Article
Cell Biology
Sebastian Eising, Bianca Esch, Mike Waelte, Prado Vargas Duarte, Stefan Walter, Christian Ungermann, Maria Bohnert, Florian Froehlich
Summary: Lysosome is a crucial catabolic organelle in cells, with mutations in lysosomal proteins potentially leading to neurodegeneration, cancer, and age-related diseases. The vacuole serves as a lysosomal analog in Saccharomyces cerevisiae, containing evolutionarily conserved proteins. Proteins can reach vacuoles through different pathways, including the Vps10-dependent endosomal vacuolar protein sorting pathway, the alkaline phosphatase pathway, and the cytosol-to-vacuole transport pathway.
JOURNAL OF CELL BIOLOGY
(2022)
Review
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Cerrone Cabanos, Yuki Matsuoka, Nobuyuki Maruyama
Summary: This review article focuses on the major seed storage proteins of soybean, their three-dimensional structures, nutritional importance, and bioactive peptides. It also summarizes past efforts in the recombinant production of foreign proteins or bioactive peptides in soybean seed.
Review
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Karolina Wleklik, Slawomir Borek
Summary: Vacuolar processing enzymes (VPEs) are plant cysteine proteases that are activated at an acidic pH and play a role in controlling tonoplast rupture during programmed cell death (PCD). VPEs are also involved in various types of plant PCD related to development, senescence, and environmental stress responses.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2023)
Article
Biology
Jini Sugatha, Amulya Priya, Prateek Raj, Ebsy Jaimon, Uma Swaminathan, Anju Jose, Thomas John Pucadyil, Sunando Datta, Felix Campelo
Summary: SNX32 interacts with SNX4 via its BAR domain and with TfR, CIMPR, and BSG through its PX domain, regulating cargo sorting and trafficking processes. Silencing of SNX32 leads to defects in intracellular trafficking and neuronal differentiation, suggesting its crucial role in maintaining neuroglial coordination.
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Yan Huang, Haidi Yin, Baiying Li, Qian Wu, Yang Liu, Kristina Poljak, Julija Maldutyte, Xiao Tang, Mo Wang, Zhixiao Wu, Elizabeth A. Miller, Liwen Jiang, Zhong-Ping Yao, Yusong Guo
Summary: The study utilized an in vitro assay and quantitative mass spectrometry analysis to reveal cargo proteins enriched in transport vesicles through specific sorting machinery. It identified novel factors regulating vesicular trafficking and specific cargo clients of cellular factors, demonstrating the robustness and power of this approach for uncovering molecular mechanisms in protein transport.
PROCEEDINGS OF THE NATIONAL ACADEMY OF SCIENCES OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
(2021)
Article
Plant Sciences
Chuanliang Liu, Yonglun Zeng, Hongbo Li, Chao Yang, Wenjin Shen, Min Xu, Zhidan Xiao, Tongsheng Chen, Baiying Li, Wenhan Cao, Liwen Jiang, Marisa S. Otegui, Caiji Gao
Summary: The study identified FYVE4 as a novel plant endosomal regulator, functioning in the ESCRT pathway to regulate MVE biogenesis.
Article
Plant Sciences
Lei Yang, Liwen Jiang
Summary: Vacuolar sorting is crucial for plants and plays a role in important agricultural traits. This study focused on the subcellular localization of seven vacuolar sorting receptors (VSRs) in rice and confirmed their role as markers for the prevacuolar compartment/multivesicular body (PVC/MVB) in rice.
JOURNAL OF PLANT PHYSIOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Cell Biology
Jan Zouhar, Wenhan Cao, Jinbo Shen, Enrique Rojo
Summary: The study of endomembrane trafficking is crucial for understanding cellular and organism functionality. Investigating endomembrane trafficking in plants is of particular interest due to its role in transporting seed storage proteins and secreting cell wall material. While the mechanisms of anterograde transport in plants have been extensively discussed, retrograde trafficking pathways have received less attention. This review summarizes the current understanding of retrograde trafficking in the endomembrane system of plants, discussing its integration with anterograde transport, describing retrieval mechanisms, highlighting contentious issues, and identifying future research questions.
EUROPEAN JOURNAL OF CELL BIOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Hsi-En Tsao, Shu Nga Lui, Anthony Hiu-Fung Lo, Shuai Chen, Hiu Yan Wong, Chi-Kin Wong, Liwen Jiang, Kam-Bo Wong
Summary: In Arabidopsis, vacuolar sorting receptor isoform 1 (VSR1) plays a key role in directing 12S globulins and other storage proteins to the protein storage vacuoles during seed development. The crystal structure of VSR1-PA in complex with the C-terminal pentapeptide of cruciferin 1 sheds light on the molecular mechanisms involved in the sorting process. The study provides insights into how VSR1 recognizes and interacts with the C-terminal sorting determinants of various storage proteins, which could potentially aid in targeting recombinant proteins to seed storage vacuoles.
PROCEEDINGS OF THE NATIONAL ACADEMY OF SCIENCES OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
(2022)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Juan Mei, Pengmin Zhou, Yuejuan Zeng, Binyang Sun, Liqun Chen, De Ye, Xueqin Zhang
Summary: The study identified the importance of MAP3K epsilon 1 and MAP3K epsilon 2 kinases in controlling pollen germination in Arabidopsis, with double mutations leading to abnormal germination and reduced seed set. These genes interact with MOB1s and regulate precocious pollen germination by influencing JA signaling and callose accumulation.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2022)
Article
Biochemical Research Methods
Yasen Wang, Buqing Wang, Yahui Gao, Hideki Nakanishi, Xiao-Dong Gao, Zijie Li
Summary: This study achieved highly efficient expression and secretion of human lysozyme (hLYZ) in Pichia pastoris using multiple strategies. The highest hLYZ activity reached 352,000 U/mL in a 5L fermenter. This research provides a cost-effective approach for hLYZ production and can be applied to the production of other recombinant proteins.
BIOTECHNOLOGY JOURNAL
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Sirin Sittiwanichai, Jitti Niramitranon, Deanpen Japrung, Prapasiri Pongprayoon
Summary: Diabetes mellitus is a chronic metabolic disease characterized by elevated blood glucose levels and is a leading cause of mortality and reduced life expectancy. Glycated human serum albumin (GHSA) has been identified as a potential biomarker for diabetes. A nanomaterial-based aptasensor utilizing graphene quantum dots (GQDs) as a fluorescence quencher has been developed for GHSA detection.
Article
Cell Biology
Jian Wu, Simon Michaeli, Lorenzo Picchianti, Yasin Dagdas, Gad Galili, Hadas Peled-Zehavi
Summary: In this study, a reticulophagy pathway in Arabidopsis thaliana triggered by dark-induced starvation but not by ER stress was characterized, defined by the ATG8-interacting proteins ATI1 and ATI2. The ER-localized MSBP1 was identified as an ATI1- and ATI2-interacting protein and autophagy cargo, with ATI1 and ATI2 serving as its cargo receptors. These findings expand knowledge on plant responses during energy deprivation.
Article
Plant Sciences
Xifeng Li, Zhe Wang, Yunting Fu, Xi Cheng, Yan Zhang, Baofang Fan, Cheng Zhu, Zhixiang Chen
Summary: UBAC2 is a multifunctional protein in plant cells that regulates the degradation and accumulation of specific proteins, including COPT and POWDERY MILDEW RESISTANCE 4.
Review
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Alice Y. Cheung, Daniel J. Cosgrove, Ikuko Hara-Nishimura, Gerd Juergens, Clive Lloyd, David G. Robinson, L. Andrew Staehelin, Dolf Weijers
Summary: The field of plant cell biology has a rich history of discovery, with key proteins and mechanisms regulating important cellular processes being identified through the use of protein biochemistry, genetics, and molecular biology. Current research topics include signaling, cell morphogenesis, membrane trafficking, cytokinesis, and cytoskeletal regulation. The pathway to discovery in this field is illustrated by senior plant cell biologists reflecting on their foundational contributions to the field.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Youshun Lin, Yonglun Zeng, Ying Zhu, Jinbo Shen, Hao Ye, Liwen Jiang
Summary: A unique ROP signaling mechanism was identified in plants, mediating the transition from development to autophagy under stress conditions in Arabidopsis. ROP8 promotes autophagy through its downstream effector Sec5, playing a previously unappreciated role in autophagy promotion. Plants utilize versatile ROP signaling networks to coordinate developmental and autophagic responses depending on environmental changes.
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Yonglun Zeng, Baiying Li, Changyang Ji, Lei Feng, Fangfang Niu, Cesi Deng, Shuai Chen, Youshun Lin, Kenneth C. P. Cheung, Jinbo Shen, Kam-Bo Wong, Liwen Jiang
Summary: This study uncovered a novel role of a specific Sar1 homolog, AtSar1d, in plant autophagy in coordination with a unique Rab1/Ypt1 homolog, AtRabD2a. The research identified mechanistic connections between ATG machinery and specific COPII components, with a dominant negative mutant of AtSar1d showing distinct inhibition on YFP-ATG8 vacuolar degradation upon autophagic induction. AtRabD2a was found to be essential for bridging the specific AtSar1d-positive COPII vesicles to the autophagy initiation complex and contributing to autophagosome formation in plants.
PROCEEDINGS OF THE NATIONAL ACADEMY OF SCIENCES OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
(2021)
Article
Cell Biology
Shuangli Sun, Lanlan Feng, Kin Pan Chung, Ka-Ming Lee, Hayley Hei-Yin Cheung, Mengqian Luo, Kaike Ren, Kai Ching Law, Liwen Jiang, Kam-Bo Wong, Xiaohong Zhuang
Summary: The study uncovered an atypical interaction mode of Arabidopsis ATG8f with the plant unique adaptor protein SH3P2, showing unique conformational changes in ATG8f upon binding to the AIM sequence of the autophagic receptor NBR1. Additionally, the gel filtration assay revealed that the ubiquitin-associated domain of NBR1 outcompetes the SH3 domain of SH3P2 for ATG8f interaction. Biochemical and cellular analysis demonstrated distinct interfaces used by ATG8f to interact with NBR1 and SH3P2.
Article
Plant Sciences
Yiping Wang, Yingying Wu, Huan Zhong, Shuai Chen, Kam-Bo Wong, Yiji Xia
Summary: This study reveals the critical roles of PUB2 and PUB4 in plant immunity, as they positively regulate defense responses by connecting PTI components and enhancing their interactions.
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Hsi-En Tsao, Shu Nga Lui, Anthony Hiu-Fung Lo, Shuai Chen, Hiu Yan Wong, Chi-Kin Wong, Liwen Jiang, Kam-Bo Wong
Summary: In Arabidopsis, vacuolar sorting receptor isoform 1 (VSR1) plays a key role in directing 12S globulins and other storage proteins to the protein storage vacuoles during seed development. The crystal structure of VSR1-PA in complex with the C-terminal pentapeptide of cruciferin 1 sheds light on the molecular mechanisms involved in the sorting process. The study provides insights into how VSR1 recognizes and interacts with the C-terminal sorting determinants of various storage proteins, which could potentially aid in targeting recombinant proteins to seed storage vacuoles.
PROCEEDINGS OF THE NATIONAL ACADEMY OF SCIENCES OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
(2022)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Lei Yang, Ka-Ming Lee, Conny Wing-Heng Yu, Hirotatsu Imai, Andrew Kwok-Ho Choi, David K. Banfield, Kosuke Ito, Toshio Uchiumi, Kam-Bo Wong
Summary: The N-terminal residues of uL11 are flexible and become structured when bound to ribosomes. The conserved MPPKFDP motif of the N-terminus interacts with uL10 and plays a role in the ribosome function and protein synthesis.
NUCLEIC ACIDS RESEARCH
(2022)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Shuai Hu, Baiying Li, Fan Wu, Dongmei Zhu, Jan Zouhar, Caiji Gao, Tomoo Shimada, Enrique Rojo, Ikuko Hara-Nishimura, Liwen Jiang, Jinbo Shen
Summary: This study elucidates the role and mechanism of ALIX in regulating vacuolar transport of soluble proteins in plants. It is found that ALIX physically interacts with the retromer core subunits Vps26 and Vps29 and cooperatively regulates the trafficking of soluble vacuolar proteins. Depletion of ALIX disrupts the membrane recruitment of Vps26 and Vps29 and alters the endosomal localization of vacuolar sorting receptors.
PROCEEDINGS OF THE NATIONAL ACADEMY OF SCIENCES OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
(2022)
Article
Food Science & Technology
Jia-Qi Lu, Kam-Bo Wong, Pang-Chui Shaw
Summary: Tian Hua Fen, a herbal extract used in traditional Chinese medicine, contains trichosanthin (TCS) and is used for abortifacient purposes. Research and development on TCS have expanded the knowledge and applications of ribosome-inactivating proteins, demonstrating the scientific basis of traditional Chinese medicine.
Article
Cell Biology
Yunting Zhang, Fan Ying, Xiaoyu Tian, Zhenchuan Lei, Xiao Li, Chun-Yin Lo, Jingxuan Li, Liwen Jiang, Xiaoqiang Yao
Summary: TRPM2 plays a promoting role in the progression of hypercholesterolemia-induced atherosclerosis by linking ROS to Ca2+ and inflammation.
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Hongbo Li, Ruihua Huang, Yanglan Liao, Shuhong Yang, Bojin Feng, Hongting Qin, Jun Zhou, Yonglun Zeng, Jinbo Shen, Xiaohong Zhuang, Liwen Jiang, Marisa S. Otegui, Shengchun Zhang, Caiji Gao
Summary: The study identifies a plant-specific endosomal regulator, BLISTER (BLI), that interacts with the retromer complex and plays a crucial role in regulating endosomal trafficking in plants.
PROCEEDINGS OF THE NATIONAL ACADEMY OF SCIENCES OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
(2022)
Editorial Material
Plant Sciences
Jinbo Shen, Rui Zhao
TRENDS IN PLANT SCIENCE
(2023)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Chen Xiao, Kaien Li, Jingmin Hua, Zhao He, Feng Zhang, Qiongfang Li, Hailei Zhang, Lei Yang, Shuying Pan, Zongwei Cai, Zhiling Yu, Kam-Bo Wong, Yiji Xia
Summary: Arabidopsis DXO1 is an essential component in the methylation of the guanosine cap to form the m(7)G cap. It activates RNA guanosine-7 methyltransferase (AtRNMT1) to catalyze this conversion. This study reveals an important mechanism in m(7)G capping in plants and the role of DXO1 in this process.
NATURE COMMUNICATIONS
(2023)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Amit Kumar Gaurav, Marjia Afrin, Xian Yang, Arpita Saha, S. K. Abdus Sayeed, Xuehua Pan, Zeyang Ji, Kam-Bo Wong, Mingjie Zhang, Yanxiang Zhao, Bibo Li
Summary: Trypanosoma brucei is a protozoan parasite that causes human African trypanosomiasis. TbRAP1, a telomere protein, has been shown to silence VSG genes by binding to dsDNA. However, the mechanism by which TbRAP1 allows the expression of a single active VSG gene was unknown. In this study, the researchers unexpectedly discovered an RNA Recognition Motif (RRM) in TbRAP1, which is unprecedented for RAP1 homologs. They found that TbRAP1 RRM, assisted by a specific patch, can recognize and bind to the 3'UTR sequences of VSG genes. Mutating the conserved residues in RRM abolished RNA binding activity, significantly decreased the level of active VSG RNA, and derepressed silent VSG genes. Their findings suggest a monoallelic expression mechanism for VSG genes, in which the abundant RNA of the active VSG gene antagonizes TbRAP1's silencing effect.
NATURE COMMUNICATIONS
(2023)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Yap Shing Nim, Ivan Yu Hang Fong, Justin Deme, Ka Lung Tsang, Joseph Caesar, Steven Johnson, Longson Tsz Hin Pang, Nicholas Man Hon Yuen, Tin Long Chris Ng, Tung Choi, Yakie Yat Hei Wong, Susan M. Lea, Kam-Bo Wong
Summary: Urease is an essential enzyme for the colonization of Helicobacter pylori in the human stomach, and cells have evolved metallochaperones to deliver toxic nickel ions to specific protein complexes. Cryo-electron microscopy structures of H. pylori and Klebsiella pneumoniae UreFD/urease complexes reveal the formation of a 100-angstrom-long tunnel through which the nickel ion is delivered to the active site of urease.
Review
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Ka Lung Tsang, Kam-Bo Wong
Summary: Nickel ions play vital metabolic functions in life, but their cytotoxicity requires specific protein complexes to transfer them to the active sites of nickel-containing enzymes without releasing the toxic metal. Metallochaperones and accessory proteins form these complexes, allowing the trafficking of nickel along the hydrogenase and urease maturation pathways.