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Updated: Jul 6, 2026

Identifying Protein-protein Interaction Sites Using Peptide Arrays
Published on: November 18, 2014
Pyrin, product of the MEFV locus, interacts with the proapoptotic protein, Siva
Banu Balci-Peynircioglu1, Andrea L Waite, Chunbo Hu
1Department of Medical Biology, Faculty of Medicine, Hacettepe University, Ankara, Turkey.
Abstract:
Mutations in pyrin cause the autoinflammatory disorder familial Mediterranean fever (FMF), a syndrome characterized by sporadic and unpredictable attacks of fever and localized severe pain. Currently, it is not clear how attacks are triggered, nor why they spontaneously resolve after 2 or 3 days. In fact, the cellular function of the pyrin protein and the molecular underpinnings of its malfunction in FMF have so far eluded clear definition. The identification of pyrin-interacting proteins has the potential to increase our understanding of the cellular networks in which pyrin functions. Previous reports have established that pyrin interacts with the apoptotic protein ASC, the cytoskeletal adaptor protein PSTPIP1, the inflammatory caspase, Caspase-1 and certain forms of the cytosolic anchoring protein 14-3-3. Here, we report that pyrin also interacts with Siva, a pro-apoptotic protein first identified for its interaction with the cytosolic tail of CD27, a TNF family receptor. The interaction between pyrin and Siva involves the C-terminal B30.2/rfp/SRPY domain of pyrin and exon 1 of Siva. We show that Siva and pyrin are indeed co-expressed in human neutrophils, monocytes, and synovial cells. Furthermore, using a novel protein/protein interaction assay, we demonstrate that pyrin can recruit Siva to ASC specks, establishing a potential platform for intersection of ASC and Siva function. Finally, we show that pyrin modulates the apoptotic response to oxidative stress mediated by Siva. Thus, the Siva-pyrin interaction may be a potential target for future therapeutic strategies.
Insights
Pyrin interacts with Siva, a pro-apoptotic protein, potentially explaining familial Mediterranean fever (FMF) triggers and resolution. This Siva-pyrin interaction may offer new therapeutic targets for FMF.
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Cell Biology
- Genetics
Background:
- Familial Mediterranean fever (FMF) is an autoinflammatory disorder caused by pyrin mutations, but its triggers and resolution mechanisms remain unclear.
- Understanding pyrin's cellular function and interactions is crucial for defining FMF's molecular basis.
- Previous studies identified pyrin's interactions with ASC, PSTPIP1, Caspase-1, and 14-3-3 proteins.
Purpose of the Study:
- To identify novel pyrin-interacting proteins and elucidate their role in FMF pathogenesis.
- To investigate the interaction between pyrin and the pro-apoptotic protein Siva.
- To explore the functional consequences of the pyrin-Siva interaction in cellular processes.
Main Methods:
- Protein-protein interaction assays were used to confirm the interaction between pyrin and Siva.
- Co-expression analysis was performed in human neutrophils, monocytes, and synovial cells.
- A novel assay was developed to assess pyrin's ability to recruit Siva to ASC specks.
- The impact of pyrin on Siva-mediated apoptosis under oxidative stress was evaluated.
Main Results:
- Pyrin directly interacts with Siva, involving pyrin's B30.2/rfp/SRPY domain and Siva's exon 1.
- Pyrin and Siva are co-expressed in key immune and inflammatory cells.
- Pyrin recruits Siva to ASC specks, suggesting a platform for signal integration.
- Pyrin modulates Siva-induced apoptosis in response to oxidative stress.
Conclusions:
- The interaction between pyrin and Siva represents a novel molecular link in autoinflammatory pathways.
- This interaction provides new insights into the cellular networks involving pyrin and its role in FMF.
- The Siva-pyrin interaction emerges as a potential therapeutic target for FMF and related autoinflammatory conditions.
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