Article
Microbiology
Liuqun Zhao, Yanyan Cui, Gang Fu, Zixiang Xu, Xiaoping Liao, Dawei Zhang
Summary: The signal recognition particle (SRP) is not essential for inner membrane protein (IMP) targeting in E. coli, as suppressor screening identified translation initiation factors that compensate for SRP loss. The time delay in translation initiation plays a critical role in IMP targeting by extending the window for ribosomes to reach the inner membrane.
Article
Microbiology
Na Liu, Fanli Meng, Chengming Tian
Summary: In this study, the mutants of Colletotrichum gloeosporioides lacking hypothetical sensors of plant surface signals, Delta CgMsb2 and Delta CgMsb2Sho1, were examined. The mutations adversely affected conidial size, sporulation, and growth. Transcriptional changes were observed for a large number of genes, especially those involved in hydrolases, ABC transporters, and MAPKs. The encoded MAPKs participate in signal transduction and metabolic regulation. These findings provide new insights into the regulation of C. gloeosporioides's development and infection.
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Chen Dong, Xinyue Fang, Jingrong Xiong, Jingjing Zhang, Hongyu Gan, Chunyuan Song, Lianhui Wang
Summary: A highly sensitive and specific surface-enhanced Raman scattering (SERS) strategy was proposed to simultaneously image dual homodimerizations of membrane proteins on single live cells. Networking of AuNPs-based dual-recognition probes (dual-RPs) and SERS tags via proximity ligation-assisted catalytic hairpin assembly (CHA) was used to enhance the SERS effect. This strategy provides a good method for high-sensitivity monitoring of membrane proteins dimerizations-based multiple intercellular signal transductions in a natural and complex cellular microenvironment.
Article
Cell Biology
Marcel Hoerning, Torsten Bullmann, Tatsuo Shibata
Summary: Recent studies have revealed a strong relationship between cell geometry, spatial confinement of the membrane, and excitable signal transduction system using a novel 3D spatiotemporal analysis methodology.
FRONTIERS IN CELL AND DEVELOPMENTAL BIOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Physiology
Bojan Bozic, Sasa Svetina
Summary: This study reveals that the nonuniform distribution of the membrane nonspecific cation channel Piezo1 on red blood cell membrane could be explained by its curvature dependent interaction with the membrane. This result supports the role of Piezo1 in the regulation of red blood cell volume.
FRONTIERS IN PHYSIOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Feng Yuan, Haleh Alimohamadi, Brandon Bakka, Andrea N. Trementozzi, Kasey J. Day, Nicolas L. Fawzi, Padmini Rangamani, Jeanne C. Stachowiak
Summary: "Membrane bending is primarily driven by proteins with specific structural features, such as amphipathic helices and crescent-shaped scaffolds. Recent studies show that disordered protein domains can form liquid phases on membrane surfaces, creating compressive stress that leads to membrane curvature and the formation of protein-lined membrane tubules."
PROCEEDINGS OF THE NATIONAL ACADEMY OF SCIENCES OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
(2021)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Keitaro Nakagawa, Taiki Nagano, Ryoko Katasho, Tetsushi Iwasaki, Shinji Kamada
Summary: Integrin beta 1 has been identified as a crucial mediator of LY6D-induced vacuole formation in senescent cells, acting through activation of Src family kinase to mediate macropinocytosis.
Review
Pharmacology & Pharmacy
Lokender Kumar, Whitney Vizgaudis, Judith Klein-Seetharaman
Summary: The insulin receptor plays a vital role in regulating nutrient balance and is an attractive target for diabetes and metabolic syndrome treatment. This study investigates the pharmacology of the insulin receptor through two mechanisms: activation by insulin mimetics and inhibition of its enzymatic activity. Recent progress in cryoelectron microscopy allows for a detailed understanding of the initial insulin ligand binding events. The researchers conducted a comprehensive docking study to gain structural insights into the insulin receptor pharmacology.
BRITISH JOURNAL OF PHARMACOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Xun Chen, Min-Yeh Tsai, Peter G. Wolynes
Summary: Accurate reading of genetic information during transcription is crucial for gene expression. Proteins can recognize DNA sequences through direct readout (specific interactions between amino acid residues and nucleotide bases) or indirect readout (DNA sequence elements cooperating to localize transcription factors). In this study, a protein-DNA model is used to investigate the sequence specificity of the binding of PU.1 protein to DNA. It is found that the binding specificity of PU.1 is achieved through a nonspecific electrostatically driven DNA mechanism.
JOURNAL OF THE AMERICAN CHEMICAL SOCIETY
(2022)
Review
Plant Sciences
Jincheng Li, Manqi Zhang, Lijuan Zhou
Summary: Protein S-acylation, also known as palmitoylation, is a vital lipid post-translational modification in eukaryotes, playing critical roles in plant development and responses to various stresses. The dynamic and reversible nature of S-acylation allows membrane-associated proteins to undergo cycling and trafficking, acting as a switch in signaling transductions. While numerous S-acylated proteins have been identified in plants, the understanding of the regulatory mechanisms controlling this process remains incomplete.
FRONTIERS IN PLANT SCIENCE
(2022)
Review
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Scott E. Roffey, David W. Litchfield
Summary: CK2, an acidophilic serine/threonine kinase, regulates various biological processes such as apoptosis and cell proliferation. Studies have linked CK2 to human malignancies and diseases, but the mechanisms regulating CK2 activity remain incompletely understood.
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Kang-Cheng Liu, Hudson Pace, Elin Larsson, Shakhawath Hossain, Aleksei Kabedev, Ankita Shukla, Vanessa Jerschabek, Jagan Mohan, Christel A. S. Bergstrom, Marta Bally, Christian Schwieger, Madlen Hubert, Richard Lundmark
Summary: Caveolae, important plasma membrane invaginations, are shaped by the coat protein Cavin1. This study reveals the mechanism of Cavin1 assembly at the membrane interface, involving initial PI(4,5)P-2-dependent membrane adsorption, subsequent partial separation and membrane insertion. This intricate mechanism facilitates membrane curvature generation and dynamic assembly-disassembly of Cavin1 at the membrane.
PROCEEDINGS OF THE NATIONAL ACADEMY OF SCIENCES OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
(2022)
Review
Cell Biology
Justyna Maszkowska, Katarzyna Patrycja Szymanska, Adrian Kasztelan, Ewa Krzywinska, Olga Sztatelman, Grazyna Dobrowolska
Summary: SnRK2s are central regulators of plant responses to environmental cues, crucial for plant development and growth in favorable conditions. Despite significant progress in the understanding of their regulation in ABA signaling, there is still much to uncover, particularly in the ABA-independent regulation of SnRK2s.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Zachary A. Maschmann, Teck Khiang Chua, Siddarth Chandrasekaran, Hector Ibanez, Brian R. Crane
Summary: This study investigates the crystal structure and function of the PAS domain of the aerotaxis receptor Aer in Escherichia coli. The study reveals the instability of the PAS domain and successfully stabilizes it through residue substitutions. The study also suggests that the redox couple of Aer has a remarkably low potential.
JOURNAL OF BIOLOGICAL CHEMISTRY
(2022)
Article
Oncology
Masao Saitoh
Summary: The epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) is a process where epithelial cells transform into mesenchymal cells, which is associated with invasion, metastasis, and resistance to therapy in cancer. Transcription factors, such as ZEB1/ZEB2, SNAIL, and TWIST, play important roles in driving the EMT process. This review focuses on understanding the molecular mechanisms that sustain high levels of these transcription factors in aggressive carcinomas and their upregulation by transforming growth factor-β during cancer progression.
SEMINARS IN CANCER BIOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Jose C. Bozelli, Luiz C. Salay, Manoel Arcisio-Miranda, Joaquim Procopio, Katie C. T. Riciluca, Pedro I. Silva Junior, Clovis R. Nakaie, Shirley Schreier
BIOCHIMICA ET BIOPHYSICA ACTA-BIOMEMBRANES
(2020)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Jose Carlos Bozelli, Yu H. Hou, Shirley Schreier, Richard M. Epand
BIOCHIMICA ET BIOPHYSICA ACTA-BIOMEMBRANES
(2020)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Jose Carlos Bozelli, Daniel Lu, G. Ekin Atilla-Gokcumen, Richard M. Epand
BIOCHIMICA ET BIOPHYSICA ACTA-MOLECULAR AND CELL BIOLOGY OF LIPIDS
(2020)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Rashik Ahmed, Jinfeng Huang, Daniel K. Weber, Tata Gopinath, Gianluigi Veglia, Madoka Akimoto, Adree Khondker, Maikel C. Rheinstadter, Vincent Huynh, Ryan G. Wylie, Jose C. Bozelli, Richard M. Epand, Giuseppe Melacini
JOURNAL OF THE AMERICAN CHEMICAL SOCIETY
(2020)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Jose C. Bozelli, Jenny Yune, Xiangli Dang, Jayaram Lakshmaiah Narayana, Guangshun Wang, Richard M. Epand
BIOCHIMICA ET BIOPHYSICA ACTA-BIOMEMBRANES
(2020)
Review
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Jose Carlos Bozelli, Richard M. Epand
BIOPHYSICAL CHEMISTRY
(2020)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Jose Carlos Bozelli, Evelyn Kamski-Hennekam, Giuseppe Melacini, Richard M. Epand
Summary: Parkinson's disease is the second most common neurodegenerative disease with no current treatment available. The neuronal protein alpha-synuclein plays a crucial role in the pathology, with its interactions with cell membranes being a key factor. Modulating toxic alpha-synuclein interactions with membranes could be a potential approach for developing new therapies for Parkinson's disease.
CHEMISTRY AND PHYSICS OF LIPIDS
(2021)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Jose Carlos Bozelli, Jenny Yune, Daisuke Takahashi, Fumio Sakane, Richard M. Epand
Summary: The physical properties of membranes determine the substrate acyl chain specificity of human DGK alpha, affecting its enzymatic activity and ability to differentiate between DAG molecular species. Changes in membrane morphology, particularly the presence of physically curved membrane structures, impact the specificity of DGK alpha for certain DAG pools, adding a layer of regulation to the interconversion between DAG and PA. This suggests a fine-tuned signaling system dependent on the levels and molecular species of DAG and PA regulated by the interplay between membrane physical and chemical properties.
Review
Endocrinology & Metabolism
Jose Carlos Bozelli, Richard M. Epand
Summary: Barth syndrome is a rare inherited metabolic disease caused by mutations in the gene of the enzyme tafazzin, leading to abnormalities in mitochondrial-specific lipid cardiolipin (CL) and plasmalogens. The molecular mechanism linking CL and plasmalogens is not fully understood, but there is evidence of interplay between the two lipid species in BTHS. Therapeutic approaches targeting the regulation of plasmalogens are being discussed as potential new treatments for BTHS.
JOURNAL OF INHERITED METABOLIC DISEASE
(2022)
Review
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Jose Carlos Bozelli, Richard M. Epand
Summary: Plasmalogens, a subclass of glycerophospholipids, have been found to play a crucial role in various pathological conditions. Plasmalogen replacement therapy (PRT) has shown promising results in restoring plasmalogen levels and ameliorating disease phenotype. The focus on lipids as therapeutic targets presents a modern and innovative approach in molecular medicine for improving health outcomes in clinically unmet needs.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Jose Carlos Bozelli, Jenny Yune, Sukhvershjit S. Aulakh, Zihao Cao, Alexia Fernandes, Alma Seitova, Yufeng Tong, Shirley Schreier, Richard M. Epand
Summary: The research revealed that the hydrophobic N-terminal segment of the DGKe enzyme anchors it into the membrane via a transmembrane a-helix, influencing its kinase activity and regulating the rate of the PI cycle.
ACS CHEMICAL BIOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Sukhvershjit S. Aulakh, Jose Carlos Bozelli Jr, Richard M. Epand
Summary: In this study, the properties of all 10 human DGK paralogs were comprehensively investigated using the protein structural prediction technology Alphafold 2.0. The predictions revealed conserved structural features and provided insights into the functional properties of DGK. The existence of a conserved ATP-binding site and energetically favorable interaction with curved membranes were also discovered.
JOURNAL OF PHYSICAL CHEMISTRY B
(2022)
Review
Oncology
Jose Carlos Bozelli Jr, Richard M. Epand
Summary: Cancer immunotherapy has revolutionized the field of oncology, but there is a need for new molecular targets to further improve patient outcomes. Diacylglycerol kinase alpha (DGK alpha) has attracted attention as a potential target in immunotherapy due to its role in cancer proliferation and immunosuppression. However, the understanding of its signaling role has been challenged by the discovery of its substrate acyl chain specificity. DGK alpha acts as a bridge between large membrane morphological changes and the regulation of specific molecular species of DAG/PA. Understanding the molecular mechanisms of DGK alpha biology can contribute to the development of better therapeutic strategies for cancer patients.
Meeting Abstract
Biophysics
Rashik Ahmed, Jinfeng Huang, Adree Khondker, Maikel C. Rheinstadter, Madoka Akimoto, Vincent Huynh, Ryan G. Wylie, Jose C. Bozelli, Richard M. Epand, Giuseppe Melacini
BIOPHYSICAL JOURNAL
(2020)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Ankita Chadda, Alexander G. Kozlov, Binh Nguyen, Timothy M. Lohman, Eric A. Galburt
Summary: In this study, it was found that the DNA damage response in Mycobacterium tuberculosis differs from well-studied model bacteria. The DNA repair helicase UvrD1 in Mtb is activated through a redox-dependent process and is closely associated with the homo-dimeric Ku protein. Additionally, Ku protein is shown to stimulate the helicase activity of UvrD1.
JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR BIOLOGY
(2024)