The EMBO journal
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Hypoxia-inducible factor (HIF), a transcriptional complex conserved from Caenorhabditis elegans to vertebrates, plays a pivotal role in cellular adaptation to low oxygen availability. In normoxia, the HIF-alpha subunits are targeted for destruction by prolyl hydroxylation, a specific modification that provides recognition for the E3 ubiquitin ligase complex containing the von Hippel-Lindau tumour suppressor protein (pVHL). ⋯ We therefore conclude that, in vivo, PHDs have distinct assigned functions, PHD2 being the critical oxygen sensor setting the low steady-state levels of HIF-1alpha in normoxia. Interestingly, PHD2 is upregulated by hypoxia, providing an HIF-1-dependent auto-regulatory mechanism driven by the oxygen tension.
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Protective protein/cathepsin A (PPCA) has a serine carboxypeptidase activity of unknown physiological function. We now demonstrate that this protease activity triggers the degradation of the lysosome-associated membrane protein type 2a (lamp2a), a receptor for chaperone-mediated autophagy (CMA). Degradation of lamp2a is important because its level in the lysosomal membrane is a rate-limiting step of CMA. ⋯ Restoration of PPCA protease activity increases rates of lamp2a degradation, reduces levels of lysosomal lamp2a and reduces rates of CMA. PPCA associates with lamp2a on the lysosomal membrane and cleaves lamp2a near the boundary between the luminal and transmembrane domains. In addition to the well-studied role of PPCA in targeting and protecting two lysosomal glycosidases, we have defined a role for the proteolytic activity of this multifunctional protein.
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The RUNX transcription factors are important regulators of linage-specific gene expression in major developmental pathways. Recently, we demonstrated that Runx3 is highly expressed in developing cranial and dorsal root ganglia (DRGs). Here we report that within the DRGs, Runx3 is specifically expressed in a subset of neurons, the tyrosine kinase receptor C (TrkC) proprioceptive neurons. ⋯ Thus, Runx3 is a neurogenic TrkC neuron-specific transcription factor. In its absence, TrkC neurons in the DRG do not survive long enough to extend their axons toward target cells, resulting in lack of connectivity and ataxia. The data provide new genetic insights into the neurogenesis of DRGs and may help elucidate the molecular mechanisms underlying somatosensory-related ataxia in humans.
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Vesicle fusion in eukaryotic cells is mediated by SNAREs (soluble N-ethylmaleimide-sensitive factor attachment protein receptors). In neurons, the t-SNARE SNAP-25 is essential for synaptic vesicle fusion but its exact role in this process is unknown. We have isolated a SNAP-25 temperature-sensitive paralytic mutant in Drosophila, SNAP-25(ts). ⋯ The SNAP-25(ts) mutant has two effects on neurotransmitter release depending upon temperature. At 22 degrees C, evoked release of neurotransmitter in SNAP-25(ts) larvae is greatly increased, and at 37 degrees C, the release of neurotransmitter is reduced as compared with controls. Our data suggest that at 22 degrees C the mutation causes the SNARE complex to be more fusion competent but, at 37 degrees C the same mutation leads to SNARE multimer instability and fusion incompetence.
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Protein kinase RNA-regulated (PKR) is an established component of innate antiviral immunity. Recently, PKR has been shown to be essential for signal transduction in other situations of cellular stress. The relationship between PKR and the stress-activated protein kinases (SAPKs), such as p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK), is not clear. ⋯ Activation of p38 MAPK was restored in immortalized PKR-null cells by reconstitution with human PKR. We also show that LPS induction of interleukin-6 and interleukin-12 mRNA is defective in PKR-null cells, and that production of these cytokines is impaired in PKR-null mice challenged with LPS. Our findings indicate, for the first time, that PKR is required for p38 MAPK signaling and plays a potentially important role in the innate response against bacterial endotoxin.