Article
Immunology
Ines P. Monteiro, Sofia Sousa, Vitor Borges, Paulo Goncalves, Joao Paulo Gomes, Luis Jaime Mota, Irina S. Franco
Summary: Two novel effectors, VFX05045 and VFX10045, of Legionella pneumophila were identified and their subcellular localizations were determined. Furthermore, the essential residues for nuclear targeting of VFX10045 were identified.
FRONTIERS IN CELLULAR AND INFECTION MICROBIOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
J. Allombert, C. Jaboulay, C. Michard, C. Andrea, X. Charpentier, A. Vianney, P. Doublet
Summary: The Legionella pneumophila Icm/Dot T4SS can translocate a large number of effectors, and research has found that their delivery is controlled by specific timing to effectively manipulate host cells. The timed delivery of effectors depends not only on chaperone protein interactions but also involves cyclic-di-GMP signaling.
JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR BIOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Microbiology
Jinliang Wang, Jie Luo, Zhiyuan Wen, Xinxin Wang, Lei Shuai, Gongxun Zhong, Chong Wang, Ziruo Sun, Weiye Chen, Jinying Ge, Renqiang Liu, Xijun Wang, Zhigao Bu
Summary: In addition to its role in vesicle trafficking, a-SNAP plays a crucial role in host defense against furin-dependent virus infections. It acts as a novel interferon-upregulated furin inhibitor by interacting with the P domain of furin, thereby inhibiting the cleavage of SARS-CoV-2 spike protein and other furin-dependent virus glycoproteins.
Article
Microbiology
Jinliang Wang, Jie Luo, Zhiyuan Wen, Xinxin Wang, Lei Shuai, Gongxun Zhong, Chong Wang, Ziruo Sun, Weiye Chen, Jinying Ge, Renqiang Liu, Xijun Wang, Zhigao Bu
Summary: Loss of the furin cleavage motif in SARS-CoV-2 spike protein reduces its virulence and transmission. Alpha-soluble NSF attachment protein (alpha-SNAP), besides its role in vesicle trafficking, inhibits the cleavage of SARS-CoV-2 spike protein, demonstrating its potential as a therapeutic target for COVID-19. The study also reveals that alpha-SNAP is an interferon-upregulated furin inhibitor that plays an important role in host defense against furin-dependent virus infection.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Kevin Voth, Shivani Pasricha, Ivy Yeuk Wah Chung, Rachelia R. Wibawa, Engku Nuraishah Huda E. Zainudin, Elizabeth L. Hartland, Miroslaw Cygler
Summary: Legionella pneumophila is a Gram-negative intracellular pathogen causing Legionnaires' disease, using a secretion system and effector proteins to colonize host cells. MavL may play a role in cell signaling by binding ADP-ribose, and interacts with the mammalian ubiquitin-conjugating enzyme.
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Marietta S. Kaspers, Vivian Pogenberg, Christian Pett, Stefan Ernst, Felix Ecker, Philipp Ochtrop, Michael Groll, Christian Hedberg, Aymelt Itzen
Summary: In this study, the authors uncover the mechanism and substrate recognition of Legionella effector Lem3, which removes a phosphocholine moiety from the human protein Rab1 during infection. They present the crystal structure of the stabilised Lem3:Rab1b complex, revealing the catalytic mechanism and substrate recognition of PPM phosphatases shaped Lem3. This research is of significant importance for understanding bacterial pathogenesis and protein substrate recognition.
NATURE COMMUNICATIONS
(2023)
Review
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Minwoo Jeong, Hayoung Jeon, Donghyuk Shin
Summary: Ubiquitin, a small molecule, plays an important role in cellular signaling pathways and maintaining protein homeostasis. Legionella, a gram-negative intracellular pathogen, disrupts the host-ubiquitin system by translocating effector proteins into the host cell's cytoplasm. This review provides an overview of the current understanding of the ubiquitin machinery from Legionella, highlighting structural and biochemical differences between the host-ubiquitin system and ubiquitin-related effectors.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Sun Cheol Park, So Yeon Cho, Tae Hee Kim, Kyung Yeol Ko, Wan Seok Song, Seung Goo Kang, Geun-Shik Lee, Sung-il Yoon
Summary: LegK7 is an atypical kinase that activates through interaction with the host MOB1 protein without the need for phosphorylation. Upon binding with MOB1, LegK7 undergoes a structural reshaping that allows it to adopt a closed conformation compatible with ATP binding.
JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR BIOLOGY
(2021)
Review
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Saif S. Alqassim
Summary: The actin cytoskeleton is essential for cellular processes, and various pathogens manipulate the infected host's actin dynamics for their own benefit. Understanding the mechanisms by which pathogens interact with and control actin assembly can provide insights into fundamental determinants of actin assembly and host-pathogen interactions, and contribute to therapeutic development efforts. This review focuses on the shared and unique features of pathogen effectors that directly bind and assemble actin.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2022)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Tao-Tao Chen, Yanling Lin, Shijun Zhang, Shuxin Liu, Lei Song, Wenhong Zhong, Zhao-Qing Luo, Aidong Han
Summary: The intracellular bacterial pathogen Legionella pneumophila hijacks host vesicular transport factor p115 to localize its effector protein LegA15 in host lipid droplets (LDs) and causes fragmentation of host Golgi apparatus. LegA15 is an atypical GTPase that modulates host LD homeostasis through its GTPase activity.
Article
Cell Biology
Mahasish Shome, Yunro Chung, Ramani Chavan, Jin G. Park, Ji Qiu, Joshua LaBaer
Summary: Autoantibodies are found in both autoimmune disease and cancer, as well as in healthy individuals. Through a meta-analysis of multiple datasets, we identified 77 common autoantibodies in healthy individuals. These autoantibodies are not affected by gender, but increase in number with age and plateau around adolescence. Bioinformatics analysis revealed potential molecular mimicry peptides that may contribute to the development of these autoantibodies. Common autoantigens are enriched in intrinsic properties of proteins and have specific subcellular localization and tissue expression patterns.
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Vinay Kumar Pathak, Itu Singh, Shoor Vir Singh, Utpal Sengupta
Summary: The study found that mimicking epitopes between Mycobacterium leprae and host components play a key role in inducing autoimmune response in leprosy, and may serve as biomarkers to predict inflammatory episodes. Antibodies against 8 linear B cell epitopes were significantly higher in Type 1 reaction leprosy patients compared to Non-reaction patients, while 5 linear T cell epitopes were associated with lymphocyte proliferation in the Type 1 reaction group.
SCIENTIFIC REPORTS
(2021)
Review
Plant Sciences
Jane Chepsergon, Lucy Novungayo Moleleki
Summary: This article investigates the role of intrinsically disordered regions (IDRs) in effector proteins secreted by phytopathogenic oomycetes. By analyzing functionally characterized effector proteins and their host interactors, the study classifies the regions involved in effector-host protein interactions as either globular or disordered binding sites. Five case studies are presented to demonstrate the potential role of IDRs, and a pipeline is proposed for identifying and characterizing potential binding regions in effector proteins. Understanding the function of IDRs in these effector proteins can contribute to the development of new disease-control strategies.
CURRENT OPINION IN PLANT BIOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Medicine, General & Internal
Renin Chang, Thomas Yen-Ting Chen, Shiow-Ing Wang, Yao-Min Hung, Hui-Yuan Chen, Cheng-Chung James Wei
Summary: This retrospective cohort study reveals that there is a significant association between COVID-19 and the risk of autoimmune diseases. However, further research is needed to replicate these findings in an independent dataset and understand the underlying mechanisms.
Article
Immunology
Alix McCloskey, Kayla Perri, TaoTao Chen, Aidong Han, Zhao-Qing Luo
Summary: Legionella pneumophila uses effectors and metaeffectors to manipulate host processes and regulate its virulence through specific mechanisms such as protein modification and direct binding.
MICROBES AND INFECTION
(2021)
Article
Cell Biology
Belinda L. Spillings, Christopher J. Day, Albert Garcia-Minambres, Anupriya Aggarwal, Nicholas D. Condon, Thomas Haselhorst, Damian F. J. Purcell, Stuart G. Turville, Jennifer L. Stow, Michael P. Jennings, Johnson Mak
Summary: This study reveals that HIV is captured near the lymphocyte surface in a virion-glycan-dependent manner. Removing certain glycans impairs virus-cell binding and interfering with glycan interactions reduces HIV infectivity. These findings provide new insights into the interaction between HIV and host cells.
Article
Cell Biology
James E. B. Curson, Lin Luo, Liping Liu, Belinda J. Burgess, Nilesh J. Bokil, Adam A. Wall, Tomas Brdicka, Ronan Kapetanovic, Jennifer L. Stow, Matthew J. Sweet
Summary: A naturally occurring translational variant of Scimp (Scimp TV1) has been discovered, which is basally phosphorylated and not inducibly phosphorylated by lipopolysaccharide (LPS). Macrophages expressing Scimp TV1 showed impaired cytokine responses, while myeloid cells with high levels of Scimp and selective overexpression of Scimp TV1 exhibited enhanced cytokine production in response to CpG DNA. Furthermore, Scimp TV1 accumulated in intracellular compartments, particularly the Golgi.
IMMUNOLOGY AND CELL BIOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Liping Liu, Richard M. Lucas, Jeffrey D. Nanson, Yan Li, Jason Whitfield, James E. B. Curson, Neeraj Tuladhar, Kirill Alexandrov, Mehdi Mobli, Matthew J. Sweet, Bostjan Kobe, Jennifer L. Stow, Lin Luo
Summary: In this study, we identify a novel immune-specific Syk scaffold protein SCIMP, which can contribute to inflammation through selective TLR-driven inflammatory responses.
JOURNAL OF BIOLOGICAL CHEMISTRY
(2022)
Article
Virology
Caleb J. Stica, Roberto A. Barrero, Rachael Z. Murray, Gregor J. Devine, Matthew J. Phillips, Francesca D. Frentiu
Summary: Dengue is a global arboviral disease with high mortality rates. This study investigated trends in dengue virus (DENV) evolution using phylogenetic and selection pressure analyses. The results revealed important amino acid sites undergoing positive selection and genotypes diversifying at different rates. These findings enhance our understanding of DENV evolution and have implications for disease control and vaccine design.
Review
Nutrition & Dietetics
Lana Kairey, Bradley Leech, Fatima El-Assaad, Andrea Bugarcic, Drew Dawson, Romy Lauche
Summary: Fermented-milk kefir may have potential health benefits, such as reducing the risk of dental caries, eradicating Helicobacter pylori, and aiding in the treatment of adult dyslipidemia and hypertension. However, the available evidence is limited, and more high-quality human trials are needed to determine its efficacy and safety.
Article
Cell Biology
Stuart J. Mills, Parinaz Ahangar, Hannah M. Thomas, Benjamin R. Hofma, Rachael Z. Murray, Allison J. Cowin
Summary: TLR4 and Flii play crucial roles in inflammation and tissue repair. Elevated Flii reduces early TLR4 expression, impairing healing, while reduced Flii contributes to early healing.
Article
Cell Biology
Zhe Yang, Zhengyang Feng, Zebin Li, Rohan D. Teasdale
Summary: The mammalian retromer complex plays a role in multiple early endosome-associated trafficking pathways, depending on the sorting nexin (SNX) it is complexed with. Depletion of retromer subunit Vps35 was found to decrease EGFR protein levels and increase association with lysosomal compartments. This study suggests that the absence of retromer can interfere with early endosome-associated protein trafficking pathways and organelle maturation, leading to a prolonged association of EGFR within early endosomes.
Article
Cell Biology
Elizabeth L. Hartland, Debnath Ghosal, Cristina Giogha
Summary: Subversion of host cell cytoskeleton by bacterial pathogens is a common virulence attribute. This review highlights recent studies that enhance our understanding of the mechanical and molecular processes of pathogen invasion, cell-to-cell spread, and the impact of infection on epithelial intercellular tension and innate mucosal defense.
CURRENT OPINION IN CELL BIOLOGY
(2022)
Editorial Material
Cell Biology
Jennifer L. L. Stow, Matthew J. J. Sweet
Summary: The excessive phagocytosis of apoptotic cell corpses by macrophages in Drosophila embryos creates highly oxidative environments. A recent study by Clemente and Weavers (2023) reveals for the first time that macrophage Nrf2 is primed to sustain immune function and mitigate bystander oxidative damage.
JOURNAL OF CELL BIOLOGY
(2023)
Review
Microbiology
Anna Shaliutina-Loginova, Olivera Francetic, Pavel Dolezal
Summary: Bacteria have evolved sophisticated protein secretion nanomachines over billions of years to deliver toxins, enzymes, and proteins. The type II secretion system (T2SS) is used by Gram-negative bacteria to export folded proteins across the outer membrane. Recent findings have shown that components of the T2SS can be found in the mitochondria of certain eukaryotic lineages, suggesting the presence of a mitochondrial T2SS-derived system (miT2SS). This review discusses recent advances in the field and raises questions about the function and evolution of miT2SSs.
Article
Integrative & Complementary Medicine
Amie Steel, Helene Diezel, Matthew Leach, Andrea Bugarcic
Summary: This study aimed to understand and describe the experience of naturopathic graduates completing Bachelor degree and transitioning to provide naturopathic care in the community. The analysis identified three related themes: challenges faced by graduates in finding a place within their professional community, the importance of finding a place within the health system, and the need to protect the future of the profession and practice through registration.
COMPLEMENTARY THERAPIES IN CLINICAL PRACTICE
(2023)
Review
Information Science & Library Science
Hope Foley, Andrea Bugarcic, Jon Adams, Jon Wardle, Matthew Leach, Amie Steel
Summary: This study aims to examine the criteria used to select, evaluate, and apply traditional knowledge (TK) in contemporary health contexts. The results show that TK is primarily used in the exploration phase, with little reporting on the preparation, implementation process, or sustainment. The criteria for evaluating TK commonly involve validation with other evidence sources or assessment of factors influencing knowledge translation.
HEALTH INFORMATION AND LIBRARIES JOURNAL
(2023)
Article
Integrative & Complementary Medicine
Amie Steel, Hope Foley, Andrea Bugarcic, Jon Wardle, Hannah Boyd, Ian Breakspear, Anne-Louise Carlton, Greg Cope, Kamal Dua, Patricia Greenway, Rebecca Redmond, Jason Hawrelak, Naveen Shukla, Jon Adams
Summary: The aim of this study was to identify key factors related to the translation of traditional knowledge (TK) into contemporary settings. The World Cafe methodology was used to collect the observations and perspectives of experts who use TK, and thematic analysis revealed five themes that provide a holistic interpretation of the translation process. Stakeholders recognized TK as a valid source of evidence and outlined important considerations for using TK in contemporary settings.
JOURNAL OF INTEGRATIVE AND COMPLEMENTARY MEDICINE
(2023)
Review
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Michael D. Healy, Brett M. Collins
Summary: PDZ and LIM domain proteins play important roles in the actin cytoskeleton and are involved in actin organization and function in metazoans. They act as scaffolds, linking various proteins to actin and its binding partner alpha-actinin. In addition to their well-known role in actin organization, emerging evidence suggests their involvement in actin-dependent membrane trafficking in the endosomal system.
BIOCHEMICAL SOCIETY TRANSACTIONS
(2023)
Meeting Abstract
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Merja Joensuu, Vanessa Lanoue, Parnayan Syed, Tristan Wallis, James Rae, Ailisa Blum, Rachel Gormal, Christopher Small, Shanley Sanders, Anmin Jiang, Stefan Mahrhold, Nadja Krez, Michael Cousin, Ruby Cooper-White, Justin J. Cooper-White, Brett M. Collins, Rober G. Parton, Giuseppe Balistreri, Andreas Rummel, Frederic A. Meunier
JOURNAL OF NEUROCHEMISTRY
(2022)