Fabien Kieken

Structural and Molecular Mechanisms of Gap Junction Remodeling in Epicardial Border Zone Myocytes following Myocardial Infarction

Lateralization of the ventricular gap junction protein connexin 43 (Cx43) occurs in epicardial border zone myocytes following myocardial infarction (MI) and is arrhythmogenic. Alterations in Cx43 protein partners have been hypothesized to play a role in lateralization although mechanisms by which this occurs are unknown. To examine potential mechanisms we did nuclear magnetic resonance, yeast 2-hybrid, and surface plasmon resonance studies and found that the SH3 domain of the tyrosine kinase c-Src binds to the Cx43 scaffolding protein zonula occludens-1 (ZO-1) with a higher affinity than does Cx43. This suggests c-Src outcompetes Cx43 for binding to ZO-1, thus acting as a chaperone for ZO-1 and causing unhooking from Cx43. To determine whether c-Src/ZO-1 interactions affect Cx43 lateralization within the epicardial border zone, we performed Western blot, immunoprecipitation, and immunolocalization for active c-Src (p-cSrc) post-MI using a canine model of coronary occlusion. We found that post-MI p-cSrc interacts with ZO-1 as Cx43 begins to decrease its interaction with ZO-1 and undergo initial loss of intercalated disk localization. This indicates that the molecular mechanisms by which Cx43 is lost from the intercalated disk following MI includes an interaction of p-cSrc with ZO-1 and subsequent loss of scaffolding of Cx43 leaving Cx43 free to diffuse in myocyte membranes from areas of high Cx43, as at the intercalated disk, to regions of lower Cx43 content, the lateral myocyte membrane. Therefore shifts in Cx43 protein partners may underlie, in part, arrhythmogenesis in the post-MI heart.

Characterization of the pH-dependent Interaction between the Gap Junction Protein Connexin43 Carboxyl Terminus and Cytoplasmic Loop Domains

A prevailing view regarding the regulation of connexin43 (Cx43) gap junction channels is that, upon intracellular acidification, the carboxyl-terminal domain (Cx43CT) moves toward the channel opening to interact with specific residues acting as a receptor site. Previous studies have demonstrated a direct, pH-dependent interaction between the Cx43CT and a Cx43 cytoplasmic loop (Cx43CL) peptide. This interaction was dependent on α-helical formation for the peptide in response to acidification; more recent studies have shown that acidification also induces Cx43CT dimerization. Whether Cx43CT dimerization is an important structural component in Cx43 regulation remains to be determined. Here we used an assortment of complimentary biophysical techniques to characterize the binding of Cx43CT or its mutants to itself and/or to a more native-like Cx43CL construct (Cx43CL100-155, residues 100-155). Our studies expand the observation that specific Cx43CT domains are important for dimerization. We further show that properties of the Cx43CL100-155 are different from those of the Cx43CL peptide; solvent acidification leads to Cx43CL100-155 oligomerization and a change in the stoichiometry and binding affinity for the Cx43CT. Homo-Cx43CT and Cx43CL100-155 oligomerization as well as the Cx43CT/Cx43CL100-155 interaction can occur under in vivo conditions; moreover, we show that Cx43CL100-155 strongly affects resonance peaks corresponding to Cx43CT residues Arg-376—Asp-379 and Asn-343—Lys-346. Overall, our data indicate that many of the sites involved in Cx43CT dimerization are also involved in the Cx43CT/Cx43CL interaction; we further propose that chemically induced Cx43CT and Cx43CL oligomerization is important for the interaction between these cytoplasmic domains, which leads to chemically induced gating of Cx43 channels.

Eps15 Homology Domain 1-associated Tubules Contain Phosphatidylinositol-4-Phosphate and Phosphatidylinositol-(4,5)-Bisphosphate and Are Required for Efficient Recycling

The C-terminal Eps15 homology domain (EHD) 1/receptor-mediated endocytosis-1 protein regulates recycling of proteins and lipids from the recycling compartment to the plasma membrane. Recent studies have provided insight into the mode by which EHD1-associated tubular membranes are generated and the mechanisms by which EHD1 functions. Despite these advances, the physiological function of these striking EHD1-associated tubular membranes remains unknown. Nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy demonstrated that the Eps15 homology (EH) domain of EHD1 binds to phosphoinositides, including phosphatidylinositol-4-phosphate. Herein, we identify phosphatidylinositol-4-phosphate as an essential component of EHD1-associated tubules in vivo. Indeed, an EHD1 EH domain mutant (K483E) that associates exclusively with punctate membranes displayed decreased binding to phosphatidylinositol-4-phosphate and other phosphoinositides. Moreover, we provide evidence that although the tubular membranes to which EHD1 associates may be stabilized and/or enhanced by EHD1 expression, these membranes are, at least in part, pre-existing structures. Finally, to underscore the function of EHD1-containing tubules in vivo, we used a small interfering RNA (siRNA)/rescue assay. On transfection, wild-type, tubule-associated, siRNA-resistant EHD1 rescued transferrin and beta1 integrin recycling defects observed in EHD1-depleted cells, whereas expression of the EHD1 K483E mutant did not. We propose that phosphatidylinositol-4-phosphate is an essential component of EHD1-associated tubules that also contain phosphatidylinositol-(4,5)-bisphosphate and that these structures are required for efficient recycling to the plasma membrane.

Characterization of the Structure and Intermolecular Interactions between the Connexin40 and Connexin43 Carboxyl-terminal and Cytoplasmic Loop Domains

Gap junctions are intercellular channels that allow the passage of ions, small molecules, and second messengers that are essential for the coordination of cellular function. They are formed by two hemichannels, each constituted by the oligomerization of six connexins (Cx). Among the 21 different human Cx isoforms, studies have suggested that in the heart, Cx40 and Cx43 can oligomerize to form heteromeric hemichannels. The mechanism of heteromeric channel regulation has not been clearly defined. Tissue ischemia leads to intracellular acidification and closure of Cx43 and Cx40 homomeric channels. However, coexpression of Cx40 and Cx43 in Xenopus oocytes enhances the pH sensitivity of the channel. This phenomenon requires the carboxyl-terminal (CT) part of both connexins. In this study we used different biophysical methods to determine the structure of the Cx40CT and characterize the Cx40CT/Cx43CT interaction. Our results revealed that the Cx40CT is an intrinsically disordered protein similar to the Cx43CT and that the Cx40CT and Cx43CT can interact. Additionally, we have identified an interaction between the Cx40CT and the cytoplasmic loop of Cx40 as well as between the Cx40CT and the cytoplasmic loop of Cx43 (and vice versa). Our studies support the “particle-receptor” model for pH gating of Cx40 and Cx43 gap junction channels and suggest that interactions between cytoplasmic regulatory domains (both homo- and hetero-connexin) could be important for the regulation of heteromeric channels.

Identification of a Novel Peptide That Interferes With the Chemical Regulation of Connexin43

The carboxyl-terminal domain of connexin43 (Cx43CT) is involved in various intra- and intermolecular interactions that regulate gap junctions. Here, we used phage display to identify novel peptidic sequences that bind Cx43CT and modify Cx43 regulation. We found that Cx43CT binds preferentially to peptides containing a sequence RXP, where X represents any amino acid and R and P correspond to the amino acids arginine and proline, respectively. A biased “RXP library” led to the identification of a peptide (dubbed “RXP-E”) that bound Cx43CT with high affinity. Nuclear magnetic resonance data showed RXP-E–induced shifts in the resonance peaks of residues 343 to 346 and 376 to 379 of Cx43CT. Patch-clamp studies revealed that RXP-E partially prevented octanol-induced and acidification-induced uncoupling in Cx43-expressing cells. Moreover, RXP-E increased mean open time of Cx43 channels. The full effect of RXP-E was dependent on the integrity of the CT domain. These data suggest that RXP-based peptides could serve as tools to help determine the role of Cx43 as a regulator of function in conditions such as ischemia-induced arrhythmias.

Effects of Phosphorylation on the Structure and Backbone Dynamics of the Intrinsically Disordered Connexin43 C-terminal Domain

Background: Phosphorylation of the connexin43 C-terminal (Cx43CT) domain regulates gap junction intercellular communication (GJIC). Results: Phosphorylation alters the α-helical propensity of the Cx43CT. Conclusion: Altering the conformational preference of the Cx43CT presents a novel mechanism for regulation of GJIC. Significance: Cx43CT residues susceptible to structural alterations are prime targets for chemical modulators of GJIC. Phosphorylation of the connexin43 C-terminal (Cx43CT) domain regulates gap junction intercellular communication. However, an understanding of the mechanisms by which phosphorylation exerts its effects is lacking. Here, we test the hypothesis that phosphorylation regulates Cx43 gap junction intercellular communication by mediating structural changes in the C-terminal domain. Circular dichroism and nuclear magnetic resonance were used to characterize the effects of phosphorylation on the secondary structure and backbone dynamics of soluble and membrane-tethered Cx43CT domains. Cx43CT phospho-mimetic isoforms, which have Asp substitutions at specific Ser/Tyr sites, revealed phosphorylation alters the α-helical content of the Cx43CT domain only when attached to the membrane. The changes in secondary structure are due to variations in the conformational preference and backbone flexibility of residues adjacent and distal to the site(s) of modification. In addition to the known direct effects of phosphorylation on molecular partner interactions, the data presented here suggest phosphorylation may also indirectly regulate binding affinity by altering the conformational preference of the Cx43CT domain.

Mechanism for the Selective Interaction of C-terminal Eps15 Homology Domain Proteins with Specific Asn-Pro-Phe-containing Partners

Epidermal growth factor receptor tyrosine kinase substrate 15 (Eps15) homology (EH)-domain proteins can be divided into two classes: those with an N-terminal EH-domain(s), and the C-terminal Eps15 homology domain-containing proteins (EHDs). Whereas many N-terminal EH-domain proteins regulate internalization events, the best characterized C-terminal EHD, EHD1, regulates endocytic recycling. Because EH-domains interact with the tripeptide Asn-Pro-Phe (NPF), it is of critical importance to elucidate the molecular mechanisms that allow EHD1 and its paralogs to interact selectively with a subset of the hundreds of NPF-containing proteins expressed in mammalian cells. Here, we capitalize on our findings that C-terminal EH-domains possess highly positively charged interaction surfaces and that many NPF-containing proteins that interact with C-terminal (but not N-terminal) EH-domains are followed by acidic residues. Using the recently identified EHD1 interaction partner molecule interacting with CasL (MICAL)-Like 1 (MICAL-L1) as a model, we have demonstrated that only the first of its two NPF motifs is required for EHD1 binding. Because only this first NPF is followed by acidic residues, we have utilized glutathione S-transferase pulldowns, two-hybrid analysis, and NMR to demonstrate that the flanking acidic residues “fine tune” the binding affinity to EHD1. Indeed, our NMR solution structure of the EHD1 EH-domain in complex with the MICAL-L1 NPFEEEEED peptide indicates that the first two flanking Glu residues lie in a position favorable to form salt bridges with Lys residues within the EH-domain. Our data provide a novel explanation for the selective interaction of C-terminal EH-domains with specific NPF-containing proteins and allow for the prediction of new interaction partners with C-terminal EHDs.

Characterization of the structure and intermolecular interactions between the connexin 32 carboxyl-terminal domain and the protein partners synapse-associated protein 97 and calmodulin

Background: SAP97 and CaM play a role in the regulation of connexin 32 (Cx32) gap junctions. Results: SAP97 and CaM affect the same Cx32CT residues, calmodulin induces Cx32CT α-helical structure, and Cx32CT mutations that cause X-linked Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease (CMTX) affect the binding of SAP97 and CaM. Conclusion: Cx32-protein partner interactions are important for channel regulation and myelin homeostasis. Significance: Cx32CT mutations may cause CMTX by disrupting the binding of SAP97 and CaM. In Schwann cells, connexin 32 (Cx32) can oligomerize to form intracellular gap junction channels facilitating a shorter pathway for metabolite diffusion across the layers of the myelin sheath. The mechanisms of Cx32 intracellular channel regulation have not been clearly defined. However, Ca2+, pH, and the phosphorylation state can regulate Cx32 gap junction channels, in addition to the direct interaction of protein partners with the carboxyl-terminal (CT) domain. In this study, we used different biophysical methods to determine the structure and characterize the interaction of the Cx32CT domain with the protein partners synapse-associated protein 97 (SAP97) and calmodulin (CaM). Our results revealed that the Cx32CT is an intrinsically disordered protein that becomes α-helical upon binding CaM. We identified the GUK domain as the minimal SAP97 region necessary for the Cx32CT interaction. The Cx32CT residues affected by the binding of CaM and the SAP97 GUK domain were determined as well as the dissociation constants for these interactions. We characterized three Cx32CT Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease mutants (R219H, R230C, and F235C) and identified that whereas they all formed functional channels, they all showed reduced binding affinity for SAP97 and CaM. Additionally, we report that in RT4-D6P2T rat schwannoma cells, Cx32 is differentially phosphorylated and exists in a complex with SAP97 and CaM. Our studies support the importance of protein-protein interactions in the regulation of Cx32 gap junction channels and myelin homeostasis.

Structural Changes in the Carboxyl Terminus of the Gap Junction Protein Connexin40 Caused by the Interaction with c-Src and Zonula Occludens-1

c-Src can disrupt the connexin43 (Cx43) and zonula occludens-1 (ZO-1) interaction, leading to down-regulation of gap junction intercellular communication. Previously, the authors characterized the interaction of domains from these proteins with the carboxyl terminus of Cx43 (Cx43CT) and found that binding of the c-Src SH3 domain to Cx43CT disrupted the Cx43CT/ZO-1 PDZ-2 domain complex. Because Cx43 and Cx40 form heteromeric connexons and display similar mechanisms of pH regulation, the authors addressed whether Cx40CT interacts with these domains in a similar manner as Cx43CT. Nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) data indicate that Cx40CT is an intrinsically disordered protein. NMR titrations determined that PDZ-2 affected the last 28 Cx40CT residues and SH3 shifted numerous amino-terminal Cx40CT residues. Finally, the Cx40CT/PDZ-2 complex was unaffected by SH3 and both domains interacted simultaneously with Cx40CT. This result differs from when the same experiment was performed with Cx43CT, suggesting different mechanisms of regulation exist between connexin isoforms, even when involving the same molecular partners.

Structural Studies of the Nedd4 WW Domains and Their Selectivity for the Connexin43 (Cx43) Carboxyl Terminus.

Neuronal precursor cell-expressed developmentally down-regulated 4 (Nedd4) was the first ubiquitin protein ligase identified to interact with connexin43 (Cx43), and its suppressed expression results in accumulation of gap junction plaques at the plasma membrane. Nedd4-mediated ubiquitination of Cx43 is required to recruit Eps15 and target Cx43 to the endocytic pathway. Although the Cx43 residues that undergo ubiquitination are still unknown, in this study we address other unresolved questions pertaining to the molecular mechanisms mediating the direct interaction between Nedd4 (WW1–3 domains) and Cx43 (carboxyl terminus (CT)). All three WW domains display a similar three antiparallel β-strand structure and interact with the same Cx43CT 283PPXY286 sequence. Although Tyr286 is essential for the interaction, MAPK phosphorylation of the preceding serine residues (Ser(P)279 and Ser(P)282) increases the binding affinity by 2-fold for the WW domains (WW2 > WW3 ≫ WW1). The structure of the WW2·Cx43CT276–289(Ser(P)279, Ser(P)282) complex reveals that coordination of Ser(P)282 with the end of β-strand 3 enables Ser(P)279 to interact with the back face of β-strand 3 (Tyr286 is on the front face) and loop 2, forming a horseshoe-shaped arrangement. The close sequence identity of WW2 with WW1 and WW3 residues that interact with the Cx43CT PPXY motif and Ser(P)279/Ser(P)282 strongly suggests that the significantly lower binding affinity of WW1 is the result of a more rigid structure. This study presents the first structure illustrating how phosphorylation of the Cx43CT domain helps mediate the interaction with a molecular partner involved in gap junction regulation.