My long-term focus is to investigate the quality control mechanisms that regulate protein levels, such as for the trimeric epithelial sodium channel (ENaC). In the kidney, ENaC plays an important role in regulating blood pressure as evidenced by disease-causing mutations in ENaC which result in Liddle Syndrome (hypertension) and pseudohypoaldosteronism type 1 (hypotension). Recent data indicate that polymorphisms in the genes encoding ENaC may also predispose individuals to high blood pressure. Therefore, a better understanding of the mechanisms that regulate ENaC levels can provide new insights into a way to alter blood pressure. A major pathway that regulates ENaC is a process known as endoplasmic reticulum-associated degradation (ERAD). During ERAD, misfolded substrates are recognized by molecular chaperones, polyubiquitinated, and retrotranslocated from the ER membrane for degradation by the cytoplasmic proteasome. The importance of ERAD to human health is highlighted by the discovery of ~70 disease-associated proteins that are degraded by ERAD, many of which are integral membrane proteins. However, the retrotranslocation of multi-pass membrane proteins is poorly understood, as it is energetically unfavorable to remove hydrophobic transmembrane (TM) domains into the aqueous environment of the cytoplasm. How do different TM domains impact the rate/efficiency of ERAD? To address this question, genetic, biochemical, and computational approaches will be used to determine the contribution of TM hydrophobicity to retrotranslocation. The overall hypothesis of this proposal is that retrotranslocation efficiency will indirectly correlate with the hydrophobicity of a substrate's TM The specific aims for this grant are to: (1) Measure the rate of extraction for several engineered ERAD substrates with an in vitro extraction assay using the Saccharomyces cerevisiae (Baker's Yeast) model system. These substrates differ only in the hydrophobicity of their TMs (2) Generate a computational model to calculate the free energy required for retrotranslocation and use this model to predict the extraction properties of ENaC expressed in yeast. (3) Test how inhibiting the retrotranslocation process alters ENaC function in Xenopus oocytes, an excellent model system for studying channel function. Together these studies will drive future research on how to therapeutically alter protein levels by targeting the retrotranslocation of ERAD substrates. Dr. Guerriero's career goal is to obtain a position as an independent investigator. To facilitate this goal, Dr. Guerriero will obtain multi-disciplinary career training in: (1) using computer-driven simulations to predict ENaC extraction properties with Drs. Michael Grabe and Markus Deserno, and (2) using electrophysiological techniques to extend his research into the Xenopus model system with Dr. Thomas Kleyman. Dr. Guerriero's future research will investigate the extraction process for more complex disease-relevant ERAD substrates.

Public Health Relevance

Misfolding of proteins can cause disease through loss of protein function or toxicity. The current application proposes to study mechanisms that govern quality control of misfolded proteins. An increasing number of human diseases, including forms diabetes and cardiovascular disease depend on protein quality control, highlighting the importance of investigating this process.

Agency
National Institute of Health (NIH)
Institute
National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK)
Type
Research Scientist Development Award - Research & Training (K01)
Project #
5K01DK101584-03
Application #
9063156
Study Section
Kidney, Urologic and Hematologic Diseases D Subcommittee (DDK)
Program Officer
Rankin, Tracy L
Project Start
2014-05-01
Project End
2019-04-30
Budget Start
2016-05-01
Budget End
2017-04-30
Support Year
3
Fiscal Year
2016
Total Cost
Indirect Cost
Name
University of Pittsburgh
Department
Biology
Type
Schools of Arts and Sciences
DUNS #
004514360
City
Pittsburgh
State
PA
Country
United States
Zip Code
15213
Preston, G Michael; Guerriero, Christopher J; Metzger, Meredith B et al. (2018) Substrate Insolubility Dictates Hsp104-Dependent Endoplasmic-Reticulum-Associated Degradation. Mol Cell 70:242-253.e6
Guerriero, Christopher J; Reutter, Karl-Richard; Augustine, Andrew A et al. (2017) Transmembrane helix hydrophobicity is an energetic barrier during the retrotranslocation of integral membrane ERAD substrates. Mol Biol Cell 28:2076-2090
Sabnis, Amit J; Guerriero, Christopher J; Olivas, Victor et al. (2016) Combined chemical-genetic approach identifies cytosolic HSP70 dependence in rhabdomyosarcoma. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 113:9015-20
Marcoline, Frank V; Bethel, Neville; Guerriero, Christopher J et al. (2015) Membrane Protein Properties Revealed through Data-Rich Electrostatics Calculations. Structure 23:1526-1537