Plant science. SWEET! The pathway is complete.

Science. 2012 Jan 13; 335(6065): 173-4
Braun DM

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Plant science. SWEET! The pathway is complete.

Plant science. SWEET! The pathway is complete.

Science. 2012 Jan 13; 335(6065): 173-4
Braun DM

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Plant science. SWEET! The pathway is complete.

Differences in cap formation between invasive Entamoeba histolytica and non-invasive Entamoeba dispar.

Parasitol Res. 2012 Jan 26;
Chávez-Munguía B, Talamás-Rohana P, Castañón G, Salazar-Villatoro L, Hernández-Ramírez V, Martínez-Palomo A

The rapid redistribution of surface antigen-antibody complexes in trophozoites of the human protozoan parasite Entamoeba histolytica, in a process known as capping, has been considered as a means of the parasite to evade the host immune response. So far, capping has been documented in the invasive E. histolytica, whereas the mobility of surface components in the non-invasive Entamoeba dispar is not known. E. dispar does not induce liver lesions in rodent experimental models, in contrast to the liver abscesses produced by E. histolytica in the same animal model. We have therefore analyzed the mobility of surface receptors to the lectin concanavalin A and of Rab11, a membrane-associated protein, in both species of Entamoebae by confocal fluorescence microscopy and transmission and scanning electron microscopy. The great majority of E. histolytica trophozoites became morphologically polarized through the formation of well-defined caps at the posterior pole of the parasite. Actin colocalized with the lectin caps. Antibodies against the membrane protein Rab 11 also produced capping. In striking contrast, in E. dispar, the mobility of concanavalin A surface receptors was restricted to the formation of irregular surface patches that did no progress to constitute well-defined caps. Also, anti-Rab 11 antibodies did not result in capping in E. dispar. Whether the failure of E. dispar to efficiently mobilize surface molecules in response to lectin or antibodies as shown in the present results is related to its non-invasive character represents an interesting hypothesis requiring further analysis.

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Differences in cap formation between invasive Entamoeba histolytica and non-invasive Entamoeba dispar.

Differences in cap formation between invasive Entamoeba histolytica and non-invasive Entamoeba dispar.

Parasitol Res. 2012 Jan 26;
Chávez-Munguía B, Talamás-Rohana P, Castañón G, Salazar-Villatoro L, Hernández-Ramírez V, Martínez-Palomo A

The rapid redistribution of surface antigen-antibody complexes in trophozoites of the human protozoan parasite Entamoeba histolytica, in a process known as capping, has been considered as a means of the parasite to evade the host immune response. So far, capping has been documented in the invasive E. histolytica, whereas the mobility of surface components in the non-invasive Entamoeba dispar is not known. E. dispar does not induce liver lesions in rodent experimental models, in contrast to the liver abscesses produced by E. histolytica in the same animal model. We have therefore analyzed the mobility of surface receptors to the lectin concanavalin A and of Rab11, a membrane-associated protein, in both species of Entamoebae by confocal fluorescence microscopy and transmission and scanning electron microscopy. The great majority of E. histolytica trophozoites became morphologically polarized through the formation of well-defined caps at the posterior pole of the parasite. Actin colocalized with the lectin caps. Antibodies against the membrane protein Rab 11 also produced capping. In striking contrast, in E. dispar, the mobility of concanavalin A surface receptors was restricted to the formation of irregular surface patches that did no progress to constitute well-defined caps. Also, anti-Rab 11 antibodies did not result in capping in E. dispar. Whether the failure of E. dispar to efficiently mobilize surface molecules in response to lectin or antibodies as shown in the present results is related to its non-invasive character represents an interesting hypothesis requiring further analysis.

Link:
Differences in cap formation between invasive Entamoeba histolytica and non-invasive Entamoeba dispar.

Identification and characterization of equine herpesvirus type 1 (EHV-1) pUL56 and its role in virus-induced downregulation of MHC class I.

J Virol. 2012 Jan 25;
Ma G, Feineis S, Osterrieder N, Van de Walle GR

Major histocompatibility complex class I (MHC-I) molecules play an important role in host immunity to infection by presenting antigenic peptides to cytotoxic T lymphocytes (CTL), which recognize and destroy virus-infected cells. Members of Herpesviridae have developed multiple mechanisms to avoid CTL recognition by virtue of downregulation of MHC-I on the cell surface. We report here on an immunomodulatory protein involved in this process, pUL56, which is encoded by ORF1 of equine herpesvirus type 1 (EHV-1), an alphaherpesvirus. We show that EHV-1 pUL56 is a phosphorylated early protein, which is expressed as different forms and predominantly localizes to Golgi membranes. In addition, the transmembrane (TM) domain of the type II membrane protein was shown to be indispensable for correct subcellular localization and a proper function. pUL56 by itself is not functional with respect to interference with MHC-I and likely needs (an)other unidentified viral protein(s) to perform this action. Surprisingly, pUL49.5, an inhibitor of the transporter associated with antigen processing (TAP) and encoded by EHV-1 and related viruses, appeared not to be required for pUL56-induced early MHC-I downmodulation in infected cells. In conclusion, our data identify a new immunomodulatory protein, pUL56, involved in MHC-I downregulation, which is unable to perform its function outside of the context of viral infection.

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Identification and characterization of equine herpesvirus type 1 (EHV-1) pUL56 and its role in virus-induced downregulation of MHC class I.

Identification and characterization of equine herpesvirus type 1 (EHV-1) pUL56 and its role in virus-induced downregulation of MHC class I.

J Virol. 2012 Jan 25;
Ma G, Feineis S, Osterrieder N, Van de Walle GR

Major histocompatibility complex class I (MHC-I) molecules play an important role in host immunity to infection by presenting antigenic peptides to cytotoxic T lymphocytes (CTL), which recognize and destroy virus-infected cells. Members of Herpesviridae have developed multiple mechanisms to avoid CTL recognition by virtue of downregulation of MHC-I on the cell surface. We report here on an immunomodulatory protein involved in this process, pUL56, which is encoded by ORF1 of equine herpesvirus type 1 (EHV-1), an alphaherpesvirus. We show that EHV-1 pUL56 is a phosphorylated early protein, which is expressed as different forms and predominantly localizes to Golgi membranes. In addition, the transmembrane (TM) domain of the type II membrane protein was shown to be indispensable for correct subcellular localization and a proper function. pUL56 by itself is not functional with respect to interference with MHC-I and likely needs (an)other unidentified viral protein(s) to perform this action. Surprisingly, pUL49.5, an inhibitor of the transporter associated with antigen processing (TAP) and encoded by EHV-1 and related viruses, appeared not to be required for pUL56-induced early MHC-I downmodulation in infected cells. In conclusion, our data identify a new immunomodulatory protein, pUL56, involved in MHC-I downregulation, which is unable to perform its function outside of the context of viral infection.

See original here:
Identification and characterization of equine herpesvirus type 1 (EHV-1) pUL56 and its role in virus-induced downregulation of MHC class I.

Rab1b regulates COPI and COPII dynamics in mammalian cells.

Cell Logist. 2011 7; 1(4): 159-163
García IA, Martinez HE, Alvarez C

Rabs GTPases are key regulatory factors that specifically associate to organelles that integrate membrane transport pathways. Rabs, through their interactions with diverse effector proteins, regulate the formation, movement, tethering and fusion of transport carriers (vesicles and/or tubules). The mammalian Rab1b GTPase is required for ER to Golgi transport and interacts with multiple effectors localized at the ER-Golgi interface. Here, we focus on interactions between Rab1b and effectors that play essential roles in COPII and COPI vesicle formation/function. Based on evidence to date, we propose a model of Rab1b action at the ER exit sites.

Link:
Rab1b regulates COPI and COPII dynamics in mammalian cells.

Rab1b regulates COPI and COPII dynamics in mammalian cells.

Cell Logist. 2011 7; 1(4): 159-163
García IA, Martinez HE, Alvarez C

Rabs GTPases are key regulatory factors that specifically associate to organelles that integrate membrane transport pathways. Rabs, through their interactions with diverse effector proteins, regulate the formation, movement, tethering and fusion of transport carriers (vesicles and/or tubules). The mammalian Rab1b GTPase is required for ER to Golgi transport and interacts with multiple effectors localized at the ER-Golgi interface. Here, we focus on interactions between Rab1b and effectors that play essential roles in COPII and COPI vesicle formation/function. Based on evidence to date, we propose a model of Rab1b action at the ER exit sites.

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Rab1b regulates COPI and COPII dynamics in mammalian cells.

Quantitative analysis predicts the relative therapeutic efficacy of different forms of CTLA4Ig.

Mol Immunol. 2011 Dec; 49(3): 527-36
Jansson A, Davis SJ

Modulating the activities of costimulatory molecules controlling immune responses holds considerable promise for immunotherapy. CTLA4Ig (abatacept), a soluble version of the T cell-expressed membrane receptor CTLA-4, is approved for the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis. Like natural CTLA-4 molecules, CTLA4Ig ligates B7-1 and B7-2 on antigen presenting cells, preventing CD28-mediated costimulation of T cells. However, CTLA4Ig can also prevent ligation of CTLA-4, potentially blocking vital inhibitory signals, thereby augmenting immunity. There have been no quantitative analyses of the likely effects of CTLA4Ig on costimulatory interactions at the immunological synapse. We present a mathematical model, based on rigorous biophysical and expression data, for simulating the effects of abatacept and a mutated derivative, LEA29Y, on the synaptic interactions of CD28 and CTLA-4. The simulations reveal an unexpectedly large window within which CD28, but not CTLA-4, ligation is blocked by CTLA4Ig, perhaps explaining the efficacy of abatacept at the recommended therapeutic dose (10mg/kg) and its relative safety. However, the simulations suggest that the present dosing regimen is close to the maximum theoretically safe dose. The simulations also show that, within the therapeutic window, LEA29Y enhances the interaction of CTLA-4 with the more potent of its two native ligands, B7-1. They also suggest that CTLA-4 ligation by B7-1 could, in principle, be enhanced by further decreasing the off-rate of CTLA4Ig for binding to B7-2. Our findings therefore offer molecular explanations for why LEA29Y might prove to be more effective than abatacept in a clinical setting, and suggest ways in which its therapeutic efficacy could be further optimised.

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Quantitative analysis predicts the relative therapeutic efficacy of different forms of CTLA4Ig.

Small GTPase Rab12 regulates transferrin receptor degradation: Implications for a novel membrane trafficking pathway from recycling endosomes to lysosomes.

Cell Logist. 2011 7; 1(4): 155-158
Matsui T, Fukuda M

Plasma membrane receptor proteins play a key role in signal transduction and nutrient uptake, thereby controlling quality of receptor proteins is one of the most important issues in cellular logistics. After endocytosis, receptor proteins are generally delivered to lysosomes for degradation or recycled back to the plasma membrane for recycling. Transferrin receptor (TfR) is a well-known representative of recycling receptor proteins, which are traveled between plasma membrane and recycling endosomes. Although the molecular mechanism of the TfR recycling pathway has been extensively investigated in the literature, almost nothing is known about its degradation mechanism. We have recently shown that small GTPase Rab12 and its upstream activator Dennd3 regulate the constitutive degradation of TfR without modulating a conventional endocytic degradation pathway or TfR recycling pathway. Our findings suggest that Rab12 regulates membrane trafficking of TfR from recycling endosomes to lysosomes. In this addendum, we discuss the physiological significance of TfR degradation and the fate of determination of TfR (recycling or degradation).

See the rest here:
Small GTPase Rab12 regulates transferrin receptor degradation: Implications for a novel membrane trafficking pathway from recycling endosomes to lysosomes.

Quantitative analysis predicts the relative therapeutic efficacy of different forms of CTLA4Ig.

Mol Immunol. 2011 Dec; 49(3): 527-36
Jansson A, Davis SJ

Modulating the activities of costimulatory molecules controlling immune responses holds considerable promise for immunotherapy. CTLA4Ig (abatacept), a soluble version of the T cell-expressed membrane receptor CTLA-4, is approved for the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis. Like natural CTLA-4 molecules, CTLA4Ig ligates B7-1 and B7-2 on antigen presenting cells, preventing CD28-mediated costimulation of T cells. However, CTLA4Ig can also prevent ligation of CTLA-4, potentially blocking vital inhibitory signals, thereby augmenting immunity. There have been no quantitative analyses of the likely effects of CTLA4Ig on costimulatory interactions at the immunological synapse. We present a mathematical model, based on rigorous biophysical and expression data, for simulating the effects of abatacept and a mutated derivative, LEA29Y, on the synaptic interactions of CD28 and CTLA-4. The simulations reveal an unexpectedly large window within which CD28, but not CTLA-4, ligation is blocked by CTLA4Ig, perhaps explaining the efficacy of abatacept at the recommended therapeutic dose (10mg/kg) and its relative safety. However, the simulations suggest that the present dosing regimen is close to the maximum theoretically safe dose. The simulations also show that, within the therapeutic window, LEA29Y enhances the interaction of CTLA-4 with the more potent of its two native ligands, B7-1. They also suggest that CTLA-4 ligation by B7-1 could, in principle, be enhanced by further decreasing the off-rate of CTLA4Ig for binding to B7-2. Our findings therefore offer molecular explanations for why LEA29Y might prove to be more effective than abatacept in a clinical setting, and suggest ways in which its therapeutic efficacy could be further optimised.

Read more:
Quantitative analysis predicts the relative therapeutic efficacy of different forms of CTLA4Ig.

Small GTPase Rab12 regulates transferrin receptor degradation: Implications for a novel membrane trafficking pathway from recycling endosomes to lysosomes.

Cell Logist. 2011 7; 1(4): 155-158
Matsui T, Fukuda M

Plasma membrane receptor proteins play a key role in signal transduction and nutrient uptake, thereby controlling quality of receptor proteins is one of the most important issues in cellular logistics. After endocytosis, receptor proteins are generally delivered to lysosomes for degradation or recycled back to the plasma membrane for recycling. Transferrin receptor (TfR) is a well-known representative of recycling receptor proteins, which are traveled between plasma membrane and recycling endosomes. Although the molecular mechanism of the TfR recycling pathway has been extensively investigated in the literature, almost nothing is known about its degradation mechanism. We have recently shown that small GTPase Rab12 and its upstream activator Dennd3 regulate the constitutive degradation of TfR without modulating a conventional endocytic degradation pathway or TfR recycling pathway. Our findings suggest that Rab12 regulates membrane trafficking of TfR from recycling endosomes to lysosomes. In this addendum, we discuss the physiological significance of TfR degradation and the fate of determination of TfR (recycling or degradation).

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Small GTPase Rab12 regulates transferrin receptor degradation: Implications for a novel membrane trafficking pathway from recycling endosomes to lysosomes.

Today’s first nano-related talk: Membrane protein folding and the regulation of membrane function, 13.00, http://t.co/9ZsSnyNp

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Today’s first nano-related talk: Membrane protein folding and the regulation of membrane function, 13.00, http://t.co/9ZsSnyNp

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Quantitative Proteome Analysis of HCC Cell Lines with Different …

So it suits for not only whole-cell protein analysis, but also membrane protein identification and quantification.In order to make further exploration into the mechanism of Plasma membrane proteins are associated with multiple steps of metastasis process, such as breakaway from primary site, adhesion to extracellular matrix, infiltration into blood and lymphatic vessels, cell migriation, and lodgment to target organs. Because of the accessibility, plasma membrane

See the article here:
Quantitative Proteome Analysis of HCC Cell Lines with Different …

Quantitative Proteome Analysis of HCC Cell Lines with Different …

So it suits for not only whole-cell protein analysis, but also membrane protein identification and quantification.In order to make further exploration into the mechanism of Plasma membrane proteins are associated with multiple steps of metastasis process, such as breakaway from primary site, adhesion to extracellular matrix, infiltration into blood and lymphatic vessels, cell migriation, and lodgment to target organs. Because of the accessibility, plasma membrane

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Quantitative Proteome Analysis of HCC Cell Lines with Different …