Biology subjects

Blobel, C. P.

Publications and source records attributed to Blobel, C. P..

3 recordsLinked to original sources

bioRxiv2024

Structural Insights into the Activation and Inhibition of the ADAM17-iRhom2 Complex

The endopeptidase activity of ADAM (a disintegrin and metalloprotease) -17, the primary processor of several EGFR ligands and tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-), is essential for proper embryonic development and immune regulation. Dysregulated ADAM17 activity is prevalent in a wide array of human diseases, including cancer, chronic inflammation, and SARS-CoV-2 viral progression. Initially translated as an inactive enzyme zymogen, ADAM17 maturation and enzymatic function are tightly regulated by its obligate binding partners, the inactive rhomboid proteins (iRhom) -1 and -2. Here, we present the cryo-EM structure of the ADAM17 zymogen bound to iRhom2. Our findings elucidate the interactions within the ADAM17-iRhom2 complex, the inhibitory mechanisms of the therapeutic MEDI3622 antibody and ADAM17 prodomain, and the previously unknown role of a membrane-proximal cytoplasmic re-entry loop of iRhom2 involved in the mechanism of activation. Importantly, we perform cellular assays to validate our structural findings and provide further insights into the functional implications of these interactions, paving the way for developing therapeutic strategies targeting this biomedically critical enzyme complex.

biochemistry↗

bioRxiv2024

The late onset Alzheimer's disease risk factor iRhom2/RHBDF2 is a modifier of microglial TREM2 proteolysis

The cell surface receptor TREM2 is a key genetic risk factor and drug target in Alzheimers disease (AD). In the brain, TREM2 is expressed in microglia, where it undergoes proteolytic cleavage, linked to AD risk, but the responsible protease in microglia is still unknown. Another microglia-expressed AD risk factor is catalytically inactive rhomboid 2 (iRhom2, RHBDF2), which binds to and acts as a non-catalytic subunit of the metalloprotease ADAM17. A potential role in TREM2 proteolysis is not yet known. Using microglial-like BV2 cells, bone marrow-derived macrophages and primary murine microglia, we identify iRhom2 as a modifier of ADAM17-mediated TREM2 shedding. Loss of iRhom2 increased TREM2 in cell lysates and at the cell surface and enhanced TREM2 signaling and microglial phagocytosis of the amyloid {beta}-peptide (A{beta}). This study establishes ADAM17 as a physiological TREM2 protease in microglia, and suggests iRhom2 as a potential drug target for modulating TREM2 proteolysis in AD.

biochemistry↗

bioRxiv2021

Type I interferon modulates Langerhans cell ADAM17 to promote photosensitivity in lupus

BackgroundThe autoimmune disease lupus erythematosus (lupus) is characterized by photosensitivity, where even ambient ultraviolet radiation (UVR) exposure inflames skin. Beneficial effects of anifrolumab (anti-interferon /breceptor (anti-IFNAR)) on lupus skin disease support a pathogenic role for IFN-I, but mechanistic understanding is limited. We have shown that Langerhans cell (LC) dysfunction contributes to photosensitivity. Healthy LCs act via a disintegrin and metalloprotease 17 (ADAM17) to release epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) ligands that limit UVR-induced keratinocyte apoptosis and photosensitivity. However, LC ADAM17 activity is reduced in non-lesional lupus model skin, and data point to reduced LC-mediated protection in human lupus. Here, we asked about the role of the IFN-rich lupus skin environment in LC dysfunction and the implications of this regulation for photosensitivity. MethodsGene expression patterns in non-lesional skin from human lupus and multiple murine models were examined. We used MRL/lpr, B6.Sle1yaa, and imiquimod models of lupus in in vivo studies to assess the role of IFN-I in LC ADAM17 dysfunction and photosensitivity. ResultsWe show a shared IFN-rich environment in non-lesional skin across human and murine model systems, that IFN-I inhibits LC ADAM17 activity, and that anti-IFNAR in lupus models restores LC ADAM17 function and reduces photosensitivity in EGFR and LC ADAM17-dependent manners. Reactive oxygen species (ROS) can mediate ADAM17 activity, and we show reduced LC ROS expression in lupus models that is restored by anti-IFNAR. ConclusionsOur findings suggest that IFN-I promotes photosensitivity by causing LC ADAM17 dysfunction and that anifrolumab ameliorates lupus skin disease at least in part by restoring LC function. This work provides insight into IFN-I-mediated disease mechanisms, LC regulation, and a mechanism of action for anifrolumab in lupus.

immunology↗