The central research theme of the group is the study of structure-function relationships of signaling enzymes with an emphasis on protein tyrosine phosphatases. We aim to contribute to the understanding of how their structural characteristics are correlated with specific signaling functions. To this purpose we analyze each signaling enzyme which we are investigating from multiple directions:
The combination of results thus obtained in this way is further used in shedding light on the signaling mechanism and on the overall functional role of the given enzyme.
The group has good experience and is currently involved in production, isolation and purification of recombinant proteins, expressed both in prokaryotic and eukaryotic systems. The research activity of the group is performed by tools of molecular biology (recombinant DNA, site-directed mutagenesis, (RT)-PCR, Western blotting, immunoprecipitation, etc.), spectroscopic analysis (UV-VIS and fluorescence spectrophotometry), cellular biology, protein crystallization and enzyme kinetic analysis.
1. Experiment-based design of lead compounds with potential cognitive enhancement effect
The decline of cognitive capacity is one of the most debilitating features of neurodegenerative diseases. To a great extent, this is due to changes in the molecular composition of postsynaptic membranes which in turn leads to reduced synaptic plasticity. Synaptic function depends on synaptic plasticity which can either potentiate or depress information transfer. As a rule, high-frequency stimulation potentiates synaptic activity leading to long-term potentiation (LTP) while low-frequency stimulation depresses synaptic activity leading to long-term depression (LTD). Long term changes in synaptic functions can be induced by activation of NMDA receptors which modify synaptic strength through regulating the number of postsynaptic AMPA receptors (AMPAR). NMDAR activation leads to Ca2+ influx through the receptor coupled ion channel which can initiate either LTP or LTD, depending on the spatiotemporal activation profile. Cognitive impairment and learning ability of the brain is directly linked to synaptic plasticity as measured in LTP changes in animal models of brain diseases.
AMPARs are glutamate-activated ion channels which mediate the fast excitatory ion current underlying information transmission in the brain. An increase in the number of postsynaptic AMPARs leads to increased synaptic strength during LTP, while a decrease in postsynaptic AMPAR number produces LTD. Increased number of AMPAR during LTP can be mediated by both exocytosis of AMPARs and/or lateral diffusion of AMPARs from the peri-synaptic membrane to the synapse. Conversely, LTD leads to AMPAR diffusion away from the synapse and receptor endocytosis.
Post-translational modifications of AMPAR cytoplasmic region like tyrosine phosphorylation were proved to play important role in receptor trafficking and other processes so that a specific phosphorylation pattern of this receptor might be associated with a physiological or pathological state. The main idea of this project is to modulate the phosphorylation state of AMPA receptors in such a manner to favor a physiological functionality of the receptor. Eventually, we aim at identifying lead compounds with potential cognitive enhancement effect.
2. Mapping of tyrosine phosphorylation sites and functional analysis of EYA 3
Eyes absent (eya) proteins are members of a regulatory network of evolutionary conserved transcription factors and cofactors, termed retinal determination gene network (RDGN) in Drosophila, along with twin of eyeless (toy), eyeless (ey), sine oculis (so) and dachshund (dac). From insects to humans, there are correspondent gene families - Pax (for toy and ey), Six (for so), Eya (for eya) and Dach (for dac) - referred to as the PSEDN (Pax-Six-Eya-Dach) network. This network holds important roles in the development and homeostasis of various tissues and organs - eyes, kidneys, nervous system, ears, muscles - as well as in the context of limb formation, gonadogenesis and neurogenesis. Loss of function mutations in the Eyes absent genes can lead to several congenital syndromes, for example cardiofacial syndrome, bronchio-oto-renal syndrome, oto-facio-cervical syndrome, congenital cataract, late onset of deafness. On the other hand, overexpression of Eyes absent has been detected in diverse types of cancers like epithelial ovarian cancer, Wilms’ tumors, lung adenocarcinoma, colorectal cancer, colon cancer, esophageal adenocarcinoma.
Post-translational modifications of EYA proteins may influence their implication in physiological and pathological events. Recently, we have demonstrated and reported that Src kinase phosphorylates human EYA1 and EYA3 and their nuclear and cytoskeletal localization are controlled by Src phosphorylation. In the same time, we have found that EYA1 and EYA3 are capable of autodephosphorylation. We have also shown that Src kinase has phosphorylation sites in both N-terminal and C-terminal domains of EYA3 protein. This data brings into discussion the implication of tyrosine phosphorylation in regulating the physiological activities of eyes absent proteins and potential interacting partners in mammalian cells. Thus, in this project we perform a detailed mass spectrometric analysis of human EYA3 phosphorylation by protein tyrosine kinase Src and analyze whether the phosphorylation sites can be autodephosphorylated. In terms of our future objectives we plan to identify the physiological impact of the phosphorylation of the detected tyrosine residues.
3. Identification of signaling mechanisms involved in tumorigenesis, as a result of EYA3 dephosphorylation of the specific substrate WDR1.
Eyes Absent protein 3 (EYA3), active c-Src, WDR1 as well as tyrosine phosphorylated form of WDR1 have been reported as playing important roles in breast cancer initiation, progression and metastasis. It has been also shown that protein tyrosine phosphatase activity of EYA3 mediates breast cancer cell migration, invasion, transformation and metastasis through an as yet unidentified mechanism. Our recently reported findings indicate that WDR1, a significant mediator of actin cytoskeleton reorganization i) is phosphorylated by active c-Src, ii) is an in vitro cytoplasmic substrate of EYA3 and iii) its dephosphorylation by EYA3 generates major changes to the cellular actin cytoskeleton. The central task of the present project is the in vivo validation of WDR1 dephosphorylation by EYA3 and identification of the downstream pathways. Initially, we will assess how the expression of EYA3, c-Src, WDR1 and the Tyr phosphorylation level of WDR1 correlate with the tumor-promoting effects in several representative breast cancer cell lines, what are WDR1/EYA3 interactors and what molecular mechanism(s) underly the identified correlations and interactions. Moreover, we wish to shed light on how the dephosphorylation of WDR1 by EYA3 is connected to Rho GTPase signaling pathways. Finally, we aim to elucidate the involvement of in vivo dephosphorylation of WDR1 by EYA3 in the tumorigenic properties of breast cancer cells using subcutaneous xenografted mice.
4. Design and laboratory experimentation of a molecular vector based on Holmium166 for re-diagnosis and targeted radiotherapy.
Our project is structured on three distinct panels of experimental development and applied research and has as final result the realization of a functional model of a neutron activator (NA) controlled by a cyclotron, to obtain a radiopharmaceutical based on an antibody coupled to an activated nanoparticle surface; the nanoparticles contain radionuclide that emits β Holmium-166 (t1 / 2 = 26.8 h), a type of radiation proven to be effective for targeted cancer therapy.
Financial resources:
Head of Department
Professor Dr. Stefan Eugen Szedlacsek is the Head of the Enzymology Department at the Institute of Biochemistry of the Romanian Academy. He holds a PhD degree in Biotechnology from Polytechnic University of Bucharest as well as a MSc in Organic Synthesis (Polytechnic University- Bucharest) and MSc in Mathematics (Bucharest University). As a visiting scientist, he performed research in the field of cholesterol metabolism University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign (USA), where he succeeded to evidence a new pathway in the metabolism of oxysterols. He is an “Alexander von Humboldt“ fellow and worked in Germany, in the Institute of Biochemistry (Kiel University) More...
PhD Student, Research Assistant
Alexandra Bănică is a researcher in the Institute of Biochemistry of the Romanian Academy. Alexandra is currently working in Enzymology in the Enzymology.
Scientific Researcher
Born: 19th of November 1988, Ploiesti, Romania 2003 - 2007: „Ion Luca Caragiale” National College, Ploieşti, Romania 2007- 2012: Faculty of Pharmacy at University of Medicine and Pharmacy "Carol Davila" Bucharest 2012 More...
Researcher
Ph.D. University of Missouri-Kansas City, Dept. Molecular Biology and Biochemistry, 2001. Protein import into mitochondria Post-doc. Kansas University-Medical Center, Dept. Cell Biology and Anatomy, 2001-2004. Role of e More...
Research Assistant
Horea Szedlacsek is a researcher in the Institute of Biochemistry of the Romanian Academy. Horea is currently working in Enzymology in the Enzymology.
Trainee Assistant
Otilia-Cristina Donțu is a researcher in the Institute of Biochemistry of the Romanian Academy. Otilia-Cristina is currently working in Enzymology in the Enzymology.
Scientific Researcher
Rodica-Aura Badea is a researcher in the Institute of Biochemistry of the Romanian Academy. Rodica-Aura is currently working in Enzymology in the Enzymology.
Scientific Researcher
Sorin Tunaru is a researcher in the Institute of Biochemistry of the Romanian Academy. Sorin is currently working in Enzymology in the Enzymology.
Research Assistant
Viorel Enache is a researcher in the Institute of Biochemistry of the Romanian Academy. Viorel is currently working in Enzymology in the Enzymology.
RECENT PUBLICATIONS
1.Analysis of EYA3 Phosphorylation by Src Kinase Identifies Residues Involved in Cell Proliferation.
Ionescu AE, Mentel M, Munteanu CVA, Sima LE, Martin EC, Necula-Petrareanu G, Szedlacsek SE.
Int J Mol Sci. 2019 Dec 13;20(24). pii: E6307. doi: 10.3390/ijms20246307.
2. Regulation of TRPM8 channel activity by Src-mediated tyrosine phosphorylation.
Manolache A, Selescu T, Maier GL, Mentel M, Ionescu AE, Neacsu C, Babes A, Szedlacsek SE.
J Cell Physiol. 2019 Nov 14. doi: 10.1002/jcp.29397. Published: June 2020
Zimta AA, Schitcu V, Gurzau E, Stavaru C, Manda G, Szedlacsek S, Berindan-Neagoe I. Environ Res. 2019, Nov;178:108700. doi: 10.1016/j. Review.
Scheidig AJ, Horvath D, Szedlacsek SE. J Struct Biol. 2019 Jul 1;207(1):85-102.
Rosca AM, Mitroi DN, Cismasiu V, Badea R, Necula-Petrareanu G, Preda MB, Niculite C, Tutuianu R, Szedlacsek SE, Burlacu A. J.Cell.Mol.Med., 2018, 22(10), 4700-4708
Mentel M, Ionescu AE, Puscalau-Girtu I, Helm MS, Badea RA, Rizzoli SO, Szedlacsek SE. Sci Rep. 2018 Feb 13;8(1):2910.
7. 20-HETE promotes glucose-stimulated insulin secretion in an autocrine manner through FFAR1.
Tunaru S, Bonnavion R, Brandenburger I, Preussner J, Thomas D, Scholich K, Offermanns S. Nat Commun. 2018 Jan 12;9(1):177.
8. Dysregulation of lysophosphatidic acids in multiple sclerosis and autoimmune encephalomyelitis.
Schmitz K, Brunkhorst R, de Bruin N, Mayer CA, Häussler A, Ferreiros N, Schiffmann S, Parnham MJ, Tunaru S, Chun J, Offermanns S, Foerch C, Scholich K, Vogt J, Wicker S, Lötsch J, Geisslinger G, Tegeder I. Acta Neuropathol Commun. 2017 Jun 2;5(1):42.
9. The G2A receptor (GPR132) contributes to oxaliplatin-induced mechanical pain hypersensitivity.
Hohmann SW, Angioni C, Tunaru S, Lee S, Woolf CJ, Offermanns S, Geisslinger G, Scholich K, Sisignano M. Sci Rep. 2017 Mar 27;7(1):446.
Zinn S, Sisignano M, Kern K, Pierre S, Tunaru S, Jordan H, Suo J, Treutlein EM, Angioni C, Ferreiros N, Leffler A, DeBruin N, Offermanns S, Geisslinger G, Scholich K. J Biol Chem. 2017 Apr 14;292(15):6123-6134.
11. Expression, Purification, and Kinetic Analysis of PTP Domains.
Mentel M, Badea RA, Necula-Petrareanu G, Mallikarjuna ST, Ionescu AE, Szedlacsek SE. Methods Mol Biol. 2016;1447:39-66.
Tunaru S, Chennupati R, Nüsing RM, Offermanns S. PLoS One. 2016 Sep 23;11(9):e0163633.
13. Loss of FFA2 and FFA3 increases insulin secretion and improves glucose tolerance in type 2 diabetes.
Tang C, Ahmed K, Gille A, Lu S, Gröne HJ, Tunaru S, Offermanns S. Nat Med. 2015 Feb;21(2):173-7.
Petrareanu G, Balasu MC, Vacaru AM, Munteanu CV, Ionescu AE, Matei I, Szedlacsek SE. Appl Microbiol Biotechnol. 2014 Sep;98(18):7855-67.
Preuss B, Tunaru S, Henes J, Offermanns S, Klein R. Clin Exp Immunol. 2014 Jul;177(1):179-89.
16. Conserved MIP receptor-ligand pair regulates Platynereis larval settlement.
Conzelmann M, Williams EA, Tunaru S, Randel N, Shahidi R, Asadulina A, Berger J, Offermanns S, Jékely G. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A. 2013 May 14;110(20):8224-9.
17. Protein tyrosine phosphatase structure-function relationships in regulation and pathogenesis.
Böhmer F, Szedlacsek S, Tabernero L, Ostman A, den Hertog J. FEBS J. 2013 Jan;280(2):413-31.
Tunaru S, Althoff TF, Nüsing RM, Diener M, Offermanns S. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A. 2012 Jun 5;109(23):9179-84.
Molecular modeling of a set of peptides that can disrupt the GluA2-Cterm complex with STEP (Complex A) or BRAG2 (ComplexB).
The project is agreed as a joint collaboration among IBAR and ATOMKI, UD and IFIN-HH is a cost free participant. There are two main directions envisaged by the proposed project: receptors mapping and therapy, using an affibody against HER2 receptor, combined with an adequate radioisotope. In this respect, the specific objectives are: a) expression and purification of affibodies; b) establish labeling procedures; c) ex vivo and/or in vivo testing of optimal compounds.
Enzymatic characterization of both mEya3 and hEya1 to identify the similarities and differences between these two proteins with relatively low sequence homology.
Synthesis of the catalytic domain of ancestral PTP and its characterization both in vitro and in vivo
Romanian Academy