ABSTRACT
Rapid whole-genome sequencing (rWGS) allows for a diagnosis to be made quickly and impact medical management, particularly in critically ill children. Variants identified by this approach are often not identified using other testing methodologies, such as carrier screening or gene sequencing panels, targeted panels, or chromosomal microarrays. However, rWGS can identify variants of uncertain significance (VUSs), which challenges clinicians in the rapid return of information to families. Here we present a case of the metabolic condition D-bifunctional protein deficiency in a neonate with epilepsy and hypotonia born to consanguineous parents. Sequencing revealed a homozygous VUS in HSD17B4, c.1619A > G (p.His540Arg). Preliminary results were delivered within 3 d of sample receipt. Previous parental carrier screening included the HSD17B4 gene but was reported as negative. The molecular finding directed the clinical team to assess phenotypic overlap and investigate next steps in terms of confirmation of the findings and potential medical management of the patient. Clinical metabolic testing of fatty acids confirmed the diagnosis. Computational analysis of HSD17B4 His540Arg showed the change to likely impact dimerization based on structural insights, with the histidine conserved and selected throughout all 223 species assessed for this amino acid. This variant clusters around several pathogenic and likely pathogenic variants in HSD17B4 This case demonstrates the utility of rWGS, the potential for receiving uncertain results, and the downstream implications for confirmation or rejection of a molecular diagnosis by the clinical team.
Subject(s)
Homozygote , Peroxisomal Multifunctional Protein-2/deficiency , Peroxisomal Multifunctional Protein-2/genetics , Protein Deficiency/genetics , Whole Genome Sequencing , Fatty Acids , Female , Genetic Predisposition to Disease/genetics , Humans , Infant , Models, Molecular , Muscle Hypotonia , Pathology, Molecular/methods , Peroxisomal Multifunctional Protein-2/chemistry , Protein ConformationABSTRACT
Artificial metalloenzymes (ArMs) are hybrid catalysts that offer a unique opportunity to combine the superior performance of natural protein structures with the unnatural reactivity of transition-metal catalytic centers. Therefore, they provide the prospect of highly selective and active catalytic chemical conversions for which natural enzymes are unavailable. Herein, we show how by rationally combining robust site-specific phosphine bioconjugation methods and a lipid-binding protein (SCP-2L), an artificial rhodium hydroformylase was developed that displays remarkable activities and selectivities for the biphasic production of long-chain linear aldehydes under benign aqueous conditions. Overall, this study demonstrates that judiciously chosen protein-binding scaffolds can be adapted to obtain metalloenzymes that provide the reactivity of the introduced metal center combined with specifically intended product selectivity.
Subject(s)
Aldehydes/chemistry , Biomimetic Materials/chemistry , Metalloproteins/chemistry , Peroxisomal Multifunctional Protein-2/chemistry , Phosphines/chemistry , Rhodium/chemistry , Catalysis , Humans , Models, MolecularABSTRACT
SQAP is a novel and promising anticancer agent that was obtained by structural modifications from a natural compound. SQAP inhibits angiogenesis in vivo resulting in increased hypoxia and reduced tumor volume. In this study, the mechanism by which SQAP modifies the tumor microenvironment was revealed through the application of a T7 phage display screening. This approach identified five SQAP-binding proteins including sterol carrier protein 2, multifunctional enzyme type 2, proteasomal ubiquitin receptor, UV excision repair protein and focal adhesion kinase (FAK). All the interactions were confirmed by surface plasmon resonance analysis. Since FAK plays an important role in cell turnover and angiogenesis, the influence of SQAP on FAK was the principal goal of this study. SQAP decreased FAK phosphorylation and cell migration in human umbilical vein endothelial cells and A549 cancer cells. These findings suggest that inhibition of FAK phosphorylation works as the mechanism for the anti-angiogenesis activity of SQAP.
Subject(s)
Antineoplastic Agents/pharmacology , Carcinoma, Small Cell/drug therapy , Focal Adhesion Kinase 1/antagonists & inhibitors , Glycolipids/pharmacology , Lung Neoplasms/drug therapy , Amino Acid Sequence , Animals , Antineoplastic Agents/chemical synthesis , Binding Sites , Carcinoma, Small Cell/enzymology , Carcinoma, Small Cell/genetics , Carcinoma, Small Cell/pathology , Carrier Proteins/chemistry , Carrier Proteins/genetics , Carrier Proteins/metabolism , Cell Line, Tumor , Cell Movement/drug effects , DNA Repair Enzymes/chemistry , DNA Repair Enzymes/genetics , DNA Repair Enzymes/metabolism , DNA-Binding Proteins/chemistry , DNA-Binding Proteins/genetics , DNA-Binding Proteins/metabolism , Focal Adhesion Kinase 1/chemistry , Focal Adhesion Kinase 1/genetics , Focal Adhesion Kinase 1/metabolism , Glycolipids/chemical synthesis , Human Umbilical Vein Endothelial Cells , Humans , Intracellular Signaling Peptides and Proteins , Lung Neoplasms/enzymology , Lung Neoplasms/genetics , Lung Neoplasms/pathology , Membrane Glycoproteins/chemistry , Membrane Glycoproteins/genetics , Membrane Glycoproteins/metabolism , Mice , Mice, Nude , Molecular Docking Simulation , Molecular Sequence Data , Peptide Library , Peroxisomal Multifunctional Protein-2/chemistry , Peroxisomal Multifunctional Protein-2/genetics , Peroxisomal Multifunctional Protein-2/metabolism , Phosphorylation/drug effects , Protein Binding , Xenograft Model Antitumor AssaysABSTRACT
ß-Sitosterol is the most abundant plant sterol in the human diet. It is also the major component of several traditional medicines, including saw palmetto and devil's claw. Although ß-sitosterol is effective against enlarged prostate in human clinical trials and has anti-cancer and anti-inflammatory activities, the mechanisms of action are poorly understood. Here, we report the identification of two new binding proteins for ß-sitosterol that may underlie its beneficial effects.
