Showing papers by "Steven P. Gygi published in 2017"
TL;DR: With more than 56,000 candidate interactions, BioPlex 2.0 exceeds previous experimentally derived interaction networks in depth and breadth, and will be a valuable resource for exploring the biology of incompletely characterized proteins and for elucidating larger-scale patterns of proteome organization.
Abstract: The physiology of a cell can be viewed as the product of thousands of proteins acting in concert to shape the cellular response Coordination is achieved in part through networks of protein-protein interactions that assemble functionally related proteins into complexes, organelles, and signal transduction pathways Understanding the architecture of the human proteome has the potential to inform cellular, structural, and evolutionary mechanisms and is critical to elucidating how genome variation contributes to disease Here we present BioPlex 20 (Biophysical Interactions of ORFeome-derived complexes), which uses robust affinity purification-mass spectrometry methodology to elucidate protein interaction networks and co-complexes nucleated by more than 25% of protein-coding genes from the human genome, and constitutes, to our knowledge, the largest such network so far With more than 56,000 candidate interactions, BioPlex 20 contains more than 29,000 previously unknown co-associations and provides functional insights into hundreds of poorly characterized proteins while enhancing network-based analyses of domain associations, subcellular localization, and co-complex formation Unsupervised Markov clustering of interacting proteins identified more than 1,300 protein communities representing diverse cellular activities Genes essential for cell fitness are enriched within 53 communities representing central cellular functions Moreover, we identified 442 communities associated with more than 2,000 disease annotations, placing numerous candidate disease genes into a cellular framework BioPlex 20 exceeds previous experimentally derived interaction networks in depth and breadth, and will be a valuable resource for exploring the biology of incompletely characterized proteins and for elucidating larger-scale patterns of proteome organization
1,122 citations
TL;DR: Using gene expression data from mice and humans with mitochondrial diseases, it is shown that the ATF4 pathway is activated in vivo upon mitochondrial stress and provides genetic evidence supporting a role for Fh1 in the control of Atf4 expression in mammals.
Abstract: Mitochondrial stress activates a mitonuclear response to safeguard and repair mitochondrial function and to adapt cellular metabolism to stress. Using a multiomics approach in mammalian cells treated with four types of mitochondrial stressors, we identify activating transcription factor 4 (ATF4) as the main regulator of the stress response. Surprisingly, canonical mitochondrial unfolded protein response genes mediated by ATF5 are not activated. Instead, ATF4 activates the expression of cytoprotective genes, which reprogram cellular metabolism through activation of the integrated stress response (ISR). Mitochondrial stress promotes a local proteostatic response by reducing mitochondrial ribosomal proteins, inhibiting mitochondrial translation, and coupling the activation of the ISR with the attenuation of mitochondrial function. Through a trans-expression quantitative trait locus analysis, we provide genetic evidence supporting a role for Fh1 in the control of Atf4 expression in mammals. Using gene expression data from mice and humans with mitochondrial diseases, we show that the ATF4 pathway is activated in vivo upon mitochondrial stress. Our data illustrate the value of a multiomics approach to characterize complex cellular networks and provide a versatile resource to identify new regulators of mitochondrial-related diseases.
532 citations
TL;DR: In this article, the methyl donor S-adenosylmethionine (SAM) disrupts the SAMTOR-GATOR1 complex by binding directly to SAMTOR with a dissociation constant of approximately 7 μM.
Abstract: mTOR complex 1 (mTORC1) regulates cell growth and metabolism in response to multiple environmental cues. Nutrients signal via the Rag guanosine triphosphatases (GTPases) to promote the localization of mTORC1 to the lysosomal surface, its site of activation. We identified SAMTOR, a previously uncharacterized protein, which inhibits mTORC1 signaling by interacting with GATOR1, the GTPase activating protein (GAP) for RagA/B. We found that the methyl donor S-adenosylmethionine (SAM) disrupts the SAMTOR-GATOR1 complex by binding directly to SAMTOR with a dissociation constant of approximately 7 μM. In cells, methionine starvation reduces SAM levels below this dissociation constant and promotes the association of SAMTOR with GATOR1, thereby inhibiting mTORC1 signaling in a SAMTOR-dependent fashion. Methionine-induced activation of mTORC1 requires the SAM binding capacity of SAMTOR. Thus, SAMTOR is a SAM sensor that links methionine and one-carbon metabolism to mTORC1 signaling.
343 citations
TL;DR: The cyclin D3–CDK6 kinase phosphorylates and inhibits the catalytic activity of two key enzymes in the glycolytic pathway, 6-phosphofructokinase and pyruvate kinase M2, which reduces flow through the PPP and serine pathways and causes apoptosis of tumour cells.
Abstract: D-type cyclins (D1, D2 and D3) and their associated cyclin-dependent kinases (CDK4 and CDK6) are components of the core cell cycle machinery that drives cell proliferation. Inhibitors of CDK4 and CDK6 are currently being tested in clinical trials for patients with several cancer types, with promising results. Here, using human cancer cells and patient-derived xenografts in mice, we show that the cyclin D3-CDK6 kinase phosphorylates and inhibits the catalytic activity of two key enzymes in the glycolytic pathway, 6-phosphofructokinase and pyruvate kinase M2. This re-directs the glycolytic intermediates into the pentose phosphate (PPP) and serine pathways. Inhibition of cyclin D3-CDK6 in tumour cells reduces flow through the PPP and serine pathways, thereby depleting the antioxidants NADPH and glutathione. This, in turn, increases the levels of reactive oxygen species and causes apoptosis of tumour cells. The pro-survival function of cyclin D-associated kinase operates in tumours expressing high levels of cyclin D3-CDK6 complexes. We propose that measuring the levels of cyclin D3-CDK6 in human cancers might help to identify tumour subsets that undergo cell death and tumour regression upon inhibition of CDK4 and CDK6. Cyclin D3-CDK6, through its ability to link cell cycle and cell metabolism, represents a particularly powerful oncoprotein that affects cancer cells at several levels, and this property can be exploited for anti-cancer therapy.
243 citations
TL;DR: The data suggest that, although short-term suppression of Mek1/2 in ES cells helps to maintain an ICM-like epigenetic state, prolonged suppression results in irreversible changes that compromise their developmental potential.
Abstract: Concomitant activation of the Wnt pathway and suppression of Mapk signalling by two small molecule inhibitors (2i) in the presence of leukaemia inhibitory factor (LIF) (hereafter termed 2i/L) induces a naive state in mouse embryonic stem (ES) cells that resembles the inner cell mass (ICM) of the pre-implantation embryo. Since the ICM exists only transiently in vivo, it remains unclear how sustained propagation of naive ES cells in vitro affects their stability and functionality. Here we show that prolonged culture of male mouse ES cells in 2i/L results in irreversible epigenetic and genomic changes that impair their developmental potential. Furthermore, we find that female ES cells cultured in conventional serum plus LIF medium phenocopy male ES cells cultured in 2i/L. Mechanistically, we demonstrate that the inhibition of Mek1/2 is predominantly responsible for these effects, in part through the downregulation of DNA methyltransferases and their cofactors. Finally, we show that replacement of the Mek1/2 inhibitor with a Src inhibitor preserves the epigenetic and genomic integrity as well as the developmental potential of ES cells. Taken together, our data suggest that, although short-term suppression of Mek1/2 in ES cells helps to maintain an ICM-like epigenetic state, prolonged suppression results in irreversible changes that compromise their developmental potential.
203 citations
TL;DR: It is shown that despite marked early effects on in vitro proliferation caused by GLS inhibition, pancreatic cancer cells have adaptive metabolic networks that sustain proliferation in vitro and in vivo.
Abstract: Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma is a notoriously difficult-to-treat cancer and patients are in need of novel therapies. We have shown previously that these tumours have altered metabolic requirements, making them highly reliant on a number of adaptations including a non-canonical glutamine (Gln) metabolic pathway and that inhibition of downstream components of Gln metabolism leads to a decrease in tumour growth. Here we test whether recently developed inhibitors of glutaminase (GLS), which mediates an early step in Gln metabolism, represent a viable therapeutic strategy. We show that despite marked early effects on in vitro proliferation caused by GLS inhibition, pancreatic cancer cells have adaptive metabolic networks that sustain proliferation in vitro and in vivo. We use an integrated metabolomic and proteomic platform to understand this adaptive response and thereby design rational combinatorial approaches. We demonstrate that pancreatic cancer metabolism is adaptive and that targeting Gln metabolism in combination with these adaptive responses may yield clinical benefits for patients.
199 citations
TL;DR: It is shown that peroxidase-catalyzed proximity labeling can be combined with isobaric tagging and mass spectrometry to enable quantitative, time-resolved measurement of GPCR agonist response in living cells.
198 citations
01 Nov 2017
TL;DR: A potential molecular link between the effects of methionine restriction and the growth controller mTOR complex 1 (mTORC1), a well-validated regulator of life span and health span in many organisms is described and a protein named SAMTOR is identified as a component of the nutrient-sensing pathway upstream of m TORC1.
Abstract: mTOR complex 1 (mTORC1) regulates cell growth and metabolism in response to multiple environmental cues. Nutrients signal via the Rag guanosine triphosphatases (GTPases) to promote the localization of mTORC1 to the lysosomal surface, its site of activation. We identified SAMTOR, a previously uncharacterized protein, which inhibits mTORC1 signaling by interacting with GATOR1, the GTPase activating protein (GAP) for RagA/B. We found that the methyl donor S-adenosylmethionine (SAM) disrupts the SAMTOR-GATOR1 complex by binding directly to SAMTOR with a dissociation constant of approximately 7 μM. In cells, methionine starvation reduces SAM levels below this dissociation constant and promotes the association of SAMTOR with GATOR1, thereby inhibiting mTORC1 signaling in a SAMTOR-dependent fashion. Methionine-induced activation of mTORC1 requires the SAM binding capacity of SAMTOR. Thus, SAMTOR is a SAM sensor that links methionine and one-carbon metabolism to mTORC1 signaling.
168 citations
TL;DR: It is found that in mice genetically lacking UCP1, cold-induced activation of metabolism triggers innate immune signaling and markers of cell death in BAT, and global proteomic analysis reveals that this cascade induced by U CP1 deletion is associated with a dramatic reduction in electron transport chain abundance.
Abstract: Brown adipose tissue (BAT) mitochondria exhibit high oxidative capacity and abundant expression of both electron transport chain components and uncoupling protein 1 (UCP1). UCP1 dissipates the mitochondrial proton motive force (Δp) generated by the respiratory chain and increases thermogenesis. Here we find that in mice genetically lacking UCP1, cold-induced activation of metabolism triggers innate immune signaling and markers of cell death in BAT. Moreover, global proteomic analysis reveals that this cascade induced by UCP1 deletion is associated with a dramatic reduction in electron transport chain abundance. UCP1-deficient BAT mitochondria exhibit reduced mitochondrial calcium buffering capacity and are highly sensitive to mitochondrial permeability transition induced by reactive oxygen species (ROS) and calcium overload. This dysfunction depends on ROS production by reverse electron transport through mitochondrial complex I, and can be rescued by inhibition of electron transfer through complex I or pharmacologic depletion of ROS levels. Our findings indicate that the interscapular BAT of Ucp1 knockout mice exhibits mitochondrial disruptions that extend well beyond the deletion of UCP1 itself. This finding should be carefully considered when using this mouse model to examine the role of UCP1 in physiology.
130 citations
TL;DR: Results indicate that UBE2O may function as a hybrid enzyme with both E2 and E3 (ubiquitin-ligating) activities in the reticulocyte–red blood cell transition, and that a major component of the specificity underlying differentiation-linked proteome remodeling appears to be carried by UBE1O itself.
Abstract: INTRODUCTION The reticulocyte–red blood cell transition is a canonical example of terminal differentiation. The mature red blood cell has one of the simplest cellular proteomes known, with hemoglobin remarkably concentrated to ~98% of soluble protein. During reticulocyte maturation, the proteome is remodeled through the programmed elimination of most generic constituents of the cell, in parallel with abundant synthesis of cell type–specific proteins such as hemoglobin. The mechanisms that drive rapid turnover of soluble and normally stable proteins in terminally differentiating cells remain largely unclear. RATIONALE The ubiquitin-proteasome system (UPS) was discovered in reticulocytes, where it is highly active. However, its function in this developmental context has not been established. UBE2O is an E2 (ubiquitin-conjugating) enzyme that is co-induced with globin and expressed at elevated levels late in the erythroid lineage. We identified an anemic mouse line with a null mutation in Ube2o , and used multiplexed quantitative proteomics to identify candidate substrates of UBE2O in an unbiased and global manner. We found that the protein compositions of mutant and wild-type reticulocytes differed markedly, suggesting that UBE2O-dependent ubiquitination might target its substrates for degradation to effect remodeling of the proteome. To test whether UBE2O was sufficient for proteome remodeling, we engineered a non-erythroid cell line to inducibly express UBE2O above its basal level. Upon induction, we observed the decline of hundreds of proteins from these cells, in many cases the same proteins as those eliminated from reticulocytes. Overexpression of an active-site mutant of UBE2O did not show these effects. Therefore, a major component of the specificity underlying differentiation-linked proteome remodeling appears to be carried by UBE2O itself. These results also indicate that UBE2O may function as a hybrid enzyme with both E2 and E3 (ubiquitin-ligating) activities. In support of this model, candidate substrates identified by proteomics were ubiquitinated by purified UBE2O without the assistance of additional specificity factors. RESULTS The most prominent phenotypes of the Ube2o mutant are an anemia characterized by small cells with low hemoglobin content (microcytic hypochromic anemia), and a defect in the elimination of ribosomes, the latter being a key aspect of reticulocyte maturation. When we added recombinant UBE2O protein to reticulocyte lysates from the null mutant, ubiquitin was conjugated primarily to ribosomal proteins. Moreover, immunoblot analysis and quantitative proteomics revealed elevated levels of multiple ribosomal proteins in mutant reticulocytes. Sucrose gradient analysis indicated the persistence not only of ribosomal proteins but of ribosomes themselves during ex vivo differentiation of mutant reticulocytes. Accordingly, ribosomes were eliminated upon induction of UBE2O in non-erythroid cells. The elimination of organelles from reticulocytes, as exemplified by that of mitochondria, was not affected in the Ube2o mutant, indicating the specificity of its effects on programmed protein turnover. Free ribosomal proteins were ubiquitinated by purified UBE2O, which suggests that these proteins are true substrates of the enzyme. However, UBE2O substrates are diverse in nature and not limited to ribosomal proteins. Individual domains of UBE2O bound substrates with distinct specificities. Thus, the broad specificity of UBE2O reflects the presence of multiple substrate recognition domains within the enzyme. Proteasome inhibitors blocked the degradation of UBE2O-dependent substrates in reticulocytes, although UBE2O does not form polyubiquitin chains. Rather, UBE2O adds single ubiquitin groups to substrates at multiple sites. Proteasome inhibitor treatment ex vivo led to depletion of the pools of many amino acids; this result implies that the flux of ubiquitinated substrates through the reticulocyte proteasome is sufficient to supply amino acids needed for late-stage translation of mRNA. In late erythropoiesis, several ubiquitin-conjugating enzymes and ligases are induced together with Ube2o while most components of the UPS disappear. We propose that the UPS is not simply amplified during erythroid maturation, but is instead broadly reconfigured to promote remodeling of the proteome. CONCLUSION A highly specialized UPS is expressed in the reticulocyte and is used to remodel the proteome of these cells on a global scale. UBE2O, a hybrid E2-E3 enzyme, functions as a major specificity factor in this process. In reticulocytes, and perhaps in other differentiated cells such as in the lens, the induction of ubiquitinating factors may drive the transition from a complex to a simple proteome.
117 citations
TL;DR: A two-dimensional multiplexing workflow is presented that utilizes synthetic peptides for each protein to prompt the simultaneous quantification of >100 peptides from up to ten mixed sample conditions and elucidated a correlation between the expression of key proteins and their cellular response to drug treatment.
TL;DR: It is shown that several cell types can proliferate in the absence of all G1 cyclins, and that CDK inhibition might represent an attractive therapeutic strategy by targeting glioblastoma tumour-initiating cells, which depend on Sox2 to maintain their tumorigenic potential.
Abstract: Progression of mammalian cells through the G1 and S phases of the cell cycle is driven by the D-type and E-type cyclins. According to the current models, at least one of these cyclin families must be present to allow cell proliferation. Here, we show that several cell types can proliferate in the absence of all G1 cyclins. However, following ablation of G1 cyclins, embryonic stem (ES) cells attenuated their pluripotent characteristics, with the majority of cells acquiring the trophectodermal cell fate. We established that G1 cyclins, together with their associated cyclin-dependent kinases (CDKs), phosphorylate and stabilize the core pluripotency factors Nanog, Sox2 and Oct4. Treatment of murine ES cells, patient-derived glioblastoma tumour-initiating cells, or triple-negative breast cancer cells with a CDK inhibitor strongly decreased Sox2 and Oct4 levels. Our findings suggest that CDK inhibition might represent an attractive therapeutic strategy by targeting glioblastoma tumour-initiating cells, which depend on Sox2 to maintain their tumorigenic potential.
TL;DR: The synthesis and characterization of 87 variants of IU1 resulted in the identification of a 10-fold more potent USP14 inhibitor that retains specificity for USP 14, and a specific residue in tau, lysine 174, is critical for the IU1-47–mediated tau degradation by the proteasome.
TL;DR: It is shown that H3K9me2 defines a functionally distinct heterochromatin state that is sufficient for RNAi-dependent co-transcriptional gene silencing at pericentromeric DNA repeats, and a mechanism for the formation of transcriptionally permissive heterochromaatin that is compatible with its broadly conserved role in sRNA-mediated genome defence is uncovered.
Abstract: Heterochromatic DNA domains have important roles in the regulation of gene expression and maintenance of genome stability by silencing repetitive DNA elements and transposons. From fission yeast to mammals, heterochromatin assembly at DNA repeats involves the activity of small noncoding RNAs (sRNAs) associated with the RNA interference (RNAi) pathway. Typically, sRNAs, originating from long noncoding RNAs, guide Argonaute-containing effector complexes to complementary nascent RNAs to initiate histone H3 lysine 9 di- and trimethylation (H3K9me2 and H3K9me3, respectively) and the formation of heterochromatin. H3K9me is in turn required for the recruitment of RNAi to chromatin to promote the amplification of sRNA. Yet, how heterochromatin formation, which silences transcription, can proceed by a co-transcriptional mechanism that also promotes sRNA generation remains paradoxical. Here, using Clr4, the fission yeast Schizosaccharomyces pombe homologue of mammalian SUV39H H3K9 methyltransferases, we design active-site mutations that block H3K9me3, but allow H3K9me2 catalysis. We show that H3K9me2 defines a functionally distinct heterochromatin state that is sufficient for RNAi-dependent co-transcriptional gene silencing at pericentromeric DNA repeats. Unlike H3K9me3 domains, which are transcriptionally silent, H3K9me2 domains are transcriptionally active, contain modifications associated with euchromatic transcription, and couple RNAi-mediated transcript degradation to the establishment of H3K9me domains. The two H3K9me states recruit reader proteins with different efficiencies, explaining their different downstream silencing functions. Furthermore, the transition from H3K9me2 to H3K9me3 is required for RNAi-independent epigenetic inheritance of H3K9me domains. Our findings demonstrate that H3K9me2 and H3K9me3 define functionally distinct chromatin states and uncover a mechanism for the formation of transcriptionally permissive heterochromatin that is compatible with its broadly conserved role in sRNA-mediated genome defence.
TL;DR: Investigation of glaucoma-associated protein changes in the retina and vitreous humour promises to provide renewed understanding of the aetiology and pathogenesis of age related neurodegenerative diseases.
Abstract: Glaucoma is a chronic disease that shares many similarities with other neurodegenerative disorders of the central nervous system This study was designed to evaluate the association between glaucoma and other neurodegenerative disorders by investigating glaucoma-associated protein changes in the retina and vitreous humour The multiplexed Tandem Mass Tag based proteomics (TMT-MS3) was carried out on retinal tissue and vitreous humour fluid collected from glaucoma patients and age-matched controls followed by functional pathway and protein network interaction analysis About 5000 proteins were quantified from retinal tissue and vitreous fluid of glaucoma and control eyes Of the differentially regulated proteins, 122 were found linked with pathophysiology of Alzheimer’s disease (AD) Pathway analyses of differentially regulated proteins indicate defects in mitochondrial oxidative phosphorylation machinery The classical complement pathway associated proteins were activated in the glaucoma samples suggesting an innate inflammatory response The majority of common differentially regulated proteins in both tissues were members of functional protein networks associated brain changes in AD and other chronic degenerative conditions Identification of previously reported and novel pathways in glaucoma that overlap with other CNS neurodegenerative disorders promises to provide renewed understanding of the aetiology and pathogenesis of age related neurodegenerative diseases
TL;DR: It is shown that addition of proline-arginine (PR) and glycine-argarine (GR) toxic DPR peptides to nuclear extracts blocks spliceosome assembly and splicing, but not other types of RNA processing.
TL;DR: The results identified an essential S-phase promoting factor of the unconventional P. falciparum cell cycle, required for both a prolonged period of the intraerythrocytic stage of Plasmodium infection, as well as for transmission, revealing a broad window for PfCRK4-targeted chemotherapeutics.
Abstract: Plasmodium parasites, the causative agents of malaria, have evolved a unique cell division cycle in the clinically relevant asexual blood stage of infection1. DNA replication commences approximately halfway through the intracellular development following invasion and parasite growth. The schizont stage is associated with multiple rounds of DNA replication and nuclear division without cytokinesis, resulting in a multinucleated cell. Nuclei divide asynchronously through schizogony, with only the final round of DNA replication and segregation being synchronous and coordinated with daughter cell assembly2,3. However, the control mechanisms for this divergent mode of replication are unknown. Here, we show that the Plasmodium-specific kinase PfCRK4 is a key cell-cycle regulator that orchestrates multiple rounds of DNA replication throughout schizogony in Plasmodium falciparum. PfCRK4 depletion led to a complete block in nuclear division and profoundly inhibited DNA replication. Quantitative phosphoproteomic profiling identified a set of PfCRK4-regulated phosphoproteins with greatest functional similarity to CDK2 substrates, particularly proteins involved in the origin of replication firing. PfCRK4 was required for initial and subsequent rounds of DNA replication during schizogony and, in addition, was essential for development in the mosquito vector. Our results identified an essential S-phase promoting factor of the unconventional P. falciparum cell cycle. PfCRK4 is required for both a prolonged period of the intraerythrocytic stage of Plasmodium infection, as well as for transmission, revealing a broad window for PfCRK4-targeted chemotherapeutics.
TL;DR: EBV-induced remodeling of cell cycle, innate and adaptive immune pathways, including upregulation of the complement cascade and proteasomal degradation of the B cell receptor complex, conserved between EBV types I and II are revealed.
TL;DR: It is demonstrated that the US12 family selectively targets plasma membrane proteins and plays key roles in regulating NK ligands, adhesion molecules and cytokine receptors and is identified as a major new hub of immune regulation.
Abstract: The human cytomegalovirus (HCMV) US12 family consists of ten sequentially arranged genes (US12-21) with poorly characterized function. We now identify novel NK cell evasion functions for four members: US12, US14, US18 and US20. Using a systematic multiplexed proteomics approach to quantify ~1,300 cell surface and ~7,200 whole cell proteins, we demonstrate that the US12 family selectively targets plasma membrane proteins and plays key roles in regulating NK ligands, adhesion molecules and cytokine receptors. US18 and US20 work in concert to suppress cell surface expression of the critical NKp30 ligand B7-H6 thus inhibiting NK cell activation. The US12 family is therefore identified as a major new hub of immune regulation.
TL;DR: It is shown that LIN28 is phosphorylated by MAPK/ERK in pluripotent stem cells, which increases its levels via post-translational stabilization, and linked this mechanism to the induction of pluripotency by somatic cell reprogramming and the transition from naive to primed pluripOTency.
Abstract: Signalling and post-transcriptional gene control are both critical for the regulation of pluripotency, yet how they are integrated to influence cell identity remains poorly understood. LIN28 (also known as LIN28A), a highly conserved RNA-binding protein, has emerged as a central post-transcriptional regulator of cell fate through blockade of let-7 microRNA biogenesis and direct modulation of mRNA translation. Here we show that LIN28 is phosphorylated by MAPK/ERK in pluripotent stem cells, which increases its levels via post-translational stabilization. LIN28 phosphorylation had little impact on let-7 but enhanced the effect of LIN28 on its direct mRNA targets, revealing a mechanism that uncouples LIN28's let-7-dependent and -independent activities. We have linked this mechanism to the induction of pluripotency by somatic cell reprogramming and the transition from naive to primed pluripotency. Collectively, our findings indicate that MAPK/ERK directly impacts LIN28, defining an axis that connects signalling, post-transcriptional gene control, and cell fate regulation.
TL;DR: It is found that sex rather than cell type drives methylation patterns in ESCs and EGCs, and the X-linked MAPK phosphatase DUSP9 is upregulated in female compared to male ESCs,and its heterozygous loss in female ESCs leads to male-like methylation levels.
TL;DR: It is demonstrated that insulin-positive cells can be generated in vitro from human induced pluripotent stem cells (hiPSCs) derived from patients carrying a non-sense HNF4A mutation, proving for the first time, that a human HNF 4A mutation is neither blocking the expression of the insulin genes nor the development of insulin-producing cells in vitro.
Abstract: MODY1 is a maturity-onset monogenic diabetes, caused by heterozygous mutations of the HNF4A gene. To date the cellular and molecular mechanisms leading to disease onset remain largely unknown. In this study, we demonstrate that insulin-positive cells can be generated in vitro from human induced pluripotent stem cells (hiPSCs) derived from patients carrying a non-sense HNF4A mutation, proving for the first time, that a human HNF4A mutation is neither blocking the expression of the insulin genes nor the development of insulin-producing cells in vitro. However, regardless of the mutation or diabetes status, these insulin-producing cells are immature, a common downfall off most current β-cell differentiation protocols. To further address the immature state of the cells, in vitro differentiated cells and adult human islets were compared by global proteomic analysis. We report the predicted upstream regulators and signalling pathways characterizing the proteome landscape of each entity. Subsequently, we focused on the molecular components absent or misregulated in the in vitro differentiated cells, to probe the components involved in the deficient in vitro maturation towards fully functional β-cells. This analysis identified the modulation of key developmental signalling pathways representing potential targets for improving the efficiency of the current differentiation protocols.
TL;DR: Differences in the complementarity of two methods for phosphopeptide enrichment based on either titanium dioxide (TiO2) enrichment or phosphorylation motif-specific immunoaffinity precipitation (IAP) with four different antibodies suggest their collective importance in obtaining a comprehensive view of the phosphoproteome.
Abstract: A comprehensive view of protein phosphorylation remains an unmet challenge in the field of cell biology. Mass spectrometry-based proteomics is one of the most promising approaches for identifying thousands of phosphorylation events in a single experiment, yet the full breadth of the phosphoproteome has yet to be elucidated. In this article, we examined the complementarity of two methods for phosphopeptide enrichment based on either titanium dioxide (TiO2) enrichment or phosphorylation motif-specific immunoaffinity precipitation (IAP) with four different antibodies. Each method identified nearly 2000 phosphoproteins. However, distinct populations of phosphopeptides were observed. Despite quantifying over 10 000 unique phosphorylation events using TiO2 and over 3900 with IAP, less than 5% of the sites were in common. Agreeing with published literature, the ratio of pS:pT:pY phosphorylation for the TiO2-enriched data set approximated 90:10:<1. In contrast, that ratio for the combined IAP data sets was 51:29:...
TL;DR: It is suggested that the type 2 diabetes susceptibility gene CDKAL1 has novel functions in regulating mitochondrial activity, including SLC25A4/ANT1, an inner mitochondrial membrane ADP/ATP translocator.
Abstract: Objectives Understanding how loci identified by genome wide association studies (GWAS) contribute to pathogenesis requires new mechanistic insights. Variants within CDKAL1 are strongly linked to an increased risk of developing type 2 diabetes and obesity. Investigations in mouse models have focused on the function of Cdkal1 as a tRNA Lys modifier and downstream effects of Cdkal1 loss on pro-insulin translational fidelity in pancreatic β−cells. However, Cdkal1 is broadly expressed in other metabolically relevant tissues, including adipose tissue. In addition, the Cdkal1 homolog Cdk5rap1 regulates mitochondrial protein translation and mitochondrial function in skeletal muscle. We tested whether adipocyte-specific Cdkal1 deletion alters systemic glucose homeostasis or adipose mitochondrial function independently of its effects on pro-insulin translation and insulin secretion. Methods We measured mRNA levels of type 2 diabetes GWAS genes, including Cdkal1 , in adipose tissue from lean and obese mice. We then established a mouse model with adipocyte-specific Cdkal1 deletion. We examined the effects of adipose Cdkal1 deletion using indirect calorimetry on mice during a cold temperature challenge, as well as by measuring cellular and mitochondrial respiration in vitro . We also examined brown adipose tissue (BAT) mitochondrial morphology by electron microscopy. Utilizing co-immunoprecipitation followed by mass spectrometry, we performed interaction mapping to identify new CDKAL1 binding partners. Furthermore, we tested whether Cdkal1 loss in adipose tissue affects total protein levels or accurate Lys incorporation by tRNA Lys using quantitative mass spectrometry. Results We found that Cdkal1 mRNA levels are reduced in adipose tissue of obese mice. Using adipose-specific Cdkal1 KO mice (A-KO), we demonstrated that mitochondrial function is impaired in primary differentiated brown adipocytes and in isolated mitochondria from A-KO brown adipose tissue. A-KO mice displayed decreased energy expenditure during 4 °C cold challenge. Furthermore, mitochondrial morphology was highly abnormal in A-KO BAT. Surprisingly, we found that lysine codon representation was unchanged in Cdkal1 A-KO adipose tissue. We identified novel protein interactors of CDKAL1, including SLC25A4/ANT1, an inner mitochondrial membrane ADP/ATP translocator. ANT proteins can account for the UCP1-independent basal proton leak in BAT mitochondria. Cdkal1 A-KO mice had increased ANT1 protein levels in their white adipose tissue. Conclusions Cdkal1 is necessary for normal mitochondrial morphology and function in adipose tissue. These results suggest that the type 2 diabetes susceptibility gene CDKAL1 has novel functions in regulating mitochondrial activity.
TL;DR: It is shown that using stable isotope labeling with amino acids, mass spectrometry based quantitative proteomics could detect 26 of the 33 50S and 20 of the 21 30S subunit r-proteins when coexpressed in batch format PURE system and points to what is still needed to obtain self-replicating synthetic ribosomes in situ in the PURES system.
Abstract: To build replicating systems with new functions, the engineering of existing biological machineries requires a sensible strategy. Protein synthesis Using Recombinant Elements (PURE) system consists of the desired components for transcription, translation, aminoacylation and energy regeneration. PURE might be the basis for a radically alterable, lifelike system after optimization. Here, we regenerated 54 E. coli ribosomal (r-) proteins individually from DNA templates in the PURE system. We show that using stable isotope labeling with amino acids, mass spectrometry based quantitative proteomics could detect 26 of the 33 50S and 20 of the 21 30S subunit r-proteins when coexpressed in batch format PURE system. By optimizing DNA template concentrations and adapting a miniaturized Fluid Array Device with optimized feeding solution, we were able to cogenerate and detect at least 29 of the 33 50S and all of the 21 30S subunit r-proteins in one pot. The boost on yield of a single r-protein in coexpression pool var...
TL;DR: Perturbations in protein levels resulting from nicotine treatment in four cell lines are measured using tandem mass tags (TMT10‐plex) and high‐resolution mass spectrometry to highlight proteins, including APP, APLP2, LAPTM4B, and NCOA4, which were dysregulated by nicotine in all cell lines investigated and may have implications in downstream signaling pathways, particularly autophagy.
Abstract: Mass spectrometry-based proteomic strategies can profile the expression level of proteins in response to external stimuli. Nicotine affects diverse cellular pathways, however, the nicotine-induced alterations on the global proteome across human cell lines have not been fully elucidated. We measured perturbations in protein levels resulting from nicotine treatment in four cell lines-HEK, HeLa, PaSC, and SH-SY5Y-in a single experiment using tandem mass tags (TMT10-plex) and high-resolution mass spectrometry. We quantified 8590 proteins across all cell lines. Of these, nicotine increased the abundance of 31 proteins 1.5-fold or greater in all cell lines. Likewise, considering proteins with altered levels in at least three of the four cell lines, 64 were up-regulated, while one was down-regulated. Gene ontology analysis revealed that ∼40% of these proteins were membrane bound, and functioned in transmembrane signaling and receptor activity. We highlighted proteins, including APP, APLP2, LAPTM4B, and NCOA4, which were dysregulated by nicotine in all cell lines investigated and may have implications in downstream signaling pathways, particularly autophagy. Using the outlined methodology, studies in additional (including primary) cell lines will provide further evidence that alterations in the levels of these proteins are indeed a general response to nicotine and thereby merit further investigation.
TL;DR: It is found that Bem1 directly augments the guanine exchange factor (GEF) activity of Cdc24, and increases GEF phosphorylation by the p21-activated kinase (PAK), Cla4, which illustrates the self-regulatory properties that scaffold proteins confer on signalling pathways.
Abstract: Scaffold proteins modulate signalling pathway activity spatially and temporally. In budding yeast, the scaffold Bem1 contributes to polarity axis establishment by regulating the GTPase Cdc42. Although different models have been proposed for Bem1 function, there is little direct evidence for an underlying mechanism. Here, we find that Bem1 directly augments the guanine exchange factor (GEF) activity of Cdc24. Bem1 also increases GEF phosphorylation by the p21-activated kinase (PAK), Cla4. Phosphorylation abrogates the scaffold-dependent stimulation of GEF activity, rendering Cdc24 insensitive to additional Bem1. Thus, Bem1 stimulates GEF activity in a reversible fashion, contributing to signalling flux through Cdc42. The contribution of Bem1 to GTPase dynamics was borne-out by in vivo imaging: active Cdc42 was enriched at the cell pole in hypophosphorylated cdc24 mutants, while hyperphosphorylated cdc24 mutants that were resistant to scaffold stimulation displayed a deficit in active Cdc42 at the pole. These findings illustrate the self-regulatory properties that scaffold proteins confer on signalling pathways.
TL;DR: An approach for calculating the stoichiometry of phosphosites from multiplexed proteomics that is compatible with dynamic, stable, and multisite phosphorylation is developed, and the data suggest that degradation is limited to a few low-abundance proteins.
Abstract: Fertilization releases the meiotic arrest and initiates the events that prepare the egg for the ensuing developmental program. Protein degradation and phosphorylation are known to regulate protein activity during this process. However, the full extent of protein loss and phosphoregulation is still unknown. We examined absolute protein and phosphosite dynamics of the fertilization response by mass spectrometry-based proteomics in electroactivated eggs. To do this, we developed an approach for calculating the stoichiometry of phosphosites from multiplexed proteomics that is compatible with dynamic, stable, and multisite phosphorylation. Overall, the data suggest that degradation is limited to a few low-abundance proteins. However, this degradation promotes extensive dephosphorylation that occurs over a wide range of abundances during meiotic exit. We also show that eggs release a large amount of protein into the medium just after fertilization, most likely related to the blocks to polyspermy. Concomitantly, there is a substantial increase in phosphorylation likely tied to calcium-activated kinases. We identify putative degradation targets and components of the slow block to polyspermy. The analytical approaches demonstrated here are broadly applicable to studies of dynamic biological systems.
TL;DR: Despite sustained inhibition of mTORC1/2 signaling, Akt, a kinase regulating cell survival and migration, regains phosphorylation at its regulatory sites, supporting this combination as a therapeutic approach for cancers.
TL;DR: In this article, the authors analyzed the transition from quiescence to proliferation of a non-malignant murine pro-B lymphocyte cell line in response to IL-3.