bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Evidence for the presence of an NF-κB signal transduction system in Dictyostelium discoideum
Authors: Traincard François , Ponte Eleonora , Pun Jason , Coukell Barrie , Veron Michel 
Published: April 2021

ABSTRACT
The Rel/NF-κB family of transcription factors and regulators has so far only been described in vertebrates and arthropods, where they mediate responses to many extracellular signals. No counterparts of genes coding for such proteins have been identified in the Caenorhabditis elegans genome and no NF-κB activity was found in Saccharomyces cerevisiae. We describe here the presence of an NF-κB transduction pathway in the lower eukaryote Dictyostelium discoideum. Using antibodies raised against components of the mammalian NF-κB pathway, we demonstrate in Dictyostelium cells extracts the presence of proteins homologous to Rel/NF-κB, IκB and IKK components. Using gel-shift experiments in nuclear extracts of developing Dictyostelium cells, we demonstrate the presence of proteins binding to κB consensus oligonucleotides and to a GC-rich κB-like sequence, lying in the promoter of cbpA, a developmentally regulated Dictyostelium gene encoding the Ca2+-binding protein CBP1. Using immunofluorescence, we show specific nuclear translocation of the p65 and p50 homologues of the NF-κB transcription factors as vegetatively growing cells develop to the slug stage. Taken together, our results strongly indicate the presence of a complete NF-κB signal transduction system in Dictyostelium discoideum that could be involved in the developmental process.
Fibrillin assembly: dimer formation mediated by amino-terminal sequences
Authors: Ashworth Jane L. , Kelly Vicky , Wilson Richard , Shuttleworth C. Adrian , Kielty Cay M. 
Published: April 2021

ABSTRACT
We have investigated recombinant fibrillin-1 (profib-1) and fibrillin-2 (glyfib-2) molecules encoding the proline- or glycine-rich regions with flanking domains (exons 9-11), in order to establish whether these sequences might mediate specific molecular recognition events important in fibrillin assembly. Our data demonstrate that both recombinant molecules can form extracellular dimers, but highlight subtle differences in the stability of these dimers. Following expression in COS-1 cells, SDS-PAGE analysis showed that glyfib-2 was present intracellularly as monomers, and extracellularly as monomers and disulphide-bonded dimers. Size fractionation in native non-reducing conditions prior to SDS-PAGE analysis highlighted that glyfib-2 also formed non-covalent associations. In contrast, profib-1 appeared monomeric in cells and medium. Using an in vitro translation system supplemented with semipermeabilised HT1080 cells together with chemical crosslinking, dimers of the fibrillin-1 and fibrillin-2 molecules were detected. Dimerisation was not cell-dependent since molecules translated in the absence of cells dimerised, and was not an intracellular event as judged by proteinase K digestions. A crosslinking and coimmunoprecipitation strategy provided a means of investigating whether molecular chaperones might be involved in preventing dimerisation of translocated molecules. Proteinase K-resistant recombinant molecules associated rapidly with BiP, and thereafter with protein disulphide isomerase and calreticulin. Differences between the two fibrillin isoforms in ability to form stable dimers prompted investigation of the proline- and glycine-rich sequences. Differences in solubility and pI were apparent that may contribute to reduced stability of proline-rich region interactions. These studies suggest that extracellular dimer formation mediated by interactions of the proline- and glycine-rich regions may be a crucial early step in the extracellular assembly of fibrillin into microfibrils.
The fission yeast origin recognition complex is constitutively associated with chromatin and is differentially modified through the cell cycle
Authors: Lygerou Zoi , Nurse Paul 
Published: April 2021

ABSTRACT
The origin recognition complex (ORC) binds to the well defined origins of DNA replication in budding yeast. Homologous proteins in other eukaryotes have been identified but are less well characterised. We report here the characterisation of a fission yeast ORC complex (SpORC). Database searches identified a fission yeast Orc5 homologue. SpOrc5 is essential for cell viability and its deletion phenotype is identical to that of two previously identified ORC subunit homologues, SpOrc1 (Orp1/Cdc30) and SpOrc2 (Orp2). Co-immunoprecipitation experiments demonstrate that SpOrc1 forms a complex with SpOrc2 and SpOrc5 and gel filtration chromatography shows that SpOrc1 and SpOrc5 fractionate as high molecular mass complexes. SpORC subunits localise to the nucleus in a punctate distribution which persists throughout interphase and mitosis. We developed a chromatin isolation protocol and show that SpOrc1, 2 and 5 are associated with chromatin at all phases of the cell cycle. While the levels, nuclear localisation and chromatin association of SpORC remain constant through the cell cycle, one of its subunits, SpOrc2, is differentially modified. We show that SpOrc2 is a phosphoprotein which is hypermodified in mitosis and is rapidly converted to a faster migrating isoform as cells proceed into G1 in preparation for S-phase.
Decreasing oncoprotein 18/stathmin levels reduces microtubule catastrophes and increases microtubule polymer in vivo
Authors: Howell Bonnie , Deacon Heather , Cassimeris Lynne 
Published: April 2021

ABSTRACT
Oncoprotein 18/stathmin (Op18) has been identified recently as a protein which destabilizes microtubules. To characterize the function of Op18 in living cells, we used microinjection of anti-Op18 antibodies or antisense oligonucleotides to block either Op18 activity or expression in interphase newt lung cells. Anti-tubulin staining of cells microinjected with anti-Op18 and fixed 1-2 hours after injection showed an increase in total microtubule polymer. In contrast, microinjection of either non-immune IgG or anti-Op18 preincubated with bacterially-expressed Op18 had little effect on microtubule polymer level. Cells treated with Op18 antisense oligonucleotides for 4 days had ≥50% reduced levels of Op18 with no change in the soluble tubulin level. Measurement of MT polymer level in untreated, antisense or nonsense oligonucleotide treated cells demonstrated that reduced Op18 levels resulted in a 2.5-fold increase in microtubule polymer. Next, the assembly dynamics of individual microtubules at the peripheral regions of living cells were examined using video-enhanced contrast DIC microscopy. Microinjection of antibodies against oncoprotein 18 resulted in a 2.2-fold reduction in catastrophe frequency and a slight reduction in plus end elongation velocity compared to uninjected cells or cells microinjected with non-immune IgG. Preincubation of anti-Op18 antibody with recombinant Op18 greatly diminished the effects of the antibody. Similarly, treatment of cells with antisense oligonucleotides reduced catastrophes 2.5- to 3-fold compared to nonsense oligonucleotide treated or untreated cells. The other parameters of dynamic instability were unchanged after reducing Op18 with antisense oligonucleotides. These studies are consistent with Op18 functioning to regulate microtubule catastrophes during interphase in vivo.
Profilin is predominantly associated with monomeric actin in Acanthamoeba
Authors: Kaiser Donald A. , Vinson Valda K. , Murphy Douglas B. , Pollard Thomas D. 
Published: April 2021

ABSTRACT
We used biochemical fractionation, immunoassays and microscopy of live and fixed Acanthamoeba to determine how much profilin is bound to its known ligands: actin, membrane PIP2, Arp2/3 complex and polyproline sequences. Virtually all profilin is soluble after gentle homogenization of cells. During gel filtration of extracts on Sephadex G75, approximately 60% of profilin chromatographs with monomeric actin, 40% is free and none voids with Arp2/3 complex or other large particles. Selective monoclonal antibodies confirm that most of the profilin is bound to actin: 65% in extract immunoadsorption assays and 74-89% by fluorescent antibody staining. Other than monomeric actin, no major profilin ligands are detected in crude extracts. Profilin-II labeled with rhodamine on cysteine at position 58 retains its affinity for actin, PIP2 and poly-L-proline. When syringe-loaded into live cells, it distributes throughout the cytoplasm, is excluded from membrane-bounded organelles, and concentrates in lamellapodia and sites of endocytosis but not directly on the plasma membrane. Some profilin fluorescence appears punctate, but since no particulate profilin is detected biochemically, these spots may be soluble profilin between organelles that exclude profilin. The distribution of profilin in fixed human A431 cells is similar to that in amoebas. Our results show that the major pool of polymerizable actin monomers is complexed with profilin and spread throughout the cytoplasm.
Kinesin-mediated transport of neurofilament protein oligomers in growing axons
Authors: Yabe Jason T. , Pimenta Aurea , Shea Thomas B. 
Published: April 2021

ABSTRACT
We examined cytoskeleton-associated forms of NF proteins during axonal neuritogenesis in cultured dorsal root ganglion (DRG) neurons and NB2a/d1 neuroblastoma. In addition to filamentous immunoreactivity, we observed punctate NF immunoreactivity throughout perikarya and neurites. Immuno-electron microscopy revealed this punctate immunoreactivity to consist of non-membrane-bound 75 nm round/ovoid structures consisting of amorphous, fibrous material. Endogenous and microinjected NF subunits incorporated into dots prior to their accumulation within filaments. A transfected GFP-conjugated NF-M incorporated into dots and translocated at a rate consistent with slow axonal transport in real-time video analyses. Some dots converted into a filamentous form or exuded filamentous material during transport. Dots contained conventional kinesin immunoreactivity, associated with microtubules, and their transport into axons was blocked by anti-kinesin antibodies and nocodazole. These oligomeric structures apparently represent one form in which NF subunits are transported in growing axons and may utilize kinesin as a transport motor.
The contractile vacuole network of Dictyostelium as a distinct organelle: its dynamics visualized by a GFP marker protein
Authors: Gabriel Daniela , Hacker Ulrike , Köhler Jana , Müller-Taubenberger Annette , Schwartz Jean-Marc , Westphal Monika , Gerisch Günther 
Published: April 2021

ABSTRACT
The contractile vacuole system is an osmoregulatory organelle composed of cisternae and interconnecting ducts. Large cisternae act as bladders that periodically fuse with the plasma membrane, forming pores to expel water. To visualize the entire network in vivo and to identify constituents of the vacuolar complex in cell fractions, we introduced a specific marker into Dictyostelium cells, GFP-tagged dajumin. The C-terminal, GFP-tagged region of this transmembrane protein is responsible for sorting to the contractile vacuole complex. Dajumin-GFP negligibly associates with the plasma membrane, indicating its retention during discharge of the bladder. Fluorescent labeled cell-surface constituents are efficiently internalized by endocytosis, while no significant cycling through the contractile vacuole is observed. Endosomes loaded with yeast particles or a fluid-phase marker indicate sharp separation of the endocytic pathway from the contractile vacuole compartment. Even after dispersion of the contractile vacuole system during mitosis, dajumin-GFP distinguishes the vesicles from endosomes, and visualizes post-mitotic re-organization of the network around the nucleus. Highly discriminative sorting and membrane fusion mechanisms are proposed to account for the sharp separation of the contractile vacuole and endosomal compartments. Evidence for a similar compartment in other eukaryotic cells is discussed.
Activation of microglia reveals a non-proteolytic cytokine function for tissue plasminogen activator in the central nervous system
Authors: Rogove Andrew D. , Siao Chia-Jen , Keyt Bruce , Strickland Sidney , Tsirka Stella E. 
Published: April 2021

ABSTRACT
Tissue plasminogen activator mediates excitotoxin-induced neurodegeneration and microglial activation in the mouse hippocampus. Here we show that tissue plasminogen activator (tPA) acts in a protease-independent manner to modulate the activation of microglia, the cells of the central nervous system with macrophage properties. Cultured microglia from tPA-deficient mice can phagocytose as efficiently as wild-type microglia. However, tPA-deficient microglia in mixed cortical cultures exhibit attenuated activation in response to lipopolysaccharide, as judged by morphological changes, increased expression of the activation marker F4/80 and the release of the pro-inflammatory cytokine tumor necrosis factor-α. When tPA is added to tPA deficient cortical cultures prior to endotoxin stimulation, microglial activation is restored to levels comparable to that observed in wild-type cells. Proteolytically-inactive tPA can also restore activation of tPA-deficient microglia in culture and in vivo. However, this inactive enzyme does not restore susceptibility of tPA-deficient hippocampal neurons to excitotoxin-mediated cell death. These results dissociate two different functions of tPA: inactive enzyme can mediate microglial activation, whereas proteolytically-competent protein also promotes neuronal degeneration. Thus tPA is identified as a new cytokine in the central nervous system.
Differential subcellular localization of DNA-dependent protein kinase components Ku and DNA-PKcs during mitosis
Authors: Koike Manabu , Awaji Takeo , Kataoka Masakazu , Tsujimoto Gozoh , Kartasova Tonja , Koike Aki , Shiomi Tadahiro 
Published: April 2021

ABSTRACT
The Ku protein is a complex of two subunits, Ku70 and Ku80. Ku plays an important role in DNA-PKcs-dependent double-strand break repair and V(D)J recombination, and in growth regulation, which is DNA-PKcs-independent. We studied the expression and the subcellular localization of Ku and DNA-PKcs throughout the cell cycle in several established human cell lines. Using immunofluorescence analysis and confocal laser scanning microscopy, we detected Ku70 and Ku80 in the nuclei in interphase cells. In mitotic cells (1) most of Ku protein was found diffused in the cytoplasm, (2) a fraction was detected at the periphery of condensed chromosomes, (3) no Ku protein was present in the chromosome interior. Association of Ku with isolated chromosomes was also observed. On the other hand, DNA-PKcs was detected in the nucleus in interphase cells and not at the periphery of condensed chromosomes during mitosis. Using indirect immunoprecipitation, we found that throughout the cell cycle, Ku70 and Ku80 were present as heterodimers, some in complex with DNA-PKcs. Our findings suggest that the localization of Ku at the periphery of metaphase chromosomes might be imperative for a novel function of Ku in the G2/M phase, which does not require DNA-PKcs.
Impaired integrin-mediated signal transduction, altered cytoskeletal structure and reduced motility in Hck/Fgr deficient macrophages
Authors: Suen Patrick W. , Ilic Dusko , Caveggion Elena , Berton Giorgio , Damsky Caroline H. , Lowell Clifford A. 
Published: April 2021

ABSTRACT
Integrin-mediated adhesion of monocytes and macrophages initiates a signal transduction pathway that leads to actin cytoskeletal reorganization, cell migration and immunologic activation. This signaling pathway is critically dependent on tyrosine kinases. To investigate the role of the Src-family of tyrosine kinases in integrin signal transduction, we have examined the adhesive properties of macrophages isolated from hck-/-fgr-/- double knockout mice which lack two of the three predominant Src-family kinases expressed in myeloid cells. Previous examination of polymorphonuclear leukocytes from these animals indicated that these kinases were critical in initiating the actin cytoskeletal rearrangements that lead to respiratory burst and granule secretion following integrin ligation. Double mutant peritoneal exudate macrophages demonstrated markedly reduced tyrosine phosphorylation responses compared to wild-type cells following plating on fibronectin, collagen or vitronectin-coated surfaces. Tyrosine phosphorylation of several actin-associated proteins (cortactin, paxillin, and tensin), as well as the Syk and Pyk2 tyrosine kinases, were all significantly reduced in double mutant cells. The subcellular localization of focal-adhesion associated proteins was also dramatically altered in mutant macrophages cultured on fibronectin-coated surfaces. In wild-type cells, filamentous actin, paxillin, and talin were concentrated along leading edges of the plasma membrane, suggesting that these proteins contribute to cellular polarization during migration in culture. Double mutant cells failed to show the polarized subcellular localization of these proteins. Likewise, double mutant macrophages failed to form normal filopodia under standard culture conditions. Together, these signaling and cytoskeletal defects may contribute to the reduced motility observed in in vitro assays. These data provide biochemical and morphological evidence that the Src-family kinases Hck and Fgr are required for normal integrin-mediated signal transduction in murine macrophages.
Motif Trap: a rapid method to clone motifs that can target proteins to defined subcellular localisations
Authors: Bejarano Luis A. , González Cayetano 
Published: April 2021

ABSTRACT
We have developed a rapid procedure termed Motif Trap (MT) to identify protein motifs that are able to target proteins to a distinct subcellular localisation in eukaryotic cells. By expressing random DNA fragments fused to green fluorescent protein (GFP), individual cells with the GFP localisation of interest are readily isolated allowing for the expressed DNA fragments to be cloned by RT-PCR. These can then be used to identify the corresponding full-length cDNAs. Using MT, we have identified patterns of GFP localisation which correspond to every major organelle and compartment. We have shown that MT is useful to identify new sequences that determine subcellular localisation as well as known targeting motifs.
Mussel defensins are synthesised and processed in granulocytes then released into the plasma after bacterial challenge
Authors: Mitta Guillaume , Vandenbulcke Franck , Hubert Florence , Roch Philippe 
Published: April 2021

ABSTRACT
MGD1 (Mytilus galloprovincialis defensin 1), a new member of the arthropod defensin family, is a 4 kDa antibacterial peptide previously isolated from the plasma of Mediterranean mussels. We report here the presence of MGD1 in the organelle-rich fraction of hemocytes and the cDNA sequence corresponding to MGD1 and one new isoform mRNA: MGD2. Sequence analysis indicated that MGDs are synthesised as precursors consisting of a putative signal peptide of 21 residues, the active peptide of 39 amino acids and a 21 residue carboxyl-terminal extension, rich in acidic amino acids. Localisation of the transcripts by northern blot revealed that the precursors are abundantly expressed in hemocytes.
Immunocytochemistry at both the optical and ultrastructural levels showed that defensins (i) are predominantly located in vesicles of a granulocyte subclass of hemocytes containing small granules, (ii) are also found in large clear granules of another granulocyte subclass, and (iii) that MGD immune reactivity existed in granular structures of enterocytes. Finally, we revealed that bacterial challenge triggered a plasmatic increase of MGD1 concentration and gave evidence of the simultaneous release of the peptides from the hemocytes.
Distinct roles for astrocyte αvβ5 and αvβ8 integrins in adhesion and migration
Authors: Milner Richard , Huang Xiaozhu , Wu Jianfeng , Nishimura Stephen , Pytela Robert , Sheppard Dean , ffrench-Constant Charles 
Published: April 2021

ABSTRACT
The Αv integrins are likely to be an important group of molecules for regulating astrocyte behaviour within the central nervous system. Together with their ligand vitronectin, they are expressed by astrocytes in vivo and are further upregulated during neurological disease. Here we have characterised the expression of Αv integrins on primary astrocytes from both rat and mouse, and shown that they express just two members, ΑvΒ5 and ΑvΒ8. By using RGD peptides and function-blocking antibodies against the Β1 integrins and ΑvΒ5, we find that both αvβ5 and αvβ8 can act as functional receptors for vitronectin. However, while αvβ5 is largely responsible for astrocyte adhesion to vitronectin this integrin appears to play no role in migration on vitronectin, with αvβ8 playing the dominant role in promoting migration on this substrate. β1 integrins are not involved in mediating interactions between astrocytes and vitronectin. These results were confirmed in experiments with astrocytes derived from mice in which the β5 gene had been deleted by homologous recombination. β5 null astrocytes attached to vitronectin at a reduced rate, but showed no defect in migration on vitronectin relative to wild-type astrocytes. These data provide the first evidence that αvβ8 regulates migration and show that astrocyte αvβ5 and αvβ8 integrins have distinct functions.
Tubulin polyglutamylase: isozymic variants and regulation during the cell cycle in HeLa cells
Authors: Regnard C. , Desbruyères E. , Denoulet P. , Eddé B. 
Published: April 2021

ABSTRACT
Polyglutamylation is a posttranslational modification of tubulin that is very common in neurons and ciliated or flagellated cells. It was proposed to regulate the binding of microtubule associated proteins (MAPs) and molecular motors as a function of the length of the polyglutamyl side-chain. Though much less common, this modification of tubulin also occurs in proliferating cells like HeLa cells where it is associated with centrioles and with the mitotic spindle. Recently, we partially purified tubulin polyglutamylase from mouse brain and described its enzymatic properties. In this work, we focused on tubulin polyglutamylase activity from HeLa cells. Our results support the existence of a tubulin polyglutamylase family composed of several isozymic variants specific for α orβ-tubulin subunits. In the latter case, the specificity probably also concerns the differentβ-tubulin isotypes. Interestingly, we found that tubulin polyglutamylase activity is regulated in a cell cycle dependent manner and peaks in G2-phase while the level of glutamylated tubulin peaks in mitosis. Consistent results were obtained by treating the cells with hydroxyurea, nocodazole or taxotere. In particular, in mitotic cells, tubulin polyglutamylase activity was always low while glutamylation level was high. Finally, tubulin polyglutamylase activity and the level of glutamylated tubulin appeared to be inversely related. This paradox suggests a complex regulation of both tubulin polyglutamylase and the reverse deglutamylase activity.