied by a reversible rotation of the root tip about its axis. A number of mutations affect the presence or the shape of root waves on tilted agar-based surfaces. One of them, wvc1, promotes the formation of compressed root waves under these conditions. The physiological and molecular analyses of this mutant suggest that a tryptophan-derived molecule other than IAA might be an important regulator of the curvature responsible for root waving.

NASA Discipline Plant Biology↗

Interactions of the SAP Domain of Human Ku70 with DNA Substrate: A Molecular Dynamics Study

NASA is developing a systems biology approach to improve the assessment of health risks associated with space radiation. The primary toxic and mutagenic lesion following radiation exposure is the DNA double strand break (DSB), thus a model incorporating proteins and pathways important in response and repair of this lesion is critical. One key protein heterodimer for systems models of radiation effects is the Ku70/80 complex. The Ku70/80 complex is important in the initial binding of DSB ends following DNA damage, and is a component of nonhomologous end joining repair, the primary pathway for DSB repair in mammalian cells. The SAP domain of Ku70 (residues 556-609), contains an a helix-extended strand-helix motif and similar motifs have been found in other nucleic acid-binding proteins critical for DNA repair. However, the exact mechanism of damage recognition and substrate specificity for the Ku heterodimer remains unclear in part due to the absence of a high-resolution structure of the SAP/DNA complex. We performed a series of molecular dynamics (MD) simulations on a system with the SAP domain of Ku70 and a 10 base pairs DNA duplex. Large-scale conformational changes were observed and some putative binding modes were suggested based on energetic analysis. These modes are consistent with previous experimental investigations. In addition, the results indicate that cooperation of SAP with other domains of Ku70/80 is necessary to explain the high affinity of binding as observed in experiments.

Hu, Shaowen↗

Integrated multi-omic characterizations of the synapse reveal RNA processing factors and ubiquitin ligases associated with neurodevelopmental disorders

The molecular composition of the excitatory synapse is incompletely defined due to its dynamic nature across developmental stages and neuronal populations. To address this gap, we apply proteomic mass spectrometry to characterize the synapse in multiple biological models including the fetal human brain and hiPSC-derived neurons. To prioritize the identified proteins, we develop an orthogonal multi-omic screen of genomic, transcriptomic, interactomic, and structural data. This data-driven framework identifies proteins with key molecular features intrinsic to the synapse, including characteristic patterns of biophysical interactions and cross-tissue expression. The multi-omic analysis captures synaptic proteins across developmental stages and experimental systems, including 493 synaptic candidates supported by proteomics. We further investigate three such proteins that are associated with neurodevelopmental disorders – the CUL3 E3 ubiquitin ligase, the DDX3X and YBX1 nucleic-acid binding proteins – by mapping their networks of physically interacting synapse proteins or transcripts. Our study demonstrates the potential of an integrated multi-omic approach to systematically and more comprehensively resolve the synaptic architecture.

59 BASIC BIOLOGICAL SCIENCES↗

Pumping Iron: A Multi-omics Analysis of Two Extremophilic Algae Reveals Iron Economy Management

Marine algae are responsible for half of the world's primary productivity, but this critical carbonsink is often constrained by insufficient iron. One species of marine algae, Dunaliella tertiolecta, isremarkable for its ability to maintain photosynthesis and thrive in low-iron environments. A relatedspecies, Dunaliella salina Bardawil, shares this attribute but is an extremophile found in hypersaline environments. To elucidate how algae manage their iron requirements, we produced highquality genome assemblies and transcriptomes for both species to serve as a foundation for acomparative multi-omics analysis. We identified a host of iron-uptake proteins in both species,including a massive expansion of transferrins and a novel family of siderophore-iron uptakeproteins. Complementing these multiple iron-uptake routes, ferredoxin functions as a large ironreservoir that can be released by induction of flavodoxin. Proteomic analysis revealed reducedinvestment in the photosynthetic apparatus coupled with remodeling of antenna proteins bydramatic iron-deficiency induction of TIDI1, a light harvesting complex protein found also in otherchlorophytes. These combinatorial iron scavenging and sparing strategies make Dunaliellaunique among photosynthetic organisms

iron homeostasis, phytoplankton, Iron starvation i↗

Spindle neurons of the human anterior cingulate cortex

The human anterior cingulate cortex is distinguished by the presence of an unusual cell type, a large spindle neuron in layer Vb. This cell has been noted numerous times in the historical literature but has not been studied with modern neuroanatomic techniques. For instance, details regarding the neuronal class to which these cells belong and regarding their precise distribution along both ventrodorsal and anteroposterior axes of the cingulate gyrus are still lacking. In the present study, morphological features and the anatomic distribution of this cell type were studied using computer-assisted mapping and immunocytochemical techniques. Spindle neurons are restricted to the subfields of the anterior cingulate cortex (Brodmann's area 24), exhibiting a greater density in anterior portions of this area than in posterior portions, and tapering off in the transition zone between anterior and posterior cingulate cortex. Furthermore, a majority of the spindle cells at any level is located in subarea 24b on the gyral surface. Immunocytochemical analysis revealed that the neurofilament protein triple was present in a large percentage of these neurons and that they did not contain calcium-binding proteins. Injections of the carbocyanine dye DiI into the cingulum bundle revealed that these cells are projection neurons. Finally, spindle cells were consistently affected in Alzheimer's disease cases, with an overall loss of about 60%. Taken together, these observations indicate that the spindle cells of the human cingulate cortex represent a morphological subpopulation of pyramidal neurons whose restricted distribution may be associated with functionally distinct areas.

Non-NASA Center↗

Palmitoylation of caveolin-1 in endothelial cells is post-translational but irreversible

Caveolin-1 is a palmitoylated protein involved in assembly of signaling molecules in plasma membrane subdomains termed caveolae and in intracellular cholesterol transport. Three cysteine residues in the C terminus of caveolin-1 are subject to palmitoylation, which is not necessary for caveolar targeting of caveolin-1. Protein palmitoylation is a post-translational and reversible modification that may be regulated and that in turn may regulate conformation, membrane association, protein-protein interactions, and intracellular localization of the target protein. We have undertaken a detailed analysis of [(3)H]palmitate incorporation into caveolin-1 in aortic endothelial cells. The linkage of palmitate to caveolin-1 was hydroxylamine-sensitive and thus presumably a thioester bond. However, contrary to expectations, palmitate incorporation was blocked completely by the protein synthesis inhibitors cycloheximide and puromycin. In parallel experiments to show specificity, palmitoylation of aortic endothelial cell-specific nitric-oxide synthase was unaffected by these reagents. Inhibitors of protein trafficking, brefeldin A and monensin, blocked caveolin-1 palmitoylation, indicating that the modification was not cotranslational but rather required caveolin-1 transport from the endoplasmic reticulum and Golgi to the plasma membrane. In addition, immunophilin chaperones that form complexes with caveolin-1, i.e. FK506-binding protein 52, cyclophilin A, and cyclophilin 40, were not necessary for caveolin-1 palmitoylation because agents that bind immunophilins did not inhibit palmitoylation. Pulse-chase experiments showed that caveolin-1 palmitoylation is essentially irreversible because the release of [(3)H]palmitate was not significant even after 24 h. These results show that [(3)H]palmitate incorporation is limited to newly synthesized caveolin-1, not because incorporation only occurs during synthesis but because the continuous presence of palmitate on caveolin-1 prevents subsequent repalmitoylation.

Non-NASA Center↗

Comprehensive analysis of the human ESCRT-III-MIT domain interactome reveals new cofactors for cytokinetic abscission

The 12 related human ESCRT-III proteins form filaments that constrict membranes and mediate fission, including during cytokinetic abscission. The C-terminal tails of polymerized ESCRT-III subunits also bind proteins that contain Microtubule-Interacting and Trafficking (MIT) domains. MIT domains can interact with ESCRT-III tails in many different ways to create a complex binding code that is used to recruit essential cofactors to sites of ESCRT activity. Here, we have comprehensively and quantitatively mapped the interactions between all known ESCRT-III tails and 19 recombinant human MIT domains. We measured 228 pairwise interactions, quantified 60 positive interactions, and discovered 18 previously unreported interactions. We also report the crystal structure of the SPASTIN MIT domain in complex with the IST1 C-terminal tail. Three MIT enzymes were studied in detail and shown to: (1) localize to cytokinetic midbody membrane bridges through interactions with their specific ESCRT-III binding partners (SPASTIN-IST1, KATNA1-CHMP3, and CAPN7-IST1), (2) function in abscission (SPASTIN, KATNA1, and CAPN7), and (3) function in the ‘NoCut’ abscission checkpoint (SPASTIN and CAPN7). Our studies define the human MIT-ESCRT-III interactome, identify new factors and activities required for cytokinetic abscission and its regulation, and provide a platform for analyzing ESCRT-III and MIT cofactor interactions in all ESCRT-mediated processes.

59 BASIC BIOLOGICAL SCIENCES↗

Cancer-specific loss of TERT activation sensitizes glioblastoma to DNA damage

Most glioblastomas (GBMs) achieve cellular immortality by acquiring a mutation in the telomerase reverse transcriptase ( TERT ) promoter. TERT promoter mutations create a binding site for a GA binding protein (GABP) transcription factor complex, whose assembly at the promoter is associated with TERT reactivation and telomere maintenance. Here, we demonstrate increased binding of a specific GABPB1L-isoform–containing complex to the mutant TERT promoter. Furthermore, we find that TERT promoter mutant GBM cells, unlike wild-type cells, exhibit a critical near-term dependence on GABPB1L for proliferation, notably also posttumor establishment in vivo. Up-regulation of the protein paralogue GABPB2, which is normally expressed at very low levels, can rescue this dependence. More importantly, when combined with frontline temozolomide (TMZ) chemotherapy, inducible GABPB1L knockdown and the associated TERT reduction led to an impaired DNA damage response that resulted in profoundly reduced growth of intracranial GBM tumors. Together, these findings provide insights into the mechanism of cancer-specific TERT regulation, uncover rapid effects of GABPB1L-mediated TERT suppression in GBM maintenance, and establish GABPB1L inhibition in combination with chemotherapy as a therapeutic strategy for TERT promoter mutant GBM.

59 BASIC BIOLOGICAL SCIENCES↗

Reduced naphthylphthalamic acid binding in the tir3 mutant of Arabidopsis is associated with a reduction in polar auxin transport and diverse morphological defects

Polar auxin transport plays a key role in the regulation of plant growth and development. To identify genes involved in this process, we have developed a genetic procedure to screen for mutants of Arabidopsis that are altered in their response to auxin transport inhibitors. We recovered a total of 16 independent mutants that defined seven genes, called TRANSPORT INHIBITOR RESPONSE (TIR) genes. Recessive mutations in one of these genes, TIR3, result in altered responses to transport inhibitors, a reduction in polar auxin transport, and a variety of morphological defects that can be ascribed to changes in indole-3-acetic acid distribution. Most dramatically, tir3 seedlings are strongly deficient in lateral root production, a process that is known to depend on polar auxin transport from the shoot into the root. In addition, tir3 plants display a reduction in apical dominance as well as decreased elongation of siliques, pedicels, roots, and the inflorescence. Biochemical studies indicate that tir3 plants have a reduced number of N-1-naphthylphthalamic (NPA) binding sites, suggesting that the TIR3 gene is required for expression, localization, or stabilization of the NPA binding protein (NBP). Alternatively, the TIR3 gene may encode the NBP. Because the tir3 mutants have a substantial defect in NPA binding, their phenotype provides genetic evidence for a role for the NBP in plant growth and development.

Non-NASA Center↗

ATM–dependent phosphorylation of CHD7 regulates morphogenesis-coupled DSB stress response in fetal radiation exposure

Following radiation exposure, unrepaired DNA double-strand breaks (DSBs) persist to some extent in a subset of cells as residual damage; they can exert adverse effects, including late-onset diseases. In search of the factor(s) that characterize(s) cells bearing such damage, we discovered ataxia-telangiectasia mutated (ATM)-dependent phosphorylation of the transcription factor chromodomain helicase DNA binding protein 7 (CHD7). CHD7 controls the morphogenesis of cell populations derived from neural crest cells during vertebrate early development. Indeed, malformations in various fetal bodies are attributable to CHD7 haploinsufficiency. Following radiation exposure, CHD7 becomes phosphorylated, ceases promoter/enhancer binding to target genes, and relocates to the DSB-repair protein complex, where it remains until the damage is repaired. Thus, ATM-dependent CHD7 phosphorylation appears to act as a functional switch. As such stress responses contribute to improved cell survival and canonical nonhomologous end joining, we conclude that CHD7 is involved in both morphogenetic and DSB-response functions. Thus, we propose that higher vertebrates have evolved intrinsic mechanisms underlying the morphogenesis-coupled DSB stress response. In fetal exposure, if the function of CHD7 becomes primarily shifted toward DNA repair, morphogenic activity is reduced, resulting in malformations.

59 BASIC BIOLOGICAL SCIENCES↗

Interactions of the C-terminal Domain of Human Ku70 with DNA Substrate: A Molecular Dynamics Study

NASA is developing a systems biology approach to improve the assessment of health risks associated with space radiation. The primary toxic and mutagenic lesion following radiation exposure is the DNA double strand break (DSB), thus a model incorporating proteins and pathways important in response and repair of this lesion is critical. One key protein heterodimer for systems models of radiation effects is the Ku(sub 70/80) complex. The Ku70/80 complex is important in the initial binding of DSB ends following DNA damage, and is a component of nonhomologous end joining repair, the primary pathway for DSB repair in mammalian cells. The C-terminal domain of Ku70 (Ku70c, residues 559-609), contains an helix-extended strand-helix motif and similar motifs have been found in other nucleic acid-binding proteins critical for DNA repair. However, the exact mechanism of damage recognition and substrate specificity for the Ku heterodimer remains unclear in part due to the absence of a high-resolution structure of the Ku70c/DNA complex. We performed a series of molecular dynamics (MD) simulations on a system with the subunit Ku70c and a 14 base pairs DNA duplex, whose starting structures are designed to be variable so as to mimic their different binding modes. By analyzing conformational changes and energetic properties of the complex during MD simulations, we found that interactions are preferred at DNA ends, and within the major groove, which is consistent with previous experimental investigations. In addition, the results indicate that cooperation of Ku70c with other subunits of Ku(sub 70/80) is necessary to explain the high affinity of binding as observed in experiments.

Hu, Shaowen↗