1
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Zimyanin V, Redemann S. Microtubule length correlates with spindle length in C. elegans meiosis. Cytoskeleton (Hoboken) 2024. [PMID: 38450962 DOI: 10.1002/cm.21849] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/23/2023] [Revised: 01/24/2024] [Accepted: 02/21/2024] [Indexed: 03/08/2024]
Abstract
The accurate segregation of chromosomes during female meiosis relies on the precise assembly and function of the meiotic spindle, a dynamic structure primarily composed of microtubules. Despite the crucial role of microtubule dynamics in this process, the relationship between microtubule length and spindle size remains elusive. Leveraging Caenorhabditis elegans as a model system, we combined electron tomography and live imaging to investigate this correlation. Our analysis revealed significant changes in spindle length throughout meiosis, coupled with alterations in microtubule length. Surprisingly, while spindle size decreases during the initial stages of anaphase, the size of antiparallel microtubule overlap decreased as well. Detailed electron tomography shows a positive correlation between microtubule length and spindle size, indicating a role of microtubule length in determining spindle dimensions. Notably, microtubule numbers displayed no significant association with spindle length, highlighting the dominance of microtubule length regulation in spindle size determination. Depletion of the microtubule depolymerase KLP-7 led to elongated metaphase spindles with increased microtubule length, supporting the link between microtubule length and spindle size. These findings underscore the pivotal role of regulating microtubule dynamics, and thus microtubule length, in governing spindle rearrangements during meiotic division, shedding light on fundamental mechanisms dictating spindle architecture.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vitaly Zimyanin
- Department of Molecular Physiology and Biological Physics, University of Virginia School of Medicine, Charlottesville, Virginia, USA
- Center for Membrane and Cell Physiology, University of Virginia School of Medicine, Charlottesville, Virginia, USA
| | - Stefanie Redemann
- Department of Molecular Physiology and Biological Physics, University of Virginia School of Medicine, Charlottesville, Virginia, USA
- Center for Membrane and Cell Physiology, University of Virginia School of Medicine, Charlottesville, Virginia, USA
- Department of Cell Biology, University of Virginia School of Medicine, Charlottesville, Virginia, USA
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2
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Li RQ, Yang Y, Qiao L, Yang L, Shen DD, Zhao XJ. KIF2C: An important factor involved in signaling pathways, immune infiltration, and DNA damage repair in tumorigenesis. Biomed Pharmacother 2024; 171:116173. [PMID: 38237349 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopha.2024.116173] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/01/2023] [Revised: 01/02/2024] [Accepted: 01/13/2024] [Indexed: 02/08/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUNDS Poorly regulated mitosis and chromosomal instability are common characteristics in malignant tumor cells. Kinesin family member 2 C (KIF2C), also known as mitotic centromere-associated kinesin (MCAK) is an essential component during mitotic regulation. In recent years, KIF2C was shown to be dysregulated in several tumors and was involved in many aspects of tumor self-regulation. Research on KIF2C may be a new direction and target for anti-tumor therapy. OBJECT The article aims at reviewing current literatures and summarizing the research status of KIF2C in malignant tumors as well as the oncogenic signaling pathways associated with KIF2C and its role in immune infiltration. RESULT In this review, we summarize the KIF2C mechanisms and signaling pathways in different malignant tumors, and briefly describe its involvement in pathways related to classical chemotherapeutic drug resistance, such as MEK/ERK, mTOR, Wnt/β-catenin, P53 and TGF-β1/Smad pathways. KIF2C upregulation was shown to promote tumor cell migration, invasion, chemotherapy resistance and inhibit DNA damage repair. It was also highly correlated with microRNAs, and CD4 +T cell and CD8 +T cell tumor immune infiltration. CONCLUSION This review shows that KIF2C may function as a new anticancer drug target with great potential for malignant tumor treatment and the mitigation of chemotherapy resistance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rui-Qing Li
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Yan Yang
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Xinxiang Medical University, Xinxiang, China
| | - Lin Qiao
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Li Yang
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China; Zhengzhou Key Laboratory of Endometrial Disease Prevention and Treatment, Zhengzhou, China.
| | - Dan-Dan Shen
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Xiao-Jing Zhao
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
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3
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Danziger M, Xu F, Noble H, Yang P, Roque DM. Tubulin Complexity in Cancer and Metastasis. ADVANCES IN EXPERIMENTAL MEDICINE AND BIOLOGY 2024; 1452:21-35. [PMID: 38805123 DOI: 10.1007/978-3-031-58311-7_2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/29/2024]
Abstract
Tubulin plays a fundamental role in cellular function and as the subject for microtubule-active agents in the treatment of ovarian cancer. Microtubule-binding proteins (e.g., tau, MAP1/2/4, EB1, CLIP, TOG, survivin, stathmin) and posttranslational modifications (e.g., tyrosination, deglutamylation, acetylation, glycation, phosphorylation, polyamination) further diversify tubulin functionality and may permit additional opportunities to understand microtubule behavior in disease and to develop microtubule-modifying approaches to combat ovarian cancer. Tubulin-based structures that project from suspended ovarian cancer cells known as microtentacles may contribute to metastatic potential of ovarian cancer cells and could represent an exciting novel therapeutic target.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael Danziger
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology, and Reproductive Sciences, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Fuhua Xu
- Division of Gynecologic Oncology, Greenebaum Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Helen Noble
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology, and Reproductive Sciences, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Peixin Yang
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology, and Reproductive Sciences, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Dana M Roque
- Division of Gynecologic Oncology, Greenebaum Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA.
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4
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Danziger M, Noble H, Roque DM, Xu F, Rao GG, Santin AD. Microtubule-Targeting Agents: Disruption of the Cellular Cytoskeleton as a Backbone of Ovarian Cancer Therapy. ADVANCES IN EXPERIMENTAL MEDICINE AND BIOLOGY 2024; 1452:1-19. [PMID: 38805122 DOI: 10.1007/978-3-031-58311-7_1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/29/2024]
Abstract
Microtubules are dynamic polymers composed of α- and β-tubulin heterodimers. Microtubules are universally conserved among eukaryotes and participate in nearly every cellular process, including intracellular trafficking, replication, polarity, cytoskeletal shape, and motility. Due to their fundamental role in mitosis, they represent a classic target of anti-cancer therapy. Microtubule-stabilizing agents currently constitute a component of the most effective regimens for ovarian cancer therapy in both primary and recurrent settings. Unfortunately, the development of resistance continues to present a therapeutic challenge. An understanding of the underlying mechanisms of resistance to microtubule-active agents may facilitate the development of novel and improved approaches to this disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael Danziger
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology, and Reproductive Sciences, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Helen Noble
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology, and Reproductive Sciences, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Dana M Roque
- Division of Gynecologic Oncology, Greenebaum Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Fuhua Xu
- Division of Gynecologic Oncology, Greenebaum Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Gautam G Rao
- Division of Gynecologic Oncology, Greenebaum Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
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5
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McHugh T, Welburn JPI. Potent microtubule-depolymerizing activity of a mitotic Kif18b-MCAK-EB network. J Cell Sci 2023; 136:275263. [PMID: 35502670 DOI: 10.1242/jcs.260144] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/21/2022] [Accepted: 04/21/2022] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
The precise regulation of microtubule length during mitosis is essential to assemble and position the mitotic spindle and segregate chromosomes. The kinesin-13 Kif2C or MCAK acts as a potent microtubule depolymerase that diffuses short distances on microtubules, whereas the kinesin-8 Kif18b is a processive motor with weak depolymerase activity. However, the individual activities of these factors cannot explain the dramatic increase in microtubule dynamics in mitosis. Using in vitro reconstitution and single-molecule imaging, we demonstrate that Kif18b, MCAK and the plus-end tracking protein EB3 (also known as MAPRE3) act in an integrated manner to potently promote microtubule depolymerization at very low concentrations. We find that Kif18b can transport EB3 and MCAK and promotes their accumulation to microtubule plus ends through multivalent weak interactions. Together, our work defines the mechanistic basis for a cooperative Kif18b-MCAK-EB network at microtubule plus ends, that acts to efficiently shorten and regulate microtubules in mitosis, essential for correct chromosome segregation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Toni McHugh
- Wellcome Trust Centre for Cell Biology, School of Biological Sciences, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh EH9 3BF, Scotland, UK
| | - Julie P I Welburn
- Wellcome Trust Centre for Cell Biology, School of Biological Sciences, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh EH9 3BF, Scotland, UK
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6
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Belsham HR, Alghamdi HM, Dave N, Rathbone AJ, Wickstead B, Friel CT. A synthetic ancestral kinesin-13 depolymerizes microtubules faster than any natural depolymerizing kinesin. Open Biol 2022; 12:220133. [PMID: 36043268 PMCID: PMC9428548 DOI: 10.1098/rsob.220133] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
The activity of a kinesin is largely determined by the approximately 350 residue motor domain, and this region alone is sufficient to classify a kinesin as a member of a particular family. The kinesin-13 family are a group of microtubule depolymerizing kinesins and are vital regulators of microtubule length. Kinesin-13s are critical to spindle assembly and chromosome segregation in both mitotic and meiotic cell division and play crucial roles in cilium length control and neuronal development. To better understand the evolution of microtubule depolymerization activity, we created a synthetic ancestral kinesin-13 motor domain. This phylogenetically inferred ancestral motor domain is the sequence predicted to have existed in the common ancestor of the kinesin-13 family. Here we show that the ancestral kinesin-13 motor depolymerizes stabilized microtubules faster than any previously tested depolymerase. This potent activity is more than an order of magnitude faster than the most highly studied kinesin-13, MCAK and allows the ancestral kinesin-13 to depolymerize doubly stabilized microtubules and cause internal breaks within microtubules. These data suggest that the ancestor of the kinesin-13 family was a 'super depolymerizer' and that members of the kinesin-13 family have evolved away from this extreme depolymerizing activity to provide more controlled microtubule depolymerization activity in extant cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hannah R Belsham
- School of Life Sciences, University of Nottingham, Medical School, QMC, Nottingham NG7 2UH, UK
| | - Hanan M Alghamdi
- School of Life Sciences, University of Nottingham, Medical School, QMC, Nottingham NG7 2UH, UK.,Biology Department, Faculty of Science, Princess Nourah bint Abdulrahman University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
| | - Nikita Dave
- School of Life Sciences, University of Nottingham, Medical School, QMC, Nottingham NG7 2UH, UK
| | - Alexandra J Rathbone
- School of Life Sciences, University of Nottingham, Medical School, QMC, Nottingham NG7 2UH, UK
| | - Bill Wickstead
- School of Life Sciences, University of Nottingham, Medical School, QMC, Nottingham NG7 2UH, UK
| | - Claire T Friel
- School of Life Sciences, University of Nottingham, Medical School, QMC, Nottingham NG7 2UH, UK
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7
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Puri D, Ponniah K, Biswas K, Basu A, Dey S, Lundquist EA, Ghosh-Roy A. Wnt signaling establishes the microtubule polarity in neurons through regulation of Kinesin-13. J Cell Biol 2021; 220:212396. [PMID: 34137792 DOI: 10.1083/jcb.202005080] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/23/2023] Open
Abstract
Neuronal polarization is facilitated by the formation of axons with parallel arrays of plus-end-out and dendrites with the nonuniform orientation of microtubules. In C. elegans, the posterior lateral microtubule (PLM) neuron is bipolar with its two processes growing along the anterior-posterior axis under the guidance of Wnt signaling. Here we found that loss of the Kinesin-13 family microtubule-depolymerizing enzyme KLP-7 led to the ectopic extension of axon-like processes from the PLM cell body. Live imaging of the microtubules and axonal transport revealed mixed polarity of the microtubules in the short posterior process, which is dependent on both KLP-7 and the minus-end binding protein PTRN-1. KLP-7 is positively regulated in the posterior process by planar cell polarity components of Wnt involving rho-1/rock to induce mixed polarity of microtubules, whereas it is negatively regulated in the anterior process by the unc-73/ced-10 cascade to establish a uniform microtubule polarity. Our work elucidates how evolutionarily conserved Wnt signaling establishes the microtubule polarity in neurons through Kinesin-13.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dharmendra Puri
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Neuroscience, National Brain Research Centre, Manesar, Gurgaon, Haryana, India
| | - Keerthana Ponniah
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Neuroscience, National Brain Research Centre, Manesar, Gurgaon, Haryana, India
| | - Kasturi Biswas
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Neuroscience, National Brain Research Centre, Manesar, Gurgaon, Haryana, India
| | - Atrayee Basu
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Neuroscience, National Brain Research Centre, Manesar, Gurgaon, Haryana, India
| | - Swagata Dey
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Neuroscience, National Brain Research Centre, Manesar, Gurgaon, Haryana, India
| | - Erik A Lundquist
- Department of Molecular Biosciences, University of Kansas, Lawrence, KS
| | - Anindya Ghosh-Roy
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Neuroscience, National Brain Research Centre, Manesar, Gurgaon, Haryana, India
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8
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Barisic M, Rajendraprasad G, Steblyanko Y. The metaphase spindle at steady state - Mechanism and functions of microtubule poleward flux. Semin Cell Dev Biol 2021; 117:99-117. [PMID: 34053864 DOI: 10.1016/j.semcdb.2021.05.016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/18/2021] [Revised: 05/13/2021] [Accepted: 05/13/2021] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
The mitotic spindle is a bipolar cellular structure, built from tubulin polymers, called microtubules, and interacting proteins. This macromolecular machine orchestrates chromosome segregation, thereby ensuring accurate distribution of genetic material into the two daughter cells during cell division. Powered by GTP hydrolysis upon tubulin polymerization, the microtubule ends exhibit a metastable behavior known as the dynamic instability, during which they stochastically switch between the growth and shrinkage phases. In the context of the mitotic spindle, dynamic instability is furthermore regulated by microtubule-associated proteins and motor proteins, which enables the spindle to undergo profound changes during mitosis. This highly dynamic behavior is essential for chromosome capture and congression in prometaphase, as well as for chromosome alignment to the spindle equator in metaphase and their segregation in anaphase. In this review we focus on the mechanisms underlying microtubule dynamics and sliding and their importance for the maintenance of shape, structure and dynamics of the metaphase spindle. We discuss how these spindle properties are related to the phenomenon of microtubule poleward flux, highlighting its highly cooperative molecular basis and role in keeping the metaphase spindle at a steady state.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marin Barisic
- Cell Division and Cytoskeleton, Danish Cancer Society Research Center (DCRC), Strandboulevarden 49, 2100 Copenhagen, Denmark; Department of Cellular and Molecular Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Blegdamsvej 3B, 2200 Copenhagen, Denmark.
| | - Girish Rajendraprasad
- Cell Division and Cytoskeleton, Danish Cancer Society Research Center (DCRC), Strandboulevarden 49, 2100 Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Yulia Steblyanko
- Cell Division and Cytoskeleton, Danish Cancer Society Research Center (DCRC), Strandboulevarden 49, 2100 Copenhagen, Denmark
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9
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Ferreira LT, Orr B, Rajendraprasad G, Pereira AJ, Lemos C, Lima JT, Guasch Boldú C, Ferreira JG, Barisic M, Maiato H. α-Tubulin detyrosination impairs mitotic error correction by suppressing MCAK centromeric activity. J Cell Biol 2020; 219:133849. [PMID: 32328631 PMCID: PMC7147099 DOI: 10.1083/jcb.201910064] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/11/2019] [Revised: 12/30/2019] [Accepted: 02/04/2020] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Incorrect kinetochore–microtubule attachments during mitosis can lead to chromosomal instability, a hallmark of human cancers. Mitotic error correction relies on the kinesin-13 MCAK, a microtubule depolymerase whose activity in vitro is suppressed by α-tubulin detyrosination—a posttranslational modification enriched on long-lived microtubules. However, whether and how MCAK activity required for mitotic error correction is regulated by α-tubulin detyrosination remains unknown. Here we found that detyrosinated α-tubulin accumulates on correct, more stable, kinetochore–microtubule attachments. Experimental manipulation of tubulin tyrosine ligase (TTL) or carboxypeptidase (Vasohibins-SVBP) activities to constitutively increase α-tubulin detyrosination near kinetochores compromised efficient error correction, without affecting overall kinetochore microtubule stability. Rescue experiments indicate that MCAK centromeric activity was required and sufficient to correct the mitotic errors caused by excessive α-tubulin detyrosination independently of its global impact on microtubule dynamics. Thus, microtubules are not just passive elements during mitotic error correction, and the extent of α-tubulin detyrosination allows centromeric MCAK to discriminate correct vs. incorrect kinetochore–microtubule attachments, thereby promoting mitotic fidelity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luísa T Ferreira
- Chromosome Instability & Dynamics Group, i3S - Instituto de Investigacão e Inovacão em Saúde, Universidade do Porto, Porto, Portugal.,Instituto de Biologia Molecular e Celular, Universidade do Porto, Porto, Portugal
| | - Bernardo Orr
- Chromosome Instability & Dynamics Group, i3S - Instituto de Investigacão e Inovacão em Saúde, Universidade do Porto, Porto, Portugal.,Instituto de Biologia Molecular e Celular, Universidade do Porto, Porto, Portugal
| | - Girish Rajendraprasad
- Cell Division and Cytoskeleton, Danish Cancer Society Research Center, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - António J Pereira
- Chromosome Instability & Dynamics Group, i3S - Instituto de Investigacão e Inovacão em Saúde, Universidade do Porto, Porto, Portugal.,Instituto de Biologia Molecular e Celular, Universidade do Porto, Porto, Portugal
| | - Carolina Lemos
- Instituto de Biologia Molecular e Celular, Universidade do Porto, Porto, Portugal.,UnIGENe, i3S - Instituto de Investigacão e Inovacão em Saúde, Universidade do Porto, Porto, Portugal.,Instituto de Ciências Biomédicas Abel Salazar, Universidade do Porto, Porto, Portugal
| | - Joana T Lima
- Chromosome Instability & Dynamics Group, i3S - Instituto de Investigacão e Inovacão em Saúde, Universidade do Porto, Porto, Portugal.,Instituto de Biologia Molecular e Celular, Universidade do Porto, Porto, Portugal
| | - Clàudia Guasch Boldú
- Cell Division and Cytoskeleton, Danish Cancer Society Research Center, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Jorge G Ferreira
- Chromosome Instability & Dynamics Group, i3S - Instituto de Investigacão e Inovacão em Saúde, Universidade do Porto, Porto, Portugal.,Instituto de Biologia Molecular e Celular, Universidade do Porto, Porto, Portugal.,Cell Division Group, Experimental Biology Unit, Department of Biomedicine, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade do Porto, Porto, Portugal
| | - Marin Barisic
- Cell Division and Cytoskeleton, Danish Cancer Society Research Center, Copenhagen, Denmark.,Department of Cellular and Molecular Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Helder Maiato
- Chromosome Instability & Dynamics Group, i3S - Instituto de Investigacão e Inovacão em Saúde, Universidade do Porto, Porto, Portugal.,Instituto de Biologia Molecular e Celular, Universidade do Porto, Porto, Portugal.,Cell Division Group, Experimental Biology Unit, Department of Biomedicine, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade do Porto, Porto, Portugal
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10
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Lopes D, Maiato H. The Tubulin Code in Mitosis and Cancer. Cells 2020; 9:cells9112356. [PMID: 33114575 PMCID: PMC7692294 DOI: 10.3390/cells9112356] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/28/2020] [Revised: 10/20/2020] [Accepted: 10/24/2020] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
The “tubulin code” combines different α/β-tubulin isotypes with several post-translational modifications (PTMs) to generate microtubule diversity in cells. During cell division, specific microtubule populations in the mitotic spindle are differentially modified, but only recently, the functional significance of the tubulin code, with particular emphasis on the role specified by tubulin PTMs, started to be elucidated. This is the case of α-tubulin detyrosination, which was shown to guide chromosomes during congression to the metaphase plate and allow the discrimination of mitotic errors, whose correction is required to prevent chromosomal instability—a hallmark of human cancers implicated in tumor evolution and metastasis. Although alterations in the expression of certain tubulin isotypes and associated PTMs have been reported in human cancers, it remains unclear whether and how the tubulin code has any functional implications for cancer cell properties. Here, we review the role of the tubulin code in chromosome segregation during mitosis and how it impacts cancer cell properties. In this context, we discuss the existence of an emerging “cancer tubulin code” and the respective implications for diagnostic, prognostic and therapeutic purposes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Danilo Lopes
- Chromosome Instability & Dynamics Group, i3S—Instituto de Investigação e Inovação em Saúde, Universidade do Porto, Rua Alfredo Allen 208, 4200-135 Porto, Portugal;
- Instituto de Biologia Molecular e Celular, Universidade do Porto, Rua Alfredo Allen 208, 4200-135 Porto, Portugal
| | - Helder Maiato
- Chromosome Instability & Dynamics Group, i3S—Instituto de Investigação e Inovação em Saúde, Universidade do Porto, Rua Alfredo Allen 208, 4200-135 Porto, Portugal;
- Instituto de Biologia Molecular e Celular, Universidade do Porto, Rua Alfredo Allen 208, 4200-135 Porto, Portugal
- Cell Division Group, Experimental Biology Unit, Department of Biomedicine, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade do Porto, Alameda Prof. Hernâni Monteiro, 4200-319 Porto, Portugal
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +351-22-040-8800
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11
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Kixmoeller K, Allu PK, Black BE. The centromere comes into focus: from CENP-A nucleosomes to kinetochore connections with the spindle. Open Biol 2020; 10:200051. [PMID: 32516549 PMCID: PMC7333888 DOI: 10.1098/rsob.200051] [Citation(s) in RCA: 43] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Eukaryotic chromosome segregation relies upon specific connections from DNA to the microtubule-based spindle that forms at cell division. The chromosomal locus that directs this process is the centromere, where a structure called the kinetochore forms upon entry into mitosis. Recent crystallography and single-particle electron microscopy have provided unprecedented high-resolution views of the molecular complexes involved in this process. The centromere is epigenetically specified by nucleosomes harbouring a histone H3 variant, CENP-A, and we review recent progress on how it differentiates centromeric chromatin from the rest of the chromosome, the biochemical pathway that mediates its assembly and how two non-histone components of the centromere specifically recognize CENP-A nucleosomes. The core centromeric nucleosome complex (CCNC) is required to recruit a 16-subunit complex termed the constitutive centromere associated network (CCAN), and we highlight recent structures reported of the budding yeast CCAN. Finally, the structures of multiple modular sub-complexes of the kinetochore have been solved at near-atomic resolution, providing insight into how connections are made to the CCAN on one end and to the spindle microtubules on the other. One can now build molecular models from the DNA through to the physical connections to microtubules.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kathryn Kixmoeller
- Department of Biochemistry and Biophysics, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA.,Penn Center for Genome Integrity, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA.,Epigenetics Institute, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA.,Graduate Program in Biochemistry and Molecular Biophysics, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | - Praveen Kumar Allu
- Department of Biochemistry and Biophysics, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA.,Penn Center for Genome Integrity, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA.,Epigenetics Institute, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | - Ben E Black
- Department of Biochemistry and Biophysics, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA.,Penn Center for Genome Integrity, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA.,Epigenetics Institute, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA.,Graduate Program in Biochemistry and Molecular Biophysics, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
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12
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Wagenbach M, Vicente JJ, Ovechkina Y, Domnitz S, Wordeman L. Functional characterization of MCAK/Kif2C cancer mutations using high-throughput microscopic analysis. Mol Biol Cell 2020; 31:580-588. [PMID: 31746663 PMCID: PMC7202071 DOI: 10.1091/mbc.e19-09-0503] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/06/2023] Open
Abstract
The microtubule (MT)-depolymerizing activity of MCAK/Kif2C can be quantified by expressing the motor in cultured cells and measuring tubulin fluorescence levels after enough hours have passed to allow tubulin autoregulation to proceed. This method allows us to score the impact of point mutations within the motor domain. We found that, despite their distinctly different activities, many mutations that impact transport kinesins also impair MCAK/Kif2C's depolymerizing activity. We improved our workflow using CellProfiler to significantly speed up the imaging and analysis of transfected cells. This allowed us to rapidly interrogate a number of MCAK/Kif2C motor domain mutations documented in the cancer database cBioPortal. We found that a large proportion of these mutations adversely impact the motor. Using green fluorescent protein-FKBP-MCAK CRISPR cells we found that one deleterious hot-spot mutation increased chromosome instability in a wild-type (WT) background, suggesting that such mutants have the potential to promote tumor karyotype evolution. We also found that increasing WT MCAK/Kif2C protein levels over that of endogenous MCAK/Kif2C similarly increased chromosome instability. Thus, endogenous MCAK/Kif2C activity in normal cells is tuned to a mean level to achieve maximal suppression of chromosome instability.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mike Wagenbach
- Department of Physiology and Biophysics, University of Washington School of Medicine, Seattle, WA 98195
| | - Juan Jesus Vicente
- Department of Physiology and Biophysics, University of Washington School of Medicine, Seattle, WA 98195
| | - Yulia Ovechkina
- Department of Physiology and Biophysics, University of Washington School of Medicine, Seattle, WA 98195
| | - Sarah Domnitz
- Department of Physiology and Biophysics, University of Washington School of Medicine, Seattle, WA 98195
| | - Linda Wordeman
- Department of Physiology and Biophysics, University of Washington School of Medicine, Seattle, WA 98195
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13
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Belsham HR, Friel CT. Identification of key residues that regulate the interaction of kinesins with microtubule ends. Cytoskeleton (Hoboken) 2019; 76:440-446. [PMID: 31574569 PMCID: PMC6899999 DOI: 10.1002/cm.21568] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/22/2019] [Revised: 09/17/2019] [Accepted: 09/17/2019] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Kinesins are molecular motors that use energy derived from ATP turnover to walk along microtubules, or when at the microtubule end, regulate growth or shrinkage. All kinesins that regulate microtubule dynamics have long residence times at microtubule ends, whereas those that only walk have short end‐residence times. Here, we identify key amino acids involved in end binding by showing that when critical residues from Kinesin‐13, which depolymerises microtubules, are introduced into Kinesin‐1, a walking kinesin with no effect on microtubule dynamics, the end‐residence time is increased up to several‐fold. This indicates that the interface between the kinesin motor domain and the microtubule is malleable and can be tuned to favour either lattice or end binding.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hannah R Belsham
- School of Life Sciences, University of Nottingham, Medical School, QMC, Nottingham, NG7 2UH, United Kingdom
| | - Claire T Friel
- School of Life Sciences, University of Nottingham, Medical School, QMC, Nottingham, NG7 2UH, United Kingdom
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14
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Strothman C, Farmer V, Arpağ G, Rodgers N, Podolski M, Norris S, Ohi R, Zanic M. Microtubule minus-end stability is dictated by the tubulin off-rate. J Cell Biol 2019; 218:2841-2853. [PMID: 31420452 PMCID: PMC6719460 DOI: 10.1083/jcb.201905019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/03/2019] [Revised: 07/11/2019] [Accepted: 07/23/2019] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Dynamic organization of microtubule minus ends is vital for the formation and maintenance of acentrosomal microtubule arrays. In vitro, both microtubule ends switch between phases of assembly and disassembly, a behavior called dynamic instability. Although minus ends grow slower, their lifetimes are similar to those of plus ends. The mechanisms underlying these distinct dynamics remain unknown. Here, we use an in vitro reconstitution approach to investigate minus-end dynamics. We find that minus-end lifetimes are not defined by the mean size of the protective GTP-tubulin cap. Rather, we conclude that the distinct tubulin off-rate is the primary determinant of the difference between plus- and minus-end dynamics. Further, our results show that the minus-end-directed kinesin-14 HSET/KIFC1 suppresses tubulin off-rate to specifically suppress minus-end catastrophe. HSET maintains its protective minus-end activity even when challenged by a known microtubule depolymerase, kinesin-13 MCAK. Our results provide novel insight into the mechanisms of minus-end dynamics, essential for our understanding of microtubule minus-end regulation in cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Claire Strothman
- Department of Cell and Developmental Biology, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN
| | - Veronica Farmer
- Department of Cell and Developmental Biology, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN
| | - Göker Arpağ
- Department of Cell and Developmental Biology, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN
| | - Nicole Rodgers
- Department of Cell and Developmental Biology, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN
| | - Marija Podolski
- Department of Cell and Developmental Biology, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN
| | - Stephen Norris
- Department of Cell and Developmental Biology, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN
| | - Ryoma Ohi
- Department of Cell and Developmental Biology, University of Michigan Medical School, Ann Arbor, MI
| | - Marija Zanic
- Department of Cell and Developmental Biology, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN
- Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN
- Department of Biochemistry, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN
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15
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The quantification and regulation of microtubule dynamics in the mitotic spindle. Curr Opin Cell Biol 2019; 60:36-43. [PMID: 31108428 DOI: 10.1016/j.ceb.2019.03.017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/24/2019] [Revised: 03/20/2019] [Accepted: 03/30/2019] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
Microtubules play essential roles in cellular organization, cargo transport, and chromosome segregation during cell division. During mitosis microtubules form a macromolecular structure known as the mitotic spindle that is responsible for the accurate segregation of chromosomes between the two daughter cells. This is accomplished thanks to finely tuned control of microtubule dynamics. Even small changes in microtubule dynamics during spindle formation and/or operation may lead to chromosome mis-segregation, chromosome instability and aneuploidy. These three events are directly correlated with human diseases like cancer and developmental defects. Precise measurements of microtubule dynamics in the spindle will allow us to discover new molecules involved in regulating microtubule dynamics and enable a deeper understanding of the mechanisms that underlie mitosis and cancer emergence and development. Moreover, many chemotherapeutic agents for cancer treatment are targeted to microtubules, so continued investigation of their dynamics with utmost precision will facilitate the development of new drugs. Measuring microtubule dynamics in the spindle has been a difficult task until recently. With the development of new and gentler microscopic techniques, and new computer programs, we can perform better and more accurate measurements of microtubule dynamics during mitosis.
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16
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Mann BJ, Wadsworth P. Kinesin-5 Regulation and Function in Mitosis. Trends Cell Biol 2019; 29:66-79. [DOI: 10.1016/j.tcb.2018.08.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 74] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/11/2018] [Revised: 07/30/2018] [Accepted: 08/17/2018] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
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17
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Zulkipli I, Clark J, Hart M, Shrestha RL, Gul P, Dang D, Kasichiwin T, Kujawiak I, Sastry N, Draviam VM. Spindle rotation in human cells is reliant on a MARK2-mediated equatorial spindle-centering mechanism. J Cell Biol 2018; 217:3057-3070. [PMID: 29941476 PMCID: PMC6122980 DOI: 10.1083/jcb.201804166] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/25/2018] [Revised: 05/18/2018] [Accepted: 05/24/2018] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Unlike man-made wheels that are centered and rotated via an axle, the mitotic spindle of a human cell is rotated by external cortical pulling mechanisms. Zulkipli et al. identify MARK2’s role in equatorial spindle centering and astral microtubule length, which in turn control spindle rotation. The plane of cell division is defined by the final position of the mitotic spindle. The spindle is pulled and rotated to the correct position by cortical dynein. However, it is unclear how the spindle’s rotational center is maintained and what the consequences of an equatorially off centered spindle are in human cells. We analyzed spindle movements in 100s of cells exposed to protein depletions or drug treatments and uncovered a novel role for MARK2 in maintaining the spindle at the cell’s geometric center. Following MARK2 depletion, spindles glide along the cell cortex, leading to a failure in identifying the correct division plane. Surprisingly, spindle off centering in MARK2-depleted cells is not caused by excessive pull by dynein. We show that MARK2 modulates mitotic microtubule growth and length and that codepleting mitotic centromere-associated protein (MCAK), a microtubule destabilizer, rescues spindle off centering in MARK2-depleted cells. Thus, we provide the first insight into a spindle-centering mechanism needed for proper spindle rotation and, in turn, the correct division plane in human cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ihsan Zulkipli
- Department of Genetics, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, England, UK
| | - Joanna Clark
- Department of Genetics, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, England, UK
| | - Madeleine Hart
- School of Biological and Chemical Sciences, Queen Mary University of London, London, England, UK
| | - Roshan L Shrestha
- Department of Genetics, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, England, UK
| | - Parveen Gul
- School of Biological and Chemical Sciences, Queen Mary University of London, London, England, UK
| | - David Dang
- School of Biological and Chemical Sciences, Queen Mary University of London, London, England, UK.,Department of Informatics, King's College, London, England, UK
| | - Tami Kasichiwin
- School of Biological and Chemical Sciences, Queen Mary University of London, London, England, UK
| | - Izabela Kujawiak
- Department of Genetics, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, England, UK
| | - Nishanth Sastry
- Department of Informatics, King's College, London, England, UK
| | - Viji M Draviam
- School of Biological and Chemical Sciences, Queen Mary University of London, London, England, UK .,Department of Genetics, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, England, UK
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18
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Lakshmi RB, Nair VM, Manna TK. Regulators of spindle microtubules and their mechanisms: Living together matters. IUBMB Life 2018; 70:101-111. [DOI: 10.1002/iub.1708] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/16/2017] [Accepted: 12/16/2017] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- R. Bhagya Lakshmi
- School of Biology; Indian Institute of Science Education and Research, CET Campus; Thiruvananthapuram Kerala India
| | - Vishnu M. Nair
- School of Biology; Indian Institute of Science Education and Research, CET Campus; Thiruvananthapuram Kerala India
| | - Tapas K. Manna
- School of Biology; Indian Institute of Science Education and Research, CET Campus; Thiruvananthapuram Kerala India
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19
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Cirillo L, Gotta M, Meraldi P. The Elephant in the Room: The Role of Microtubules in Cancer. ADVANCES IN EXPERIMENTAL MEDICINE AND BIOLOGY 2017; 1002:93-124. [DOI: 10.1007/978-3-319-57127-0_5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
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20
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Guild J, Ginzberg MB, Hueschen CL, Mitchison TJ, Dumont S. Increased lateral microtubule contact at the cell cortex is sufficient to drive mammalian spindle elongation. Mol Biol Cell 2017; 28:1975-1983. [PMID: 28468979 PMCID: PMC5541847 DOI: 10.1091/mbc.e17-03-0171] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/17/2017] [Revised: 04/28/2017] [Accepted: 04/28/2017] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Dynamic cell confinement is used to show that increasing lateral contacts between astral microtubules and the cell cortex is sufficient to drive spindle elongation in mammals. This study suggests a mechanism—a change of microtubule-to-cortex contact geometry—for translating changes in cell shape into dramatic intracellular remodeling. The spindle is a dynamic structure that changes its architecture and size in response to biochemical and physical cues. For example, a simple physical change, cell confinement, can trigger centrosome separation and increase spindle steady-state length at metaphase. How this occurs is not understood, and is the question we pose here. We find that metaphase and anaphase spindles elongate at the same rate when confined, suggesting that similar elongation forces can be generated independent of biochemical and spindle structural differences. Furthermore, this elongation does not require bipolar spindle architecture or dynamic microtubules. Rather, confinement increases numbers of astral microtubules laterally contacting the cortex, shifting contact geometry from “end-on” to “side-on.” Astral microtubules engage cortically anchored motors along their length, as demonstrated by outward sliding and buckling after ablation-mediated release from the centrosome. We show that dynein is required for confinement-induced spindle elongation, and both chemical and physical centrosome removal demonstrate that astral microtubules are required for such spindle elongation and its maintenance. Together the data suggest that promoting lateral cortex–microtubule contacts increases dynein-mediated force generation and is sufficient to drive spindle elongation. More broadly, changes in microtubule-to-cortex contact geometry could offer a mechanism for translating changes in cell shape into dramatic intracellular remodeling.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joshua Guild
- Department of Cell and Tissue Biology, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA 94131
| | - Miriam B Ginzberg
- Department of Systems Biology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115.,The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, ON M5G 1X8, Canada
| | - Christina L Hueschen
- Department of Cell and Tissue Biology, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA 94131.,Biomedical Sciences Graduate Program, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA 94131
| | | | - Sophie Dumont
- Department of Cell and Tissue Biology, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA 94131 .,Biomedical Sciences Graduate Program, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA 94131.,Department of Cellular and Molecular Pharmacology, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA 94143
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21
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Luo R, Reed CE, Sload JA, Wordeman L, Randazzo PA, Chen PW. Arf GAPs and molecular motors. Small GTPases 2017; 10:196-209. [PMID: 28430047 DOI: 10.1080/21541248.2017.1308850] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Arf GTPase-activating proteins (Arf GAPs) were first identified as regulators of the small GTP-binding proteins ADP-ribosylation factors (Arfs). The Arf GAPs are a large family of proteins in metazoans, outnumbering the Arfs that they regulate. The members of the Arf GAP family have complex domain structures and some have been implicated in particular cellular functions, such as cell migration, or with particular pathologies, such as tumor invasion and metastasis. The specific effects of Arfs sometimes depend on the Arf GAP involved in their regulation. These observations have led to speculation that the Arf GAPs themselves may affect cellular activities in capacities beyond the regulation of Arfs. Recently, 2 Arf GAPs, ASAP1 and AGAP1, have been found to bind directly to and influence the activity of myosins and kinesins, motor proteins associated with filamentous actin and microtubules, respectively. The Arf GAP-motor protein interaction is critical for cellular behaviors involving the actin cytoskeleton and microtubules, such as cell migration and other cell movements. Arfs, then, may function with molecular motors through Arf GAPs to regulate microtubule and actin remodeling.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ruibai Luo
- a Laboratory of Cellular and Molecular Biology , National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health , Bethesda , MD , USA
| | - Christine E Reed
- c Department of Biology , Williams College , Williamstown , MA , USA
| | - Jeffrey A Sload
- c Department of Biology , Williams College , Williamstown , MA , USA
| | - Linda Wordeman
- b Department of Physiology and Biophysics , University of Washington School of Medicine , Seattle , WA , USA
| | - Paul A Randazzo
- a Laboratory of Cellular and Molecular Biology , National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health , Bethesda , MD , USA
| | - Pei-Wen Chen
- c Department of Biology , Williams College , Williamstown , MA , USA
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22
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Gigant E, Stefanutti M, Laband K, Gluszek-Kustusz A, Edwards F, Lacroix B, Maton G, Canman JC, Welburn JPI, Dumont J. Inhibition of ectopic microtubule assembly by the kinesin-13 KLP-7 prevents chromosome segregation and cytokinesis defects in oocytes. Development 2017; 144:1674-1686. [PMID: 28289130 DOI: 10.1242/dev.147504] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/25/2016] [Accepted: 03/07/2017] [Indexed: 01/02/2023]
Abstract
In most species, oocytes lack centrosomes. Accurate meiotic spindle assembly and chromosome segregation - essential to prevent miscarriage or developmental defects - thus occur through atypical mechanisms that are not well characterized. Using quantitative in vitro and in vivo functional assays in the C. elegans oocyte, we provide novel evidence that the kinesin-13 KLP-7 promotes destabilization of the whole cellular microtubule network. By counteracting ectopic microtubule assembly and disorganization of the microtubule network, this function is strictly required for spindle organization, chromosome segregation and cytokinesis in meiotic cells. Strikingly, when centrosome activity was experimentally reduced, the absence of KLP-7 or the mammalian kinesin-13 protein MCAK (KIF2C) also resulted in ectopic microtubule asters during mitosis in C. elegans zygotes or HeLa cells, respectively. Our results highlight the general function of kinesin-13 microtubule depolymerases in preventing ectopic, spontaneous microtubule assembly when centrosome activity is defective or absent, which would otherwise lead to spindle microtubule disorganization and aneuploidy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emmanuelle Gigant
- Institut Jacques Monod, CNRS, UMR 7592, University Paris Diderot, Sorbonne Paris Cité, Paris F-75205, France
| | - Marine Stefanutti
- Institut Jacques Monod, CNRS, UMR 7592, University Paris Diderot, Sorbonne Paris Cité, Paris F-75205, France
| | - Kimberley Laband
- Institut Jacques Monod, CNRS, UMR 7592, University Paris Diderot, Sorbonne Paris Cité, Paris F-75205, France
| | - Agata Gluszek-Kustusz
- Wellcome Trust Centre for Cell Biology, School of Biological Sciences, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh EH9 3JR, Scotland, UK
| | - Frances Edwards
- Institut Jacques Monod, CNRS, UMR 7592, University Paris Diderot, Sorbonne Paris Cité, Paris F-75205, France
| | - Benjamin Lacroix
- Institut Jacques Monod, CNRS, UMR 7592, University Paris Diderot, Sorbonne Paris Cité, Paris F-75205, France
| | - Gilliane Maton
- Institut Jacques Monod, CNRS, UMR 7592, University Paris Diderot, Sorbonne Paris Cité, Paris F-75205, France
| | - Julie C Canman
- Columbia University, Department of Pathology and Cell Biology, New York, NY 10032, USA
| | - Julie P I Welburn
- Wellcome Trust Centre for Cell Biology, School of Biological Sciences, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh EH9 3JR, Scotland, UK
| | - Julien Dumont
- Institut Jacques Monod, CNRS, UMR 7592, University Paris Diderot, Sorbonne Paris Cité, Paris F-75205, France
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23
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Decarreau J, Wagenbach M, Lynch E, Halpern AR, Vaughan JC, Kollman J, Wordeman L. The tetrameric kinesin Kif25 suppresses pre-mitotic centrosome separation to establish proper spindle orientation. Nat Cell Biol 2017; 19:384-390. [PMID: 28263957 PMCID: PMC5376238 DOI: 10.1038/ncb3486] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/02/2016] [Accepted: 02/03/2017] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
Microtubules tether centrosomes together during interphase. How this is accomplished and what benefit it provides to the cell is not known. We have identified a bipolar, minus-end-directed kinesin, Kif25, that suppresses centrosome separation. Kif25 is required to prevent premature centrosome separation during interphase. We show that premature centrosome separation leads to microtubule-dependent nuclear translocation, culminating in eccentric nuclear positioning that disrupts the cortical spindle positioning machinery. The activity of Kif25 during interphase is required to maintain a centred nucleus to ensure the spindle is stably oriented at the onset of mitosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Justin Decarreau
- Department of Physiology and Biophysics, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington 98195, USA
| | - Michael Wagenbach
- Department of Physiology and Biophysics, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington 98195, USA
| | - Eric Lynch
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington 98195, USA
| | - Aaron R Halpern
- Department of Chemistry, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington 98195, USA
| | - Joshua C Vaughan
- Department of Physiology and Biophysics, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington 98195, USA.,Department of Chemistry, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington 98195, USA
| | - Justin Kollman
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington 98195, USA
| | - Linda Wordeman
- Department of Physiology and Biophysics, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington 98195, USA
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24
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Abstract
The mitotic spindle has a crucial role in ensuring the accurate segregation of chromosomes into the two daughter cells during cell division, which is paramount for maintaining genome integrity. It is a self-organized and dynamic macromolecular structure that is constructed from microtubules, microtubule-associated proteins and motor proteins. Thirty years of research have led to the identification of centrosome-, chromatin- and microtubule-mediated microtubule nucleation pathways that each contribute to mitotic spindle assembly. Far from being redundant pathways, data are now emerging regarding how they function together to ensure the timely completion of mitosis. We are also beginning to comprehend the multiple mechanisms by which cells regulate spindle scaling. Together, this research has increased our understanding of how cells coordinate hundreds of proteins to assemble the dynamic, precise and robust structure that is the mitotic spindle.
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25
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Bendre S, Rondelet A, Hall C, Schmidt N, Lin YC, Brouhard GJ, Bird AW. GTSE1 tunes microtubule stability for chromosome alignment and segregation by inhibiting the microtubule depolymerase MCAK. J Cell Biol 2016; 215:631-647. [PMID: 27881713 PMCID: PMC5147003 DOI: 10.1083/jcb.201606081] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/17/2016] [Revised: 10/04/2016] [Accepted: 10/21/2016] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
The microtubule depolymerase MCAK influences chromosomal instability (CIN), but what controls its activity remains unclear. Bendre et al. show that GTSE1, a protein found overexpressed in tumors, regulates microtubule stability and chromosome alignment during mitosis by inhibiting MCAK. High levels of GTSE1 are linked to chromosome missegregation and CIN. The dynamic regulation of microtubules (MTs) during mitosis is critical for accurate chromosome segregation and genome stability. Cancer cell lines with hyperstabilized kinetochore MTs have increased segregation errors and elevated chromosomal instability (CIN), but the genetic defects responsible remain largely unknown. The MT depolymerase MCAK (mitotic centromere-associated kinesin) can influence CIN through its impact on MT stability, but how its potent activity is controlled in cells remains unclear. In this study, we show that GTSE1, a protein found overexpressed in aneuploid cancer cell lines and tumors, regulates MT stability during mitosis by inhibiting MCAK MT depolymerase activity. Cells lacking GTSE1 have defects in chromosome alignment and spindle positioning as a result of MT instability caused by excess MCAK activity. Reducing GTSE1 levels in CIN cancer cell lines reduces chromosome missegregation defects, whereas artificially inducing GTSE1 levels in chromosomally stable cells elevates chromosome missegregation and CIN. Thus, GTSE1 inhibition of MCAK activity regulates the balance of MT stability that determines the fidelity of chromosome alignment, segregation, and chromosomal stability.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shweta Bendre
- Max Planck Institute of Molecular Physiology, 44227 Dortmund, Germany
| | - Arnaud Rondelet
- Max Planck Institute of Molecular Physiology, 44227 Dortmund, Germany
| | - Conrad Hall
- Department of Biology, McGill University, Montreal H3A 1B1, Quebec, Canada
| | - Nadine Schmidt
- Max Planck Institute of Molecular Physiology, 44227 Dortmund, Germany
| | - Yu-Chih Lin
- Max Planck Institute of Molecular Physiology, 44227 Dortmund, Germany
| | - Gary J Brouhard
- Department of Biology, McGill University, Montreal H3A 1B1, Quebec, Canada
| | - Alexander W Bird
- Max Planck Institute of Molecular Physiology, 44227 Dortmund, Germany
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26
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Walczak CE, Zong H, Jain S, Stout JR. Spatial regulation of astral microtubule dynamics by Kif18B in PtK cells. Mol Biol Cell 2016; 27:3021-3030. [PMID: 27559136 PMCID: PMC5063611 DOI: 10.1091/mbc.e16-04-0254] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/26/2016] [Accepted: 08/19/2016] [Indexed: 01/07/2023] Open
Abstract
The spatial and temporal control of microtubule dynamics is fundamentally important for proper spindle assembly and chromosome segregation. This is achieved, in part, by the multitude of proteins that bind to and regulate spindle microtubules, including kinesin superfamily members, which act as microtubule-destabilizing enzymes. These fall into two general classes: the kinesin-13 proteins, which directly depolymerize microtubules, and the kinesin-8 proteins, which are plus end-directed motors that either destabilize microtubules or cap the microtubule plus ends. Here we analyze the contribution of a PtK kinesin-8 protein, Kif18B, in the control of mitotic microtubule dynamics. Knockdown of Kif18B causes defects in spindle microtubule organization and a dramatic increase in astral microtubules. Kif18B-knockdown cells had defects in chromosome alignment, but there were no defects in chromosome segregation. The long astral microtubules that occur in the absence of Kif18B are limited in length by the cell cortex. Using EB1 tracking, we show that Kif18B activity is spatially controlled, as loss of Kif18B has the most dramatic effect on the lifetimes of astral microtubules that extend toward the cell cortex. Together our studies provide new insight into how diverse kinesins contribute to spatial microtubule organization in the spindle.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Hailing Zong
- Department of Biology, Indiana University, Bloomington, IN 47405
| | - Sachin Jain
- Department of Biology, Indiana University, Bloomington, IN 47405
| | - Jane R Stout
- Medical Sciences, Indiana University, Bloomington, IN 47405
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27
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Luo R, Chen PW, Wagenbach M, Jian X, Jenkins L, Wordeman L, Randazzo PA. Direct Functional Interaction of the Kinesin-13 Family Member Kinesin-like Protein 2A (Kif2A) and Arf GAP with GTP-binding Protein-like, Ankyrin Repeats and PH Domains1 (AGAP1). J Biol Chem 2016; 291:21350-21362. [PMID: 27531749 DOI: 10.1074/jbc.m116.732479] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/13/2016] [Revised: 08/09/2016] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
The molecular basis for control of the cytoskeleton by the Arf GTPase-activating protein AGAP1 has not been characterized. AGAP1 is composed of G-protein-like (GLD), pleckstrin homology (PH), Arf GAP, and ankyrin repeat domains. Kif2A was identified in screens for proteins that bind to AGAP1. The GLD and PH domains of AGAP1 bound the motor domain of Kif2A. Kif2A increased GAP activity of AGAP1, and a protein composed of the GLD and PH domains of AGAP1 increased ATPase activity of Kif2A. Knockdown (KD) of Kif2A or AGAP1 slowed cell migration and accelerated cell spreading. The effect of Kif2A KD on spreading could be rescued by expression of Kif2A-GFP or FLAG-AGAP1, but not by Kif2C-GFP. The effect of AGAP1 KD could be rescued by FLAG-AGAP1, but not by an AGAP1 mutant that did not bind Kif2A efficiently, ArfGAP1-HA or Kif2A-GFP. Taken together, the results support the hypothesis that the Kif2A·AGAP1 complex contributes to control of cytoskeleton remodeling involved in cell movement.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ruibai Luo
- From the Laboratory of Cellular and Molecular Biology and
| | - Pei-Wen Chen
- From the Laboratory of Cellular and Molecular Biology and.,the Department of Biology, Grinnell College, Grinnell, Iowa 50112, and
| | - Michael Wagenbach
- the Department of Physiology and Biophysics, University of Washington School of Medicine, Seattle, Washington 98195
| | - Xiaoying Jian
- From the Laboratory of Cellular and Molecular Biology and
| | - Lisa Jenkins
- Laboratory of Cell Biology, NCI, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland 20892
| | - Linda Wordeman
- the Department of Physiology and Biophysics, University of Washington School of Medicine, Seattle, Washington 98195
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28
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Lera RF, Potts GK, Suzuki A, Johnson JM, Salmon ED, Coon JJ, Burkard ME. Decoding Polo-like kinase 1 signaling along the kinetochore-centromere axis. Nat Chem Biol 2016; 12:411-8. [PMID: 27043190 PMCID: PMC4871769 DOI: 10.1038/nchembio.2060] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/27/2015] [Accepted: 02/29/2016] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Protein kinase signaling along the kinetochore-centromere axis is crucial to assure mitotic fidelity, yet the details of its spatial coordination are obscure. Here, we examined how pools of human Polo-like kinase 1 (Plk1) within this axis control signaling events to elicit mitotic functions. To do this, we restricted active Plk1 to discrete subcompartments within the kinetochore-centromere axis using chemical genetics and decoded functional and phosphoproteomic signatures of each. We observe distinct phosphoproteomic and functional roles, suggesting that Plk1 exists and functions in discrete pools along this axis. Deep within the centromere, Plk1 operates to assure proper chromosome alignment and segregation. Thus, Plk1 at the kinetochore is a conglomerate of an observable bulk pool coupled with additional functional pools below the threshold of microscopic detection or resolution. Although complex, this multiplicity of locales provides an opportunity to decouple functional and phosphoproteomic signatures for a comprehensive understanding of Plk1's kinetochore functions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Robert F. Lera
- Department of Medicine, Hematology/Oncology Division, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, Wisconsin 53705, USA
- University of Wisconsin Carbone Cancer Center
| | - Gregory K. Potts
- Department of Chemistry, University of Wisconsin, Madison WI 53706
- Department of Biomolecular Chemistry, University of Wisconsin, Madison WI 53706
| | - Aussie Suzuki
- Department of Biology, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC 27599
| | - James M. Johnson
- Department of Medicine, Hematology/Oncology Division, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, Wisconsin 53705, USA
- University of Wisconsin Carbone Cancer Center
| | - Edward D. Salmon
- Department of Biology, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC 27599
| | - Joshua J. Coon
- Department of Chemistry, University of Wisconsin, Madison WI 53706
- Genome Center, University of Wisconsin, Madison WI 53706
| | - Mark E. Burkard
- Department of Medicine, Hematology/Oncology Division, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, Wisconsin 53705, USA
- University of Wisconsin Carbone Cancer Center
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29
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Ritter A, Kreis NN, Louwen F, Wordeman L, Yuan J. Molecular insight into the regulation and function of MCAK. Crit Rev Biochem Mol Biol 2016; 51:228-45. [DOI: 10.1080/10409238.2016.1178705] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
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30
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Zong H, Carnes SK, Moe C, Walczak CE, Ems-McClung SC. The far C-terminus of MCAK regulates its conformation and spindle pole focusing. Mol Biol Cell 2016; 27:1451-64. [PMID: 26941326 PMCID: PMC4850033 DOI: 10.1091/mbc.e15-10-0699] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/08/2015] [Accepted: 02/25/2016] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Spatial regulation of microtubule dynamics is critical for proper spindle assembly. The far C-terminus of the microtubule-depolymerizing kinesin-13 MCAK regulates MCAK localization at spindle poles, which is needed for proper pole focusing. To ensure proper spindle assembly, microtubule (MT) dynamics needs to be spatially regulated within the cell. The kinesin-13 MCAK is a potent MT depolymerase with a complex subcellular localization, yet how MCAK spatial regulation contributes to spindle assembly is not understood. Here we show that the far C-terminus of MCAK plays a critical role in regulating MCAK conformation, subspindle localization, and spindle assembly in Xenopus egg extracts. Alteration of MCAK conformation by the point mutation E715A/E716A in the far C-terminus increased MCAK targeting to the poles and reduced MT lifetimes, which induced spindles with unfocused poles. These effects were phenocopied by the Aurora A phosphomimetic mutation, S719E. Furthermore, addition of the kinesin-14 XCTK2 to spindle assembly reactions rescued the unfocused-pole phenotype. Collectively our work shows how the regional targeting of MCAK regulates MT dynamics, highlighting the idea that multiple phosphorylation pathways of MCAK cooperate to spatially control MT dynamics to maintain spindle architecture.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hailing Zong
- Department of Biology, Indiana University, Bloomington, IN 47405
| | | | - Christina Moe
- Department of Biology, Indiana University, Bloomington, IN 47405
| | - Claire E Walczak
- Medical Sciences Program, Indiana University, Bloomington, IN 47405
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31
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Wordeman L, Decarreau J, Vicente JJ, Wagenbach M. Divergent microtubule assembly rates after short- versus long-term loss of end-modulating kinesins. Mol Biol Cell 2016; 27:1300-9. [PMID: 26912793 PMCID: PMC4831883 DOI: 10.1091/mbc.e15-11-0803] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/24/2015] [Accepted: 02/16/2016] [Indexed: 11/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Depletion of microtubule (MT) regulators can initiate stable alterations in MT assembly rates that affect chromosome instability and mitotic spindle function, but the manner by which cellular MT assembly rates can stably increase or decrease is not understood. To investigate this phenomenon, we measured the response of microtubule assembly to both rapid and long-term loss of MT regulators MCAK/Kif2C and Kif18A. Depletion of MCAK/Kif2C by siRNA stably decreases MT assembly rates in mitotic spindles, whereas depletion of Kif18A stably increases rates of assembly. Surprisingly, this is not phenocopied by rapid rapamycin-dependent relocalization of MCAK/Kif2C and Kif18A to the plasma membrane. Instead, this treatment yields opposite affects on MT assembly. Rapidly increased MT assembly rates are balanced by a decrease in nucleated microtubules, whereas nucleation appears to be maximal and limiting for decreased MT assembly rates and also for long-term treatments. We measured amplified tubulin synthesis during long-term depletion of MT regulators and hypothesize that this is the basis for different phenotypes arising from long-term versus rapid depletion of MT regulators.
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Affiliation(s)
- Linda Wordeman
- Department of Physiology and Biophysics, University of Washington School of Medicine, Seattle, WA 98195
| | - Justin Decarreau
- Department of Physiology and Biophysics, University of Washington School of Medicine, Seattle, WA 98195
| | - Juan Jesus Vicente
- Department of Physiology and Biophysics, University of Washington School of Medicine, Seattle, WA 98195
| | - Michael Wagenbach
- Department of Physiology and Biophysics, University of Washington School of Medicine, Seattle, WA 98195
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32
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Li C, Zhang Y, Yang Q, Ye F, Sun SY, Chen ES, Liou YC. NuSAP modulates the dynamics of kinetochore microtubules by attenuating MCAK depolymerisation activity. Sci Rep 2016; 6:18773. [PMID: 26733216 PMCID: PMC4702128 DOI: 10.1038/srep18773] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/29/2015] [Accepted: 11/26/2015] [Indexed: 11/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Nucleolar and spindle-associated protein (NuSAP) is a microtubule-associated protein that functions as a microtubule stabiliser. Depletion of NuSAP leads to severe mitotic defects, however the mechanism by which NuSAP regulates mitosis remains elusive. In this study, we identify the microtubule depolymeriser, mitotic centromere-associated kinesin (MCAK), as a novel binding partner of NuSAP. We show that NuSAP regulates the dynamics and depolymerisation activity of MCAK. Phosphorylation of MCAK by Aurora B kinase, a component of the chromosomal passenger complex, significantly enhances the interaction of NuSAP with MCAK and modulates the effects of NuSAP on the depolymerisation activity of MCAK. Our results reveal an underlying mechanism by which NuSAP controls kinetochore microtubule dynamics spatially and temporally by modulating the depolymerisation function of MCAK in an Aurora B kinase-dependent manner. Hence, this study provides new insights into the function of NuSAP in spindle formation during mitosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chenyu Li
- Department of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Science, National University of Singapore, 14 Science Drive 4, 117543, Republic of Singapore
| | - Yajun Zhang
- Department of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Science, National University of Singapore, 14 Science Drive 4, 117543, Republic of Singapore
| | - Qiaoyun Yang
- Department of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Science, National University of Singapore, 14 Science Drive 4, 117543, Republic of Singapore
| | - Fan Ye
- Department of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Science, National University of Singapore, 14 Science Drive 4, 117543, Republic of Singapore
| | - Stella Ying Sun
- Department of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Science, National University of Singapore, 14 Science Drive 4, 117543, Republic of Singapore
| | - Ee Sin Chen
- Department of Biochemistry, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore 117597, Republic of Singapore
| | - Yih-Cherng Liou
- Department of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Science, National University of Singapore, 14 Science Drive 4, 117543, Republic of Singapore.,NUS Graduate School for Integrative Sciences and Engineering, National University of Singapore, Singapore 117573, Republic of Singapore
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33
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Bertalan Z, Budrikis Z, La Porta CAM, Zapperi S. Role of the Number of Microtubules in Chromosome Segregation during Cell Division. PLoS One 2015; 10:e0141305. [PMID: 26506005 PMCID: PMC4624697 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0141305] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/22/2015] [Accepted: 10/07/2015] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
Abstract
Faithful segregation of genetic material during cell division requires alignment of chromosomes between two spindle poles and attachment of their kinetochores to each of the poles. Failure of these complex dynamical processes leads to chromosomal instability (CIN), a characteristic feature of several diseases including cancer. While a multitude of biological factors regulating chromosome congression and bi-orientation have been identified, it is still unclear how they are integrated so that coherent chromosome motion emerges from a large collection of random and deterministic processes. Here we address this issue by a three dimensional computational model of motor-driven chromosome congression and bi-orientation during mitosis. Our model reveals that successful cell division requires control of the total number of microtubules: if this number is too small bi-orientation fails, while if it is too large not all the chromosomes are able to congress. The optimal number of microtubules predicted by our model compares well with early observations in mammalian cell spindles. Our results shed new light on the origin of several pathological conditions related to chromosomal instability.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zsolt Bertalan
- Institute for Scientific Interchange Foundation, Via Alassio 11/C, 10126 Torino, Italy
| | - Zoe Budrikis
- Institute for Scientific Interchange Foundation, Via Alassio 11/C, 10126 Torino, Italy
| | - Caterina A. M. La Porta
- Center for Complexity and Biosystems, Department of Bioscience, University of Milan, via Celoria 26, 20133 Milano, Italy
- * E-mail: (CAMLP); (SZ)
| | - Stefano Zapperi
- Institute for Scientific Interchange Foundation, Via Alassio 11/C, 10126 Torino, Italy
- Center for Complexity and Biosystems, Department of Physics, University of Milan, via Celoria 16, 20133 Milano, Italy
- CNR - Consiglio Nazionale delle Ricerche, Istituto per l’Energetica e le Interfasi, Via R. Cozzi 53, 20125 Milano, Italy
- Department of Applied Physics, Aalto University, P.O. Box 14100, FIN-00076 Aalto, Espoo, Finland
- * E-mail: (CAMLP); (SZ)
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34
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Shao H, Huang Y, Zhang L, Yuan K, Chu Y, Dou Z, Jin C, Garcia-Barrio M, Liu X, Yao X. Spatiotemporal dynamics of Aurora B-PLK1-MCAK signaling axis orchestrates kinetochore bi-orientation and faithful chromosome segregation. Sci Rep 2015; 5:12204. [PMID: 26206521 PMCID: PMC4513279 DOI: 10.1038/srep12204] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/21/2014] [Accepted: 05/13/2015] [Indexed: 12/01/2022] Open
Abstract
Chromosome segregation in mitosis is orchestrated by the dynamic interactions between the kinetochore and spindle microtubules. The microtubule depolymerase mitotic centromere-associated kinesin (MCAK) is a key regulator for an accurate kinetochore-microtubule attachment. However, the regulatory mechanism underlying precise MCAK depolymerase activity control during mitosis remains elusive. Here, we describe a novel pathway involving an Aurora B-PLK1 axis for regulation of MCAK activity in mitosis. Aurora B phosphorylates PLK1 on Thr210 to activate its kinase activity at the kinetochores during mitosis. Aurora B-orchestrated PLK1 kinase activity was examined in real-time mitosis using a fluorescence resonance energy transfer-based reporter and quantitative analysis of native PLK1 substrate phosphorylation. Active PLK1, in turn, phosphorylates MCAK at Ser715 which promotes its microtubule depolymerase activity essential for faithful chromosome segregation. Importantly, inhibition of PLK1 kinase activity or expression of a non-phosphorylatable MCAK mutant prevents correct kinetochore-microtubule attachment, resulting in abnormal anaphase with chromosome bridges. We reason that the Aurora B-PLK1 signaling at the kinetochore orchestrates MCAK activity, which is essential for timely correction of aberrant kinetochore attachment to ensure accurate chromosome segregation during mitosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hengyi Shao
- Anhui Key Laboratory of Cellular Dynamics and Chemical Biology, University of Science & Technology of China, Hefei 230027, China
| | - Yuejia Huang
- Anhui-MSM Joint Research Group for Cellular Dynamics, Hefei National Laboratory for Physical Sciences at Nanoscale, Hefei 230027, China
- Department of Physiology, Morehouse School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA 30310, USA
| | - Liangyu Zhang
- Anhui Key Laboratory of Cellular Dynamics and Chemical Biology, University of Science & Technology of China, Hefei 230027, China
- Department of Physiology, Morehouse School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA 30310, USA
| | - Kai Yuan
- Anhui Key Laboratory of Cellular Dynamics and Chemical Biology, University of Science & Technology of China, Hefei 230027, China
| | - Youjun Chu
- Anhui Key Laboratory of Cellular Dynamics and Chemical Biology, University of Science & Technology of China, Hefei 230027, China
- Department of Physiology, Morehouse School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA 30310, USA
| | - Zhen Dou
- Anhui Key Laboratory of Cellular Dynamics and Chemical Biology, University of Science & Technology of China, Hefei 230027, China
- Anhui-MSM Joint Research Group for Cellular Dynamics, Hefei National Laboratory for Physical Sciences at Nanoscale, Hefei 230027, China
| | - Changjiang Jin
- Anhui Key Laboratory of Cellular Dynamics and Chemical Biology, University of Science & Technology of China, Hefei 230027, China
| | | | - Xing Liu
- Anhui Key Laboratory of Cellular Dynamics and Chemical Biology, University of Science & Technology of China, Hefei 230027, China
- Anhui-MSM Joint Research Group for Cellular Dynamics, Hefei National Laboratory for Physical Sciences at Nanoscale, Hefei 230027, China
- Department of Physiology, Morehouse School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA 30310, USA
| | - Xuebiao Yao
- Anhui Key Laboratory of Cellular Dynamics and Chemical Biology, University of Science & Technology of China, Hefei 230027, China
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35
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Abstract
The microtubule (MT) cytoskeleton gives cells their shape, organizes the cellular interior, and segregates chromosomes. These functions rely on the precise arrangement of MTs, which is achieved by the coordinated action of MT-associated proteins (MAPs). We highlight the first and most important examples of how different MAP activities are combined in vitro to create an ensemble function that exceeds the simple addition of their individual activities, and how the Xenopus laevis egg extract system has been utilized as a powerful intermediate between cellular and purified systems to uncover the design principles of self-organized MT networks in the cell.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ray Alfaro-Aco
- From the Department of Molecular Biology, Princeton University, Princeton, New Jersey 08544
| | - Sabine Petry
- From the Department of Molecular Biology, Princeton University, Princeton, New Jersey 08544
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36
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Mitosis, microtubule dynamics and the evolution of kinesins. Exp Cell Res 2015; 334:61-9. [PMID: 25708751 DOI: 10.1016/j.yexcr.2015.02.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 58] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/29/2015] [Accepted: 02/10/2015] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
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37
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Reinecke JB, Katafiasz D, Naslavsky N, Caplan S. Novel functions for the endocytic regulatory proteins MICAL-L1 and EHD1 in mitosis. Traffic 2014; 16:48-67. [PMID: 25287187 DOI: 10.1111/tra.12234] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/10/2014] [Revised: 10/02/2014] [Accepted: 10/03/2014] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
Abstract
During interphase, recycling endosomes mediate the transport of internalized cargo back to the plasma membrane. However, in mitotic cells, recycling endosomes are essential for the completion of cytokinesis, the last phase of mitosis that promotes the physical separation the two daughter cells. Despite recent advances, our understanding of the molecular determinants that regulate recycling endosome dynamics during cytokinesis remains incomplete. We have previously demonstrated that Molecule Interacting with CasL Like-1 (MICAL-L1) and C-terminal Eps15 Homology Domain protein 1 (EHD1) coordinately regulate receptor transport from tubular recycling endosomes during interphase. However, their potential roles in controlling cytokinesis had not been addressed. In this study, we show that MICAL-L1 and EHD1 regulate mitosis. Depletion of either protein resulted in increased numbers of bi-nucleated cells. We provide evidence that bi-nucleation in MICAL-L1- and EHD1-depleted cells is a consequence of impaired recycling endosome transport during late cytokinesis. However, depletion of MICAL-L1, but not EHD1, resulted in aberrant chromosome alignment and lagging chromosomes, suggesting an EHD1-independent function for MICAL-L1 earlier in mitosis. Moreover, we provide evidence that MICAL-L1 and EHD1 differentially influence microtubule dynamics during early and late mitosis. Collectively, our new data suggest several unanticipated roles for MICAL-L1 and EHD1 during the cell cycle.
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Affiliation(s)
- James B Reinecke
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology and Fred and Pamela Buffet Cancer Research Center, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE, USA
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38
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Ferreira JG, Pereira AL, Maiato H. Microtubule plus-end tracking proteins and their roles in cell division. INTERNATIONAL REVIEW OF CELL AND MOLECULAR BIOLOGY 2014; 309:59-140. [PMID: 24529722 DOI: 10.1016/b978-0-12-800255-1.00002-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
Microtubules are cellular components that are required for a variety of essential processes such as cell motility, mitosis, and intracellular transport. This is possible because of the inherent dynamic properties of microtubules. Many of these properties are tightly regulated by a number of microtubule plus-end-binding proteins or +TIPs. These proteins recognize the distal end of microtubules and are thus in the right context to control microtubule dynamics. In this review, we address how microtubule dynamics are regulated by different +TIP families, focusing on how functionally diverse +TIPs spatially and temporally regulate microtubule dynamics during animal cell division.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jorge G Ferreira
- Chromosome Instability & Dynamics Laboratory, Instituto de Biologia Molecular e Celular, University of Porto, Porto, Portugal; Cell Division Unit, Department of Experimental Biology, University of Porto, Porto, Portugal
| | - Ana L Pereira
- Chromosome Instability & Dynamics Laboratory, Instituto de Biologia Molecular e Celular, University of Porto, Porto, Portugal
| | - Helder Maiato
- Chromosome Instability & Dynamics Laboratory, Instituto de Biologia Molecular e Celular, University of Porto, Porto, Portugal; Cell Division Unit, Department of Experimental Biology, University of Porto, Porto, Portugal.
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39
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Chu L, Huo Y, Liu X, Yao P, Thomas K, Jiang H, Zhu T, Zhang G, Chaudhry M, Adams G, Thompson W, Dou Z, Jin C, He P, Yao X. The spatiotemporal dynamics of chromatin protein HP1α is essential for accurate chromosome segregation during cell division. J Biol Chem 2014; 289:26249-26262. [PMID: 25104354 DOI: 10.1074/jbc.m114.581504] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
Heterochromatin protein 1α (HP1α) is involved in regulation of chromatin plasticity, DNA damage repair, and centromere dynamics. HP1α detects histone dimethylation and trimethylation of Lys-9 via its chromodomain. HP1α localizes to heterochromatin in interphase cells but is liberated from chromosomal arms at the onset of mitosis. However, the structural determinants required for HP1α localization in interphase and the regulation of HP1α dynamics have remained elusive. Here we show that centromeric localization of HP1α depends on histone H3 Lys-9 trimethyltransferase SUV39H1 activity in interphase but not in mitotic cells. Surprisingly, HP1α liberates from chromosome arms in early mitosis. To test the role of this dissociation, we engineered an HP1α construct that persistently localizes to chromosome arms. Interestingly, persistent localization of HP1α to chromosome arms perturbs accurate kinetochore-microtubule attachment due to an aberrant distribution of chromosome passenger complex and Sgo1 from centromeres to chromosome arms that prevents resolution of sister chromatids. Further analyses showed that Mis14 and perhaps other PXVXL-containing proteins are involved in directing localization of HP1α to the centromere in mitosis. Taken together, our data suggest a model in which spatiotemporal dynamics of HP1α localization to centromere is governed by two distinct structural determinants. These findings reveal a previously unrecognized but essential link between HP1α-interacting molecular dynamics and chromosome plasticity in promoting accurate cell division.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lingluo Chu
- Anhui Key Laboratory for Cellular Dynamics and Chemical Biology and Hefei National Laboratory for Physical Sciences at the Microscale, Hefei 230026, China
| | - Yuda Huo
- Anhui Key Laboratory for Cellular Dynamics and Chemical Biology and Hefei National Laboratory for Physical Sciences at the Microscale, Hefei 230026, China
| | - Xing Liu
- Anhui Key Laboratory for Cellular Dynamics and Chemical Biology and Hefei National Laboratory for Physical Sciences at the Microscale, Hefei 230026, China,; Departments of Physiology and Morehouse School of Medicine, Atlanta, Georgia 30310
| | - Phil Yao
- Departments of Physiology and Morehouse School of Medicine, Atlanta, Georgia 30310; Department of Cellular Biology, University of Georgia, Athens, Georgia 30602
| | - Kelwyn Thomas
- Departments of Neurobiology, Morehouse School of Medicine, Atlanta, Georgia 30310
| | - Hao Jiang
- Anhui Key Laboratory for Cellular Dynamics and Chemical Biology and Hefei National Laboratory for Physical Sciences at the Microscale, Hefei 230026, China
| | - Tongge Zhu
- Anhui Key Laboratory for Cellular Dynamics and Chemical Biology and Hefei National Laboratory for Physical Sciences at the Microscale, Hefei 230026, China,; Departments of Physiology and Morehouse School of Medicine, Atlanta, Georgia 30310
| | - Guanglan Zhang
- Guangzhou Women and Children's Medical Center, Guangzhou 510623, China, and
| | - Maryam Chaudhry
- Departments of Physiology and Morehouse School of Medicine, Atlanta, Georgia 30310
| | - Gregory Adams
- Anhui Key Laboratory for Cellular Dynamics and Chemical Biology and Hefei National Laboratory for Physical Sciences at the Microscale, Hefei 230026, China,; Departments of Physiology and Morehouse School of Medicine, Atlanta, Georgia 30310
| | - Winston Thompson
- Departments of Physiology and Morehouse School of Medicine, Atlanta, Georgia 30310
| | - Zhen Dou
- Anhui Key Laboratory for Cellular Dynamics and Chemical Biology and Hefei National Laboratory for Physical Sciences at the Microscale, Hefei 230026, China
| | - Changjiang Jin
- Anhui Key Laboratory for Cellular Dynamics and Chemical Biology and Hefei National Laboratory for Physical Sciences at the Microscale, Hefei 230026, China
| | - Ping He
- Guangzhou Women and Children's Medical Center, Guangzhou 510623, China, and.
| | - Xuebiao Yao
- Anhui Key Laboratory for Cellular Dynamics and Chemical Biology and Hefei National Laboratory for Physical Sciences at the Microscale, Hefei 230026, China,; Departments of Physiology and Morehouse School of Medicine, Atlanta, Georgia 30310.
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40
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Do KK, Hoàng KL, Endow SA. The kinesin-13 KLP10A motor regulates oocyte spindle length and affects EB1 binding without altering microtubule growth rates. Biol Open 2014; 3:561-70. [PMID: 24907370 PMCID: PMC4154291 DOI: 10.1242/bio.20148276] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Kinesin-13 motors are unusual in that they do not walk along microtubules, but instead diffuse to the ends, where they remove tubulin dimers, regulating microtubule dynamics. Here we show that Drosophila kinesin-13 klp10A regulates oocyte meiosis I spindle length and is haplo-insufficient – KLP10A, reduced by RNAi or a loss-of-function P element insertion mutant, results in elongated and mispositioned oocyte spindles, and abnormal cortical microtubule asters and aggregates. KLP10A knockdown by RNAi does not significantly affect microtubule growth rates in oocyte spindles, but, unexpectedly, EB1 binding and unbinding are slowed, suggesting a previously unobserved role for kinesin-13 in mediating EB1 binding interactions with microtubules. Kinesin-13 may regulate spindle length both by disassembling subunits from microtubule ends and facilitating EB1 binding to plus ends. We also observe an increased number of paused microtubules in klp10A RNAi knockdown spindles, consistent with a reduced frequency of microtubule catastrophes. Overall, our findings indicate that reduced kinesin-13 decreases microtubule disassembly rates and affects EB1 interactions with microtubules, rather than altering microtubule growth rates, causing spindles to elongate and abnormal cortical microtubule asters and aggregates to form.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kevin K Do
- Department of Cell Biology, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, North Carolina 27710, USA
| | - Kim Liên Hoàng
- Department of Cell Biology, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, North Carolina 27710, USA
| | - Sharyn A Endow
- Department of Cell Biology, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, North Carolina 27710, USA
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41
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Sanhaji M, Ritter A, Belsham HR, Friel CT, Roth S, Louwen F, Yuan J. Polo-like kinase 1 regulates the stability of the mitotic centromere-associated kinesin in mitosis. Oncotarget 2014; 5:3130-44. [PMID: 24931513 PMCID: PMC4102797 DOI: 10.18632/oncotarget.1861] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/19/2014] [Accepted: 03/24/2014] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Proper bi-orientation of chromosomes is critical for the accurate segregation of chromosomes in mitosis. A key regulator of this process is MCAK, the mitotic centromere-associated kinesin. During mitosis the activity and localization of MCAK are regulated by mitotic key kinases including Plk1 and Aurora B. We show here that S621 in the MCAK's C-terminal domain is the major phosphorylation site for Plk1. This phosphorylation regulates MCAK's stability and facilitates its recognition by the ubiquitin/proteasome dependent APC/C(Cdc20) pathway leading to its D-box dependent degradation in mitosis. While phosphorylation of S621 does not directly affect its microtubule depolymerising activity, loss of Plk1 phosphorylation on S621 indirectly enhances its depolymerization activity in vivo by stabilizing MCAK, leading to an increased level of protein. Interfering with phosphorylation at S621 causes spindle formation defects and chromosome misalignments. Therefore, this study suggests a new mechanism by which Plk1 regulates MCAK: by regulating its degradation and hence controlling its turnover in mitosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mourad Sanhaji
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, School of Medicine, J. W. Goethe-University, Theodor-Stern-Kai 7, D-60590 Frankfurt, Germany
| | - Andreas Ritter
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, School of Medicine, J. W. Goethe-University, Theodor-Stern-Kai 7, D-60590 Frankfurt, Germany
| | - Hannah R. Belsham
- School of Life Sciences, University of Nottingham, Medical School, Queen's Medical Centre, Nottingham, NG7 2UH, United Kingdom
| | - Claire T. Friel
- School of Life Sciences, University of Nottingham, Medical School, Queen's Medical Centre, Nottingham, NG7 2UH, United Kingdom
| | - Susanne Roth
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, School of Medicine, J. W. Goethe-University, Theodor-Stern-Kai 7, D-60590 Frankfurt, Germany
| | - Frank Louwen
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, School of Medicine, J. W. Goethe-University, Theodor-Stern-Kai 7, D-60590 Frankfurt, Germany
| | - Juping Yuan
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, School of Medicine, J. W. Goethe-University, Theodor-Stern-Kai 7, D-60590 Frankfurt, Germany
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Shrestha R, Draviam V. Lateral to end-on conversion of chromosome-microtubule attachment requires kinesins CENP-E and MCAK. Curr Biol 2013; 23:1514-26. [PMID: 23891108 PMCID: PMC3748344 DOI: 10.1016/j.cub.2013.06.040] [Citation(s) in RCA: 90] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/18/2013] [Revised: 05/14/2013] [Accepted: 06/17/2013] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Proper attachment of chromosomes to microtubules is crucial for the accurate segregation of chromosomes. Human chromosomes attach initially to lateral walls of microtubules. Subsequently, attachments to lateral walls disappear and attachments to microtubule ends (end-on attachments) predominate. While it is known in yeasts that lateral to end-on conversion of attachments occurs through a multistep process, equivalent conversion steps in humans remain unknown. RESULTS By developing a high-resolution imaging assay to visualize intermediary steps of the lateral to end-on conversion process, we show that the mechanisms that bring a laterally bound chromosome and its microtubule end closer to each other are indispensable for proper end-on attachment because laterally attached chromosomes seldom detach. We show that end-on conversion requires (1) the plus-end-directed motor CENP-E to tether the lateral kinetochore onto microtubule walls and (2) the microtubule depolymerizer MCAK to release laterally attached microtubules after a partial end-on attachment is formed. CONCLUSIONS By uncovering a CENP-E mediated wall-tethering event and a MCAK-mediated wall-removing event, we establish that human chromosome-microtubule attachment is achieved through a set of deterministic sequential events rather than stochastic direct capture of microtubule ends.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Viji M. Draviam
- Department of Genetics, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, CB2 3EH, UK
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Corrigan AM, Shrestha RL, Zulkipli I, Hiroi N, Liu Y, Tamura N, Yang B, Patel J, Funahashi A, Donald A, Draviam VM. Automated tracking of mitotic spindle pole positions shows that LGN is required for spindle rotation but not orientation maintenance. Cell Cycle 2013; 12:2643-55. [PMID: 23907121 PMCID: PMC3865054 DOI: 10.4161/cc.25671] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/24/2013] [Revised: 07/05/2013] [Accepted: 07/08/2013] [Indexed: 01/16/2023] Open
Abstract
Spindle orientation defines the plane of cell division and, thereby, the spatial position of all daughter cells. Here, we develop a live cell microscopy-based methodology to extract spindle movements in human epithelial cell lines and study how spindles are brought to a pre-defined orientation. We show that spindles undergo two distinct regimes of movements. Spindles are first actively rotated toward the cells' long-axis and then maintained along this pre-defined axis. By quantifying spindle movements in cells depleted of LGN, we show that the first regime of rotational movements requires LGN that recruits cortical dynein. In contrast, the second regime of movements that maintains spindle orientation does not require LGN, but is sensitive to 2ME2 that suppresses microtubule dynamics. Our study sheds first insight into spatially defined spindle movement regimes in human cells, and supports the presence of LGN and dynein independent cortical anchors for astral microtubules.
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Affiliation(s)
- Adam M Corrigan
- Department of Genetics; University of Cambridge; Cambridge, UK
- Cavendish Laboratory; University of Cambridge; Cambridge, UK
| | | | - Ihsan Zulkipli
- Department of Genetics; University of Cambridge; Cambridge, UK
| | - Noriko Hiroi
- Department of Biosciences and Informatics; Keio University; Yokohama, Japan
| | - Yingjun Liu
- Department of Genetics; University of Cambridge; Cambridge, UK
- Department of Material Sciences; University of Cambridge; Cambridge, UK
| | - Naoka Tamura
- Department of Genetics; University of Cambridge; Cambridge, UK
| | - Bing Yang
- Department of Genetics; University of Cambridge; Cambridge, UK
| | - Jessica Patel
- Department of Genetics; University of Cambridge; Cambridge, UK
| | - Akira Funahashi
- Department of Biosciences and Informatics; Keio University; Yokohama, Japan
| | - Athene Donald
- Cavendish Laboratory; University of Cambridge; Cambridge, UK
| | - Viji M Draviam
- Department of Genetics; University of Cambridge; Cambridge, UK
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Abstract
The microtubule (MT) cytoskeleton supports a broad range of cellular functions, from providing tracks for intracellular transport, to supporting movement of cilia and flagella, to segregating chromosomes in mitosis. These functions are facilitated by the organizational and dynamic plasticity of MT networks. An important class of enzymes that alters MT dynamics is the depolymerizing kinesin-like proteins, which use their catalytic activities to regulate MT end dynamics. In this review, we discuss four topics surrounding these MT-depolymerizing kinesins. We provide a historical overview of studies focused on these motors and discuss their phylogeny. In the second half, we discuss their enzymology and biophysics and give an overview of their known cellular functions. This discussion highlights the fact that MT-depolymerizing kinesins exhibit a diverse range of design principles, which in turn increases their functional versatility in cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Claire E Walczak
- Medical Sciences, Indiana University, Bloomington, Indiana 47405;
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46
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Mitotic rounding alters cell geometry to ensure efficient bipolar spindle formation. Dev Cell 2013; 25:270-83. [PMID: 23623611 DOI: 10.1016/j.devcel.2013.03.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 213] [Impact Index Per Article: 19.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/12/2012] [Revised: 02/14/2013] [Accepted: 03/21/2013] [Indexed: 01/07/2023]
Abstract
Accurate animal cell division requires precise coordination of changes in the structure of the microtubule-based spindle and the actin-based cell cortex. Here, we use a series of perturbation experiments to dissect the relative roles of actin, cortical mechanics, and cell shape in spindle formation. We find that, whereas the actin cortex is largely dispensable for rounding and timely mitotic progression in isolated cells, it is needed to drive rounding to enable unperturbed spindle morphogenesis under conditions of confinement. Using different methods to limit mitotic cell height, we show that a failure to round up causes defects in spindle assembly, pole splitting, and a delay in mitotic progression. These defects can be rescued by increasing microtubule lengths and therefore appear to be a direct consequence of the limited reach of mitotic centrosome-nucleated microtubules. These findings help to explain why most animal cells round up as they enter mitosis.
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Cane S, Ye AA, Luks-Morgan SJ, Maresca TJ. Elevated polar ejection forces stabilize kinetochore-microtubule attachments. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2013; 200:203-18. [PMID: 23337118 PMCID: PMC3549975 DOI: 10.1083/jcb.201211119] [Citation(s) in RCA: 65] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
Polar ejection forces, which push chromosomes away from spindle poles, modulate kinetochore–microtubule attachment stability. Chromosome biorientation promotes congression and generates tension that stabilizes kinetochore–microtubule (kt-MT) interactions. Forces produced by molecular motors also contribute to chromosome alignment, but their impact on kt-MT attachment stability is unclear. A critical force that acts on chromosomes is the kinesin-10–dependent polar ejection force (PEF). PEFs are proposed to facilitate congression by pushing chromosomes away from spindle poles, although knowledge of the molecular mechanisms underpinning PEF generation is incomplete. Here, we describe a live-cell PEF assay in which tension was applied to chromosomes by manipulating levels of the chromokinesin NOD (no distributive disjunction; Drosophila melanogaster kinesin-10). NOD stabilized syntelic kt-MT attachments in a dose- and motor-dependent manner by overwhelming the ability of Aurora B to mediate error correction. NOD-coated chromatin stretched away from the pole via lateral and end-on interactions with microtubules, and NOD chimeras with either plus end–directed motility or tip-tracking activity produced PEFs. Thus, kt-MT attachment stability is modulated by PEFs, which can be generated by distinct force-producing interactions between chromosomes and dynamic spindle microtubules.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stuart Cane
- Biology Department, University of Massachusetts, Amherst, MA 01003, USA
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Ludueña RF. A Hypothesis on the Origin and Evolution of Tubulin. INTERNATIONAL REVIEW OF CELL AND MOLECULAR BIOLOGY 2013; 302:41-185. [DOI: 10.1016/b978-0-12-407699-0.00002-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 74] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
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Guo Y, Kim C, Mao Y. New insights into the mechanism for chromosome alignment in metaphase. INTERNATIONAL REVIEW OF CELL AND MOLECULAR BIOLOGY 2013; 303:237-62. [PMID: 23445812 DOI: 10.1016/b978-0-12-407697-6.00006-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/09/2023]
Abstract
During mitosis, duplicated sister chromatids are properly aligned at the metaphase plate of the mitotic spindle before being segregated into two daughter cells. This requires a complex process to ensure proper interactions between chromosomes and spindle microtubules. The kinetochore, the proteinaceous complex assembled at the centromere region on each chromosome, serves as the microtubule attachment site and powers chromosome movement in mitosis. Numerous proteins/protein complexes have been implicated in the connection between kinetochores and dynamic microtubules. Recent studies have advanced our understanding on the nature of the interface between kinetochores and microtubule plus ends in promoting and maintaining their stable attachment. These efforts have demonstrated the importance of this process to ensure accurate chromosome segregation, an issue which has great significance for understanding and controlling abnormal chromosome segregation (aneuploidy) in human genetic diseases and in cancer progression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yige Guo
- Department of Pathology and Cell Biology, Columbia University College of Physicians and Surgeons, NY, USA
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Gardner MK, Zanic M, Howard J. Microtubule catastrophe and rescue. Curr Opin Cell Biol 2012; 25:14-22. [PMID: 23092753 DOI: 10.1016/j.ceb.2012.09.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 107] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/09/2012] [Revised: 09/25/2012] [Accepted: 09/27/2012] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
Microtubules are long cylindrical polymers composed of tubulin subunits. In cells, microtubules play an essential role in architecture and motility. For example, microtubules give shape to cells, serve as intracellular transport tracks, and act as key elements in important cellular structures such as axonemes and mitotic spindles. To accomplish these varied functions, networks of microtubules in cells are very dynamic, continuously remodeling through stochastic length fluctuations at the ends of individual microtubules. The dynamic behavior at the end of an individual microtubule is termed 'dynamic instability'. This behavior manifests itself by periods of persistent microtubule growth interrupted by occasional switching to rapid shrinkage (called microtubule 'catastrophe'), and then by switching back from shrinkage to growth (called microtubule 'rescue'). In this review, we summarize recent findings which provide new insights into the mechanisms of microtubule catastrophe and rescue, and discuss the impact of these findings in regards to the role of microtubule dynamics inside of cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Melissa K Gardner
- Department of Genetics, Cell Biology, and Development, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN 55455, USA.
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