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Thus, post-translational modification can alter the structure and regulate the function of hHsp70. Published under license by The American Society for Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Inc.Interleukin 11 (IL-11) activates multiple intracellular signalling pathways by forming a complex with its cell surface α-receptor, IL-11Rα, and the β-subunit receptor, gp130. Dysregulated IL-11 signalling has been implicated in several diseases, including some cancers and fibrosis. Mutations in IL-11Rα that reduce signalling are also associated with hereditary cranial malformations. Here we present the first crystal structure of the extracellular domains of human IL-11Rα, and a structure of human IL-11 that reveals previously unresolved detail. Disease-associated mutations in IL-11Rα are generally distal to putative ligand binding sites. Molecular dynamics simulations showed that specific mutations destabilise IL-11Rα and may have indirect effects on the cytokine binding region. We show that IL-11 and IL-11Rα form a 11 complex with nanomolar affinity and present a model of the complex. Our results suggest that the thermodynamic and structural mechanisms of complex formation between IL-11 and IL-11Rα differ substantially from those previously reported for similar cytokines. This work reveals key determinants of the engagement of IL-11 by IL-11Rα that may be exploited in the development of strategies to modulate formation of the IL-11/IL-11Rα complex. Published under license by The American Society for Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Inc.G protein-coupled receptor (GPCR) signaling is required for the navigation of immune cells along chemoattractant gradients. However, chemoattractant receptors may couple to more than one type of heterotrimeric G protein, each of which consists of a Gα, Gβ, and Gγ subunit, making it difficult to delineate the critical signaling pathways. Here we used knockout mouse models and time-lapse microscopy to elucidate Gα and Gβ subunits contributing to complement C5a receptor-mediated chemotaxis. Complement C5a-mediated chemokinesis and chemotaxis were almost completely abolished in macrophages lacking Gnai2 (encoding Gαi2), consistent with a reduced leukocyte recruitment previously observed in Gnai2-/- mice, whereas cells lacking Gnai3 (Gαi3) exhibited only a slight decrease in cell velocity. Surprisingly, C5a-induced Ca2+ transients and lamellipodial membrane spreading were persistent in Gnai2-/- macrophages. Macrophages lacking both Gnaq (Gαq) and Gna11 (Gα11) or both Gna12 (Gα12) and Gna13 (Gα13) had essentially normal chemotaxis, Ca2+ signaling, and cell spreading, except Gna12/Gna13-deficient macrophages had increased cell velocity and elongated trailing ends. Moreover, Gnaq/Gna11-deficient cells did not respond to purinergic receptor P2Y2 stimulation. Genetic deletion of Gna15 (Gα15) virtually abolished C5a-induced Ca2+ transients, but chemotaxis and cell spreading were preserved. Homozygous Gnb1 (Gβ1) deletion was lethal, but mice lacking Gnb2 (Gβ2) were viable. Gnb2-/- macrophages exhibited robust Ca2+ transients and cell spreading, albeit decreased cell velocity and impaired chemotaxis. In summary, complement C5a-mediated chemotaxis requires Gαi2 and Gβ2, but not Ca2+ signaling, and membrane protrusive activity is promoted by G proteins that deplete phosphatidylinositol 4,5-bisphosphate. Published under license by The American Society for Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Inc.Ethylene is a gaseous phytohormone and the first of this hormone class to be discovered. It is the simplest olefin gas and is biosynthesized by plants to regulate plant development, growth, and stress responses via a well-studied signaling pathway. One of the earliest reported responses to ethylene is the triple response. This response is common in eudicot seedlings grown in the dark and is characterized by reduced growth of the root and hypocotyl, an exaggerated apical hook, and a thickening of the hypocotyl. This proved a useful assay for genetic screens and enabled the identification of many components of the ethylene signaling pathway. These components include a family of ethylene receptors in the membrane of the endoplasmic reticulum (ER); a protein kinase, called constitutive triple response1 (CTR1); an ER-localized transmembrane protein of unknown biochemical activity, called ethylene insensitive2 (EIN2); and transcription factors such as EIN3, EIN3-Like (EIL), and ethylene response factors (ERFs). These studies led to a linear model, according to which in the absence of ethylene, its cognate receptors signal to CTR1, which inhibits EIN2 and prevents downstream signaling. Selleckchem VX-561 Ethylene acts as an inverse agonist by inhibiting its receptors, resulting in lower CTR1 activity, which releases EIN2 inhibition. EIN2 alters transcription and translation, leading to most ethylene responses. Although this canonical pathway is the predominant signaling cascade, alternative pathways also affect ethylene responses. This review summarizes our current understanding of ethylene signaling, including these alternative pathways, and discusses how ethylene signaling has been manipulated for agricultural and horticultural applications. Published under license by The American Society for Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Inc.Bone-stimulatory therapeutics include bone morphogenetic proteins (e.g. BMP2), parathyroid hormone, and antibody-based suppression of WNT antagonists. Inhibition of the epigenetic enzyme Enhancer of Zeste Homolog 2 (EZH2) is both bone-anabolic and osteo-protective. EZH2 inhibition stimulates key components of bone-stimulatory signaling pathways, including the BMP2 signaling cascade. Because of high costs and adverse effects associated with BMP2 use, here we investigated whether BMP2 dosing can be reduced by co-treatment with EZH2 inhibitors. Co-administration of BMP2 with the EZH2 inhibitor GSK126 enhanced differentiation of murine (MC3T3) osteoblasts, reflected by increased alkaline phosphatase activity, alizarin red staining, and expression of bone-related marker genes (e.g. Bglap and Phospho1). Strikingly, co-treatment with BMP2 (10 ng/ml) and GSK126 (5 μM) was synergistic and was as effective as 50 ng/ml BMP2 at inducing MC3T3 osteoblastogenesis. Similarly, the BMP2-GSK126 co-treatment stimulated osteogenic differentiation of human bone marrow-derived mesenchymal stem/stromal cells, reflected by induction of key osteogenic markers (e.