Search results

Title: A Mathematical Model for the Determination of Mouse Excisional Wound Healing Parameters from Photographic Data.
Creator: Cogan, Nicholas G, Mellers, Alana, Patel, Bhavi, Powell, Brett, Aggarwal, Manu, Harper, Kathleen M, Blaber, Michael
Abstract/Description: We present a mathematical model to quantify parameters of mouse excisional wound healing from photographic data. The equation is a piecewise linear function in log scale that includes key parameters of initial wound radius (R0), an initial wound stasis phase (Ti), and time to wound closure (Tc); subsequently, these terms permit calculation of a latter active proliferative phase (Tp), and the healing rate (HR) during this active phase. A daily photographic record of wound healing (utilizing 6...
Show moreWe present a mathematical model to quantify parameters of mouse excisional wound healing from photographic data. The equation is a piecewise linear function in log scale that includes key parameters of initial wound radius (R0), an initial wound stasis phase (Ti), and time to wound closure (Tc); subsequently, these terms permit calculation of a latter active proliferative phase (Tp), and the healing rate (HR) during this active phase. A daily photographic record of wound healing (utilizing 6 mm diameter splinted excisional wounds) permits the necessary sampling for robust parameter refinement. When implemented with an automated nonlinear fitting routine, the healing parameters are determined in an operator-independent (i.e. unbiased) manner. The model was evaluated using photographic data from a splinted excisional surgical procedure involving several different mouse cohorts. Model fitting demonstrates excellent coefficients of determination (R2) in each case. The model thus permits quantitation of key parameters of excisional wound healing, from initial wounding through to wound closure, from photographic data.
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Date Issued: 2018-04-17
Identifier: FSU_libsubv1_scholarship_submission_1522454139_52860c9c, 10.1111/wrr.12634
Format: Citation

Title: The Folding Nucleus Structure Persists in Thermally-Aggregated FGF-1.
Creator: Longo, Liam, Gao, Yuan, Tenorio, Connie, Wang, Gan, Paravastu, Anant, Blaber, Michael
Abstract/Description: An efficient protein folding pathway leading to target structure, and the avoidance of aggregation, is essential to protein evolution and de novo design; however, design details to achieve efficient folding and avoid aggregation are poorly understood. We report characterization of the thermally-induced aggregate of fibroblast growth factor-1 (FGF-1), a small globular protein, by solid-state NMR. NMR spectra are consistent with residual structure in the aggregate and provide evidence of a...
Show moreAn efficient protein folding pathway leading to target structure, and the avoidance of aggregation, is essential to protein evolution and de novo design; however, design details to achieve efficient folding and avoid aggregation are poorly understood. We report characterization of the thermally-induced aggregate of fibroblast growth factor-1 (FGF-1), a small globular protein, by solid-state NMR. NMR spectra are consistent with residual structure in the aggregate and provide evidence of a structured region that corresponds to the region of the folding nucleus. NMR data on aggregated FGF-1 also indicate the presence of unstructured regions that exhibit hydration-dependent dynamics and suggest that unstructured regions of aggregated FGF-1 lie outside the folding nucleus. Since it is known that regions outside the folding nucleus fold late in the folding pathway, we postulate that these regions unfold early in the unfolding pathway and that the partially folded state is more prone to intermolecular aggregation. This interpretation is further supported by comparison with a designed protein that shares the same FGF-1 folding nucleus sequence, but has different 1° structure outside the folding nucleus, and does not thermally aggregate. The results suggest that design of an efficient folding nucleus, and the avoidance of aggregation in the folding pathway, are potentially separable design criteria – the latter of which could principally focus upon the physicochemical properties of 1° structure outside the folding nucleus.
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Date Issued: 2017-10-23
Identifier: FSU_libsubv1_scholarship_submission_1509376995_85b5a7ca, 10.1002/pro.3332
Format: Citation

Title: An S116R Phosphorylation Site Mutation in Human Fibroblast Growth Factor-1 Differentially Affects Mitogenic and Glucose-Lowering Activities.
Creator: Xia, Xue, Kumru, Ozan S, Blaber, Sachiko I, Middaugh, C Russell, Li, Ling, Ornitz, David M, Suh, Jae Myoung, Atkins, Annette R, Downes, Michael, Evans, Ronald M, Tenorio, Connie...
Show moreXia, Xue, Kumru, Ozan S, Blaber, Sachiko I, Middaugh, C Russell, Li, Ling, Ornitz, David M, Suh, Jae Myoung, Atkins, Annette R, Downes, Michael, Evans, Ronald M, Tenorio, Connie A, Bienkiewicz, Ewa, Blaber, Michael
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Abstract/Description: Fibroblast growth factor-1 (FGF-1), a potent human mitogen and insulin sensitizer, signals through both tyrosine kinase receptor-mediated autocrine/paracrine pathways as well as a nuclear intracrine pathway. Phosphorylation of FGF-1 at serine 116 (S116) has been proposed to regulate intracrine signaling. Position S116 is located within a ∼17 amino acid C-terminal loop that contains a rich set of functional determinants including heparin∖heparan sulfate affinity, thiol reactivity, nuclear...
Show moreFibroblast growth factor-1 (FGF-1), a potent human mitogen and insulin sensitizer, signals through both tyrosine kinase receptor-mediated autocrine/paracrine pathways as well as a nuclear intracrine pathway. Phosphorylation of FGF-1 at serine 116 (S116) has been proposed to regulate intracrine signaling. Position S116 is located within a ∼17 amino acid C-terminal loop that contains a rich set of functional determinants including heparin∖heparan sulfate affinity, thiol reactivity, nuclear localization, pharmacokinetics, functional half-life, nuclear ligand affinity, stability, and structural dynamics. Mutational targeting of specific functionality in this region without perturbing other functional determinants is a design challenge. S116R is a non-phosphorylatable variant present in bovine FGF-1 and other members of the human FGF family. We show that the S116R mutation in human FGF-1 is accommodated with no perturbation of biophysical or structural properties, and is therefore an attractive mutation with which to elucidate the functional role of phosphorylation. Characterization of S116R shows reduction in NIH 3T3 fibroblast mitogenic stimulation, increase in fibroblast growth factor receptor-1c activation, and prolonged duration of glucose lowering in ob/ob hyperglycemic mice. A novel FGF-1/fibroblast growth factor receptor-1c dimerization interaction combined with non-phosphorylatable intracrine signaling is hypothesized to be responsible for these observed functional effects.
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Date Issued: 2016-12-01
Identifier: FSU_pmch_27773526, 10.1016/j.xphs.2016.09.005, PMC5310217, 27773526, 27773526, S0022-3549(16)41698-9
Format: Citation

Title: An insight into the thermodynamic characteristics of human thrombopoietin complexation with TN1 antibody.
Creator: Arai, Shigeki, Shibazaki, Chie, Adachi, Motoyasu, Honjo, Eijiro, Tamada, Taro, Maeda, Yoshitake, Tahara, Tomoyuki, Kato, Takashi, Miyazaki, Hiroshi, Blaber, Michael, Kuroki, Ryota
Abstract/Description: Human thrombopoietin (hTPO) primarily stimulates megakaryocytopoiesis and platelet production and is neutralized by the mouse TN1 antibody. The thermodynamic characteristics of TN1 antibody-hTPO complexation were analyzed by isothermal titration calorimetry (ITC) using an antigen-binding fragment (Fab) derived from the TN1 antibody (TN1-Fab). To clarify the mechanism by which hTPO is recognized by TN1-Fab the conformation of free TN1-Fab was determined to a resolution of 2.0 Å using X-ray...
Show moreHuman thrombopoietin (hTPO) primarily stimulates megakaryocytopoiesis and platelet production and is neutralized by the mouse TN1 antibody. The thermodynamic characteristics of TN1 antibody-hTPO complexation were analyzed by isothermal titration calorimetry (ITC) using an antigen-binding fragment (Fab) derived from the TN1 antibody (TN1-Fab). To clarify the mechanism by which hTPO is recognized by TN1-Fab the conformation of free TN1-Fab was determined to a resolution of 2.0 Å using X-ray crystallography and compared with the hTPO-bound form of TN1-Fab determined by a previous study. This structural comparison revealed that the conformation of TN1-Fab does not substantially change after hTPO binding and a set of 15 water molecules is released from the antigen-binding site (paratope) of TN1-Fab upon hTPO complexation. Interestingly, the heat capacity change (ΔCp) measured by ITC (-1.52 ± 0.05 kJ mol(-1) K(-1) ) differed significantly from calculations based upon the X-ray structure data of the hTPO-bound and unbound forms of TN1-Fab (-1.02 ∼ 0.25 kJ mol(-1) K(-1) ) suggesting that hTPO undergoes an induced-fit conformational change combined with significant desolvation upon TN1-Fab binding. The results shed light on the structural biology associated with neutralizing antibody recognition.
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Date Issued: 2016-10-01
Identifier: FSU_pmch_27419667, 10.1002/pro.2985, PMC5029525, 27419667, 27419667
Format: Citation

Title: An S116R Phosphorylation Site Mutation in Human FGF-1 Differentially Affects Mitogenic and Glucose Lowering Activities.
Creator: Xia, Xue, Kumru, Ozan, Blaber, Sachiko, Middaugh, Russell, Li, Ling, Ornitz, David, Suh, Jae Myoung, Atkins, Annette, Downes, Michael, Evans, Ronald, Tenorio, Connie,...
Show moreXia, Xue, Kumru, Ozan, Blaber, Sachiko, Middaugh, Russell, Li, Ling, Ornitz, David, Suh, Jae Myoung, Atkins, Annette, Downes, Michael, Evans, Ronald, Tenorio, Connie, Bienkiewicz, Ewa, Blaber, Michael
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Abstract/Description: Fibroblast growth factor-1 (FGF-1), a potent human mitogen and insulin sensitizer, signals through both tyrosine kinase receptor mediated autocrine/paracrine pathways as well as a nuclear intracrine pathway. Phosphorylation of FGF-1 at serine 116 (S116) has been proposed to regulate intracrine signalling. Position S116 is located within a ~17 amino acid C-terminal loop that contains a rich set of functional determinants including heparin\heparan sulfate (HS) affinity, thiol reactivity,...
Show moreFibroblast growth factor-1 (FGF-1), a potent human mitogen and insulin sensitizer, signals through both tyrosine kinase receptor mediated autocrine/paracrine pathways as well as a nuclear intracrine pathway. Phosphorylation of FGF-1 at serine 116 (S116) has been proposed to regulate intracrine signalling. Position S116 is located within a ~17 amino acid C-terminal loop that contains a rich set of functional determinants including heparin\heparan sulfate (HS) affinity, thiol reactivity, nuclear localization, pharmacokinetics, functional half-life, nuclear ligand affinity, stability, and structural dynamics. Mutational targeting of specific functionality in this region without perturbing other functional determinants is a design challenge. S116R is a non-phosphorylatable variant present in bovine FGF-1 and other members of the human FGF family. We show that the S116R mutation in human FGF-1 is accommodated with no perturbation of biophysical or structural properties, and is therefore an attractive mutation with which to elucidate the functional role of phosphorylation. Characterization of S116R shows reduction of NIH 3T3 fibroblast mitogenic stimulation, increase in FGFR-1c activation, and prolonged duration of glucose lowering in ob/ob hyperglycemic mice. A novel FGF-1/FGFR-1c dimerization interaction combined with non-phosphorylatable intracrine signaling is hypothesized to be responsible for these observed functional effects.
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Date Issued: 2016-09-07
Identifier: FSU_libsubv1_scholarship_submission_1473276315
Format: Citation

Title: Myths and Verities in Protein Folding Theories.
Creator: Blaber, Michael
Date Issued: 2016-09-01
Identifier: FSU_libsubv1_scholarship_submission_1473178927, 10.1107/S2059798316013140
Format: Citation

Title: Engineering a Cysteine-Free Form of Human Fibroblast Growth Factor-1 for "Second Generation" Therapeutic Application.
Creator: Xia, Xue, Kumru, Ozan S, Blaber, Sachiko I, Middaugh, C Russell, Li, Ling, Ornitz, David M, Sutherland, Mason A, Tenorio, Connie A, Blaber, Michael
Abstract/Description: Human fibroblast growth factor-1 (FGF-1) has broad therapeutic potential in regenerative medicine but has undesirable biophysical properties of low thermostability and 3 buried cysteine (Cys) residues (at positions 16, 83, and 117) that interact to promote irreversible protein unfolding under oxidizing conditions. Mutational substitution of such Cys residues eliminates reactive buried thiols but cannot be accomplished simultaneously at all 3 positions without also introducing further...
Show moreHuman fibroblast growth factor-1 (FGF-1) has broad therapeutic potential in regenerative medicine but has undesirable biophysical properties of low thermostability and 3 buried cysteine (Cys) residues (at positions 16, 83, and 117) that interact to promote irreversible protein unfolding under oxidizing conditions. Mutational substitution of such Cys residues eliminates reactive buried thiols but cannot be accomplished simultaneously at all 3 positions without also introducing further substantial instability. The mutational introduction of a novel Cys residue (Ala66Cys) that forms a stabilizing disulfide bond (i.e., cystine) with one of the extant Cys residues (Cys83) effectively eliminates one Cys while increasing overall stability. This increase in stability offsets the associated instability of remaining Cys substitution mutations and permits production of a Cys-free form of FGF-1 (Cys16Ser/Ala66Cys/Cys117Ala) with only minor overall instability. The addition of a further stabilizing mutation (Pro134Ala) creates a Cys-free FGF-1 mutant with essentially wild-type biophysical properties. The elimination of buried free thiols in FGF-1 can substantially increase the protein half-life in cell culture. Here, we show that the effective cell survival/mitogenic functional activity of a fully Cys-free form is also substantially increased and is equivalent to wild-type FGF-1 formulated in the presence of heparin sulfate as a stabilizing agent. The results identify this Cys-free FGF-1 mutant as an advantageous "second generation" form of FGF-1 for therapeutic application.
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Date Issued: 2016-04-01
Identifier: FSU_pmch_27019961, 10.1016/j.xphs.2016.02.010, PMC5318998, 27019961, 27019961, S0022-3549(16)00366-X
Format: Citation

Title: Engineering a Cysteine-Free Form of Human Fibroblast Growth Factor-1 for "2nd Generation" Therapeutic Application.
Creator: Xue, Xia, Kumru, Ozan, Blaber, Sachiko, Middaugh, Russell, Li, Ling, Ornitz, David, Sutherland, Mason, Tenorio, Connie, Blaber, Michael
Abstract/Description: Human fibroblast growth factor-1 (FGF-1) has broad therapeutic potential in regenerative medicine but has undesirable biophysical properties of low thermostability and three buried Cys residues (at positions 16, 83 and117) that interact to promote irreversible protein unfolding under oxidizing conditions. Mutational substitution of such Cys residues eliminates reactive buried thiols but cannot be accomplished simultaneously at all three positions without also introducing further substantial...
Show moreHuman fibroblast growth factor-1 (FGF-1) has broad therapeutic potential in regenerative medicine but has undesirable biophysical properties of low thermostability and three buried Cys residues (at positions 16, 83 and117) that interact to promote irreversible protein unfolding under oxidizing conditions. Mutational substitution of such Cys residues eliminates reactive buried thiols but cannot be accomplished simultaneously at all three positions without also introducing further substantial instability. The mutational introduction of a novel Cys residue (Ala66Cys) that forms a stabilizing disulfide bond (i.e., cystine) with one of the extant Cys residues (Cys83) effectively eliminates one Cys while increasing overall stability. This increase in stability offsets the associated instability of remaining Cys substitution mutations and permits production of a Cys-free form of FGF-1 (Cys16Ser/Ala66Cys/Cys117Ala) with only minor overall instability. The addition of a further stabilizing mutation (Pro134Ala) creates a Cys free FGF-1 mutant with essentially wild-type biophysical properties. The elimination of buried free thiols in FGF-1 can substantially increase the protein half-life in cell culture. Here we show that the effective cell survival/mitogenic functional activity of a fully Cys-free form is also substantially increased; and is equivalent to WT FGF-1 formulated in the presence of heparin sulfate as a stabilizing agent. The results identify this Cys free FGF-1 mutant as an advantageous "2nd generation" form of FGF-1 for therapeutic application.
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Date Issued: 2016-02-11
Identifier: FSU_libsubv1_scholarship_submission_1464366396, 10.1016/j.xphs.2016.02.010
Format: Citation

Title: Evolution of a Protein Folding Nucleus.
Creator: Xia, Xue, Longo, Liam M., Sutherland, Mason A., Blaber, Michael
Abstract/Description: The folding nucleus (FN) is a cryptic element within protein primary structure that enables an efficient folding pathway and is the postulated heritable element in the evolution of protein architecture; however, almost nothing is known regarding how the FN structurally changes as complex protein architecture evolves from simpler peptide motifs. We report characterization of the FN of a designed purely symmetric β-trefoil protein by ϕ-value analysis. We compare the structure and folding...
Show moreThe folding nucleus (FN) is a cryptic element within protein primary structure that enables an efficient folding pathway and is the postulated heritable element in the evolution of protein architecture; however, almost nothing is known regarding how the FN structurally changes as complex protein architecture evolves from simpler peptide motifs. We report characterization of the FN of a designed purely symmetric β-trefoil protein by ϕ-value analysis. We compare the structure and folding properties of key foldable intermediates along the evolutionary trajectory of the β-trefoil. The results show structural acquisition of the FN during gene fusion events, incorporating novel turn structure created by gene fusion. Furthermore, the FN is adjusted by circular permutation in response to destabilizing functional mutation. FN plasticity by way of circular permutation is made possible by the intrinsic C3 cyclic symmetry of the β-trefoil architecture, identifying a possible selective advantage that helps explain the prevalence of cyclic structural symmetry in the proteome.
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Date Issued: 2015-12-10
Identifier: FSU_libsubv1_scholarship_submission_1464367133, 10.1002/pro.2848, PMC4918426
Format: Citation

Title: Accelerated healing in NONcNZO10/LtJ type 2 diabetic mice by FGF 1.
Creator: Blaber, Sachiko, Diaz, Jose, Blaber, Michael
Abstract/Description: The development of novel therapies to treat chronic diabetic ulcers depends upon appropriate animal models for early stage investigation. The NONcNZO10/LtJ mouse is a new polygenic strain developed to more realistically model human metabolic syndrome and obesity-induced Type 2 diabetes; however, detailed wound healing properties have not been reported. In this report we describe a quantitative wound healing study in the NONcNZO10/LtJ mouse using a splinted excisional wound. The rate of wound...
Show moreThe development of novel therapies to treat chronic diabetic ulcers depends upon appropriate animal models for early stage investigation. The NONcNZO10/LtJ mouse is a new polygenic strain developed to more realistically model human metabolic syndrome and obesity-induced Type 2 diabetes; however, detailed wound healing properties have not been reported. In this report we describe a quantitative wound healing study in the NONcNZO10/LtJ mouse using a splinted excisional wound. The rate of wound healing is compared to various controls, and is also quantified in response to topical administration of normal and mutant fibroblast growth factor-1 (FGF-1). Quantitation of re-epithelialization shows that the diabetic condition in the NONcNZO10/LtJ mouse is concomitant with a decreased rate of dermal healing. Furthermore, topical administration of a FGF-1/heparin formulation effectively accelerates re-epithelialization. A similar acceleration can also be achieved by a stabilized mutant form of FGF-1 formulated in the absence of heparin. Such accelerated rates of healing are not associated with any abnormal histology in the healed wounds. The results identify the NONcNZO10/LtJ mouse as a useful model of impaired wound healing in type II diabetes, and further, identify engineered forms of FGF-1 as a potential “second-generation” therapeutic to promote diabetic dermal wound healing.
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Date Issued: 2015-06-19
Identifier: FSU_libsubv1_scholarship_submission_1456505007, 10.1111/wrr.12305
Format: Citation

Title: A Single Aromatic Core Mutation Converts a Designed "Primitive" Protein from Halophile to Mesophile Folding.
Creator: Longo, Liam, Tenorio, Conniee, Kumru, Ozan, Middaugh, Russell, Blaber, Michael
Abstract/Description: The halophile environment has a number of compelling aspects with regard to the origin of structured polypeptides (i.e., proteogenesis) and, instead of a curious niche that living systems adapted into, the halophile environment is emerging as a candidate “cradle” for proteogenesis. In this viewpoint, a subsequent halophile-to-mesophile transition was a key step in early evolution. Several lines of evidence indicate that aromatic amino acids were a late addition to the codon table and not part...
Show moreThe halophile environment has a number of compelling aspects with regard to the origin of structured polypeptides (i.e., proteogenesis) and, instead of a curious niche that living systems adapted into, the halophile environment is emerging as a candidate “cradle” for proteogenesis. In this viewpoint, a subsequent halophile-to-mesophile transition was a key step in early evolution. Several lines of evidence indicate that aromatic amino acids were a late addition to the codon table and not part of the original “prebiotic” set comprising the earliest polypeptides. We test the hypothesis that the availability of aromatic amino acids could facilitate a halophile-to-mesophile transition by hydrophobic core-packing enhancement. The effects of aromatic amino acid substitutions were evaluated in the core of a “primitive” designed protein enriched for the 10 prebiotic amino acids (A,D,E,G,I,L,P,S,T,V)--having an exclusively prebiotic core and requiring halophilic conditions for folding. The results indicate that a single aromatic amino acid substitution is capable of eliminating the requirement of halophile conditions for folding of a “primitive” polypeptide. Thus, the availability of aromatic amino acids could have facilitated a critical halophile-to-mesophile protein folding adaptation--identifying a selective advantage for the incorporation of aromatic amino acids into the codon table.
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Date Issued: 2014-10-25
Identifier: FSU_libsubv1_scholarship_submission_1456504194, 10.1002/pro.2580, PMC4282409
Format: Citation

Title: Mutation Choice to Eliminate Buried Free Cysteines in Protein Therapeutics.
Creator: Xia, Xue, Longo, Liam, Blaber, Michael
Abstract/Description: Buried free Cys residues can contribute to an irreversible unfolding pathway that promotes protein aggregation, increases immunogenic potential, and significantly reduces protein functional half-life. Consequently, mutation of buried free Cys residues can result in significant improvement in the storage, reconstitution, and pharmacokinetic properties of protein-based therapeutics. Mutational design to eliminate buried free Cys residues typically follows one of two common heuristics: either...
Show moreBuried free Cys residues can contribute to an irreversible unfolding pathway that promotes protein aggregation, increases immunogenic potential, and significantly reduces protein functional half-life. Consequently, mutation of buried free Cys residues can result in significant improvement in the storage, reconstitution, and pharmacokinetic properties of protein-based therapeutics. Mutational design to eliminate buried free Cys residues typically follows one of two common heuristics: either substitution by Ser (polar and isosteric), or substitution by Ala or Val (hydrophobic); however, a detailed structural and thermodynamic understanding of Cys mutations is lacking. We report a comprehensive structure and stability study of Ala, Ser, Thr and Val mutations at each of the three buried free Cys positions (Cys16, Cys83, and Cys117) in fibroblast growth factor-1 (FGF-1). Mutation was almost universally destabilizing, indicating a general optimization for the wild-type Cys, including van der Waals and H-bond interactions. Structural response to Cys mutation characteristically involved changes to maintain, or effectively substitute, local H-bond interactions -- by either structural collapse to accommodate the smaller oxygen radius of Ser/Thr, or conversely, expansion to enable inclusion of novel H-bonding solvent. Despite the diverse structural effects, the least destabilizing average substitution at each position was Ala, and not isosteric Ser.
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Date Issued: 2014-10-13
Identifier: FSU_libsubv1_scholarship_submission_1456504649, 10.1002/jps.24188
Format: Citation

Title: Evolution and design of protein structure by folding nucleus symmetric expansion.
Creator: Longo, Liam, Kumru, Ozan, Middaugh, Russell, Blaber, Michael
Abstract/Description: Models of symmetric protein evolution typically invoke gene duplication and fusion events, in which repetition of a structural motif generates foldable, stable symmetric protein architecture. Success of such evolutionary processes suggests that the duplicated structural motif must be capable of nucleating protein folding. If correct, symmetric expansion of a folding nucleus sequence derived from an extant symmetric fold may be an elegant and computationally tractable solution to de novo...
Show moreModels of symmetric protein evolution typically invoke gene duplication and fusion events, in which repetition of a structural motif generates foldable, stable symmetric protein architecture. Success of such evolutionary processes suggests that the duplicated structural motif must be capable of nucleating protein folding. If correct, symmetric expansion of a folding nucleus sequence derived from an extant symmetric fold may be an elegant and computationally tractable solution to de novo protein design. We report the efficient de novo design of a β-trefoil protein by symmetric expansion of a β-trefoil folding nucleus, previously identified by ɸ-value analysis. The resulting protein, having exact sequence symmetry, exhibits superior folding properties compared to its naturally evolved progenitor--with the potential for redundant folding nuclei. In principle, folding nucleus symmetric expansion can be applied to any given symmetric protein fold (that is, nearly 1/3 of the known proteome) provided information of the folding nucleus is available.
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Date Issued: 2014-10-07
Identifier: FSU_libsubv1_scholarship_submission_1456503265, 10.1016/j.str.2014.08.008
Format: Citation

Title: Symmetric Protein Architecture in Protein Design.
Creator: Longo, Liam, Blaber, Michael
Abstract/Description: Top-down symmetric deconstruction (TDSD) is a joint experimental and computational approach to generate a highly stable, functionally benign protein scaffold for intended application in subsequent functional design studies. By focusing on symmetric protein folds, TDSD can leverage the dramatic reduction in sequence space achieved by applying a primary structure symmetric constraint to the design process. Fundamentally, TDSD is an iterative symmetrization process, in which the goal is to...
Show moreTop-down symmetric deconstruction (TDSD) is a joint experimental and computational approach to generate a highly stable, functionally benign protein scaffold for intended application in subsequent functional design studies. By focusing on symmetric protein folds, TDSD can leverage the dramatic reduction in sequence space achieved by applying a primary structure symmetric constraint to the design process. Fundamentally, TDSD is an iterative symmetrization process, in which the goal is to maintain or improve properties of thermodynamic stability and folding cooperativity inherent to a starting sequence (the “proxy”). As such, TDSD does not attempt to solve the inverse protein folding problem directly, which is computationally intractable. The present chapter will take the reader through all of the primary steps of TDSD--selecting a proxy, identifying potential mutations, establishing a stability/folding cooperativity screen--relying heavily on a successful TDSD solution for the common β-trefoil fold.
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Date Issued: 2014-08-20
Identifier: FSU_libsubv1_scholarship_submission_1456502653, 10.1007/978-1-4939-1486-9_8
Format: Citation

Title: Prebiotic Protein Design supports a Halophile Origin of Foldable Proteins.
Creator: Longo, Liam, Blaber, Michael
Abstract/Description: In this opinion article we argue for the following: 1) 10 of the common α-amino acids were likely available in the prebiotic world, produced by a variety of abiotic chemical syntheses; 2) although a highly-restricted set, experimental and theoretical considerations indicates this prebiotic alphabet of α-amino acids contains the requisite chemical information to comprise a foldable set (i.e., foldable polypeptides are possible having a composition only of the prebiotic alphabet); 3) a...
Show moreIn this opinion article we argue for the following: 1) 10 of the common α-amino acids were likely available in the prebiotic world, produced by a variety of abiotic chemical syntheses; 2) although a highly-restricted set, experimental and theoretical considerations indicates this prebiotic alphabet of α-amino acids contains the requisite chemical information to comprise a foldable set (i.e., foldable polypeptides are possible having a composition only of the prebiotic alphabet); 3) a comparison of the prebiotic alphabet with known proteomes predicts that polypeptides comprised of the prebiotic alphabet would have halophile properties – i.e., folding and solubility would be compatible with high salt. Recent experimental studies support this hypothesis; 4) proteogenesis (the emergence of polypeptides) – a key aspect of abiogenesis (the emergence of life from non-living molecules) – is likely to have occurred within the halophile environment.
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Date Issued: 2014-01-06
Identifier: FSU_libsubv1_scholarship_submission_1456502085, 10.3389/fmicb.2013.00418, PMC3880840
Format: Citation

Title: Isomannide-based peptidomimetics as inhibitors for human tissue kallikreins 5 and 7.
Creator: Oliveira, Jocelia P C, Freitas, Renato F, Melo, Leandro Silva de, Barros, Thalita G, Santos, Jorge A N, Juliano, Maria A, Pinheiro, Sérgio, Blaber, Michael, Juliano, Luiz, Muri,...
Show moreOliveira, Jocelia P C, Freitas, Renato F, Melo, Leandro Silva de, Barros, Thalita G, Santos, Jorge A N, Juliano, Maria A, Pinheiro, Sérgio, Blaber, Michael, Juliano, Luiz, Muri, Estela M F, Puzer, Luciano
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Abstract/Description: Human kallikrein 5 (KLK5) and 7 (KLK7) are potential targets for the treatment of skin inflammation and cancer. Previously, we identified isomannide derivatives as potent and competitive KLK7 inhibitors. The introduction of N-protected amino acids into the isomannide-based scaffold was studied. Some KLK5 inhibitors with submicromolar affinity (K i values of 0.3-0.7 μM) were identified, and they were 6- to 13-fold more potent than our previous hits. Enzyme kinetics studies and the...
Show moreHuman kallikrein 5 (KLK5) and 7 (KLK7) are potential targets for the treatment of skin inflammation and cancer. Previously, we identified isomannide derivatives as potent and competitive KLK7 inhibitors. The introduction of N-protected amino acids into the isomannide-based scaffold was studied. Some KLK5 inhibitors with submicromolar affinity (K i values of 0.3-0.7 μM) were identified, and they were 6- to 13-fold more potent than our previous hits. Enzyme kinetics studies and the determination of the mechanism of inhibition confirmed that the new isomannide-based derivatives are competitive inhibitors of both KLK5 and KLK7. Molecular docking and MD simulations of selected inhibitors into the KLK5 binding site provide insight into the molecular mechanism by which these compounds interact with the enzyme. The promising results obtained in this study open new prospects on the design and synthesis of highly specific KLK5 and KLK7 inhibitors.
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Date Issued: 2013-12-06
Identifier: FSU_pmch_24900785, 10.1021/ml4003698, PMC4027626, 24900785, 24900785
Format: Citation

Title: Kallikrein 6 Signals through PAR1 and PAR2 to Promote Neuron Injury and Exacerbate Glutamate Neurotoxicity.
Creator: Yoon, Hyesook, Radulovic, Maja, Wu, Jianmin, Blaber, Sachiko, Blaber, Michael, Fehlings, Michael, Scarisbrick, Isobel
Abstract/Description: CNS trauma generates a proteolytic imbalance contributing to secondary injury, including axonopathy and neuron degeneration. Kallikrein 6 (Klk6) is a serine protease implicated in neurodegeneration and here we investigate the role of protease activated receptors 1 (PAR1) and PAR2 in mediating these effects. First we demonstrate Klk6 and the prototypical activator of PAR1, thrombin, as well as PAR1 and PAR2, are each elevated in murine experimental traumatic spinal cord injury (SCI) at acute...
Show moreCNS trauma generates a proteolytic imbalance contributing to secondary injury, including axonopathy and neuron degeneration. Kallikrein 6 (Klk6) is a serine protease implicated in neurodegeneration and here we investigate the role of protease activated receptors 1 (PAR1) and PAR2 in mediating these effects. First we demonstrate Klk6 and the prototypical activator of PAR1, thrombin, as well as PAR1 and PAR2, are each elevated in murine experimental traumatic spinal cord injury (SCI) at acute or subacute time points. Recombinant Klk6 triggered ERK1/2 signaling in cerebellar granule neurons and in the NSC34 spinal cord motoneuron cell line, in a PI3K and MEK-dependent fashion. Importantly, lipopeptide inhibitors of PAR1 or PAR2, and PAR1 genetic deletion, each reduced Klk6-ERK1/2 activation. In addition, Klk6 and thrombin promoted degeneration of cerebellar neurons and exacerbated glutamate neurotoxicity. Moreover, genetic deletion of PAR1 blocked thrombin-mediated cerebellar neurotoxicity and reduced the neurotoxic effects of Klk6. Klk6 also increased glutamate-mediated Bim signaling, PARP cleavage and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) release in NSC34 motoneurons and these effects were blocked by PAR1 and PAR2 lipopeptide inhibitors. Taken together these data point to a novel Klk6-signaling axis in CNS neurons that is mediated by PAR1 and PAR2 and is positioned to contribute to neurodegeneration.
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Date Issued: 2013-11-01
Identifier: FSU_libsubv1_scholarship_submission_1464450461, 10.1111/jnc.12293
Format: Citation

Title: Kallikrein cascades in traumatic spinal cord injury: in vitro evidence for roles in axonopathy and neuron degeneration..
Creator: Radulovic, Maja, Yoon, Hyesook, Larson, Nadya, Wu, Jianmin, Linbo, Rachel, Burda, Joshua E, Diamandis, Eleftherios P, Blaber, Sachiko I, Blaber, Michael, Fehlings, Michael G,...
Show moreRadulovic, Maja, Yoon, Hyesook, Larson, Nadya, Wu, Jianmin, Linbo, Rachel, Burda, Joshua E, Diamandis, Eleftherios P, Blaber, Sachiko I, Blaber, Michael, Fehlings, Michael G, Scarisbrick, Isobel A
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Abstract/Description: Kallikreins (KLKs) are a family of 15 secreted serine proteases with emerging roles in neurologic diseases. To illuminate their contributions to the pathophysiology of spinal cord injury (SCI), we evaluated acute through chronic changes in the immunohistochemical appearance of 6 KLKs (KLK1, KLK5, KLK6, KLK7, KLK8, and KLK9) in postmortem human traumatic SCI cases, quantified their RNA expression levels in experimental murine SCI, and assessed the impact of recombinant forms of each enzyme...
Show moreKallikreins (KLKs) are a family of 15 secreted serine proteases with emerging roles in neurologic diseases. To illuminate their contributions to the pathophysiology of spinal cord injury (SCI), we evaluated acute through chronic changes in the immunohistochemical appearance of 6 KLKs (KLK1, KLK5, KLK6, KLK7, KLK8, and KLK9) in postmortem human traumatic SCI cases, quantified their RNA expression levels in experimental murine SCI, and assessed the impact of recombinant forms of each enzyme toward murine cortical neurons in vitro. Temporally and spatially distinct changes in KLK expression were observed with partially overlapping patterns between human and murine SCI, including peak elevations (or reductions) during the acute and subacute periods. Kallikrein 9 showed the most marked changes and remained chronically elevated. Importantly, a subset of KLKs (KLK1, KLK5, KLK6, KLK7, and KLK9) were neurotoxic toward primary neurons in vitro. Kallikrein immunoreactivity was also observed in association with swollen axons and retraction bulbs in the human SCI cases examined. Together, these findings demonstrate that elevated levels of a significant subset of KLKs are positioned to contribute to neurodegenerative changes in cases of CNS trauma and disease and, therefore, represent new potential targets for the development of neuroprotective strategies.
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Date Issued: 2013-11-01
Identifier: FSU_pmch_24128681, 10.1097/NEN.0000000000000007, PMC4097185, 24128681, 24128681
Format: Citation

Title: Alternative Folding Nuclei Definitions Facilitate the Evolution of a Symmetric Protein Fold from a Smaller Peptide Motif.
Creator: Longo, Liam, Lee, Jihun, Tenorio, Connie, Blaber, Michael
Abstract/Description: Protein 3° structure symmetry is a defining feature of nearly a third of protein folds and is generally thought to result from a combination of gene duplication, fusion, and truncation events. Such events represent major replication errors, involving substantial alteration of protein 3° structure as well as causing regions of exact repeating 1° structure, both of which are generally considered deleterious to protein folding. Thus, the prevalence of symmetric protein folds is counterintuitive...
Show moreProtein 3° structure symmetry is a defining feature of nearly a third of protein folds and is generally thought to result from a combination of gene duplication, fusion, and truncation events. Such events represent major replication errors, involving substantial alteration of protein 3° structure as well as causing regions of exact repeating 1° structure, both of which are generally considered deleterious to protein folding. Thus, the prevalence of symmetric protein folds is counterintuitive and suggests a specific, yet unexplained, robustness. Using a designed β-trefoil protein, we show that purely symmetric 1° structure enables utilization of alternative definitions of the critical folding nucleus in response to gross structural rearrangement. Thus, major replication errors producing 1° structure symmetry can conserve foldability. The results provide an explanation for the prevalence of symmetric protein folds, and highlight a critical role for 1° structure symmetry in protein evolution.
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Date Issued: 2013-10-17
Identifier: FSU_libsubv1_scholarship_submission_1456501539, 10.1016/j.str.2013.09.003
Format: Citation

Title: Kallikrein-related Peptidase 6: A Biomarker for Traumatic Brain Injury.
Creator: Phipps, Helen, Longo, Liam, Blaber, Sachiko, Blaber, Michael, VanLandingham, Jacob
Abstract/Description: Establishment of a traumatic brain injury (TBI)-sensitive biomarker or identification of a key therapeutic agent would significantly improve clinicians’ efforts to diagnose and treat TBI, thereby promoting improved outcomes for patients. Numerous studies support the role of kallikrein-6 (Klk6) as a critical component of neuroinflammation and demyelination. This study assesses whether Klk6 is implicated in the secondary mechanisms of TBI and subsequently if serum levels of Klk6 are useable as...
Show moreEstablishment of a traumatic brain injury (TBI)-sensitive biomarker or identification of a key therapeutic agent would significantly improve clinicians’ efforts to diagnose and treat TBI, thereby promoting improved outcomes for patients. Numerous studies support the role of kallikrein-6 (Klk6) as a critical component of neuroinflammation and demyelination. This study assesses whether Klk6 is implicated in the secondary mechanisms of TBI and subsequently if serum levels of Klk6 are useable as a biomarker. Methods: The abundance of Klk6 following controlled cortical impact (CCI) of the medial prefrontal cortex to a depth of either 3.0 mm (severe) or 1.5 mm (moderate) was quantified. Uninjured and rats subjected to craniotomy-only were used as controls. Protein levels were quantified with Western-blotting, enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay and immunohistochemistry. Results: Severe and moderate CCI resulted in significant elevation of Klk6 in the contusion-core (12-fold-increase, p 5 0.0001) and serum (5-fold-increase, p 5 0.01) compared to controls. In all cases, Klk6 elevation was resolved within 72 hours. Conclusion: Serum levels of Klk6 are a statistically significant indicator of TBI 24 hours after CCI and thus may be of great utility to clinicians as a biomarker. These data strongly implicate Klk6 as a player in the neuroinflammation processes following CCI, although the specific mechanisms remain to be characterized.
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Date Issued: 2013-07-06
Identifier: FSU_libsubv1_scholarship_submission_1464402742, 10.3109/02699052.2013.823563
Format: Citation

Title: Simplified protein design biased for prebiotic amino acids yields a foldable, halophilic protein.
Creator: Longo, Liam M, Lee, Jihun, Blaber, Michael
Abstract/Description: A compendium of different types of abiotic chemical syntheses identifies a consensus set of 10 "prebiotic" α-amino acids. Before the emergence of biosynthetic pathways, this set is the most plausible resource for protein formation (i.e., proteogenesis) within the overall process of abiogenesis. An essential unsolved question regarding this prebiotic set is whether it defines a "foldable set"--that is, does it contain sufficient chemical information to permit cooperatively folding polypeptides...
Show moreA compendium of different types of abiotic chemical syntheses identifies a consensus set of 10 "prebiotic" α-amino acids. Before the emergence of biosynthetic pathways, this set is the most plausible resource for protein formation (i.e., proteogenesis) within the overall process of abiogenesis. An essential unsolved question regarding this prebiotic set is whether it defines a "foldable set"--that is, does it contain sufficient chemical information to permit cooperatively folding polypeptides? If so, what (if any) characteristic properties might such polypeptides exhibit? To investigate these questions, two "primitive" versions of an extant protein fold (the β-trefoil) were produced by top-down symmetric deconstruction, resulting in a reduced alphabet size of 12 or 13 amino acids and a percentage of prebiotic amino acids approaching 80%. These proteins show a substantial acidification of pI and require high salt concentrations for cooperative folding. The results suggest that the prebiotic amino acids do comprise a foldable set within the halophile environment.
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Date Issued: 2013-02-05
Identifier: FSU_pmch_23341608, 10.1073/pnas.1219530110, PMC3568330, 23341608, 23341608, 1219530110
Format: Citation

Title: Activation Profiles of Human Kallikrein-Related Peptidases by Matrix Metalloproteinases.
Creator: Yoon, Hyesook, Blaber, Sachiko, Li, Wu, Scarisbrick, Isobel, Blaber, Michael
Abstract/Description: Abstract The 15 human kallikrein-related peptidases (KLKs) are clinically important biomarkers and therapeutic targets of interest in inflammation, cancer, and neurodegenerative disease. KLKs are secreted as inactive pro-forms (pro-KLKs) that are activated extracellularly by specific proteolytic release of their amino-terminal pro-peptide, and this is a key step in their functional regulation. Physiologically relevant KLK regulatory cascades of activation have been described in skin...
Show moreAbstract The 15 human kallikrein-related peptidases (KLKs) are clinically important biomarkers and therapeutic targets of interest in inflammation, cancer, and neurodegenerative disease. KLKs are secreted as inactive pro-forms (pro-KLKs) that are activated extracellularly by specific proteolytic release of their amino-terminal pro-peptide, and this is a key step in their functional regulation. Physiologically relevant KLK regulatory cascades of activation have been described in skin desquamation and semen liquefaction, and work by a large number of investigators has elucidated pairwise and autolytic activation relationships among the KLKs with the potential for more extensive activation cascades. More recent work has asked whether functional intersection of KLKs with other types of regulatory proteases exists. Such studies show a capacity for members of the thrombostasis axis to act as broad activators of pro-KLKs. In the present report, we ask whether such functional intersection is possible between the KLKs and the members of the matrix metalloproteinase (MMP) family by evaluating the ability of the MMPs to activate pro-KLKs. The results identify MMP-20 as a broad activator of pro-KLKs, suggesting the potential for intersection of the KLK and MMP axes under pathological dysregulation of MMP-20 expression.
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Date Issued: 2013
Identifier: FSU_migr_biomed_faculty_publications-0042, 10.1515/hsz-2012-0249, PMC3709557
Format: Citation

Title: Simplified Protein Design Biased for Pre-Biotic Amino Acids Yields a Foldable, Halophilic Protein.
Creator: Longo, Liam, Lee, Jihun, Blaber, Michael
Abstract/Description: A compendium of different types of abiotic chemical syntheses identifies a consensus set of 10 “pre-biotic” -amino acids. Prior to the emergence of biosynthetic pathways this set is the most plausible resource for protein formation (i.e., proteogenesis) within the overall process of abiogenesis. An essential unsolved question regarding this pre-biotic set is whether it defines a “foldable set”? - that is, does it contain sufficient chemical information to permit cooperatively-folding...
Show moreA compendium of different types of abiotic chemical syntheses identifies a consensus set of 10 “pre-biotic” -amino acids. Prior to the emergence of biosynthetic pathways this set is the most plausible resource for protein formation (i.e., proteogenesis) within the overall process of abiogenesis. An essential unsolved question regarding this pre-biotic set is whether it defines a “foldable set”? - that is, does it contain sufficient chemical information to permit cooperatively-folding polypeptides? If so, what (if any) characteristic properties might such polypeptides exhibit? To investigate these questions two “primitive” versions of an extant protein fold (the β-trefoil) were produced by top-down symmetric deconstruction, resulting in a reduced alphabet size of 12 or 13 amino acids and a percentage of pre-biotic amino acids approaching 80%. These proteins show a substantial acidification of pI and require high salt concentrations for cooperative folding. The results suggest that the pre-biotic amino acids do comprise a foldable set within the halophile environment.
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Date Issued: 2012-12-19
Identifier: FSU_libsubv1_scholarship_submission_1456500856, 10.1073/pnas.1219530110
Format: Citation

Title: Experimental support for the foldability-function tradeoff hypothesis: segregation of the folding nucleus and functional regions in fibroblast growth factor-1..
Creator: Longo, Liam, Lee, Jihun, Blaber, Michael
Abstract/Description: The acquisition of function is often associated with destabilizing mutations, giving rise to the stability-function tradeoff hypothesis. To test whether function is also accommodated at the expense of foldability, fibroblast growth factor-1 (FGF-1) was subjected to a comprehensive φ-value analysis at each of the 11 turn regions. FGF-1, a β-trefoil fold, represents an excellent model system with which to evaluate the influence of function on foldability: because of its threefold symmetric...
Show moreThe acquisition of function is often associated with destabilizing mutations, giving rise to the stability-function tradeoff hypothesis. To test whether function is also accommodated at the expense of foldability, fibroblast growth factor-1 (FGF-1) was subjected to a comprehensive φ-value analysis at each of the 11 turn regions. FGF-1, a β-trefoil fold, represents an excellent model system with which to evaluate the influence of function on foldability: because of its threefold symmetric structure, analysis of FGF-1 allows for direct comparisons between symmetry-related regions of the protein that are associated with function to those that are not; thus, a structural basis for regions of foldability can potentially be identified. The resulting φ-value distribution of FGF-1 is highly polarized, with the majority of positions described as either folded-like or denatured-like in the folding transition state. Regions important for folding are shown to be asymmetrically distributed within the protein architecture; furthermore, regions associated with function (i.e., heparin-binding affinity and receptor-binding affinity) are localized to regions of the protein that fold after barrier crossing (late in the folding pathway). These results provide experimental support for the foldability-function tradeoff hypothesis in the evolution of FGF-1. Notably, the results identify the potential for folding redundancy in symmetric protein architecture with important implications for protein evolution and design.
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Date Issued: 2012-12-01
Identifier: FSU_pmch_23047594, 10.1002/pro.2175, PMC3575920, 23047594, 23047594
Format: Citation

Title: Emergence of Symmetric Protein Architecture from a Simple Peptide Motif: Evolutionary Models.
Creator: Blaber, Michael, Lee, Jihun, Longo, Liam
Abstract/Description: Structural symmetry is observed in the majority of fundamental protein folds and gene duplication and fusion evolutionary processes are postulated to be responsible. However, convergent evolution leading to structural symmetry has also been proposed; additionally, there is debate regarding the extent to which exact primary structure symmetry is compatible with efficient protein folding. Issues of symmetry in protein evolution directly impact strategies for de novo protein design as symmetry...
Show moreStructural symmetry is observed in the majority of fundamental protein folds and gene duplication and fusion evolutionary processes are postulated to be responsible. However, convergent evolution leading to structural symmetry has also been proposed; additionally, there is debate regarding the extent to which exact primary structure symmetry is compatible with efficient protein folding. Issues of symmetry in protein evolution directly impact strategies for de novo protein design as symmetry can substantially simplify the design process. Additionally, when considering gene duplication and fusion in protein evolution, there are two competing models: ‘‘emergent architecture’’ and ‘‘conserved architecture’’. Recent experimental work has shed light on both the evolutionary process leading to symmetric protein folds as well as the ability of symmetric primary structure to efficiently fold. Such studies largely support a ‘‘conserved architecture’’ evolutionary model, suggesting that complex protein architecture was an early evolutionary achievement involving oligomerization of smaller polypeptides.
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Date Issued: 2012-06-26
Identifier: FSU_libsubv1_scholarship_submission_1464369511, 10.1007/s00018-012-1077-3
Format: Citation

Title: Kallikrein 6 is a Novel Molecular Trigger of Reactive Astrogliosis.
Creator: Scarisbrick, Isobel, Radulovic, Maja, Burda, Joshua, Larson, Nadya, Blaber, Sachiko, Giannini, Caterina, Blaber, Michael, Vandell, Alexander
Abstract/Description: Kallikrein-related peptidase 6 (KLK6) is a trypsin-like serine protease upregulated at sites of central nervous system (CNS) injury, including de novo expression by reactive astrocytes, yet its physiological actions are largely undefined. Taken with recent evidence that KLK6 activates G-protein-coupled protease-activated receptors (PARs), we hypothesized that injury-induced elevations in KLK6 contribute to the development of astrogliosis and that this occurs in a PAR-dependent fashion. Using...
Show moreKallikrein-related peptidase 6 (KLK6) is a trypsin-like serine protease upregulated at sites of central nervous system (CNS) injury, including de novo expression by reactive astrocytes, yet its physiological actions are largely undefined. Taken with recent evidence that KLK6 activates G-protein-coupled protease-activated receptors (PARs), we hypothesized that injury-induced elevations in KLK6 contribute to the development of astrogliosis and that this occurs in a PAR-dependent fashion. Using primary murine astrocytes and the Neu7 astrocyte cell line, we show that KLK6 causes astrocytes to transform from an epitheliod to a stellate morphology and to secrete interleukin 6 (IL-6). By contrast, KLK6 reduced expression of glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP). The stellation-promoting activities of KLK6 were shown to be dependent on activation of the thrombin receptor, PAR1, as a PAR1-specific inhibitor, SCH79797, blocked KLK6-induced morphological changes. The ability of KLK6 to promote astrocyte stellation was also shown to be linked to activation of protein kinase C (PKC). These studies indicate that KLK6 is positioned to serve as a molecular trigger of select physiological processes involved in the development of astrogliosis and that this is likely to occur at least in part by activation of the G-protein-coupled receptor, PAR1.
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Date Issued: 2012
Identifier: FSU_migr_biomed_faculty_publications-0030, 10.1515/hsz-2011-0241
Format: Citation

Title: Pharmacokinetic properties of 2nd-generation fibroblast growth factor-1 mutants for therapeutic application.
Creator: Xia, Xue, Babcock, Joseph P, Blaber, Sachiko I, Harper, Kathleen M, Blaber, Michael
Abstract/Description: Fibroblast growth factor-1 (FGF-1) is an angiogenic factor with therapeutic potential for the treatment of ischemic disease. FGF-1 has low intrinsic thermostability and is characteristically formulated with heparin as a stabilizing agent. Heparin, however, adds a number of undesirable properties that negatively impact safety and cost. Mutations that increase the thermostability of FGF-1 may obviate the need for heparin in formulation and may prove to be useful "2nd-generation" forms for...
Show moreFibroblast growth factor-1 (FGF-1) is an angiogenic factor with therapeutic potential for the treatment of ischemic disease. FGF-1 has low intrinsic thermostability and is characteristically formulated with heparin as a stabilizing agent. Heparin, however, adds a number of undesirable properties that negatively impact safety and cost. Mutations that increase the thermostability of FGF-1 may obviate the need for heparin in formulation and may prove to be useful "2nd-generation" forms for therapeutic use. We report a pharmacokinetic (PK) study in rabbits of human FGF-1 in the presence and absence of heparin, as well as three mutant forms having differential effects upon thermostability, buried reactive thiols, and heparin affinity. The results support the hypothesis that heparan sulfate proteoglycan (HSPG) in the vasculature of liver, kidney and spleen serves as the principle peripheral compartment in the distribution kinetics. The addition of heparin to FGF-1 is shown to increase endocrine-like properties of distribution. Mutant forms of FGF-1 that enhance thermostability or eliminate buried reactive thiols demonstrate a shorter distribution half-life, a longer elimination half-life, and a longer mean residence time (MRT) in comparison to wild-type FGF-1. The results show how such mutations can produce useful 2nd-generation forms with tailored PK profiles for specific therapeutic application.
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Date Issued: 2012-01-01
Identifier: FSU_pmch_23133616, 10.1371/journal.pone.0048210, PMC3486806, 23133616, 23133616, PONE-D-12-24821
Format: Citation

Title: Pharmacokinetic Properties of 2(nd)-Generation Fibroblast Growth Factor-1 Mutants for Therapeutic Application.
Creator: Xia, Xue, Babcock, Joseph, Blaber, Sachiko, Harper, Kathleen, Blaber, Michael
Abstract/Description: Fibroblast growth factor-1 (FGF-1) is an angiogenic factor with therapeutic potential for the treatment of ischemic disease. FGF-1 has low intrinsic thermostability and is characteristically formulated with heparin as a stabilizing agent. Heparin, however, adds a number of undesirable properties that negatively impact safety and cost. Mutations that increase the thermostability of FGF-1 may obviate the need for heparin in formulation and may prove to be useful "2nd-generation" forms for...
Show moreFibroblast growth factor-1 (FGF-1) is an angiogenic factor with therapeutic potential for the treatment of ischemic disease. FGF-1 has low intrinsic thermostability and is characteristically formulated with heparin as a stabilizing agent. Heparin, however, adds a number of undesirable properties that negatively impact safety and cost. Mutations that increase the thermostability of FGF-1 may obviate the need for heparin in formulation and may prove to be useful "2nd-generation" forms for therapeutic use. We report a pharmacokinetic (PK) study in rabbits of human FGF-1 in the presence and absence of heparin, as well as three mutant forms having differential effects upon thermostability, buried reactive thiols, and heparin affinity. The results support the hypothesis that heparan sulfate proteoglycan (HSPG) in the vasculature of liver, kidney and spleen serves as the principle peripheral compartment in the distribution kinetics. The addition of heparin to FGF-1 is shown to increase endocrine-like properties of distribution. Mutant forms of FGF-1 that enhance thermostability or eliminate buried reactive thiols demonstrate a shorter distribution half-life, a longer elimination half-life, and a longer mean residence time (MRT) in comparison to wild-type FGF-1. The results show how such mutations can produce useful 2nd-generation forms with tailored PK profiles for specific therapeutic application.
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Date Issued: 2012
Identifier: FSU_migr_biomed_faculty_publications-0041, 10.1371/journal.pone.0048210
Format: Citation

Title: Expression and Function of the Kallikrein-Related Peptidase 6 in the Human Melanoma Microenvironment.
Creator: Krenzer, Stefanie, Peterziel, Heike, Mauch, Cornelia, Blaber, Sachiko, Blaber, Michael, Angel, Peter, Hess, Jochen
Abstract/Description: Cutaneous malignant melanoma is an aggressive disease of poor prognosis. Clinical and experimental studies have provided major insight into the pathogenesis of the disease, including the functional interaction between melanoma cells and surrounding keratinocytes, fibroblasts, and immune cells. Nevertheless, patients with metastasized melanoma have a very poor prognosis and are largely refractory to clinical therapies. Hence, diagnostic tools to monitor melanoma development, as well as...
Show moreCutaneous malignant melanoma is an aggressive disease of poor prognosis. Clinical and experimental studies have provided major insight into the pathogenesis of the disease, including the functional interaction between melanoma cells and surrounding keratinocytes, fibroblasts, and immune cells. Nevertheless, patients with metastasized melanoma have a very poor prognosis and are largely refractory to clinical therapies. Hence, diagnostic tools to monitor melanoma development, as well as therapeutic targets, are urgently needed. We investigated the expression pattern of the kallikrein-related peptidase 6 (KLK6) in human melanoma tissue sections throughout tumor development. Although KLK6 was not detectable in tumor cells, we found strong KLK6 protein expression in keratinocytes and stromal cells located adjacent to benign nevi, primary melanomas, and cutaneous metastatic lesions, suggesting a paracrine function of extracellular KLK6 during neoplastic transformation and malignant progression. Accordingly, recombinant Klk6 protein significantly induced melanoma cell migration and invasion accompanied by an accelerated intracellular Ca(2+) flux. We could further demonstrate that KLK6-induced intracellular Ca(2+) flux and tumor cell invasion critically depends on the protease-activated receptor 1 (PAR1). Our data provide experimental evidence that specific inhibition of the KLK6-PAR1 axis may interfere with the deleterious effect of tumor-microenvironment interaction and represent a potential option for translational melanoma research.
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Date Issued: 2011
Identifier: FSU_migr_biomed_faculty_publications-0024, 10.1038/jid.2011.190
Format: Citation

Title: Functional Role of Kallikrein 6 in Regulating Immune Cell Survival.
Creator: Scarisbrick, Isobel, Epstein, Benjamin, Cloud, Beth, Yoon, Hyesook, Wu, Jianmin, Renner, Danielle, Blaber, Sachiko, Blaber, Michael, Vandell, Alexander, Bryson, Alexandra
Abstract/Description: BACKGROUND: Kallikrein 6 (KLK6) is a newly identified member of the kallikrein family of secreted serine proteases that prior studies indicate is elevated at sites of central nervous system (CNS) inflammation and which shows regulated expression with T cell activation. Notably, KLK6 is also elevated in the serum of multiple sclerosis (MS) patients however its potential roles in immune function are unknown. Herein we specifically examine whether KLK6 alters immune cell survival and the...
Show moreBACKGROUND: Kallikrein 6 (KLK6) is a newly identified member of the kallikrein family of secreted serine proteases that prior studies indicate is elevated at sites of central nervous system (CNS) inflammation and which shows regulated expression with T cell activation. Notably, KLK6 is also elevated in the serum of multiple sclerosis (MS) patients however its potential roles in immune function are unknown. Herein we specifically examine whether KLK6 alters immune cell survival and the possible mechanism by which this may occur. METHODOLOGY/PRINCIPAL FINDINGS: Using murine whole splenocyte preparations and the human Jurkat T cell line we demonstrate that KLK6 robustly supports cell survival across a range of cell death paradigms. Recombinant KLK6 was shown to significantly reduce cell death under resting conditions and in response to camptothecin, dexamethasone, staurosporine and Fas-ligand. Moreover, KLK6-over expression in Jurkat T cells was shown to generate parallel pro-survival effects. In mixed splenocyte populations the vigorous immune cell survival promoting effects of KLK6 were shown to include both T and B lymphocytes, to occur with as little as 5 minutes of treatment, and to involve up regulation of the pro-survival protein B-cell lymphoma-extra large (Bcl-XL), and inhibition of the pro-apoptotic protein Bcl-2-interacting mediator of cell death (Bim). The ability of KLK6 to promote survival of splenic T cells was also shown to be absent in cell preparations derived from PAR1 deficient mice. CONCLUSION/SIGNIFICANCE: KLK6 promotes lymphocyte survival by a mechanism that depends in part on activation of PAR1. These findings point to a novel molecular mechanism regulating lymphocyte survival that is likely to have relevance to a range of immunological responses that depend on apoptosis for immune clearance and maintenance of homeostasis.
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Date Issued: 2011
Identifier: FSU_migr_biomed_faculty_publications-0022, 10.1371/journal.pone.0018376
Format: Citation

Title: Experimental Support for the Evolution of Symmetric Protein Architecture from a Simple Peptide Motif.
Creator: Lee, Jihun, Blaber, Michael
Abstract/Description: The majority of protein architectures exhibit elements of structural symmetry, and "gene duplication and fusion" is the evolutionary mechanism generally hypothesized to be responsible for their emergence from simple peptide motifs. Despite the central importance of the gene duplication and fusion hypothesis, experimental support for a plausible evolutionary pathway for a specific protein architecture has yet to be effectively demonstrated. To address this question, a unique "top-down...
Show moreThe majority of protein architectures exhibit elements of structural symmetry, and "gene duplication and fusion" is the evolutionary mechanism generally hypothesized to be responsible for their emergence from simple peptide motifs. Despite the central importance of the gene duplication and fusion hypothesis, experimental support for a plausible evolutionary pathway for a specific protein architecture has yet to be effectively demonstrated. To address this question, a unique "top-down symmetric deconstruction" strategy was utilized to successfully identify a simple peptide motif capable of recapitulating, via gene duplication and fusion processes, a symmetric protein architecture (the threefold symmetric β-trefoil fold). The folding properties of intermediary forms in this deconstruction agree precisely with a previously proposed "conserved architecture" model for symmetric protein evolution. Furthermore, a route through foldable sequence-space between the simple peptide motif and extant protein fold is demonstrated. These results provide compelling experimental support for a plausible evolutionary pathway of symmetric protein architecture via gene duplication and fusion processes.
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Date Issued: 2011
Identifier: FSU_migr_biomed_faculty_publications-0020, 10.1073/pnas.1015032108, PMC3017207
Format: Citation

Title: Functional Intersection of the Kallikrein-Related Peptidases (KLKs) and Thrombostasis Axis.
Creator: Blaber, Michael, Yoon, Hyesook, Juliano, Maria, Scarisbrick, Isobel, Blaber, Sachiko
Abstract/Description: A large body of emerging evidence indicates a functional interaction between the kallikrein-related peptidases (KLKs) and proteases of the thrombostasis axis. These interactions appear relevant for both normal health as well as pathologies associated with inflammation, tissue injury, and remodeling. Regulatory interactions between the KLKs and thrombostasis proteases could impact several serious human diseases, including neurodegeneration and cancer. The emerging network of specific...
Show moreA large body of emerging evidence indicates a functional interaction between the kallikrein-related peptidases (KLKs) and proteases of the thrombostasis axis. These interactions appear relevant for both normal health as well as pathologies associated with inflammation, tissue injury, and remodeling. Regulatory interactions between the KLKs and thrombostasis proteases could impact several serious human diseases, including neurodegeneration and cancer. The emerging network of specific interactions between these two protease families appears to be complex, and much work remains to elucidate it. Complete understanding how this functional network resolves over time, given specific initial conditions, and how it might be controllably manipulated, will probably contribute to the emergence of novel diagnostics and therapeutic agents for major diseases.
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Date Issued: 2010
Identifier: FSU_migr_biomed_faculty_publications-0018, 10.1515/BC.2010.024, PMC3047482
Format: Citation

Title: A Completed KLK Activome Profile: Investigation of Activation Profiles of KLK9, 10, and 15..
Creator: Yoon, Hyesook, Blaber, Sachiko, Debela, Mekdes, Goettig, Peter, Scarisbrick, Isobel, Blaber, Michael
Abstract/Description: We previously reported the activation profiles of the human kallikrein-related peptidases (KLKs) as determined from a KLK pro-peptide fusion-protein system. That report described the activity profiles of 12 of the 15 mature KLKs versus the 15 different pro-KLK sequences. The missing profiles in the prior report, involving KLK9, 10, and 15, are now described. Sodium dodecyl sulfate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis, mass spectrometry, and N-terminal sequence analyses show that KLK9 and 10...
Show moreWe previously reported the activation profiles of the human kallikrein-related peptidases (KLKs) as determined from a KLK pro-peptide fusion-protein system. That report described the activity profiles of 12 of the 15 mature KLKs versus the 15 different pro-KLK sequences. The missing profiles in the prior report, involving KLK9, 10, and 15, are now described. Sodium dodecyl sulfate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis, mass spectrometry, and N-terminal sequence analyses show that KLK9 and 10 exhibit low hydrolytic activities towards all of the 15 pro-KLK sequences, while KLK15 exhibits significant activity towards both Arg- and Lys-containing KLK pro-sequences. The ability of KLK15 to activate pro-KLK8, 12, and 14 is confirmed using recombinant pro-KLK proteins, and shown to be significant for activation of pro-KLK8 and 14, but not 12. These additional data for KLK9, 10, and 15 now permit a completed KLK activome profile, using a KLK pro-peptide fusion-protein system, to be described. The results suggest that KLK15, once activated, can potentially feed back into additional pro-KLK activation pathways. Conversely, KLK9 and 10, once activated, are unlikely to participate in further pro-KLK activation pathways, although similar to KLK1 they may activate other bioactive peptides.
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Date Issued: 2009
Identifier: FSU_migr_biomed_faculty_publications-0012
Format: Citation

Title: X-ray Structure and Biophysical Properties of Rabbit Fibroblast Growth Factor 1.
Creator: Lee, Jihun, Blaber, Sachiko, Irsigler, Andre, Aspinwall, Eric, Blaber, Michael
Abstract/Description: The rabbit is an important and de facto animal model in the study of ischemic disease and angiogenic therapy. Additionally, fibroblast growth factor 1 (FGF-1) is emerging as one of the most important growth factors for novel proangiogenic and pro-arteriogenic therapy. However, despite its significance, the fundamental biophysical properties of rabbit FGF-1, including its X-ray structure, have never been reported. Here, the cloning, crystallization, X-ray structure and determination of the...
Show moreThe rabbit is an important and de facto animal model in the study of ischemic disease and angiogenic therapy. Additionally, fibroblast growth factor 1 (FGF-1) is emerging as one of the most important growth factors for novel proangiogenic and pro-arteriogenic therapy. However, despite its significance, the fundamental biophysical properties of rabbit FGF-1, including its X-ray structure, have never been reported. Here, the cloning, crystallization, X-ray structure and determination of the biophysical properties of rabbit FGF-1 are described. The X-ray structure shows that the amino-acid differences between human and rabbit FGF-1 are solvent-exposed and therefore potentially immunogenic, while the biophysical studies identify differences in thermostability and receptor-binding affinity that distinguish rabbit FGF-1 from human FGF-1.
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Date Issued: 2009
Identifier: FSU_migr_biomed_faculty_publications-0016, 10.1107/S1744309109040287, PMC2777034
Format: Citation

Title: Engineering an Improved Crystal Contact Across a Solvent-Mediated Interface of Human Fibroblast Growth Factor 1.
Creator: Meher, Akshaya, Blaber, Sachiko, Lee, Jihun, Honjo, Ejiro, Kuroki, Ryota, Blaber, Michael
Abstract/Description: Large-volume protein crystals are a prerequisite for neutron diffraction studies and their production represents a bottleneck in obtaining neutron structures. Many protein crystals that permit the collection of high-resolution X-ray diffraction data are inappropriate for neutron diffraction owing to a plate-type morphology that limits the crystal volume. Human fibroblast growth factor 1 crystallizes in a plate morphology that yields atomic resolution X-ray diffraction data but has...
Show moreLarge-volume protein crystals are a prerequisite for neutron diffraction studies and their production represents a bottleneck in obtaining neutron structures. Many protein crystals that permit the collection of high-resolution X-ray diffraction data are inappropriate for neutron diffraction owing to a plate-type morphology that limits the crystal volume. Human fibroblast growth factor 1 crystallizes in a plate morphology that yields atomic resolution X-ray diffraction data but has insufficient volume for neutron diffraction. The thin physical dimension has been identified as corresponding to the b cell edge and the X-ray structure identified a solvent-mediated crystal contact adjacent to position Glu81 that was hypothesized to limit efficient crystal growth in this dimension. In this report, a series of mutations at this crystal contact designed to both reduce side-chain entropy and replace the solvent-mediated interface with direct side-chain contacts are reported. The results suggest that improved crystal growth is achieved upon the introduction of direct crystal contacts, while little improvement is observed with side-chain entropy-reducing mutations alone.
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Date Issued: 2009
Identifier: FSU_migr_biomed_faculty_publications-0017, 10.1107/S1744309109036987, PMC2777043
Format: Citation

Title: Activation Profiles of Human Kallikrein-Related Peptidases by Proteases of the Thrombostasis Axis.
Creator: Yoon, Hyesook, Blaber, Sachiko, Evans, D., Trim, Julie, Juliano, Maria, Scarisbrick, Isobel, Blaber, Michael
Abstract/Description: The human kallikrein-related peptidases (KLKs) comprise 15 members (KLK1-15) and are the single largest family of serine proteases. The KLKs are utilized, or proposed, as clinically important biomarkers and therapeutic targets of interest in cancer and neurodegenerative disease. All KLKs appear to be secreted as inactive pro-forms (pro-KLKs) that are activated extracellularly by specific proteolytic release of their N-terminal pro-peptide. This processing is a key step in the regulation of...
Show moreThe human kallikrein-related peptidases (KLKs) comprise 15 members (KLK1-15) and are the single largest family of serine proteases. The KLKs are utilized, or proposed, as clinically important biomarkers and therapeutic targets of interest in cancer and neurodegenerative disease. All KLKs appear to be secreted as inactive pro-forms (pro-KLKs) that are activated extracellularly by specific proteolytic release of their N-terminal pro-peptide. This processing is a key step in the regulation of KLK function. Much recent work has been devoted to elucidating the potential for activation cascades between members of the KLK family, with physiologically relevant KLK regulatory cascades now described in skin desquamation and semen liquefaction. Despite this expanding knowledge of KLK regulation, details regarding the potential for functional intersection of KLKs with other regulatory proteases are essentially unknown. To elucidate such interaction potential, we have characterized the ability of proteases associated with thrombostasis to hydrolyze the pro-peptide sequences of the KLK family using a previously described pro-KLK fusion protein system. A subset of positive hydrolysis results were subsequently quantified with proteolytic assays using intact recombinant pro-KLK proteins. Pro-KLK6 and 14 can be activated by both plasmin and uPA, with plasmin being the best activator of pro-KLK6 identified to date. Pro-KLK11 and 12 can be activated by a broad-spectrum of thrombostasis proteases, with thrombin exhibiting a high degree of selectivity for pro-KLK12. The results show that proteases of the thrombostasis family can efficiently activate specific pro-KLKs, demonstrating the potential for important regulatory interactions between these two major protease families.
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Date Issued: 2008
Identifier: FSU_migr_biomed_faculty_publications-0009
Format: Citation

Title: Kallikreins are Associated with Secondary Progressive Multiple Sclerosis and Promote Neurodegeneration.
Creator: Scarisbrick, Isobel, Linbo, Rachel, Vandell, Alexander, Keegan, Mark, Blaber, Sachiko, Blaber, Michael, Sneve, Diane, Lucchinetti, Claudia F., Rodriguez, Moses, Diamandis,...
Show moreScarisbrick, Isobel, Linbo, Rachel, Vandell, Alexander, Keegan, Mark, Blaber, Sachiko, Blaber, Michael, Sneve, Diane, Lucchinetti, Claudia F., Rodriguez, Moses, Diamandis, Eleftherios P.
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Abstract/Description: Tissue kallikrein KLK1 and the kallikrein-related peptidases KLK2-15 are a subfamily of serine proteases that have defined or proposed roles in a range of central nervous system (CNS) and non-CNS pathologies. To further understand their potential activity in multiple sclerosis (MS), serum levels of KLK1, 6, 7, 8 and 10 were determined in 35 MS patients and 62 controls by quantitative fluorometric ELISA. Serum levels were then correlated with Expanded Disability Status Scale (EDSS) scores...
Show moreTissue kallikrein KLK1 and the kallikrein-related peptidases KLK2-15 are a subfamily of serine proteases that have defined or proposed roles in a range of central nervous system (CNS) and non-CNS pathologies. To further understand their potential activity in multiple sclerosis (MS), serum levels of KLK1, 6, 7, 8 and 10 were determined in 35 MS patients and 62 controls by quantitative fluorometric ELISA. Serum levels were then correlated with Expanded Disability Status Scale (EDSS) scores determined at the time of serological sampling or at last clinical follow-up. Serum levels of KLK1 and KLK6 were elevated in MS patients (p
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Date Issued: 2008
Identifier: FSU_migr_biomed_faculty_publications-0008
Format: Citation

Title: Mutagenesis of the Crystal Contact of Acidic Fibroblast Growth Factor.
Creator: Honjo, Eijiro, Tamada, Taro, Adachi, Motoyasu, Kuroki, Ryota, Meher, Akshaya, Blaber, Michael
Abstract/Description: An attempt has been made to improve a crystal contact of human acidic fibroblast growth factor (haFGF; 140 amino acids) to control the crystal growth, because haFGF crystallizes only as a thin-plate form, yielding crystals suitable for X-ray but not neutron diffraction. X-ray crystal analysis of haFGF showed that the Glu81 side chain, located at a crystal contact between haFGF molecules, is in close proximity with an identical residue related by crystallographic symmetry, suggesting that...
Show moreAn attempt has been made to improve a crystal contact of human acidic fibroblast growth factor (haFGF; 140 amino acids) to control the crystal growth, because haFGF crystallizes only as a thin-plate form, yielding crystals suitable for X-ray but not neutron diffraction. X-ray crystal analysis of haFGF showed that the Glu81 side chain, located at a crystal contact between haFGF molecules, is in close proximity with an identical residue related by crystallographic symmetry, suggesting that charge repulsion may disrupt suitable crystal-packing interactions. To investigate whether the Glu residue affects the crystal-packing interactions, haFGF mutants in which Glu81 was replaced by Ala, Val, Leu, Ser and Thr were constructed. Although crystals of the Ala and Leu mutants were grown as a thin-plate form by the same precipitant (formate) as the wild type, crystals of the Ser and Thr mutants were grown with increased thickness, yielding a larger overall crystal volume. X-ray structural analysis of the Ser mutant determined at 1.35 A resolution revealed that the hydroxy groups of Ser are linked by hydrogen bonds mediated by the formate used as a precipitant. This approach to engineering crystal contacts may contribute to the development of large protein crystals for neutron crystallography.
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Date Issued: 2008
Identifier: FSU_migr_biomed_faculty_publications-0007
Format: Citation

Title: S(1)' and S(2)' Subsite Specificities of Human Plasma Kallikrein and Tissue Kallikrein 1 for the Hydrolysis of Peptides Derived from the Bradykinin Domain of Human Kininogen.
Creator: Lima, Aurelio, Alves, Fabiana, Angelo, Pedro, Andrade, Douglas, Blaber, Sachiko, Blaber, Michael, Juliano, Luiz, Juliano, Maria
Abstract/Description: The S(1)' and S(2)' subsite specificities of human tissue kallikrein 1 (KLK1) and human plasma kallikrein (HPK) were examined with the peptide series Abz-GFSPFRXSRIQ-EDDnp and Abz-GFSPFRSXRIQ-EDDnp [X=natural amino acids or S(PO(3)H(2))]. KLK1 efficiently hydrolyzed most of the peptides except those containing negatively charged amino acids at P(1)' and P(2)' positions. Abz-GFSPFRSSRIQ-EDDnp, as in human kininogen, is the best substrate for KLK1 and exclusively cleaved the R-S bond. All other...
Show moreThe S(1)' and S(2)' subsite specificities of human tissue kallikrein 1 (KLK1) and human plasma kallikrein (HPK) were examined with the peptide series Abz-GFSPFRXSRIQ-EDDnp and Abz-GFSPFRSXRIQ-EDDnp [X=natural amino acids or S(PO(3)H(2))]. KLK1 efficiently hydrolyzed most of the peptides except those containing negatively charged amino acids at P(1)' and P(2)' positions. Abz-GFSPFRSSRIQ-EDDnp, as in human kininogen, is the best substrate for KLK1 and exclusively cleaved the R-S bond. All other peptides were cleaved also at the F-R bond. The synthetic human kininogen segment Abz-MISLMKRPPGFSPFRS(390)S(391)RI-NH(2) was hydrolyzed by KLK1 first at R-S and then at M-K bonds, releasing Lys-bradykinin. In the S(390) and S(391) phosphorylated analogs, this order of hydrolysis was inverted due to the higher resistance of the R-S bond. Abz-MISLMKRPPG-FSPFRSS(PO(3)H(2))(391)RI-NH(2) was hydrolyzed by KLK1 at M-K and mainly at the F-R bond, releasing des-(Arg(9))-Lys-Bk which is a B1 receptor agonist. HPK cleaved all the peptides at R and showed restricted specificity for S in the S(1)' subsite, with lower specificity for the S(2)' subsite. Abz-MISLMKRPPGFSPFRSSRI-NH(2) was efficiently hydrolyzed by HPK under bradykinin release, while the analogs containing S(PO(3)H(2)) were poorly hydrolyzed. In conclusion, S(1)' and S(2)' subsite specificities of KLK1 and HPK showed peculiarities that were observed with substrates containing the amino acid sequence of human kininogen.
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Date Issued: 2008
Identifier: FSU_migr_biomed_faculty_publications-0011
Format: Citation

Title: Protease-Activated Receptor Dependent and Independent Signaling by Kallikreins 1 and 6 in CNS Neuron and Astroglial Cell Lines.
Creator: Vandell, Alexander, Larson, Nadya, Laxmikanthan, Gurunathan, Panos, Michael, Blaber, Sachiko, Blaber, Michael, Scarisbrick, Isobel
Abstract/Description: While protease-activated receptors (PARs) are known to mediate signaling events in CNS, contributing both to normal function and pathogenesis, the endogenous activators of CNS PARs are poorly characterized. In this study, we test the hypothesis that kallikreins (KLKs) represent an important pool of endogenous activators of CNS PARs. Specifically, KLK1 and KLK6 were examined for their ability to evoke intracellular Ca(2+) flux in a PAR-dependent fashion in NSC34 neurons and Neu7 astrocytes....
Show moreWhile protease-activated receptors (PARs) are known to mediate signaling events in CNS, contributing both to normal function and pathogenesis, the endogenous activators of CNS PARs are poorly characterized. In this study, we test the hypothesis that kallikreins (KLKs) represent an important pool of endogenous activators of CNS PARs. Specifically, KLK1 and KLK6 were examined for their ability to evoke intracellular Ca(2+) flux in a PAR-dependent fashion in NSC34 neurons and Neu7 astrocytes. Both KLKs were also examined for their ability to activate mitogen-activated protein kinases (extracellular signal-regulated kinases, C-Jun N-terminal kinases, and p38) and protein kinase B (AKT) intracellular signaling cascades. Cumulatively, these studies show that KLK6, but not KLK1, signals through PARs. KLK6 evoked intracellular Ca(2+) flux was mediated by PAR1 in neurons and both PAR1 and PAR2 in astrocytes. Importantly, both KLK1 and KLK6 altered the activation state of mitogen-activated protein kinases and AKT, suggestive of important roles for each in CNS neuron and glial differentiation, and survival. The cellular specificity of CNS-KLK activity was underscored by observations that both proteases promoted AKT activation in astrocytes, but inhibited such signaling in neurons. PAR1 and bradykinin receptor inhibitors were used to demonstrate that KLK1-mediated activation of extracellular signal-regulated kinases in neurons occurred in a non-PAR, bradykinin 2 (B2) receptor-dependent fashion, while similar signaling by KLK6 was mediated by the combined activation of PAR1 and B2. Cumulatively results indicate KLK6, but not KLK1 is an activator of CNS PARs, and that both KLKs are poised to signal in a B2 receptor-dependent fashion to regulate multiple signal transduction pathways relevant to CNS physiologic function and dysfunction.
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Date Issued: 2008
Identifier: FSU_migr_biomed_faculty_publications-0010
Format: Citation

Title: Substrate Specificity of Human Kallikreins 1 and 6 Determined by Phage Display.
Creator: Li, Hai-Xin, Hwang, Bum-Yeol, Laxmikanthan, Gurunathan, Blaber, Sachiko, Blaber, Michael, Golubkov, Pavel, Ren, Pengyu, Iverson, Brent, Georgiou, George
Abstract/Description: The human tissue kallikrein (KLK) family contains 15 secreted serine proteases that are expressed in a wide range of tissues and have been implicated in different physiological functions and disease states. Of these, KLK1 has been shown to be involved in the regulation of multiple physiological processes such as blood pressure, smooth muscle contraction, and vascular cell growth. KLK6 is overexpressed in breast and ovarian cancer tissues and has been shown to cleave peptide derived from human...
Show moreThe human tissue kallikrein (KLK) family contains 15 secreted serine proteases that are expressed in a wide range of tissues and have been implicated in different physiological functions and disease states. Of these, KLK1 has been shown to be involved in the regulation of multiple physiological processes such as blood pressure, smooth muscle contraction, and vascular cell growth. KLK6 is overexpressed in breast and ovarian cancer tissues and has been shown to cleave peptide derived from human myelin protein and Abeta amyloid peptide in vitro. Here we analyzed the substrate specificity of KLK1 and KLK6, by substrate phage display using a random octapeptide library. Consistent with earlier biochemical data, KLK1 was shown to exhibit both trypsin- and chymotrypsin-like selectivities with Tyr/Arg preferred at site P1, Ser/Arg strongly preferred at P1', and Phe/Leu at P2. KLK6 displayed trypsin-like activity, with the P1 position occupied only by Arg and a strong preference for Ser in P1'. Docking simulations of consensus peptide provide information on the identity of the enzyme residues that are responsible for substrate binding. Bioinformatic analysis suggested several putative KLK6 protein substrates, such as ionotropic glutamate receptor (GluR) and synphilin.
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Date Issued: 2008
Identifier: FSU_migr_biomed_faculty_publications-0006
Format: Citation

Title: The Autolytic Regulation of Human Kallikrein-Related Peptidase 6.
Creator: Blaber, Sachiko, Yoon, Hyesook, Scarisbrick, Isobel, Juliano, Maria, Blaber, Michael
Abstract/Description: Human kallikrein-related peptidase 6 (KLK6) is a member of the kallikrein family of serine-type proteases, characterized as an arginine-specific digestive-type protease capable of degrading a wide-variety of extracellular matrix proteins. KLK6 has been proposed to be a useful biomarker for breast and ovarian cancer prognosis, is abundantly expressed in the CNS and cerebrospinal fluid, and is intimately associated with regions of active inflammatory demyelination in multiple sclerosis (MS)...
Show moreHuman kallikrein-related peptidase 6 (KLK6) is a member of the kallikrein family of serine-type proteases, characterized as an arginine-specific digestive-type protease capable of degrading a wide-variety of extracellular matrix proteins. KLK6 has been proposed to be a useful biomarker for breast and ovarian cancer prognosis, is abundantly expressed in the CNS and cerebrospinal fluid, and is intimately associated with regions of active inflammatory demyelination in multiple sclerosis (MS) lesions. Inhibition of KLK6 results in delayed onset and reduced severity of symptoms associated with experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis, suggesting a key effector role for this protease in CNS inflammatory disease. KLK6 has been shown to autolytically cleave internally, leading to inactivation and suggesting a negative feedback inhibition control mechanism. Alternatively, the ability of KLK6 to self-activate has also been reported, suggesting a positive feedback activation loop control mechanism. Activation of pro-KLK6 requires hydrolysis after a Lys residue; however, KLK6 exhibits 2 order of magnitude reduced affinity for hydrolysis after Lys versus Arg residues; therefore, the ability to autolytically activate has been called into question. In the present study the catalytic activity of KLK6 toward its pro-sequence and internal autolytic sequence is characterized. The results show that the ability of KLK6 to activate pro-KLK6 is essentially negligible when compared to the rate of the internal autolytic inactivation or to the ability of other proteases to activate pro-KLK6. The results thus show that the primary autolytic regulatory mechanism of KLK6 is negative feedback inhibition, and activation is likely achieved through the action of a separate protease.
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Date Issued: 2007
Identifier: FSU_migr_biomed_faculty_publications-0002, 10.1021/bi6025006, PMC2517904
Format: Citation

Title: Crystal Structure and Biochemical Characterization of Human Kallikrein 6 Reveals a Trypsin-like Kallikrein is Expressed in the Central Nervous System.
Creator: Bernett, Matthew, Blaber, Sachiko, Scarisbrick, Isobel, Dhanarajan, Pushparani, Thompson, Steven, Blaber, Michael
Abstract/Description: The human kallikreins are a large multigene family of closely related serine-type proteases. In this regard, they are similar to the multigene kallikrein families characterized in mice and rats. There is a much more extensive body of knowledge regarding the function of mouse and rat kallikreins in comparison with the human kallikreins. Human kallikrein 6 has been proposed as the homologue to rat myelencephalon-specific protease, an arginine-specific degradative-type protease abundantly...
Show moreThe human kallikreins are a large multigene family of closely related serine-type proteases. In this regard, they are similar to the multigene kallikrein families characterized in mice and rats. There is a much more extensive body of knowledge regarding the function of mouse and rat kallikreins in comparison with the human kallikreins. Human kallikrein 6 has been proposed as the homologue to rat myelencephalon-specific protease, an arginine-specific degradative-type protease abundantly expressed in the central nervous system and implicated in demyelinating disease. We present the x-ray crystal structure of mature, active recombinant human kallikrein 6 at 1.75-Å resolution. This high resolution model provides the first three-dimensional view of one of the human kallikreins and one of only a few structures of serine proteases predominantly expressed in the central nervous system. Enzymatic data are presented that support the identification of human kallikrein 6 as the functional homologue of rat myelencephalon-specific protease and are corroborated by a molecular phylogenetic analysis. Furthermore, the x-ray data provide support for the characterization of human kallikrein 6 as a degradative protease with structural features more similar to trypsin than the regulatory kallikreins.
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Date Issued: 2002-04-30
Identifier: FSU_libsubv1_scholarship_submission_1464374012, 10.1074/jbc.M202392200
Format: Citation

Title: Molecular Modeling of Substrate Binding in Wild-type and Mutant Corynebacteria 2,5-diketo-D-gluconate Reductases.
Creator: Khurana, Sumit, Sanli, Gulsah, Powers, David, Anderson, Stephen, Blaber, Michael
Abstract/Description: 2,5-diketo-D-gluconic acid reductase (2,5-DKGR; E.C. 1.1.1.-) catalyzes the Nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate (NADPH)-dependent stereo-specific reduction of 2, 5-diketo-D-gluconate (2,5-DKG) to 2-keto-L-gulonate (2-KLG), a precursor in the industrial production of vitamin C (L-ascorbate). Microorganisms that naturally ferment D-glucose to 2,5-DKG can be genetically modified to express the gene for 2,5-DKGR, and thus directly produce vitamin C from D-glucose. Two naturally occurring...
Show more2,5-diketo-D-gluconic acid reductase (2,5-DKGR; E.C. 1.1.1.-) catalyzes the Nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate (NADPH)-dependent stereo-specific reduction of 2, 5-diketo-D-gluconate (2,5-DKG) to 2-keto-L-gulonate (2-KLG), a precursor in the industrial production of vitamin C (L-ascorbate). Microorganisms that naturally ferment D-glucose to 2,5-DKG can be genetically modified to express the gene for 2,5-DKGR, and thus directly produce vitamin C from D-glucose. Two naturally occurring variants of DKGR (DKGR A and DKGR B) have been reported. DKGR B exhibits higher specific activity toward 2,5-DKG than DKGR A; however, DKGR A exhibits a greater selectivity for this substrate and significantly higher thermal stability. Thus, a modified form of DKGR, combining desirable properties from both enzymes, would be of substantial commercial interest. In the present study we use a molecular dynamics-based approach to understand the conformational changes in DKGR A as the active site is mutated to include two active site residue changes that occur in the B form. The results indicate that the enhanced kinetic properties of the B form are due, in part, to residue substitutions in the binding pocket. These substitutions augment interactions with the substrate or alter the alignment with respect to the putative proton donor group.
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Date Issued: 1999-11-02
Identifier: FSU_libsubv1_scholarship_submission_1464374853, 10.1002/(SICI)1097-0134(20000401)39:1<68::AID-PROT7>3.0.CO;2-Y
Format: Citation

Biochemistry (17)	+ -
Cytology (17)	+ -
Developmental biology (17)	+ -
Medical sciences (17)	+ -
Biophysics (16)	+ -

Clinical biochemistry (16)	+ -
Molecular biology (16)	+ -
Humans (6)	+ -
Animals (4)	+ -
Crystallography, X-Ray (4)	+ -
Fibroblast Growth Factor 1/chemistry (3)	+ -
Fibroblast Growth Factor 1/genetics (3)	+ -
Mice (3)	+ -
Models, Molecular (3)	+ -
Amino acids (2)	+ -
Male (2)	+ -
Peptides (2)	+ -
Protein Conformation (2)	+ -
Protein Folding (2)	+ -
Protein Stability (2)	+ -
Proteins (2)	+ -
Thermodynamics (2)	+ -
Adolescent (1)	+ -
Adult (1)	+ -
Aged (1)	+ -
Amino Acid Sequence (1)	+ -
Amino Acid Substitution (1)	+ -
Amino Acids/chemistry (1)	+ -
Antibodies, Monoclonal, Murine-Derived/chemistry (1)	+ -
Axons/metabolism (1)	+ -

text (44)	+ -
journal article (10)	+ -

Blaber, Sachiko (21)	+ -
Longo, Liam (11)	+ -
Scarisbrick, Isobel (11)	+ -
Lee, Jihun (8)	+ -
Yoon, Hyesook (8)	+ -

Xia, Xue (7)	+ -
Blaber, Sachiko I (4)	+ -
Juliano, Maria (4)	+ -
Kumru, Ozan (4)	+ -
Li, Ling (4)	+ -
Middaugh, Russell (4)	+ -
Tenorio, Connie (4)	+ -
Vandell, Alexander (4)	+ -
Kuroki, Ryota (3)	+ -
Larson, Nadya (3)	+ -
Radulovic, Maja (3)	+ -
Wu, Jianmin (3)	+ -
Adachi, Motoyasu (2)	+ -
Bienkiewicz, Ewa (2)	+ -
Downes, Michael (2)	+ -
Harper, Kathleen M (2)	+ -
Honjo, Eijiro (2)	+ -
Juliano, Luiz (2)	+ -
Kumru, Ozan S (2)	+ -
Laxmikanthan, Gurunathan (2)	+ -
Linbo, Rachel (2)	+ -
Meher, Akshaya (2)	+ -
Middaugh, C Russell (2)	+ -
Ornitz, David (2)	+ -

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