Insights into the structure and dynamics of lysyl oxidase propeptide, a flexible protein with numerous partners

Lysyl oxidase (LOX) catalyzes the oxidative deamination of lysine and hydroxylysine residues in collagens and elastin, which is the first step of the cross-linking of these extracellular matrix proteins. It is secreted as a proenzyme activated by bone morphogenetic protein-1, which releases the LOX catalytic domain and its bioactive N-terminal propeptide. We characterized the recombinant human propeptide by circular dichroism, dynamic light scattering, and small-angle X-ray scattering (SAXS), and showed that it is elongated, monomeric, disordered and flexible (Dmax: 11.7 nm, Rg: 3.7 nm). We generated 3D models of the propeptide by coarse-grained molecular dynamics simulations restrained by SAXS data, which were used for docking experiments. Furthermore, we have identified 17 new binding partners of the propeptide by label-free assays. They include four glycosaminoglycans (hyaluronan, chondroitin, dermatan and heparan sulfate), collagen I, cross-linking and proteolytic enzymes (lysyl oxidase-like 2, transglutaminase-2, matrix metalloproteinase-2), a proteoglycan (fibromodulin), one growth factor (Epidermal Growth Factor, EGF), and one membrane protein (tumor endothelial marker-8). This suggests new roles for the propeptide in EGF signaling pathway

The IntAct database:Efficient access to fine-grained molecular interaction data

The IntAct molecular interaction database (https://www.ebi.ac.uk/intact) is a curated resource of molecular interactions, derived from the scientific literature and from direct data depositions. As of August 2021, IntAct provides more than one million binary interactions, curated by twelve global partners of the International Molecular Exchange consortium, for which the IntAct database provides a shared curation and dissemination platform. The IMEx curation policy has always emphasised a fine-grained data and curation model, aiming to capture the relevant experimental detail essential for the interpretation of the provided molecular interaction data. Here, we present recent curation focus and progress, as well as a completely redeveloped website which presents IntAct data in a much more user-friendly and detailed way

Structure and interactions of lysyl oxidase and extracellular matrix fragments

La matrice extracellulaire est un réseau tridimensionnel complexe qui joue le rôle de support aux cellules ainsi que de réservoir de molécules bioactives régulant le comportement cellulaire. Elle est composée de 1027 protéines chez l’Homme (Naba et al., Matrix Biol. 2016), 274 protéines constituant le matrisome et 753 associées (facteurs de croissance et protéines régulatrices de la matrice extracellulaire) et de 6 glycosaminoglycanes dont 5 sulfatés. La matrice extracellulaire est impliquée dans de nombreuses pathologies (Bonnans et al., Nat. Rev. Mol. Cell Biol. 2014). La lysyl oxydase, responsable de la réticulation des collagènes et de l’élastine est impliquée dans de nombreux cancers. La matrice extracellulaire est un réservoir de fragments bioactifs, nommés matricryptines, qui sont libérés par protéolyse des biomolécules de la matrice et régulent de nombreux processus biologiques tels que l’angiogenèse et l’adipogenèse (Ricard-Blum et Vallet Matrix Biol. 2017). Nous avons exprimé en cellules humaines plusieurs matricryptines dont les ectodomaines des collagènes membranaires XIII, XVII, XXIII et XXV et identifié leurs partenaires extracellulaires. Nous avons caractérisé le propeptide de la lysyl oxydase par SEC-MALS, diffusion dynamique de la lumière et par SAXS et avons modélisé à partir des données de SAXS sa structure tridimensionnelle. Nous avons identifié 17 nouveaux partenaires de ce fragment et analysé le mutant Arg158Gln dépourvu d’activité biologique. Cette mutation identifiée chez l’Homme inhibe les activités anti-prolifératives du propeptide et est associée à un risque accru de cancer du sein (Min et al., Cancer Res. 2009). Nous avons exprimé la lysyl oxydase mature et modélisé sa structure tridimensionnelle en utilisant toutes les données disponibles. Les interactions identifiées au cours de ce travail ont été associées à celles obtenues par curation manuelle de la littérature pour construire la première version de l’interactome extracellulaire humainThe extracellular matrix is an intricate tridimensional network supporting cells and a bioactive molecule reservoir involved in the regulation of cell behavior. It is composed of 1027 proteins in humans (Naba et al., Matrix Biol. 2016), including 274 of the core matrisome and 753 associated proteins (growth factors and extracellular matrix regulators) and 6 glycosaminoglycans including 5 sulfated. The extracellular matrix is altered in numerous pathologies (Bonnans et al., Nat. Rev. Mol. Cell Biol. 2014). The lysyl oxidase is responsible for the cross-linking of collagens and elastin and is involved in many cancers. The extracellular matrix is a reservoir of bioactive fragments named matricryptins which are released by proteolysis of extracellular matrix proteins and regulate numerous biological processes like angiogenesis and adipogenesis (Ricard-Blum et Vallet, Matrix Biol. 2017). We have expressed under a recombinant form in human cells some matricryptins including the ectodomains of the membrane collagens XIII, XVII, XXIII and XXV and have identified their extracellular partners. We have characterized the propeptide of lysyl oxidase by SEC-MALS, dynamic light scattering, and SAXS and have built a coarse-grained 3D model by SAXS-derived constraints. We have identified 17 new partners of this fragment and analyzed the mutant Arg158Gln which has no biological activity. This mutation has been identified in humans and inhibits the propeptide anti-proliferative properties. It is associated to an increased risk of breast cancer (Min et al., Cancer Res. 2009). We have expressed the mature lysyl oxidase and modelled its tridimensional structure using available data. All the interactions identified in this study were associated to manually curated interactions described in the literature to build the first version of the human extracellular interactions networ

Matricryptins network with matricellular receptors at the surface of endothelial and tumor cells

International audienceThe extracellular matrix (ECM) is a source of bioactive fragments called matricryptins or matrikines resulting from the proteolytic cleavage of extracellular proteins (e.g., collagens, elastin, and laminins) and proteoglycans (e.g., perlecan). Matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs), cathepsins, and bone-morphogenetic protein-1 release fragments, which regulate physiopathological processes including tumor growth, metastasis, and angiogenesis, a pre-requisite for tumor growth. A number of matricryptins, and/or synthetic peptides derived from them, are currently investigated as potential anti-cancer drugs both in vitro and in animal models. Modifications aiming at improving their efficiency and their delivery to their target cells are studied. However, their use as drugs is not straightforward. The biological activities of these fragments are mediated by several receptor families. Several matricryptins may bind to the same matricellular receptor, and a single matricryptin may bind to two different receptors belonging or not to the same family such as integrins and growth factor receptors. Furthermore, some matricryptins interact with each other, integrins and growth factor receptors crosstalk and a signaling pathway may be regulated by several matricryptins. This forms an intricate 3D interaction network at the surface of tumor and endothelial cells, which is tightly associated with other cell-surface associated molecules such as heparan sulfate, caveolin, and nucleolin. Deciphering the molecular mechanisms underlying the behavior of this network is required in order to optimize the development of matricryptins as anti-cancer agents.anticancer drugs; endostatin; interaction networks; matricellular receptors; matricryptin

Protease decode the extra cellular matrix cryptome

International audienceThe extracellular matrix is comprised of 1100 core-matrisome and matrisome-associated proteins and of glycosaminoglycans. This structural scaffold contributes to the organization and mechanical properties of tissues and modulates cell behavior. The extracellular matrix is dynamic and undergoes constant remodeling, which leads to diseases if uncontrolled. Bioactive fragments, called matricryptins, are released from the extracellular proteins by limited proteolysis and have biological activities on their own. They regulate numerous physiological and pathological processes such as angiogenesis, cancer, diabetes, wound healing, fibrosis and infectious diseases and either improve or worsen the course of diseases depending on the matricryptins and on the molecular and biological contexts. Several protease families release matricryptins from core-matrisome and matrisome-associated proteins both in vitro and in vivo. The major proteases, which decrypt the extracellular matrix, are zinc metalloproteinases of the metzincin superfamily (matrixins, adamalysins and astacins), cysteine proteinases and serine proteases. Some matricryptins act as enzyme inhibitors, further connecting protease and matricryptin fates and providing intricate regulation of major physiopathological processes such as angiogenesis and tumorigenesis. They strengthen the role of the extracellular matrix as a key player in tissue failure and core-matrisome and matrisome-associated proteins as important therapeutic targets

A Three-Dimensional Model of Human Lysyl Oxidase, a Cross-Linking Enzyme

International audienceLysyl oxidase (LOX) is a cross-linking enzyme identified 50 years ago, but its 3D structure is still unknown. We have thus built a 3D model of human LOX by homology modeling using the X-ray structure of human lysyl oxidase-like 2 as a template. This model is the first one to recapitulate all known biochemical features of LOX, namely, the coordination of the copper ion and the formation of the lysine tyrosylquinone cofactor and the disulfide bridges. Furthermore, this model is stable during a 1 μs molecular dynamics simulation. The catalytic site is located in a groove surrounded by two loops. The distance between these loops fluctuated during the simulations, which suggests that the groove forms a hinge with a variable opening, which is able to accommodate the various sizes of LOX substrates. This 3D model is a prerequisite to perform docking experiments with LOX substrates and other partners to identify binding sites and to design new LOX inhibitors specific for therapeutic purpose

The Interactome of Cancer-Related Lysyl Oxidase and Lysyl Oxidase-Like Proteins

The members of the lysyl oxidase (LOX) family are amine oxidases, which initiate the covalent cross-linking of the extracellular matrix (ECM), regulate ECM stiffness, and contribute to cancer progression. The aim of this study was to build the first draft of the interactome of the five members of the LOX family in order to determine its molecular functions, the biological and signaling pathways mediating these functions, the biological processes it is involved in, and if and how it is rewired in cancer. In vitro binding assays, based on surface plasmon resonance and bio-layer interferometry, combined with queries of interaction databases and interaction datasets, were used to retrieve interaction data. The interactome was then analyzed using computational tools. We identified 31 new interactions and 14 new partners of LOXL2, including the α5β1 integrin, and built an interactome comprising 320 proteins, 5 glycosaminoglycans, and 399 interactions. This network participates in ECM organization, degradation and cross-linking, cell-ECM interactions mediated by non-integrin and integrin receptors, protein folding and chaperone activity, organ and blood vessel development, cellular response to stress, and signal transduction. We showed that this network is rewired in colorectal carcinoma, leading to a switch from ECM organization to protein folding and chaperone activity

Decorin interacting network : a comprehensive analysis of decoring-binding partners and their versatile functions

International audienceDecorin, a prototype small leucine-rich proteoglycan, regulates a vast array of cellular processes including collagen fibrillogenesis, wound repair, angiostasis, tumor growth, and autophagy. This functional versatility arises from a wide array of decorin/protein interactions also including interactions with its single glycosaminoglycan side chain. The decorin-binding partners encompass numerous categories ranging from extracellular matrix molecules to cell surface receptors to growth factors and enzymes. Despite the diversity of the decorin interacting network, two main roles emerge as prominent themes in decorin function: maintenance of cellular structure and outside-in signaling, culminating in anti-tumorigenic effects. Here we present contemporary knowledge regarding the decorin interacting network and discuss in detail the biological relevance of these pleiotropic interactions, some of which could be targeted by therapeutic interventions

Functional and structural insights into human <i>N</i>‐deacetylase/<i>N</i>‐sulfotransferase activities

International audienceHeparan sulfate (HS) is a linear polysaccharide composed of a glucuronic acid (GlcA)-N-acetyl-glucosamine (GlcNAc) disaccharide repeat motif, polymerized by the EXT1-EXT2 complex. It is extensively modified by a series of Golgi localized enzymes, that generate distinct saccharide sequences involved in the binding and the regulation of numerous protein partners. N-deacetylase/N-sulfotransferase (NDST), of which four isoforms have been identified in mammals, are involved in the first step of this process and catalyze both the N-deacetylation of the GlcNAc residues into GlcNH 2 and its re-N-sulfation into GlcNS residues. Further modifications of the HS chain depend on this first maturation event, NDST action is, therefore, key to HS biosynthesis. However, although the sulfotransferase domain of NDST1 has been characterized at the structural level some 20 years ago, information on the overall structure and activity of the enzyme are still lacking. Here, we report the characterization of the two most expressed NDSTs in humans, NDST1 and NDST2, and a model structure of NDST1 homodimer using cryoelectron microscopy combined with AlphaFold2 modeling. Structure-driven mutagenesis along with two bioassays to follow the protein activities allowed us to characterize the kinetics of the deacetylation and sulfoaddition and to identify the residue H529 as necessary for N-deacetylation. These results shed light on a poorly understood family of enzymes and will help deciphering the molecular basis for HS and heparin maturation