Change in pH-dependent membrane insertion characteristics of trichosanthin caused by deletion of its last seven C-terminal amino acid residues

Biochemistry. Biokhimii︠a︡
Fan ZhangSen-Fang Sui

Abstract

Trichosanthin (TCS) is a type I ribosome-inactivating protein (RIP) that can selectively kill some types of cells at low concentration (0.1-1 nM). The pH-dependent membrane insertion ability of TCS makes it possible that the internalized toxin avoids degradation in lysosomes and further undergoes transportation into the cytosol by some still unidentified mechanism. Here, we show that deletion of C-terminal residues affects interactions of modified TCS (C7-TCS) with lipids and reduces its pH-dependent membrane insertion ability. Fluorescence measurements indicate that at low pH C7-TCS undergoes profound conformational changes that causes exposure of a hydrophobic region and leads to oligomerization of the C7-TCS molecules. The results suggest that the membrane insertion of TCS at low pH might be important for translocation of TCS into the cytosol, which is important for exertion of the RIP activity of TCS. Deletion of the last seven C-terminal residues of TCS would reduce both its RIP activity in vitro and cytotoxicity in vivo, with the degree of decrease being more significant for the cytotoxicity in vivo.

Citations

Apr 8, 2020·ACS Pharmacology & Translational Science·Akmal M AsrorovYongzhuo Huang
Apr 5, 2005·Toxicon : Official Journal of the International Society on Toxinology·Pang-Chui ShawKam-Bo Wong
Oct 22, 2011·Biochimica Et Biophysica Acta·Luis Fernando ReyesAna Paula U Araújo

❮ Previous
Next ❯

Related Concepts

Trending Feeds

COVID-19

Coronaviruses encompass a large family of viruses that cause the common cold as well as more serious diseases, such as the ongoing outbreak of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19; formally known as 2019-nCoV). Coronaviruses can spread from animals to humans; symptoms include fever, cough, shortness of breath, and breathing difficulties; in more severe cases, infection can lead to death. This feed covers recent research on COVID-19.

Blastomycosis

Blastomycosis fungal infections spread through inhaling Blastomyces dermatitidis spores. Discover the latest research on blastomycosis fungal infections here.

Nuclear Pore Complex in ALS/FTD

Alterations in nucleocytoplasmic transport, controlled by the nuclear pore complex, may be involved in the pathomechanism underlying multiple neurodegenerative diseases including Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis and Frontotemporal Dementia. Here is the latest research on the nuclear pore complex in ALS and FTD.

Applications of Molecular Barcoding

The concept of molecular barcoding is that each original DNA or RNA molecule is attached to a unique sequence barcode. Sequence reads having different barcodes represent different original molecules, while sequence reads having the same barcode are results of PCR duplication from one original molecule. Discover the latest research on molecular barcoding here.

Chronic Fatigue Syndrome

Chronic fatigue syndrome is a disease characterized by unexplained disabling fatigue; the pathology of which is incompletely understood. Discover the latest research on chronic fatigue syndrome here.

Evolution of Pluripotency

Pluripotency refers to the ability of a cell to develop into three primary germ cell layers of the embryo. This feed focuses on the mechanisms that underlie the evolution of pluripotency. Here is the latest research.

Position Effect Variegation

Position Effect Variagation occurs when a gene is inactivated due to its positioning near heterochromatic regions within a chromosome. Discover the latest research on Position Effect Variagation here.

STING Receptor Agonists

Stimulator of IFN genes (STING) are a group of transmembrane proteins that are involved in the induction of type I interferon that is important in the innate immune response. The stimulation of STING has been an active area of research in the treatment of cancer and infectious diseases. Here is the latest research on STING receptor agonists.

Microbicide

Microbicides are products that can be applied to vaginal or rectal mucosal surfaces with the goal of preventing, or at least significantly reducing, the transmission of sexually transmitted infections. Here is the latest research on microbicides.