A peptide mimicking the C-terminal part of the reactive center loop induces the transition to the latent form of Plasminogen Activator Inhibitor Type-1

in FEBS Letters (2012), 586

Plasminogen Activator Inhibitor-1 (PAI-1) is the primary inhibitor of plasminogen activators (uPA and tPA) and thus plays a central role in fibrinolysis. The spontaneous insertion of its Reactive Centre ... [more ▼]

Plasminogen Activator Inhibitor-1 (PAI-1) is the primary inhibitor of plasminogen activators (uPA and tPA) and thus plays a central role in fibrinolysis. The spontaneous insertion of its Reactive Centre Loop (RCL) into beta-sheet A is responsible for its irreversible conversion into the inactive latent form. In this study, we used two peptides mimicking residues P14-P9 and P8-P3 of the RCL so as to understand this dynamic process. We show that both peptides inhibit the formation of PAI 1/uPA and PAI-1/tPA complexes via two different mechanisms. Targeting the N-terminal part of the loop induces the cleavage of PAI-1 by the proteases uPA/tPA while targeting its C-terminal part greatly favors the irreversible formation of latent PAI-1. [less ▲]

Characterization of a novel aphid prenyltransferase displaying dual geranyl/farnesyl diphosphate synthase activity

in FEBS Letters (2008), 582(16), 19281934

We report on the cDNA cloning and characterization of a novel short-chain isoprenyl diphosphate synthase from the aphid Myzus persicae. Of the three IPPS cDNAs we cloned, two yielded prenyltransferase ... [more ▼]

We report on the cDNA cloning and characterization of a novel short-chain isoprenyl diphosphate synthase from the aphid Myzus persicae. Of the three IPPS cDNAs we cloned, two yielded prenyltransferase activity following expression in Escherichia coli; these cDNAs encode identical proteins except for the presence, in one of them, of an N-terminal mitochondrial targeting peptide. Although the aphid enzyme was predicted to be a farnesyl diphosphate synthase by BLASTP analysis, rMpIPPS, when isopentenyl diphosphate and dimethylallyl diphosphate are supplied as substrates, typically generated geranyl diphosphate (C10) as its main product, along with significant quantities of farnesyl diphosphate (C15). Analysis of an MpIPPS homology model pointed to substitutions that could confer GPP/FPP synthase activity to the aphid enzyme. [less ▲]

Transition metal transport

in FEBS Letters (2007), 581(12 Sp. Iss. SI), 2263-2272

Transition metal transporters are of central importance in the plant metal homeostasis network which maintains internal metal concentrations within physiological limits. An overview is given of the ... [more ▼]

Transition metal transporters are of central importance in the plant metal homeostasis network which maintains internal metal concentrations within physiological limits. An overview is given of the functions of known transition metal transporters in the context of the unique chemical properties of their substrates. The modifications of the metal homeostasis network associated with the adaptation to an extreme metalliferous environment are illustrated in two Brassicaceae metal hyperaccumulator model plants based on cross-species transcriptomics studies. In a comparison between higher plants and unicellular algae, hypotheses are generated for evolutionary changes in metal transporter complements associated with the transition to multicellularity. (c) 2007 Federation of European Biochemical Societies. Published by Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved. [less ▲]

The effect of growth at low temperature on the activity and expression of the uncoupling protein in Acanthamoeba castellanii mitochondria.

in FEBS Letters (2004), 569

Mitochondria of amoeba Acanthamoeba castellanii, a non-photosynthetic soil amoeboid protozoon, possess an uncoupling protein (AcUCP) that mediates free fatty acid-activated proton re-uptake dissipating ... [more ▼]

Mitochondria of amoeba Acanthamoeba castellanii, a non-photosynthetic soil amoeboid protozoon, possess an uncoupling protein (AcUCP) that mediates free fatty acid-activated proton re-uptake dissipating the proton electrochemical gradient built up by respiration. The present study provides the first evidence that UCP could be a cold response protein in unicellulars. In mitochondria isolated from an amoeba batch culture grown temporarily at low temperature (6 degrees C), the content of AcUCP was increased and correlated with an increase in the linoleic acid (LA)-stimulated UCP-mediated carboxyatractyloside-resistant state 4 respiration, as compared to a control culture (routinely grown at 28 degrees C). Moreover, the cytochrome pathway activity was found to be insensitive to the cold exposure of amoeba cells, as indicated by respiration and membrane potential measurements as well as by an absence of change in the adenine nucleotide translocator and cytochrome oxidase expression levels. Furthermore, in mitochondria from the low-temperature-grown cells, at fixed LA concentration, the increased contribution of AcUCP activity to total mitochondrial phosphorylating respiration accompanied by lower coupling parameters was found, as was confirmed by calculation of this contribution using ADP/O measurements. [less ▲]

Transcription-coupled TA and GC strand asymmetries in the human genome

in FEBS Letters (2003), 555

Abstract Analysis of the whole set of human genes reveals that most of them present TA and GC skews, that these biases are correlated to each other and are speci¢c to gene sequences, exhibiting sharp ... [more ▼]

Abstract Analysis of the whole set of human genes reveals that most of them present TA and GC skews, that these biases are correlated to each other and are speci¢c to gene sequences, exhibiting sharp transitions between transcribed and non-tran- scribed regions. The GC asymmetries cannot be explained solely by a model previously proposed for (G+T) skew based on tran- sitions measured in a small set of human genes. We propose that the GC skew results from additional transcription-coupled mu- tation process that would include transversions. During evolu- tion, both processes acting on a large majority of genes in germ- line cells would have produced these transcription-coupled strand asymmetries. [less ▲]

The intracellular tyrosine residues of the ATP-gated P2X(1) ion channel are essential for its function.

in FEBS Letters (2002)

In this study, we mutated the four highly conserved intracellular tyrosine residues of the P2X(1) ion channel were mutated into phenylalanine. Simultaneous electrophysiological and calcium measurements in ... [more ▼]

In this study, we mutated the four highly conserved intracellular tyrosine residues of the P2X(1) ion channel were mutated into phenylalanine. Simultaneous electrophysiological and calcium measurements in transfected human embryonic kidney (HEK 293) cells indicated that Y362F and Y370F mutants were non-functional, despite their proper plasma membrane expression. The Y16F and Y363F mutants retained 2.2% and 26% of the wild-type P2X(1) activity, respectively. However, no tyrosine phosphorylation was detected on Western blots of P2X(1) immunoprecipitates derived either from HEK 293 cell lysates or from human platelets, expressing P2X(1) endogenously. Thus, Y16, Y362, Y363 and Y370 are required for the appropriate three-dimensional structure and function of the intracellular P2X(1) domains. [less ▲]

Uncoupling protein and alternative oxidase of Dictyostelium discoideum: occurrence, properties and protein expression during vegetative life and starvation-induced early development.

in FEBS Letters (2002), 532

In this study we show that mitochondria of Dictyostelium discoideum contain both alternative oxidase (AOX) and uncoupling protein (UCP). AOX was stimulated by purine mononucleoside and was monomeric. UCP ... [more ▼]

In this study we show that mitochondria of Dictyostelium discoideum contain both alternative oxidase (AOX) and uncoupling protein (UCP). AOX was stimulated by purine mononucleoside and was monomeric. UCP was stimulated by free fatty acids and was poorly sensitive to GTP. Both proteins collaborated in energy dissipation when activated together. AOX expression in free-living ameboid cells decreased strongly from exponential to stationary phase of growth but much less during starvation-induced aggregation. In contrast, UCP expression was constant in all conditions indicating permanent need. Our results suggest that AOX could play a role in cell differentiation, mainly by protecting prespore cells from programmed cell death. [less ▲]

Cloning and expression analysis of an inducible HSP70 gene from tilapia fish

in FEBS Letters (2000), 474(1), 5-10

We isolated and characterized the tilapia (Oreochromis mossambicus) HSP70 gene, highly homologous to other HSP70 genes. A dramatic increase of tilapia HSP70 mRNA levels was observed after heat shock of ... [more ▼]

We isolated and characterized the tilapia (Oreochromis mossambicus) HSP70 gene, highly homologous to other HSP70 genes. A dramatic increase of tilapia HSP70 mRNA levels was observed after heat shock of whole animals in all organs tested. Reporter constructs were tested for transient expression in carp cells and in microinjected zebrafish embryos. The entire isolated regulatory region (-851/+157) was able to mediate heat shock inducible expression of the reporter gene, with no preference for a particular tissue. Our studies represent the first transcriptional analysis of a HSP70 promoter from fish, revealing a powerful tool to direct controlled, tissue-independent gene expression in fish. [less ▲]

Identification and characterization of a protozoan uncoupling protein in Acanthamoeba castellanii.

in FEBS Letters (2000), 467

An uncoupling protein (UCP) was identified in mitochondria from Candida parapsilosis (CpUCP), a non-fermentative parasitic yeast. CpUCP was immunodetected using polyclonal antibodies raised against plant ... [more ▼]

An uncoupling protein (UCP) was identified in mitochondria from Candida parapsilosis (CpUCP), a non-fermentative parasitic yeast. CpUCP was immunodetected using polyclonal antibodies raised against plant UCP. Activity of CpUCP, investigated in mitochondria depleted of free fatty acids, was stimulated by linoleic acid (LA) and inhibited by GTP. Activity of CpUCP enhanced state 4 respiration by decreasing DeltaPsi and lowered the ADP/O ratio. Thus, it was able to divert energy from oxidative phosphorylation. The voltage dependence of electron flux indicated that LA had a pure protonophoretic effect. The discovery of CpUCP proves that UCP-like proteins occur in the four eukaryotic kingdoms: animals, plants, fungi and protists. [less ▲]

Hypoxia-induced activation of HIF-1: role of HIF-1alpha-Hsp90 interaction.

in FEBS Letters (1999), 460(2), 251-6

The protein chaperone heat shock protein 90 (Hsp90) is a major regulator of different transcription factors such as MyoD, a basic helix loop helix (bHLH) protein, and the bHLH-Per-aryl hydrocarbon nuclear ... [more ▼]

The protein chaperone heat shock protein 90 (Hsp90) is a major regulator of different transcription factors such as MyoD, a basic helix loop helix (bHLH) protein, and the bHLH-Per-aryl hydrocarbon nuclear translocator (ARNT)-Sim (PAS) factors Sim and aryl hydrocarbon receptor (Ahr). The transcription factor hypoxia-inducible factor-1alpha (HIF-1alpha), involved in the response to hypoxia, also belongs to the bHLH-PAS family. This work was aimed to investigate the putative role of Hsp90 in HIF-1 activation by hypoxia. Using a EGFP-HIF-1alpha fusion protein, co-immunoprecipitation experiments evidenced that the chimeric protein expressed in COS-7 cells interacts with Hsp90 in normoxia but not in hypoxia. We also demonstrated that Hsp90 interacts with the bHLH-PAS domain of HIF-1alpha. Moreover, Hsp90 is not co-translocated with HIF-1alpha into the nucleus. At last, we showed that Hsp90 activity is essential for HIF-1 activation in hypoxia since it is inhibited in the presence of geldanamycin. These results indicate that Hsp90 is a major regulator in HIF-1alpha activation. [less ▲]