bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The mammalian homologue of the Caenorhabditis elegans polarity protein PAR-6 is a binding partner for the Rho GTPases Cdc42 and Rac1
Authors: Johansson Ann-Sofi , Driessens Mariette , Aspenström Pontus
Published: April 2021

A mammalian homologue of the PDZ domain containing Caenorhabditis elegans protein PAR-6 was found in a yeast two-hybrid system screen as binding to the Rho family member Cdc42. PAR-6 contains a PDZ domain and in C. elegans it has been shown to be crucial for the asymmetric cleavage and establishment of cell polarity during the first cell divisions in the growing embryo. Mammalian PAR-6 interacted with Cdc42 and Rac1 both in the yeast two-hybrid system and in in vitro binding assays. Co-immunoprecipitation experiments, employing transiently transfected Cos-1 cells, further confirmed that Cdc42 and Rac1 are physiological binding partners for PAR-6. We found that, in epithelial Madin-Darby canine kidney cells (MDCK), endogenous PAR-6 was present in the tight junctions, as judged from its co-localisation with the tight junction protein ZO-1, however, PAR-6 was also detected in the cell nucleus. Stimulation of MDCK cells with scatter factor/hepatocyte growth factor induced a loss of PAR-6 from the areas of cell-cell contacts in conformity with their progressive breakdown. In C. elegans PAR-6 co-localises with PAR-3 and has been suggested to form a direct complex. In agreement with earlier studies, mammalian PAR-3 was found to be present in tight junctions of MDCK cells but, in contrast to PAR-6, the protein could not be detected in the nucleus. Furthermore, co-immunoprecipitation experiments, employing Cos-1 cells, demonstrated that mammalian PAR-6 and PAR-3 formed a direct complex. These findings, together with the reported roles of PAR-6 and PAR-3 in C. elegans, suggest that Cdc42 and Rac1 and PAR-6/PAR-3 are involved in the establishment of cell polarity in epithelial cells.
Mutations of arginine residues within the 146-KKRRK-150 motif of the ActA protein of Listeria monocytogenes abolish intracellular motility by interfering with the recruitment of the Arp2/3 complex
Authors: Pistor Susanne , Gröbe Lothar , Sechi Antonio S. , Domann Eugen , Gerstel Birgit , Machesky Laura M. , Chakraborty Trinad , Wehland Jürgen
Published: April 2021

The recruitment of actin to the surface of intracellular Listeria monocytogenes and subsequent tail formation is dependent on the expression of the bacterial surface protein ActA. Of the different functional domains of ActA identified thus far, the N-terminal region is absolutely required for actin filament recruitment and intracellular motility. Mutational analysis of this domain which abolished actin recruitment by intracellular Listeria monocytogenes identified two arginine residues within the 146-KKRRK-150 motif that are essential for its activity. More specifically, recruitment of the Arp2/3 complex to the bacterial surface, as assessed by immunofluorescence staining with antibodies raised against the p21-Arc protein, was not obtained in these mutants. Consistently, treatment of infected cells with latrunculin B, which abrogated actin filament formation, did not affect association of ActA with p21-Arc at the bacterial surface. Thus, the initial recruitment of the Arp2/3 complex to the bacterial surface is independent of, and precedes, actin polymerisation. Our data suggest that binding of the Arp2/3 complex is mediated by specific interactions dependent on arginine residues within the 146-KKRRK-150 motif present in ActA.
The lysosomal protease cathepsin D is efficiently sorted to and secreted from regulated secretory compartments in the rat basophilic/mast cell line RBL
Authors: Dragonetti Antonella , Baldassarre Massimiliano , Castino Roberta , Démoz Marina , Luini Alberto , Buccione Roberto , Isidoro Ciro
Published: April 2021

Basophils and mast cells contain a peculiar class of inflammatory granules that discharge their content upon antigen-mediated crosslinking of IgE-membrane receptors. The pathways for granule biogenesis and exocytosis in these cells are still largely obscure. In this study we employed the rat basophilic leukemia (RBL)/mast cell line to verify the hypothesis that inflammatory granules share common bioactive molecules and functional properties with lysosomes. We demonstrate that inflammatory granules, as identified by the monoclonal 5G10 antibody (which recognises an integral membrane protein) or by Toluidine Blue staining, have an intralumenal acidic pH, possess lysosomal enzymes and are accessible by fluid-phase and membrane endocytosis markers. In addition, we studied the targeting, subcellular localisation and regulated secretion of the lysosomal aspartic protease cathepsin D (CD) as affected by IgE receptor stimulation in order to obtain information on the pathways for granule biogenesis and exocytosis. Stimulation with DNP-BSA of specific IgE-primed RBL cells led to a prompt release of processed forms of CD, along with other mature lysosomal hydrolases. This release could be prevented by addition of EGTA, indicating that it was dependent on extracellular calcium influx. Antigen stimulation also induced exocytosis of immature CD forms accumulated by ammonium chloride, suggesting the existence of an intermediate station in the pathway for granule biogenesis still sensitive to regulated exocytosis. The targeting of molecules to secretory granules may occur via either a mannose-6-phosphate-dependent or mannose-6-phosphate-independent pathway. We conclude that endosomes and lysosomes in basophils/mast cells can act as regulated secretory granules or actually identify with them.
Implication of sphingolipid metabolism in the stability of the Golgi apparatus
Authors: Fukunaga Takuya , Nagahama Masami , Hatsuzawa Kiyotaka , Tani Katsuko , Yamamoto Akitsugu , Tagaya Mitsuo
Published: April 2021

We examined the effects of short chain and long chain ceramides on the stability of the Golgi apparatus. Short chain ceramides, C2- and C6-ceramides, blocked brefeldin A-induced Golgi disassembly without affecting the rapid release of Golgi coat proteins, whereas they did not inhibit brefeldin A-induced tubulation of endosomes. Both short chain ceramides also retarded Golgi disassembly induced by nordihydroguaiaretic acid and nocodazole, suggesting that they stabilize the Golgi apparatus. In contrast to short chain ceramides, natural long chain ceramides, when incorporated into cells or formed within cells upon treatment with sphingomyelinase or metabolic inhibitors, enhanced brefeldin A-induced Golgi disassembly. These results suggest that sphingolipid metabolism is implicated in the stability of the Golgi apparatus.
A novel EH domain protein of Saccharomyces cerevisiae, Ede1p, involved in endocytosis
Authors: Gagny Bénédicte , Wiederkehr Andreas , Dumoulin Pascal , Winsor Barbara , Riezman Howard , Haguenauer-Tsapis Rosine
Published: April 2021

Sequencing of the entire genome of S. cerevisiae has revealed the existence of five proteins containing EH domains. These are protein-protein interaction modules first described in mammalian Eps15, a protein that is involved in clathrin-dependent endocytosis. Two of the yeast proteins, End3p and Pan1p, are required for the internalization step of endocytosis. We report characterization of the nonessential ORF YBL047c which, like Eps15, encodes a protein with three N-terminal EH domains. Deletion of YBL047c leads to a defective fluid-phase endocytosis and to defective internalization of the pheromone α-factor and uracil permease. We therefore named YBL047c EDE1, for EH Domains and Endocytosis. Ede1p expressed as a chromosomally encoded fusion to the green fluorescent protein is localized in punctate cortical spots that only partially colocalize with actin patches. This localization is maintained when actin is depolymerized. Deletion of EDE1 impairs the diploid budding pattern, but has only a small impact on actin cytoskeleton organization, in contrast to the effects observed in pan1 cells and many end mutants impaired in proteins colocalizing with cortical actin patches. Genetic interaction was observed between EDE1 and RSP5, which encodes the ubiquitin ligase Rsp5p essential for ubiquitin-dependent endocytosis of many plasma membrane proteins, thus further emphasizing the functional link between Rsp5p and the EH domain proteins. We also observed genetic interaction between EDE1, and END3 or PAN1, suggesting that Ede1p might be part of a yeast EH network implicated in endocytosis.
Flagellum ontogeny in trypanosomes studied via an inherited and regulated RNA interference system
Authors: Bastin Philippe , Ellis Katherine , Kohl Linda , Gull Keith
Published: April 2021

The African trypanosome, Trypanosoma brucei possesses a large and unique intraflagellar structure called the paraflagellar rod (PFR). The PFR is composed of 2 major proteins, PFRA and PFRC. We have generated an inducible mutant trypanosome cell line (snl-2) that expresses linked inverted copies of a PFRA gene, capable of forming a PFRA double-stranded (ds) RNA. When expression of this dsRNA was induced, new PFRA RNA and PFRA protein quickly disappeared and PFR construction was affected, resulting in cell paralysis. This inducible RNA interference (RNAi) effect was fast-acting, heritable and reversible. It allowed us to demonstrate that PFR proteins are able to enter both mature and growing flagella but appear to concentrate differentially in new flagella because of the construction process. The PFR is constructed by a polar assembly process at the distal end of the flagellum resulting in a stable cytoskeletal structure with low turn-over. The inducible RNAi approach will have widespread applicability in studies of gene function and cellular processes in parasites.
Actinin-4 is preferentially involved in circular ruffling and macropinocytosis in mouse macrophages: Analysis by fluorescence ratio imaging
Authors: Araki Nobukazu , Hatae Tanenori , Yamada Tesshi , Hirohashi Setsuo
Published: April 2021

We have applied fluorescence ratio imaging to the analysis of an actin-binding protein concentration relative to F-actin in macrophages, in order to explore the role of a novel α-actinin isoform, actinin-4, relative to that of the classical isoform, actinin-1. Conventional immunofluorescence images showed that both isoforms were enriched in F-actin-rich regions such as cell surface ruffles. However, ratio images further demonstrated that actinin-4 concentrations relative to F-actin were higher in peripheral inward curved ruffles and dorsal circular ruffles, presumed precursor forms of macropinosomes, than in straight linear ruffles, while actinin-1 concentrations were uniform among the different types of ruffles. Macropinosome pulse-labeling and chase experiments indicated that actinin-4 was also closely associated with newly formed macropinosomes and gradually dissociated with their maturation. Consistent with ratio imaging data, macrophages scrape-loaded with anti-actinin-4 showed a more reduced rate of macropinocytosis than those loaded with anti-actinin-1. Altogether, these results indicate that actinin-4 and actinin-1 contribute differently to F-actin dynamics, that actinin-4 is more preferentially involved in early stages of macropinocytosis than actinin-1. A similar redistribution of actinin-4 was also observed during phagocytosis, suggesting that actinin-4 may play the same role in the two mechanistically analogous types of endocytosis, i.e. macropinocytosis and phagocytosis.
Characterization of the intermolecular associations of the dystrophin-associated glycoprotein complex in retinal Müller glial cells
Authors: Claudepierre Thomas , Dalloz Cécile , Mornet Dominique , Matsumura Kiichiro , Sahel José , Rendon Alvaro
Published: April 2021

The abnormal retinal neurotransmission observed in Duchenne muscular dystrophy patients has been attributed to altered expression of C-terminal products of the dystrophin gene in this tissue. Müller glial cells from rat retina express dystrophin protein Dp71, utrophin and the members of the dystrophin-associated glycoprotein complex (DGC), namely β-dystroglycan, δ- and γ-sarcoglycans and α1-syntrophin. The DGC could function in muscle as a link between the cystoskeleton and the extracellular matrix, as well as a signaling complex. However, other than in muscle the composition and intermolecular associations among members of the DGC are still unknown. Here we demonstrate that Dp71 and/or utrophin from rat retinal Müller glial cells form a complex with β-dystroglycan, δ-sarcoglycan and α1-syntrophin. We also show that β-dystroglycan is associated with α-dystrobrevin-1 and PSD-93 and that anti-PSD antibodies coimmunoprecipitated α1-syntrophin with PSD-93. By overlay experiments we also found that Dp71and/or utrophin and α-dystroglycan from Müller cells could bind to actin and laminin, respectively. These results indicate that the DGC could have both structural and signaling functions in retina. On the basis of our accumulated evidence, we propose a hypothetical model for the molecular organization of the dystrophin-associated glycoprotein complex in retinal Müller glial cells, which would be helpful for understanding its function in the central nervous system.
Distinct roles for pbs21 and pbs25 in the in vitro ookinete to oocyst transformation of Plasmodium berghei
Authors: Siden-Kiamos I. , Vlachou D. , Margos G. , Beetsma A. , Waters A.P. , Sinden R.E. , Louis C.
Published: April 2021

We have developed an in vitro culture system for early sporogonic stages of Plasmodium berghei, which can be used to study developmental events normally taking place in the midgut of an infected mosquito. These include penetration of insect cells by the mature ookinete, transformation into oocysts and the early development of the latter, sustained through several rounds of nuclear division. The system, based upon co-culture of enriched ookinetes with several established insect cell lines, was used to study the development of mutant ookinetes lacking both the Pbs21 and Pbs25 surface proteins. Motility and entry of double knockout and Pbs21 single knockout ookinetes into the insect cells are normal, but the number of ookinetes successfully transforming into oocysts expressing the CSP protein are substantially reduced. Finally, using the yeast two-hybrid system we also show that Pbs25 has the capacity to homodimerise as well as to form heterodimers with Pbs21.
Effects of insulin on intracellular GLUT4 vesicles in adipocytes: evidence for a secretory mode of regulation
Authors: Martin Sally , Millar Caroline A. , Lyttle Chris T. , Meerloo Timo , Marsh Brad J. , Gould Gwyn W. , James David E.
Published: April 2021

The facilitative glucose transporter, GLUT4 undergoes insulin-dependent movement to the cell surface in adipocytes. The magnitude of the insulin effect is much greater for GLUT4 than other recycling proteins such as the CD-MPR. In the present study we have studied the colocalisation of these proteins in adipocytes in an effort to explain this selective insulin-dependent recruitment of GLUT4. Using immunofluorescence microscopy or immuno-EM on 3T3-L1 adipocytes we find that there is considerable colocalisation between these proteins particularly within the area of the TGN. However, the distribution of CD-MPR was not significantly effected by insulin. The insulin-dependent recruitment of GLUT4 was concomitant with a selective decrease in GLUT4 labelling of cytoplasmic vesicles whereas the amount of GLUT4 in the TGN region (approx. 50% of total GLUT4) was relatively unaffected. To explore the possibility that the cytoplasmic GLUT4(+) vesicles represent an intracellular insulin-responsive storage compartment we performed quantitative immuno-EM on whole mounts of intracellular vesicles isolated from basal and insulin-stimulated adipocytes. These studies revealed that: (1) GLUT4 and CD-MPR were concentrated in small (30-200 nm) vesicles at a labelling density of 1-20+ gold particles/vesicle; (2) there was significant overlap between both proteins in that 70% of the total GLUT4 pool colocalised with CD-MPR; (3) a significant amount of GLUT4 (approx. 50% of total) was found in a subpopulation of vesicles that contained as little as 5% of the total CD-MPR pool; (4) the GLUT4(+)/CD-MPR(−) vesicles were highly insulin-responsive, and (5) the total number of GLUT4(+) vesicles, but not CD-MPR(+) vesicles, decreased by approx. 30% in response to insulin treatment. These data are consistent with a model in which GLUT4 is selectively sorted into a vesicular compartment in adipocytes that is recruited to the plasma membrane by insulin stimulation.
Teratocarcinomas induced by embryonic stem (ES) cells lacking vimentin: an approach to study the role of vimentin in tumorigenesis
Authors: Langa Francina , Kress Chantal , Colucci-Guyon Emma , Khun Huot , Vandormael-Pournin Sandrine , Huerre Michel , Babinet Charles
Published: April 2021

Vimentin is a class III intermediate filament protein widely expressed in the developing embryo and in cells of mesenchymal origin in the adult. Vimentin knock-out mice develop and reproduce without any obvious defect. This is an unexpected finding in view of the high degree of conservation of the vimentin gene among vertebrates. However, it does not exclude the possibility of a role for vimentin in pathological conditions, like tumorigenesis. To address this question directly, we have used a teratocarcinoma model involving the injection of ES cells into syngeneic mice. ES cells lacking vimentin were generated from 129/Sv Vim−/− mice with high efficiency. The absence of vimentin did not affect ES cell morphology, viability or growth rate in vitro. Tumours were induced by subcutaneous injection of either Vim−/− or Vim+/+ ES cells into Vim+/+ and Vim−/− mice, in order to analyse the effect of the absence of vimentin in either the tumorigenic cells or the host mice. No significant differences were found in either tumour incidence, size or vascularization of teratocarcinomas obtained with all possible combinations. Vim−/− ES-derived tumours showed the same cellular composition typical of teratocarcinomas induced by wild-type ES cells together with a very similar apoptotic pattern. Taken together, these results demonstrate that in this model vimentin is not essential for efficient tumour growth and differentiation in vivo.
Physical and genetic interaction of filamin with presenilin in Drosophila
Authors: Guo Yiquan , Zhang Sally X. , Sokol Nicholas , Cooley Lynn , Boulianne Gabrielle L.
Published: April 2021

Presenilins were first identified as causative factors in early onset, familial Alzheimer’s Disease (FAD). They are predicted to encode a highly conserved novel family of eight transmembrane domain proteins with a large hydrophilic loop between TM6 and TM7 that is the site of numerous FAD mutations. Here, we show that the loop region of Drosophila and human presenilins interacts with the C-terminal domain of Drosophila filamin. Furthermore, we show that Drosophila has at least two major filamin forms generated by alternative splicing from a gene that maps to position 89E10-89F4 on chromosome 3. The longest form is enriched in the central nervous system and ovaries, shares 41.7% overall amino acid identity with human filamin (ABP-280) and contains an N-terminal actin-binding domain. The shorter form is broadly expressed and encodes an alternatively spliced form of the protein lacking the actin-binding domain. Finally, we show that presenilin and filamin are expressed in overlapping patterns in Drosophila and that dominant adult phenotypes produced by overexpression of presenilin can be suppressed by overexpression of filamin in the same tissue. Taken together, these results suggest that presenilin and filamin functionally interact during development.
Altered synthesis of laminin 1 and absence of basement membrane component deposition in β1 integrin-deficient embryoid bodies
Authors: Aumailley Monique , Pesch Monika , Tunggal Lucy , Gaill Françoise , Fässler Reinhard
Published: April 2021

Basement membranes are the earliest extracellular matrices produced during embryogenesis. They result from synthesis and assembly into a defined supramolecular architecture of several components, including laminins, collagen IV, nidogen, and proteoglycans. In vitro studies have allowed us to propose an assembly model based on the polymerisation of laminin and collagen IV in two separate networks associated together by nidogen. How nucleation of polymers and insolubilisation of the different components into a basement membrane proceed in vivo is, however, unknown. A most important property of several basement membrane components is to provide signals controling the activity of adjacent cells. The transfer of information is

mediated by interactions with cell surface receptors, among them integrins. Mouse genetics has demonstrated that the absence of these interactions is not compatible with development as deletion of either laminin γ1 chain or integrin β1 chain lead to lethality of mouse embryos at the peri-implantation stage. We have used embyoid bodies as a model system recapitulating the early steps of embryogenesis to unravel the respective roles of laminin and β1 integrins in basement membrane formation. Our data show that there is formation of a basal lamina in wild-type, but not in β1-integrin deficient, embryoid bodies. Surprisingly, in the absence of β1 integrins, laminin 1 was not secreted in the extracellular space due to a rapid switch off of laminin α1 chain synthesis which normally drives the secretion of laminin heterotrimers. These results indicate that β1 integrins are required for the initiation of basement membrane formation, presumably by applying a feed-back regulation on the expression of laminin α1 chain and other components of basement membranes.
Isoform specific expression of the neuronal F-actin binding protein, drebrin, in specialized cells of stomach and kidney epithelia
Authors: Keon Brigitte H. , Jedrzejewski Paul T. , Paul David L. , Goodenough Daniel A.
Published: April 2021

To further understand the functional role that the F-actin binding protein, drebrin (developmentally regulated brain protein), plays in the regulation of F-actin, we characterized its expression in non-neuronal cells. Using nanoelectrospray mass spectrometry methods, we initially identified drebrin in non-neuronal cultured cells. Using a drebrin-specific monoclonal antibody, we were able to detect drebrin protein in several different cell lines derived from fibroblasts, astrocytomas, and simple epithelia, but not in cell lines derived from stratified epithelia. Double-label immunofluorescence experiments of cultured cell monolayers revealed the localization of drebrin at the apical plasma membrane together with a pool of submembranous F-actin. Immunoblot analysis of mouse organs revealed that, in addition to its high levels of expression in brain, drebrin was present in stomach and to a lesser degree in kidney, colon, and urinary bladder. Drebrin protein detected in the non-brain organs migrated faster through SDS-PAGE gels, indicating that the lower molecular weight embryonic brain isoform (E2) may be the prominent isoform in these organs. RT-PCR experiments confirmed the specific expression of the E2 isoform in adult stomach, kidney, and cultured cells. In situ immunofluorescence experiments revealed a cell-type specific pattern in both stomach and kidney. In stomach, drebrin was specifically expressed in the acid-secreting parietal cells of the fundic glands, where it accumulated at the extended apical membrane of the canaliculi. In kidney, drebrin was expressed in acid-secreting type A intercalated cells, where it localized specifically to the apical plasma membrane. Drebrin was expressed as well in the distal tubule epithelial cells where the protein was concentrated at the luminal surface and present at the interdigitations of the basolateral membranes.
Phosphatidylinositol-3´ kinase-dependent vesicle formation in macrophages in response to macrophage colony stimulating factor
Authors: Murray James , Wilson Lynn , Kellie Stuart
Published: April 2021

Treatment of the BAC1.2F5 macrophage cell line with Macrophage Colony Stimulating Factor (M-CSF) resulted in a rapid induction of vesiculation that was reminiscent of macropinocytosis. Time-lapse micrography showed that these vesicles initiated as small vesicles at the cell periphery, but grew in size and migrated with time to a perinuclear localisation after growth factor stimulation. Immunofluorescence showed that the M-CSF receptor (c-fms) associated with the small vesicles and also the larger phase-bright vesicles. Treatment with two distinct inhibitors showed that the rapid initiation of vesicle formation was not dependent on phosphatidylinositol-3´ (PI-3) kinase activity; however, the subsequent maintenance, maturation and translocation of the large, phase-bright, c-fms-containing vesicles was dependent on PI-3 kinase activity. The inhibitors could also reverse the further maturation of preformed vesicles. The inhibition of vesicle trafficking and maturation correlated with ablation of M-CSF-induced PI-3 kinase activity associated with p110α. These data demonstrate a role for PI-3 kinase in vesicle trafficking and maintenance. PI-3 kinase activity was also necessary for the macropinocytotic response in macrophages, a process that is essential for efficient antigen processing and presentation in macrophage-like cells.
Use of phosphosynapsin I-specific antibodies for image analysis of signal transduction in single nerve terminals
Authors: Menegon Andrea , Dunlap David D. , Castano Francesca , Benfenati Fabio , Czernik Andrew J. , Greengard Paul , Valtorta Flavia
Published: April 2021

We have developed a semi-quantitative method for indirectly revealing variations in the concentration of second messengers (Ca2+, cyclic AMP) in single presynaptic boutons by detecting the phosphorylation of the synapsins, excellent nerve terminal substrates for cyclic AMP- and Ca2+/calmodulin-dependent protein kinases. For this purpose, we employed polyclonal, antipeptide antibodies recognising exclusively synapsin I phosphorylated by Ca2+/calmodulin-dependent protein kinase II (at site 3) or synapsins I/II phosphorylated by either cAMP-dependent protein kinase or Ca2+/calmodulin-dependent protein kinase I (at site 1). Cerebellar granular neurones in culture were double-labelled with a monoclonal antibody to synapsins I/II and either of the polyclonal antibodies. Digitised images were analysed to determine the relative phosphorylation stoichiometry at each individual nerve terminal. We have found that: (i) under basal conditions, phosphorylation of site 3 was undetectable, whereas site 1 exhibited some degree of constitutive phosphorylation; (ii) depolarisation in the presence of extracellular Ca2+ was followed by a selective and widespread increase in site 3 phosphorylation, although the relative phosphorylation stoichiometry varied among individual terminals; and (iii) phosphorylation of site 1 was increased by stimulation of cyclic AMP-dependent protein kinase but not by depolarisation and often occurred in specific nerve terminal sub-populations aligned along axon branches. In addition to shedding light on the regulation of synapsin phosphorylation in living nerve terminals, this approach permits the spatially-resolved analysis of the activation of signal transduction pathways in the presynaptic compartment, which is usually too small to be studied with other currently available techniques.
Rapid and reciprocal regulation of tenascin-C and tenascin-Y expression by loading of skeletal muscle
Authors: Flück Martin , Tunç-Civelek Vildan , Chiquet Matthias
Published: April 2021

Tenascin-C and tenascin-Y are two structurally related extracellular matrix glycoproteins that in many tissues show a complementary expression pattern. Tenascin-C and the fibril-associated minor collagen XII are expressed in tissues bearing high tensile stress and are located in normal skeletal muscle, predominantly at the myotendinous junction that links muscle fibers to tendon. In contrast, tenascin-Y is strongly expressed in the endomysium surrounding single myofibers, and in the perimysial sheath around fiber bundles. We previously showed that tenascin-C and collagen XII expression in primary fibroblasts is regulated by changes in tensile stress. Here we have tested the hypothesis that the expression of tenascin-C, tenascin-Y and collagen XII in skeletal muscle connective tissue is differentially modulated by mechanical stress in vivo.

Chicken anterior latissimus dorsi muscle (ALD) was mechanically stressed by applying a load to the left wing. Within 36 hours of loading, expression of tenascin-C protein was ectopically induced in the endomysium along the surface of single muscle fibers throughout the ALD, whereas tenascin-Y protein expression was barely affected. Expression of tenascin-C protein stayed elevated after 7 days of loading whereas tenascin-Y protein was reduced. Northern blot analysis revealed that tenascin-C mRNA was induced in ALD within 4 hours of loading while tenascin-Y mRNA was reduced within the same period. In situ hybridization indicated that tenascin-C mRNA induction after 4 hours of loading was uniform throughout the ALD muscle in endomysial fibroblasts. In contrast, the level of tenascin-Y mRNA expression in endomysium appeared reduced within 4 hours of loading. Tenascin-C mRNA and protein induction after 4-10 hours of loading did not correlate with signs of macrophage infiltration. Tenascin-C protein decreased again with removal of the load and nearly disappeared after 5 days. Furthermore, loading was also found to induce expression of collagen XII mRNA and protein, but to a markedly lower level, with slower kinetics and only partial reversibility. The results suggest that mechanical loading directly and reciprocally controls the expression of extracellular matrix proteins of the tenascin family in skeletal muscle.
The actin cytoskeleton and plasma membrane connection: PtdIns(4,5)P2 influences cytoskeletal protein activity at the plasma membrane
Authors: Sechi Antonio S. , Wehland Jürgen
Published: April 2021

The co-ordination of rearrangements of the actin cytoskeleton depends on its tight connection to the plasma membrane. Phosphatidylinositol 4,5-bisphosphate is thought to transmit signals originating at the plasma membrane to the underlying actin cytoskeleton. This lipid binds to, and influences the activity of, several actin-associated proteins in vitro that regulate the architecture of the actin cytoskeleton. Signalling intermediates in this process include focal adhesion molecules such as vinculin and members of two families of proteins, ERM and WASP. These proteins interact with phosphatidylinositol 4,5-bisphosphate and appear to be regulated by interplay between small GTPases and phosphatidylinositol 4,5-bisphosphate metabolism, and thus link the plasma membrane with cytoskeletal remodelling.
HA95 is a protein of the chromatin and nuclear matrix regulating nuclear envelope dynamics
Authors: Martins Sandra B. , Eide Turid , Steen Rikke L. , Jahnsen Tore , Skålhegg Bjørn S. , Collas Philippe
Published: April 2021

We report a role for HA95, a nuclear protein with high homology to the nuclear A-kinase anchoring protein AKAP95, in the regulation of nuclear envelope-chromatin interactions. Biochemical and photobleaching data indicate that HA95 is tightly associated with chromatin and the nuclear matrix/lamina network in interphase, and bound to chromatin at mitosis. HA95 resides in a complex together with lamin B receptor (LBR), lamina-associated polypeptide (LAP)2 and emerin, integral proteins of the inner nuclear membrane. Cross-linking experiments, however, illustrate a tight association of HA95 with LBR and LAP2 only. Intra-nuclear blocking of HA95 with anti-HA95 antibodies abolishes nuclear breakdown in a mitotic HeLa cell extract. The antibodies inhibit nuclear membrane breakdown and chromatin condensation – the latter independently of nuclear membranes. However, lamina disassembly is not affected, as judged by immunological analyses of A/C- and B-type lamins. In contrast, immunoblocking of HA95 bound to condensed chromosomes does not impair chromatin decondensation, nuclear membrane reassembly or lamina reformation. Our results argue for a role for HA95 in anchoring nuclear membranes and lamins to chromatin in interphase, and in releasing membranes from chromatin at mitosis. The data also suggest that HA95 is not involved in initial binding of membranes to chromatin upon nuclear reassembly. We propose that HA95 is a central platform at the chromatin/ nuclear matrix interface implicated in regulating nuclear envelope-chromatin interactions during the cell cycle.
Live dynamics of GFP-calponin: isoform-specific modulation of the actin cytoskeleton and autoregulation by C-terminal sequences
Authors: Danninger Claudia , Gimona Mario
Published: April 2021

The calponin family of F-actin-, tropomyosin- and calmodulin-binding proteins currently comprises three genetic variants. Their functional roles implicated from in vitro studies include the regulation of actomyosin interactions in smooth muscle cells (h1 calponin), cytoskeletal organisation in non-muscle cells (h2 calponin) and the control of neurite outgrowth (acidic calponin). We have now investigated the effects of calponin (CaP) isoforms and their C-terminal deletion mutants on the actin cytoskeleton by time lapse video microscopy of GFP fusion proteins in living smooth muscle cells and fibroblasts. It is shown that h1 CaP associates with the actin stress fibers in the more central part of the cell, whereas h2 CaP localizes to the ends of stress fibres and in the motile lamellipodial protrusions of spreading cells. Cells expressing h2 CaP spread more efficiently than those expressing h1 CaP and expression of GFP h1 CaP resulted in reduced cell motility in wound healing experiments. Notably, expression of GFP h1 CaP, but not GFP h2 CaP, conferred increased resistance of the actin cytoskeleton to the actin polymerization antagonists cytochalasin B and latrunculin B, as well as to the protein kinase inhibitors H7-dihydrochloride and rho-kinase inhibitor Y-27632. These data point towards a dual role of CaP in the stabilization and regulation of the actin cytoskeleton in vivo. Deletion studies further identify an autoregulatory role for the unique C-terminal tail sequences in the respective CaP isoforms.
Expression of fringe is down regulated by Gurken/Epidermal Growth Factor Receptor signalling and is required for the morphogenesis of ovarian follicle cells
Authors: Zhao Debiao , Clyde Dorothy , Bownes Mary
Published: April 2021

Signalling by the Gurken/Epidermal Growth Factor Receptor (Grk/EGFR) pathway is involved in epithelial cell fate decision, morphogenesis and axis establishment in Drosophila oogenesis. In the search for genes downstream of the Grk/EGFR signal transduction pathway (STP), we isolated a number of genes that are components of other STPs. One of them is a known gene, called fringe (fng). Drosophila fng encodes a putative secreted protein that is required at other development stages for mediating interactions between dorsal and ventral cells via Notch signalling. Here we show that fng has a dynamic expression pattern in oogenesis and that its expression in specific groups of follicle cells along the anterior-posterior and dorsal-ventral axes is defined by the repression of fng by Grk. Interfering with fng expression using antisense RNA experiments resulted in a typical fng mutant phenotype in the wing, and malformed egg chambers and abnormal organisation of the follicle cells in the ovaries, revealing that fng is essential in oogenesis for the proper formation of the egg chamber and for epithelial morphogenesis. This has been confirmed by re-examination of fng mutants and analysis of fng mutant clones in oogenesis.
Phosphorylation of neurofilament heavy chain side-arms by stress activated protein kinase-1b/Jun N-terminal kinase-3
Authors: Brownlees J. , Yates A. , Bajaj N. P. , Davis D. , Anderton B. H. , Leigh P. N. , Shaw C. E. , Miller C. C. J.
Published: April 2021

Neurofilaments comprise three subunit proteins; neurofilament light, middle and heavy chains (NF-L, NF-M and NF-H). The carboxy-terminal domains of NF-M and NF-H form side-arms that project from the filament and that of NF-H contains multiple repeats of the motif lys-ser-pro, the serines of which are targets for phosphorylation. The level of phosphorylation on the lys-ser-pro repeats varies topographically within the cell; in cell bodies and proximal axons, the side-arms are largely non-phosphorylated whereas in more distal regions of axons, the side-arms are heavily phosphorylated. Here we show that stress activated protein kinase 1b (SAPK1b), a major SAPK in neurones will phosphorylate NF-H side-arms both in vitro and in transfected cells. These studies suggest that SAPK1b targets multiple phosphorylation sites within NF-H side-arms. Additionally, we show that glutamate treatment induces activation of SAPK1b in primary cortical neurones and increased phosphorylation of NF-H in cell bodies. This suggests that glutamate causes increased NF-H phosphorylation at least in part by activation of stress activated protein kinases.
Targets of extinction: identification of genes whose expression is repressed as a consequence of somatic fusion between cells representing basal and luminal mammary epithelial phenotypes
Authors: MacDougall John R. , Matrisian Lynn M.
Published: April 2021

The use of somatic cell hybrids has led to an increased understanding of the ‘negative’ regulation of cellular phenotype. Using somatic cell hybrids constructed between human breast cells that represent differing stages of malignancy but also display differing phenotypes from the same tissue, we present experimental results suggesting that luminal epithelial characteristics are controlled by repressive mechanisms. Fusion of HBL 100 cells, non-tumorigenic and characteristic of the basal cell lineage, with MCF-7 or MDA-MB-468 malignant breast cancer cells, characteristic of the luminal lineage, resulted in hybrid cells that displayed the phenotype of the HBL 100 cells. Using representational difference analysis, a panel of genes whose expression was repressed in the hybrid between HBL 100 and MDA-MB-468 was identified. This analysis revealed markers of luminal epithelial cells to be repressed, including Ep-CAM, cytokeratin 19 and E-cadherin. These markers were found to be coordinately re-expressed in variant hybrid cells indicating that the observed repression is reversible. Integrin αvβ3 expression was found to be in mutual exclusivity to the luminal epithelial markers, thereby revealing a bidirectional ‘switch’ in the pattern of gene expression in this system. Finally, the expression of Ep-CAM was found to be lost in heterokaryons produced by fusion of HBL 100 and MCF-7 or MDA-MB-468 cells suggesting that the extinction of this gene in hybrid cells is the consequence of a trans-acting factor(s) synthesized by the HBL 100 cells. These data suggest that a number of markers of luminal cell differentiation in the mammary gland can be controlled through negative mechanisms and that such control of phenotype is highly coordinated.
Dose-dependent linkage, assembly inhibition and disassembly of vimentin and cytokeratin 5/14 filaments through plectin’s intermediate filament-binding domain
Authors: Steinböck Ferdinand A. , Nikolic Branislav , Coulombe Pierre A. , Fuchs Elaine , Traub Peter , Wiche Gerhard
Published: April 2021

Plectin, the largest and most versatile member of the cytolinker/plakin family of proteins characterized to date, has a tripartite structure comprising a central 200 nm-long α-helical rod domain flanked by large globular domains. The C-terminal domain comprises a short tail region preceded by six highly conserved repeats (each 28-39 kDa), one of which (repeat 5) contains plectin’s intermediate filament (IF)-binding site. We used recombinant and native proteins to assess the effects of plectin repeat 5-binding to IF proteins of different types. Quantitative Eu3+-based overlay assays showed that plectin’s repeat 5 domain bound to type III IF proteins (vimentin) with preference over type I and II cytokeratins 5 and 14. The ability of both types of IF proteins to self-assemble into filaments in vitro was impaired by plectin’s repeat 5 domain in a concentration- dependent manner, as revealed by negative staining and rotary shadowing electron microscopy. This effect was much more pronounced in the case of vimentin compared to cytokeratins 5/14. Preassembled filaments of both types became more and more crosslinked upon incubation with increasing concentrations of plectin repeat 5. However, at high proportions of plectin to IF proteins, disassembly of filaments occurred. Again, vimentin filaments proved considerably more sensitive towards disassembly than those composed of cytokeratins 5 and 14. In general, IFs formed from recombinant proteins were found to be slightly more responsive towards plectin influences than their native counterparts. A dose-dependent plectin- inflicted collapse and putative disruption of IFs was also observed in vivo after ectopic expression of vimentin and plectin’s repeat 5 domain in cotransfected vimentin- deficient SW13 (vim−) cells. Our results suggest an involvement of plectin not only in crosslinking and stabilization of cytoskeletal IF networks, but also in regulation of their dynamics.
Saccharomyces cerevisiae Arc35p works through two genetically separable calmodulin functions to regulate the actin and tubulin cytoskeletons
Authors: Schaerer-Brodbeck Claudia , Riezman Howard
Published: April 2021

Analysis of the arc35-1 mutant has revealed previously that this component of the Arp2/3 complex is involved in organization of the actin cytoskeleton. Further characterization uncovered a cell division cycle phenotype with arrest as large-budded cells. Cells with correctly positioned metaphase spindles accumulated at the restrictive temperature. The observed metaphase arrest most likely occurs by activation of the spindle assembly checkpoint, because arc35-1 was synthetically lethal with a deletion of BUB2. Arc35p activity is required late in G1 for its cell cycle function. Both the actin and microtubule defects of arc35-1 can be suppressed by overexpression of calmodulin. Analysis of a collection of ts cmd1 mutants for their ability to suppress the actin and/or microtubule defect revealed that the two defects observed in arc35-1 are genetically separable. These data suggest that the actin defect is probably not the cause of the microtubule defect.
S. pombe sporulation-specific coiled-coil protein Spo15p is localized to the spindle pole body and essential for its modification
Authors: Ikemoto Shigeaki , Nakamura Taro , Kubo Michiko , Shimoda Chikashi
Published: April 2021

Spindle pole bodies in the fission yeast Schizosaccharomyces pombe are required during meiosis, not only for spindle formation but also for the assembly of forespore membranes. The spo15 mutant is defective in the formation of forespore membranes, which develop into spore envelopes. The spo15+ gene encodes a protein with a predicted molecular mass of 223 kDa, containing potential coiled-coil regions. The spo15 gene disruptant was not lethal, but was defective in spore formation. Northern and western analyses indicated that spo15+ was expressed not only in meiotic cells but also in vegetative cells. When the spo15-GFP fusion gene was expressed by the authentic spo15 promoter during vegetative growth and sporulation, the fusion protein colocalized with Sad1p, which is a component of spindle pole bodies. Meiotic divisions proceeded in spo15Δ cells with kinetics similar to those in wild-type cells. In addition, the morphology of the mitotic and meiotic spindles and the nuclear segregation were normal in spo15Δ. Intriguingly, transformation of spindle pole bodies from a punctate to a crescent form prior to forespore membrane formation was not observed in spo15Δ cells. We conclude that Spo15p is associated with spindle pole bodies throughout the life cycle and plays an indispensable role in the initiation of spore membrane formation.
Regulation of cell migration by amphoterin
Authors: Fages Carole , Nolo Riitta , Huttunen Henri J. , Eskelinen Eeva-Liisa , Rauvala Heikki
Published: April 2021

Amphoterin, a major form of HMG (high mobility group) 1 proteins, is highly expressed in immature and malignant cells. A role in cell motility is suggested by the ability of amphoterin to promote neurite extension through RAGE (receptor of advanced glycation end products), an immunoglobulin superfamily member that communicates with the GTPases Cdc42 and Rac. We show here that cell contact with the laminin matrix induces accumulation of both amphoterin mRNA and protein close to the plasma membrane, which is accompanied by extracellular export of amphoterin. A role for amphoterin in extracellular matrix-dependent cell regulation is further suggested by the finding that specific decrease of amphoterin mRNA and protein, using antisense oligonucleotides transfected into cells, inhibits cell migration to laminin in a transfilter assay whereas the oligonucleotides in the culture medium have no effect. Moreover, affinity-purified anti-amphoterin antibodies inhibit cell migration to laminin, supporting an extracellular role for the endogenous amphoterin in cell motility. The finding that amphoterin expression is more pronounced in cells with a motile phenotype as compared to cells of dense cultures, is consistent with the results of the cell migration assays. Our results strongly suggest that amphoterin is a key player in the migration of immature and transformed cells.
Fibronectin fragments induce MMP activity in mouse mammary epithelial cells: evidence for a role in mammary tissue remodeling
Authors: Schedin P. , Strange R. , Mitrenga T. , Wolfe P. , Kaeck M.
Published: April 2021

Mammary gland form and function are regulated by interactions between epithelium and extracellular matrix. Major glycoprotein components of extracellular matrix have been identified that give survival, proliferation and differentiation signals to mammary epithelial cells. We provide evidence that proteolytic fragments of the extracellular matrix glycoprotein, fibronectin, suppress growth and can promote apoptosis of mouse mammary epithelial cells. During mammary gland involution, total fibronectin and fibronectin fragment levels are increased. The peak levels of fibronectin protein and fragments are observed 4-6 days post-weaning, coincident with the peak in epithelial cell death. Using a model for hormone withdrawal-induced death of mammary epithelium, elevated levels of fibronectin proteolytic fragments were associated with apoptosis in TM-6 cells, a tumorigenic mouse mammary epithelial cell line. Treatment of TM-6 cells with exogenous fibronectin fragments (FN120) reduced cell number, and induced apoptosis and matrix degrading protease activity. Inhibition of matrix protease activity rescued TM-6 cell viability, indicating that FN120-induced cell loss is mediated through matrix protease activity. In a three-dimensional model for mammary gland development, FN120 reduced alveolar-like and promoted ductal-like development by a matrix protease-dependent mechanism. These data suggest that during post-lactational involution, fibronectin fragments may contribute to epithelial cell loss and dissolution of mammary alveoli by inducing matrix degrading proteinases.