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At least 109 records · Page 6

Development of Human Carbonic Anhydrase II Heterobifunctional Degraders

Human carbonic anhydrase II (hCAII) is a metalloenzyme essential to critical physiological processes in the body. hCA inhibitors are used clinically for the treatment of indications ranging from glaucoma to epilepsy. Targeted protein degraders have emerged as a promising means of inducing the degradation of disease-implicated proteins by using the endogenous quality control mechanisms of a cell. Here, a series of heterobifunctional degrader candidates targeting hCAII were developed from a simple aryl sulfonamide fragment. Degrader candidates were functionalized to produce either cereblon E3 ubiquitin ligase (CRBN) recruiting proteolysis targeting chimeras (PROTACs) or adamantyl-based hydrophobic tags (HyTs). Screens in HEK293 cells identified two PROTAC small-molecule degraders of hCA. Optimization of linker length and composition yielded a degrader with sub-nanomolar potency and sustained depletion of hCAII over prolonged treatments. Mechanistic studies suggest that this optimized degrader depletes hCAII through the same mechanism as previously reported CRBN-recruiting heterobifunctional degraders.

60 APPLIED LIFE SCIENCES↗

Large Divergence of Projected High Latitude Vegetation Composition and Productivity Due To Functional Trait Uncertainty

Abstract Vegetation distribution and composition are expected to change in northern high latitudes under rapid warming, which regulates ecosystem functions but remains challenging to predict. Vegetation change arises from the interplay of chronic climate trends such as warming and transient demographic processes of recruitment, growth, competition, and mortality. Most predictive models overlooked the role of demographic dynamics controlled by plant traits. Here, we simulate vegetation dynamics at the Kougarok Hillslope site in Alaska under historical and future climates using the E3SM Land Model coupled to the Functionally Assembled Terrestrial Simulator (ELM‐FATES). To evaluate the roles of plant traits, we parameterize the model with 5,265 trait configurations representing diverse physiological and demographic strategies. Results show current modeled biomass, composition, and productivity are most sensitive to traits controlling photosynthetic capacity, carbon allocation, allometry, and phenology. Among all trait configurations, ∼5% reproduce in situ biomass and plant functional type (PFT) composition measured in 2016, that are indistinguishable from these two observed ecosystem states. Notably, these same trait configurations produce diverging biomass, composition, and productivity under future climate, where the uncertainty attributable to traits is twice the change attributable to climate change. The variation of projected productivity arises from emerging PFT composition under novel climate regimes, primarily explained by traits controlling cold‐induced mortality, recruitment, and allometry. Our findings highlight the importance and uncertainty of demographic dynamics and its interaction with climate change in shaping Arctic vegetation change. Improved model predictions will likely benefit from explicit consideration of vegetation demography and better constraints of critical traits.

54 ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCES↗

Crystal structure of a highly conserved enteroviral 5' cloverleaf RNA replication element

The extreme 5'-end of the enterovirus RNA genome contains a conserved cloverleaf-like domain that recruits 3CD and PCBP proteins required for initiating genome replication. Here, we report the crystal structure at 1.9 Å resolution of this domain from the CVB3 genome in complex with an antibody chaperone. The RNA folds into an antiparallel H-type four-way junction comprising four subdomains with co-axially stacked sA-sD and sB-sC helices. Long-range interactions between a conserved A40 in the sC-loop and Py-Py helix within the sD subdomain organize near-parallel orientations of the sA-sB and sC-sD helices. Our NMR studies confirm that these long-range interactions occur in solution and without the chaperone. The phylogenetic analyses indicate that our crystal structure represents a conserved architecture of enteroviral cloverleaf-like domains, including the A40 and Py-Py interactions. The protein binding studies further suggest that the H-shape architecture provides a ready-made platform to recruit 3CD and PCBP2 for viral replication.

59 BASIC BIOLOGICAL SCIENCES↗

An autoinhibited state of 53BP1 revealed by small molecule antagonists and protein engineering

The recruitment of 53BP1 to chromatin, mediated by its recognition of histone H4 dimethylated at lysine 20 (H4K20me2), is important for DNA double-strand break repair. Using a series of small molecule antagonists, we demonstrate a conformational equilibrium between an open and a pre-existing lowly populated closed state of 53BP1 in which the H4K20me2 binding surface is buried at the interface between two interacting 53BP1 molecules. In cells, these antagonists inhibit the chromatin recruitment of wild type 53BP1, but do not affect 53BP1 variants unable to access the closed conformation despite preservation of the H4K20me2 binding site. Thus, this inhibition operates by shifting the conformational equilibrium toward the closed state. Our work therefore identifies an auto-associated form of 53BP1—autoinhibited for chromatin binding—that can be stabilized by small molecule ligands encapsulated between two 53BP1 protomers. Such ligands are valuable research tools to study the function of 53BP1 and have the potential to facilitate the development of new drugs for cancer therapy.

59 BASIC BIOLOGICAL SCIENCES↗

Disentangling plant- and environment-mediated drivers of active rhizosphere bacterial community dynamics during short-term drought

Abstract Mitigating the effects of climate stress on crops is important for global food security. The microbiome associated with plant roots, the rhizobiome, can harbor beneficial microbes that alleviate stress, but the factors influencing their recruitment are unclear. We conducted a greenhouse experiment using field soil with a legacy of growing switchgrass and common bean to investigate the impact of short-term drought severity on the recruitment of active bacterial rhizobiome members. We applied 16S rRNA and 16S rRNA gene sequencing for both crops and metabolite profiling for switchgrass. We included planted and unplanted conditions to distinguish environment- versus plant-mediated rhizobiome drivers. Differences in community structure were observed between crops and between drought and watered and planted and unplanted treatments within crops. Despite crop-specific communities, drought rhizobiome dynamics were similar across the two crops. The presence of a plant more strongly explained the rhizobiome variation in bean (17%) than in switchgrass (3%), with a small effect of plant mediation during drought observed only for the bean rhizobiome. The switchgrass rhizobiome was stable despite changes in rhizosphere metabolite profiles between planted and unplanted treatments. We conclude that rhizobiome responses to short-term drought are crop-specific, with possible decoupling of plant exudation from rhizobiome responses.

59 BASIC BIOLOGICAL SCIENCES↗

Structure-function analysis of microRNA 3'-end trimming by Nibbler

Nibbler (Nbr) is a 3'-to-5' exoribonuclease whose catalytic 3'-end trimming activity impacts microRNA (miRNA) and PIWI-interacting RNA (piRNA) biogenesis. Here, we report on structural and functional studies to decipher the contributions of Nbr’s N-terminal domain (NTD) and exonucleolytic domain (EXO) in miRNA 3'-end trimming. We have solved the crystal structures of the NTD core and EXO domains of Nbr, both in the apo-state. The NTD-core domain of Aedes aegypti Nbr adopts a HEAT-like repeat scaffold with basic patches constituting an RNA-binding surface exhibiting a preference for binding double-strand RNA (dsRNA) over single-strand RNA (ssRNA). Structure-guided functional assays in Drosophila S2 cells confirmed a principal role of the NTD in exonucleolytic miRNA trimming, which depends on basic surface patches. Gain-of-function experiments revealed a potential role of the NTD in recruiting Nbr to Argonaute-bound small RNA substrates. The EXO domain of A. aegypti and Drosophila melanogaster Nbr adopt a mixed α/β-scaffold with a deep pocket lined by a DEDDy catalytic cleavage motif. We demonstrate that Nbr’s EXO domain exhibits Mn2+-dependent ssRNA-specific 3'-to-5' exoribonuclease activity. Modeling of a 3' terminal Uridine into the catalytic pocket of Nbr EXO indicates that 2'-O-methylation of the 3'-U would result in a steric clash with a tryptophan side chain, suggesting that 2'-O-methylation protects small RNAs from Nbr-mediated trimming. Overall, our data establish that Nbr requires its NTD as a substrate recruitment platform to execute exonucleolytic miRNA maturation, catalyzed by the ribonuclease EXO domain.

59 BASIC BIOLOGICAL SCIENCES↗

Engineered human antibodies for the opsonization and killing of Staphylococcus aureus

Gram-positive organisms with their thick envelope cannot be lysed by complement alone. Nonetheless, antibody-binding on the surface can recruit complement and mark these invaders for uptake and killing by phagocytes, a process known as opsonophagocytosis. The crystallizable fragment of immunoglobulins (Fcγ) is key for complement recruitment. The cell surface of S. aureus is coated with Staphylococcal protein A (SpA). SpA captures the Fcγ domain of IgG and interferes with opsonization by anti-S. aureus antibodies. In principle, the Fcγ domain of therapeutic antibodies could be engineered to avoid the inhibitory activity of SpA. However, the SpA-binding site on Fcγ overlaps with that of the neonatal Fc receptor (FcRn), an interaction that is critical for prolonging the half-life of serum IgG. This evolutionary adaptation poses a challenge for the exploration of Fcγ mutants that can both weaken SpA–IgG interactions and retain stability. Here, we use both wild-type and transgenic human FcRn mice to identify antibodies with enhanced half-life and increased opsonophagocytic killing in models of S. aureus infection and demonstrate that antibody-based immunotherapy can be improved by modifying Fcγ. Our experiments also show that by competing for FcRn-binding, staphylococci effectively reduce the half-life of antibodies during infection. These observations may have profound impact in treating cancer, autoimmune, and asthma patients colonized or infected with S. aureus and undergoing monoclonal antibody treatment.

59 BASIC BIOLOGICAL SCIENCES↗

A two-component protein condensate of the EGFR cytoplasmic tail and Grb2 regulates Ras activation by SOS at the membrane

We reconstitute a phosphotyrosine-mediated protein condensation phase transition of the ~200 residue cytoplasmic tail of the epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) and the adaptor protein, Grb2, on a membrane surface. The phase transition depends on phosphorylation of the EGFR tail, which recruits Grb2, and crosslinking through a Grb2-Grb2 binding interface. The Grb2 Y160 residue plays a structurally critical role in the Grb2-Grb2 interaction, and phosphorylation or mutation of Y160 prevents EGFR:Grb2 condensation. By extending the reconstitution experiment to include the guanine nucleotide exchange factor, SOS, and its substrate Ras, we further find that the condensation state of the EGFR tail controls the ability of SOS, recruited via Grb2, to activate Ras. These results identify an EGFR:Grb2 protein condensation phase transition as a regulator of signal propagation from EGFR to the MAPK pathway.

59 BASIC BIOLOGICAL SCIENCES↗

A protein phosphatase 1 specific phos phatase ta rgeting p eptide (PhosTAP) to identify the PP1 phosphatome

Phosphoprotein phosphatases (PPPs) are the key serine/threonine phosphatases that regulate all essential signaling cascades. In particular, Protein Phosphatase 1 (PP1) dephosphorylates ~80% of all ser/thr phosphorylation sites. Here, we developed a phosphatase targeting peptide (PhosTAP) that binds all PP1 isoforms and does so with a stronger affinity than any other known PP1 regulator. This PhosTAP can be used as a PP1 recruitment tool for Phosphorylation Targeting Chimera (PhosTAC)-type recruitment in in vitro and cellular experiments, as well as in phosphoproteomics experiments to identify PP1-specific substrates and phosphosites. The latter is especially important to further our understanding of cellular signaling, as the identification of substrates and especially phosphosites that are targeted by specific phosphatases lags behind that of their kinase counterparts. Using PhosTAP-based proteomics, we show that, counter to our current understanding, many PP1 regulators are also substrates, that the number of residues between regulator PP1-binding and phosphosites vary significantly, and that PP1 counteracts the activities of mitotic kinases. Finally, we also found that Haspin kinase is a direct substrate of PP1 and that its PP1-dependent dephosphorylation modulates its activity during anaphase. Together, we show that PP1-specific PhosTAPs are a powerful tool for +studying PP1 activity in vitro and in cells.

Science & Technology - Other Topics↗

Pot1 promotes telomere DNA replication via the Stn1-Ten1 complex in fission yeast

Abstract Telomeres are nucleoprotein complexes that protect the chromosome-ends from eliciting DNA repair while ensuring their complete duplication. Pot1 is a subunit of telomere capping complex that binds to the G-rich overhang and inhibits the activation of DNA damage checkpoints. In this study, we explore new functions of fission yeast Pot1 by using a pot1-1 temperature sensitive mutant. We show that pot1 inactivation impairs telomere DNA replication resulting in the accumulation of ssDNA leading to the complete loss of telomeric DNA. Recruitment of Stn1 to telomeres, an auxiliary factor of DNA lagging strand synthesis, is reduced in pot1-1 mutants and overexpression of Stn1 rescues loss of telomeres and cell viability at restrictive temperature. We propose that Pot1 plays a crucial function in telomere DNA replication by recruiting Stn1-Ten1 and Polα-primase complex to telomeres via Tpz1, thus promoting lagging-strand DNA synthesis at stalled replication forks.

Carvalho Borges, Pâmela C. (ORCID:0000000244919874↗

Structural basis for a highly conserved RNA-mediated enteroviral genome replication

Abstract Enteroviruses contain conserved RNA structures at the extreme 5′ end of their genomes that recruit essential proteins 3CD and PCBP2 to promote genome replication. However, the high-resolution structures and mechanisms of these replication-linked RNAs (REPLRs) are limited. Here, we determined the crystal structures of the coxsackievirus B3 and rhinoviruses B14 and C15 REPLRs at 1.54, 2.2 and 2.54 Å resolution, revealing a highly conserved H-type four-way junction fold with co-axially stacked sA-sD and sB-sC helices that are stabilized by a long-range A•C•U base-triple. Such conserved features observed in the crystal structures also allowed us to predict the models of several other enteroviral REPLRs using homology modeling, which generated models almost identical to the experimentally determined structures. Moreover, our structure-guided binding studies with recombinantly purified full-length human PCBP2 showed that two previously proposed binding sites, the sB-loop and 3′ spacer, reside proximally and bind a single PCBP2. Additionally, the DNA oligos complementary to the 3′ spacer, the high-affinity PCBP2 binding site, abrogated its interactions with enteroviral REPLRs, suggesting the critical roles of this single-stranded region in recruiting PCBP2 for enteroviral genome replication and illuminating the promising prospects of developing therapeutics against enteroviral infections targeting this replication platform.

Biochemistry & Molecular Biology↗

Structural and functional insights into the interaction between the bacteriophage T4 DNA processing proteins gp32 and Dda

Abstract Bacteriophage T4 is a classic model system for studying the mechanisms of DNA processing. A key protein in T4 DNA processing is the gp32 single-stranded DNA-binding protein. gp32 has two key functions: it binds cooperatively to single-stranded DNA (ssDNA) to protect it from nucleases and remove regions of secondary structure, and it recruits proteins to initiate DNA processes including replication and repair. Dda is a T4 helicase recruited by gp32, and we purified and crystallized a gp32–Dda–ssDNA complex. The low-resolution structure revealed how the C-terminus of gp32 engages Dda. Analytical ultracentrifugation analyses were consistent with the crystal structure. An optimal Dda binding peptide from the gp32 C-terminus was identified using surface plasmon resonance. The crystal structure of the Dda–peptide complex was consistent with the corresponding interaction in the gp32–Dda–ssDNA structure. A Dda-dependent DNA unwinding assay supported the structural conclusions and confirmed that the bound gp32 sequesters the ssDNA generated by Dda. The structure of the gp32–Dda–ssDNA complex, together with the known structure of the gp32 body, reveals the entire ssDNA binding surface of gp32. gp32–Dda–ssDNA complexes in the crystal are connected by the N-terminal region of one gp32 binding to an adjacent gp32, and this provides key insights into this interaction.

Biochemistry & Molecular Biology↗

Asymmetric loading of TnsE regulates Tn7 targeting of DNA replication structures

Abstract Tn7 transposable elements are known for their sophisticated target-site selection mechanisms. For the prototypical Tn7 element, dedicated transposon-encoded proteins direct insertions to either a conserved site in the chromosome or replicating DNA structures in conjugal plasmids, ensuring the vertical and horizontal spread of the element. While the pathway targeting the attTn7 site in the bacterial chromosome has been extensively studied, the pathway targeting DNA replication structures remains poorly understood. We have used an integrative structural biology approach to elucidate how the Tn7-encoded protein TnsE recognizes replication sites. Using native mass spectrometry, we found that TnsE forms 1:1 and 2:1 (TnsE:DNA) complexes on 3′-recessed DNA, with gain-of-function TnsE variants favoring the formation of 2:1 complexes. Structural characterization confirms that two TnsE molecules bind to DNA with the C-terminal domain of the protein recognizing duplex DNA, leaving the N-terminal domain to impose DNA substrate specificity and recruit the core transposition machinery. Collectively, our work is consistent with a model where TnsE-mediated target-site selection relies on the formation of an asymmetric TnsE:DNA complex to recruit the Tn7 transposase to DNA replication structures.

Biochemistry & Molecular Biology↗

Phosphate Availability Modulates Root Exudate Composition and Rhizosphere Microbial Community in a Teosinte and a Modern Maize Cultivar

Domestication and breeding have affected interactions between plants and their microbiomes in ways that are only beginning to be understood but may have important implications for recruitment of rhizosphere microorganisms, particularly under stress conditions. We investigated the responses of a modern maize (Zea mays subsp. mays) cultivar and its wild relative, teosinte (Z. mays subsp. parviglumis), to different phosphate availabilities. We appraised responses of the plant-microbial holobiont to phosphate stresses by profiling root exudate metabolomes, and microbial communities in the root endosphere and rhizosphere. We also performed plate assays to quantify phosphate-solubilizing microorganisms from the rhizosphere. Although root exudate metabolite profiles were distinct between the teosinte and modern maize under high phosphate, both plants shifted exudate compositions in response to phosphate stress toward a common metabolite profile. Root and rhizosphere microbial communities also responded significantly to both plant type and the phosphate availability. A subset of bacterial and fungal taxa were differentially abundant under the different phosphate conditions, with each of the three conditions favoring different taxa. Both teosinte and maize rhizospheres harbored phosphate-solubilizing microorganisms under all growth conditions. These results suggest that the root exudation response to phosphate stress was conserved through the domestication of maize from teosinte, shifting exudation levels of specific metabolites. Although microbial communities also shifted, plate-based assays did not detect selective recruitment of phosphate solubilizers in response to phosphate availability.

59 BASIC BIOLOGICAL SCIENCES↗

Molecular mechanism for the interaction between human CPSF30 and hFip1

Most eukaryotic pre-mRNAs must undergo 3'-end cleavage and polyadenylation prior to their export from the nucleus. A large number of proteins in several complexes participate in this 3'-end processing, including cleavage and polyadenylation specificity factor (CPSF) in mammals. The CPSF30 subunit contains five CCCH zinc fingers (ZFs), with ZF2–ZF3 being required for the recognition of the AAUAAA poly(A) signal. ZF4–ZF5 recruits the hFip1 subunit of CPSF, although the details of this interaction have not been characterized. Here we report the crystal structure of human CPSF30 ZF4–ZF5 in complex with residues 161–200 of hFip1 at 1.9 Å resolution, illuminating the molecular basis for their interaction. Unexpectedly, the structure reveals one hFip1 molecule binding to each ZF4 and ZF5, with a conserved mode of interaction. Our mutagenesis studies confirm that the CPSF30–hFip1 complex has 1:2 stoichiometry in vitro. Mutation of each binding site in CPSF30 still allows one copy of hFip1 to bind, while mutation of both sites abrogates binding. Our fluorescence polarization binding assays show that ZF4 has higher affinity for hFip1, with a K d of 1.8 nM. We also demonstrate that two copies of the catalytic module of poly(A) polymerase (PAP) are recruited by the CPSF30–hFip1 complex in vitro, and both hFip1 binding sites in CPSF30 can support polyadenylation.

59 BASIC BIOLOGICAL SCIENCES↗

CpoS-Inc interactions facilitate host cell modulation during Chlamydia trachomatis infection

ABSTRACT Chlamydia trachomatis ( C.t .), the leading bacterial cause of sexually transmitted infections, replicates within a unique intracellular compartment called the inclusion, which is modified by secreted proteins known as inclusion membrane (Inc) proteins. Here, we further characterize CpoS, an Inc protein previously shown to be critical for bacterial replication and inclusion development. We demonstrate that CpoS directly binds multiple coiled-coil region-containing Incs and engages Rab GTPases at a separate site. Notably, CpoS-InaC interactions facilitate the recruitment of select Arf GTPases to the inclusion membrane, while Rab recruitment occurs independently of these interactions. Biochemical and biophysical analyses revealed that Incs self-oligomerize to form higher-ordered structures, with CpoS adopting a tetrameric conformation resembling that of eukaryotic SNARE proteins. We propose that these assemblies serve as scaffolds to orchestrate vesicle docking, tethering, and fusion. Our findings highlight the intricate interplay between bacterial and host factors, revealing how C.t . leverages both Inc-Inc interactions and host protein engagement to manipulate vesicular trafficking and sustain infection.

Tijerina, Xavier [Department of Microbiology and I↗

Agricultural Management Affects the Active Rhizosphere Bacterial Community Composition and Nitrification

Cropping system diversity provides yield benefits that may result from shifts in the composition of root-associated bacterial and fungal communities, which either enhance nutrient availability or limit nutrient loss. We investigated whether temporal diversity of annual cropping systems (four versus two crops in rotation) influences the composition and metabolic activities of root-associated microbial communities in maize at a developmental stage when the peak rate of nitrogen uptake occurs. We monitored total (DNA-based) and potentially active (RNA-based) bacterial communities and total (DNA-based) fungal communities in the soil, rhizosphere, and endosphere. Cropping system diversity strongly influenced the composition of the soil microbial communities, which influenced the recruitment of the resident microbial communities and, in particular, the potentially active rhizosphere and endosphere bacterial communities. The diversified cropping system rhizosphere recruited a more diverse bacterial community (species richness), even though there was little difference in soil species richness between the two cropping systems. In contrast, fungal species richness was greater in the conventional rhizosphere, which was enriched in fungal pathogens; the diversified rhizosphere, however, was enriched in Glomeromycetes. While cropping system influenced endosphere community composition, greater correspondence between DNA- and RNA-based profiles suggests a higher representation of active bacterial populations. Cropping system diversity influenced the composition of ammonia oxidizers, which coincided with diminished potential nitrification activity and gross nitrate production rates, particularly in the rhizosphere. The results of our study suggest that diversified cropping systems shift the composition of the rhizosphere’s active bacterial and total fungal communities, resulting in tighter coupling between plants and microbial processes that influence nitrogen acquisition and retention.

60 APPLIED LIFE SCIENCES↗

Unraveling the mechanism of recognition of the 3’ splice site of the adenovirus major late promoter intron by the alternative splicing factor PUF60

Pre-mRNA splicing is critical for achieving required amounts of a transcript at a given time and for regulating production of encoded protein. A given pre-mRNA may be spliced in many ways, or not at all, giving rise to multiple gene products. Numerous splicing factors are recruited to pre-mRNA splice sites to ensure proper splicing. One such factor, the 60 kDa poly(U)-binding splicing factor (PUF60), is recruited to sites that are not always spliced, but rather function as alternative splice sites. In this study, we characterized the interaction of PUF60 with a splice site from the adenovirus major late promoter (the AdML 3' splice site, AdML3’). We found that the PUF60–AdML3’ dissociation constants are in the micromolar range, with the binding affinity predominantly provided by PUF60’s two central RNA recognition motifs (RRMs). A 1.95 Å crystal structure of the two PUF60 RRMs in complex with AdML3’ revealed a dimeric organization placing two stretches of nucleic acid tracts in opposing directionalities, which can cause looping of nucleic acid and explain how PUF60 affects pre-mRNA geometry to effect splicing. Solution characterization of this complex by light-scattering and UV/Vis spectroscopy suggested a potential 2:1 (PUF60 2 :AdML3’) stoichiometry, consistent with the crystal structure. This work defines the sequence specificity of the alternative splicing factor PUF60 at the pre-mRNA 3’ splice site. Our observations suggest that control of pre-mRNA directionality is important in the early stage of spliceosome assembly, and advance our understanding of the molecular mechanism by which alternative and constitutive splicing factors differentiate among 3’ splice sites.

59 BASIC BIOLOGICAL SCIENCES↗