Drosophila melanogaster gamma-TuRC is dispensable for targeting gamma-tubulin to the centrosome and microtubule nucleation

CDK5RAP2 stimulates microtubule nucleation by the gamma-tubulin ring complex

CDK5RAP2 is a human microcephaly protein that contains a γ-tubulin complex (γ-TuC)-binding domain conserved in Drosophila melanogaster centrosomin and Schizosaccharomyces pombe Mto1p and Pcp1p, which are γ-TuC-tethering proteins. In this study, we show that this domain within CDK5RAP2 associates with the γ-tubulin ring complex (γ-TuRC) to stimulate its microtubule-nucleating activity and is therefore referred to as the γ-TuRC-mediated nucleation activator (γ-TuNA). γ-TuNA but not its γ-TuC-binding-deficient mutant stimulates microtubule nucleation by purified γ-TuRC in vitro and induces extensive, γ-TuRC-dependent nucleation of microtubules in a microtubule regrowth assay. γ-TuRC bound to γ-TuNA contains NME7, FAM128A/B, and actin in addition to γ-tubulin and GCP2-6. RNA interference-mediated depletion of CDK5RAP2 impairs both centrosomal and acentrosomal microtubule nucleation, although γ-TuRC assembly is unaffected. Collectively, these results suggest that the γ-TuNA found in CDK5RAP2 has regulatory functions in γ-TuRC-mediated microtubule nucleation.

Patronin regulates the microtubule network by protecting microtubule minus ends

Tubulin assembles into microtubule polymers that have distinct plus and minus ends. Most microtubule plus ends in living cells are dynamic; the transitions between growth and shrinkage are regulated by assembly-promoting and destabilizing proteins. In contrast, minus ends are generally not dynamic, suggesting their stabilization by some unknown protein. Here, we have identified Patronin (also known as ssp4) as a protein that stabilizes microtubule minus ends in Drosophila S2 cells. In the absence of Patronin, minus ends lose subunits through the actions of the Kinesin-13 microtubule depolymerase, leading to a sparse interphase microtubule array and short, disorganized mitotic spindles. In vitro, the selective binding of purified Patronin to microtubule minus ends is sufficient to protect them against Kinesin-13-induced depolymerization. We propose that Patronin caps and stabilizes microtubule minus ends, an activity that serves a critical role in the organization of the microtubule cytoskeleton.

Proteomic and functional analysis of the mitotic Drosophila centrosome

Regulation of centrosome structure, duplication and segregation is integrated into cellular pathways that control cell cycle progression and growth. As part of these pathways, numerous proteins with well-established non-centrosomal localization and function associate with the centrosome to fulfill regulatory functions. In turn, classical centrosomal components take up functional and structural roles as part of other cellular organelles and compartments. Thus, although a comprehensive inventory of centrosome components is missing, emerging evidence indicates that its molecular composition reflects the complexity of its functions. We analysed the Drosophila embryonic centrosomal proteome using immunoisolation in combination with mass spectrometry. The 251 identified components were functionally characterized by RNA interference. Among those, a core group of 11 proteins was critical for centrosome structure maintenance. Depletion of any of these proteins in Drosophila SL2 cells resulted in centrosome disintegration, revealing a molecular dependency of centrosome structure on components of the protein translation machinery, actin- and RNA-binding proteins. In total, we assigned novel centrosome-related functions to 24 proteins and confirmed 13 of these in human cells.

The gammaTuRC revisited: a comparative analysis of interphase and mitotic human gammaTuRC redefines the set of core components and identifies the novel subunit GCP8

The γ-tubulin complex is a multi-subunit protein complex that nucleates microtubule polymerization. γ-Tubulin complexes are present in all eukaryotes, but size and subunit composition vary. In Drosophila, Xenopus, and humans large γ-tubulin ring complexes (γTuRCs) have been described, which have a characteristic open ring-shaped structure and are composed of a similar set of subunits, named γ-tubulin, GCPs 2-6, and GCP-WD in humans. Despite the identification of these proteins, γTuRC function and regulation remain poorly understood. Here we establish a new method for the purification of native human γTuRC. Using mass spectrometry of whole protein mixtures we compared the composition of γTuRCs from nonsynchronized and mitotic human cells. Based on our analysis we can define core subunits as well as more transient interactors such as the augmin complex, which associates specifically with mitotic γTuRCs. We also identified GCP8/MOZART2 as a novel core subunit that is present in both interphase and mitotic γTuRCs. GCP8 depletion does not affect γTuRC assembly but interferes with γTuRC recruitment and microtubule nucleation at interphase centrosomes without disrupting general centrosome structure. GCP8-depleted cells do not display any obvious mitotic defects, suggesting that GCP8 specifically affects the organization of the interphase microtubule network.

Microtubule nucleating gamma-TuSC assembles structures with 13-fold microtubule-like symmetry

Microtubules are nucleated in vivo by gamma-tubulin complexes. The 300-kDa gamma-tubulin small complex (gamma-TuSC), consisting of two molecules of gamma-tubulin and one copy each of the accessory proteins Spc97 and Spc98, is the conserved, essential core of the microtubule nucleating machinery. In metazoa multiple gamma-TuSCs assemble with other proteins into gamma-tubulin ring complexes (gamma-TuRCs). The structure of gamma-TuRC indicated that it functions as a microtubule template. Because each gamma-TuSC contains two molecules of gamma-tubulin, it was assumed that the gamma-TuRC-specific proteins are required to organize gamma-TuSCs to match 13-fold microtubule symmetry. Here we show that Saccharomyces cerevisiae gamma-TuSC forms rings even in the absence of other gamma-TuRC components. The yeast adaptor protein Spc110 stabilizes the rings into extended filaments and is required for oligomer formation under physiological buffer conditions. The 8-A cryo-electron microscopic reconstruction of the filament reveals 13 gamma-tubulins per turn, matching microtubule symmetry, with plus ends exposed for interaction with microtubules, implying that one turn of the filament constitutes a microtubule template. The domain structures of Spc97 and Spc98 suggest functions for conserved sequence motifs, with implications for the gamma-TuRC-specific proteins. The gamma-TuSC filaments nucleate microtubules at a low level, and the structure provides a strong hypothesis for how nucleation is regulated, converting this less active form to a potent nucleator.

A developmentally regulated two-step process generates a noncentrosomal microtubule network in Drosophila tracheal cells

Microtubules (MTs) are essential for many cell features, such as polarity, motility, shape, and vesicle trafficking. Therefore, in a multicellular organism, their organization differs between cell types and during development; however, the control of this process remains elusive. Here, we show that during Drosophila tracheal morphogenesis, MT reorganization is coupled to relocalization of the microtubule organizing centers (MTOC) components from the centrosome to the apical cell domain from where MTs then grow. We reveal that this process is controlled by the trachealess patterning gene in a two-step mechanism. MTOC components are first released from the centrosome by the activity of the MT-severing protein Spastin, and then anchored apically through the transmembrane protein Piopio. We further show that these changes are essential for tracheal development, thus stressing the functional relevance of MT reorganization for morphogenesis.

TPCK targets elements of mitotic spindle and induces cell cycle arrest in prometaphase

The serine protease inhibitor N-alpha-tosyl-epsilon-phenylalanyl chloromethyl ketone (TPCK) has been long used in studies of cellular processes including apoptosis. Depending on the experimental conditions, TPCK either induces or inhibits changes associated with apoptosis but there has been little progress in identifying the relevant targets for TPCK. Our group recently showed that the largest subunit of the RNA polymerase II is one of the intracellular targets of TPCK. The complex effects of TPCK on apoptosis, however, suggested the existence of additional apoptosis-relevant targets in cells. Using our unique polyclonal anti-tosyl antibody, here we report the identification of the mitotic spindle as another intracellular target for TPCK. We also provide data that TPCK-mediated labeling of the mitotic spindle correlates with cell cycle arrest in prometaphase.

An essential function for the centrosomal protein NEDD1 in zebrafish development

The centrosome is the primary microtubule organising centre of the cell. It is composed of many proteins, some of which make up the core of the centrosome, whereas others are used for specific functions. Although the cellular roles of many centrosomal proteins are well defined, much less is known about their functions and the role of the centrosome in development. In this study we investigated the function of NEDD1, a critical component of the centrosome essential for microtubule nucleation, in zebrafish (Danio rerio) development. The zebrafish homologue of NEDD1 (zNEDD1) was cloned and found to have a similar localisation and function to mammalian NEDD1. We show that zNEDD1 is essential for survival, as a high level of knockdown was embryonic lethal. Partial knockdown of zNEDD1 caused abnormalities including an increase in mitotic and apoptotic cells. Pronounced phenotypic defects were seen in the brain, with a lack of defined brain structures, incomplete neural tube formation and a disorganisation of neurons. In addition, we show that a reduction in zNEDD1 resulted in the loss of gamma-tubulin at the centrosome. Our data thus demonstrate that zNEDD1 is critical for the recruitment of gamma-tubulin to the centrosome, and is essential for the proper development of zebrafish.

NEDD1 is crucial for meiotic spindle stability and accurate chromosome segregation in mammalian oocytes

Defects in meiotic spindle structure contribute to chromosome segregation errors leading to genomic instability in oocytes and embryos upon fertilization. In this study, we analyzed the mechanisms that control spindle microtubule nucleation and stability in mammalian oocytes, and identified NEDD1/GCP-WD as a key regulator. NEDD1 specifically co-localizes with gamma-tubulin and pericentrin at microtubule-organizing centers (MTOCs) in mouse oocytes arrested at prophase-I. During metaphase-I and metaphase-II, the protein remains associated with MTOCs, in a pericentrin dependent manner. Notably, knockdown of Nedd1 transcripts using specific siRNAs resulted in a high incidence (65-70%) of metaphase-I arrest. The arrested oocytes were characterized by disrupted meiotic spindle structure, reduced microtubule density and significant chromosome misalignment. Detection of MAD2 at kinetochores indicated an absence of stable chromosome-microtubule attachment as well as activation of the spindle assembly checkpoint (SAC). Importantly, the disruption of meiotic spindle stability was associated with decreased gamma-tubulin at MTOCs in NEDD1-depleted oocytes, as well as a high frequency of chromosome non-disjunction errors leading to aneuploidy (50%) in the oocytes that did progress to metaphase-II. This study demonstrates that NEDD1 is an essential component of acentriolar oocyte MTOCs, which functions in the regulation of meiotic spindle stability. Moreover, it underscores that disruption of spindle stability in oocytes can lead to chromosomes segregation errors that are not fully resolved by SAC.

The {gamma}-tubulin complex protein GCP4 is required for organizing functional microtubule arrays in Arabidopsis thaliana

Microtubule (MT) nucleation and organization depend on the evolutionarily conserved protein gamma -tubulin, which forms a complex with GCP2-GCP6 (GCP for gamma -Tubulin Complex Protein). To date, it is still unclear how GCP4-GCP6 (the non-core GCPs) may be involved in acentrosomal MT nucleation in plant cells. We found that GCP4 was associated with gamma -tubulin in vivo in Arabidopsis thaliana. When GCP4 expression was repressed by an artificial microRNA, transgenic plants exhibited phenotypes of dwarfism and reduced organ size. In mitotic cells, it was observed that the gamma -tubulin signal associated with the mitotic spindle, and the phragmoplast was depleted when GCP4 was downregulated. Consequently, MTs failed to converge at unified spindle poles, and the bipolar phragmoplast MT array frequently had discrete bundles with extended minus ends, resulting in failed cytokinesis as reflected by cell wall stubs in leaf epidermal cells. In addition, cortical MTs in swollen guard cells and pavement cells of the leaf epidermis became hyperparallel and bundled, which was likely caused by frequent MT nucleation with shallow angles on the wall of extant MTs. Therefore, our results support the notion that GCP4 is an indispensable component for the function of gamma -tubulin in MT nucleation and organization in plant cells.

In vivo analysis of the functions of gamma-tubulin-complex proteins

To enhance our understanding of the function(s) of gamma-tubulin-complex proteins (GCPs), we identified and analyzed the functions of the Aspergillus nidulans homologs of GCP2-GCP6 (here designated GCPB-GCBF). The gamma-tubulin small complex (gamma-TuSC) components, gamma-tubulin, GCPB and GCPC, are essential for viability and mitotic spindle formation, whereas GCPD-GCPF are not essential for viability, spindle formation or sexual reproduction. GCPD-GCPF function in reducing the frequency of chromosome mis-segregation and in the assembly of large gamma-tubulin complexes. Deletion of any of the gamma-TuSC components eliminates the localization of all GCPs to the spindle pole body (SPB), whereas deletion of GCPD-GCPF does not affect localization of gamma-TuSC components. Thus, GCPD-GCPF do not tether the gamma-TuSC to the SPB, but, rather, the gamma-TuSC tethers them to the SPB. GCPD-GCPF exhibit a hierarchy of localization to the SPB. Deletion of GCPF eliminates GCPD-GCPE localization to the SPB, and deletion of GCPD eliminates GCPE (but not GCPF) localization. All GCPs localize normally in a GCPE deletion. We propose a model for the structure of the gamma-tubulin complex and its attachment to polar microtubule organizing centers.

{gamma}-Tubulin ring complexes regulate microtubule plus end dynamics

Independently of their nucleation activity, γ-tubulin ring complex proteins localize along microtubules, limiting catastrophe events during interphase.

γ-Tubulin is critical for the initiation and regulation of microtubule (MT) assembly. In Drosophila melanogaster, it acts within two main complexes: the γ-tubulin small complex (γ-TuSC) and the γ-tubulin ring complex (γ-TuRC). Proteins specific of the γ-TuRC, although nonessential for viability, are required for efficient mitotic progression. Until now, their role during interphase remained poorly understood. Using RNA interference in Drosophila S2 cells, we show that the γ-TuRC is not critical for overall MT organization. However, depletion of any component of this complex results in an increase of MT dynamics. Combined immunofluorescence and live imaging analysis allows us to reveal that the γ-TuRC localizes along interphase MTs and that distal γ-tubulin spots match with sites of pause or rescue events. We propose that, in addition to its role in nucleation, the γ-TuRC associated to MTs may regulate their dynamics by limiting catastrophes.

A new Augmin subunit, Msd1, demonstrates the importance of mitotic spindle-templated microtubule nucleation in the absence of functioning centrosomes

The Drosophila Augmin complex localizes gamma-tubulin to the microtubules of the mitotic spindle, regulating the density of spindle microtubules in tissue culture cells. Here, we identify the microtubule-associated protein Msd1 as a new component of the Augmin complex and demonstrate directly that it is required for nucleation of microtubules from within the mitotic spindle. Although Msd1 is necessary for embryonic syncytial mitoses, flies possessing a mutation in msd1 are viable. Importantly, however, in the absence of centrosomes, microtubule nucleation from within the spindle becomes essential. Thus, the Augmin complex has a crucial role in the development of the fly.

Sequential phosphorylation of Nedd1 by Cdk1 and Plk1 is required for targeting of the gammaTuRC to the centrosome

Nedd1 is a new member of the gamma-tubulin ring complex (gammaTuRC) and targets the gammaTuRC to the centrosomes for microtubule nucleation and spindle assembly in mitosis. Although its role is known, its functional regulation mechanism remains unclear. Here we report that the function of Nedd1 is regulated by Cdk1 and Plk1. During mitosis, Nedd1 is firstly phosphorylated at T550 by Cdk1, which creates a binding site for the polo-box domain of Plk1. Then, Nedd1 is further phosphorylated by Plk1 at four sites: T382, S397, S637 and S426. The sequential phosphorylation of Nedd1 by Cdk1 and Plk1 promotes its interaction with gamma-tubulin for targeting the gammaTuRC to the centrosome and is important for spindle formation. Knockdown of Plk1 by RNAi decreases Nedd1 phosphorylation and attenuates Nedd1 accumulation at the spindle pole and subsequent gamma-tubulin recruitment at the spindle pole for microtubule nucleation. Taken together, we propose that the sequential phosphorylation of Nedd1 by Cdk1 and Plk1 plays a pivotal role in targeting gammaTuRC to the centrosome by promoting the interaction of Nedd1 with the gammaTuRC component gamma-tubulin, during mitosis.

Microtubule cytoskeleton remodeling by acentriolar microtubule-organizing centers at the entry and exit from mitosis in Drosophila somatic cells

Cytoskeleton microtubules undergo a reversible metamorphosis as cells enter and exit mitosis to build a transient mitotic spindle required for chromosome segregation. Centrosomes play a dominant but dispensable role in microtubule (MT) organization throughout the animal cell cycle, supporting the existence of concurrent mechanisms that remain unclear. Here we investigated MT organization at the entry and exit from mitosis, after perturbation of centriole function in Drosophila S2 cells. We found that several MTs originate from acentriolar microtubule-organizing centers (aMTOCs) that contain gamma-tubulin and require Centrosomin (Cnn) for normal architecture and function. During spindle assembly, aMTOCs associated with peripheral MTs are recruited to acentriolar spindle poles by an Ncd/dynein-dependent clustering mechanism to form rudimentary aster-like structures. At anaphase onset, down-regulation of CDK1 triggers massive formation of cytoplasmic MTs de novo, many of which nucleated directly from aMTOCs. CDK1 down-regulation at anaphase coordinates the activity of Msps/XMAP215 and the kinesin-13 KLP10A to favor net MT growth and stability from aMTOCs. Finally, we show that microtubule nucleation from aMTOCs also occurs in cells containing centrosomes. Our data reveal a new form of cell cycle-regulated MTOCs that contribute for MT cytoskeleton remodeling during mitotic spindle assembly/disassembly in animal somatic cells, independently of centrioles.

The WD40 repeat protein NEDD1 functions in microtubule organization during cell division in Arabidopsis thaliana

Although cells of flowering plants lack a structurally defined microtubule-organizing center like the centrosome, organization of the spindles and phragmoplasts in mitosis is known to involve the evolutionarily conserved gamma-tubulin complex. We have investigated the function of Arabidopsis thaliana NEDD1, a WD40 repeat protein related to the animal NEDD1/GCP-WD protein, which interacts with the gamma-tubulin complex. The NEDD1 protein decorates spindle microtubules (MTs) preferentially toward spindle poles and phragmoplast MTs toward their minus ends. A T-DNA insertional allele of the single NEDD1 gene was isolated and maintained in heterozygous sporophytes, and NEDD1's function in cell division was analyzed in haploid microspores produced by the heterozygote. In approximately half of the dividing microspores exhibiting aberrant MT organization, spindles were no longer restricted to the cell periphery and became abnormally elongated. After mitosis, MTs aggregated between reforming nuclei but failed to appear in a bipolar configuration. Consequently, defective microspores did not form a continuous cell plate, and two identical nuclei were produced with no differentiation into generative and vegetative cells. Our results support the notion that the plant NEDD1 homolog plays a critical role in MT organization during mitosis, and its function is likely linked to that of the gamma-tubulin complex.

Increased gamma-tubulin expression and P16INK4A promoter methylation occur together in preinvasive lesions and carcinomas of the breast

BACKGROUND

Loss of p16(INK4A) due to promoter hypermethylation is correlated with the ability to acquire centrosomal abnormalities in variant human mammary epithelial cells. gamma-Tubulin is a highly conserved component of centrosome in most animal cells and gamma-tubulin protein overexpression could lead to centrosome aberration.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A large series of breast premalignant lesions and carcinoma was analyzed. Real-time quantitative PCR and immunohistochemistry were carried out to measure gamma-tubulin copy numbers and protein expression. MethyLight and immunohistochemistry were carried out to determine p16(INK4A) methylation and protein expression.

RESULTS

gamma-Tubulin protein expression was concordant with gene amplification; both of them were found to increase with atypical ductal hyperplasia-carcinoma sequence. The median value and positive rate of p16(INK4a) methylation increased while protein expression displayed a decreasing trend. P16(INK4a) methylation showed a firm association with gamma-tubulin gene amplification.

CONCLUSION

gamma-Tubulin gene amplification and the concomitant protein overexpression present not only in invasive carcinoma but also in a significant fraction of atypical hyperplasia and in situ carcinomas. P16(INK4a) methylation and gamma-tubulin gene amplification had a synergistic effect on tumor progression. The synergism might arise as a result of the combined influence that p16(INK4a) and gamma-tubulin have on the G1-S cell cycle checkpoints and centrosome.

A genome-wide RNAi screen to dissect centriole duplication and centrosome maturation in Drosophila

Centrosomes comprise a pair of centrioles surrounded by an amorphous pericentriolar material (PCM). Here, we have performed a microscopy-based genome-wide RNA interference (RNAi) screen in Drosophila cells to identify proteins required for centriole duplication and mitotic PCM recruitment. We analysed 92% of the Drosophila genome (13,059 genes) and identified 32 genes involved in centrosome function. An extensive series of secondary screens classified these genes into four categories: (1) nine are required for centriole duplication, (2) 11 are required for centrosome maturation, (3) nine are required for both functions, and (4) three genes regulate centrosome separation. These 32 hits include several new centrosomal components, some of which have human homologs. In addition, we find that the individual depletion of only two proteins, Polo and Centrosomin (Cnn) can completely block centrosome maturation. Cnn is phosphorylated during mitosis in a Polo-dependent manner, suggesting that the Polo-dependent phosphorylation of Cnn initiates centrosome maturation in flies.

A major goal of the cell cycle is to accurately separate the duplicated chromosomes between two daughter cells. To achieve this, a pair of centrosomes organise a bipolar spindle made of microtubules; the chromosomes line up on the spindle and are then separated to the two spindle poles. Centrosomes are also required for the formation of cilia and flagella, which are present in many eukaryotic cells; centrosome dysfunction is a common feature of many human cancers and several neurological disorders, whereas mutations in genes that affect cilia function give rise to several human diseases. Here, we perform a genome-wide screen using RNA interference to try to identify all of the proteins required for centrosome function in the model organism Drosophila melanogaster (a fruitfly). We identified all 16 of the centrosomal proteins that were already known to be required for centrosome function in Drosophila, as well as 16 new centrosomal components or regulators. We confirmed the centrosomal location of several of the components and performed some analysis of their functions. We believe we are approaching a complete inventory of the proteins required for centrosome function in flies.

An RNAi screen identifies 16 new centrosomal components or regulators inDrosophila, and molecular dissection of their function addresses the role of Polo kinase in the maturation of pericentriolar material.

Mob4 plays a role in spindle focusing in Drosophila S2 cells

The characteristic bipolar shape of the mitotic spindle is produced by the focusing of the minus ends of microtubules at the spindle poles. The focus is maintained by the centrosome, a microtubule-nucleating organelle, as well as by proteins that are capable of focusing kinetochore fibers (K fibers) even in the absence of a centrosome. Here, we have performed a small-scale RNA interference (RNAi) screen of known or suspected pole-related proteins in Drosophila S2 cells. An unexpected outcome of this screen was the finding that one of the four Drosophila Mob proteins (a family of kinase regulators) plays a role in spindle pole organization. Time-lapse microscopy of mitotic cells depleted of Drosophila Mob4 by RNAi revealed that the K fibers splay apart and do not maintain their focus either in the presence or absence of functional centrosomes. The Mob4 RNAi phenotype most closely resembles that observed after depletion of the protein encoded by abnormal spindle (Asp), although Asp localization is not substantially affected by Mob4 RNAi. Expression of a Drosophila Mob4-GFP fusion protein revealed its localization to the nucleus in interphase and to spindle poles and kinetochores during mitosis. We propose that Mob4 in Drosophila controls a mitotic kinase that in turn regulates downstream target proteins involved in K fiber focusing at the poles.

Identification of Drosophila mitotic genes by combining co-expression analysis and RNA interference

RNAi screens have, to date, identified many genes required for mitotic divisions of Drosophila tissue culture cells. However, the inventory of such genes remains incomplete. We have combined the powers of bioinformatics and RNAi technology to detect novel mitotic genes. We found that Drosophila genes involved in mitosis tend to be transcriptionally co-expressed. We thus constructed a co-expression-based list of 1,000 genes that are highly enriched in mitotic functions, and we performed RNAi for each of these genes. By limiting the number of genes to be examined, we were able to perform a very detailed phenotypic analysis of RNAi cells. We examined dsRNA-treated cells for possible abnormalities in both chromosome structure and spindle organization. This analysis allowed the identification of 142 mitotic genes, which were subdivided into 18 phenoclusters. Seventy of these genes have not previously been associated with mitotic defects; 30 of them are required for spindle assembly and/or chromosome segregation, and 40 are required to prevent spontaneous chromosome breakage. We note that the latter type of genes has never been detected in previous RNAi screens in any system. Finally, we found that RNAi against genes encoding kinetochore components or highly conserved splicing factors results in identical defects in chromosome segregation, highlighting an unanticipated role of splicing factors in centromere function. These findings indicate that our co-expression-based method for the detection of mitotic functions works remarkably well. We can foresee that elaboration of co-expression lists using genes in the same phenocluster will provide many candidate genes for small-scale RNAi screens aimed at completing the inventory of mitotic proteins.

Fluorescence recovery kinetic analysis of gamma-tubulin binding to the mitotic spindle

Fluorescence recovery after photobleaching has been widely used to study dynamic processes in the cell, but less frequently to analyze binding interactions and extract binding constants. Here we use it to analyze gamma-tubulin binding to the mitotic spindle and centrosomes to determine the role of gamma-tubulin in microtubule nucleation in the spindle. We find rapid gamma-tubulin turnover in mitotic spindles of Drosophila early embryos, characterized by diffusional interactions and weak binding, differing from centrosomes with tight binding interactions. The diffusion coefficient of gamma-tubulin is consistent with a major species existing in the cytoplasm as the less efficiently nucleating gamma-tubulin small complex (gammaTuSC) or gamma-tubulin, rather than gamma-tubulin ring complex (gammaTuRC). The fluorescence recovery kinetics we observe implies that gamma-tubulin functions by binding weakly to spindle microtubules. gamma-Tubulin may interact transiently with the spindle, nucleating microtubules very rapidly, differing from centrosomes, where gamma-tubulin binds tightly to nucleate microtubules.

GSK-3beta regulates proper mitotic spindle formation in cooperation with a component of the gamma-tubulin ring complex, GCP5

Glycogen synthase kinase-3beta (GSK-3beta) is known to play a role in the regulation of the dynamics of microtubule networks in cells. Here we show the role of GSK-3beta in the proper formation of the mitotic spindles through an interaction with GCP5, a component of the gamma-tubulin ring complex (gammaTuRC). GCP5 bound directly to GSK-3beta in vitro, and their interaction was also observed in intact cells at endogenous levels. Depletion of GCP5 dramatically reduced the GCP2 and gamma-tubulin in the gammaTuRC fraction of sucrose density gradients and disrupted gamma-tubulin localization to the spindle poles in mitotic cells. GCP5 appears to be required for the formation or stability of gammaTuRC and the recruitment of gamma-tubulin to the spindle poles. A GSK-3 inhibitor not only led to the accumulation of gamma-tubulin and GCP5 at the spindle poles but also enhanced microtubule nucleation activity at the spindle poles. Depletion of GCP5 rescued this disrupted organization of spindle poles observed in cells treated with the GSK-3 inhibitor. Furthermore, the inhibition of GSK-3 enhanced the binding of gammaTuRC to the centrosome isolated from mitotic cells in vitro. Our findings suggest that GSK-3beta regulates the localization of gammaTuRC, including GCP5, to the spindle poles, thereby controlling the formation of proper mitotic spindles.

Xenopus NEDD1 is required for microtubule organization in Xenopus egg extracts

The centrosome serves as the major microtubule-nucleating and -organizing center in animal cells. It is composed of hundreds of proteins. The molecular details of how centrosomal proteins contribute to centrotome function are only beginning to emerge. Members of the neuron-precursor-cell-expressed developmentally downregulated protein 1 (NEDD1) family of conserved proteins have recently been implicated in recruiting γ-tubulin and its associated proteins, which together make up the γ-tubulin ring complex (γTuRC), to the centrosome. Human NEDD1 and its Drosophila ortholog Dgp71WD are WD-repeat proteins that interact with the γTuRC. Experimental knockdown of human NEDD1 was recently shown to result in loss of γ-tubulin from the centrosome. By contrast, however, Dgp71WD knockdown has no effect on targeting the γTuRC to the centrosome in flies. Using Xenopus egg extracts, we show that Xenopus NEDD1 is mostly dispensable for targeting γ-tubulin to centrosomes, but that microtubule organization is disrupted in NEDD1-depleted extracts. We show that NEDD1 exists in a complex that is distinct from the γTuRC, suggesting that NEDD1 may not be a bona fide subunit of the Xenopus γTuRC. We propose that the main function of NEDD1 in Xenopus is in microtubule organization.

Centriole inheritance

Early cell biologists perceived centrosomes to be permanent cellular structures. Centrosomes were observed to reproduce once each cycle and to orchestrate assembly a transient mitotic apparatus that segregated chromosomes and a centrosome to each daughter at the completion of cell division. Centrosomes are composed of a pair of centrioles buried in a complex pericentriolar matrix. The bulk of microtubules in cells lie with one end buried in the pericentriolar matrix and the other extending outward into the cytoplasm. Centrioles recruit and organize pericentriolar material. As a result, centrioles dominate microtubule organization and spindle assembly in cells born with centrosomes. Centrioles duplicate in concert with chromosomes during the cell cycle. At the onset of mitosis, sibling centrosomes separate and establish a bipolar spindle that partitions a set of chromosomes and a centrosome to each daughter cell at the completion of mitosis and cell division. Centriole inheritance has historically been ascribed to a template mechanism in which the parental centriole contributed to, if not directed, assembly of a single new centriole once each cell cycle. It is now clear that neither centrioles nor centrosomes are essential to cell proliferation. This review examines the recent literature on inheritance of centrioles in animal cells.

Molecular encounters at microtubule ends in the plant cell cortex

The cortical arrays that accompany plant cell division and elongation are organized by a subtle interplay between intrinsic properties of microtubules, their self-organization capacity and a variety of cellular proteins that interact with them, modify their behaviour and drive organization of diverse, higher order arrays during the cell cycle, cell growth and differentiation. As a polar polymer, the microtubule has a minus and a plus end, which differ in structure and dynamic characteristics, and to which different sets of partners and activities associate. Recent advances in characterization of minus and plus end directed proteins provide insights into both plant microtubule properties and the way highly organized cortical arrays emerge from the orchestrated activity of individual microtubules.

Distinct Dgrip84 isoforms correlate with distinct gamma-tubulins in Drosophila

Gamma-tubulin is an indispensable component of the animal centrosome and is required for proper microtubule organization. Within the cell, gamma-tubulin exists in a multiprotein complex containing between two (some yeasts) and six or more (metazoa) additional highly conserved proteins named gamma ring proteins (Grips) or gamma complex proteins (GCPs). gamma-Tubulin containing complexes isolated from Xenopus eggs or Drosophila embryos appear ring-shaped and have therefore been named the gamma-tubulin ring complex (gammaTuRC). Curiously, many organisms (including humans) have two distinct gamma-tubulin genes. In Drosophila, where the two gamma-tubulin isotypes have been studied most extensively, the gamma-tubulin genes are developmentally regulated: the "maternal" gamma-tubulin isotype (named gammaTub37CD according to its location on the genetic map) is expressed in the ovary and is deposited in the egg, where it is thought to orchestrate the meiotic and early embryonic cleavages. The second gamma-tubulin isotype (gammaTub23C) is ubiquitously expressed and persists in most of the cells of the adult fly. In those rare cases where both gamma-tubulins coexist in the same cell, they show distinct subcellular distributions and cell-cycle-dependent changes: gammaTub37CD mainly localizes to the centrosome, where its levels vary only slightly with the cell cycle. In contrast, the level of gammaTub23C at the centrosome increases at the beginning of mitosis, and gammaTub23C also associates with spindle pole microtubules. Here, we show that gammaTub23C forms discrete complexes that closely resemble the complexes formed by gammaTub37CD. Surprisingly, however, gammaTub23C associates with a distinct, longer splice variant of Dgrip84. This may reflect a role for Dgrip84 in regulating the activity and/or the location of the gamma-tubulin complexes formed with gammaTub37CD and gammaTub23C.

Proper recruitment of gamma-tubulin and D-TACC/Msps to embryonic Drosophila centrosomes requires Centrosomin Motif 1

Centrosomes are microtubule-organizing centers and play a dominant role in assembly of the microtubule spindle apparatus at mitosis. Although the individual binding steps in centrosome maturation are largely unknown, Centrosomin (Cnn) is an essential mitotic centrosome component required for assembly of all other known pericentriolar matrix (PCM) proteins to achieve microtubule-organizing activity at mitosis in Drosophila. We have identified a conserved motif (Motif 1) near the amino terminus of Cnn that is essential for its function in vivo. Cnn Motif 1 is necessary for proper recruitment of gamma-tubulin, D-TACC (the homolog of vertebrate transforming acidic coiled-coil proteins [TACC]), and Minispindles (Msps) to embryonic centrosomes but is not required for assembly of other centrosome components including Aurora A kinase and CP60. Centrosome separation and centrosomal satellite formation are severely disrupted in Cnn Motif 1 mutant embryos. However, actin organization into pseudocleavage furrows, though aberrant, remains partially intact. These data show that Motif 1 is necessary for some but not all of the activities conferred on centrosome function by intact Cnn.

Centrosome biogenesis and function: centrosomics brings new understanding

Centrosomes, which were first described in the late 19th century, are found in most animal cells and undergo duplication once every cell cycle so that their number remains stable, like the genetic material of a cell. However, their function and regulation have remained elusive and controversial. Only recently has some understanding of these fundamental aspects of centrosome function and biogenesis been gained through the concerted application of genomics and proteomics, which we term 'centrosomics'. The identification of new molecules has highlighted the evolutionary conservation of centrosome function and provided a conceptual framework for understanding centrosome behaviour and how it can go awry in human disease.

Response to Comments on "A Centrosome-Independent Role for γ-TuRC Proteins in the Spindle Assembly Checkpoint"

Weaver and Cleveland and Taylor et al . contend that our data on the involvement of the γ-tubulin ring complex (γ-TuRC) in the spindle assembly checkpoint (SAC) can be fully explained by kinetochore-derived checkpoint signaling. We maintain that (i) the interactions of γ-TuRC with Cdc20 and BubR1, and (ii) the activation of SAC by γ-TuRC depletion, in addition to the abrogation of kinetochore-microtubule interactions, argue for a more complex mechanism of SAC signaling.

Microtubule-organizing centres: a re-evaluation

The number, length, distribution and polarity of microtubules are largely controlled by microtubule-organizing centres, which nucleate and anchor microtubule minus ends in a process that requires gamma-tubulin. Here we discuss recent evidence indicating that gamma-tubulin-dependent formation of new microtubules is not restricted to conventional microtubule-organizing centres. These findings suggest that the spatio-temporal control of microtubule nucleation is more complex than previously thought, leading us to a re-evaluation of the concept of the microtubule-organizing center.

Cytoplasmic microtubule organization in fission yeast

During the cell cycle of the fission yeast Schizosaccharomyces pombe, striking changes in the organization of the cytoplasmic microtubule cytoskeleton take place. These may serve as a model for understanding the different modes of microtubule organization that are often characteristic of differentiated higher eukaryotic cells. In the last few years, considerable progress has been made in our understanding of the organization and behaviour of fission yeast cytoplasmic microtubules, not only in the identification of the genes and proteins involved but also in the physiological analysis of function using fluorescently-tagged proteins in vivo. In this review we discuss the state of our knowledge in three areas: microtubule nucleation, regulation of microtubule dynamics and the organization and polarity of microtubule bundles. Advances in these areas provide a solid framework for a more detailed understanding of cytoplasmic microtubule organization.

γ-tubulin complexes and microtubule organization

Microtubule nucleation requires gamma-tubulin, which exists in two main protein complexes: the gamma-tubulin small complex, and the gamma-tubulin ring complex. During mitosis, these complexes accumulate at the centrosome to support spindle formation. Gamma-tubulin complexes are also present at non-centrosomal microtubule nucleation sites, both in interphase and in mitosis. In interphase, non-centrosomal nucleation enables the formation of microtubule bundles or networks of branched microtubules. Gamma-tubulin complexes may be involved not only in microtubule nucleation, but also in regulating microtubule dynamics. Recent findings indicate that the dynamics of microtubule plus-ends are altered, depending on the expression of gamma-tubulin complex proteins.

Microtubule nucleation: gamma-tubulin and beyond

Centrosomes and their fungal equivalents, spindle pole bodies (SPBs), are the main microtubule (MT)-organizing centers in eukaryotic cells. Several proteins have been implicated in microtubule formation by centrosomes and SPBs, including microtubule-minus-end-binding proteins and proteins that bind along the length or stabilize the plus ends of microtubules. Recent work has improved our understanding of the molecular mechanisms of MT formation. In particular, it has shown that gamma-tubulin and its associated proteins play key roles in microtubule nucleation and spindle assembly in evolutionarily distant species ranging from fungi to mammals. Other work indicates that gamma-tubulin-mediated microtubule nucleation, although necessary, is not sufficient for mitotic spindle assembly but requires additional proteins that regulate microtubule nucleation independently of centrosomes.

Microtubule-dependent microtubule nucleation in plant cells

Regulation of microtubule nucleation sites is an essential step in microtubule organization. Cortical microtubule arrays in green plant cells at inter-phase are organized in a distinct manner--the array is formed in the absence of previously recognized organelles for microtubule nucleation, for example the centrosome and spindle pole body. Microtubules in the cortical array were recently found to be nucleated as branches on pre-existing microtubules via recruitment of cytosolic gamma-tubulin. In this review we briefly summarize the mechanism of microtubule-dependent microtubule nucleation and discuss a possible role of this mechanism in other cellular processes and their evolution.

A centrosome-independent role for gamma-TuRC proteins in the spindle assembly checkpoint

The spindle assembly checkpoint guards the fidelity of chromosome segregation. It requires the close cooperation of cell cycle regulatory proteins and cytoskeletal elements to sense spindle integrity. The role of the centrosome, the organizing center of the microtubule cytoskeleton, in the spindle checkpoint is unclear. We found that the molecular requirements for a functional spindle checkpoint included components of the large gamma-tubulin ring complex (gamma-TuRC). However, their localization at the centrosome and centrosome integrity were not essential for this function. Thus, the spindle checkpoint can be activated at the level of microtubule nucleation.

Noncore components of the fission yeast gamma-tubulin complex

Relatively little is known about the in vivo function of individual components of the eukaryotic gamma-tubulin complex (gamma-TuC). We identified three genes, gfh1+, mod21+, and mod22+, in a screen for fission yeast mutants affecting microtubule organization. gfh1+ is a previously characterized gamma-TuC protein weakly similar to human gamma-TuC subunit GCP4, whereas mod21+ is novel and shows weak similarity to human gamma-TuC subunit GCP5. We show that mod21p is a bona fide gamma-TuC protein and that, like gfh1Delta mutants, mod21Delta mutants are viable. We find that gfh1Delta and mod21Delta mutants have qualitatively normal microtubule nucleation from all types of microtubule-organizing centers (MTOCs) in vivo but quantitatively reduced nucleation from interphase MTOCs, and this is exacerbated by mutations in mod22+. Simultaneous deletion of gfh1p, mod21p, and alp16p, a third nonessential gamma-TuC protein, does not lead to additive defects, suggesting that all three proteins contribute to a single function. Coimmunoprecipitation experiments suggest that gfh1p and alp16p are codependent for association with a small "core" gamma-TuC, whereas mod21p is more peripherally associated, and that gfh1p and mod21p may form a subcomplex independently of the small gamma-TuC. Interestingly, sucrose gradient analysis suggests that the major form of the gamma-TuC in fission yeast may be a small complex. We propose that gfh1p, mod21p, and alp16 act as facultative "noncore" components of the fission yeast gamma-TuC and enhance its microtubule-nucleating ability.

The gammaTuRC components Grip75 and Grip128 have an essential microtubule-anchoring function in the Drosophila germline

The gamma-tubulin ring complex (gammaTuRC) forms an essential template for microtubule nucleation in animal cells. The molecular composition of the gammaTuRC has been described; however, the functions of the subunits proposed to form the cap structure remain to be characterized in vivo. In Drosophila, the core components of the gammaTuRC are essential for mitosis, whereas the cap component Grip75 is not required for viability but functions in bicoid RNA localization during oogenesis. The other cap components have not been analyzed in vivo. We report the functional characterization of the cap components Grip128 and Grip75. Animals with mutations in Dgrip128 or Dgrip75 are viable, but both males and females are sterile. Both proteins are required for the formation of distinct sets of microtubules, which facilitate bicoid RNA localization during oogenesis, the formation of the central microtubule aster connecting the meiosis II spindles in oocytes and cytokinesis in male meiosis. Grip75 and Grip128 anchor the axoneme at the nucleus during sperm elongation. We propose that Grip75 and Grip128 are required to tether microtubules at specific microtubule-organizing centers, instead of being required for general microtubule nucleation. The gammaTuRC cap structure may be essential only for non-centrosome-based microtubule functions.

NEDD1: function in microtubule nucleation, spindle assembly and beyond

Nedd1 was originally identified as a developmentally regulated gene in the mouse central nervous system. NEDD1 has homologues across a range of species, being particularly conserved in a region of WD40 repeats contained in the amino-terminal half of the protein. Human NEDD1 was recently found to localise to the centrosome and mitotic spindle. It binds to the components of the gamma-tubulin ring complex and target this complex to the centrosome and spindle. Depletion of NEDD1 causes loss of the gamma-tubulin ring complex from the centrosome and results in the failure of microtubule nucleation and spindle assembly. In addition, phosphorylation of NEDD1 during mitosis is critical for targeting gamma-tubulin to the spindle, but not the centrosome. There is still much unknown about the function of this protein and how it may be involved in development and disease. This short review summarises some of the recent work on NEDD1 and discusses how this interesting protein may have additional yet unexplored functions.