APOBEC3F (A3F) and APOBEC3G (A3G) are DNA cytosine deaminases that potently restrict human immunodeficiency virus type 1 replication when the virus is deprived of its accessory protein Vif (virion infectivity factor). Vif counteracts these restriction factors by recruiting A3F and A3G to an E3 ubiquitin (Ub) ligase complex that mediates their polyubiquitination (polyUb) and proteasomal degradation. While previous efforts have identified single amino acid residues in APOBEC3 proteins required for Vif recognition, less is known about the downstream Ub acceptor sites that are targeted. One prior report identified a cluster of polyubiquitinated residues in A3G and proposed an antiparallel model of A3G interaction with the Vif-E3 Ub ligase complex wherein Vif binding at one terminus of A3G orients the opposite terminus for polyUb [Iwatani et al. (2009). Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. USA, 106, 19539-19544]. To test the generalizability of this model, we carried out a complete mutagenesis of the lysine residues in A3F and used a complementary, unbiased proteomic approach to identify Ub acceptor sites targeted by Vif. Our data indicate that internal lysines are the dominant Ub acceptor sites in both A3F and A3G. In contrast with the proposed antiparallel model, however, we find that the Vif-dependent polyUb of A3F and A3G can occur at multiple acceptor sites dispersed along predicted lysine-enriched surfaces of both the N- and C-terminal deaminase domains. These data suggest an alternative model for binding of APOBEC3 proteins to the Vif-E3 Ub ligase complex and diminish enthusiasm for the amenability of APOBEC3 Ub acceptor sites to therapeutic intervention.

The ability of certain transition metals to mediate the reduction of N2 to NH3 has attracted broad interest in the biological and inorganic chemistry communities. Early transition metals such as Mo and W readily bind N2 and mediate its protonation at one or more N atoms to furnish M(N(x)H(y)) species that can be characterized and, in turn, extrude NH3. By contrast, the direct protonation of Fe-N2 species to Fe(N(x)H(y)) products that can be characterized has been elusive. Herein, we show that addition of acid at low temperature to [(TPB)Fe(N2)][Na(12-crown-4)] results in a new S = 1/2 Fe species. EPR, ENDOR, Mössbauer, and EXAFS analysis, coupled with a DFT study, unequivocally assign this new species as [(TPB)Fe≡N-NH2](+), a doubly protonated hydrazido(2-) complex featuring an Fe-to-N triple bond. This unstable species offers strong evidence that the first steps in Fe-mediated nitrogen reduction by [(TPB)Fe(N2)][Na(12-crown-4)] can proceed along a distal or "Chatt-type" pathway. A brief discussion of whether subsequent catalytic steps may involve early or late stage cleavage of the N-N bond, as would be found in limiting distal or alternating mechanisms, respectively, is also provided.

The latent structure of schizotypy and psychosis-spectrum symptoms remains poorly understood. Furthermore, molecular genetic substrates are poorly defined, largely due to the substantial resources required to collect rich phenotypic data across diverse populations. Sample sizes of phenotypic studies are often insufficient for advanced structural equation modeling approaches. In the last 50 years, efforts in both psychiatry and psychological science have moved toward (1) a dimensional model of psychopathology (eg, the current Hierarchical Taxonomy of Psychopathology [HiTOP] initiative), (2) an integration of methods and measures across traits and units of analysis (eg, the RDoC initiative), and (3) powerful, impactful study designs maximizing sample size to detect subtle genomic variation relating to complex traits (the Psychiatric Genomics Consortium [PGC]). These movements are important to the future study of the psychosis spectrum, and to resolving heterogeneity with respect to instrument and population. The International Consortium of Schizotypy Research is composed of over 40 laboratories in 12 countries, and to date, members have compiled a body of schizotypy- and psychosis-related phenotype data from more than 30000 individuals. It has become apparent that compiling data into a protected, relational database and crowdsourcing analytic and data science expertise will result in significant enhancement of current research on the structure and biological substrates of the psychosis spectrum. The authors present a data-sharing infrastructure similar to that of the PGC, and a resource-sharing infrastructure similar to that of HiTOP. This report details the rationale and benefits of the phenotypic data collective and presents an open invitation for participation.