scholarly journals Drosophila melanogaster NEP2 is a new soluble member of the neprilysin family of endopeptidases with implications for reproduction and renal function

2005 ◽  
Vol 386 (2) ◽  
pp. 357-366 ◽  
Author(s):  
Josie E. THOMAS ◽  
Caroline M. RYLETT ◽  
Ahmet CARHAN ◽  
Nicholas D. BLAND ◽  
Richard J. BINGHAM ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Renal Function ◽  
Drosophila Melanogaster ◽  
Renal Tubules ◽  
Large Expansion ◽  
Evolutionarily Conserved ◽  
Cyst Cells ◽  
Structural Differences ◽  
And Function ◽  
Restricted Pattern ◽  
Binding Subsites

The mammalian neprilysin (NEP) family members are typically type II membrane endopeptidases responsible for the activation/inactivation of neuropeptides and peptide hormones. Differences in substrate specificity and subcellular localization of the seven mammalian NEPs contribute to their functional diversity. The sequencing of the Drosophila melanogaster genome has revealed a large expansion of this gene family, resulting in over 20 fly NEP-like genes, suggesting even greater diversity in structure and function than seen in mammals. We now report that one of these genes (Nep2) codes for a secreted endopeptidase with a highly restricted pattern of expression. D. melanogaster NEP2 is expressed in the specialized stellate cells of the renal tubules and in the cyst cells that surround the elongating spermatid bundles in adult testis, suggesting roles for the peptidase in renal function and in spermatogenesis. D. melanogaster NEP2 was found in vesicle-like structures in the syncytial cytoplasm of the spermatid bundles, suggesting that the protein was acquired by endocytosis of protein secreted from the cyst cells. Expression of NEP2 cDNA in D. melanogaster S2 cells confirmed that the peptidase is secreted and is only weakly inhibited by thiorphan, a potent inhibitor of human NEP. D. melanogaster NEP2 also differs from human NEP in the manner in which the peptidase cleaves the tachykinin, GPSGFYGVR-amide. Molecular modelling suggests that there are important structural differences between D. melanogaster NEP2 and human NEP in the S1′ and S2′ ligand-binding subsites, which might explain the observed differences in inhibitor and substrate specificities. A soluble isoform of a mouse NEP-like peptidase is strongly expressed in spermatids, suggesting an evolutionarily conserved role for a soluble endopeptidase in spermatogenesis.

scholarly journals Cyclic nucleotide phosphodiesterases in Drosophila melanogaster

2005 ◽  
Vol 388 (1) ◽  
pp. 333-342 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jonathan P. DAY ◽  
Julian A. T. DOW ◽  
Miles D. HOUSLAY ◽  
Shireen-A. DAVIES
Keyword(s):  
Drosophila Melanogaster ◽  
Cyclic Nucleotide ◽  
Biochemical Characterization ◽  
Genetic Model ◽  
Renal Tubules ◽  
Drosophila Genome ◽  
Dual Specificity ◽  
And Function ◽  
High Degree

Cyclic nucleotide PDEs (phosphodiesterases) are important enzymes that regulate intracellular levels of cAMP and cGMP. In the present study, we identify and characterize novel PDEs in the genetic model, Drosophila melanogaster. The Drosophila genome encodes five novel PDE genes in addition to dunce. Predicted PDE sequences of Drosophila show highly conserved critical domains when compared with human PDEs. Thus PDE-encoding genes of D. melanogaster are CG14940-PDE1C, CG8279-PDE6β, CG5411-PDE8A, CG32648-PDE9 and CG10231-PDE11. Reverse transcriptase–PCRs of adult tissues reveal widespread expression of PDE genes. Drosophila Malpighian (renal) tubules express all the six PDEs: Drosophila PDE1, dunce (PDE4), PDE6, PDE8, PDE9 and PDE11. Antipeptide antibodies were raised against PDE1, PDE6, PDE9 and PDE11. Verification of antibody specificity by Western blotting of cloned and expressed PDE constructs allowed the immunoprecipitation studies of adult Drosophila lysates. Biochemical characterization of immunoprecipitated endogenous PDEs showed that PDE1 is a dual-specificity PDE (Michaelis constant Km for cGMP: 15.3±1 μM; Km cAMP: 20.5±1.5 μM), PDE6 is a cGMP-specific PDE (Km cGMP: 37±13 μM) and PDE11 is a dual-specificity PDE (Km cGMP: 6±2 μM; Km cAMP: 18.5±5.5 μM). Drosophila PDE1, PDE6 and PDE11 display sensitivity to vertebrate PDE inhibitors, zaprinast (IC50 was 71±39 μM for PDE1, 0.65±0.015 μM for PDE6 and 1.6±0.5 μM for PDE11) and sildenafil (IC50 was 1.3±0.9 μM for PDE1, 0.025±0.005 μM for PDE6 and 0.12±0.06 μM for PDE11). We provide the first characterization of a cGMP-specific PDE and two dual-specificity PDEs in Drosophila, and show a high degree of similarity in structure and function between human and Drosophila PDEs.

Apoptosis and development

2003 ◽  
Vol 39 ◽  
pp. 11-24 ◽  
Author(s):  
Justin V McCarthy
Keyword(s):  
Drosophila Melanogaster ◽  
Mammalian Cells ◽  
Cell Number ◽  
Model Organisms ◽  
Biological Processes ◽  
Nematode Caenorhabditis Elegans ◽  
Apoptotic Pathway ◽  
Genetic Pathways ◽  
Evolutionarily Conserved ◽  
Multicellular Organisms

Apoptosis is an evolutionarily conserved process used by multicellular organisms to developmentally regulate cell number or to eliminate cells that are potentially detrimental to the organism. The large diversity of regulators of apoptosis in mammalian cells and their numerous interactions complicate the analysis of their individual functions, particularly in development. The remarkable conservation of apoptotic mechanisms across species has allowed the genetic pathways of apoptosis determined in lower species, such as the nematode Caenorhabditis elegans and the fruitfly Drosophila melanogaster, to act as models for understanding the biology of apoptosis in mammalian cells. Though many components of the apoptotic pathway are conserved between species, the use of additional model organisms has revealed several important differences and supports the use of model organisms in deciphering complex biological processes such as apoptosis.

scholarly journals Identification and Functional Analysis of Apoptotic Protease Activating Factor-1 (Apaf-1) from Spodoptera litura

Insects ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 12 (1) ◽  
pp. 64
Author(s):  
Haihao Ma ◽  
Xiumei Yan ◽  
Lin Yan ◽  
Jingyan Zhao ◽  
Jiping Song ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Spodoptera Litura ◽  
Actinomycin D ◽  
Titration Calorimetry ◽  
Apoptosis Pathway ◽  
Downstream Effector ◽  
Lepidopteran Insects ◽  
Evolutionarily Conserved ◽  
Effector Caspases ◽  
And Function

Apoptotic protease activating factor-1 (Apaf-1) is an adaptor molecule, essential for activating initiator caspase and downstream effector caspases, which directly cause apoptosis. In fruit flies, nematodes, and mammals, Apaf-1 has been extensively studied. However, the structure and function of Apaf-1 in Lepidoptera remain unclear. This study identified a novel Apaf-1 from Spodoptera litura, named Sl-Apaf-1. Sl-Apaf-1 contains three domains: a CARD domain, as well as NOD and WD motifs, and is very similar to mammalian Apaf-1. Interference of Sl-apaf-1 expression in SL-1 cells blocked apoptosis induced by actinomycin D. Overexpression of Sl-apaf-1 significantly enhances apoptosis induced by actinomycin D in Sf9/SL-1/U2OS cells, suggesting that the function of Sl-Apaf-1 is evolutionarily conserved. Furthermore, Sl-Apaf-1 could interact with Sl-caspase-5 (a homologue of mammalian caspase-9) and yielded a binding affinity of 1.37 × 106 M–1 according isothermal titration calorimetry assay. Initiator caspase (procaspase-5) of S. litura could be activated by Sl-Apaf-1 (without WD motif) in vitro, and the activated Sl-caspase-5 could cleave Sl-procaspase-1 (a homologue of caspase-3 in mammals), which directly caused apoptosis. This study demonstrates the key role of Sl-Apaf-1 in the apoptosis pathway, suggesting that the apoptosis pathway in Lepidopteran insects and mammals is conserved.

scholarly journals Genotype and Trait Specific Responses to Rapamycin Intake in Drosophila melanogaster

Insects ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 12 (5) ◽  
pp. 474
Author(s):  
Palle Duun Rohde ◽  
Asbjørn Bøcker ◽  
Caroline Amalie Bastholm Jensen ◽  
Anne Louise Bergstrøm ◽  
Morten Ib Juul Madsen ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Drosophila Melanogaster ◽  
Heat Stress ◽  
Side Effects ◽  
Protein Kinase ◽  
Stress Tolerance ◽  
Treated Group ◽  
Model System ◽  
Treatment Efficiency ◽  
Evolutionarily Conserved ◽  
Heat Stress Tolerance

Rapamycin is a powerful inhibitor of the TOR (Target of Rapamycin) pathway, which is an evolutionarily conserved protein kinase, that plays a central role in plants and animals. Rapamycin is used globally as an immunosuppressant and as an anti-aging medicine. Despite widespread use, treatment efficiency varies considerably across patients, and little is known about potential side effects. Here we seek to investigate the effects of rapamycin by using Drosophila melanogaster as model system. Six isogenic D. melanogaster lines were assessed for their fecundity, male longevity and male heat stress tolerance with or without rapamycin treatment. The results showed increased longevity and heat stress tolerance for male flies treated with rapamycin. Conversely, the fecundity of rapamycin-exposed individuals was lower than for flies from the non-treated group, suggesting unwanted side effects of the drug in D. melanogaster. We found strong evidence for genotype-by-treatment interactions suggesting that a ‘one size fits all’ approach when it comes to treatment with rapamycin is not recommendable. The beneficial responses to rapamycin exposure for stress tolerance and longevity are in agreement with previous findings, however, the unexpected effects on reproduction are worrying and need further investigation and question common believes that rapamycin constitutes a harmless drug.

A Family of Genes Clustered at the Triplo-lethal Locus of Drosophila melanogaster Has an Unusual Evolutionary History and Significant Synteny With Anopheles gambiae

Genetics ◽  
2003 ◽  
Vol 165 (2) ◽  
pp. 613-621 ◽  
Author(s):  
Douglas R Dorer ◽  
Jamie A Rudnick ◽  
Etsuko N Moriyama ◽  
Alan C Christensen
Keyword(s):  
Phylogenetic Analysis ◽  
Drosophila Melanogaster ◽  
Anopheles Gambiae ◽  
Evolutionary History ◽  
Codon Bias ◽  
Good Target ◽  
The Family ◽  
Genes Encoding ◽  
And Function ◽  
Gambiae Genome

Abstract Within the unique Triplo-lethal region (Tpl) of the Drosophila melanogaster genome we have found a cluster of 20 genes encoding a novel family of proteins. This family is also present in the Anopheles gambiae genome and displays remarkable synteny and sequence conservation with the Drosophila cluster. The family is also present in the sequenced genome of D. pseudoobscura, and homologs have been found in Aedes aegypti mosquitoes and in four other insect orders, but it is not present in the sequenced genome of any noninsect species. Phylogenetic analysis suggests that the cluster evolved prior to the divergence of Drosophila and Anopheles (250 MYA) and has been highly conserved since. The ratio of synonymous to nonsynonymous substitutions and the high codon bias suggest that there has been selection on this family both for expression level and function. We hypothesize that this gene family is Tpl, name it the Osiris family, and consider possible functions. We also predict that this family of proteins, due to the unique dosage sensitivity and the lack of homologs in noninsect species, would be a good target for genetic engineering or novel insecticides.

scholarly journals Spatio-temporal expression of Prospero is finely tuned to allow the correct development and function of the nervous system in Drosophila melanogaster

2007 ◽  
Vol 304 (1) ◽  
pp. 62-74 ◽  
Author(s):  
Laure Guenin ◽  
Yaël Grosjean ◽  
Stéphane Fraichard ◽  
Angel Acebes ◽  
Fawzia Baba-Aissa ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Nervous System ◽  
Drosophila Melanogaster ◽  
Temporal Expression ◽  
Spatio Temporal ◽  
And Function

scholarly journals TAP (NXF1) Belongs to a Multigene Family of Putative RNA Export Factors with a Conserved Modular Architecture

2000 ◽  
Vol 20 (23) ◽  
pp. 8996-9008 ◽  
Author(s):  
Andrea Herold ◽  
Mikita Suyama ◽  
João P. Rodrigues ◽  
Isabelle C. Braun ◽  
Ulrike Kutay ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Drosophila Melanogaster ◽  
Rna Binding ◽  
Mrna Export ◽  
Modular Architecture ◽  
Export Activity ◽  
Evolutionarily Conserved ◽  
Rna Export ◽  
Higher Eukaryotes ◽  
Leucine Rich Repeats ◽  
Rna Export Factors

ABSTRACT Vertebrate TAP (also called NXF1) and its yeast orthologue, Mex67p, have been implicated in the export of mRNAs from the nucleus. The TAP protein includes a noncanonical RNP-type RNA binding domain, four leucine-rich repeats, an NTF2-like domain that allows heterodimerization with p15 (also called NXT1), and a ubiquitin-associated domain that mediates the interaction with nucleoporins. Here we show that TAP belongs to an evolutionarily conserved family of proteins that has more than one member in higher eukaryotes. Not only the overall domain organization but also residues important for p15 and nucleoporin interaction are conserved in most family members. We characterize two of four human TAP homologues and show that one of them, NXF2, binds RNA, localizes to the nuclear envelope, and exhibits RNA export activity. NXF3, which does not bind RNA or localize to the nuclear rim, has no RNA export activity. Database searches revealed that although only one p15(nxt) gene is present in the Drosophila melanogaster and Caenorhabditis elegans genomes, there is at least one additional p15 homologue (p15-2 [also called NXT2]) encoded by the human genome. Both human p15 homologues bind TAP, NXF2, and NXF3. Together, our results indicate that the TAP-p15 mRNA export pathway has diversified in higher eukaryotes compared to yeast, perhaps reflecting a greater substrate complexity.

scholarly journals Evolutionarily conserved cysteines in the stalk region of CD3‐epsilon are critical for T cell development and function

2008 ◽  
Vol 22 (S1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Yibing Wang ◽  
Dean Becker ◽  
Tibor Vass ◽  
Janice White ◽  
Philippa Marrack ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
T Cell ◽  
T Cell Development ◽  
Cell Development ◽  
Evolutionarily Conserved ◽  
And Function

scholarly journals Immunohistochemical Characterization of Phosphorylated Ubiquitin in the Mouse Hippocampus

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Kosuke Kataoka ◽  
Andras Bilkei-Gorzo ◽  
Andreas Zimmer ◽  
Toru Asahi
Keyword(s):  
Cell Layer ◽  
Granule Cell Layer ◽  
Phosphatase And Tensin Homolog ◽  
Neuronal Markers ◽  
Tensin Homolog ◽  
Evolutionarily Conserved ◽  
Previous Hypothesis ◽  
Mouse Hippocampus ◽  
And Function

ABSTRACTMitochondrial autophagy (mitophagy) is an essential and evolutionarily conserved process that maintains mitochondrial integrity via the removal of damaged or superfluous mitochondria in eukaryotic cells. Phosphatase and tensin homolog (PTEN)-induced putative kinase 1 (PINK1) and Parkin promote mitophagy and function in a common signaling pathway. PINK1-mediated ubiquitin phosphorylation at Serine 65 (Ser65-pUb) is a key event in the efficient execution of PINK1/Parkin-dependent mitophagy. However, few studies have used immunohistochemistry to analyze Ser65-pUb in the mouse. Here, we examined the immunohistochemical characteristics of Ser65-pUb in the mouse hippocampus. Some hippocampal cells were Ser65-pUb positive, whereas the remaining cells expressed no or low levels of Ser65-pUb. PINK1 deficiency resulted in a decrease in the density of Ser65-pUb-positive cells, consistent with a previous hypothesis based on in vitro research. Interestingly, Ser65-pUb-positive cells were detected in hippocampi lacking PINK1 expression. The CA3 pyramidal cell layer and the dentate gyrus (DG) granule cell layer exhibited significant reductions in the density of Ser65-pUb-positive cells in PINK1-deficient mice. Moreover, Ser65-pUb immunoreactivity colocalized predominantly with neuronal markers. These findings suggest that Ser65-pUb may serve as a biomarker of in situ PINK1 signaling in the mouse hippocampus; however, the results should be interpreted with caution, as PINK1 deficiency downregulated Ser65-pUb only partially.

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