Biology subjects

King, J. C.

Publications and source records attributed to King, J. C..

2 recordsLinked to original sources

bioRxiv2021

Structure-guided bifunctional molecules hit a DEUBAD-lacking hRpn13 species upregulated in multiple myeloma

Proteasome substrate receptor hRpn13 is a promising anti-cancer target. By integrated in silico and biophysical screening, we identified a chemical scaffold that binds hRpn13 with non-covalent interactions that mimic the proteasome and a weak electrophile for Michael addition. hRpn13 Pru domain binds proteasomes and ubiquitin whereas its DEUBAD domain binds deubiquitinating enzyme UCHL5. NMR revealed lead compound XL5 to interdigitate into a hydrophobic pocket created by lateral movement of a Pru {beta}-hairpin with an exposed end for Proteolysis Targeting Chimeras (PROTACs). Implementing XL5-PROTACs as chemical probes identified a DEUBAD-lacking hRpn13 species (hRpn13Pru) present naturally with cell type-dependent abundance. XL5-PROTACs preferentially target hRpn13Pru, causing its ubiquitination. Gene-editing and rescue experiments established hRpn13 requirement for XL5-PROTAC-triggered apoptosis and increased p62 levels. These data establish hRpn13 as an anti-cancer target for multiple myeloma and introduce an hRpn13-targeting scaffold that can be optimized for preclinical trials against hRpn13Pru-producing cancer types.

molecular biology↗

bioRxiv2019

NFIA regulates granule recruitment and exocytosis in the adult pancreas

After food ingestion, pancreatic cells secrete zymogen and hormone-containing granules to precisely control digestion and blood glucose levels. Identifying regulators of this process is paramount to combatting multiple pancreatic diseases. Here we show that pancreatic deletion of the transcription factor nuclear factor IA (NFIA) leads to hyperglycemia, hypoinsulinemia, and hypolipidemia. Surprisingly, insulin and digestive enzymes are produced in the absence of NFIA, however, they are not secreted properly and instead accumulate inside pancreatic cells. In NFIA-deficient mice we saw a reduction of insulin granules in the ready releasable pool and the first-phase insulin response was impaired. We found that NFIA binds to and activates Rab39b, a Rab GTPase critical for exocytosis. Re-expression of Rab39b in NFIA knockout islets restored glucose-stimulated insulin secretion. In sum, the NFIA-Rab39b axis regulates pancreatic physiology through granule recruitment and docking, linking NFIA to a new process with potential effects in diabetes, pancreatitis, and lipid disorders.

cell biology↗