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Fluorescence-based Monitoring of PAD4 Activity via a Pro-fluorescence Substrate Analog
Published on: November 5, 2014
Evolutionary and molecular basis of ADP-ribosylation reversal by zinc-dependent macrodomains
Antonio Ariza1, Qiang Liu2, Nathan P Cowieson3
1School of Biosciences, University of Sheffield, Sheffield, UK; Sir William Dunn School of Pathology, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK.
Abstract:
Dynamic ADP-ribosylation signaling is a crucial pathway that controls fundamental cellular processes, in particular, the response to cellular stresses such as DNA damage, reactive oxygen species, and infection. In some pathogenic microbes, the response to oxidative stress is controlled by a SirTM/zinc-containing macrodomain (Zn-Macro) pair responsible for establishment and removal of the modification, respectively. Targeting this defence mechanism against the host's innate immune response may lead to novel approaches to support the fight against emerging antimicrobial resistance. Earlier studies suggested that Zn-Macros play a key role in the activation of this defence. Therefore, we used phylogenetic, biochemical, and structural approaches to elucidate the functional properties of these enzymes. Using the substrate mimetic asparagine-ADP-ribose as well as the ADP-ribose product, we characterize the catalytic role of the zinc ion in the removal of the ADP-ribosyl modification. Furthermore, we determined structural properties that contribute to substrate selectivity within the different Zn-Macro branches. Together, our data not only give new insights into the Zn-Macro family but also highlight their distinct features that may be exploited for the development of future therapies.
Insights
Zinc-containing macrodomains (Zn-Macros) are key in microbial defense against oxidative stress. This study reveals their catalytic mechanisms and substrate selectivity, offering potential for new antimicrobial therapies.
Area of Science:
- Biochemistry
- Molecular Biology
- Structural Biology
Background:
- ADP-ribosylation signaling regulates cellular responses to stress, including DNA damage and infection.
- Pathogenic microbes utilize SirTM/zinc-containing macrodomain (Zn-Macro) enzyme pairs to manage oxidative stress responses.
- Understanding Zn-Macro function is crucial for developing strategies against antimicrobial resistance.
Purpose of the Study:
- To elucidate the functional properties of Zn-Macro enzymes involved in microbial defense.
- To investigate the catalytic role of the zinc ion in ADP-ribosyl modification removal.
- To determine structural determinants of substrate selectivity within the Zn-Macro family.
Main Methods:
- Phylogenetic analysis to understand evolutionary relationships.
- Biochemical assays using substrate mimetics and product analogs.
- Structural biology approaches to determine enzyme-host interactions.
Main Results:
- Characterization of the catalytic role of zinc ions in the removal of ADP-ribosyl modifications.
- Identification of structural features governing substrate selectivity across different Zn-Macro branches.
- Elucidation of the functional mechanisms of Zn-Macro enzymes in microbial stress response.
Conclusions:
- Zn-Macro enzymes play a critical role in microbial defense mechanisms.
- The zinc ion is essential for the catalytic activity of Zn-Macros in removing ADP-ribosylation.
- Distinct structural features of Zn-Macros contribute to their substrate specificity, presenting therapeutic targets.
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