Emerging biological roles of Cl- intracellular channel proteins

Cl^- intracellular channels (CLICs) are a family of six evolutionary conserved cytosolic proteins that exist in both soluble and membrane-associated forms; however, their functions have long been elusive. Soluble CLICs adopt a glutathione S-transferase (GST)-fold, can induce ion currents in artificial membranes and show oxidoreductase activity in vitro, but there is no convincing evidence of CLICs having such activities in vivo. Recent studies have revealed a role for CLIC proteins in Rho-regulated cortical actin dynamics as well as vesicular trafficking and integrin recycling, the latter of which are under the control of Rab GTPases. In this Commentary, we discuss the emerging roles of CLIC proteins in these processes and the lessons learned from gene-targeting studies. We also highlight outstanding questions regarding the molecular function(s) of these important but still poorly understood proteins.

Human profilin 1 is a negative regulator of CTL mediated cell-killing and migration

The actin-binding protein profilin1 (PFN1) plays a central role in actin dynamics, which is essential for cytotoxic T lymphocyte (CTL) functions. The functional role of PFN1 in CTLs, however still remains elusive. Here, we identify PFN1 as the only member of the profilin family expressed in primary human CD8⁺ T cells. Using in vitro assays, we find that PFN1 is a negative regulator of CTL-mediated elimination of target cells. Furthermore, PFN1 is involved in activation-induced lytic granule (LG) release, CTL migration and modulation of actin structures at the immunological synapse (IS). During CTL migration, PFN1 modulates the velocity, protrusion formation patterns and protrusion sustainability. In contrast, PFN1 does not significantly affect migration persistence and the rates of protrusion emergence and retraction. Under in vitro conditions mimicking a tumor microenvironment, we show that PFN1 downregulation promotes CTL invasion into a 3D matrix, without affecting the viability of CTLs in a hydrogen peroxide-enriched microenvironment. Highlighting its potential relevance in cancer, we find that in pancreatic cancer patients, PFN1 expression is substantially decreased in peripheral CD8⁺ T cells. Taken together, we conclude that PFN1 is a negative regulator for CTL-mediated cytotoxicity and may have an impact on CTL functionality in a tumor-related context.

Mitochondrial dynamics: The dynamin superfamily and execution by collusion

Distinct dynamin superfamily GTPases catalyze the constant fission and fusion of the elaborate mitochondrial networks that navigate the eukaryotic cytoplasm. Long believed to be the singular handiwork of dynamin-related protein 1 (Drp1), a cytosolic family member that transiently localizes to the mitochondrial surface, the execution of mitochondrial fission is now arguably believed to entail membrane remodeling events that are initiated upstream of Drp1 by ER-associated cytoskeletal networks and completed downstream by the prototypical dynamin, dynamin 2 (Dyn2). Recent developments in the field have also placed a sharp focus on the membrane microenvironment around the division apparatus and the potential facilitatory role of specific lipids in mitochondrial fission. Here, I will review current progress, as well as highlight the most visible gaps in knowledge, in elucidating the varied functions of the dynamin superfamily in the coordinated events of mitochondrial fission and fusion. The essential roles of protein and lipid cofactors are also highlighted.

A single cocaine exposure disrupts actin dynamics in the cortico-accumbal pathway of adolescent rats: modulation by a second cocaine injection

RATIONALE AND OBJECTIVES

Among the changes caused by repeated exposure to drugs of abuse, structural rearrangements play a critical role, setting the stage for maladaptive responses to environmental challenges and sustaining drug-taking and drug-seeking behaviors. Given that adolescents are more vulnerable to drug abuse than adults and based on our recent data showing that a single exposure to cocaine during adolescence is sufficient to change the adolescent brain, we decided to investigate whether acute cocaine exposure may alter actin remodeling in reward-related brain regions.

METHODS

Accordingly, we decided to evaluate if F-actin/G-actin ratio was altered by a single injection of cocaine (20 mg/kg) at postnatal day 35. We also evaluated whether the first administration of cocaine influences such a ratio in response to a second injection (10 mg/kg) provided 24 h or 7 days later.

RESULTS

Within the medial prefrontal cortex, a single cocaine injection increases the F-actin/G-actin ratio. This effect lasts 1 week, and it is not affected by the second injection of cocaine, indicating a persistent effect of the first exposure. In the nucleus accumbens, cocaine reduces the F-actin/G-actin ratio 24 h later. Seven days later, instead, such a ratio is markedly increased: notably, the additional exposure to the psychostimulant normalizes the F-actin/G-actin ratio.

CONCLUSIONS

These results suggest that a single cocaine injection during adolescence causes possible changes in actin dynamics and influences the response to a second challenge of the psychostimulant, indicating that early cocaine priming might affect mechanisms regulating synaptic structural plasticity in specific brain regions.

Actin visualization at a glance

Actin functions in a multitude of cellular processes owing to its ability to polymerize into filaments, which can be further organized into higher-order structures by an array of actin-binding and regulatory proteins. Therefore, research on actin and actin-related functions relies on the visualization of actin structures without interfering with the cycles of actin polymerization and depolymerization that underlie cellular actin dynamics. In this Cell Science at a Glance and the accompanying poster, we briefly evaluate the different techniques and approaches currently applied to analyze and visualize cellular actin structures, including in the nuclear compartment. Referring to the gold standard F-actin marker phalloidin to stain actin in fixed samples and tissues, we highlight methods for visualization of actin in living cells, which mostly apply the principle of genetically fusing fluorescent proteins to different actin-binding domains, such as LifeAct, utrophin and F-tractin, as well as anti-actin-nanobody technology. In addition, the compound SiR-actin and the expression of GFP-actin are also applicable for various types of live-cell analyses. Overall, the visualization of actin within a physiological context requires a careful choice of method, as well as a tight control of the amount or the expression level of a given detection probe in order to minimize its influence on endogenous actin dynamics.

Analysis of Actin-Based Intracellular Trafficking in Pollen Tubes

Underlying rapid and directional pollen tube growth is the active intracellular trafficking system that carries materials necessary for cell wall synthesis and membrane expansion to the expanding point of the pollen tube. The actin cytoskeleton has been shown to control various intracellular trafficking events in the pollen tube, but the underlying cellular and molecular mechanisms remain poorly understood. To better understand how the actin cytoskeleton is involved in the regulation of intracellular trafficking events, we need to establish assays to visualize and quantify the distribution and dynamics of organelles, vesicles, or secreted proteins. In this chapter, we introduce methods regarding the visualization and quantification of the distribution and dynamics of organelles or vesicles in pollen tubes.

Burkholderia pseudomallei type III secreted protein BipC: role in actin modulation and translocation activities required for the bacterial intracellular lifecycle

Melioidosis, an infection caused by the facultative intracellular pathogen Burkholderia pseudomallei, has been classified as an emerging disease with the number of patients steadily increasing at an alarming rate. B. pseudomalleipossess various virulence determinants that allow them to invade the host and evade the host immune response, such as the type III secretion systems (TTSS). The products of this specialized secretion system are particularly important for the B. pseudomallei infection. Lacking in one or more components of the TTSS demonstrated different degrees of defects in the intracellular lifecycle of B. pseudomallei. Further understanding the functional roles of proteins involved in B. pseudomallei TTSS will enable us to dissect the enigma of B. pseudomallei-host cell interaction. In this study, BipC (a translocator), which was previously reported to be involved in the pathogenesis of B. pseudomallei, was further characterized using the bioinformatics and molecular approaches. The bipCgene, coding for a putative invasive protein, was first PCR amplified from B. pseudomallei K96243 genomic DNA and cloned into an expression vector for overexpression in Escherichia coli. The soluble protein was subsequently purified and assayed for actin polymerization and depolymerization. BipC was verified to subvert the host actin dynamics as demonstrated by the capability to polymerize actin in vitro. Homology modeling was also attempted to predict the structure of BipC. Overall, our findings identified that the protein encoded by the bipC gene plays a role as an effector involved in the actin binding activity to facilitate internalization of B. pseudomalleiinto the host cells.

The M. tuberculosis HAD phosphatase (Rv3042c) interacts with host proteins and is inhibited by Clofazimine

Mycobacterium tuberculosis codes for a HAD-phosphatase, Rv3042c (MtSerB2), that has earlier been characterized as a metabolic enzyme. Here we demonstrate that MtSerB2 is secreted into the cytosol of infected macrophages and is found in bronchoalveolar lavage samples of tuberculosis patients. MtSerB2 induces significant cytoskeleton rearrangements through cofilin activation and affects the expression of genes that regulate actin dynamics. It specifically interacts with HSP90, HSP70 and HSP27 that block apoptotic pathways and not with other HSPs. It actively dephosphorylates MAPK-p38 and NF-kappa B p65 that play crucial roles in inflammatory and immune responses. This in turn leads to down-regulation of Interleukin 8, a chemotactic and inflammatory cytokine. Finally, during evaluation of inhibitors against MtSerB2 we found that Clofazimine, a drug being evaluated for XDR and MDR tuberculosis, inhibits MtSerB2 phosphatase activity and reverses the above effects and interactions with host proteins. Overall, the study identifies that MtSerB2 has new functions that might help the pathogen to evade the host's immune response.

The lens actin filament cytoskeleton: Diverse structures for complex functions

The eye lens is a transparent and avascular organ in the front of the eye that is responsible for focusing light onto the retina in order to transmit a clear image. A monolayer of epithelial cells covers the anterior hemisphere of the lens, and the bulk of the lens is made up of elongated and differentiated fiber cells. Lens fiber cells are very long and thin cells that are supported by sophisticated cytoskeletal networks, including actin filaments at cell junctions and the spectrin-actin network of the membrane skeleton. In this review, we highlight the proteins that regulate diverse actin filament networks in the lens and discuss how these actin cytoskeletal structures assemble and function in epithelial and fiber cells. We then discuss methods that have been used to study actin in the lens and unanswered questions that can be addressed with novel techniques.

Fluorescence Readout of a Patch Clamped Membrane by Laser Scanning Microscopy

In this chapter, we describe how to shield a patch of a cell membrane against extracellularly applied chemoattractant stimuli. Classical patch clamp methodology is applied to allow for controlled shielding of a membrane patch by measuring the seal resistivity. In Dictyostelium cells, a seal resistivity of 50 MΩ proved to be tight enough to exclude molecules from diffusing into the shielded membrane region. This allowed for separating a shielded and a non-shielded region of a cell membrane to study the spatiotemporal dynamics of intracellular chemotactic signaling events at the interface between shielded and non-shielded areas. The spatiotemporal dynamics of signaling events in the membrane was read out by means of appropriate fluorescent markers using laser scanning confocal microscopy.

Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder-like Phenotype in a Mouse Model with Impaired Actin Dynamics

BACKGROUND

Actin depolymerizing proteins of the actin depolymerizing factor (ADF)/cofilin family are essential for actin dynamics, which is critical for synaptic function. Two ADF/cofilin family members, ADF and n-cofilin, are highly abundant in the brain, where they are present in excitatory synapses. Previous studies demonstrated the relevance of n-cofilin for postsynaptic plasticity, associative learning, and anxiety. These studies also suggested overlapping functions for ADF and n-cofilin.

METHODS

We performed pharmacobehavioral, electrophysiologic, and electron microscopic studies on ADF and n-cofilin single mutants and double mutants (named ACC mice) to characterize the importance of ADF/cofilin activity for synapse physiology and mouse behavior.

RESULTS

The ACC mice, but not single mutants, exhibited hyperlocomotion, impulsivity, and impaired working memory. Hyperlocomotion and impulsive behavior were reversed by methylphenidate, a psychostimulant commonly used for the treatment of attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). Also, ACC mice displayed a disturbed morphology of striatal excitatory synapses, accompanied by strongly increased glutamate release. Blockade of dopamine or glutamate transmission resulted in normal locomotion.

CONCLUSIONS

Our study reveals that ADHD can result from a disturbed balance between excitation and inhibition in striatal circuits, providing novel insights into the mechanisms underlying this neurobehavioral disorder. Our results link actin dynamics to ADHD, suggesting that mutations in actin regulatory proteins may contribute to the etiology of ADHD in humans.

Fascin actin bundling controls podosome turnover and disassembly while cortactin is involved in podosome assembly by its SH3 domain in THP-1 macrophages and dendritic cells

Podosomes are dynamic degrading devices present in myeloid cells among other cell types. They consist of an actin core with associated regulators, surrounded by an adhesive ring. Both fascin and cortactin are known constituents but the role of fascin actin bundling is still unclear and cortactin research rather focuses on its homologue hematopoietic lineage cell-specific protein-1 (HS1). A fascin nanobody (FASNb5) that inhibits actin bundling and a cortactin nanobody (CORNb2) specifically targeting its Src-homology 3 (SH3) domain were used as unique tools to study the function of these regulators in podosome dynamics in both THP-1 macrophages and dendritic cells (DC). Upon intracellular FASNb5 expression, the few podosomes present were aberrantly stable, long-living and large, suggesting a role for fascin actin bundling in podosome turnover and disassembly. Fascin modulates this by balancing the equilibrium between branched and bundled actin networks. In the presence of CORNb2, the few podosomes formed show disrupted structures but their dynamics were unaffected. This suggests a role of the cortactin SH3 domain in podosome assembly. Remarkably, both nanobody-induced podosome-losses were compensated for by focal adhesion structures. Furthermore, matrix degradation capacities were altered and migratory phenotypes were lost. In conclusion, the cortactin SH3 domain contributes to podosome assembly while fascin actin bundling is a master regulator of podosome disassembly in THP-1 macrophages and DC.

The Ser/Thr kinase MAP4K4 drives c-Met-induced motility and invasiveness in a cell-based model of SHH medulloblastoma

Medulloblastoma (MB) comprises four molecularly and genetically distinct subgroups of embryonal brain tumors that develop in the cerebellum. MB mostly affects infants and children and is difficult to treat because of frequent dissemination of tumor cells within the leptomeningeal space. A potential promoter of cell dissemination is the c-Met proto-oncogene receptor tyrosine kinase, which is aberrantly expressed in many human tumors including MB. Database analysis showed that c-Met is highly expressed in the sonic hedgehog (SHH) subgroup and in a small subset of Group 3 and Group 4 MB tumors. Using a cell-based three-dimensional cell motility assay combined with live-cell imaging, we investigated whether the c-Met ligand HGF could drive dissemination of MB cells expressing high levels of c-Met, and determined downstream effector mechanisms of this process. We detected variable c-Met expression in different established human MB cell lines, and we found that in lines expressing high c-Met levels, HGF promoted cell dissemination and invasiveness. Specifically, HGF-induced c-Met activation enhanced the capability of the individual cells to migrate in a JNK-dependent manner. Additionally, we identified the Ser/Thr kinase MAP4K4 as a novel driver of c-Met-induced invasive cell dissemination. This increased invasive motility was due to MAP4K4 control of F-actin dynamics in structures required for migration and invasion. Thus, MAP4K4 couples growth factor signaling to actin cytoskeleton regulation in tumor cells, suggesting that MAP4K4 could present a promising novel target to be evaluated for treating growth factor-induced dissemination of MB tumors of different subgroups and of other human cancers.

Relevance of presynaptic actin dynamics for synapse function and mouse behavior

Actin is the most abundant cytoskeletal protein in presynaptic terminals as well as in postsynaptic dendritic spines of central excitatory synapses. While the relevance of actin dynamics for postsynaptic plasticity, for instance activity-induced changes in dendritic spine morphology and synaptic glutamate receptor mobility, is well-documented, only little is known about its function and regulatory mechanisms in presynaptic terminals. Moreover, studies on presynaptic actin dynamics have often been inconsistent, suggesting that actin has diverse presynaptic functions, varying likely between specific types of excitatory synapses and/or their activity states. In this review, we will summarize and discuss the function and upstream regulatory mechanisms of the actin cytoskeleton in presynaptic terminals, focusing on excitatory synapses of the mammalian central nervous system. Due to length restrictions we will mainly concentrate on new insights into actin's presynaptic function that have been gained by cell biological and mouse genetic approaches since the excellent 2008 review by Cingolani and Goda.

Phosphorylation of the cytoskeletal protein CAP1 controls its association with cofilin and actin

Cell signaling can control the dynamic balance between filamentous and monomeric actin by modulating actin regulatory proteins. One family of actin regulating proteins that controls actin dynamics comprises cyclase-associated proteins 1 and 2 (CAP1 and 2, respectively). However, cell signals that regulate CAPs remained unknown. We mapped phosphorylation sites on mouse CAP1 and found S307 and S309 to be regulatory sites. We further identified glycogen synthase kinase 3 as a kinase phosphorylating S309. The phosphomimetic mutant S307D/S309D lost binding to its partner cofilin and, when expressed in cells, caused accumulation of actin stress fibers similar to that in cells with reduced CAP expression. In contrast, the non-phosphorylatable S307A/S309A mutant showed drastically increased cofilin binding and reduced binding to actin. These results suggest that the phosphorylation serves to facilitate release of cofilin for a subsequent cycle of actin filament severing. Moreover, our results suggest that S307 and S309 function in tandem; neither the alterations in binding cofilin and/or actin, nor the defects in rescuing the phenotype of the enlarged cell size in CAP1 knockdown cells was observed in point mutants of either S307 or S309. In summary, we identify a novel regulatory mechanism of CAP1 through phosphorylation.

JMY is involved in anterograde vesicle trafficking from the trans-Golgi network

Junction-mediating and regulatory protein (JMY) was originally identified as a transcriptional co-factor in the p53-response to DNA damage. Aside from this nuclear function, recent years have uncovered an additional function of JMY, namely in cytoskeleton remodelling and actin assembly. The C-terminus of JMY comprises a canonical VCA-module, the sequence signature of Arp2/3 complex activators. Furthermore, tandem repeats of 3 WH2 (V, or more recently also W) domains render JMY capable of Arp2/3 independent actin assembly. The motility promoting cytoplasmic function of JMY is abrogated upon DNA-damage and nuclear translocation of JMY. To address the precise cellular function of JMY in cellular actin rearrangements, we have searched for potential new interaction partners by mass spectrometry. We identified several candidates and correlated their localization with the subcellular dynamics of JMY. JMY is localized to dynamic vesiculo-tubular structures throughout the cytoplasm, which are decorated with actin and Arp2/3 complex. Moreover, JMY partially colocalizes and interacts with VAP-A, which is involved in vesicle-based transport processes. Finally, overexpression of JMY results in Golgi dispersal by loss from the trans-site and affects VSV-G transport. These analyses, together with biochemical experiments, indicate that JMY drives vesicular trafficking in the trans-Golgi region and at ER-membrane contact sites (MCS), distinct from other Arp2/3 activators involved in vesicle transport processes such as the related WHAMM or WASH.

Changes in actin dynamics are involved in salicylic acid signaling pathway

Changes in actin cytoskeleton dynamics are one of the crucial players in many physiological as well as non-physiological processes in plant cells. Positioning of actin filament arrays is necessary for successful establishment of primary lines of defense toward pathogen attack, depolymerization leads very often to the enhanced susceptibility to the invading pathogen. On the other hand it was also shown that the disruption of actin cytoskeleton leads to the induction of defense response leading to the expression of PATHOGENESIS RELATED proteins (PR). In this study we show that pharmacological actin depolymerization leads to the specific induction of genes in salicylic acid pathway but not that involved in jasmonic acid signaling. Life imaging of leafs of Arabidopsis thaliana with GFP-tagged fimbrin (GFP-fABD2) treated with 1 mM salicylic acid revealed rapid disruption of actin filaments resembling the pattern viewed after treatment with 200 nM latrunculin B. The effect of salicylic acid on actin filament fragmentation was prevented by exogenous addition of phosphatidic acid, which binds to the capping protein and thus promotes actin polymerization. The quantitative evaluation of actin filament dynamics is also presented.

Live cell imaging reveals actin-cytoskeleton-induced self-association of the actin-bundling protein WLIM1

Crosslinking of actin filaments into bundles is essential for the assembly and stabilization of specific cytoskeletal structures. However, relatively little is known about the molecular mechanisms underlying actin bundle formation. The two LIM-domain-containing proteins define a novel and evolutionarily conserved family of actin-bundling proteins whose actin-binding and -crosslinking activities primarily rely on their LIM domains. Using TIRF microscopy, we describe real-time formation of actin bundles induced by tobacco NtWLIM1 in vitro. We show that NtWLIM1 binds to single filaments and subsequently promotes their interaction and zippering into tight bundles of mixed polarity. NtWLIM1-induced bundles grew by both elongation of internal filaments and addition of preformed fragments at their extremities. Importantly, these data are highly consistent with the modes of bundle formation and growth observed in transgenic Arabidopsis plants expressing a GFP-fused Arabidopsis AtWLIM1 protein. Using two complementary live cell imaging approaches, a close relationship between NtWLIM1 subcellular localization and self-association was established. Indeed, both BiFC and FLIM-FRET data revealed that, although unstable NtWLIM1 complexes can sporadically form in the cytosol, stable complexes concentrate along the actin cytoskeleton. Remarkably, disruption of the actin cytoskeleton significantly impaired self-association of NtWLIM1. In addition, biochemical analyses support the idea that F-actin facilitates the switch of purified recombinant NtWLIM1 from a monomeric to a di- or oligomeric state. On the basis of our data, we propose a model in which actin binding promotes the formation and stabilization of NtWLIM1 complexes, which in turn might drive the crosslinking of actin filaments.

N-WASP-directed actin polymerization activates Cas phosphorylation and lamellipodium spreading

Tyrosine phosphorylation of the substrate domain of Cas (CasSD) correlates with increased cell migration in healthy and diseased cells. Here, we address the mechanism leading to the phosphorylation of CasSD in the context of fibronectin-induced early spreading of fibroblasts. We have previously demonstrated that mechanical stretching of CasSD exposes phosphorylation sites for Src family kinases (SFKs). Surprisingly, phosphorylation of CasSD was independent of myosin contractile activity but dependent on actin polymerization. Furthermore, we found that CasSD phosphorylation in the early stages of cell spreading required: (1) integrin anchorage and integrin-mediated activation of SFKs, (2) association of Cas with focal adhesion kinase (FAK), and (3) N-WASP-driven actin-assembly activity. These findings, and analyses of the interactions of the Cas domains, indicate that the N-terminus of Cas associates with the FAK-N-WASP complex at the protrusive edge of the cell and that the C-terminus of Cas associates with the immobilized integrin-SFK cluster. Thus, extension of the leading edge mediated by actin polymerization could stretch Cas during early cell spreading, priming it for phosphorylation.

Epithelial repair is a two-stage process driven first by dying cells and then by their neighbours

Epithelial cells maintain an essential barrier despite continuously undergoing mitosis and apoptosis. Biological and biophysical mechanisms have evolved to remove dying cells while maintaining that barrier. Cell extrusion is thought to be driven by a multicellular filamentous actin ring formed by neighbouring cells, the contraction of which provides the mechanical force for extrusion, with little or no contribution from the dying cell. Here, we use live confocal imaging, providing time-resolved three-dimensional observations of actomyosin dynamics, to reveal new mechanical roles for dying cells in their own extrusion from monolayers. Based on our observations, the clearance of dying cells can be subdivided into two stages. The first, previously unidentified, stage is driven by the dying cell, which exerts tension on its neighbours through the action of a cortical contractile F-actin and myosin ring at the cell apex. The second stage, consistent with previous studies, is driven by a multicellular F-actin ring in the neighbouring cells that moves from the apical to the basal plane to extrude the dying cell. Crucially, these data reinstate the dying cell as an active physical participant in cell extrusion.

Yeast RAD2, a homolog of human XPG, plays a key role in the regulation of the cell cycle and actin dynamics

Mutations in the human XPG gene cause Cockayne syndrome (CS) and xeroderma pigmentosum (XP). Transcription defects have been suggested as the fundamental cause of CS; however, defining CS as a transcription syndrome is inconclusive. In particular, the function of XPG in transcription has not been clearly demonstrated. Here, we provide evidence for the involvement of RAD2, the Saccharomyces cerevisiae counterpart of XPG, in cell cycle regulation and efficient actin assembly following ultraviolet irradiation. RAD2 C-terminal deletion, which resembles the XPG mutation found in XPG/CS cells, caused cell growth arrest, the cell cycle stalling, a defective α-factor response, shortened lifespan, cell polarity defect, and misregulated actin-dynamics after DNA damage. Overexpression of the C-terminal 65 amino acids of Rad2p was sufficient to induce hyper-cell polarization. In addition, RAD2 genetically interacts with TPM1 during cell polarization. These results provide insights into the role of RAD2 in post-UV irradiation cell cycle regulation and actin assembly, which may be an underlying cause of XPG/CS.

Fluorescent labelling of the actin cytoskeleton in plants using a cameloid antibody

BACKGROUND

Certain members of the Camelidae family produce a special type of antibody with only one heavy chain. The antigen binding domains are the smallest functional fragments of these heavy-chain only antibodies and as a consequence have been termed nanobodies. Discovery of these nanobodies has allowed the development of a number of therapeutic proteins and tools. In this study a class of nanobodies fused to fluorescent proteins (chromobodies), and therefore allowing antigen-binding and visualisation by fluorescence, have been used. Such chromobodies can be expressed in living cells and used as genetically encoded immunocytochemical markers.

RESULTS

Here a modified version of the commercially available Actin-Chromobody® as a novel tool for visualising actin dynamics in tobacco leaf cells was tested. The actin-chromobody binds to actin in a specific manner. Treatment with latrunculin B, a drug which disrupts the actin cytoskeleton through inhibition of polymerisation results in loss of fluorescence after less than 30 min but this can be rapidly restored by washing out latrunculin B and thereby allowing the actin filaments to repolymerise. To test the effect of the actin-chromobody on actin dynamics and compare it to one of the conventional labelling probes, Lifeact, the effect of both probes on Golgi movement was studied as the motility of Golgi bodies is largely dependent on the actin cytoskeleton. With the actin-chromobody expressed in cells, Golgi body movement was slowed down but the manner of movement rather than speed was affected less than with Lifeact.

CONCLUSIONS

The actin-chromobody technique presented in this study provides a novel option for in vivo labelling of the actin cytoskeleton in comparison to conventionally used probes that are based on actin binding proteins. The actin-chromobody is particularly beneficial to study actin dynamics in plant cells as it does label actin without impairing dynamic movement and polymerisation of the actin filaments.

The Diaphanous-related formin dDia1 is required for highly directional phototaxis and formation of properly sized fruiting bodies in Dictyostelium

Diaphanous-related formins (DRFs) act as downstream effectors of Rho family GTPases and drive the formation and elongation of linear actin filaments in various cellular processes. Here we analyzed the DRF dDia1 from Dictyostelium cells. The biochemical characterization of recombinant dDia1-FH1FH2 by bulk polymerization assays and single filament TIRF microscopy revealed that dDia1 is a rather weak nucleator. Addition of any of the three Dictyostelium profilin isoforms, however, markedly accelerated formin-mediated actin filament barbed end elongation in TIRF assays. Interestingly, filament elongation was significantly faster in presence of DdPFN I (profilin I) when compared to the other two isoforms, suggesting selectivity of dDia1 for DdPFN I. Additionally, we frequently observed dissociation of the formin from growing barbed ends. These findings are consistent with dilution-induced depolymerization assays in presence of dDia1-FH1FH2 showing that dDia1 is a weak capper in comparison with heterodimeric capping protein. To study the physiological role of this formin, we created cell lines lacking dDia1 or overexpressing GFP-tagged dDia1. Of note, constitutively active dDia1 accumulated homogenously in the entire pseudopod suggesting that it controls microfilament architecture to regulate cell migration. Comparison of wild type and dDia1-null cells in random cell migration and chemotaxis toward a cAMP gradient revealed no major differences. By contrast, phototaxis of dDia1-deficient cells during the multicellular stage was markedly impaired. While wild type slugs moved with high directionality toward the light source, the trails of dDia1-null slugs displayed a characteristic V-shaped profile and deviated in angles between 50° and 60° from the path of the incident light. Possibly in conjunction with this defect, dDia1-null cells also formed substantially smaller fruiting bodies. These findings demonstrate dDia1 to be critically involved in collective cell migration during terminal differentiation.

Mechanotransduction down to individual actin filaments

The actin cytoskeleton plays an essential role in a cell's ability to generate and sense forces, both internally and in interaction with the outside world. The transduction of mechanical cues into biochemical reactions in cells, in particular, is a multi-scale process which requires a variety of approaches to be understood. This review focuses on understanding how mechanical stress applied to an actin filament can affect its assembly dynamics. Today, experiments addressing this issue at the scale of individual actin filaments are emerging and bring novel insight into mechanotransduction. For instance, recent data show that actin filaments can act as mechanosensors, as an applied tension or curvature alters their conformation and their affinity for regulatory proteins. Filaments can also transmit mechanical tension to other proteins, which consequently change the way they interact with the filaments to regulate their assembly. These results provide evidence for mechanotransduction at the scale of individual filaments, showing that forces participate in the regulation of filament assembly and organization. They bring insight into the elementary events coupling mechanics and biochemistry in cells. The experiments presented here are linked to recent technical developments, and certainly announce the advent of more exciting results in the future.

The antagonistic modulation of Arp2/3 activity by N-WASP, WAVE2 and PICK1 defines dynamic changes in astrocyte morphology

Astrocytes exhibit a complex, branched morphology, allowing them to functionally interact with numerous blood vessels, neighboring glial processes and neuronal elements, including synapses. They also respond to central nervous system (CNS) injury by a process known as astrogliosis, which involves morphological changes, including cell body hypertrophy and thickening of major processes. Following severe injury, astrocytes exhibit drastically reduced morphological complexity and collectively form a glial scar. The mechanistic details behind these morphological changes are unknown. Here, we investigate the regulation of the actin-nucleating Arp2/3 complex in controlling dynamic changes in astrocyte morphology. In contrast to other cell types, Arp2/3 inhibition drives the rapid expansion of astrocyte cell bodies and major processes. This intervention results in a reduced morphological complexity of astrocytes in both dissociated culture and in brain slices. We show that this expansion requires functional myosin II downstream of ROCK and RhoA. Knockdown of the Arp2/3 subunit Arp3 or the Arp2/3 activator N-WASP by siRNA also results in cell body expansion and reduced morphological complexity, whereas depleting WAVE2 specifically reduces the branching complexity of astrocyte processes. By contrast, knockdown of the Arp2/3 inhibitor PICK1 increases astrocyte branching complexity. Furthermore, astrocyte expansion induced by ischemic conditions is delayed by PICK1 knockdown or N-WASP overexpression. Our findings identify a new morphological outcome for Arp2/3 activation in restricting rather than promoting outwards movement of the plasma membrane in astrocytes. The Arp2/3 regulators PICK1, and N-WASP and WAVE2 function antagonistically to control the complexity of astrocyte branched morphology, and this mechanism underlies the morphological changes seen in astrocytes during their response to pathological insult.