Gli proteins encode context-dependent positive and negative functions: implications for development and disease

Development ◽  
1999 ◽  
Vol 126 (14) ◽  
pp. 3205-3216 ◽  
Author(s):  
A. Ruiz i Altaba
Keyword(s):  
Nuclear Localization ◽  
Protein Function ◽  
Hedgehog Signaling ◽  
Functional Divergence ◽  
Dominant Negative ◽  
Full Length ◽  
Gli Proteins ◽  
A Cell ◽  
Context Dependent ◽  
Modified Forms

Several lines of evidence implicate zinc finger proteins of the Gli family in the final steps of Hedgehog signaling in normal development and disease. C-terminally truncated mutant GLI3 proteins are also associated with human syndromes, but it is not clear whether these C-terminally truncated Gli proteins fulfil the same function as full-length ones. Here, structure-function analyses of Gli proteins have been performed using floor plate and neuronal induction assays in frog embryos, as well as induction of alkaline phosphatase (AP) in SHH-responsive mouse C3H10T1/2 (10T1/2) cells. These assays show that C-terminal sequences are required for positive inducing activity and cytoplasmic localization, whereas N-terminal sequences determine dominant negative function and nuclear localization. Analyses of nuclear targeted Gli1 and Gli2 proteins suggest that both activator and dominant negative proteins are modified forms. In embryos and COS cells, tagged Gli cDNAs yield C-terminally deleted forms similar to that of Ci. These results thus provide a molecular basis for the human Polydactyly type A and Pallister-Hall Syndrome phenotypes, derived from the deregulated production of C-terminally truncated GLI3 proteins. Analyses of full-length Gli function in 10T1/2 cells suggest that nuclear localization of activating forms is a regulated event and show that only Gli1 mimics SHH in inducing AP activity. Moreover, full-length Gli3 and all C-terminally truncated forms act antagonistically whereas Gli2 is inactive in this assay. In 10T1/2 cells, protein kinase A (PKA), a known inhibitor of Hh signaling, promotes Gli3 repressor formation and inhibits Gli1 function. Together, these findings suggest a context-dependent functional divergence of Gli protein function, in which a cell represses Gli3 and activates Gli1/2 prevents the formation of repressor Gli forms to respond to Shh. Interpretation of Hh signals by Gli proteins therefore appears to involve a fine balance of divergent functions within each and among different Gli proteins, the misregulation of which has profound biological consequences.

scholarly journals Dynamic cortical actin remodeling by ERM proteins controls BCR microcluster organization and integrity

2011 ◽  
Vol 208 (5) ◽  
pp. 1055-1068 ◽  
Author(s):  
Bebhinn Treanor ◽  
David Depoil ◽  
Andreas Bruckbauer ◽  
Facundo D. Batista
Keyword(s):  
Actin Cytoskeleton ◽  
B Cell ◽  
Protein Function ◽  
Actin Polymerization ◽  
Lymphocyte Activation ◽  
Dominant Negative ◽  
Temporary Increase ◽  
Cortical Actin ◽  
Erm Proteins ◽  
Diffusion Dynamics

Signaling microclusters are a common feature of lymphocyte activation. However, the mechanisms controlling the size and organization of these discrete structures are poorly understood. The Ezrin-Radixin-Moesin (ERM) proteins, which link plasma membrane proteins with the actin cytoskeleton and regulate the steady-state diffusion dynamics of the B cell receptor (BCR), are transiently dephosphorylated upon antigen receptor stimulation. In this study, we show that the ERM proteins ezrin and moesin influence the organization and integrity of BCR microclusters. BCR-driven inactivation of ERM proteins is accompanied by a temporary increase in BCR diffusion, followed by BCR immobilization. Disruption of ERM protein function using dominant-negative or constitutively active ezrin constructs or knockdown of ezrin and moesin expression quantitatively and qualitatively alters BCR microcluster formation, antigen aggregation, and downstream BCR signal transduction. Chemical inhibition of actin polymerization also altered the structure and integrity of BCR microclusters. Together, these findings highlight a crucial role for the cortical actin cytoskeleton during B cell spreading and microcluster formation and function.

scholarly journals Herpes Simplex Virus UL12.5 Targets Mitochondria through a Mitochondrial Localization Sequence Proximal to the N Terminus

2009 ◽  
Vol 83 (6) ◽  
pp. 2601-2610 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jennifer A. Corcoran ◽  
Holly A. Saffran ◽  
Brett A. Duguay ◽  
James R. Smiley
Keyword(s):  
Herpes Simplex Virus ◽  
Herpes Simplex ◽  
Mitochondrial Genome ◽  
Nuclear Localization ◽  
Full Length ◽  
Mitochondrial Localization ◽  
Amino Terminal ◽  
The Matrix ◽  
Simplex Virus ◽  
Hsv 1

ABSTRACT The herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV-1) gene UL12 encodes a conserved alkaline DNase with orthologues in all herpesviruses. The HSV-1 UL12 gene gives rise to two separately promoted 3′ coterminal mRNAs which encode distinct but related proteins: full-length UL12 and UL12.5, an amino-terminally truncated form that initiates at UL12 codon 127. Full-length UL12 localizes to the nucleus where it promotes the generation of mature viral genomes from larger precursors. In contrast, UL12.5 is predominantly mitochondrial and acts to trigger degradation of the mitochondrial genome early during infection. We examined the basis for these very different subcellular localization patterns. We confirmed an earlier report that the amino-terminal region of full-length UL12 is required for nuclear localization and provide evidence that multiple nuclear localization determinants are present in this region. In addition, we demonstrate that mitochondrial localization of UL12.5 relies largely on sequences located between UL12 residues 185 and 245 (UL12.5 residues 59 to 119). This region contains a sequence that resembles a typical mitochondrial matrix localization signal, and mutations that reduce the positive charge of this element severely impaired mitochondrial localization. Consistent with matrix localization, UL12.5 displayed a detergent extraction profile indistinguishable from that of the matrix protein cyclophilin D. Mitochondrial DNA depletion required the exonuclease activity of UL12.5, consistent with the idea that UL12.5 located within the matrix acts directly to destroy the mitochondrial genome. These results clarify how two highly related viral proteins are targeted to different subcellular locations with distinct functional consequences.

Novel REST Truncation Mutations Causing Hereditary Gingival Fibromatosis

2021 ◽  
pp. 002203452199662
Author(s):  
J.T. Chen ◽  
C.H. Lin ◽  
H.W. Huang ◽  
Y.P. Wang ◽  
P.C. Kao ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Nuclear Localization ◽  
Genetic Disorder ◽  
Dominant Negative ◽  
Dominant Negative Effect ◽  
Wild Type ◽  
Negative Effect ◽  
Localization Signal ◽  
Gingival Fibromatosis

Hereditary gingival fibromatosis (HGF) is a rare genetic disorder featured by nonsyndromic pathological overgrowth of gingiva. The excessive gingival tissues can cause dental, masticatory, and phonetic problems, which impose severe functional and esthetic burdens on affected individuals. Due to its high recurrent rate, patients with HGF have to undergo repeated surgical procedures of gingival resection, from childhood to adulthood, which significantly compromises their quality of life. Unraveling the genetic etiology and molecular pathogenesis of HGF not only gains insight into gingival physiology and homeostasis but also opens avenues for developing potential therapeutic strategies for this disorder. Recently, mutations in REST (OMIM *600571), encoding a transcription repressor, were reported to cause HGF (GINGF5; OMIM #617626) in 3 Turkish families. However, the functions of REST in gingival homeostasis and pathogenesis of REST-associated HGF remain largely unknown. In this study, we characterized 2 HGF families and identified 2 novel REST mutations, c.2449C>T (p.Arg817*) and c.2771_2793dup (p.Glu932Lysfs*3). All 5 mutations reported to date are nonsenses or frameshifts in the last exon of REST and would presumably truncate the protein. In vitro reporter gene assays demonstrated a partial or complete loss of repressor activity for these truncated RESTs. When coexpressed with the full-length protein, the truncated RESTs impaired the repressive ability of wild-type REST, suggesting a dominant negative effect. Immunofluorescent studies showed nuclear localization of overexpressed wild-type and truncated RESTs in vitro, indicating preservation of the nuclear localization signal in shortened proteins. Immunohistochemistry demonstrated a comparable pattern of ubiquitous REST expression in both epithelium and lamina propria of normal and HGF gingival tissues despite a reduced reactivity in HGF gingiva. Results of this study confirm the pathogenicity of REST truncation mutations occurring in the last exon causing HGF and suggest the pathosis is caused by an antimorphic (dominant negative) disease mechanism.

scholarly journals A novel role for BRCA1 in regulating breast cancer cell spreading and motility

2011 ◽  
Vol 192 (3) ◽  
pp. 497-512 ◽  
Author(s):  
Elisabeth D. Coene ◽  
Catarina Gadelha ◽  
Nicholas White ◽  
Ashraf Malhas ◽  
Benjamin Thomas ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Tumor Suppressor ◽  
Cancer Cells ◽  
Ubiquitin Ligase ◽  
Fluorescent Protein ◽  
Cell Spreading ◽  
Dominant Negative ◽  
Full Length ◽  
Suppressor Activity ◽  
Ubiquitin Ligase Activity ◽  
Mcf 7

BRCA1 C-terminal (BRCT) domains in BRCA1 are essential for tumor suppressor function, though the underlying mechanisms remain unclear. We identified ezrin, radixin, and moesin as BRCA1 BRCT domain–interacting proteins. Ezrin–radixin–moesin (ERM) and F-actin colocalized with BRCA1 at the plasma membrane (PM) of cancer cells, especially at leading edges and focal adhesion sites. In stably expressing cancer cells, high levels of enhanced green fluorescent protein (EGFP)-BRCA11634–1863 acted as a dominant-negative factor, displacing endogenous BRCA1 from the PM. This led to delayed cell spreading, increased spontaneous motility, and irregular monolayer wound healing. MCF-7 cells (intact BRCA1) showed lower motility than HCC1937 cells (truncated BRCA1), but expression of EGFP-BRCA11634–1863 in MCF-7 increased motility. Conversely, full-length BRCA1 expression in HCC1937 decreased motility but only if the protein retained ubiquitin ligase activity. We conclude that full-length BRCA1 is important for complete tumor suppressor activity via interaction of its BRCT domains with ERM at the PM, controlling spreading and motility of cancer cells via ubiquitin ligase activity.

scholarly journals Identification of residue inversions in large phylogenies of duplicated proteins

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Stefano Pascarelli ◽  
Paola Laurino
Keyword(s):  
Gene Duplication ◽  
Protein Sequence ◽  
Protein Function ◽  
High Throughput Sequencing ◽  
Functional Divergence ◽  
Growth Factor Receptor ◽  
Sequence Evolution ◽  
Protein Database ◽  
Sequencing Studies ◽  
Homology Relationship

Connecting protein sequence to function is becoming increasingly relevant since high-throughput sequencing studies accumulate large amounts of genomic data. Protein database annotation helps to bridge this gap; however, it is fundamental to understand the mechanisms underlying functional inheritance and divergence. If the homology relationship between proteins is known, can we determine whether the function diverged? In this work, we analyze different possibilities of protein sequence evolution after gene duplication and identify "residue inversions", i.e., sites where the relationship between the ancestry and the functional signal is decoupled. Residues in these sites play a role in functional divergence and could indicate a shift in protein function. We develop a method to recognize residue inversions in a phylogeny and test it on real and simulated datasets. In a dataset built from the Epidermal Growth Factor Receptor (EGFR) sequences found in 88 fish species, we identify 19 positions that went through inversion after gene duplication, mostly located at the ligand-binding extracellular domain.

scholarly journals Auxin/AID versus conventional knockouts: distinguishing the roles of CENP-T/W in mitotic kinetochore assembly and stability

Open Biology ◽  
2016 ◽  
Vol 6 (1) ◽  
pp. 150230 ◽  
Author(s):  
Laura Wood ◽  
Daniel G. Booth ◽  
Giulia Vargiu ◽  
Shinya Ohta ◽  
Flavia deLima Alves ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Protein Function ◽  
Mitotic Chromosomes ◽  
Protein Levels ◽  
Kinetochore Assembly ◽  
Rnai Technology ◽  
Gradual Loss ◽  
A Cell ◽  
Stable Association ◽  
Or Gene ◽  
Regulated Gene Expression

Most studies using knockout technologies to examine protein function have relied either on shutting off transcription (conventional conditional knockouts with tetracycline-regulated gene expression or gene disruption) or destroying the mature mRNA (RNAi technology). In both cases, the target protein is lost at a rate determined by its intrinsic half-life. Thus, protein levels typically fall over at least 1–3 days, and cells continue to cycle while exposed to a decreasing concentration of the protein. Here we characterise the kinetochore proteome of mitotic chromosomes isolated from a cell line in which the essential kinetochore protein CENP-T is present as an auxin-inducible degron (AID) fusion protein that is fully functional and able to support the viability of the cells. Stripping of the protein from chromosomes in early mitosis via targeted proteasomal degradation reveals the dependency of other proteins on CENP-T for their maintenance in kinetochores. We compare these results with the kinetochore proteome of conventional CENP-T/W knockouts. As the cell cycle is mostly formed from G1, S and G2 phases a gradual loss of CENP-T/W levels is more likely to reflect dependencies associated with kinetochore assembly pre-mitosis and upon entry into mitosis. Interestingly, a putative super-complex involving Rod-Zw10-zwilch (RZZ complex), Spindly, Mad1/Mad2 and CENP-E requires the function of CENP-T/W during kinetochore assembly for its stable association with the outer kinetochore, but once assembled remains associated with chromosomes after stripping of CENP-T during mitosis. This study highlights the different roles core kinetochore components may play in the assembly of kinetochores (upon entry into mitosis) versus the maintenance of specific components (during mitosis).

Proteolysis of cubitus interruptus in Drosophila requires phosphorylation by protein kinase A

Development ◽  
1999 ◽  
Vol 126 (19) ◽  
pp. 4331-4339 ◽  
Author(s):  
M.A. Price ◽  
D. Kalderon
Keyword(s):  
Protein Kinase ◽  
Protein Kinase A ◽  
Hedgehog Signaling ◽  
Target Genes ◽  
Ectopic Expression ◽  
Full Length ◽  
Mutant Form ◽  
Wild Type ◽  
Cubitus Interruptus ◽  
Kinase A

The Hedgehog signal transduction pathway is involved in diverse patterning events in many organisms. In Drosophila, Hedgehog signaling regulates transcription of target genes by modifying the activity of the DNA-binding protein Cubitus interruptus (Ci). Hedgehog signaling inhibits proteolytic cleavage of full-length Ci (Ci-155) to Ci-75, a form that represses some target genes, and also converts the full-length form to a potent transcriptional activator. Reduction of protein kinase A (PKA) activity also leads to accumulation of full-length Ci and to ectopic expression of Hedgehog target genes, prompting the hypothesis that PKA might normally promote cleavage to Ci-75 by directly phosphorylating Ci-155. Here we show that a mutant form of Ci lacking five potential PKA phosphorylation sites (Ci5m) is not detectably cleaved to Ci-75 in Drosophila embryos. Moreover, changes in PKA activity dramatically altered levels of full-length wild-type Ci in embryos and imaginal discs, but did not significantly alter full-length Ci5m levels. We corroborate these results by showing that Ci5m is more active than wild-type Ci at inducing ectopic transcription of the Hh target gene wingless in embryos and that inhibition of PKA enhances induction of wingless by wild-type Ci but not by Ci5m. We therefore propose that PKA phosphorylation of Ci is required for the proteolysis of Ci-155 to Ci-75 in vivo. We also show that the activity of Ci5m remains Hedgehog responsive if expressed at low levels, providing further evidence that the full-length form of Ci undergoes a Hedgehog-dependent activation step.

Regulation of Hox target genes by a DNA bound Homothorax/Hox/Extradenticle complex

Development ◽  
1999 ◽  
Vol 126 (22) ◽  
pp. 5137-5148 ◽  
Author(s):  
H.D. Ryoo ◽  
T. Marty ◽  
F. Casares ◽  
M. Affolter ◽  
R.S. Mann
Keyword(s):  
Nuclear Localization ◽  
Target Genes ◽  
Dominant Negative ◽  
Homeodomain Protein ◽  
Hox Proteins ◽  
Trimeric Complex ◽  
Binding Residue ◽  
Dominant Negative Form

To regulate their target genes, the Hox proteins of Drosophila often bind to DNA as heterodimers with the homeodomain protein Extradenticle (EXD). For EXD to bind DNA, it must be in the nucleus, and its nuclear localization requires a third homeodomain protein, Homothorax (HTH). Here we show that a conserved N-terminal domain of HTH directly binds to EXD in vitro, and is sufficient to induce the nuclear localization of EXD in vivo. However, mutating a key DNA binding residue in the HTH homeodomain abolishes many of its in vivo functions. HTH binds to DNA as part of a HTH/Hox/EXD trimeric complex, and we show that this complex is essential for the activation of a natural Hox target enhancer. Using a dominant negative form of HTH we provide evidence that similar complexes are important for several Hox- and exd-mediated functions in vivo. These data suggest that Hox proteins often function as part of a multiprotein complex, composed of HTH, Hox, and EXD proteins, bound to DNA.

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