{"title":"Efficient PROTAC-ing: combinational use of PROTACs with signaling pathway inhibitors","authors":"Yuri Shibata","doi":"10.1016/j.tibs.2024.09.002","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.tibs.2024.09.002","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Targeted protein degradation is an innovative therapeutic modality for the degradation of disease-causing proteins. In a recent report combining high-throughput screening of small-molecule compounds and biochemical analyses, <span><span>Mori <em>et al.</em></span><svg><path></path></svg></span> identified certain inhibitors of cellular pathways, such as PARylation and proteostatic pathways, which enhance proteolysis-targeting chimera (PROTAC)-induced protein degradation.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":440,"journal":{"name":"Trends in Biochemical Sciences","volume":"49 11","pages":"Pages 936-938"},"PeriodicalIF":11.6,"publicationDate":"2024-11-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"142338674","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":1,"RegionCategory":"生物学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Surviving the heat: the role of macromolecular assemblies in promoting cellular shutdown.","authors":"Christine Desroches Altamirano, Simon Alberti","doi":"10.1016/j.tibs.2024.09.008","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1016/j.tibs.2024.09.008","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>During heat shock (HS), cells orchestrate a gene expression program that promotes the synthesis of HS proteins (HSPs) while simultaneously repressing the synthesis of other proteins, including growth-promoting housekeeping proteins. Recent studies show that mRNAs encoding housekeeping proteins, along with associated processing factors, form macromolecular assemblies during HS. These assemblies inhibit transcription, nuclear export, and translation of housekeeping mRNAs, and coincide with structural rearrangements in proteins. These findings reveal a mechanism linking temperature sensitivity through structural rearrangements and macromolecular assembly to the 'shut down' of housekeeping protein synthesis. This review delves into recent findings in yeast, with a focus on macromolecular assembly, offering perspectives into mechanisms that regulate gene expression during HS and how these processes may be conserved.</p>","PeriodicalId":440,"journal":{"name":"Trends in Biochemical Sciences","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":11.6,"publicationDate":"2024-10-28","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"142542735","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":1,"RegionCategory":"生物学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Visualizing intermediate stages of viral membrane fusion by cryo-electron tomography","authors":"Sally M. Kephart , Nancy Hom , Kelly K. Lee","doi":"10.1016/j.tibs.2024.06.012","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.tibs.2024.06.012","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Protein-mediated membrane fusion is the dynamic process where specialized protein machinery undergoes dramatic conformational changes that drive two membrane bilayers together, leading to lipid mixing and opening of a fusion pore between previously separate membrane-bound compartments. Membrane fusion is an essential stage of enveloped virus entry that results in viral genome delivery into host cells. Recent studies applying cryo-electron microscopy techniques in a time-resolved fashion provide unprecedented glimpses into the interaction of viral fusion proteins and membranes, revealing fusion intermediate states from the initiation of fusion to release of the viral genome. In combination with complementary structural, biophysical, and computation modeling approaches, these advances are shedding new light on the mechanics and dynamics of protein-mediated membrane fusion.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":440,"journal":{"name":"Trends in Biochemical Sciences","volume":"49 10","pages":"Pages 916-931"},"PeriodicalIF":11.6,"publicationDate":"2024-10-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC11455608/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"141756459","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":1,"RegionCategory":"生物学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Unveiling intracellular phase separation: advances in optical imaging of biomolecular condensates","authors":"Yinfeng Guo (郭寅风) , Xin Zhang (张鑫)","doi":"10.1016/j.tibs.2024.06.014","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.tibs.2024.06.014","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Intracellular biomolecular condensates, which form via phase separation, display a highly organized ultrastructure and complex properties. Recent advances in optical imaging techniques, including super-resolution microscopy and innovative microscopic methods that leverage the intrinsic properties of the molecules observed, have transcended the limitations of conventional microscopies. These advances facilitate the exploration of condensates at finer scales and in greater detail. The deployment of these emerging but sophisticated imaging tools allows for precise observations of the multiphasic organization and physicochemical properties of these condensates, shedding light on their functions in cellular processes. In this review, we highlight recent progress in methodological innovations and their profound implications for understanding the organization and dynamics of intracellular biomolecular condensates.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":440,"journal":{"name":"Trends in Biochemical Sciences","volume":"49 10","pages":"Pages 901-915"},"PeriodicalIF":11.6,"publicationDate":"2024-10-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"141733209","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":1,"RegionCategory":"生物学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Advisory Board and Contents","authors":"","doi":"10.1016/S0968-0004(24)00212-3","DOIUrl":"10.1016/S0968-0004(24)00212-3","url":null,"abstract":"","PeriodicalId":440,"journal":{"name":"Trends in Biochemical Sciences","volume":"49 10","pages":"Page i"},"PeriodicalIF":11.6,"publicationDate":"2024-10-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"142424433","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":1,"RegionCategory":"生物学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Cytosine methylation flags mitochondrial RNA for degradation","authors":"Emeline Recazens , Alexis A. Jourdain","doi":"10.1016/j.tibs.2024.08.001","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.tibs.2024.08.001","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Mitochondrial double-stranded RNA (dsRNA) can form spontaneously in mitochondria, blocking mitochondrial gene expression and triggering an immune response. A recent study by <span><span>Kim, Tan, <em>et al</em>.</span><svg><path></path></svg></span> identified a safeguard mechanism in which NOP2/Sun RNA methyltransferase 4 (NSUN4)-mediated RNA methylation (m<sup>5</sup>C) recruits the RNA degradation machinery to prevent dsRNA formation.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":440,"journal":{"name":"Trends in Biochemical Sciences","volume":"49 10","pages":"Pages 843-845"},"PeriodicalIF":11.6,"publicationDate":"2024-10-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"142054525","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":1,"RegionCategory":"生物学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Subscription and Copyright Information","authors":"","doi":"10.1016/S0968-0004(24)00215-9","DOIUrl":"10.1016/S0968-0004(24)00215-9","url":null,"abstract":"","PeriodicalId":440,"journal":{"name":"Trends in Biochemical Sciences","volume":"49 10","pages":"Page e1"},"PeriodicalIF":11.6,"publicationDate":"2024-10-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"142424434","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":1,"RegionCategory":"生物学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Ubiquitin system mutations in neurological diseases","authors":"","doi":"10.1016/j.tibs.2024.06.011","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.tibs.2024.06.011","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Neuronal ubiquitin balance impacts the fate of countless cellular proteins, and its disruption is associated with various neurological disorders. The ubiquitin system is critical for proper neuronal cell state transitions and the clearance of misfolded or aggregated proteins that threaten cellular integrity. This article reviews the state of and recent advancements in our understanding of the disruptions to components of the ubiquitin system, in particular E3 ligases and deubiquitylases, in neurodevelopmental and neurodegenerative diseases. Specific focus is on enzymes with recent progress in their characterization, including identifying enzyme-substrate pairs, the use of stem cell and animal models, and the development of therapeutics for ubiquitin-related diseases.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":440,"journal":{"name":"Trends in Biochemical Sciences","volume":"49 10","pages":"Pages 875-887"},"PeriodicalIF":11.6,"publicationDate":"2024-10-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"141553923","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":1,"RegionCategory":"生物学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Liquid–liquid phase separation in presynaptic nerve terminals","authors":"Jiyoung Choi , Nisha M. Rafiq , Daehun Park","doi":"10.1016/j.tibs.2024.07.005","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.tibs.2024.07.005","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>The presynaptic nerve terminal is crucial for transmitting signals to the adjacent cell. To fulfill this role, specific proteins with distinct functions are concentrated in spatially confined areas within the nerve terminals. A recent concept termed liquid–liquid phase separation (LLPS) has provided new insights into how this process may occur. In this review, we aim to summarize the LLPS of proteins in different parts of the presynaptic nerve terminals, including synaptic vesicle (SV) clusters, the active zone (AZ), and the endocytic zone, with an additional focus on neurodegenerative diseases (NDDs), where the functional relevance of these properties is explored. Last, we propose new perspectives and future directions for the role of LLPS in presynaptic nerve terminals.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":440,"journal":{"name":"Trends in Biochemical Sciences","volume":"49 10","pages":"Pages 888-900"},"PeriodicalIF":11.6,"publicationDate":"2024-10-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"142091362","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":1,"RegionCategory":"生物学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Beyond simple tails: poly(A) tail-mediated RNA epigenetic regulation","authors":"Jingwen Liu , Falong Lu","doi":"10.1016/j.tibs.2024.06.013","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.tibs.2024.06.013","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>The poly(A) tail is an essential structural component of mRNA required for the latter’s stability and translation. Recent technologies have enabled transcriptome-wide profiling of the length and composition of poly(A) tails, shedding light on their overlooked regulatory capacities. Notably, poly(A) tails contain not only adenine but also uracil, cytosine, and guanine residues. These findings strongly suggest that poly(A) tails could encode a wealth of regulatory information, similar to known reversible RNA chemical modifications. This review aims to succinctly summarize our current knowledge on the composition, dynamics, and regulatory functions of RNA poly(A) tails. Given their capacity to carry rich regulatory information beyond the genetic code, we propose the concept of ‘poly(A) tail epigenetic information’ as a new layer of RNA epigenetic regulation.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":440,"journal":{"name":"Trends in Biochemical Sciences","volume":"49 10","pages":"Pages 846-858"},"PeriodicalIF":11.6,"publicationDate":"2024-10-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"141615512","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":1,"RegionCategory":"生物学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}