Fission yeast myosin-I, Myo1p, stimulates actin assembly by Arp2/3 complex and shares functions with WASp

Distinct roles for F-BAR proteins Cdc15p and Bzz1p in actin polymerization at sites of endocytosis in fission yeast

BACKGROUND

Genetic analyses of budding and fission yeast identified >50 proteins that assemble at sites of clathrin-mediated endocytosis in structures called actin patches. These proteins include clathrin, clathrin-interacting proteins, actin binding proteins, and peripheral membrane proteins such as F-BAR proteins. Many questions remain regarding the interactions of these proteins, particularly the participation of F-BAR proteins in the assembly of actin filaments.

RESULTS

Our microscopic and genetic interaction experiments on fission yeast show that F-BAR proteins Cdc15p and Bzz1p accumulate in two distinct zones on invaginating membrane tubules and interact with Myo1p and Wsp1p, nucleation-promoting factors for Arp2/3 complex. The two F-BAR proteins peak prior to movement of the actin patch and their accumulation in actin patches depends on the nucleation-promoting factors. At their peak local concentrations, we estimated the stoichiometries of the proteins in actin patches to be one Bzz1p per two Wsp1p and one Cdc15p per Myo1p. Purified Bzz1p has two SH3 domains that interact with Wsp1p and stimulate actin polymerization by Arp2/3 complex. Cells lacking either Cdc15p or Bzz1p assemble 3- to 5-fold less actin in patches (in spite of normal levels of Wsp1p, Myo1p, and Arp2/3 complex), and patches move shorter distances from the plasma membrane.

CONCLUSION

We propose that during clathrin-mediated endocytosis, F-BAR proteins interact with nucleation-promoting factors to stimulate Arp2/3 complex in two different zones along the invaginating tubule. We further propose that polymerization of actin filaments in these two zones contributes to membrane scission.

A calmodulin-related light chain from fission yeast that functions with myosin-I and PI 4-kinase

Fission yeast myosin-I (Myo1p) not only associates with calmodulin, but also employs a second light chain called Cam2p. cam2Δ cells exhibit defects in cell polarity and growth consistent with a loss of Myo1p function. Loss of Cam2p leads to a reduction in Myo1p levels at endocytic patches and a 50% drop in the rates of Myo1p-driven actin filament motility. Thus, Cam2p plays a significant role in Myo1p function. However, further studies indicated the existence of an additional Cam2p-binding partner. Cam2p was still present at cortical patches in myo1Δ cells (or in myo1-IQ2 mutants, which lack an intact Cam2p-binding motif), whereas a cam2 null (cam2Δ) suppressed cytokinesis defects of an essential light chain (ELC) mutant known to be impaired in binding to PI 4-kinase (Pik1p). Binding studies revealed that Cam2p and the ELC compete for Pik1p. Cortical localization of Cam2p in the myo1Δ background relied on its association with Pik1p, whereas overexpression studies indicated that Cam2p, in turn, contributes to Pik1p function. The fact that the Myo1p-associated defects of a cam2Δ mutant are more potent than those of a myo1-IQ2 mutant suggests that myosin light chains can contribute to actomyosin function both directly and indirectly (via phospholipid synthesis at sites of polarized growth).

A guide to simple and informative binding assays

The aim of binding assays is to measure interactions between two molecules, such as a protein binding another protein, a small molecule, or a nucleic acid. Hard work is required to prepare reagents, but flaws in the design of many binding experiments limit the information obtained. In particular many experiments fail to measure the affinity of the reactants for each other. This essay describes simple methods to get the most out of valuable reagents in binding experiments.

Actin filament bundling by fimbrin is important for endocytosis, cytokinesis, and polarization in fission yeast

Through the coordinated action of diverse actin-binding proteins, cells simultaneously assemble actin filaments with distinct architectures and dynamics to drive different processes. Actin filament cross-linking proteins organize filaments into higher order networks, although the requirement of cross-linking activity in cells has largely been assumed rather than directly tested. Fission yeast Schizosaccharomyces pombe assembles actin into three discrete structures: endocytic actin patches, polarizing actin cables, and the cytokinetic contractile ring. The fission yeast filament cross-linker fimbrin Fim1 primarily localizes to Arp2/3 complex-nucleated branched filaments of the actin patch and by a lesser amount to bundles of linear antiparallel filaments in the contractile ring. It is unclear whether Fim1 associates with bundles of parallel filaments in actin cables. We previously discovered that a principal role of Fim1 is to control localization of tropomyosin Cdc8, thereby facilitating cofilin-mediated filament turnover. Therefore, we hypothesized that the bundling ability of Fim1 is dispensable for actin patches but is important for the contractile ring and possibly actin cables. By directly visualizing actin filament assembly using total internal reflection fluorescence microscopy, we determined that Fim1 bundles filaments in both parallel and antiparallel orientations and efficiently bundles Arp2/3 complex-branched filaments in the absence but not the presence of actin capping protein. Examination of cells exclusively expressing a truncated version of Fim1 that can bind but not bundle actin filaments revealed that bundling activity of Fim1 is in fact important for all three actin structures. Therefore, fimbrin Fim1 has diverse roles as both a filament "gatekeeper" and as a filament cross-linker.

Principles of unconventional myosin function and targeting

Unconventional myosins are a superfamily of actin-based motors implicated in diverse cellular processes. In recent years, much progress has been made in describing their biophysical properties, and headway has been made into analyzing their cellular functions. Here, we focus on the principles that guide in vivo motor function and targeting to specific cellular locations. Rather than describe each motor comprehensively, we outline the major themes that emerge from research across the superfamily and use specific examples to illustrate each. In presenting the data in this format, we seek to identify open questions in each field as well as to point out commonalities between them. To advance our understanding of myosins' roles in vivo, clearly we must identify their cellular cargoes and the protein complexes that regulate motor attachment to fully appreciate their functions on the cellular and developmental levels.

Characterization of dip1p reveals a switch in Arp2/3-dependent actin assembly for fission yeast endocytosis

BACKGROUND

During endocytosis in yeast, a choreographed series of discrete local events at the plasma membrane lead to a rapid burst of actin polymerization and the subsequent internalization of an endocytic vesicle. What initiates Arp2/3-dependent actin polymerization in this process is not well understood.

RESULTS

The Schizosaccharomyces pombe WISH/DIP/SPIN90 ortholog dip1p is an actin-patch protein that regulates the temporal sequence of endocytic events. dip1Δ mutants exhibit a novel phenotype in which early events such as WASp localization occur normally but arrival of Arp2/3, actin polymerization, and subsequent steps are delayed and occur with apparently random timing. In studying this mutant, we demonstrate that positive feedback loops of WASp, rapid actin assembly, and Arp2/3 contribute to switch-like behavior that initiates actin polymerization. In the absence of dip1p, a subset of patches is activated concurrently with the "touch" of a neighboring endocytic vesicle.

CONCLUSIONS

These studies reveal a switch-like mechanism responsible for the initiation of actin assembly during endocytosis. This switch may be activated in at least two ways, through a dip1p-dependent mechanism and through contact with another endocytic vesicle.

Wsp1, a GBD/CRIB domain-containing WASP homolog, is required for growth, morphogenesis, and virulence of Cryptococcus neoformans

Human endocytic protein ITSN1 regulates actin reorganization by activating Rho family GTPases, such as Cdc42. The process is enhanced by ITSN binding of WASP, an effector of Cdc42 and a potent activator of actin polymerization. In the human pathogen Cryptococcus neoformans, endocytic protein Cin1 also interacts with Cdc42 and Wsp1, an uncharacterized WASP homolog, but the significance of these interactions remains unknown. Wsp1 contains several conserved domains, including a WASP homology 1 domain (WH1), a GTPase binding/Cdc42 and Rac interactive binding domain (GBD/CRIB), and a C-terminal domain composed of verprolin-like, central, and acidic motifs (VCA). Thus, Wsp1 exhibits domain compositions more similar to human WASP proteins than Saccharomyces cerevisiae Las17/Bee1, a WASP homolog lacking the GDB/CRIB domain. Wsp1 is not an essential protein; however, the wsp1 mutant exhibited defects in growth, cytokinesis, chitin distribution, and endocytosis and exocytosis. The wsp1 mutant was also unable to undergo genetic cross, produce the polysaccharide capsule, or secrete the enzyme urease. An in vitro phagocytosis assay showed a higher phagocytic index for the wsp1 mutant, whose ability to cause lethal infection in a murine model of cryptococcosis was also attenuated. Our studies reveal divergent evolution of WASP proteins in the fungal phylum and suggest that the conserved function of WASP proteins in the actin cytoskeleton may also impact fungal virulence.

Three's company: the fission yeast actin cytoskeleton

How the actin cytoskeleton assembles into different structures to drive diverse cellular processes is a fundamental cell biological question. In addition to orchestrating the appropriate combination of regulators and actin-binding proteins, different actin-based structures must insulate themselves from one another to maintain specificity within a crowded cytoplasm. Actin specification is particularly challenging in complex eukaryotes where a multitude of protein isoforms and actin structures operate within the same cell. Fission yeast Schizosaccharomyces pombe possesses a single actin isoform that functions in three distinct structures throughout the cell cycle. In this review we explore recent studies in fission yeast that help unravel how different actin structures operate in cells.

GMF is an evolutionarily developed Adf/cofilin-super family protein involved in the Arp2/3 complex-mediated organization of the actin cytoskeleton

Actin-depolymerizing factor (ADF)/cofilin is widely expressed in eukaryotes and plays a central role in reorganizing the actin cytoskeleton by disassembling actin filaments. The ADF-homologous domain (ADF-H) is conserved in several other actin-modulating proteins such as twinfilin, Abp1/drebrin, and coactosin. Although these proteins interact with actin via ADF-H, their effects on actin are not identical to each other. Here, we report a novel ADF/cofilin-super family protein, Gmf1 (Glia maturation factor-like protein 1), from the fission yeast Schizosaccharomyces pombe. Gmf1 is a component of actin patches, which are located on the cell cortex and required for endocytosis, and may be involved in the control of the disassembly of actin patches since its overexpression diminishes them. We provide evidence that Gmf1 binds weakly if at all to actin, but it associates with actin-related protein (Arp) 2/3 complex and suppresses its functions such as the promotion of actin polymerization and branching filaments. Importantly, Arp2/3 complex-suppressing activity is conserved among GMF-family proteins from other organisms. Given the functional plasticity of ADF-H, GMF-family proteins possibly have changed their target from conventional actin to Arps through molecular evolution.

The recruitment of acetylated and unacetylated tropomyosin to distinct actin polymers permits the discrete regulation of specific myosins in fission yeast

Tropomyosin (Tm) is a conserved dimeric coiled-coil protein, which forms polymers that curl around actin filaments in order to regulate actomyosin function. Acetylation of the Tm N-terminal methionine strengthens end-to-end bonds, which enhances actin binding as well as the ability of Tm to regulate myosin motor activity in both muscle and non-muscle cells. In this study we explore the function of each Tm form within fission yeast cells. Electron microscopy and live cell imaging revealed that acetylated and unacetylated Tm associate with distinct actin structures within the cell, and that each form has a profound effect upon the shape and integrity of the polymeric actin filament. We show that, whereas Tm acetylation is required to regulate the in vivo motility of class II myosins, acetylated Tm had no effect on the motility of class I and V myosins. These findings illustrate a novel Tm-acetylation-state-dependent mechanism for regulating specific actomyosin cytoskeletal interactions.

Proteasome nuclear import mediated by Arc3 can influence efficient DNA damage repair and mitosis in Schizosaccharomyces pombe

Proteasomes must efficiently remove their substrates throughout the cells in a timely manner as many of these proteins can be toxic. This study shows that proteasomes can do so efficiently because they are highly mobile. Furthermore this study uncovers that proteasome mobility requires functional Arc3, a subunit of the Arp2/3 complex.

Proteasomes must remove regulatory molecules and abnormal proteins throughout the cell, but how proteasomes can do so efficiently remains unclear. We have isolated a subunit of the Arp2/3 complex, Arc3, which binds proteasomes. When overexpressed, Arc3 rescues phenotypes associated with proteasome deficiencies; when its expression is repressed, proteasome deficiencies intensify. Arp2/3 is best known for regulating membrane dynamics and vesicular transport; thus, we performed photobleaching experiments and showed that proteasomes are readily imported into the nucleus but exit the nucleus slowly. Proteasome nuclear import is reduced when Arc3 is inactivated, leading to hypersensitivity to DNA damage and inefficient cyclin-B degradation, two events occurring in the nucleus. These data suggest that proteasomes display Arc3-dependent mobility in the cell, and mobile proteasomes can efficiently access substrates throughout the cell, allowing them to effectively regulate cell-compartment–specific activities.

Calmodulin dissociation regulates Myo5 recruitment and function at endocytic sites

Myosins-I are conserved proteins that bear an N-terminal motor head followed by a Tail Homology 1 (TH1) lipid-binding domain. Some myosins-I have an additional C-terminal extension (C(ext)) that promotes Arp2/3 complex-dependent actin polymerization. The head and the tail are separated by a neck that binds calmodulin or calmodulin-related light chains. Myosins-I are known to participate in actin-dependent membrane remodelling. However, the molecular mechanisms controlling their recruitment and their biochemical activities in vivo are far from being understood. In this study, we provided evidence suggesting the existence of an inhibitory interaction between the TH1 domain of the yeast myosin-I Myo5 and its C(ext). The TH1 domain prevented binding of the Myo5 C(ext) to the yeast WIP homologue Vrp1, Myo5 C(ext)-induced actin polymerization and recruitment of the Myo5 C(ext) to endocytic sites. Our data also indicated that calmodulin dissociation from Myo5 weakened the interaction between the neck and TH1 domains and the C(ext). Concomitantly, calmodulin dissociation triggered Myo5 binding to Vrp1, extended the myosin-I lifespan at endocytic sites and activated Myo5-induced actin polymerization.

Ste20-kinase-dependent TEDS-site phosphorylation modulates the dynamic localisation and endocytic function of the fission yeast class I myosin, Myo1

Type I myosins are monomeric motors involved in a range of motile and sensory activities in different cell types. In simple unicellular eukaryotes, motor activity of class I myosins is regulated by phosphorylation of a conserved 'TEDS site' residue within the motor domain. The mechanism by which this phosphorylation event affects the cellular function of each myosin I remains unclear. The fission yeast myosin I, Myo1, activates Arp2/3-dependent polymerisation of cortical actin patches and also regulates endocytosis. Using mutants and Myo1-specific antibodies, we show that the phosphorylation of the Myo1 TEDS site (serine 361) plays a crucial role in regulating this protein's dynamic localisation and cellular function. We conclude that although phosphorylation of serine 361 does not affect the ability of this motor protein to promote actin polymerisation, it is required for Myo1 to recruit to sites of endocytosis and function during this process.

Genome-wide mapping of myosin protein-RNA networks suggests the existence of specialized protein production sites

Motor proteins can organize posttranscriptional processes by transporting ribonucleoprotein complexes to specific locations. To investigate a possible role of myosin proteins in gene expression control, I have identified mRNAs associated with five myosin heavy chains in the fission yeast Schizosaccharomyces pombe, by purifying the proteins and identifying bound transcripts using DNA microarrays. Each myosin coimmunoprecipitated with 5-13 different mRNAs (approximately 0.1-0.2% of all genes), including those encoding four different myosin heavy chains. Moreover, one of the myosins (Myo1) interacted with mRNAs encoding components of the cortical actin cytoskeleton. These interactions were not observed in control immunoprecipitates. A myosin-specific chaperone (Rng3) that interacts cotranslationally with myosin mRNAs was essential for the association between myosin proteins and transcripts but not between Myo1 and other mRNAs. Finally, proteins encoded by the Myo1-associated mRNAs immunoprecipitated each other's transcripts, but not myosin mRNAs. These interactions suggest the existence of two distinct myosin-containing ribonucleoprotein complexes: those containing myosin mRNAs and those associated with Myo1. They are distinguished by their mRNA composition, requirement for the Rng3 chaperone and the presence of nonmyosin cytoskeletal proteins. I propose that these complexes represent specialized sites for the production of myosin proteins and the assembly of cytoskeletal components, respectively.

Genetic control of cellular quiescence in S. pombe

Transition from proliferation to quiescence brings about extensive changes in cellular behavior and structure. However, the genes that are crucial for establishing and/or maintaining quiescence are largely unknown. The fission yeast Schizosaccharomyces pombe is an excellent model in which to study this problem, because it becomes quiescent under nitrogen starvation. Here, we characterize 610 temperature-sensitive mutants, and identify 33 genes that are required for entry into and maintenance of quiescence. These genes cover a broad range of cellular functions in the cytoplasm, membrane and nucleus. They encode proteins for stress-responsive and cell-cycle kinase signaling pathways, for actin-bound and osmo-controlling endosome formation, for RNA transcription, splicing and ribosome biogenesis, for chromatin silencing, for biosynthesis of lipids and ATP, for cell-wall and membrane morphogenesis, and for protein trafficking and vesicle fusion. We specifically highlight Fcp1, a CTD phosphatase of RNA polymerase II, which differentially affects the transcription of genes that are involved in quiescence and proliferation. We propose that the transcriptional role of Fcp1 is central in differentiating quiescence from proliferation.

Actin and endocytosis: mechanisms and phylogeny

The regulated assembly of actin filament networks is a crucial part of endocytosis, with crucial temporal and spatial relationships between proteins of the endocytic and actin assembly machinery. Of particular importance has been a wealth of studies in budding and fission yeast. Cell biology approaches, combined with molecular genetics, have begun to uncover the complexity of the regulation of actin dynamics during the endocytic process. In a wide range of organisms, clathrin-mediated endocytosis appears to be linked to Arp2/3-mediated actin assembly. The conservation of the components, across a wide range eukaryotic species, suggests that the partnership between endocytosis and actin may be evolutionarily ancient.

Organelle transport: dynamic actin tracks for myosin motors

Transport of cargo by molecular motors on microtubule and actin filament tracks is a fundamental property of eukaryotic cells. A new study reports that actin dynamics are required in cells for myosin I and V motor proteins to transport their organelle cargos on actin tracks.

Creatine kinase-mediated ATP supply fuels actin-based events in phagocytosis

Phagocytosis requires locally coordinated cytoskeletal rearrangements driven by actin polymerization and myosin motor activity. How this actomyosin dynamics is dependent upon systems that provide access to ATP at phagosome microdomains has not been determined. We analyzed the role of brain-type creatine kinase (CK-B), an enzyme involved in high-energy phosphoryl transfer. We demonstrate that endogenous CK-B in macrophages is mobilized from the cytosolic pool and coaccumulates with F-actin at nascent phagosomes. Live cell imaging with XFP-tagged CK-B and β-actin revealed the transient and specific nature of this partitioning process. Overexpression of a catalytic dead CK-B or CK-specific cyclocreatine inhibition caused a significant reduction of actin accumulation in the phagocytic cup area, and reduced complement receptor–mediated, but not Fc-γR–mediated, ingestion capacity of macrophages. Finally, we found that inhibition of CK-B affected phagocytosis already at the stage of particle adhesion, most likely via effects on actin polymerization behavior. We propose that CK-B activity in macrophages contributes to complement-induced F-actin assembly events in early phagocytosis by providing local ATP supply.

To do work, cells need energy in the form of ATP. High and sudden energy demand is seen during cell-shape change, a process in which ATP fuels the cytoskeletal machinery that drives cell-morphology alteration. How a cell organizes high-energy surges without disrupting global ATP homeostasis remains an important research question. One view proposes that ATP is heterogeneously distributed, but the cytoskeletal proteins actin and myosin receive regional and preferential access to ATP. Yet this model raises another question: how is ATP funneled to these proteins from distant sources? To address some of these questions, we studied the highly localized molecular events controlling actin dynamics around phagocytic activity of macrophages. We demonstrate that actin and creatine kinase-B (CK-B), a long-known enzyme involved in ATP supply, are simultaneously recruited into the sites of action during the early phases of particle ingestion. Local availability of CK-activity and local generation of ATP promotes on-site actin remodeling and particle capture efficiency, and thus supports successful initiation of the first phases of phagocytosis. Interestingly, this coupling between local CK-activity and actin regulation is only relevant for complement-mediated phagocytosis (used by immune cells to target specific particles for ingestion). We predict that our findings may also shed light on how shape dynamics is energized in other cell types.

A tight connection exists between local recruitment of creatine kinase-B (CK-B) and actin remodeling activity in phagocytic cups of macrophages. Complement-mediated phagocytosis is stimulated in the presence of enzymatic-active CK-B, indicating that local ATP supply stimulates actin-driven particle uptake events.

Distinct roles for Arp2/3 regulators in actin assembly and endocytosis

The Arp2/3 complex is essential for actin assembly and motility in many cell processes, and a large number of proteins have been found to bind and regulate it in vitro. A critical challenge is to understand the actions of these proteins in cells, especially in settings where multiple regulators are present. In a systematic study of the sequential multicomponent actin assembly processes that accompany endocytosis in yeast, we examined and compared the roles of WASp, two type-I myosins, and two other Arp2/3 activators, along with that of coronin, which is a proposed inhibitor of Arp2/3. Quantitative analysis of high-speed fluorescence imaging revealed individual functions for the regulators, manifested in part by novel phenotypes. We conclude that Arp2/3 regulators have distinct and overlapping roles in the processes of actin assembly that drive endocytosis in yeast. The formation of the endocytic actin patch, the creation of the endocytic vesicle, and the movement of the vesicle into the cytoplasm display distinct dependencies on different Arp2/3 regulators. Knowledge of these roles provides insight into the in vivo relevance of the dendritic nucleation model for actin assembly.

A branched network of growing actin filaments, pushing against a membrane, provides the force for certain cellular movements. The Arp2/3 complex plays a central role in this process by generating new filaments and branch points. A number of proteins bind to and, in some cases, regulate Arp2/3. It is important to determine, in the cell, the precise roles of each of the many Arp2/3 regulators in generating actin networks during a complex, multistep, cellular movement. In yeast, endocytosis occurs at the plasma membrane in association with the assembly and movement of cortical actin patches, which contain six Arp2/3 regulators. We have used the actin patch as a model system to determine the specific roles of these regulators during patch assembly and movement. We used high-speed video microscopy, coupled with computer-aided particle tracking, to monitor the movement of fluorescently labeled actin patches in cells with one or more mutations of the Arp2/3 regulators. The sensitivity of this technique allowed us to identify previously unappreciated functions for Arp2/3 regulators and to assign each of the regulators a specific role during actin patch assembly and movement. Our results demonstrate that Arp2/3 regulatory proteins play overlapping roles at certain stages of actin patch movement, but distinct roles at other stages. In addition, our results provide new insight into how the assembly of an actin filament networks powers the movement of endocytic vesicles away from the membrane.

Branched networks of actin filaments, nucleated by the Arp2/3 complex, power many cellular movements. Quantitative analysis of actin patch motility in budding yeast reveals distinct and overlapping roles for Arp2/3 regulators in endocytosis.

btn1 affects endocytosis, polarization of sterol-rich membrane domains and polarized growth in Schizosaccharomyces pombe

btn1, the Schizosaccharomyces pombe orthologue of the human Batten disease gene CLN3, exerts multiple cellular effects. As well as a role in vacuole pH homoeostasis, we now show that Btn1p is essential for growth at high temperatures. Its absence results in progressive defects at 37°C that culminate in total depolarized growth and cell lysis. These defects are preceded by a progressive failure to correctly polarize sterol-rich domains after cytokinesis and are accompanied by loss of Myo1p localization. Furthermore, we found that in Sz. pombe, sterol spreading is linked to defective formation/polarization of F-actin patches and disruption of endocytosis and that these processes are aberrant in btn1Δ cells. Consistent with a role for Btn1p in polarized growth, Btn1p has an altered location at 37°C and is retained in actin-dependent endomembrane structures near the cell poles or septum.

Roles of F-BAR/PCH proteins in the regulation of membrane dynamics and actin reorganization

The Pombe Cdc15 Homology (PCH) proteins have emerged in many species as important coordinators of signaling pathways that regulate actomyosin assembly and membrane dynamics. The hallmark of the PCH proteins is the presence of a Fes/CIP4 homology-Bin/Amphiphysin/Rvsp (F-BAR) domain; therefore they are commonly referred to as F-BAR proteins. The prototype F-BAR protein, Cdc15p of Schizosaccharomyces pombe, has a role in the formation of the contractile actomyosin ring during cytokinesis. Vertebrate F-BAR proteins have an established role in binding phospholipids and they participate in membrane deformations, for instance, during the internalization of transmembrane receptors. This way the F-BAR proteins will function as linkers between the actin polymerization apparatus and the machinery regulating membrane dynamics. Interestingly, some members of the F-BAR proteins are implicated in inflammatory or neurodegenerative disorders and the observations can be expected to have clinical implications for the treatment of the diseases.

Properties of actin from the fission yeast Schizosaccharomyces pombe and interaction with fission yeast profilin

The fission yeast Schizosaccharomyces pombe serves as a model system for studying role of actin cytoskeleton, since it has simple actin cytoskeletons and is genetically tractable. In contrast, biochemical approaches using this organism are still developing; fission yeast actin has so far not been isolated in its native form and characterized, and therefore, biochemical assays of fission yeast actin-binding proteins (ABPs) or myosin have been performed using rabbit skeletal muscle actin that may interact with the fission yeast ABPs in a manner different from fission yeast actin. Here, we report a novel method for isolating functionally active actin from fission yeast cells. The highly purified fission yeast actin polymerized with kinetics somewhat different from those of muscle actin and forms filaments that are structurally indistinguishable from skeletal muscle actin filaments. The fission yeast actin was a significantly weaker activator of Mg(2+)-ATPase of HMM of skeletal muscle myosin than muscle actin. The fission yeast profilin Cdc3 suppressed polymerization of fission yeast actin more effectively than that of muscle actin and showed an affinity for fission yeast actin higher than for muscle actin. The establishment of purification of fission yeast actin will enable reconstruction of physiologically relevant interactions between the actin and fission yeast ABPs or myosins and contribute to clarification of function of actin cytoskeleton in various cellular activities.

Hob3p, the fission yeast ortholog of human BIN3, localizes Cdc42p to the division site and regulates cytokinesis

Cdc42 GTPase is required for polarization in eukaryotic cells, but its spatial regulation is poorly understood. In Schizosaccharomyces pombe, Cdc42p is activated by Scd1p and Gef1p, two guanine-nucleotide exchange factors. Two-hybrid screening identified Hob3p as a Gef1p binding partner. Hob3p is a BAR domain-containing protein ortholog of human Bin3. Hob3p also interacts directly with Cdc42p independently of Gef1p. Hob3p, Cdc42p and Gef1p form a complex, and Hob3p facilitates Gef1p-Cdc42p interaction and activation. Hob3p forms a ring in the division area, similar to that of Gef1p. This localization requires actin polymerization and Cdc15p but is independent of the septation initiation network. Hob3p is required for the concentration of Cdc42p to the division area. The actomyosin ring contraction is slower in hob3Delta than in wild-type cells, and this contributes to its cytokinesis defect. Moreover, this report extends previous evidence that human Bin3 suppresses the cytokinesis phenotype of hob3Delta cells, showing that Bin3 can partially recover the GTP-Cdc42p level and its localization. These results suggest that Hob3p is required to recruit and activate Cdc42p at the cell division site and that this function might be conserved in other eukaryotes.

Role of Rho GTPases and Rho-GEFs in the regulation of cell shape and integrity in fission yeast

The Rho family of GTPases are highly conserved molecular switches that control some of the most fundamental processes of cell biology, including morphogenesis, vesicular transport, cell division and motility. Guanine nucleotide-exchange factors (GEFs) are directly responsible for the activation of Rho-family GTPases in response to extracellular stimuli. In fission yeast, there are seven Dbl-related GEFs and they activate six Rho-type GTPases within a particular spatio-temporal context. The failure to do so might have consequences reflected in aberrant phenotypes and in some cases lead to cell death. In this review, we briefly summarize the role of Rho GTPases and Rho-GEFs in the establishment and maintenance of cell polarity and cell integrity in Schizosaccharomyces pombe.

Transcript profiles of Candida albicans cortical actin patch mutants reflect their cellular defects: contribution of the Hog1p and Mkc1p signaling pathways

In Candida albicans, Myo5p and Sla2p are required for the polarized localization and function of cortical actin patches, for hyphal formation, and for endocytosis. Deletion of either the MYO5 or the SLA2 gene generated a common transcriptional response that involved changes in the transcript levels of cell wall protein- and membrane protein-encoding genes. However, these profiles were distinct from those observed for a mutant with specific deletions of the actin-organizing domains of Myo5p or for wild-type cells treated with cytochalasin A, both of which also generate defects in the organization of cortical actin patches. The profiles observed for the myo5Delta and sla2Delta mutants had similarities to those of wild-type cells subjected to an osmotic shock, and the defects in cortical patch function found with myo5Delta and sla2Delta mutants, but not cortical actin patch distribution per se, affected sensitivity to various stresses, including heat and osmotic shocks and cell wall damage. Secondary effects coupled with defective endocytosis, such as lack of polarized lipid rafts and associated protein Rvs167-GFP (where GFP is green fluorescent protein) and lack of polarized wall remodeling protein GFP-Gsc1, were also observed for the myo5Delta and sla2Delta mutants. The mitogen-activated protein kinases Hog1p and Mkc1p, which mediate signaling in response to osmotic stress and cell wall damage, do not play a major role in regulating the transcript level changes in the myo5Delta and sla2Delta mutants. Hog1p was not hyperphosphorylated in the myo5Delta and sla2Delta mutants, and the transcript levels of only a subset of genes affected in the myo5Delta mutant were dependent upon the presence of Hog1p and Mkc1p. However, it appears that Hog1p and Mkc1p play important roles in the myo5Delta mutant cells because double deletion of myosin I and either Hog1p or Mkc1p resulted in very-slow-growing cells.

Arabidopsis thaliana myosin XIK is involved in root hair as well as trichome morphogenesis on stems and leaves

Myosins form a large superfamily of molecular motors that move along actin filaments. The functions of myosins in plant cells are thought to be related to various processes: cell division, movement of mitochondria and chloroplasts, cytoplasmic streaming, rearrangement of transvacuolar strands, and statolith positioning. Class VIII and XI myosins are represented in the Arabidopsis thaliana genome by 4 and 13 potential genes, respectively. The roles of individual class XI myosins and their cellular targets in A. thaliana are still unclear. In this work we implemented a reverse genetic approach to analyse the loss-of-function mutants of XIK, a representative of class XI myosins in A. thaliana. Three different T-DNA insertion mutants in the myosin XIK gene showed similar phenotypes: impaired growth of root hair cells, twisted shape of stem trichomes, and irregular size, branch positioning, and branch expansion of leaf trichomes. Morphometric analysis of mutant seedlings showed that the average length of root hairs was reduced up to 50% in comparison with wild-type root hairs, suggesting an involvement of the class XI myosin XIK in tip growth. On leaves, the proportion of trichomes with short branches was doubleed in mutant plants, and the mutant trichomes possessed a mildly twisted shape. Therefore, we concluded that myosin XIK is involved also in the elongation of stalks and branches of trichomes.

The SH3 domain of a M7 interacts with its C-terminal proline-rich region

Myosins play essential roles in migration, cytokinesis, endocytosis, and adhesion. They are composed of a large N-terminal motor domain with ATPase and actin binding sites and C-terminal neck and tail regions, whose functional roles and structural context in the protein are less well characterized. The tail regions of myosins I, IV, VII, XII, and XV each contain a putative SH3 domain that may be involved in protein-protein interactions. SH3 domains are reported to bind proline-rich motifs, especially "PxxP" sequences, and such interactions serve regulatory functions. The activity of Src, PI3, and Itk kinases, for example, is regulated by intramolecular interactions between their SH3 domain and internal proline-rich sequences. Here, we use NMR spectroscopy to reveal the structure of a protein construct from Dictyostelium myosin VII (DdM7) spanning A1620-T1706, which contains its SH3 domain and adjacent proline-rich region. The SH3 domain forms the signature beta-barrel architecture found in other SH3 domains, with conserved tryptophan and tyrosine residues forming a hydrophobic pocket known to bind "PxxP" motifs. In addition, acidic residues in the RT or n-Src loops are available to interact with the basic anchoring residues that are typically found in ligands or proteins that bind SH3 domains. The DdM7 SH3 differs in the hydrophobicity of the second pocket formed by the 3(10) helix and following beta-strand, which contains polar rather than hydrophobic side chains. Most unusual, however, is that this domain binds its adjacent proline-rich region at a surface remote from the region previously identified to bind "PxxP" motifs. The interaction may affect the orientation of the tail without sacrificing the availability of the canonical "PxxP"-binding surface.

The ARP2/3 complex: an actin nucleator comes of age

The cellular functions of the actin cytoskeleton require precise regulation of both the initiation of actin polymerization and the organization of the resulting filaments. The actin-related protein-2/3 (ARP2/3) complex is a central player in this regulation. A decade of study has begun to shed light on the molecular mechanisms by which this powerful machine controls the polymerization, organization and recycling of actin-filament networks, both in vitro and in the living cell.

The yeast actin cytoskeleton: from cellular function to biochemical mechanism

All cells undergo rapid remodeling of their actin networks to regulate such critical processes as endocytosis, cytokinesis, cell polarity, and cell morphogenesis. These events are driven by the coordinated activities of a set of 20 to 30 highly conserved actin-associated proteins, in addition to many cell-specific actin-associated proteins and numerous upstream signaling molecules. The combined activities of these factors control with exquisite precision the spatial and temporal assembly of actin structures and ensure dynamic turnover of actin structures such that cells can rapidly alter their cytoskeletons in response to internal and external cues. One of the most exciting principles to emerge from the last decade of research on actin is that the assembly of architecturally diverse actin structures is governed by highly conserved machinery and mechanisms. With this realization, it has become apparent that pioneering efforts in budding yeast have contributed substantially to defining the universal mechanisms regulating actin dynamics in eukaryotes. In this review, we first describe the filamentous actin structures found in Saccharomyces cerevisiae (patches, cables, and rings) and their physiological functions, and then we discuss in detail the specific roles of actin-associated proteins and their biochemical mechanisms of action.

A critical role for the type V myosin, Myo52, in septum deposition and cell fission during cytokinesis in Schizosaccharomyces pombe

Cytokinesis in fission yeast involves the coordination of septum deposition with the contraction of a cytokinetic actomyosin ring. We have examined the role of the type V myosin Myo52 in the coupling of these two events by the construction of a series of deletion mutants of the Myo52 tail and a further mutant within the ATP binding domain of the head. Each mutant protein was ectopically expressed in fission yeast cells. Each truncation was assayed for the ability to localize to the cell poles and septum (the normal cellular locations of Myo52) and to rescue the morphology defects and temperature sensitivity of a myo52Delta strain. A region within the Myo52 tail (amino acids 1320-1503), with a high degree of similarity to the vesicle-binding domain of the budding yeast type V myosin Myo2p, was essential for Myo52's role in the maintenance of growth polarity and cell division. A separate region (amino acids 1180-1320) was required for Myo52 foci to move throughout the cytoplasm; however, constructs lacking this region, but which retained the ability to dimerize still associated with actin at sites of cell growth. Not all of the Myo52 truncations which localized rescued the morphological defects of myo52Delta, demonstrating that loss of function was not simply brought about by an inability of mutant proteins to target the correct cellular location. By contrast, Myo52 motor activity was required for both localization and cellular function. myo52Delta cells were unable to efficiently localize the beta-1,3-glucan synthase, Bgs1, either at the cell poles or at the division septum, regions of cell wall deposition. Bgs1 and Myo52 localized to vesicle-like dots at the poles in interphase and these moved together to the septum at division. These data have led to the formulation of a model in which Myo52 is responsible for the delivery of Bgs1 and associated molecules to polar cell growth regions during interphase. On the commencement of septum formation, Myo52 transports Bgs1 to the cell equator, thus ensuring the accurate deposition of beta-1,3-glucan at the leading edge of the primary septum.

TEDS site phosphorylation of the yeast myosins I is required for ligand-induced but not for constitutive endocytosis of the G protein-coupled receptor Ste2p

The yeast myosins I Myo3p and Myo5p have well established functions in the polarization of the actin cytoskeleton and in the endocytic uptake of the G protein-coupled receptor Ste2p. A number of results suggest that phosphorylation of the conserved TEDS serine of the myosin I motor head by the Cdc42p activated p21-activated kinases Ste20p and Cla4p is required for the organization of the actin cytoskeleton. However, the role of this signaling cascade in the endocytic uptake has not been investigated. Interestingly, we find that Myo5p TEDS site phosphorylation is not required for slow, constitutive endocytosis of Ste2p, but it is essential for rapid, ligand-induced internalization of the receptor. Our results strongly suggest that a kinase activates the myosins I to sustain fast endocytic uptake. Surprisingly, however, despite the fact that only p21-activated kinases are known to phosphorylate the conserved TEDS site, we find that these kinases are not essential for ligand-induced internalization of Ste2p. Our observations indicate that a different signaling cascade, involving the yeast homologues of the mammalian PDK1 (3-phosphoinositide-dependent-protein kinase-1), Phk1p and Pkh2p, and serum and glucocorticoid-induced kinase, Ypk1p and Ypk2p, activate Myo3p and Myo5p for their endocytic function.

Localization of Type I Myosin and F-actin to the Leading Edge Region of the Forespore Membrane in Schizosaccharomyces pombe

Myo1, a heavy chain of type I myosin of the fission yeast Schizosaccharomyces pombe, is essential for sporulation. Here we have analyzed the expression, localization and cellular function of the type I myosin light chain calmodulin, Cam2, encoded by cam2(+). Transcription of cam2(+) was constitutive and markedly enhanced in meiosis. The cam2 null mutant was viable and completed sporulation normally at 28 degrees C, but formed four-spored asci poorly at 34 degrees C. In those sporulation-defective cells, the forespore membrane was formed abnormally. A Cam2-GFP fusion protein accumulated at the cell poles in interphase cells and at the medial septation site in postmitotic cells, colocalizing with Myo1 and F-actin patches. During the mating process, a single Cam2-GFP dot was detected at the tip of the mating projection. During meiosis-I, the Cam2-GFP dots dispersed into the cell periphery and the cytoplasm. At metaphase-II, intense Cam2-GFP signals appeared near Meu14 rings which were formed at the leading edge of expanding forespore membranes. This localization of Cam2 was dependent upon Myo1; and sporulation defect of cam2Delta at 34 degrees C was alleviated by overexpressing Myo1DeltaIQ. These results suggest a close relationship between Cam2 and Myo1. In addition, both F-actin and Myo1 localized with Cam2 in the leading edge region. In summary, type I myosin and F-actin accumulate at the leading edge area of the forespore membrane and may play a pivotal role in its assembly.

Arp2/3 and SCAR: plants move to the fore

The actin-nucleating Arp2/3 complex is essential for life in yeast and animals, but not in plants, in which mutants of Arp2/3 complex components show relatively minor developmental abnormalities. Animal cells control the activity of the Arp2/3 complex through the suppressor of cyclic AMP receptor (SCAR) complex to achieve cell motility. Amazingly, plants have also retained the SCAR cell-motility pathway, and now provide a unique model for the study of new aspects of SCAR function in the absence of cell motility.

Role of fission yeast myosin I in organization of sterol-rich membrane domains

Specialized membrane domains containing lipid rafts are thought to be important for membrane processes such as signaling and trafficking. An unconventional type I myosin has been shown to reside in lipid rafts and function to target a disaccharidase to rafts in brush borders of intestinal mammalian cells. In the fission yeast Schizosaccharomyces pombe, distinct sterol-rich membrane domains are formed at the cell division site and sites of polarized cell growth at cell tips. Here, we show that the sole S. pombe myosin I, myo1p, is required for proper organization of these membrane domains. myo1 mutants lacking the TH1 domain exhibit a uniform distribution of sterol-rich membranes all over the plasma membrane throughout the cell cycle. These effects are independent of endocytosis because myo1 mutants exhibit no endocytic defects. Conversely, overexpression of myo1p induces ectopic sterol-rich membrane domains. Myo1p localizes to nonmotile foci that cluster in sterol-rich plasma membrane domains and fractionates with detergent-resistant membranes. Because the myo1p TH1 domain may bind directly to acidic phospholipids, these findings suggest a model for how type I myosin contributes to the organization of specialized membrane domains.

The WASP/Las17p-interacting protein Bzz1p functions with Myo5p in an early stage of endocytosis

The formation of actin filaments is crucial for endocytosis and other interrelated cellular phenomena such as motility, polarized morphogenesis, and cytokinesis. In this paper we have investigated the role of the WASP/Las17-interacting protein Bzz1p in endocytosis and trafficking to the vacuole. We and others have recently shown that Bzz1p is an actin patch protein that interacts directly with Las17p via a SH3-polyproline interaction. Bzz1p functions with type I myosins to restore polarity of the actin cytoskeleton after NaCl stress. In an in vitro bead assay, GST-Bzz1p fusion protein triggers a functional actin polymerization machinery through its two C-terminal SH3 domains. In this paper we implicate Bzz1p with the type I myosins both in fluid-phase and in the internalization step of receptor-mediated endocytosis. As deduced from their localization as GFP fusions, the vacuolar delivery of endocytic and biosynthetic cargoes as well as the multivesicular body pathway appear unaffected. We further elucidate Bzz1p direct participation in actin polymerization by demonstrating that each of the SH3 domains of Bzz1p individually is able to trigger actin polymerization in a cell-free system dependent on Arp2/3, Las17p, Vrp1p, and the type I myosins. Taken together, our results show that Bzz1p participates, essentially via its SH3 domains, in early steps of endocytosis together with known actin nucleation activators.

Myosin-X: a molecular motor at the cell's fingertips

Research in several areas, including unconventional myosins and deafness genes, has converged recently on a group of myosins whose tails contain myosin tail homology 4 (MyTH4) and band 4.1, ezrin, radixin, moesin (FERM) domains. Although these 'MyTH-FERM' myosins are not present in yeast and plants, they are present in slime molds, worms, flies and mammals, where they mediate interactions between the cytoskeleton and the plasma membrane. The most broadly distributed MyTH-FERM myosin in vertebrate cells appears to be myosin-X (Myo10). This myosin can act as a link to integrins and microtubules, stimulate the formation of filopodia and undergo a novel form of motility within filopodia.

Myosins: tails (and heads) of functional diversity

The myosin family of actin filament-based molecular motors consists of at least 20 structurally and functionally distinct classes. The human genome contains nearly 40 myosin genes, encoding 12 of these classes. Myosins have been implicated in a variety of intracellular functions, including cell migration and adhesion; intracellular transport and localization of organelles and macromolecules; signal transduction; and tumor suppression. In this review, recent insights into the remarkable diversity in the mechanochemical and functional properties associated with this family of molecular motors are discussed.

Interactions of WASp, myosin-I, and verprolin with Arp2/3 complex during actin patch assembly in fission yeast

Yeast actin patches are dynamic structures that form at the sites of cell growth and are thought to play a role in endocytosis. We used biochemical analysis and live cell imaging to investigate actin patch assembly in fission yeast Schizosaccharomyces pombe. Patch assembly proceeds via two parallel pathways: one dependent on WASp Wsp1p and verprolin Vrp1p converges with another dependent on class 1 myosin Myo1p to activate the actin-related protein 2/3 (Arp2/3) complex. Wsp1p activates Arp2/3 complex via a conventional mechanism, resulting in branched filaments. Myo1p is a weaker Arp2/3 complex activator that makes unstable branches and is enhanced by verprolin. During patch assembly in vivo, Wsp1p and Vrp1p arrive first independent of Myo1p. Arp2/3 complex associates with nascent activator patches over 6–9 s while remaining stationary. After reaching a maximum concentration, Arp2/3 complex patches move centripetally as activator proteins dissociate. Genetic dependencies of patch formation suggest that patch formation involves cross talk between Myo1p and Wsp1p/Vrp1p pathways.

Biological, biochemical, and kinetic effects of mutations of the cardiomyopathy loop of Dictyostelium myosin II: importance of ALA400

The cardiomyopathy (CM)-loop of the heavy chain of class-II myosins begins with a highly conserved Arg residue (whose mutation in human beta-cardiac myosin II results in familial hypertrophic cardiomyopathy). The CM-loop of Dictyostelium myosin II (Arg397-Gln407) is essential for its biological functions and biochemical activities. We found that the CM-loop of smooth muscle myosin II substituted partially, and the CM-loop of beta-cardiac myosin II less well, for growth, capping of surface receptors and development, and the actin-activated MgATPase and in vitro motility activities of purified myosins. There was little correlation between the biochemical and biological activities of the two chimeras and 19 point mutants, but only the five mutants with k cat/K actin values equivalent to wild-type myosin supported essentially full biological function. The three point mutations of Arg397 equivalent to those that result in hypertrophic cardiomyopathy in humans had minimal biological effects and different biochemical effects. The A400V mutation rendered full-length wild-type myosin almost completely inactive, both in vitro and in vivo, and the reverse V400A mutation in the cardiac CM-loop chimera restored almost full activity, even though the sequence still differed from wild-type in 7 of 11 positions. Transient kinetic studies of acto-subfragment-1 (S1) showed that the chimeras and the Ala/Val, Val/Ala mutations do not affect the equilibrium or the association and dissociation rate constants for either ATP or ADP binding to acto-S1 or the rate of ATP-induced dissociation of acto-S1. We conclude that the Ala/Val, Val/Ala mutations affect the release of Pi from acto-S1.ADP.Pi. In addition, Val at position 400 substantially reduces the affinity of actin for S1 in the absence of nucleotide.

Nak1 interacts with Hob1 and Wsp1 to regulate cell growth and polarity in Schizosaccharomyces pombe

We have previously reported that Nak1, a group-II germinal center (GC) kinase, is essential for polarized growth in Schizosaccharomyces pombe. Here, we provide evidence that Nak1 regulates cell growth and polarity, in part, through its interactions with Hob1 (an Rvs167/amphiphysin homolog) and Wsp1 (Wiskott-Aldrich-syndrome-protein homolog). We found that Nak1, Hob1 and Wsp1 interact physically, and that both Hob1/green-fluorescent-protein (Hob1-GFP) and Wsp1-GFP fusion proteins localized to F-actin patches at growing cell ends and medial division sites. Hob1-GFP was dissociated from patches in cells lacking Wsp1. Also, Hob1 overexpression dissociated Wsp1-GFP from foci, inhibited Wsp1-directed F-actin formation in vitro and partially restored polarity defects associated with Wsp1 overexpression or nak1 repression. Furthermore, loss of both Wsp1 and Hob1 resulted in rounded cells, slow growth and multiple septae. Together, these observations suggest that Hob1 and Wsp1 cooperate to mediate cell polarity, growth and division. Repression of nak1 resulted in a random redistribution of Hob1-GFP and Wsp1-GFP foci, and inhibition of Wsp1-directed F-actin formation in vitro. Furthermore, hob1delta and wsp1delta mutants exhibited synthetic growth defects in combination with nak1 repression, suggesting that Nak1 has redundant functions with Hob1 and Wsp1. Collectively, our results suggest that Nak1 both regulates and cooperates with Hob1 and Wsp1 to promote F-actin formation and polarized cell growth.

Functional characterization of myosin I tail regions in Candida albicans

The molecular motor myosin I is required for hyphal growth in the pathogenic yeast Candida albicans. Specific myosin I functions were investigated by a deletion analysis of five neck and tail regions. Hyphal formation requires both the TH1 region and the IQ motifs. The TH2 region is important for optimal hyphal growth. All of the regions, except for the SH3 and acidic (A) regions that were examined individually, were required for the localization of myosin I at the hyphal tip. Similarly, all of the domains were required for the association of myosin I with pelletable actin-bound complexes. Moreover, the hyphal tip localization of cortical actin patches, identified by both rhodamine-phalloidin staining and Arp3-green fluorescent protein signals, was dependent on myosin I. Double deletion of the A and SH3 domains depolarized the distribution of the cortical actin patches without affecting the ability of the mutant to form hyphae, suggesting that myosin I has distinct functions in these processes. Among the six myosin I tail domain mutants, the ability to form hyphae was strictly correlated with endocytosis. We propose that the uptake of cell wall remodeling enzymes and excess plasma membrane is critical for hyphal formation.

Polarized hyphal growth in Candida albicans requires the Wiskott-Aldrich Syndrome protein homolog Wal1p

The yeast-to-hypha transition is a key feature in the cell biology of the dimorphic human fungal pathogen Candida albicans. Reorganization of the actin cytoskeleton is required for this dimorphic switch in Candida. We show that C. albicans WAL1 mutants with both copies of the Wiskott-Aldrich syndrome protein (WASP) homolog deleted do not form hyphae under all inducing conditions tested. Growth of the wild-type and wal1 mutant strains was monitored by in vivo time-lapse microscopy both during yeast-like growth and under hypha-inducing conditions. Isotropic bud growth produced round wal1 cells and unusual mother cell growth. Defects in the organization of the actin cytoskeleton resulted in the random localization of actin patches. Furthermore, wal1 cells exhibited defects in the endocytosis of the lipophilic dye FM4-64, contained increased numbers of vacuoles compared to the wild type, and showed defects in bud site selection. Under hypha-inducing conditions wal1 cells were able to initiate polarized morphogenesis, which, however, resulted in the formation of pseudohyphal cells. Green fluorescent protein (GFP)-tagged Wal1p showed patch-like localization in emerging daughter cells during the yeast growth phase and at the hyphal tips under hypha-inducing conditions. Wal1p-GFP localization largely overlapped with that of actin. Our results demonstrate that Wal1p is required for the organization of the actin cytoskeleton and hyphal morphogenesis in C. albicans as well as for endocytosis and vacuole morphology.

UCS protein Rng3p activates actin filament gliding by fission yeast myosin-II

We purified native Myo2p/Cdc4p/Rlc1p (Myo2), the myosin-II motor required for cytokinesis by Schizosaccharomyces pombe. The Myo2p heavy chain associates with two light chains, Cdc4p and Rlc1p. Although crude Myo2 supported gliding motility of actin filaments in vitro, purified Myo2 lacked this activity in spite of retaining full Ca-ATPase activity and partial actin-activated Mg-ATPase activity. Unc45-/Cro1p-/She4p-related (UCS) protein Rng3p restored the full motility and actin-activated Mg-ATPase activity of purified Myo2. The COOH-terminal UCS domain of Rng3p alone restored motility to pure Myo2. Thus, Rng3p contributes directly to the motility activity of native Myo2. Consistent with a role in Myo2 activation, Rng3p colocalizes with Myo2p in the cytokinetic contractile ring. The absence of Rlc1p or mutations in the Myo2p head or Rng3p compromise the in vitro motility of Myo2 and explain the defects in cytokinesis associated with some of these mutations. In contrast, Myo2 with certain temperature-sensitive forms of Cdc4p has normal motility, so these mutations compromise other functions of Cdc4p required for cytokinesis.

Signalling to actin assembly via the WASP (Wiskott-Aldrich syndrome protein)-family proteins and the Arp2/3 complex

The assembly of a branched network of actin filaments provides the mechanical propulsion that drives a range of dynamic cellular processes, including cell motility. The Arp2/3 complex is a crucial component of such filament networks. Arp2/3 nucleates new actin filaments while bound to existing filaments, thus creating a branched network. In recent years, a number of proteins that activate the filament nucleation activity of Arp2/3 have been identified, most notably the WASP (Wiskott-Aldrich syndrome protein) family. WASP-family proteins activate the Arp2/3 complex, and consequently stimulate actin assembly, in response to extracellular signals. Structural studies have provided a significant refinement in our understanding of the molecular detail of how the Arp2/3 complex nucleates actin filaments. There has also been much progress towards an understanding of the complicated signalling processes that regulate WASP-family proteins. In addition, the use of gene disruption in a number of organisms has led to new insights into the specific functions of individual WASP-family members. The present review will discuss the Arp2/3 complex and its regulators, in particular the WASP-family proteins. Emphasis will be placed on recent developments in the field that have furthered our understanding of actin dynamics and cell motility.

Apical localization of actin patches and vacuolar dynamics in Ashbya gossypii depend on the WASP homolog Wal1p

Analysis of the Ashbya gossypii Wiskott-Aldrich syndrome-like gene AgWAL1 indicates that it is required for the maintenance of polarized hyphal growth. Growth and organelle dynamics of the wild type and of wal1 and other mutant strains were monitored by in vivo (fluorescence) time-lapse microscopy. Loss of WAL1 led to slow growth and defects in polarized growth that produced swellings in subapical regions, whereas formation of hyphal tips and dichotomous tip branching occurred as in the wild-type. Few actin cables in Agwal1 cells were found to insert into the hyphal tip, but specific clustering of cortical actin patches was observed in subapical regions of hyphal tips instead of at the hyphal apex. Distribution and movement of vacuoles was observed in vivo using FM4-64. In the wild type and in the slowly growing mutant strains bem2 and cla4, which lack a Rho-GTPase-activating protein and a PAK kinase, respectively, early endosomes appeared in the hyphal tip, whereas very few early endosomes and small vacuoles were found in the wal1 mutant hyphal tips, thus linking the cortical patch defect of wal1 hyphae with the distribution of endosomes. Vivid movement of vacuoles seen in the wild type and in the bem2 mutant in subapical regions was largely reduced in the wal1 and cla4 mutants. The tubular structure of mitochondria (as visualized by DIOC6 in vivo) was similar in the wild type and the wal1 mutant, although wal1 mitochondria appeared to be larger. Interestingly, mitochondria were found to insert into the hyphal tips in both strains. Our results indicate a function for Wal1p in filamentous fungi in coordinating actin patch distribution with polarized hyphal tip growth.

Actin assembly and endocytosis: from yeast to mammals

Internalization of receptors, lipids, pathogens, and other cargo at the plasma membrane involves several different pathways and requires coordinated interactions between a variety of protein and lipid molecules. The actin cytoskeleton is an integral part of the cell cortex, and there is growing evidence that F-actin plays a direct role in these endocytic events. Genetic studies in yeast have firmly established a functional connection between actin and endocytosis. Identification of several proteins that may function at the interface between actin and the endocytic machinery has provided further evidence for this association in both yeast and mammalian cells. Several of these proteins are directly involved in regulating actin assembly and could thus harness forces produced during actin polymerization to facilitate specific steps in the endocytic process. Recent microscopy studies in mammalian cells provide powerful evidence that localized recruitment and polymerization of actin occurs at endocytic sites. In this review, we focus on progress made in elucidating the functions of the actin cytoskeleton in endocytosis.

Beginning and ending an actin filament: control at the barbed end

Dynamic actin filaments contribute to cell migration, organelle movements, memory, and gene regulation. These dynamic processes are often regulated by extracellular and?or cell cycle signals. Regulation targets, not actin itself, but the factors that determine it's dynamic properties. Thus, filament nucleation, rate and duration of elongation, and depolymerization are each controlled with regard to time and?or space. Two mechanisms exist for nucleating filaments de novo, the Arp23 complex and the formins; multiple pathways regulate each. A new filament elongates rapidly but transiently before its barbed end is capped. Rapid capping allows the cell to maintain fine temporal and spatial control over F-actin distribution. Modulation of capping protein activity and its access to barbed ends is emerging as a site of local regulation. Finally, to maintain a steady state filaments must depolymerize. Depolymerization can limit the rate of new filament nucleation and elongation. The activity of ADF?cofilin, which facilitates depolymerization, is also regulated by multiple inputs. This chapter describes (1) mechanism and regulation of new filament formation, (2) mechanism of enhancing elongation at barbed ends, (3) capping proteins and their regulators, and (4) recycling of actin monomers from filamentous actin (F-actin) back to globular actin (G-actin).

The PCH family protein, Cdc15p, recruits two F-actin nucleation pathways to coordinate cytokinetic actin ring formation in Schizosaccharomyces pombe

Cytokinetic actin ring (CAR) formation in Schizosaccharomyces pombe requires two independent actin nucleation pathways, one dependent on the Arp2/3 complex and another involving the formin Cdc12p. Here we investigate the role of the S. pombe Cdc15 homology family protein, Cdc15p, in CAR assembly and find that it interacts with proteins from both of these nucleation pathways. Cdc15p binds directly to the Arp2/3 complex activator Myo1p, which likely explains why actin patches and the Arp2/3 complex fail to be medially recruited during mitosis in cdc15 mutants. Cdc15p also binds directly to Cdc12p. Cdc15p and Cdc12p not only display mutual dependence for CAR localization, but also exist together in a ring-nucleating structure before CAR formation. The disruption of these interactions in cdc15 null cells is likely to be the reason for their complete lack of CARs. We propose a model in which Cdc15p plays a critical role in recruiting and coordinating the pathways essential for the assembly of medially located F-actin filaments and construction of the CAR.