Homology Modules Research Articles

ON THE κ-REGULAR SEQUENCES AND THE GENERALIZATION OF F-MODULES

For a given ideal I of a Noetherian ring R and an arbitrary integer k 1, we apply the concept of k-regular sequences and the no- tion of k-depth to give some results on modules called k-Cohen Macaulay modules, which in local case, is exactly the k-modules (as a generalization of f-modules). Meanwhile, we give an expression of local cohomology with respect to any k-regular sequence in I, in a particular case. We prove that the dimension of homology modules of the Koszul complex with respect to any k-regular sequence is at most k. Therefore homology modules of the Koszul complex with respect to any lter regular sequence has nite length.

MoNetFamily: a web server to infer homologous modules and module–module interaction networks in vertebrates

A module is a fundamental unit forming with highly connected proteins and performs a certain kind of biological functions. Modules and module–module interaction (MMI) network are essential for understanding cellular processes and functions. The MoNetFamily web server can identify the modules, homologous modules (called module family) and MMI networks across multiple species for the query protein(s). This server first finds module candidates of the query by using BLASTP to search the module template database (1785 experimental and 1252 structural templates). MoNetFamily then infers the homologous modules of the selected module candidate using protein–protein interaction (PPI) families. According to homologous modules and PPIs, we statistically calculated MMIs and MMI networks across multiple species. For each module candidate, MoNetFamily identifies its neighboring modules and their MMIs in module networks of Homo sapiens, Mus musculus and Danio rerio. Finally, MoNetFamily shows the conserved proteins, PPI profiles and functional annotations of the module family. Our results indicate that the server can be useful for MMI network (e.g. 1818 modules and 9678 MMIs in H. sapiens) visualizations and query annotations using module families and neighboring modules. We believe that the server is able to provide valuable insights to determine homologous modules and MMI networks across multiple species for studying module evolution and cellular processes. The MoNetFamily sever is available at http://monetfamily.life.nctu.edu.tw.

Genome Organization of Temperate Phage 11143 from Emetic Bacillus cereus NCTC11143

A temperate phage was isolated from emetic Bacillus cereus NCTC 11143 by mitomycin C and characterized by transmission electron microscopy and DNA and protein analyses. Whole genome sequencing of Bacillus phage 11143 was performed by GS-FLX. The phage has a dsDNA genome of 39,077 bp and a 35% G+C content. Bioinformatic analysis of the phage genome revealed 49 putative ORFs involved in replication, morphogenesis, DNA packaging, lysogeny, and host lysis. Bacillus phage 11143 could be classified as a member of the Siphoviridae family by morphology and genome structure. Genomic comparisons at the DNA and protein levels revealed homologous genetic modules with patterns and morphogenesis proteins similar to those of other Bacillus phages. Thus, Bacillus phages might have a mosaic genetic relationship.

Singular homology on hypergestures

In this paper, we interpret the basic cubic chain spaces of singular homology in terms of hypergestures in a topological space over a series of copies of the arrow digraph ↑. This interpretation allows for a generalized homological setup. The generalization is (1) to topological categories instead of to topological spaces and (2) to any sequence of digraph (Γ n ) n∈ℤ instead of to the constant series of ↑. We then define the corresponding chain complexes and prove the core boundary operator equation ∂2=0, enabling the associated homology modules over a commutative ring R. We discuss some geometric examples and a musical one, interpreting contrapuntal rules in terms of singular homology.

Structure and Root Multiplicities for Two Classes of Extended Hyperbolic Kac–Moody Algebras and for all Cases

In this article, we give a realization, determine the homology modules, the structure of maximal ideals, and also compute the root multiplicities for two classes of extended hyperbolic Kac–Moody algebras and for all cases in general.

“On One Property of One Solution of One Equation” or Linear ODE's, Wronskians and Schubert Calculus

For a linear ODE with indeterminate coefficients,we explicitly exhibit a fundamental system of solutions in terms of the coefficients. We show that the generalized Wronskians of the fundamental system are given by an action of the Schur functions on the usual Wronskian, and thence enjoy Pieri's and Giambelli's formulae. As an outcome, we obtain a natural isomorphism between the free module generated by the generalized Wronskians and the singular homology module of the Grassmannian

NCAM2/OCAM/RNCAM: Cell adhesion molecule with a role in neuronal compartmentalization

Neural cell adhesion molecules 2 (NCAM2/OCAM/RNCAM), is a paralog of NCAM1.The protein exists in a transmembrane and a lipid-anchored isoform, and has an ectodomain consisting of five immunoglobulin modules and two fibronectin type 3 homology modules. Structural models of the NCAM2 ectodomain reveal that it facilitates cell adhesion through reciprocal interactions between the membrane-distal immunoglobulin modules. There are no known heterophilic NCAM2 binding partners, and NCAM2 is not glycosylated with polysialic acid, a posttranslational modification known to be a major modulator of NCAM1-mediated processes. This suggests that NCAM2 has a function or mode of action distinctly different from that of NCAM1. NCAM2 is primarily expressed in the brain, where it is believed to stimulate neurite outgrowth and to facilitate dendritic and axonal compartmentalization.

Shoot Branching and Leaf Dissection in Tomato Are Regulated by Homologous Gene Modules

Aerial plant architecture is predominantly determined by shoot branching and leaf morphology, which are governed by apparently unrelated developmental processes, axillary meristem formation, and leaf dissection. Here, we show that in tomato (Solanum lycopersicum), these processes share essential functions in boundary establishment. Potato leaf (C), a key regulator of leaf dissection, was identified to be the closest paralog of the shoot branching regulator Blind (Bl). Comparative genomics revealed that these two R2R3 MYB genes are orthologs of the Arabidopsis thaliana branching regulator REGULATOR OF AXILLARY MERISTEMS1 (RAX1). Expression studies and complementation analyses indicate that these genes have undergone sub- or neofunctionalization due to promoter differentiation. C acts in a pathway independent of other identified leaf dissection regulators. Furthermore, the known leaf complexity regulator Goblet (Gob) is crucial for axillary meristem initiation and acts in parallel to C and Bl. Finally, RNA in situ hybridization revealed that the branching regulator Lateral suppressor (Ls) is also expressed in leaves. All four boundary genes, C, Bl, Gob, and Ls, may act by suppressing growth, as indicated by gain-of-function plants. Thus, leaf architecture and shoot architecture rely on a conserved mechanism of boundary formation preceding the initiation of leaflets and axillary meristems.

Coassociated primes of local homology and local cohomology modules

Coassociated primes of local homology and local cohomology modules

Peptidoglycan Remodeling in Mycobacterium tuberculosis: Comparison of Structures and Catalytic Activities of RipA and RipB

The success of Mycobacterium tuberculosis in sustaining long-term survival within the host macrophages partly relies on its unique cell envelop that also confers low susceptibility to several antibiotics. Remodeling of the septal peptidoglycan (PG) has been linked to the putative PG hydrolases RipA and RipB. The crystal structures of RipB (Rv1478) and the homologous module of RipA (Rv1477) were determined to 1.60 Å and 1.38 Å resolution, respectively. Both proteins contain a C-terminal core domain resembling the NlpC-type PG hydrolases. However, the structure of RipB exhibits striking differences to the structures of this domain in RipA reported here and previously by others. Major structural differences were found in the N-terminal segments of 70 amino acids and in an adjacent loop, which form part of the substrate binding groove. Both RipA and RipB are able to bind PG. RipA, its C-terminal module and RipB cleave defined PG fragments between d-glutamate and meso-diaminopimelate with pH optima of 5 and 6, respectively. The peptidase module of RipA is also able to degrade Bacillus subtilis PG, which displays peptide stems and cross-links identical with those found in mycobacterial murein. RipB did not show comparable hydrolase activity with this substrate. Removal of the N-terminal segments previously suggested to have a role in auto-inhibition did not change the activity of either RipA or RipB. A comparison of the putative active-site clefts in the two enzymes provides structural insights into the basis of the differences in their substrate specificity.

The modular structure of haemagglutinin/adhesin regions in gingipains of Porphyromonas gingivalis

High-molecular-weight arginine- and lysine-specific (Kgp) gingipains are essential virulence factors expressed by the oral pathogen Porphyromonas gingivalis. Haemagglutinin/adhesin (HA) regions of these proteases have been implicated in targeting catalytic domains to biological substrates and in other adhesive functions. We now report the crystal structure of the K3 adhesin domain/module of Kgp, which folds into the distinct β-jelly roll sandwich topology previously observed for K2. A conserved structural feature of K3, previously observed in the Kgp K2 module, is the half-way point anchoring of the surface exposed loops via an arginine residue found in otherwise highly variable sequences. Small-angle X-ray scattering data for the recombinant construct K1K2K3 confirmed a structure comprising a tandem repeat of three homologous modules, K1, K2 and K3 while also indicating an unusual 'y'-shape arrangement of the modules connected by variable linker sequences. Only the K2 and K3 modules and a K1K2 construct were observed to be potently haemolytic. K2, K3 and the K1K2 construct showed preferential recognition of haem-albumin over albumin whereas only low affinity binding was detected for K1 and the K1K2K3 construct. The data indicate replication of some biological functions over the three adhesin domains of Kgp while other functions are restricted.

Abstract 426: The molecular microenvironment critically affects the formation of isoDGR-dependent integrin binding sites in fibronectin

Abstract Fibronectin (FN) is an adhesive protein present in most body fluids and in the extracellular matrix of many tissues. This protein mediates a variety of cellular interactions with extracellular matrix and play important roles in haemostasis, thrombosis, inflammation, wound repair and angiogenesis. FN is constituted of three types of repeating homologous modules termed FN-I, FN-II and FN-III. Each module contains binding sites for molecules of the extracellular matrix and for cell adhesion receptors, such as integrins. Moreover, FN contains four NGR sites located in the: 5th type I, 2nd type II, 7th type I repeat, 9th type III repeats. We have previously shown that the NGR site of the 5th type I repeat (FN-I5) rapidly undergoes deamidation leading to formation of isoDGR. A deamidated FN fragment corresponding to this domain binds αvβ3, inhibits endothelial cell adhesion and proliferation and inhibits tumor growth in animal models. In the present study we have investigated the molecular mechanisms that regulate isoDGR formation in FN in vivo. We provide evidence to suggest that FN purified from plasma contains very low amounts of isoDGR (<3%) despite its long half life (48h). In contrast, using anti-isoDGR antibodies, we observed that isoDGR is formed in significant amounts in small FN fragments injected in mice and left to circulate for 4 or 6 h (>17% in 4 h). In vitro cell adhesion assays, antibody binding assays and integrin binding studies showed that FN deamidation can rapidly occur when FN is bound to microtiter plates, a condition known to cause conformational changes in this protein, but not with FN in solution. Rapid deamidation was observed to occur also with short fragments (FN-I5), either adsorbed on microtiter plates or in solution. These results suggest that the kinetics of NGR-to-isoDGR transition in plasma FN is slower than its clearance rate. Furthermore, the finding that conformational changes and/or protein fragmentation increase the kinetics of NGR-to-isoDGR transition suggest that changes in the molecular microenvironment of NGR sites, potentially occurring after FN deposition in tissues, could be critical for the formation of isoDGR integrin binding sites. Citation Format: {Authors}. {Abstract title} [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 102nd Annual Meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research; 2011 Apr 2-6; Orlando, FL. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2011;71(8 Suppl):Abstract nr 426. doi:10.1158/1538-7445.AM2011-426

Myosin II directly binds and inhibits Dbl family guanine nucleotide exchange factors

Cell migration requires the coordinated spatiotemporal regulation of actomyosin contraction and cell protrusion/adhesion. Nonmuscle myosin II (MII) controls Rac1 and Cdc42 activation, and cell protrusion and focal complex formation in migrating cells. However, these mechanisms are poorly understood. Here, we show that MII interacts specifically with multiple Dbl family guanine nucleotide exchange factors (GEFs). Binding is mediated by the conserved tandem Dbl homology‐pleckstrin homology module, the catalytic site of these GEFs, with dissociation constants of ~0.3 microM. Binding to the GEFs required assembly of the MII into filaments and actin‐stimulated ATPase activity. Binding of MII suppressed GEF activity. Accordingly, inhibition of MII ATPase activity caused release of GEFs and activation of Rho GTPases. Depletion of bPIX GEF in migrating NIH3T3 fibroblasts suppressed lamellipodial protrusions and focal complex formation induced by MII inhibition. The results elucidate a functional link between MII and Rac1/Cdc42 GTPases, which may regulate protrusion/adhesion dynamics in migrating cells.

Identification of Nuclear Phosphatidylinositol 4,5-Bisphosphate-Interacting Proteins by Neomycin Extraction

Considerable insight into phosphoinositide-regulated cytoplasmic functions has been gained by identifying phosphoinositide-effector proteins. Phosphoinositide-regulated nuclear functions however are fewer and less clear. To address this, we established a proteomic method based on neomycin extraction of intact nuclei to enrich for nuclear phosphoinositide-effector proteins. We identified 168 proteins harboring phosphoinositide-binding domains. Although the vast majority of these contained lysine/arginine-rich patches with the following motif, K/R-(X(n= 3-7)-K-X-K/R-K/R, we also identified a smaller subset of known phosphoinositide-binding proteins containing pleckstrin homology or plant homeodomain modules. Proteins with no prior history of phosphoinositide interaction were identified, some of which have functional roles in RNA splicing and processing and chromatin assembly. The remaining proteins represent potentially other novel nuclear phosphoinositide-effector proteins and as such strengthen our appreciation of phosphoinositide-regulated nuclear functions. DNA topology was exemplar among these: Biochemical assays validated our proteomic data supporting a direct interaction between phosphatidylinositol 4,5-bisphosphate and DNA Topoisomerase IIα. In addition, a subset of neomycin extracted proteins were further validated as phosphatidyl 4,5-bisphosphate-interacting proteins by quantitative lipid pull downs. In summary, data sets such as this serve as a resource for a global view of phosphoinositide-regulated nuclear functions.

Basement Membrane Deposition of Nidogen 1 but Not Nidogen 2 Requires the Nidogen Binding Module of the Laminin γ1 Chain

The nidogen-laminin interaction is proposed to play a key role in basement membrane (BM) assembly. However, though there are similarities, the phenotypes in mice lacking nidogen 1 and 2 (nidogen double null) differ to those of mice lacking the nidogen binding module (γ1III4) of the laminin γ1 chain. This indicates different cell- and tissue-specific functions for nidogens and their interaction with laminin and poses the question of whether the phenotypes in nidogen double null mice are caused by the loss of the laminin-nidogen interaction or rather by other unknown nidogen functions. To investigate this, we analyzed BMs, in particular those in the skin of mice lacking the nidogen binding module. In contrast to nidogen double null mice, all skin BMs in γ1III4-deficient mice appeared normal. Furthermore, although nidogen 1 deposition was strongly reduced, nidogen 2 appeared unchanged. Mice with additional deletion of the laminin γ3 chain, which contains a γ1-like nidogen binding module, showed a further reduction of nidogen 1 in the dermoepidermal BM; however, this again did not affect nidogen 2. This demonstrates that in vivo only nidogen 1 deposition is critically dependent on the nidogen binding modules of the laminin γ1 and γ3 chains, whereas nidogen 2 is independently recruited either by binding to an alternative site on laminin or to other BM proteins.

Comparison of Family 9 Cellulases from Mesophilic and Thermophilic Bacteria

Cellulases containing a family 9 catalytic domain and a family 3c cellulose binding module (CBM3c) are important components of bacterial cellulolytic systems. We measured the temperature dependence of the activities of three homologs: Clostridium cellulolyticum Cel9G, Thermobifida fusca Cel9A, and C. thermocellum Cel9I. To directly compare their catalytic activities, we constructed six new versions of the enzymes in which the three GH9-CBM3c domains were fused to a dockerin both with and without a T. fusca fibronectin type 3 homology module (Fn3). We studied the activities of these enzymes on crystalline cellulose alone and in complex with a miniscaffoldin containing a cohesin and a CBM3a. The presence of Fn3 had no measurable effect on thermostability or cellulase activity. The GH9-CBM3c domains of Cel9A and Cel9I, however, were more active than the wild type when fused to a dockerin complexed to scaffoldin. The three cellulases in complex have similar activities on crystalline cellulose up to 60°C, but C. thermocellum Cel9I, the most thermostable of the three, remains highly active up to 80°C, where its activity is 1.9 times higher than at 60°C. We also compared the temperature-dependent activities of different versions of Cel9I (wild type or in complex with a miniscaffoldin) and found that the thermostable CBM is necessary for activity on crystalline cellulose at high temperatures. These results illustrate the significant benefits of working with thermostable enzymes at high temperatures, as well as the importance of retaining the stability of all modules involved in cellulose degradation.

The role of carbohydrate-binding module (CBM) repeat of a multimodular xylanase (XynX) from Clostridium thermocellum in cellulose and xylan binding

A non-cellulosomal xylanase from Clostridium thermocellum, XynX, consists of a family-22 carbohydratebinding module (CBM22), a family-10 glycoside hydrolase (GH10) catalytic module, two family-9 carbohydrate-binding modules (CBM9-I and CBM9-II), and an S-layer homology (SLH) module. E. coli BL21(DE3) (pKM29), a transformant carrying xynX', produced several truncated forms of the enzyme. Among them, three major active species were purified by SDS-PAGE, activity staining, gel-slicing, and diffusion from the gel. The truncated xylanases were different from each other only in their C-terminal regions. In addition to the CBM22 and GH10 catalytic modules, XynX(1) had the CBM9-I and most of the CBM9-II, XynX(2) had the CBM9-I and about 40% of the CBM9-II, and XynX(3) had about 75% of the CBM9-I. The truncated xylanases showed higher binding capacities toward Avicel than those toward insoluble xylan. XynX(1) showed a higher affinity toward Avicel (70.5%) than XynX(2) (46.0%) and XynX(3) (42.1%); however, there were no significant differences in the affinities toward insoluble xylan. It is suggested that the CBM9 repeat, especially CBM9-II, of XynX plays a role in xylan degradation in nature by strengthening cellulose binding rather than by enhancing xylan binding.

Regulation and Rate Enhancement during Transcription-Coupled DNA Repair

SummaryTranscription-coupled DNA repair (TCR) is a subpathway of nucleotide excision repair (NER) that is triggered when RNA polymerase is stalled by DNA damage. Lesions targeted by TCR are repaired more quickly than lesions repaired by the transcription-independent “global” NER pathway, but the mechanism underlying this rate enhancement is not understood. Damage recognition during bacterial NER depends upon UvrA, which binds to the damage and loads UvrB onto the DNA. Bacterial TCR additionally requires the Mfd protein, a DNA translocase that removes the stalled transcription complexes. We have determined the properties of Mfd, UvrA, and UvrB that are required for the elevated rate of repair observed during TCR. We show that TCR and global NER differ in their requirements for damage recognition by UvrA, indicating that Mfd acts at the very earliest stage of the repair process and extending the functional similarities between TCR in bacteria and eukaryotes.

Myosin II directly binds and inhibits Dbl family guanine nucleotide exchange factors: a possible link to Rho family GTPases

Cell migration requires the coordinated spatiotemporal regulation of actomyosin contraction and cell protrusion/adhesion. Nonmuscle myosin II (MII) controls Rac1 and Cdc42 activation, and cell protrusion and focal complex formation in migrating cells. However, these mechanisms are poorly understood. Here, we show that MII interacts specifically with multiple Dbl family guanine nucleotide exchange factors (GEFs). Binding is mediated by the conserved tandem Dbl homology-pleckstrin homology module, the catalytic site of these GEFs, with dissociation constants of approximately 0.3 microM. Binding to the GEFs required assembly of the MII into filaments and actin-stimulated ATPase activity. Binding of MII suppressed GEF activity. Accordingly, inhibition of MII ATPase activity caused release of GEFs and activation of Rho GTPases. Depletion of betaPIX GEF in migrating NIH3T3 fibroblasts suppressed lamellipodial protrusions and focal complex formation induced by MII inhibition. The results elucidate a functional link between MII and Rac1/Cdc42 GTPases, which may regulate protrusion/adhesion dynamics in migrating cells.

Structure determination and analysis of a haemolytic gingipain adhesin domain from Porphyromonas gingivalis

Porphyromonas gingivalis is an obligately anaerobic bacterium recognized as an aetiological agent of adult periodontitis. P. gingivalis produces cysteine proteinases, the gingipains. The crystal structure of a domain within the haemagglutinin region of the lysine gingipain (Kgp) is reported here. The domain was named K2 as it is the second of three homologous structural modules in Kgp. The K2 domain structure is a 'jelly-roll' fold with two anti-parallel beta-sheets. This fold topology is shared with adhesive domains from functionally diverse receptors such as MAM domains, ephrin receptor ligand binding domains and a number of carbohydrate binding modules. Possible functions of K2 were investigated. K2 induced haemolysis of erythrocytes in a dose-dependent manner that was augmented by the blocking of anion transport. Further, cysteine-activated arginine gingipain RgpB, which degrades glycophorin A, sensitized erythrocytes to the haemolytic effect of K2. Cleaved K2, similar to that found in extracted Kgp, lacks the haemolytic activity indicating that autolysis of Kgp may be a staged process which is artificially enhanced by extraction of the protein. The data indicate a functional role for K2 in the integrated capacity conferred by Kgp to enable the porphyrin auxotroph P. gingivalis to capture essential haem from erythrocytes.