Article
Neurosciences
Sara Eitelmann, Katharina Everaerts, Laura Petersilie, Christine R. Rose, Jonathan Stephan
Summary: Astrocytic gap junctional coupling is an important element in neuron-glia interaction. Impaired coupling has been found to be involved in neurological disorders, and brief episodes of metabolic stress can lead to rapid uncoupling between astrocytes. This uncoupling is not mediated by intracellular acidification, but is dependent on Ca2+/calmodulin. Such uncoupling may play a role in reducing cellular damage in the ischemic penumbra.
FRONTIERS IN CELLULAR NEUROSCIENCE
(2023)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Michal Marcinkowski, Tomas Pilzys, Damian Garbicz, Jan Piwowarski, Kaja Przygonska, Maria Winiewska-Szajewska, Karolina Ferenc, Oleksandr Skorobogatov, Jaroslaw Poznanski, Elzbieta Grzesiuk
Summary: FTO is an N-6-methyladenosine demethylase which can remove methyl groups from nucleic acids, forming complexes with other proteins. Research indicates an interaction between FTO and calmodulin (CaM), influencing calcium-binding loops in CaM.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2021)
Article
Cell Biology
Mustapha Najih, Ha Tuyen Nguyen, Luc J. Martin
Summary: The most abundant testicular gap junction protein, Connexin 43 (Cx43), plays a crucial role in spermatogenesis support and androgen synthesis. In this study, the researchers found that CaMK and AP-1 members cFos and cJun regulate Cx43 expression in Leydig cells, and identified a specific sequence in the Cx43 promoter region that is important for CaMK-dependent activation.
MOLECULAR AND CELLULAR BIOCHEMISTRY
(2023)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Biraj B. Kayastha, Aya Kubo, Jacob Burch-Konda, Rosalie L. Dohmen, Jacee L. McCoy, Rendi R. Rogers, Sergio Mares, Justin Bevere, Annalisa Huckaby, William Witt, Shuxia Peng, Bharat Chaudhary, Smita Mohanty, Mariette Barbier, Gabriel Cook, Junpeng Deng, Marianna A. Patrauchan
Summary: This study identified a calcium-binding protein EfhP that selectively binds calcium and showed that its structural changes are crucial for regulating the virulence of Pseudomonas aeruginosa.
SCIENTIFIC REPORTS
(2022)
Review
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Yuna Amemiya, Masatoshi Maki, Hideki Shibata, Terunao Takahara
Summary: Environmental factors play a crucial role in regulating cell growth and proliferation. The mTOR pathway is a central regulator that maintains cellular homeostasis in response to various stimuli. Dysregulation of mTOR signaling is implicated in diseases such as diabetes and cancer. While the involvement of calcium ion in mTOR signaling has been reported, the molecular mechanisms underlying this regulation are not fully understood. Understanding the role of Ca2+-regulated mTOR signaling, particularly through calcium-binding proteins like calmodulin, is of utmost importance.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2023)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Premchand Rajeev, Nivedita Singh, Adel Kechkar, Cory Butler, Narendrakumar Ramanan, Jean-Baptiste Sibarita, Mini Jose, Deepak Nair
Summary: Synapse associated protein-97/Human Disk Large (SAP97/hDLG) is a conserved, alternatively spliced, modular, scaffolding protein critical in regulating the molecular organization of cell-cell junctions in vertebrates. The molecular determinants of first order phase transition of SAP97/hDLG is controlled by morpho-functional changes in its nanoscale organization. Additionally, the nanoscale molecular signatures of these signaling islands and phase transitions are altered in response to changes in cytosolic Ca2+, showing differential sensitivities to Ca2+ bound Calmodulin. SAP97/hDLG forms nanosized molecular domains in both heterologous cells and hippocampal pyramidal neurons, with molecular signatures and exchange kinetics being modulated by the availability of alternatively spliced isoforms.
NATURE COMMUNICATIONS
(2022)
Article
Cell Biology
Samar Sayedyahossein, Louise Thines, David B. Sacks
Summary: The Hippo signaling pathway regulates various cellular processes, including cell proliferation, differentiation, migration, and mechanosensation. Calcium ion (Ca2+) has been found to influence core components of the Hippo pathway. However, the crosstalk between Ca2+ signaling and the Hippo pathway is not fully understood.
CELLULAR SIGNALLING
(2023)
Review
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Francesco Moccia, Valentina Brunetti, Teresa Soda, Roberto Berra-Romani, Giorgia Scarpellino
Summary: Endothelial cells, which line the innermost surface of blood vessels, play a crucial role in integrating signals from the bloodstream and tissues through changes in intracellular Ca2+ levels. This article discusses the dynamics and distribution of endothelial Ca2+ signals and how they regulate various vascular functions and maintain cardiovascular homeostasis. The different phases of vasculogenesis and functions like vasorelaxation and sprouting angiogenesis are finely tuned by spatially restricted Ca2+ signals.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2023)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Oanh Tran, Silke Kerruth, Catherine Coates, Hansween Kaur, Camillo Peracchia, Tom Carter, Katalin Torok
Summary: This study investigates the interaction of Ca2+/calmodulin (Ca2+/CaM) with connexins (Cx) and provides insights into the regulation of gap junction function. The CL2 peptides of different Cx isoforms were found to have high affinity for Ca2+/CaM and also bind to apo-CaM. Furthermore, conformational changes in the CL2 domain were observed, suggesting its involvement in the hexameric gap junction. Ca2+/CaM was shown to inhibit gap junction permeability in a dose-dependent manner.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2023)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Jinshui Yang, Wenli Li, Chao Xing, Guanlan Xing, Yinxue Guo, Hongli Yuan
Summary: Microalgae, as the largest CO2 fixer and O2 producer, play an important role in human life and production. Heat stress has a significant impact on the growth and metabolism of microalgae. This study revealed that Ca2+ is involved in the regulation of lipid synthesis in microalgae under heat stress.
ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH
(2022)
Article
Pharmacology & Pharmacy
Gang Zhong, Huiping Long, Fei Chen, Yin Yu
Summary: In this study, oxoglaucine was found to attenuate progression of deterioration and pathological changes in osteoarthritis by activating autophagy and inhibiting calcium influx. It suppressed expression of proinflammatory and apoptosis-related proteins, prevented matrix degradation in OA chondrocytes, and blocked Ca2+ influx while up-regulating autophagic markers. Oxoglaucine shows potential as a candidate drug for OA treatment.
BRITISH JOURNAL OF PHARMACOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Physiology
R. I. Jabr, S. C. Salvage, F. S. Hatch, C. H. Fry
Summary: Atrial fibrillation (AF) results from disordered atrial action potential conduction and reduced gap junction electrical conductance (G(j)). The calcineurin-dependent pathway involving protein phosphatase-1 (PP1) and phosphorylation of serine368 on connexin43 (pSer368-Cx43) is responsible for reducing G(j) in ventricular myocardium, but the corresponding pathways in left atrial myocardium, with a more complex connexin subtype profile, are still undefined. This study aims to characterize these pathways. The results show that low-Na solution reduces G(j) in guinea-pig left atrium, but this reduction is attenuated or prevented by calcineurin inhibitors cyclosporin-A or CAIP, respectively. Furthermore, the phosphorylation of Ser368-Cx43 in low-Na solution is also prevented by CAIP. Changes in Cx43/Cx40 phosphorylation status with raised intracellular [Ca2+](i) are mediated by calcineurin and PP2A-dependent pathways rather than PP1.
PFLUGERS ARCHIV-EUROPEAN JOURNAL OF PHYSIOLOGY
(2023)
Review
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Camillo Peracchia, Lillian Mae Leverone Peracchia
Summary: Research over the past four decades has suggested that gap junction channel gating is mediated by intracellular calcium concentrations via calmodulin. Evidence points to a direct role of calmodulin in gating through various experiments involving calmodulin inhibitors and mutants. The closure of channels is believed to be gradual through a chemical/slow gate mechanism involving the N-lobe of calmodulin.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2021)
Review
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Maryam Al-Khannaq, Jonathan Lytton
Summary: Potassium-dependent sodium-calcium exchangers (NCKX) play a crucial role in regulating calcium signaling and homeostasis, especially in cells and tissues with fluctuating ion concentrations. NCKX transporters can be modulated through various mechanisms, including changes in cellular location, protein expression, genetic alterations, substrate concentration, and post-translational modifications. Understanding the regulation of NCKX has the potential to provide valuable insights into transporter function and the treatment of dysregulated calcium homeostasis.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2023)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Ishika Basu, Hanjun Li, Andrew J. Trease, Paul L. Sorgen
Summary: T and B cell receptor signaling activates Akt, MAPKs, PKC, intracellular Ca2+, and calmodulin. This process involves Src and the phosphorylation of Cx43 residues Y247, Y265, and Y313 by BTK and ITK. Overexpression of BTK or ITK leads to increased Cx43 phosphorylation and decreased gap junction communication in HEK-293T cells. Activation of B cell receptor or T cell receptor enhances BTK and ITK activity, resulting in decreased Cx43 phosphorylation and altered gap junction function.
Article
Neurosciences
Rui Chen, Ningxia Zhang, Yubin Zhou, Ji Jing
Summary: Proximity-dependent biotinylation techniques are widely used for analyzing protein-protein interactions in living cells. Researchers have developed a split TurboID variant called OptoID, which can be controlled using light for proximity-based biotinylation. These optical actuators and sensors have potential applications in precise proximity proteomics and rapid detection of biotinylation in living cells.
FRONTIERS IN CELLULAR NEUROSCIENCE
(2022)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Jiansheng Xie, Guolin Ma, Lijuan Zhou, Lian He, Zhao Zhang, Peng Tan, Zixian Huang, Shaohai Fang, Tianlu Wang, Yi-Tsang Lee, Shufan Wen, Stefan Siwko, Liuqing Wang, Jindou Liu, Yangchun Du, Ningxia Zhang, Xiaoxuan Liu, Leng Han, Yun Huang, Rui Wang, Youjun Wang, Yubin Zhou, Weidong Han
Summary: The authors identified an alternatively spliced variant of STIM1, called STIM1 beta, that is upregulated in glioma tissues and disturbs Ca2+ signaling. The 31-residue insertion in STIM1 beta destabilizes the protein and accelerates its activation kinetics, leading to efficient engagement and gating of ORAI calcium channels. Depletion of STIM1 beta affects store-operated calcium entry in glioblastoma cells, suppressing tumor cell proliferation and growth in vitro and in vivo.
Article
Genetics & Heredity
Tianpeng Gu, Dapeng Hao, Junsung Woo, Teng-Wei Huang, Lei Guo, Xueqiu Lin, Anna G. Guzman, Ayala Tovy, Carina Rosas, Mira Jeong, Yubin Zhou, Benjamin Deneen, Yun Huang, Wei Li, Margaret A. Goodell
Summary: This study reveals the essential role of the long isoform (DNMT3A1) of DNA methyltransferase 3a (DNMT3A) in mouse postnatal development. DNMT3A1 specifically regulates bivalent neurodevelopmental genes in the brain. The N terminus of DNMT3A1 is shown to be necessary for normal development and DNA methylation at DNMT3A1-enriched regions, possibly through binding to mono-ubiquitinated histone H2AK119. These findings provide insights into the isoform-specific functions and regulatory mechanisms of DNMT3A in development.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Peng Tan, Tingting Hong, Xiaoli Cai, Wenbo Li, Yun Huang, Lian He, Yubin Zhou
Summary: The study introduces a set of single-component photoinducible nucleolus-targeting tools, known as pNUTs, which enable rapid and reversible nucleoplasm-to-nucleolus shuttling. These tools allow both global protein infiltration into nucleoli and local delivery of cargoes into the outermost layer of the nucleolus.
NUCLEIC ACIDS RESEARCH
(2022)
Article
Cell & Tissue Engineering
Shaohai Fang, Dan Cui, Tingting Hong, Lei Guo, Yi-Tsang Lee, Minjung Lee, Sevinj Isgandarova, Margarita Martinez-Moczygemba, Yubin Zhou, Jia Li, Yun Huang
Summary: This study investigates the role of Ten-eleven Translocation (TET) dioxygenases in the differentiation of embryonic stem cells (ESCs). The researchers found that the depletion of Tet1 and Tet2 significantly impairs the differentiation of mouse ESCs into cardiac progenitor cells. It was also discovered that Tet deletion leads to the accumulation of mesoderm progenitors, which hampers cardiac differentiation.
Editorial Material
Oncology
Tianlu Wang, Siyao Liu, Yun Huang, Yubin Zhou
CLINICAL AND TRANSLATIONAL MEDICINE
(2022)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Phensinee Haruehanroengra, Ya Ying Zheng, Guolin Ma, Tien-Hung Lan, Abdalla E. A. Hassan, Yubin Zhou, Jia Sheng
Summary: This study investigates the geranylation process of tRNA mediated by SelU and reveals the mechanism of substrate discrimination and key factors influencing its enzymatic activity.
Review
Genetics & Heredity
Tien-Hung Lan, Lian He, Yun Huang, Yubin Zhou
Summary: Optogenetics merges genetics and biophotonics to control biological processes noninvasively with high spatiotemporal precision. Various non-opsin photosensory modules have been utilized to modulate gene transcription, DNA or RNA modifications, DNA recombination, and genome engineering, showing great potential in a wide range of applications.
TRENDS IN GENETICS
(2022)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Jianfang Li, Xinwei Wu, Jie Ke, Minjung Lee, Qingping Lan, Jia Li, Jianxiu Yu, Yun Huang, De-Qiang Sun, Ruiyu Xie
Summary: In this study, the authors demonstrate that TET1 plays a crucial role in the generation of functional insulin-producing cells. They find that FOXA2 physically interacts with TET1 and contributes to the specific recruitment of TET1 to the regulatory elements of pancreatic lineage determinants, mediating chromatin opening.
NATURE COMMUNICATIONS
(2022)
Article
Oncology
Jia Li, Tingting Hong, Yue Wei, Lei Guo, Minjung Lee, Hui Yang, Caleb Class, Yaling Yang, Xiaoqiong Wang, Hua He, Stefan Siwko, M. James You, Yubin Zhou, Guillermo Garcia-Manero, Yun Huang
Summary: Epigenetic abnormalities in DNA hydroxymethylation (5hmC) have been found in patients with myeloid neoplasms, and these abnormalities can act as valuable markers for the disease. The study also shows that dynamic changes in 5hmC can affect the binding of transcription factors, altering transcriptional outputs and impacting cell survival and stemness.
CLINICAL EPIGENETICS
(2022)
Editorial Material
Cell Biology
Sher Ali, Guolin Ma, Yubin Zhou
Summary: Genetic code expansion technology has been widely used to control protein activity and biological systems. By incorporating photocrosslinking unnatural amino acids (UAAs) into the transmembrane domains of ORAI1, Maltan et al. achieved UV light-inducible calcium influx, mechanistic interrogation of the CRAC channel, and remote control of downstream calcium-modulated signaling in mammalian cells using this chemical biology approach.
News Item
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Tianlu Wang, Yubin Zhou
Summary: Traditional production of therapeutic secretory proteins often experiences delays, but a new inducible protease-dependent protein secretion technique allows immediate secretion of pre-translated biotherapeutic agents after exposure to chemical cues, tumor-specific antigens, or photons.
NATURE CHEMICAL BIOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Yaling Dou, Rui Chen, Siyao Liu, Yi-Tsang Lee, Ji Jing, Xiaoxuan Liu, Yuepeng Ke, Rui Wang, Yubin Zhou, Yun Huang
Summary: The study introduces a light-sensitive optogenetic device, LiSmore, to remotely modulate the cGAS/STING signaling pathway and enhance immune response. The authors demonstrate that LiSmore can boost antitumor immunity and improve the efficacy of immune checkpoint blockade in mice.
NATURE COMMUNICATIONS
(2023)
Editorial Material
Oncology
Wenjia Gu, Jia Li, Yuepeng Ke, Yubin Zhou, Youjun Wang
CLINICAL AND TRANSLATIONAL MEDICINE
(2023)