Oregon Health & Science University study could one day lead to treatments that prevent or treat diseases and infections linked to a protein found in all human cells.
The protein ubiquitin is transformed during a bacterial infection, according to a study published today in the journal Molecular Cell. The study describes the processes necessary to synthesize lysine 6 polyubiquitin, a type of protein in which a lengthy chain of ubiquitin monomers is linked by the amino acid lysine. This type of ubiquitin aids cell communication by transmitting a chemical message — communication that is still poorly understood.
Previous research has connected this type of ubiquitin to the development of Parkinson’s disease and breast cancer. However, it is unclear how lysine 6 polyubiquitin is generated or how it is related in disease.
To investigate this, OHSU researchers focused on pathogenic bacteria and how they modify lysine 6 polyubiquitin during infection. The researchers extracted enzymes utilized by E. coli and Salmonella to cause food poisoning and other ailments and studied how they interacted with ubiquitin.
The researchers discovered that one specific enzyme was essential for the formation of lysine 6 polyubiquitin.
Previously, the same scientists discovered that a separate enzyme from a different illness-causing bacteria, Legionella pneumophila, which causes a kind of pneumonia known as Legionnaires’ disease, actively tears apart the same molecule during infection.
This means that during infection, various enzymes have varied effects on the same lysine 6 polyubiquitin.
“Knowing how lysine 6 polyubiquitin is regulated is an important first step,” said senior researcher Jonathan Pruneda, Ph.D., an assistant professor of molecular microbiology and immunology at OHSU. “We’ll use this knowledge as a foundation for future research, including looking into how bacteria use ubiquitin to infect cells.”
“One day, I hope we can harness this research to develop new ways to prevent and treat infections and disease.”
Pruneda and colleagues are actively investigating the role of lysine 6 polyubiquitin regulation in Parkinson’s disease and breast cancer.
more recommended stories
Phage Therapy Study Reveals RNA-Based Infection ControlKey Takeaways (Quick Summary) Researchers uncovered.
Pelvic Floor Disorders: Treatable Yet Often IgnoredKey Takeaways (Quick Summary) Pelvic floor.
Urine-Based microRNA Aging Clock Predicts Biological AgeKey Takeaways (Quick Summary) Researchers developed.
Circadian Control of Neutrophils in Myocardial InfarctionKey Takeaways for HCPs Neutrophil activity.
E-Cigarette Use and Heart Attack Risk in Former SmokersKey Takeaways for Clinicians and Nurses.
36-Week Pre-eclampsia Screening May Reduce Term RiskA New Preventive Strategy for Term.
Cardiovascular Risk and Sudden Cardiac Death in DiabetesRising Sudden Cardiac Death (SCD) Risk.
Poor Kidney Function and Alzheimer’s Biomarkers ExplainedPoor kidney function may influence levels.
Walking Speed Before Hip Replacement Predicts RecoveryNew Evidence Points to a Simple,.
Neuroblastoma Drug Combo Extends Survival in ModelsA Promising Shift in High-Risk Neuroblastoma.
Leave a Comment