Biology subjects

Langlais, P. R.

Publications and source records attributed to Langlais, P. R..

9 recordsLinked to original sources

bioRxiv2025

Akt1 Nitration Promotes Proliferation and Mesenchymal Transition Exacerbating Pulmonary Hypertension

Pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) is a progressive disease characterized by vascular remodeling and increased pulmonary arterial resistance. This study investigates the role of Akt1 nitration in PAH development, focusing on its effect on endothelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EndMT) and vascular cell proliferation. Using the novel Akt1Y350F mutant mouse model, which resists nitration due to a tyrosine-to-phenylalanine substitution, we demonstrated that Akt1 nitration is a key pathogenic factor in PAH progression. Our results show that Akt1Y350F mice, resistant to Akt1 nitration, are protected against PAH in a SU5416/hypoxia (SU5416/Hx) model, exhibiting lower right ventricular systolic pressure (RVSP), reduced right ventricular hypertrophy, and decreased vascular occlusion. Additionally, we identified important molecular mechanisms involving TWIST1, SMA, HIF1, and STAT3 signaling pathways that influence EndMT and vascular remodeling. The proteomic analysis revealed other affected pathways, including angiogenesis, lipid metabolism, and mitochondrial function. We demonstrate that oxidative and nitrative stress-induced post-translational modifications contribute to the pathological processes leading to pulmonary hypertension, using a unique Akt nitration-resistant mouse model. These findings provide new insights into the molecular mechanisms underlying PAH and suggest that targeting Akt1 nitration could be a promising therapeutic approach for this devastating disease.

physiology↗

bioRxiv2025

Global Profiling of Remodeled Subcellular Structures Due to Drug Treatment and Disease

Cellular biochemistry arises from various interactions between macromolecules, including proteins, nucleic acids, and lipids. These make up membrane-bound organelles, membrane-less compartments, and molecular assemblies and scaffolds. Changes due to stimuli or disease can significantly impact cell fate and metabolism. We recently reported our protocol combining crosslinking and size exclusion chromatography with mass spectrometry (SEC-MS). In this study, we explore global changes to subcellular structure in Ewing sarcoma cell lines or in response to drug treatment. Crosslinking-dependent differential enrichment across four human cell lines is seen for proteins involved in splicing, mitochondria function, and cell division. We confirmed changes to nucleoli structure. We also examine structures affected by a transcription inhibitor, flavopiridol. Following flavopiridol treatment, we observed changes to the levels of transcription and mRNA processing machinery present in large subcellular structures. Unexpected effects were also found, including structural changes to a cytoplasmic organelle, the peroxisome. Along with a reduction in peroxisome function, dissociation of peroxisome pore proteins PEX13 and PEX14 was detected by STORM microscopy. We conclude that SEC-MS combined with crosslinking is a valuable method to detect and quantify drug or disease effects on subcellular structures and may shed light on new aspects to mechanisms underlying their biologic outcomes. Graphical Abstract O_FIG O_LINKSMALLFIG WIDTH=200 HEIGHT=71 SRC="FIGDIR/small/672480v2_ufig1.gif" ALT="Figure 1"> View larger version (29K): org.highwire.dtl.DTLVardef@1f01b55org.highwire.dtl.DTLVardef@9279d4org.highwire.dtl.DTLVardef@7c7492org.highwire.dtl.DTLVardef@c92ff4_HPS_FORMAT_FIGEXP M_FIG C_FIG Key PointsO_LICrosslinking plus SEC-MS shows global effects on subcellular structure in disease and treatment. C_LIO_LIEwing sarcoma cell lines tested present distinct molecular composition in splicing, mitochondria, and nucleoli. C_LIO_LIA transcription inhibitor flavopiridol disrupts peroxisome function and protein import pores C_LI

biochemistry↗

bioRxiv2025

Molecular Dynamics in the Ventral Tegmental Area during Chronic Pain-Induced Negative Affect

Chronic pain frequently coexists with negative affect, with about 60% of patients suffering from both. This dual condition complicates treatment and exacerbates both disorders, highlighting the urgent need for innovative therapeutic strategies. Chronic pain negative affect (CPNA) involves complex neurobiological changes, including increased hyperexcitability of the ventral tegmental area (VTA), a critical region involved in reward, mood, and pain processing. To elucidate CPNAs underlying mechanisms, we employed a multidisciplinary approach using immunohistochemistry, lipidomic analysis, and proteomic screening to investigate VTA molecular alterations in mice subjected to partial sciatic nerve ligation (pSNL) at one and four weeks post-injury. Our results revealed a significant, sex-dependent increase in Kv7.2 channel expression in dopamine neurons, alongside a notable reduction in endocannabinoid 2-arachidonoylglycerol (2-AG) levels, which plays a vital role in mood regulation. This neurochemical shift associated with an increase in negative affect-like behaviors, as determined by the forced swim test. Furthermore, pharmacological intervention utilizing either exogenous 2-AG or retigabine, a Kv7 channel opener, effectively alleviated pain-related negative affect symptoms. Proteomic profiling further uncovered alterations within the CaMKK2 pathway, involving crucial proteins such as PLC{gamma}2, AMPK{gamma}2, and AMPK{beta}1, and CaMK1, with changes in abundance and phosphorylation activity that could be reversed with the next-generation CaMK1 antagonist CS640. This research provides the first comprehensive analyses of VTA adaptations linked to CPNA, yielding significant insights into molecular changes impacting VTA neuronal integrity and signaling throughout CPNA progression.

neuroscience↗

bioRxiv2025

Neuronal endolysosomal acidification relies on interactions between transmembrane protein 184B (TMEM184B) and the vesicular proton pump

Disruption of endolysosomal acidification is a hallmark of several neurodevelopmental and neurodegenerative disorders. Impaired acidification causes accumulation of toxic protein aggregates and disrupts neuronal homeostasis, yet the molecular mechanisms regulating endolysosomal pH in neurons remain poorly understood. A critical regulator of lumenal acidification is the vacuolar ATPase (V-ATPase), a proton pump whose activity depends on dynamic assembly of its V0 and V1 subdomains. In this study, we identify transmembrane protein 184B (TMEM184B) as a novel regulator of endolysosomal acidification in neurons. TMEM184B is an evolutionarily conserved 7-pass transmembrane protein required for synaptic structure and function, and sequence variation in TMEM184B causes neurodevelopmental disorders, but the mechanism for this effect is unknown. We performed proteomic analysis of TMEM184B-interacting proteins and identified enrichment of components involved in endosomal trafficking and function, including the V-ATPase. TMEM184B localizes to early and late endosomes, further supporting a role in the endosomal system. Loss of TMEM184B results in significant reductions in endolysosomal acidification within cultured mouse cortical neurons. This alteration in pH is associated with impaired assembly of the V-ATPase V0 and V1 subcomplexes in the TMEM184B mutant mouse brain, suggesting a mechanism by which TMEM184B promotes flux through the endosomal pathway. Overall, these findings identify a new contributor in maintaining endosomal function and provide a mechanistic basis for disrupted neuronal function in human TMEM184B-associated nervous system disorders. Significance StatementEndolysosomal acidification is essential for neuronal protein homeostasis, yet its regulation in neurons remains poorly understood. Here, we identify TMEM184B as a key regulator of this process, establishing its first known cellular role. We show that TMEM184B interacts with vacuolar ATPase (V-ATPase) components and promotes the assembly of its V0 and V1 subdomains, facilitating lumenal acidification. Loss of TMEM184B disrupts endolysosomal pH in neurons, potentially impairing proteostasis. These findings reveal a critical function for TMEM184B in neuronal maintenance and provide mechanistic insight into its link to neurological disorders. This work advances our understanding of endolysosomal regulation and suggests TMEM184B regulation could improve outcomes in diseases involving lysosomal dysfunction.

neuroscience↗

bioRxiv2023

ER structural remodeling requires TAK1/ATAT1-induced microtubule acetylation

Dynamic changes in the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) morphology are central to maintaining cellular homeostasis. Microtubules (MT) facilitate the continuous remodeling of the ER network into sheets and tubules by coordinating with many ER-shaping protein complexes, although how this process is controlled by extracellular signals remains unknown. Here we report that TAK1, a kinase responsive to numerous growth factors and cytokines including TGF-{beta} and TNF-, triggers ER tubulation by activating TAT1, an MT-acetylating enzyme that enhances ER-sliding. We show that this TAK1/TAT-dependent ER remodeling promotes cell survival by actively downregulating BOK, an ER membrane-associated proapoptotic effector. While BOK is normally protected from degradation when complexed with IP3R, it is rapidly degraded upon their dissociation during the ER sheets-to-tubules conversion. These findings demonstrate a distinct mechanism of ligand-induced ER remodeling and suggest that the TAK1/TAT pathway may be a key target in ER stress and dysfunction.

cell biology↗

bioRxiv2022

Identification of Mfn2-S249 as a Phosphoregulatory Switch of Mitochondrial Fusion Dynamics

Mitochondrial remodeling is a fundamental process underlying cellular respiration and metabolism. Here we report TAK1 as a direct regulator of mitochondrial fusion. TAK1 is activated by a variety of mitogenic factors, cytokines and environmental stimuli, which we find induces rapid fragmentation through Mfn2 inactivation. TAK1 phosphorylates Mfn2 at Ser249, which inhibits the binding of GTP required for Mfn trans-dimerization and mitochondrial membrane fusion. Accordingly, expression of Mfn2-S249 phosphomimetics (Mfn2-E/D) constitutively promote fission whereas alanine mutant (Mfn2-A) yields hyperfused mitochondria and increased bioenergetics in cells. In mice, Mfn2-E knock-in yields embryonic lethality in homozygotes whereas heterozygotes are viable but exhibit increased visceral fat accumulation despite normal body weight and cognitive/motor functions compared to wildtype and Mfn2-A mice. Mature white adipocytes isolated from mutant mice reveal cell-autonomous TAK1-related effects on mitochondrial remodeling and lipid metabolism. These results identify Mfn2-S249 as a dynamic phosphoregulatory switch of mitochondrial fusion during development and energy homeostasis.

cell biology↗

bioRxiv2021

EVL and MIM/MTSS1 regulate actin cytoskeletal remodeling to promote dendritic filopodia in developing neurons

Dendritic spines are the postsynaptic compartment of a functional neuronal synapse, and are critical for synaptic connectivity and plasticity. The developmental precursor to dendritic spines, dendritic filopodia, are highly motile protrusions that facilitate synapse formation by sampling the environment for suitable axon partners during development and learning. Despite the significance of the actin cytoskeleton in driving these protrusions, the actin remodeling factors involved in this process are not fully characterized. In this work, we identify a critical function for the Ena/VASP protein EVL in the regulation of dendritic filopodia. Amongst the Ena/VASP proteins, EVL is uniquely required for the characteristic morphology and dynamics of dendritic filopodia. Using a combination of genetic and optogenetic manipulations, we demonstrate that EVL promotes protrusive motility through membrane-direct actin polymerization at dendritic filopodia tips. EVL forms a complex at nascent protrusions and dendritic filopodia tips with MIM/MTSS1, an I-BAR protein recently discovered to be important for initiation of dendritic filopodia. We propose a model in which EVL cooperates with MIM to elongate and coalesce branched actin filaments, establishing the dynamic lamellipodia-like architecture of dendritic filopodia in developing neurons.

cell biology↗

bioRxiv2021

Direct phosphorylation and stabilization of HIF-1α by PIM1 kinase drives angiogenesis in solid tumors

Angiogenesis is essential for sustained growth of solid tumors. Hypoxia-inducible factor 1 (HIF-1) is a master regulator of angiogenesis and constitutive activation of HIF-1 is frequently observed in human cancers. Thus, understanding mechanisms governing the activation of HIF-1 is critical for successful therapeutic targeting of tumor angiogenesis. Herein, we establish a new regulatory mechanism responsible for the constitutive activation of HIF-1 in cancer, irrespective of oxygen tension. PIM1 kinase directly phosphorylates HIF-1 at threonine 455, a previously uncharacterized site within its oxygen-dependent degradation domain. This phosphorylation event disrupts the ability of prolyl hydroxylases (PHDs) to bind and hydroxylate HIF-1, interrupting its canonical degradation pathway and promoting constitutive transcription of HIF-1 target genes. Overexpression of PIM1 is sufficient to stabilize HIF-1 in normoxia and stimulate angiogenesis in a HIF-1-dependent manner in vivo. CRISPR mutants of HIF-1 (Thr455D) showed increased tumor growth, proliferation and angiogenesis. Moreover, T455D xenograft tumors were refractory to the anti-angiogenic and cytotoxic effects of PIM inhibitors. These data identify a new signaling axis responsible for hypoxia-independent activation of HIF-1 and expand our understanding of the tumorigenic role of PIM1 in solid tumors.

cancer biology↗

bioRxiv2020

Determining protein structure by tyrosine bioconjugation

Chemical modification of proteins has been crucial in engineering protein-based therapies, targeted biopharmaceutics, molecular probes, and biomaterials. Here, we explore the use of a conjugation-based approach to sense alternative conformational states in proteins. Tyrosine has both hydrophobic and hydrophilic qualities, thus allowing it to be positioned at protein surfaces, or binding interfaces, or to be buried within a protein. Tyrosine can be conjugated with 4-phenyl-3H-1,2,4-triazole-3,5(4H)-dione (PTAD). We hypothesized that individual protein conformations could be distinguished by labeling tyrosine residues in the protein with PTAD. We conjugated tyrosine residues in a well-folded protein, bovine serum albumin (BSA), and quantified labeled tyrosine with LC-MS/MS. We applied this approach to alternative conformations of BSA produced in the presence of urea. The amount of PTAD labeling was found to relate to the depth of each tyrosine relative to the protein surface. This study demonstrates a new use of tyrosine conjugation using PTAD as an analytic tool able to distinguish the conformational states of a protein.

biochemistry↗