CCDC47 is integral to ER function and calcium signaling:
Multi-Pass Translocon (MPT) Complex: Works with the SEC61 complex to mediate insertion of multi-pass membrane proteins into lipid bilayers .
Calcium Homeostasis: Binds calcium with low affinity but high capacity, regulating ER calcium storage and signaling .
ER-Associated Degradation (ERAD): Supports protein quality control by aiding misfolded protein degradation .
In Macaca fascicularis, these roles are inferred from conserved sequences and functional studies in human/mouse orthologs .
Recombinant CCDC47 is primarily used for:
ELISA-Based Studies: Quantifying protein expression levels in biological samples .
Mechanistic Studies: Investigating ER stress responses, calcium signaling, and membrane protein biogenesis .
Disease Modeling: Studying disorders linked to ER dysfunction, such as trichohepatoneurodevelopmental syndrome .
UniGene: Mfa.9510
CCDC47, also known as calumin, is a calcium-binding endoplasmic reticulum (ER) transmembrane protein found in Macaca fascicularis (cynomolgus macaque). Structurally, CCDC47 contains a globular N-terminal domain and a long, flexible C-terminal coiled-coil extension . The protein's architecture includes a conserved and positively charged coiled-coil that positions between Sec61 and rRNA H24 in the ribosomal complex, with the coiled-coil terminating near the mouth of the exit tunnel . The C-terminal region of CCDC47 forms significant contacts with ribosomal proteins including eL6 and rRNA H25, suggesting its important role in ribosome association during protein synthesis .
CCDC47 functions as a critical component of an ER translocon complex that facilitates multi-pass membrane protein biogenesis . In this capacity, CCDC47 works alongside other proteins including TMCO1 and the Nicalin-TMEM147-NOMO complex to form a specialized machinery for membrane protein synthesis and integration . Additionally, CCDC47 plays a significant role in calcium signaling and homeostasis within the ER, binding calcium with low affinity but high capacity . This function is essential for various cellular processes including development, as evidenced by the embryonic lethality observed in CCDC47 knockout mouse models .
CCDC47 shows significant conservation across primate species, including between Macaca fascicularis and humans. While specific sequence homology percentages are not explicitly stated in the provided search results, the functional implications of CCDC47 mutations in humans and the protein's structural characterization in both species suggest high conservation . The C-terminal coiled-coil domain appears particularly conserved, as truncating this conserved motif causes developmental disorders in humans, indicating functional importance across primate species . Genomic studies across Macaca species have identified various genes with copy number variations, but CCDC47 conservation likely reflects its essential cellular functions in calcium homeostasis and protein biogenesis .
While the search results don't provide specific tissue expression profiles for CCDC47 in Macaca fascicularis, the protein's functional implications suggest widespread expression in tissues dependent on calcium signaling and active protein synthesis. Based on human data and other macaque studies, CCDC47 would likely be expressed in developing neural tissues, cardiac tissues, and other organs with high secretory activity . The embryonic lethality observed in mouse knockout models suggests essential expression during early development stages . For precise tissue-specific expression patterns in Macaca fascicularis, researchers would need to conduct targeted studies using immunohistochemistry, RNAscope, or tissue-specific transcriptomics.
The structural configuration of CCDC47 directly impacts its functionality within the ER translocon complex. Cryo-EM analysis reveals that CCDC47's globular domain and elongated C-terminal coiled-coil form specific interactions with both the ribosome and other translocon components . The globular domain of CCDC47 makes contact with ribosomal protein eL6 and rRNA H25, while the conserved positively charged coiled-coil wedges between Sec61 and rRNA H24 . This positioning allows CCDC47 to extend approximately 90 x 120 x 140 Å alongside Sec61 and its accessory factors near the ribosome exit tunnel .
These structural features enable CCDC47 to facilitate nascent chain emergence from the ribosome exit tunnel, as its cytosolic domains are positioned to interact with the newly synthesized proteins . The luminal Nicalin domain is positioned near translocated segments of the nascent chain, further supporting CCDC47's role in coordinating multi-pass membrane protein integration . This structural arrangement creates a specialized environment for the synthesis and folding of complex membrane proteins, distinguishing the CCDC47-containing translocon from other ER translocation machinery.
To investigate the calcium-binding properties of CCDC47 in Macaca fascicularis cell models, researchers should employ a combination of complementary approaches:
Calcium Imaging Techniques: Utilize fluorescent calcium indicators (e.g., Fura-2, Fluo-4) in CCDC47-manipulated cell lines to measure real-time changes in intracellular calcium concentrations following various stimuli .
ER Calcium Storage Assays: Implement specific assays to measure total ER calcium storage capacity, which has been shown to decrease in cells with damaging CCDC47 alleles .
IP3R-mediated Calcium Release Measurements: Given that CCDC47 mutations impair calcium signaling mediated by the IP3R calcium release channel, researchers should conduct specific measurements of IP3R activity using selective agonists .
Store-operated Calcium Entry (SOCE) Assessment: Examine SOCE mechanisms, as CCDC47 deficiency has been linked to reduced ER calcium refilling via this pathway .
Purified Protein Binding Studies: For direct measurement of calcium-binding properties, express and purify recombinant Macaca fascicularis CCDC47 for in vitro calcium binding assays, including isothermal titration calorimetry or calcium overlay assays.
These methodologies should be applied in both wild-type cells and those with CCDC47 knockdown or overexpression to comprehensively characterize the protein's role in calcium homeostasis.
Expressing functional recombinant Macaca fascicularis CCDC47 in heterologous systems presents several significant challenges:
Structural Complexity: The protein's structure includes both membrane-spanning domains and an extended coiled-coil region, making complete and correctly folded expression difficult in bacterial systems .
Post-translational Modifications: Any species-specific post-translational modifications necessary for CCDC47 function may be absent in heterologous systems, particularly bacterial expression platforms.
Protein-Protein Interactions: CCDC47 functions as part of a multi-protein complex with TMCO1 and the Nicalin-TMEM147-NOMO complex . These interaction partners may be necessary for proper folding and function but absent in heterologous systems.
Membrane Integration: As an ER transmembrane protein, CCDC47 requires proper membrane targeting and integration machinery, which may differ between expression systems and Macaca fascicularis cells.
Calcium Binding Properties: Maintaining the calcium-binding properties of CCDC47 in recombinant systems requires appropriate buffer conditions and calcium concentrations that mimic the ER environment .
To address these challenges, researchers might consider mammalian expression systems closely related to primates, the use of microsomal preparations to provide appropriate membrane environments, or co-expression with known interaction partners to facilitate proper complex formation.
While the search results don't provide direct comparative data between developing and adult tissues in Macaca fascicularis, evidence from knockout studies and human disorders suggests significant developmental roles for CCDC47:
Developmental Requirement: The embryonic lethality observed in Ccdc47-knockout mice indicates an essential role during early development that cannot be compensated by other proteins . This suggests particularly critical functions in developing tissues.
Neurodevelopmental Implications: Human patients with bi-allelic CCDC47 variants display global developmental delay and hypotonia, suggesting important roles in neural development . By extension, CCDC47 likely serves similar neurodevelopmental functions in Macaca fascicularis.
Tissue Differentiation: The developmental disorders associated with CCDC47 mutations affect multiple systems (hair, liver, muscle tone), indicating roles in tissue differentiation across various lineages .
Adult Maintenance Functions: In adult tissues, CCDC47 likely transitions to maintenance roles in ER calcium homeostasis and continued production of multi-pass membrane proteins necessary for tissue function .
Stress Response: Adult tissues may require CCDC47 for appropriate ER stress responses and calcium signaling during environmental challenges, whereas developmental roles may be more focused on tissue formation and differentiation.
Further research specifically tracking CCDC47 expression and function throughout Macaca fascicularis development would be necessary to fully characterize these differences.
##.3. Experimental Methodology FAQs
For optimal extraction and purification of native CCDC47 from Macaca fascicularis tissues, researchers should follow this methodological approach:
Tissue Selection: Choose tissues with high ER content such as liver, pancreas, or cultured fibroblasts from Macaca fascicularis. Fresh tissue samples should be immediately processed or flash-frozen in liquid nitrogen.
Homogenization Buffer: Use a buffer containing:
50 mM Tris-HCl (pH 7.4)
150 mM NaCl
1 mM EDTA
1% Digitonin or 1% DDM (n-Dodecyl-β-D-maltoside)
Protease inhibitor cocktail
1 mM CaCl₂ (to maintain calcium-binding properties)
Membrane Fraction Isolation: Perform differential centrifugation to isolate ER-enriched membrane fractions before detergent solubilization.
Affinity Purification Strategy:
Complex Preservation: Consider mild crosslinking with low concentrations of formaldehyde (0.1-0.5%) before extraction to preserve native protein complexes for subsequent analysis .
Quality Control: Verify purified CCDC47 integrity using Western blotting, mass spectrometry, and functional calcium-binding assays.
This approach should yield relatively pure native CCDC47, potentially in complex with its natural binding partners from the translocon complex, suitable for subsequent structural and functional analyses.
Several specialized cellular assays can effectively evaluate CCDC47 function in Macaca fascicularis cell cultures:
ER Calcium Homeostasis Assays:
Measure ER calcium content using genetically encoded ER-targeted calcium indicators (e.g., ER-GCaMP)
Assess store-operated calcium entry (SOCE) using paired thapsigargin stimulation and calcium readdition protocols
Quantify IP3R-mediated calcium release using specific agonists such as ATP or carbachol
Membrane Protein Biogenesis Assays:
CCDC47 Knockdown/Knockout Studies:
Generate CRISPR/Cas9-mediated CCDC47 knockout or knockdown in Macaca fascicularis cells
Compare protein synthesis rates of multi-pass membrane proteins versus soluble or single-pass proteins
Evaluate ER stress markers (XBP1 splicing, ATF6 cleavage, BiP upregulation)
Protein-Protein Interaction Studies:
Ribosome Association Assays:
These assays provide complementary information about CCDC47's dual roles in calcium homeostasis and membrane protein biogenesis, yielding comprehensive functional characterization.
For generating recombinant Macaca fascicularis CCDC47 suitable for structural studies, researchers should follow this optimized protocol:
Construct Design:
Consider separate expression of domains: N-terminal globular domain (residues 1-X) and the C-terminal coiled-coil domain (residues X-C-terminus) based on structural predictions
Include a cleavable purification tag (His6, GST, or MBP) that improves solubility
Optimize codon usage for the chosen expression system
Include TEV protease cleavage site between tag and protein
Expression System Selection:
For full-length protein: Insect cell expression (Sf9 or Hi5) using baculovirus
For soluble domains: E. coli (BL21(DE3) or Rosetta) at reduced temperature (18°C)
Alternative: HEK293 mammalian expression for complex post-translational modifications
Membrane Protein Considerations:
Include stabilizing mutations if needed
Consider fluorescence-based thermostability assays to identify optimal detergent conditions
Test various detergents: DDM, LMNG, GDN for extraction
Purification Strategy:
Two-step affinity chromatography using tag
Size-exclusion chromatography in appropriate detergent
Consider amphipol or nanodisc reconstitution for increased stability
Structural Analysis Preparation:
For X-ray crystallography: Screen crystallization conditions with LCP (Lipidic Cubic Phase) approach
For Cryo-EM: Apply to freshly glow-discharged grids with optimized blotting conditions
For NMR studies: Isotope labeling (¹⁵N, ¹³C) in minimal media
Quality Control Checkpoints:
SEC-MALS for oligomeric state assessment
Thermal shift assays for stability
Negative stain EM for sample homogeneity
Mass spectrometry for sequence verification and PTM identification
This systematic approach addresses the challenges of membrane protein production while maximizing the likelihood of obtaining correctly folded protein suitable for high-resolution structural studies.
To effectively study CCDC47 interactions with the ribosome in Macaca fascicularis, researchers should implement the following methodological approaches:
Ribosome Profiling and Associated Protein Analysis:
Isolate cytosolic ribosomes through differential centrifugation
Perform sucrose gradient fractionation to separate polysomes, monosomes, and ribosomal subunits
Analyze fractions by Western blotting for CCDC47 co-sedimentation
Implement mass spectrometry to identify additional proteins in CCDC47-positive fractions
Cross-linking Mass Spectrometry (XL-MS):
Apply chemical cross-linkers (DSS, BS3, or formaldehyde) to intact cells or isolated ribosomes
Isolate CCDC47-ribosome complexes via immunoprecipitation
Perform LC-MS/MS analysis of cross-linked peptides
Use software such as pLink, XlinkX, or MeroX for cross-link identification
Apply the linear support vector machine (SVM) model to classify cross-link spectral matches as described in the literature
Cryo-Electron Microscopy:
Isolate native CCDC47-ribosome complexes from Macaca fascicularis cells
Apply to cryo-EM grids with optimization of blotting conditions
Collect high-resolution data and perform 3D reconstruction
Use molecular modeling and flexible fitting to interpret densities
Ribosome Binding Assays:
Express recombinant CCDC47 domains
Perform in vitro binding assays with purified ribosomes
Quantify binding using fluorescence polarization or surface plasmon resonance
Characterize binding kinetics and thermodynamics
Mutational Analysis of Interaction Interface:
These complementary approaches provide a comprehensive characterization of CCDC47-ribosome interactions, from biochemical binding properties to high-resolution structural details.
To analyze CCDC47 conservation and variation across macaque species, researchers should implement these bioinformatic approaches:
Multiple Sequence Alignment (MSA) Analysis:
Collect CCDC47 sequences from multiple Macaca species, including M. fascicularis, M. mulatta, M. nemestrina, and others mentioned in the literature
Perform MSA using tools like MUSCLE, MAFFT, or T-Coffee
Calculate conservation scores for each amino acid position
Generate conservation plots highlighting functional domains
Identify species-specific insertions or deletions
Phylogenetic Analysis:
Construct phylogenetic trees using maximum likelihood (RAxML, IQ-TREE) or Bayesian methods (MrBayes)
Compare CCDC47 phylogeny with established species phylogeny to identify potential selective pressures
Calculate dN/dS ratios to assess selective constraints on different regions of the protein
Structural Variation Analysis:
Apply methods like those used to identify copy number variations (CNVs) across Macaca species
Integrate reads from whole genome sequencing to detect structural variants
Use read depth-based methods to identify duplications or deletions
Employ paired-end mapping strategies to identify inversions or translocations
Domain and Motif Analysis:
Apply RaptorX-Contact and other structural prediction tools to compare domain organization across species
Identify conserved motifs using MEME, GLAM2, or similar tools
Compare coiled-coil predictions across species using COILS or Paircoil2
Analyze conservation of known functional regions (calcium-binding motifs, ribosome interaction domains)
Integrated Comparative Genomics:
These approaches provide a comprehensive framework for understanding CCDC47 evolution across macaque species, revealing functional constraints and potential adaptive changes.
To differentiate between the dual functions of CCDC47 in calcium homeostasis versus protein biogenesis, researchers should implement these methodological approaches:
Domain-specific Mutation Studies:
| Domain | Mutation Strategy | Expected Effect on Calcium Homeostasis | Expected Effect on Protein Biogenesis |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ca²⁺-binding | Mutate putative calcium binding residues | Impaired calcium handling | Minimal effect if separate from structural role |
| Coiled-coil | Truncate or disrupt C-terminal coiled-coil | Potentially unaffected | Severely compromised ribosome interaction |
| N-terminal | Target residues at ribosome interface | Minimal effect | Disrupted translocon assembly |
Temporal Separation Experiments:
Use rapid calcium chelation (BAPTA-AM) to acutely disrupt calcium homeostasis without affecting existing protein complexes
Compare with long-term CCDC47 depletion affecting both functions
Measure immediate versus delayed effects on cellular phenotypes
Rescue Experiments with Specialized Constructs:
Design chimeric proteins with calcium-binding domains from other proteins
Create constructs lacking ribosome-binding regions but retaining calcium functions
Assess which cellular defects can be rescued by each specialized construct
High-resolution Imaging Techniques:
Implement live FRET sensors to monitor protein-protein interactions in the translocon
Use calcium sensors targeted to specific subcellular compartments
Perform correlative light and electron microscopy to connect calcium handling with physical translocon structure
Multi-parameter Analysis:
Design experiments measuring both functions simultaneously
Plot correlation matrices between calcium homeostasis metrics and membrane protein synthesis rates
Use principal component analysis to identify independent versus linked functional parameters
These approaches allow researchers to dissect the independent contributions of CCDC47 to these interconnected cellular processes, providing mechanistic insight into how disruption of one function might impact the other.
Research on CCDC47 in Macaca fascicularis has significant implications for understanding human developmental disorders, particularly through these translational connections:
Modeling Human Disease Mutations:
The high conservation of CCDC47 allows recreation of human disease-associated variants in macaque models
Bi-allelic CCDC47 variants in humans cause developmental disorders with woolly hair, liver dysfunction, pruritus, dysmorphic features, hypotonia, and global developmental delay
Macaque models can reveal tissue-specific and developmental stage-specific effects of these mutations
Developmental Pathway Insights:
Calcium Signaling in Development:
CCDC47's role in calcium homeostasis affects numerous developmental pathways
Macaque studies can reveal how altered calcium signaling contributes to specific developmental abnormalities seen in patients
The connection between CCDC47 dysfunction and decreased ER Ca²⁺ storage in patient cells can be further characterized in macaque models
Tissue-specific Effects:
Patients with CCDC47 mutations display multi-organ involvement (hair, liver, brain)
Macaque studies can determine why certain tissues are particularly sensitive to CCDC47 dysfunction
Understanding tissue-specific expression patterns in macaques provides insight into human developmental vulnerability
Therapeutic Development Platform:
Macaca fascicularis provides a physiologically relevant system for testing potential therapeutics
Compounds addressing calcium homeostasis or protein biogenesis defects can be evaluated in macaque cells
The close evolutionary relationship to humans increases translational potential for therapeutic discoveries
These connections highlight how CCDC47 research in Macaca fascicularis serves as a critical translational bridge between basic science and clinical applications for human developmental disorders.
Multi-omics approaches offer powerful strategies to comprehensively characterize CCDC47 function in Macaca fascicularis through integrated data analysis:
Integrated Transcriptomics and Proteomics:
Perform RNA-Seq and quantitative proteomics in CCDC47-depleted versus control cells
Identify discordant mRNA-protein pairs suggesting post-transcriptional regulation
Focus on membrane proteins potentially affected by translocon dysfunction
This approach mirrors population-level transcriptome analysis used in macaque CNV studies , but with specific focus on CCDC47's impact
Structural Omics Integration:
Combine cryo-EM structural data of CCDC47 in the translocon complex with cross-linking mass spectrometry
Map interaction networks using proximity labeling (BioID, APEX) followed by mass spectrometry
Integrate with predicted protein structures using AlphaFold or RaptorX-Contact
Create structure-function networks highlighting domains critical for different activities
Calcium Signaling Interactome Analysis:
Implement calcium-dependent proximity labeling to identify CCDC47 interaction partners
Perform phosphoproteomics to identify calcium-dependent signaling changes
Conduct metabolomics to detect downstream effects of altered calcium homeostasis
Link to clinical phenotypes observed in patients with CCDC47 mutations
Developmental Time-course Multi-omics:
Sample multiple developmental timepoints in various tissues
Perform parallel RNA-Seq, proteomics, metabolomics, and calcium imaging
Create temporal maps of CCDC47 function during development
Compare with human developmental trajectories to identify conserved pathways
Comparison with Human Disease Profiles:
| Data Type | Control Macaque | CCDC47-depleted Macaque | Human Patient Samples |
|---|---|---|---|
| Transcriptome | Baseline expression | Altered ER stress response | Similar dysregulation patterns |
| Proteome | Normal membrane protein profiles | Defects in specific multi-pass proteins | Concordant protein changes |
| Calcium dynamics | Normal ER Ca²⁺ handling | Impaired store refilling | Matched calcium defects |
| Metabolome | Normal ER-dependent metabolism | Altered lipid composition | Parallel metabolic shifts |
This multi-dimensional data integration enables researchers to connect molecular mechanisms to cellular phenotypes and ultimately to organismal development and disease manifestations, providing a comprehensive understanding of CCDC47 biology.
Several cutting-edge technologies show particular promise for advancing CCDC47 research in Macaca fascicularis:
Cryo-Electron Tomography (Cryo-ET):
Enables visualization of CCDC47 in its native cellular environment
Allows direct observation of CCDC47-containing translocon complexes in situ
Can reveal structural variations that might not be captured in purified samples
Building on the existing cryo-EM findings that identified CCDC47's position in the translocon complex
AlphaFold2 and RoseTTAFold Integration:
Single-Cell Multi-omics:
Spatial Transcriptomics and Proteomics:
CRISPR Base Editing and Prime Editing:
These emerging technologies, especially when used in combination, promise to reveal new dimensions of CCDC47 biology and transform our understanding of its roles in cellular physiology and development in primates.
Despite recent advances, several critical questions about CCDC47 in Macaca fascicularis remain unanswered:
Functional Specificity: How does CCDC47 specifically contribute to multi-pass membrane protein biogenesis beyond other translocon components? The structural data shows CCDC47's position in the translocon , but its precise mechanistic contribution remains unclear.
Calcium Sensing Mechanism: What is the molecular mechanism by which CCDC47 senses and regulates calcium levels? While we know CCDC47 binds calcium with low affinity and high capacity , the structural basis and regulatory mechanisms remain undefined.
Evolutionary Adaptation: How has CCDC47 function evolved specifically in Macaca fascicularis compared to other primates, and does this reflect environmental adaptations? Macaque species show CNVs in genes related to metabolism and immune function , but CCDC47's evolutionary trajectory is unexplored.
Developmental Regulation: What regulatory mechanisms control CCDC47 expression and function during development in Macaca fascicularis? The embryonic lethality in knockout mice suggests essential developmental roles, but the temporal and spatial regulation remains unknown.
Disease Relevance: Beyond known human disorders , what role might CCDC47 play in more common diseases affecting both macaques and humans? The connection between CCDC47 dysfunction and pathologies beyond rare developmental disorders remains to be established.