Biology subjects

Kantarci, I.

Publications and source records attributed to Kantarci, I..

3 recordsLinked to original sources

bioRxiv2026

Neuronal calcium sensors emerge as novel adenylyl cyclase 8 regulators

Adenylyl cyclase 8 (AC8) is a Ca2+-sensitive membrane adenylyl cyclase highly expressed in the central nervous system. AC8-mediated intracellular cyclic adenosine monophosphate (cAMP) accumulation shapes synaptic function, plasticity, and memory formation and is tightly controlled by intracellular Ca2+ and G protein-coupled receptor signaling. Although it is well known that the effects of Ca2+ on AC8 activity are directly mediated by calmodulin, it has remained unclear until now whether other Ca2+-binding proteins also regulate AC8 function. Here, we identify the neuronal calcium sensor hippocalcin-like protein 1 (HPCAL1) as a direct interaction partner of AC8. Using biochemistry, structural proteomics, integrative modeling, cryo-EM and cell-based FRET approaches, we show that HPCAL1 associates with AC8 in a Ca2+-dependent manner. HPCAL1 shows weak positive modulation of AC8 activity in vitro, with sub micromolar affinity. HPCAL1 interacts with flexible regulatory regions of AC8, including the C1b domain and the N- and C-terminal regions. Interestingly, other members of the neuronal calcium sensor family can bind AC8 via the same sites. Together, our study reveals a previously unrecognized mode of Ca2+-dependent AC8 recognition by a group of neuronal calcium sensor proteins, which may be relevant to context-dependent regulation of cAMP signaling.

biochemistry↗

bioRxiv2026

Adenylyl cyclase 9 as a molecular scaffold to dissect the regulatory mechanisms of membrane adenylyl cyclases

Adenylyl cyclases (ACs) convert ATP into the second messenger cAMP, thus directly influencing cellular signaling in response to a wide variety of stimuli. Despite their physiological importance, structural studies of isoform-specific AC regulation are compounded by difficulties in AC expression and purification. Here, we designed a chimeric construct AC95, combining human AC9 as a molecular scaffold and incorporating the catalytic-allosteric core of human AC5. Cryo-EM analysis of AC95 at 3.5 [A] resolution revealed a state of AC95 bound to both ATPS and forskolin, demonstrating that the chimera reproduces AC5-like allosteric regulation while retaining the structural features of the AC9 scaffold. Although AC95 chimera retained the ability to bind to and be activated by forskolin, it lost the ability to be autoinhibited by the C2b domain of AC9. Moreover, AC95 is insensitive to inhibition by specific AC5 inhibitors SQ22,536 and NKY80, suggesting that these molecules may target a site distinct from the catalytic-allosteric core of AC5 grafted into the AC95 chimeric construct. Our results establish a generalizable approach for investigating isoform-specific regulation of membrane ACs by small molecules, offering a potential path for structure-based drug discovery targeting distinct AC isoforms.

biochemistry↗

bioRxiv2018

A nanotube-mediated path to protocell formation

Cellular compartments are membrane-enclosed, spatially distinct microenvironments which confine and protect biochemical reactions in the biological cell. On the early Earth, the autonomous formation of compartments is thought to have led to the encapsulation of nucleotides, thereby satisfying a starting condition for the emergence of life. Recently, surfaces have come into focus as potential platforms for the self-assembly of prebiotic compartments, as significantly enhanced vesicle formation was reported in the presence of solid interfaces. The detailed mechanism of such formation at the mesoscale is still under discussion. We report here on the spontaneous transformation of solid surface-adhered lipid deposits to unilamellar membrane compartments through a straightforward sequence of topological changes, proceeding via a network of interconnected lipid nanotubes. We show that this transformation is entirely driven by surface-free energy minimization and does not require hydrolysis of organic molecules, or external stimuli such as electrical currents or mechanical agitation. The vesicular structures take up and encapsulate their external environment during formation, and can subsequently separate and migrate upon exposure to hydrodynamic flow. This may link, for the first time, the self-directed transition from weakly organized bioamphiphile assemblies on solid surfaces to protocells with secluded internal contents.\n\nSignificanceThe nature of the physical and chemical mechanisms behind the formation, growth and division of the earliest protocells is among the key questions concerning the origin of life. Establishing a simple pathway for the assembly of protocell structures from the primordial soup is a particular challenge. Emerging evidence supporting the assumption that solid surfaces have a governing role in protocell formation has recently expanded the scope, and created new inspiration for investigation. By presenting a physical path from self-assembled amphiphile-based membranes on solid surfaces to spherical single-membrane compartments via a consistent sequence of transformations, solely driven by the materials properties of the interfaces, a direct link between the presence of functional biomolecules and the development of protocells can be established.

biophysics↗