Mechanism of two classes of cancer mutations in the phosphoinositide 3-kinase catalytic subunit

Many human cancers involve up-regulation of the phosphoinositide 3-kinase PI3Kalpha, with oncogenic mutations identified in both the p110alpha catalytic and the p85alpha regulatory subunits. We used crystallographic and biochemical approaches to gain insight into activating mutations in two noncatalytic p110alpha domains-the adaptor-binding and the helical domains. A structure of the adaptor-binding domain of p110alpha in a complex with the p85alpha inter-Src homology 2 (inter-SH2) domain shows that oncogenic mutations in the adaptor-binding domain are not at the inter-SH2 interface but in a polar surface patch that is a plausible docking site for other domains in the holo p110/p85 complex. We also examined helical domain mutations and found that the Glu545 to Lys545 (E545K) oncogenic mutant disrupts an inhibitory charge-charge interaction with the p85 N-terminal SH2 domain. These studies extend our understanding of the architecture of PI3Ks and provide insight into how two classes of mutations that cause a gain in function can lead to cancer.     

Binding of SH2 domains of phospholipase C gamma 1, GAP, and Src to activated growth factor receptors

Phospholipase C gamma 1 (PLC gamma 1) and p21ras guanosine triphosphatase (GTPase) activating protein (GAP) bind to and are phosphorylated by activated growth factor receptors. Both PLC gamma 1 and GAP contain two adjacent copies of the noncatalytic Src homology 2 (SH2) domain. The SH2 domains of PLC gamma 1 synthesized individually in bacteria formed high affinity complexes with the epidermal growth factor (EGF)- or platelet derived growth factor (PDGF)-receptors in cell lysates, and bound synergistically to activated receptors when expressed together as one bacterial protein. In vitro complex formation was dependent on prior growth factor stimulation and was competed by intracellular PLC gamma 1. Similar results were obtained for binding of GAP SH2 domains to the PDGF-receptor. The isolated SH2 domains of other signaling proteins, such as p60src and Crk, also bound activated PDGF-receptors in vitro. SH2 domains, therefore, provide a common mechanism by which enzymatically diverse regulatory proteins can physically associate with the same activated receptors and thereby couple growth factor stimulation to intracellular signal transduction pathways.     

Structure of PTB bound to RNA: specific binding and implications for splicing regulation

The polypyrimidine tract binding protein (PTB) is a 58-kilodalton RNA binding protein involved in multiple aspects of messenger RNA metabolism, including the repression of alternative exons. We have determined the solution structures of the four RNA binding domains (RBDs) of PTB, each bound to a CUCUCU oligonucleotide. Each RBD binds RNA with a different binding specificity. RBD3 and RBD4 interact, resulting in an antiparallel orientation of their bound RNAs. Thus, PTB will induce RNA looping when bound to two separated pyrimidine tracts within the same RNA. This leads to structural models for how PTB functions as an alternative-splicing repressor.     

家蚕JAK/STAT信号通路相关基因克隆与分析

【目的】鉴定家蚕JAK/STAT信号通路组成原件,并预测家蚕JAK/STAT信号通路主要相关基因的功能。【方法】在电子克隆的基础上,通过RT-PCR获得家蚕JAK/STAT信号通路的主要相关基因;利用在线软件对相关蛋白进行结构域分析;基于microarray数据库或qPCR分析各基因的组织表达特征。【结果】克隆了家蚕JAK/STAT信号通路主要相关基因,包括BmSTAT、BmHOP、BmSOCS2、BmSOCS5A、BmSOCS5B、BmSOCS6、BmDRK、Bmken、BmPIAS1、BmPIAS2以及BmPI3K,但没有能克隆到果蝇Upd1、Upd2和Upd3的同源体基因。序列分析显示BmHOP具CRD_FZ、Kringle、转膜区域和PKc超家族蛋白激酶催化结构域TyrKc;BmSTAT有2种亚型,均具SH2、STAT_bind、STAT_int和STAT_alpha结构域;在克隆的BmSOCS家族的3个基因中,BmSOCS2A和BmSOCS6A具典型的SH2和SOCS结构域;BmDRK由SH3和SH2两种结构域形成了SH3-SH2-SH3串联结构;BmKen存在BTB和锌指结构域,BmPIAS1和BmPIAS2具有LCR结构域,BmPI3K具有2个SH2结构域。【结论】成功克隆了家蚕JAK/STAT信号通路主要相关基因。相关蛋白的保守结构域分析显示,在家蚕JAK/STAT信号通路中,BmHOP是JAK激酶的一种,可以磷酸化BmSTAT转录因子,激活靶基因转录;BmSOCS、Bmken、BmPIAS1以及BmPIAS2对JAK/STAT通路起负反馈作用。     

团头鲂jphs家族基因的克隆及表达分析

以团头鲂为研究对象,扩增获得Junctophilin(Jph)家族4个成员,jph1a、jph1b、jph2和jph3的cDNA编码序列,分别为2 031、2 016、2 358和2361 bp,分别编码676、671、785和786 aa。团头鲂jphs均由5个外显子和4个内含子组成,与大多数物种的JPHs基因结构相似;结构域预测显示出8个MORN和1个TM结构域,且蛋白多序列比对分析显示Jphs在进化上非常保守。基于qRT-PCR(quantitative real-time PCR)分析显示,这4个基因呈现出组织特异性表达,其中jph1a、jph1b和jph2主要在肌肉和心脏中表达,而jph3主要表达于心脏、血液和大脑。在早期发育过程中,jph1a、jph1b、jph2和jph3的mRNA表达模式类似,分别在原肠胚期、心跳期和25 dph(days post hatching)达到高峰。综上研究结果表明,鱼类jphs基因在心脏和肌肉等组织中发挥重要作用,并且其功能可能不同于哺乳动物。     

分歧多于保守：人、小鼠、大鼠和猪中klf家族进化分析

 为研究人、猪、大鼠、小鼠中klf家族的进化特征,笔者用Clustal X 和MEGA ,在线软件GSGD,K estimator和PAML,在线软件MEME\\MAST和InterProScan,PSORT II分别构建进化亲缘关系树、分析基因结构、鉴定选择压力、注释蛋白质模体和确定核定位信号。结果显示：进化亲缘树及基因结构分析都将KLF家族分为α,β,γ,δ和ε 5个亚类,亚类内各基因结构相似,家族各成员基因随机分布于不同染色体,klf1 和 klf2紧密簇集,猪 klf17 定位于6号染色体而非15号染色体,猪的两对旁系同源基因：klf9和klf9a,klf10和klf10a,及相似家族成员klf1和klf2,分别起源于近期和远期的基因串联复制事件;适应性进化选择压力分析表明,klf13和klf17经历了正选择,其他基因都受到严格的负选择作用;KLF蛋白羧基端都有3个高度保守的串联锌指结构,核定位信号（NLS）位于3串联锌指内或其紧邻上游,氨基端模体则相对多样化,KLF3,KLF4,KLF8和KLF12以其共有的PVDLS/T模体（单字母氨基酸缩写）结合转录辅因子CtBP (C terminus binding protein)进而调控靶基因转录,KLF9,KLF10,KLF11,KLF13,KLF14和KLF16共享转录辅因子Sin3结合结构域SID（Sin3 interacting domain）,KLF7中发现的亮氨酸拉链模体表明其以二聚体的形式参与转录调控。klf家族基因结构和氨基端模体的多样化、羧基端保守锌指结构及进化中经历的负选择压力表明家族进化中经历了转录调控方式和调控功能的多样化,同时保留了结合富含GC启动子的基本模式。     

甘薯中NBS-LRR类抗病基因同源序列的克隆及序列分析

根据已知的NBS-LRR类抗病基因蛋白质的保守序列设计简并引物,用以扩增甘薯基因组中的抗病基因同源序列,获得一条大小约500 bp的扩增片段,克隆测序后得到20个NBS-LRR类抗病基因同源片段RGAS。其推导的氨基酸序列均具有P-loop、Kinase-2a和Kinase-3a及GLPL区等几个保守区,并且可分为TIR-NBS-LRR和non-TIR-NBS-LRR两个亚类。其中10个TIR亚类RGAS与已克隆的N、L6、M等抗病基因相应区段的氨基酸序列的同源性为21%-44%,而10个non-TIR亚类RGAS与已克隆的Prf、RPM1、RPS2等抗病基因相应区段的氨基酸序列的同源性为15%-46%。这些抗病基因同源片段(RGA)可做为分子标记筛选甘薯的抗病候选基因。     

Nanomechanical basis of selective gating by the nuclear pore complex

The nuclear pore complex regulates cargo transport between the cytoplasm and the nucleus. We set out to correlate the governing biochemical interactions to the nanoscopic responses of the phenylalanineglycine (FG)-rich nucleoporin domains, which are involved in attenuating or promoting cargo translocation. We found that binding interactions with the transport receptor karyopherin-beta1 caused the FG domains of the human nucleoporin Nup153 to collapse into compact molecular conformations. This effect was reversed by the action of Ran guanosine triphosphate, which returned the FG domains into a polymer brush-like, entropic barrier conformation. Similar effects were observed in Xenopus oocyte nuclei in situ. Thus, the reversible collapse of the FG domains may play an important role in regulating nucleocytoplasmic transport.     

Identification and Bioinformatics Analysis of SnRK2 and CIPK Family Genes in Sorghum

Through bioinformatic data mining, 10 SnRK2 and 31 CIPK genes were identified from sorghum genome. They are unevenly distributed in the sorghum chromosomes. Most SnRK2 genes have 8 introns, while the CIPK genes have a few （no intron or less than 3 introns） or more than I0 introns. Phylogenetic analysis revealed that SnRK2 genes belong to one cluster and CIPK genes form the other independent cluster. The sorghum SnRK2s are subgrouped into three parts, and CIPK into five parts. More than half SnRK2 and CIPK genes present in homologous pairs, suggesting gene duplication may be due to the amplification of SnRK family genes. The kinase domains of SnRK2 family are highly conserved with 88.40% identity, but those of the CIPK family are less conserved with 63.72% identity. And the identity of sorghum CBLinteracting NAF domains of CIPKs is 61.66%. What＇s more, regarding to the sorghum SnRK2 and CIPK kinases, they are characterized with distinct motifs and their subcellular localization is not necessarily the same, which suggests they may be divergent in functions. Due to less conserved sequences, complex subcellular localization, and more family members, sorghum CIPK genes may play more flexible and multiple biological functions. According to the phylogenetic analysis of SnRK genes and SnRK functional studies in other plants, it is speculated that sorghum SnRK2 and CIPK genes may play important roles in stress response, growth and development.     

Synapses form in skeletal muscles lacking neuregulin receptors

The formation of the neuromuscular junction (NMJ) is directed by reciprocal interactions between motor neurons and muscle fibers. Neuregulin (NRG) and Agrin from motor nerve terminals are both implicated. Here, we demonstrate that NMJs can form in the absence of the NRG receptors ErbB2 and ErbB4 in mouse muscle. Postsynaptic differentiation is, however, induced by Agrin. We therefore conclude that NRG signaling to muscle is not required for NMJ formation. The effects of NRG signaling to muscle may be mediated indirectly through Schwann cells.     

Resolution of a signal transfer region from a general binding domain in gbeta for stimulation of phospholipase C-beta2

Signaling by guanine nucleotide-binding proteins (G proteins) involves sequential protein-protein interactions. G protein-betagamma subunit (Gbetagamma) interactions with phospholipase C-beta2 (PLC-beta2) were studied to determine if all Gbeta contacts are required for signaling. A peptide encoding Gbeta amino acid residues 86 to 105 stimulated PLC-beta2. Six residues (96 to 101) within this sequence could transfer signals and thus constitute a core signal transfer region. Another peptide, encoding Gbeta amino acid residues 115 to 135, did not substantially stimulate PLC-beta2 by itself but inhibited Gbetagamma stimulation, indicating that residues 115 to 135 constitute a general binding domain. Resolution of signal transfer regions from general binding domains indicates that all protein-protein contacts are not required for signal transfer and that it may be feasible to synthesize agonists and antagonists that regulate intracellular signal flow.     

Autosomal recessive hypercholesterolemia caused by mutations in a putative LDL receptor adaptor protein

Atherogenic low density lipoproteins are cleared from the circulation by hepatic low density lipoprotein receptors (LDLR). Two inherited forms of hypercholesterolemia result from loss of LDLR activity: autosomal dominant familial hypercholesterolemia (FH), caused by mutations in the LDLR gene, and autosomal recessive hypercholesterolemia (ARH), of unknown etiology. Here we map the ARH locus to an approximately 1-centimorgan interval on chromosome 1p35 and identify six mutations in a gene encoding a putative adaptor protein (ARH). ARH contains a phosphotyrosine binding (PTB) domain, which in other proteins binds NPXY motifs in the cytoplasmic tails of cell-surface receptors, including the LDLR. ARH appears to have a tissue-specific role in LDLR function, as it is required in liver but not in fibroblasts.     

苹果砧木‘SH6’中RGLs基因的克隆及生物信息学分析

【目的】从苹果砧木‘SH6’中分离出三个DELLA家族基因RGL1b,RGL2a,RGL2b,为探究苹果DELLA蛋白家族对植株生长发育的调控机理,对这三个基因进行了生物信息学分析。【方法】通过克隆技术从苹果砧木‘SH6’中分离得到RGL1b,RGL2a,RGL2b的编码序列,利用生物学工具分析其序列特征,采用实时荧光定量PCR方法分析其基因表达水平。【结果】序列分析表明,苹果砧木‘SH6’的3种RGLs序列具有较高相似性,均存在DELLA蛋白和GRAS家族的结构特征。但序列也存在部分差异,预测其编码的蛋白都具有亲水性能,RGL1b,RGL2a蛋白大部分定位在细胞质,而RGL2b主要分布在细胞核。用实时荧光定量PCR方法,检测了‘SH6’及其亲本‘国光’中这3种RGLs基因的相对表达水平,结果显示,RGL1b,RGL2a,RGL2b在‘SH6’中的表达量均明显高于‘国光’中的表达。【结论】苹果砧木‘SH6’中RGL1b,RGL2a,RGL2b基因可能在果树矮化中发挥重要作用。     

普通烟草及其祖先种基因组SSR位点分析

【目的】普通烟草(N.tabacum,2n=24Ⅱ=48 TTSS)及其2个祖先种-绒毛状烟草(N.tomentosoformis,2n=12Ⅱ=24 TT)和林烟草(N.sylvestris,2n=12Ⅱ=24 SS)基因组SSR位点信息的统计分析,有助于烟草属植物的遗传分析。【方法】从公共数据库NCBI(National Center for Biotechnology Information)中下载上述3个烟草基因组数据,应用SSRIT和TRF软件分析其各自SSR位点分布特征,每个基因组随机合成50对SSR引物扩增多态性。【结果】在绒毛状烟草基因组、林烟草基因组和普通烟草基因组中分别获得218 081、263 478和397 432个SSR总位点,其间的平均距离分别为7.52、7.78和9.06 kb。绝大部分的SSR位点分布在内含子和UTR(尤其是5′-UTR)区域;以2核苷酸和3核苷酸类型为主,占基因组内SSR位点总数目的 2/3以上,其中,2核苷酸类型丰度最高;含有A(T)n基序结构的频率及数量最高;除单核苷酸类型外,重复次数多在3—10。150对合成的引物对8个烟草种DNAs进行PCR反应,所有材料均能扩增出清晰稳定的目标片段,其中36对引物显示多态性。【结论】绒毛状烟草、林烟草和普通烟草基因组内SSR呈现一定的分布特征,表明SSR位点在亲缘关系相对较近的烟草种间具有高度保守性。     

Functional characterization of the catalytic and bromodomain of FgGCN5 in development,DON production and virulence of Fusarium graminearum

FgGCN5, a GCN5 homolog in Fusarium graminearum, plays a critical role in hyphal vegetative growth, asexual and sexual reproduction, deoxynivalenol(DON) biosynthesis and plant infection. For nuclear localized GCN5, four conserved sequence motifs(I–IV) are presented in the catalytic domain and a bromodomain in the carboxy-terminus. As a lysine acetyltransferase, conserved negatively charged residues are present to neutralize the protons from lysine substrates. However, the role of conserved motifs/domains and residues in FgGCN5 are unclear. Here, we generated deletion mutant strains for each the conserved motifs/domains and a glutamate residue 130(E130) replacement mutant. Deletion of each conserved motif in the catalytic domain and replacement of E130 site resulted in manifold defects in hyphae growth, asexual and sexual development, DON biosynthesis, and plant infection. Phenotypic defects in the mutant strains were similar to deletion mutants. The deletion of the bromodomain led a significant reduction in DON production and virulence, with no effects on hyphae growth, asexual or sexual reproduction. FgGCN5 was further found to localize to the nucleus in conidia and hyphae cells. In conclusion, FgGCN5 encodes a nuclear localized acetyltransferase. The conserved motifs in the catalytic domain and E130 are essential for correct functions of the gene. The conserved bromodomain is important for DON production and pathogen virulence. This was the first report to identify the functions of conserved motifs/domains in FgGCN5, which will contribute to our understanding of the mechanism(s) by which FgGCN5 regulates F. graminearum.     

基因组水平上拟南芥和水稻mrs2基因家族的比较系统发生分析

mrs2（mitochondrial RNA splicing2）基因是植物线粒体中Ⅱ类内含子自我剪接缺陷的抑制基因，同时参与了植物中镁离子的运输。本研究利用已经分离的植物的mrs2基因，鉴别出MRS2结构域，同时对拟南芥和水稻中的mrs2基因家族的成员进行了鉴定；利用这些基因编码的蛋白质序列构建了系统发生树，并进行了序列保守性分析，最后查找了相关基因的EST表达信息。结果表明：①系统发生分析表明拟南芥和水稻的mrs2基因的结构在拟南芥和水稻分离之前已经形成，并在分离之后按照物种特异性的方式进行了扩张；②MEME分析表明植物的Mrs2蛋白质具有高度保守的基序，并且在蛋白质中的排列顺序也大致相似；③mrs2基因在拟南芥和水稻中的表达有差异，但在部分表达上仍保持了一致性。