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Protein S-nitrosylation is a reversible post-translational modification of protein cysteines that is increasingly being considered as a signal transduction mechanism. The ‘‘biotin switch’’ technique marked the beginning of the study of the S-nitrosoproteome, based on the specific replacement of the labile S-nitrosylation by a more stable biotinylation that allowed further detection and purification. However, its application for proteomic studies is limited by its relatively low sensitivity. Thus, typical proteomic experiments require high quantities of protein extracts, which precludes the use of this method in a number of biological settings. We have developed a ‘‘fluorescence switch’’ technique that, when coupled to 2-DE proteomic methodologies, allows the detection and identification of S-nitrosylated proteins by using limited amounts of starting material, thus significantly improving the sensitivity. We have applied this methodology to detect proteins that become S-nitrosylated in endothelial cells when exposed to S-nitroso-L-cysteine, a physiological S-nitrosothiol, identifying already known S-nitrosylation targets, as well as proteins that are novel targets. This ‘‘fluorescence switch’’ approach also allowed us to identify several proteins that are denitrosylated by thioredoxin in cytokine-activated RAW264.7 (murine macrophage) cells. We believe that this method represents an improvement in order to approach the identification of S-nitrosylated proteins in physiological conditions., Gobierno de España, Depto. de Bioquímica y Biología Molecular, TRUE, pub

Significance: Nitric oxide (NO) classical and less classical signaling mechanisms (through interaction with soluble guanylate cyclase and cytochrome c oxidase, respectively) operate through direct binding of NO to protein metal centers, and rely on diffusibility of the NO molecule. S-Nitrosylation, a covalent post-translational modification of protein cysteines, has emerged as a paradigm of nonclassical NO signaling. Recent Advances: Several nonenzymatic mechanisms for S-nitrosylation formation and destruction have been described. Enzymatic mechanisms for transnitrosylation and denitrosylation have been also studied as regulators of the modification of specific subsets of proteins. The advancement of modification-specific proteomic methodologies has allowed progress in the study of diverse S-nitrosoproteomes, raising clues and questions about the parameters for determining the protein specificity of the modification. Critical Issues: We propose that S-nitrosylation is mainly a short-range mechanism of NO signaling, exerted in a relatively limited range of action around the NO sources, and tightly related to the very controlled regulation of subcellular localization of nitric oxide synthases. We review the nonenzymatic and enzymatic mechanisms that support this concept, as well as physiological examples of mammalian systems that illustrate well the precise compartmentalization of S-nitrosylation. Future Directions: Individual and proteomic studies of protein S-nitrosylation-based signaling should take into account the subcellular localization in order to gain further insight into the functional role of this modification in (patho)physiological settings., Gobierno de España, Foundation for Science and Technology (Portugal), Depto. de Bioquímica y Biología Molecular, TRUE, pub

Ras/ERK signaling plays an important role in T cell activation and development. We recently reported that endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS)-derived NO regulates T cell receptor (TCR)- dependent ERK activation by a cGMP-independent mechanism. Here, we explore the mechanisms through which eNOS exerts this regulation. We have found that eNOS-derived NO positively regulates Ras/ERK activation in T cells stimulated with antigen on antigenpresenting cells (APCs). Intracellular activation of N-, H-, and K-Ras was monitored with fluorescent probes in T cells stably transfected with eNOS-GFP or its G2A point mutant, which is defective in activity and cellular localization. Using this system, we demonstrate that eNOS selectively activates N-Ras but not K-Ras on the Golgi complex of T cells engaged with APC, even though Ras isoforms are activated in response to NO from donors. We further show that activation of N-Ras involves eNOS-dependent S-nitrosylation on Cys118, suggesting that upon TCR engagement, eNOS-derived NO directly activates N-Ras on the Golgi. Moreover, wild-type but not C118S N-Ras increased TCR-dependent apoptosis, suggesting that S-nitrosylation of Cys118 contributes to activation-induced T cell death. Our data define a signaling mechanism for the regulation of the Ras/ERK pathway based on the eNOS-dependent differential activation of N-Ras and K-Ras at specific cell compartments., Fondo de Investigaciones, Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Fundación ‘‘la Caixa", Centro Nacional de Investigaciones Cardiovasculares, Bancaja, Comunidad Autonoma de Madrid, Depto. de Bioquímica y Biología Molecular, Fac. de Farmacia, TRUE, pub

Acetaminophen (APAP)-induced liver injury is one of the most prevalent causes of acute liver failure (ALF). We assessed the role of the bone morphogenetic protein (BMP) type I receptors ALK2 and ALK3 in APAP-induced hepatotoxicity. The molecular mechanisms that regulate the balance between cell death and survival and the response to oxidative stress induced by APAP was assessed in cultured human hepatocyte-derived (Huh7) cells treated with pharmacological inhibitors of ALK receptors and with modulated expression of ALK2 or ALK3 by lentiviral infection, and in a mouse model of APAP-induced hepatotoxicity. Inhibition of ALK3 signalling with the pharmacological inhibitor DMH2, or by silencing of ALK3, showed a decreased cell death both by necrosis and apoptosis after APAP treatment. Also, upon APAP challenge, ROS generation was ameliorated and, thus, ROS-mediated JNK and P38 MAPK phosphorylation was reduced in ALK3-inhibited cells compared to control cells. These results were also observed in an experimental model of APAP-induced ALF in which post-treatment with DMH2 after APAP administration significantly reduced liver tissue damage, apoptosis and oxidative stress. This study shows the protective effect of ALK3 receptor inhibition against APAP-induced hepatotoxicity. Furthermore, findings obtained from the animal model suggest that BMP signalling might be a new pharmacological target for the treatment of ALF.

Nitric oxide is implicated in a variety of signaling pathways in different systems, notably in endothelial cells. Some of its effects can be exerted through covalent modifications of proteins and, among these modifications, increasing attention is being paid to S-nitrosylation as a signaling mechanism. In this work, we show by a variety of methods (ozone chemiluminescence, biotin switch, and mass spectrometry) that the molecular chaperone Hsp90 is a target of S-nitrosylation and identify a susceptible cysteine residue in the region of the C-terminal domain that interacts with endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS). We also show that the modification occurs in endothelial cells when they are treated with S-nitrosoL-cysteine and when they are exposed to eNOS activators. Hsp90 ATPase activity and its positive effect on eNOS activity are both inhibited by S-nitrosylation. Together, these data suggest that S-nitrosylation may functionally regulate the general activities of Hsp90 and provide a feedback mechanism for limiting eNOS activation., Plan Nacional de I+D+I, Ministerio de Ciencia y Tecnología, Comunidad Autónoma de Madrid, Ministerio de Sanidad y Consumo, Depto. de Bioquímica y Biología Molecular, TRUE, pub

Two major proteins, a-sarcin and an antifungal polypeptide AFP , are secreted by the mould Ž . Aspergillus giganteus MDH 18894 when it is cultured for 70–80 h. A third major protein is also found in the extracellular medium at 48–60 h, but it disappears as the culture proceeds. This protein has been isolated and characterized in terms of apparent molecular mass, electrophoretic and chromatographic behaviour, NH -terminal primary structure, amino acid content, spectroscopical 2 features, reactivity against anti-AFP antibodies, and antifungal activity. Based on the obtained results it would be an extracellular inactive precursor form of AFP, designated as the large form of AFP lf-AFP . Its amino acid composition is Ž . identical to that of AFP but containing six extra residues. NH -terminal sequence analysis of the first eight amino acid 2 residues of this polypeptide revealed that the extra residues can be perfectly accommodated within the DNA-deduced sequence of the precursor form of AFP. Its alignment with precursor sequences of different proteins, secreted by a variety of Aspergillus spp., reveals the existence of a common tetrapeptide at the carboxy-terminal end of their leader peptides. This sequence would be IlerLeu-Xaa-Yaa-Arg, being mostly Xaa and Yaa an acid residue Asp Ž . rGlu and alanine, respectively. The presence of lf-AFP as an extracellular protein would be in perfect agreement with the existence of this tetrapeptide motif, that can be involved in the protein secretion mechanisms of filamentous fungi., Depto. de Bioquímica y Biología Molecular, Fac. de Ciencias Químicas, TRUE, pub

Nitric oxide (NO) has long been recognized as a multifaceted participant in brain physiology. Despite the knowledge that was gathered over many years regarding the contribution of NO to neuronal plasticity, for example the ability of the brain to change in response to new stimuli, only in recent years have we begun to understand how NO acts on the molecular and cellular level to orchestrate such important phenomena as synaptic plasticity (modification of the strength of existing synapses) or the formation of new synapses (synaptogenesis) and new neurons (neurogenesis). Post-translational modification of proteins by NO derivatives or reactive nitrogen species is a non-classical mechanism for signalling by NO. S-nitrosation is a reversible post-translational modification of thiol groups (mainly on cysteines) that may result in a change of function of the modified protein. S-nitrosation of key target proteins has emerged as a main regulatory mechanism by which NO can influence several levels of brain plasticity, which are reviewed in this work. Understanding how S-nitrosation contributes to neural plasticity can help us to better understand the physiology of these processes, and to better address pathological changes in plasticity that are involved in the pathophysiology of several neurological diseases., FEDER funds via Programa Operacional Factores de Competitividade (COMPETE), Foundation for Science and Technology (FCT, Portugal), Spanish Government, Depto. de Bioquímica y Biología Molecular, TRUE, pub

Nitric oxide (NO) is essential for vascular homeostasis and is also a critical modulator of angiogenesis; however, the molecular mechanisms of NO action during angiogenesis remain elusive. We have investigated the potential relationship between NO and membrane type 1–matrix metalloproteinase (MT1-MMP) during endothelial migration and capillary tube formation. Endothelial NO synthase (eNOS) colocalizes with MT1-MMP at motilityassociated structures in migratory human endothelial cells (ECs); moreover, NO is produced at these structures and is released into the medium during EC migration. We have therefore addressed 2 questions: (1) the putative regulation of MT1-MMP by NO in migratory ECs; and (2) the requirement for MT1-MMP in NOinduced EC migration and tube formation. NO upregulates MT1-MMP membrane clustering on migratory human ECs, and this is accompanied by increased degradation of type I collagen substrate. MT1-MMP membrane expression and localization are impaired in lung ECs from eNOS-deficient mice, and these cells also show impaired migration and tube formation in vitro. Inhibition of MT1-MMP with a neutralizing antibody impairs NOinduced tube formation by human ECs, and NO-induced endothelial migration and tube formation are impaired in lung ECs from mice deficient in MT1-MMP. MT1-MMP thus appears to be a key molecular effector of NO during the EC migration and angiogenic processes, and is a potential therapeutic target for NO-associated vascular disorders., National Institutes of Health, Comunidad Autónoma de Madrid, Ministerio de Sanidad y Consumo, Ministerio de Educación y Ciencia, Depto. de Bioquímica y Biología Molecular, Fac. de Farmacia, TRUE, pub

a-Sarcin, restrictocin and mitogillin are the best known members of the family of fungal ribotoxins. In recent years, new members of this family have been discovered and characterised. In this work, we study the occurrence of ribotoxins among di erent species of fungi. The presence of ribotoxins has been identi®ed in some new species by means of genetic studies, as well as expression and activity assays. The ribotoxin genes have been partially sequenced, and demonstrate a high degree of similarity. These studies demonstrate that these toxins are more widespread than previously considered. This is surprising, considering the ribotoxins are such speci®c and potent toxins, of unknown biological function. These studies con®rm the hypothesis that these proteins are naturally engineered toxins derived from ribonucleases of broad substrate speci®city., Depto. de Bioquímica y Biología Molecular, Fac. de Ciencias Químicas, TRUE, pub

Aims: Nitric oxide (NO) is involved in the upregulation of endogenous neurogenesis in the subventricular zone and in the hippocampus after injury. One of the main neurogenic pathways activated by NO is the extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK)/mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) pathway, downstream of the epidermal growth factor receptor. However, the mechanism by which NO stimulates cell proliferation through activation of the ERK/MAPK pathway remains unknown, although p21Ras seems to be one of the earliest targets of NO. Here, we aimed at studying the possible neurogenic action of NO by posttranslational modification of p21Ras as a relevant target for early neurogenic events promoted by NO in neural stem cells (NSCs). Results: We show that NO caused S-nitrosylation (SNO) of p21Ras in Cys118, which triggered downstream activation of the ERK/MAPK pathway and proliferation of NSC. Moreover, in cells overexpressing a mutant Ras in which Cys118 was replaced by a serine–C118S–, cells were insensitive to NO, and no increase in SNO, in ERK phosphorylation, or in cell proliferation was observed. We also show that, after seizures, in the presence of NO derived from inducible nitric oxide synthase, there was an increase in p21Ras cysteine modification that was concomitant with the previously described stimulation of proliferation in the dentate gyrus. Innovation: Our work identifies p21Ras and its SNO as an early target of NO during signaling events that lead to NSC proliferation and neurogenesis. Conclusion: Our data highlight Ras SNO as an early event leading to NSC proliferation, and they may provide a target for NO-induced stimulation of neurogenesis with implications for brain repair, Foundation for Science and Technology, ISCIII, Spanish Government, partially funded by FEDER/ EDRF, Depto. de Bioquímica y Biología Molecular, Fac. de Farmacia, TRUE, pub

Ras are a family of small GTPases that function as signal transduction mediators and are involved in cell proliferation, migration, differentiation and survival. The significance of Ras is further evidenced by the fact that Ras genes are among the most mutated oncogenes in different types of cancers. After translation, Ras proteins can be targets of post-translational modifications (PTM), which can alter the intracellular dynamics of the protein. In this review, we will focus on how S-nitrosylation of Ras affects the way these proteins interact with membranes, its cellular localization, and its activity. S-Nitrosylation occurs when a nitrosyl moiety of nitric oxide (NO) is covalently attached to a thiol group of a cysteine residue in a target protein. In Ras, the conserved Cys118 is the most surface-exposed Cys and the preferable residue for NO action, leading to the initiation of transduction events. Ras transduces the mitogen-activated protein kinases (MAPK), the phosphoinositide-3 kinase (PI3K) and the RalGEF cellular pathways. S-Nitrosylation of elements of the RalGEF cascade remains to be identified. On the contrary, it is well established that several components of the MAPK and PI3K pathways, as well as different proteins associated with these cascades, can be modified by S-nitrosylation. Overall, this review presents a better understanding of Ras S-nitrosylation, increasing the knowledge on the dynamics of these proteins in the presence of NO and the underlying implications in cellular signaling, FEDER, Depto. de Bioquímica y Biología Molecular, Fac. de Farmacia, TRUE, pub, Descuento UCM

Alterations in cognitive performance have been described in patients with major depressive disorder (MDD). However, the specific risk factors of these changes are not yet known. This study aimed to explore whether inmunometabolic parameters are related to cognitive performance in MDD in comparison to healthy controls (HC) METHODS: Sample consisted of 84 MDD patients and 78 HC. Both groups were compared on the results of cognitive performance measured with the Cambridge Neuropsychological Test Automated Battery (CANTAB), the presence of metabolic syndrome (MetS) and an inflammatory/oxidative index calculated by a principal component analysis of peripheral biomarkers (tumor necrosis factor, C-reactive protein and 4-hydroxynonenal). A multiple linear regression was carried out, to study the relationship between inmunometabolic variables and the global cognitive performance, being the latter the dependent variable.

The low availability of water observed in the country’s dams and the overexploitation of underground aquifers make it urgent to generate strategies to optimize this resource. One strategy is the optimization of irrigation by calculating water needs for irrigation scheduling. The objective of this study was to analyze the relationship between crop evapotranspiration (ETc) and crop coefficient (Kc) in tomato cultivation as a function of the number of stems, for the supply of irrigation water based on a drainage lysimeter and an atmometer.The work was carried out under controlled conditions using tezontle as a substrate and a drip irrigation system.The experiment consisted of three treatments, one (T1), two (T2) and three (T3) stems per plant. The drainage lysimeter method was used to measure daily croptranspiration (ETc) and an atmometer was used to estimate reference evapotranspiration (ETo). The accumulated transpiration of the crop was 352, 389 and 434 mm for T1, T2 and T3 and a Kc of 1.06, 1.16 and 1.32 for the same treatments, respectively,as well as the irrigation requirement of 1.04, 1.14 and 1.29 Lplant-1, both parameters determined in the stage of maximum water and nutrient demand. It is concluded that the daily measurements oftranspiration intomatowith the drainage lysimeter allow to reliably calculate the water requirement of crops, in addition, the atmometer is an alternative to estimate the ETo for irrigation scheduling purposes in different crops., La poca disponibilidad de agua observada en laspresas del país y la sobreexplotación de los acuíferos subterráneos hacen urgente nuevas estrategias para optimizar este recurso. Una estrategia es la optimización del riego mediante el cálculo de las necesidades hídricas para la programación de riegos. El objetivo del este estudio fue analizar la relación entre la evapotranspiración de cultivo (ETc)y coeficiente del cultivo (Kc) en el cultivo del tomate en función del número de tallos, para el suministro el agua de riego a partir de un lisímetrode drenaje y el atmómetro. El trabajose realizó en condiciones controladasusando tezontle como sustrato y un sistema de riego por goteo.El experimento consistió en tres tratamientos, uno(T1),dos (T2) ytres(T3) tallospor planta. Se utilizóel métododellisímetro de drenaje para medir la transpiración diaria de cultivo (ETc)y un atmómetro para estimar la evapotranspiración de referencia (ETo). La transpiración acumulada del cultivo fue de 352, 389 y 434 mm para T1, T2 y T3y unkcde 1.06, 1.16 y 1.32para los mismos tratamientos respectivamente,así como elrequerimiento de riegode 1.04, 1.14 y 1.29 L planta-1, ambos parámetros determinadosen la etapa de máximademanda hídricay nutrimental.Se concluye que las mediciones diariasdetraspiración en tomate con ellisímetro de drenaje permitencalcular elrequerimiento hídrico de los cultivos, además,el atmómetroesuna alternativa para estimar la ETo con fines de calendarización del riego en diferentes cultivos