Cyclins and cyclin-dependent kinases: a biochemical view

Speedy/Ringo C regulates S and G2 phase progression in human cells

Cyclin-dependent kinases (CDKs) control cell cycle transitions and progression. In addition to their activation via binding to cyclins, CDKs can be activated via binding to an unrelated class of cell cycle regulators termed Speedy/Ringo (S/R) proteins. Although mammals contain at least five distinct Speedy/Ringo homologues, the specific functions of members of this growing family of CDK activators remain largely unknown. We investigated the cell cycle roles of human Speedy/Ringo C in HEK293 cells. Down-regulation of Speedy/Ringo C by RNA interference delayed S and G(2) progression whereas ectopic expression had the opposite effect, reducing S and G(2)/M populations. Double thymidine arrest and release experiments showed that overexpression of Speedy/Ringo C promoted late S phase progression. Using a novel three-color FACS protocol to determine the length of G(2) phase, we found that the suppression of Speedy/Ringo C by RNAi prolonged G(2) phase by approximately 30 min whereas ectopic expression of Speedy/Ringo C shortened G(2) phase by approximately 25 min. In addition, overexpression of Speedy/Ringo C disrupted the G(2) DNA damage checkpoint, increased cell death and caused a cell cycle delay at the G(1)-to-S transition. These observations indicate that CDK-Speedy/Ringo C complexes positively regulate cell cycle progression during the late S and G(2) phases of the cell cycle.

Lactotransferrin: a candidate tumor suppressor-Deficient expression in human nasopharyngeal carcinoma and inhibition of NPC cell proliferation by modulating the mitogen-activated protein kinase pathway

Lactotransferrin (LTF) has been shown to regulate tumorogenesis. However, little is known about the role of LTF in regulating the development of human nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC). The aim of our study was to investigate whether LTF could regulate the development of NPC by characterizing the pattern of LTF expression in human NPC tissues using cDNA and tissue microarrays. Loss of LTF expression was observed in a significantly higher frequency of NPC tissues compared to that in nontumor nasopharyngeal epithelial tissues. While 61.25% of NPC tissues at the T1/T2 stage were positive for LTF expression, only 40.82% of NPC at the T3/T4 stage were stained by anti-LTF. Similarly, 41.58% of NPC with local lymph node metastasis displayed LTF expression, a value significantly lower than the 46.36% in primary tumors (p < 0.05). These findings suggest that LTF may negatively regulate the development and metastasis of NPC in vivo. Furthermore, overexpression of or treatment with LTF inhibited the proliferation of NPC cells and promoted cell cycle arrest at the G(0)/G(1) phase in vitro. While LTF treatment downregulated expression of cyclin D1 and phosphorylation of retinoblastoma protein (Rb), expression of p21 and p27 in 5-8F NPC cells was enhanced. Moreover, LTF treatment modulated the mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) pathway, but did not affect p53 and STAT3 expression in 5-8F NPC cells. Thus LTF is likely to be a candidate tumor suppressor and downregulates the development of NPC by inhibiting NPC proliferation through induction of cell cycle arrest and modulation of the MAPK signaling pathway. Therefore, our findings provide new insights in understanding the mechanism(s) underlying the action of LTF in regulating the development of human NPC.

Enantioselective effect of 12(S)-hydroxyeicosatetraenoic acid on 3T6 fibroblast growth through ERK 1/2 and p38 MAPK pathways and cyclin D1 activation

Hydroxyeicosatetraenoic acids (HETEs) have numerous physiological effects, including modulation of cell proliferation and differentiation. However, little is known about the selective effects of HETE enantiomers on cell proliferation and cell signalling pathways involved in the regulation of cell growth. Furthermore, information on epithelial and endothelial cells growth is controversial. Recently, we demonstrated that 5-, 12-, and 15-HETE are involved in the control of 3T6 fibroblast growth though serine/treonine Akt/PKB (Akt) pathway. Here we examined the participation of both enantiomers (S and R) of HETEs in the control of 3T6 fibroblast growth. Our results show that HETEs (5-, 12-, and 15-HETE) are enantioselective on protein and DNA synthesis and 3T6 fibroblast growth. Furthermore, we observed that 12(S)-HETE induces the enhancement of cAMP and intracellular calcium concentration, whereas 12(R)-HETE was uneffective. Our findings also demonstrated that 12(S)-HETE exerts these effects through enantiospecific interactions with a cellular element, probably a plasma membrane receptor coupling to a pertussis toxin-sensitive protein G. Moreover, these elements may be involved in the activation of mitogen-activated protein kinase pathways which induce the enhancement of cyclin D(1) levels.

Negative regulation of cell-cycle progression by RINGO/Speedy E

Cell-cycle transitions are controlled by CDKs (cyclin-dependent kinases), whose activation is usually associated with the binding of cyclins. RINGO/Speedy proteins can also bind to and activate CDKs, although they do not have amino acid sequence homology with cyclins. The RINGO/Speedy family members studied so far positively regulate cell-cycle progression. In the present paper, we report the biochemical and functional characterization of RINGO/Speedy E. We show that RINGO/Speedy E is a functionally distant member of this protein family that negatively affects cell-cycle progression. RINGO/Speedy E overexpression inhibits the meiotic progression in Xenopus oocytes as well as the proliferation of mammalian cells. RINGO/Speedy E can bind to endogenous CDK1 and CDK2 in both cellular systems. However, the RINGO/Speedy E-activated CDKs have different substrate specificity than the CDKs activated by other RINGO/Speedy proteins, which may account for their different effects on the cell cycle. Our results indicate that, although all RINGO/Speedy family members can activate CDKs, they may differently regulate cell-cycle progression.

CDC-25.1 stability is regulated by distinct domains to restrict cell division during embryogenesis in C. elegans

Cdc25 phosphatases are key positive cell cycle regulators that coordinate cell divisions with growth and morphogenesis in many organisms. Intriguingly in C. elegans, two cdc-25.1(gf) mutations induce tissue-specific and temporally restricted hyperplasia in the embryonic intestinal lineage, despite stabilization of the mutant CDC-25.1 protein in every blastomere. We investigated the molecular basis underlying the CDC-25.1(gf) stabilization and its associated tissue-specific phenotype. We found that both mutations affect a canonical beta-TrCP phosphodegron motif, while the F-box protein LIN-23, the beta-TrCP orthologue, is required for the timely degradation of CDC-25.1. Accordingly, depletion of lin-23 in wild-type embryos stabilizes CDC-25.1 and triggers intestinal hyperplasia, which is, at least in part, cdc-25.1 dependent. lin-23(RNAi) causes embryonic lethality owing to cell fate transformations that convert blastomeres to an intestinal fate, sensitizing them to increased levels of CDC-25.1. Our characterization of a novel destabilizing cdc-25.1(lf) intragenic suppressor that acts independently of lin-23 indicates that additional cues impinge on different motifs of the CDC-25.1 phosphatase during early embryogenesis to control its stability and turnover, in order to ensure the timely divisions of intestinal cells and coordinate them with the formation of the developing gut.

Maize D4;1 and D5 cyclin proteins in germinating maize. Associated kinase activity and regulation by phytohormones

We have previously reported the expression of four different maize D cyclins during seed germination and showed that cytokinins and auxins stimulate the expression of every cyclin in a differential way. In this paper we characterize the behavior at the protein level of two of these cyclins, CycD5 and CycD4;1. Antibodies were raised against CycD5;2 (which very likely also recognizes D5;1) and CycD4;1 and Western blot studies demonstrated that neither BA nor indol-3 acetic acid (IAA) stimulate cyclin accumulation during germination, compared with control levels. However, phytohormones, particularly IAA, modify the kinase activity associated to D cyclins preferentially at early hours of germination. The associated kinase moiety to D cyclins appears to be of a Cdk-A type because this protein immunoprecipitates with D cyclins and because kinase activity is strongly inhibited by both olomoucine and also by a peptide corresponding to the carboxy end of a maize kip related protein (KRP) protein. There is thus no correlation between mRNA and protein expression for these maize D cyclins during seed germination, although phytohormones may stimulate a signaling cascade that stimulates activation of protein kinase activity in cyclin-Cdk complexes.

Increased expression of the rice C-type cyclin-dependent protein kinase gene, Orysa;CDKC;1, in response to salt stress

Cyclin-dependent protein kinases (CDKs) form a conserved superfamily of eukaryotic serine/threonine protein kinases which require binding to a regulatory cyclin for activity. CDKs are organized in several gene families and are involved in different aspects of cell biology, such as gene transcription, cell proliferation and differentiation. In this study, we present the characteristics of the rice C-type CDK gene, Orysa;CDKC;1. The gene was expressed in all organs of the plant and relatively high amounts of its transcript were detected in mature leaves and panicles. This indicated a putative role during later stages of leaf and panicle development. Using yeast two-hybrid analysis, we identified Orysa;CYCT as an interactor with Orysa;CDKC;1. The expression profiles of the new Orysa;CDKC;1 in response to various factors from rice cells were compared with those of previously described Orysa;CDKA;1, and Orysa;CDKB2;1. The Orysa;CDKC;1 transcript was induced by salt stress and ABA treatments, but was unaffected by mannitol. In addition, the MBP kinase activity associated with Orysa;CDKC;1 immunocomplexes was induced under salt stress. We propose that Orysa;CDKC;1 may be involved in developmental programs, as well as in the salt- and ABA-signaling pathway.

Toxoplasma gondii exploits UHRF1 and induces host cell cycle arrest at G2 to enable its proliferation

Toxoplasma gondii is an obligate intracellular parasite that causes severe disease in humans. It is able to infect all nucleated mammalian cells leading to lifelong persistence of the parasite in the host. Here, we studied the effect of T. gondii infection on host cell proliferation and explored the molecular mechanisms involved in host cell cycle progression. We found that T. gondii induced G1/S transition in host cells in the presence of UHRF1, followed by G2 arrest after cyclin B1 downregulation which is probably the major cause of the arrest. Other molecules at the G2/M checkpoint including p53, p21 and Cdk1 were normally regulated. Interestingly, while parasite proliferation was normal in cells that were in the G2 phase, it was suppressed in G1-arrested cells induced by UHRF1-siRNA, indicating the importance of the G2 phase via UHRF1-induced G1/S transition for T. gondii growth.

Phosphorylation of threonine 161 in plant cyclin-dependent kinase A is required for cell division by activation of its associated kinase

Although A-type cyclin-dependent kinase A (CDKA) is required for plant cell division, our understanding of how CDKA is activated before the onset of commitment to cell division is limited. Here we show that phosphorylation of threonine 161 (T161) in plant CDKA is required for activation of its associated kinase. Western blot analysis revealed that phosphorylation of CDKA T161 increased greatly, in parallel with activation of p13(suc1)-associated kinase activity, when stationary-phase tobacco BY-2 cells were subcultured into fresh medium. Although induced over-expression of a dominant-negative CDKA mutant (D146N) fused with green fluorescent protein (GFP) in BY-2 cells resulted in elongated cells after cell division was arrested, over-expression of this CDKA mutant with a non-phosphorylatable alanine in place of T161 (T161A) had no effect on cellular growth. However, immunoprecipitates of both GFP-fused CDKAs exhibited virtually no histone H1 kinase activity, suggesting that both mutants formed kinase-inactive complexes. In a baculovirus expression system, the recombinant CDKA(T161A)/cyclin D complex possessed no detectable kinase activity, indicating that phosphorylation of T161 is required for CDKA activation. To further elucidate the role of T161 phosphorylation, we used a loss-of-function mutation in the CDKA;1 gene, which encodes the only Arabidopsis CDKA. This mutant displays male gametophyte lethality, and produces bicellular pollen grains instead of the tricellular grains produced in wild-type plants. Introduction of CDKA;1(T161E)-GFP, which mimics phosphorylated T161, resulted in successful complementation of the cdka-1 mutation, whereas no recovery was observed when CDKA;1(T161A)-GFP was introduced. Thus, phosphorylation of T161 in Arabidopsis CDKA;1 is essential for cell division during male gametogenesis.

p21 Inhibits Cdk1 in the absence of Cdk2 to maintain the G1/S phase DNA damage checkpoint

Cdk1 was proposed to compensate for the loss of Cdk2. Here we present evidence that this is possible due to premature translocation of Cdk1 from the cytoplasm to the nucleus in the absence of Cdk2. We also investigated the consequence of loss of Cdk2 on the maintenance of the G1/S DNA damage checkpoint. Cdk2(-/-) mouse embryonic fibroblasts in vitro as well as regenerating liver cells after partial hepatectomy (PH) in Cdk2(-/-) mice, arrest promptly at the G1/S checkpoint in response to gamma-irradiation due to activation of p53 and p21 inhibiting Cdk1. Furthermore re-entry into S phase after irradiation was delayed in Cdk2(-/-) cells due to prolonged and impaired DNA repair activity. In addition, Cdk2(-/-) mice were more sensitive to lethal irradiation compared to wild-type and displayed delayed resumption of DNA replication in regenerating liver cells. Our results suggest that the G1/S DNA damage checkpoint is intact in the absence of Cdk2, but Cdk2 is important for proper repair of the damaged DNA.

Cell cycle-dependent transcription of cyclin B2 is influenced by DNA methylation but is independent of methylation in the CDE and CHR elements

DNA methylation is an important mechanism involved in embryogenesis and tumor development. Changing cytosines to 5-methylcytosines in CpG dinucleotides has been found to be responsible for the inactivation of tumor suppressor genes by repressing transcription. A central cell cycle regulator whose synthesis is controlled by transcription is cyclin B. In mammalian cells, cyclin B1 and B2 proteins are well characterized and often found to be overexpressed in cancer patients. Transcription from cyclin B1 and B2 promoters during the cell cycle is dependent upon a combination of two sites named 'cell cycle-dependent element' (CDE) and 'cell cycle genes homology region' (CHR), through repression in G(0) and G(1) followed by release in G(2)/M. Here we show that the cyclin B2 promoter contains a CpG island and that 5-aza-deoxycytidine treatment leads to deregulation of cell cycle-dependent mRNA expression from this gene via a loss of repression in G(0). Furthermore, deletion of the DNA methyltransferase genes DNMT1 and DNMT3b leads to an increase in transcription of cyclin B2. Additionally, DNA methylation in vitro prevents transcriptional activation of the cyclin B2 promoter in G(2)/M. Analysis in vivo of the cyclin B2 core promoter revealed that the CDE/CHR site is partially methylated. However, quantitative in vivo analysis of the CpG-methylation level of the CDE during cell division indicates that CpG methylation is independent of the cell cycle. We conclude that DNA methylation affects cell cycle-dependent transcription of cyclin B2 but that regulation through CDE/CHR is independent of cytosine methylation.

p19Ink4d and p18Ink4c cyclin-dependent kinase inhibitors in the male reproductive axis

The loss of the cyclin-dependent kinase inhibitors (CKIs) p18(Ink4c) and p19(Ink4d) leads to male reproductive defects (Franklin et al., 1998. Genes Dev 12: 2899-2911; Zindy et al., 2000. Mol Cell Biol 20: 372-378; Zindy et al., 2001. Mol Cell Biol 21: 3244-3255). In order to assess whether these inhibitors directly or indirectly affect male germ cell differentiation, we examined the expression of p18(Ink4c) and p19(Ink4d) in spermatogenic and supporting cells in the testis and in pituitary gonadotropes. Both p18(Ink4c) and p19(Ink4d) are most abundant in the testis after 18 days of age and are expressed in purified populations of spermatogenic and testicular somatic cells. Different p18(Ink4c) mRNAs are expressed in isolated spermatogenic and Leydig cells. Spermatogenic cells also express a novel p19(Ink4d) transcript that is distinct from the smaller transcript expressed in Sertoli cells, Leydig cells and in other tissues. Immunohistochemistry detected significant levels of p19(Ink4d) in preleptotene spermatocytes, pachytene spermatocytes, condensing spermatids, and Sertoli cells. Immunoprecipitation-Western analysis detected both CKI proteins in isolated pachytene spermatocytes and round spermatids. CDK4/6-CKI complexes were detected in germ cells by co-immunoprecipitation, although the composition differed by cell type. p19(Ink4d) was also identified in FSH+ gonadotrophs, suggesting that this CKI may be independently required in the pituitary. Possible cell autonomous and paracrine mechanisms for the spermatogenic defects in mice lacking p18(Ink4c) or p19(Ink4d) are supported by expression of these CKIs in spermatogenic cells and in somatic cells of the testis and pituitary.

Genome-wide identification and expression analysis of rice cell cycle genes

Cyclins, cyclin-dependent kinases, and a number of other proteins control the progression of plant cell cycle. Although extensive studies have revealed the roles of some cell cycle regulators and the underlying mechanisms in Arabidopsis, relatively a small number of cell cycle regulators were functionally analyzed in rice. In this study, we describe 41 regulators in the rice genome. Our results indicate that the rice genome contains a less number of the core cell cycle regulators than the Arabidopsis one does, although the rice genome is much larger than the Arabidopsis one. Eight groups of CDKs similar to those in Arabidopsis were identified in the rice genome through phylogenetic analysis, and the corresponding members in the different groups include E2F, CKI, Rb, CKS and Wee. The structures of the core cell regulators were relatively conserved between the rice and Arabidopsis genomes. Furthermore, the expression of the majority of the core cell cycle genes was spatially regulated, and the most closely related ones showed very similar patterns of expression, suggesting functional redundancy and conservation between the highly similar core cell cycle genes in rice and Arabidopsis. Following auxin or cytokinin treatment, the expression of the core cell cycle genes was either upregulated or downregulated, suggesting that auxin and/or cytokinin may directly regulate the expression of the core cell cycle genes. Our results provide basic information to understand the mechanism of cell cycle regulation and the functions of the rice cell cycle genes.

A cyclin-dependent kinase that promotes cytokinesis through modulating phosphorylation of the carboxy terminal domain of the RNA Pol II Rpb1p sub-unit

In Schizosaccharomyces pombe, the nuclear-localized kinase, Lsk1p, promotes cytokinesis by positively regulating the Septation Initiation Network (SIN). Although a member of the cyclin-dependent kinase (CDK) family, neither a cyclin partner nor a physiological target has been identified. In this report we identify a cyclin, Lsc1p, that physically interacts and co-localizes with Lsk1p. Furthermore, lsk1Δ, lsc1Δ, as well as kinase-dead lsk1-K306R mutants, display highly similar cytokinesis defects. Lsk1p is related to CDKs that phosphorylate the carboxy-terminal domain (CTD) of the largest sub-unit of RNA polymerase II (Rpb1p). Interestingly, we find that Lsk1p and Lsc1p are required for phosphorylation of Ser-2 residues found in the heptad repeats of the CTD. To determine if Rpb1p could be a physiological target, we replaced the native rpb1 gene with a synthetic gene encoding a Rpb1p protein in which Ser-2 was substituted with the non-phosphorylatable amino-acid alanine in all heptads. Cells carrying this allele were similar to lsk1Δ mutants: They were viable, displayed genetic interactions with the SIN, and were unable to complete cytokinesis upon perturbation of the cell division machinery. We conclude that Ser-2 phosphorylation of the CTD heptads plays a novel physiological role in the regulation of cytokinesis.

Nuclear cyclin B1 in human breast carcinoma as a potent prognostic factor

Cyclin B1 is translocated to the nucleus from the cytoplasm, and plays an essential role in cell proliferation through promotion of mitosis. Although overexpression of cyclin B1 was previously reported in breast carcinomas, the biological significance of the intracellular localization of cyclin B1 remains unclear. Therefore, in this study, we examined cyclin B1 immunoreactivity in 109 breast carcinomas, according to the intracellular localization, that is, nucleus, cytoplasm or total (nucleus or cytoplasm). Total cyclin B1 was detected in carcinoma cells in 42% of breast carcinomas examined, whereas nuclear and cytoplasmic cyclin B1 were positive in 17 and 35% of the cases, respectively. Total or cytoplasmic cyclin B1 were positively associated with histological grade, mitosis, Ki-67, p53, c-myc or 14-3-3sigma, and inversely correlated with estrogen or progesterone receptor. Nuclear cyclin B1 was significantly associated with tumor size, lymph node metastasis, histological grade, mitosis, Ki-67 or polo-like kinase 1. Only nuclear cyclin B1 was significantly associated with adverse clinical outcome of the patients, and multivariate analyses of disease-free and overall survival demonstrated nuclear cyclin B1 as the independent marker. A similar tendency was detected in the patients receiving adjuvant therapy after surgery. These results suggest that an onocogenic role of overexpressed cyclin B1 is mainly mediated in nuclei of breast carcinoma cells, and the nuclear translocation is regulated by polo-like kinase 1 and 14-3-3sigma. Nuclear cyclin B1-positive breast carcinoma is resistant to adjuvant therapy, and nuclear cyclin B1 immunoreactivity is a potent prognostic factor in breast carcinoma patients.

Cell cycle machinery and stroke

Stroke results from a transient or permanent reduction in blood flow to the brain. The mechanisms involving neuronal death following ischemic insult are complex and not fully understood. One signal which may control ischemic neuronal death is the inappropriate activation of cell cycle regulators including cyclins, cyclin dependent kinases (CDKs) and endogenous cyclin dependent kinase inhibitors (CDKIs). In dividing cells, activation of cell cycle machinery induces cell proliferation. In the context of terminally differentiated-neurons, however, aberrant activation of these elements triggers neuronal death. Indeed, there are several lines of correlative and functional evidence supporting this "cell cycle/neuronal death hypothesis". The objective of this review is to summarize the findings implicating cell cycle machinery in ischemic neuronal death from in vitro and in vivo studies. Importantly, determining and blocking the signaling pathway(s) by which these molecules act to mediate ischemic neuronal death, in conjunction with other targets may provide a viable therapeutic strategy for stroke damage.

Mechanism of apoptotic effects induced selectively by ursodeoxycholic acid on human hepatoma cell lines

AIM: To investigate the effects of ursodeoxycholic acid (UDCA) on apoptosis and proliferation of hepatoma cell lines.

METHODS: Human hepatoma cell lines HepG2 and BEL 7402 were cultured in medium supplemented with different concentrations of UDCA, normal human hepatic line L-02 was used as control. Cell proliferation, apoptosis and gene expression were detected using methyl thiazolyl tetrazolium (MTT) assay, flow cytometry, Western blot, DNA ladder assay, electron microscopy, and immunocytochemistry.

RESULTS: Ursodeoxycholic acid inhibited the proli-feration of HepG2 and BEL7402 cell lines in a dose-dependent manner. Ursodeoxycholic acid can change cell cycle distribution of HepG2 and BEL7402, the proportion of cells in G₀-G₁ phase increased whereas the proportion of S phase cells and G₂-M phase cells decreased. Ursodeoxycholic acid arrested the cell cycle in G₀-G₁ phase by down-regulating the cell cycle related proteins cyclin D₁, D₃ and retinoblastoma protein (p^Rb). The apoptotic rates of HepG2 and BEL7402 treated with UDCA (1.0 mmol/L) were significantly higher than those of control. In the HepG2 and BEL7402 treated with UDCA, expression of bcl-2 decreased whereas expression of Bax increased, the nuclear fragmentation and chromosomal condensed, cells shrank and lost attachment, apoptotic bodies and DNA ladders appeared. UDCA had no effect in inducing apoptosis on L-02 cell lines.

CONCLUSION: UDCA can selectively inhibit proliferation and induce apoptosis of HepG2 and BEL7402 cell lines by blocking cell cycle and regulating the expression of Bax/bcl-2 genes.

T-loop phosphorylation of Arabidopsis CDKA;1 is required for its function and can be partially substituted by an aspartate residue

As in other eukaryotes, progression through the cell cycle in plants is governed by cyclin-dependent kinases. Phosphorylation of a canonical Thr residue in the T-loop of the kinases is required for high enzyme activity in animals and yeast. We show that the Arabidopsis thaliana Cdc2(+)/Cdc28 homolog CDKA;1 is also phosphorylated in the T-loop and that phosphorylation at the conserved Thr-161 residue is essential for its function. A phospho-mimicry T161D substitution restored the primary defect of cdka;1 mutants, and although the T161D substitution displayed a dramatically reduced kinase activity with a compromised ability to bind substrates, homozygous mutant plants were recovered. The rescue by the T161D substitution, however, was not complete, and the resulting plants displayed various developmental abnormalities. For instance, even though flowers were formed, these plants were completely sterile as a result of a failure of the meiotic program, indicating that different requirements for CDKA;1 function are needed during plant development.

Loss of nuclear p21(Cip1/WAF1) during neoplastic progression to metastasis in gamma-irradiated p21 hemizygous mice

p21(Cip1/WAF1) localizes to the nucleus in response to gamma-irradiation induced DNA damage and mediates a G(1) checkpoint arrest. Although gamma-irradiated p21(+/-) mice develop a broad spectrum of tumors, gamma-irradiated p21(-/-) mice develop significantly more metastatic cancers. To evaluate the expression of p21 in tissues prone or resistant to tumorigenesis as a function of gamma-irradiation, and to determine whether phenotypic loss of p21 heterozygosity occurs during tumor progression in p21(+/-) mice, tissues and tumors from gamma-irradiated mice were evaluated immunohistochemically. The percentage of tumors in p21(+/-) mice that were nuclear p21-positive declined with progression to metastasis (p<0.0001). Benign tumors were more often p21-positive and comprised of larger subsets of nuclear p21-positive cells than were malignant tumors of the same histopathological type, while metastatic cancers were nuclear p21-negative (p=0.0003). Even when a primary cancer was comprised of a subset of nuclear p21-positive cells, the metastatic foci of that same cancer were nuclear p21-negative. Mesenchymal tumors, though rare, were more likely metastatic than were epithelial tumors (p=0.0004), and these were invariably nuclear p21-negative. Prepubescent epithelial tissues from which most tumors later originated in mice with reduced p21 gene dosage (i.e., harderian gland, ovary, small intestine, and lung) were p21 expressive within 4 h of gamma-irradiation (p=0.0625), so that p21/Ki67 ratios increased post-gamma-irradiation (p=0.03). In contrast, p21 did not localize to nuclei of cortical thymocytes, a tissue where tumorigenesis was not augmented by reduced p21 gene dosage. Cellular subclones of malignant tumors, especially those of mesenchymal cell origin, which lack nuclear p21 may more readily acquire the genetic alterations of the metastatic phenotype.

Rescue of a human cell line from endogenous Cdk1 depletion by Cdk1 lacking inhibitory phosphorylation sites

Cells that transiently overexpress cyclin-dependent kinase 1 lacking inhibitory phosphorylation sites (Cdk1-AF) undergo premature and catastrophic mitosis, reflecting the key role for Cdk1 in promoting a timely transit from G(2) into mitosis. Conversely, cells depleted of Cdk1 undergo repeated S phases without intervening mitoses (endoreduplication), reflecting a role for Cdk1 in preventing premature S phases. It is not known how Cdk1 prevents entry into S phase at times in G(2) when it does not promote mitosis. Also uncertain is the extent of redundancy between inhibitory phosphorylation and other mechanisms for controlling Cdk1 activity. We describe here human cells that not only tolerate stable Cdk1-AF expression but also rely on it for survival when endogenous Cdk1 is depleted. When residual endogenous Cdk1 expression is further depleted, however, proliferation of Cdk1-AF-rescued cells is inhibited. Interestingly, this inhibition is not accompanied by endoreduplication. These results are consistent with a two-threshold model for Cdk1 kinase activity, one for suppressing endoreduplication and one for promoting mitosis. They also indicate that inhibitory phosphorylation is indispensable for only a fraction of the total cellular complement of Cdk1.

The genomic repertoire for cell cycle control and DNA metabolism in S. purpuratus

A search of the Strongylocentrotus purpuratus genome for genes associated with cell cycle control and DNA metabolism shows that the known repertoire of these genes is conserved in the sea urchin, although with fewer family members represented than in vertebrates, and with some cases of echinoderm-specific gene diversifications. For example, while homologues of the known cyclins are mostly encoded by single genes in S. purpuratus (unlike vertebrates, which have multiple isoforms), there are additional genes encoding novel cyclins of the B and K/L types. Almost all known cyclin-dependent kinases (CDKs) or CDK-like proteins have an orthologue in S. purpuratus; CDK3 is one exception, whereas CDK4 and 6 are represented by a single homologue, referred to as CDK4. While the complexity of the two families of mitotic kinases, Polo and Aurora, is close to that found in the nematode, the diversity of the NIMA-related kinases (NEK proteins) approaches that of vertebrates. Among the nine NEK proteins found in S. purpuratus, eight could be assigned orthologues in vertebrates, whereas the ninth is unique to sea urchins. Most known DNA replication, DNA repair and mitotic checkpoint genes are also present, as are homologues of the pRB (two) and p53 (one) tumor suppressors. Interestingly, the p21/p27 family of CDK inhibitors is represented by one homologue, whereas the INK4 and ARF families of tumor suppressors appear to be absent, suggesting that these evolved only in vertebrates. Our results suggest that, while the cell cycle control mechanisms known from other animals are generally conserved in sea urchin, parts of the machinery have diversified within the echinoderm lineage. The set of genes uncovered in this analysis of the S. purpuratus genome should enhance future research on cell cycle control and developmental regulation in this model.

Cyclin I Protects Podocytes from Apoptosis

The limited regenerative capacity of the glomerular podocyte following injury underlies the development of glomerulosclerosis and progressive renal failure in a diverse range of kidney diseases. We discovered that, in the kidney, cyclin I is uniquely expressed in the glomerular podocyte, and have constructed cyclin I knock-out mice to explore the biological function of cyclin I in these cells. Cyclin I knock-out (-/-) podocytes showed an increased susceptibility to apoptosis both in vitro and in vivo. Following induction of experimental glomerulonephritis, podocyte apoptosis was increased 4-fold in the cyclin I -/- mice, which was associated with dramatically decreased renal function. Our previous data showed that the Cdk inhibitor p21(Cip1/Waf1) protects podocytes from certain apoptotic stimuli. In cultured cyclin I -/- podocytes, the level of p21(Cip1/Waf1) was lower at base line, had a shorter half-life, and declined more rapidly in response to apoptotic stimuli than in wild-type cells. Enforced expression of p21(Cip1/Waf1) reversed the susceptibility of cyclin I -/- podocytes to apoptosis. Cyclin I protects podocytes from apoptosis, and we provide preliminary data to suggest that this is mediated by stabilization of p21(Cip1/Waf1).

Pathocycles: Ustilago maydis as a model to study the relationships between cell cycle and virulence in pathogenic fungi

Activation of virulence in pathogenic fungi often involves differentiation processes that need the reset of the cell cycle and induction of a new morphogenetic program. Therefore, the fungal capability to modify its cell cycle constitutes an important determinant in carrying out a successful infection. The dimorphic fungus Ustilago maydis is the causative agent of corn smut disease and has lately become a highly attractive model in addressing fundamental questions about development in pathogenic fungi. The different morphological and genetic changes of U. maydis cells during the pathogenic process advocate an accurate control of the cell cycle in these transitions. This is why this model pathogen deserves attention as a powerful tool in analyzing the relationships between cell cycle, morphogenesis, and pathogenicity. The aim of this review is to summarize recent advances in the unveiling of cell cycle regulation in U. maydis. We also discuss the connection between cell cycle and virulence and how cell cycle control is an important downstream target in the fungus-plant interaction.

Molecular targets and the treatment of myeloid leukemia

Leukemia is a multistep process involving accumulation of genetic alterations over time. These genetic mutations destroy the delicate balance between cell proliferation, differentiation, and apoptosis. Traditional approaches to treatment of leukemia involve chemotherapy, radiation, and bone marrow transplantation. In recent years, specific targeted therapies have been developed for the treatment of leukemia. The success of treatment of acute promyelocytic leukemia with All Trans Retinoic Acid (ATRA) and CML with imatinib have lead to increased efforts to identify targets that can be inhibited by small molecules for treatment of hematological malignancies. In this review, we describe the current advances in the development of targeted therapy in acute myeloid leukemia.

In stent restenosis: bane of the stent era

The long term outcome of stent implantation is affected by a process called in stent restenosis (ISR). Multiple contributory factors have been identified, but clear understanding of the overall underlying mechanism remains an enigma. ISR progresses through several different phases and involves numerous cellular and molecular constituents. Platelets and macrophages play a central role via vascular smooth muscle cell migration and proliferation in the intima to produce neointimal hyperplasia, which is pathognomic of ISR. Increased extracellular matrix formation appears to form the bulk of the neointimal hyperplasia tissue. Emerging evidence of the role of inflammatory cytokines and suppressors of cytokine signalling make this an exciting and novel field of antirestenosis research. Activation of Akt pathway triggered by mechanical stretch may also be a contributory factor to ISR formation. Prevention of ISR appears to be a multipronged attack as no therapeutic "magic bullet" exists to block all the processes in one go.

Cell cycle regulated D3-type cyclins form active complexes with plant-specific B-type cyclin-dependent kinase in vitro

Tobacco (Nicotiana tabacum L.) cv Bright Yellow-2 (BY-2) cells are the most highly synchronizable plant cell culture, and previously we used them to analyze cell cycle regulation of cyclin-dependent kinases (CDKs) containing the cyclin binding motifs PSTAIRE (CDKA) and PPTA/TLRE (CDKB). Here we describe the analysis of tobacco CycD3 cyclins whose transcripts predominantly accumulate during G2 to M phase, which represents a unique feature of this type of cyclin D in plants. Although protein levels of CycD3s fluctuate with different patterns during the cell cycle, kinase assays revealed that the CycD3-associated kinases phosphorylate histone H1 and the tobacco retinoblastoma related protein (NtRBR1) with two peaks at the G1/S and G2/M boundaries. In vitro pull-down assays revealed that cell cycle-regulated CycD3s bind to CDKA, but more weakly than does CycD3;3, and that they also bind to CDKB and the CDK inhibitor NtKIS1a. Mutations in the cyclin box of the CycD3s showed that two amino acids are required for binding with CDKA and NtKIS1a, but no diminished interaction was observed with CDKB. A reconstituted kinase assay was adapted for use with bacterially produced GST-CycD3s, and kinase activity could be activated by incubation of extracts from exponentially growing BY-2 cells. Such activated complexes contained CDKA and CDKB, and the reconstituted GST-CycD3 mutants, retaining binding ability to CDKB, showed kinase activity, suggesting that these cell cycle-regulated CycD3s form active complexes with both A- and B-type CDKs in vitro.

Human cyclin B3. mRNA expression during the cell cycle and identification of three novel nonclassical nuclear localization signals

Cyclins form complexes with cyclin-dependent kinases. By controlling activity of the enzymes, cyclins regulate progression through the cell cycle. A- and B-type cyclins were discovered due to their distinct appearance in S and G(2) phases and their rapid proteolytic destruction during mitosis. Transition from G(2) to mitosis is basically controlled by B-type cyclins. In mammals, two cyclin B proteins are well characterized, cyclin B1 and cyclin B2. Recently, a human cyclin B3 gene was described. In contrast to the expression pattern of other B-type cyclins, we find cyclin B3 mRNA expressed not only in S and G(2)/M cells but also in G(0) and G(1). Human cyclin B3 is expressed in different variants. We show that one isoform remains in the cytoplasm, whereas the other variant is translocated to the nucleus. Transport to the nucleus is dependent on three autonomous nonclassical nuclear localization signals that where previously not implicated in nuclear translocation. It had been shown that cyclin B3 coimmunoprecipitates with cdk2; but this complex does not exhibit any kinase activity. Furthermore, a degradation-resistant version of cyclin B3 can arrest cells in G(1) and G(2). Taken together with the finding that cyclin B3 mRNA is not only expressed in G(2)/M but is also detected in significant amounts in resting cells and in G(1) cells. This may suggest a dominant-negative function of human cyclin B3 in competition with activating cyclins in G(0) and the G(1) phase of the cell cycle.

Molecular alterations after Polo-like kinase 1 mRNA suppression versus pharmacologic inhibition in cancer cells

Multiple roles within mitosis have been assigned to Polo-like kinase 1 (Plk1), making it an attractive candidate for mitotic targeting of cancer cells. We have employed chimeric antisense oligonucleotides to investigate the molecular alterations after targeted interference with Plk1 in RKO human colon adenocarcinoma and PC3 prostate cancer cells. Suppression of Plk1 mRNA resulted in a dramatic increase of the mitotic index followed by the onset of apoptosis. Mitotically arrested cells displayed randomly separated condensed chromosomes and the occurrence of multiple spindle poles with well-formed asters. Induction of apoptosis was strictly dependent on cell cycle progression: Genetically engineered RKO cells with inducible expression of the cyclin-dependent kinase inhibitor p27(Kip1) were completely refractory to Plk1 depletion-induced apoptosis when they were arrested in the G1 phase of the cell cycle. Various mitotic markers, including MPM-2, cdc25c, cyclin B1, or phosphorylated histone H3, were investigated to explore the molecular consequences of Plk1 depletion. Whereas most marker proteins showed similar alterations compared with treatment with paclitaxel, cdc25c was fully phosphorylated solely in paclitaxel-treated cells but only partially phosphorylated in Plk1-depleted cells, although both treatments caused a profound mitotic arrest. This differential phosphorylation of cdc25c was used to test whether a pharmacologic inhibitor of Plk1 would exert the same cellular effects as interference with Plk1 on a mRNA level. It was found that the differential electrophoretic mobility of cdc25c can serve as a reliable molecular marker to track inhibition of Plk1 by small-molecule inhibitors within a cell.

Arabidopsis CDKA;1, a cdc2 homologue, controls proliferation of generative cells in male gametogenesis

The protein kinase cdc2 is conserved throughout eukaryotes and acts as a key regulator of the cell cycle. In plants, A-type cyclin-dependent kinase (CDKA), a homologue of cdc2, has a role throughout the cell cycle. Here we show that a loss-of-function mutation in CDKA;1, encoding the only Arabidopsis CDKA, results in lethality of the male gametophyte. Heterozygous plants produced mature siliques containing about 50% aborted seeds, and segregation distortion was observed in paternal inheritance. Microspores normally undergo an asymmetric cell division, pollen mitosis I (PMI), to produce bicellular pollen grains. The larger vegetative cell does not divide, but the smaller generative cell undergoes mitosis, PMII, to form the two sperm cells, thereby generating tricellular pollen grains. The cdka-1 mutant, however, produces mature bicellular pollen grains, consisting of a single sperm-like cell and a vegetative cell, due to failure of PMII. The mutant sperm-like cell is fertile, and preferentially fuses with the egg cell to initiate embryogenesis. As the central cell nucleus remains unfertilized, however, double fertilization does not occur. In heterozygous plants, the embryo is arrested at the globular stage, most likely because of loss of endosperm development, whereas it is arrested at the one- or two-cell stage in presumptive homozygous plants. Thus, CDKA;1 is essential for cell division of the generative cell in male gametogenesis.

CDK activation by non-cyclin proteins

Progression through the cell cycle is regulated by cyclin-dependent kinases (CDKs), which associate with activating partners, named cyclins, to phosphorylate substrates efficiently. Cyclins are periodically synthesized and degraded during the cell cycle, playing a key role in the precise activation and inactivation of CDKs. However, CDKs can also be activated by other proteins, which lack sequence similarity to cyclins. These include the RINGO/Speedy proteins, which were originally identified as regulators of the meiotic cell cycle in Xenopus oocytes. Recently, five different mammalian RINGO/Speedy family members have been reported, all of which can bind to and directly activate Cdk1 and Cdk2.

Molecular neuro-oncology and the development of targeted therapeutic strategies for brain tumors. Part 5: apoptosis and cell cycle

Brain tumors are a diverse group of malignancies that remain refractory to conventional treatment approaches. Molecular neuro-oncology has now begun to clarify the transformed phenotype of brain tumors and identify oncogenic pathways that might be amenable to targeted therapy. Abnormalities of the apoptotic and cell cycle signaling pathways are key molecular features of many brain tumors and are currently under evaluation for potential therapeutic intervention. The apoptosis pathway has numerous targets for molecular therapeutic development, including p53, Bax, Bcl-2, cFLIP, effector caspases, growth factor receptors, phosphatidylinositol-3-kinase, Akt and apoptosis inhibitors. Current molecular treatment approaches include antisense techniques, gene therapy and small-molecule modulators and inhibitors. Potential targets of the cell cycle pathway include the cyclins, cyclin-dependent kinases, p53, retinoblastoma, E2F and the cyclin-dependent kinase inhibitors. Developmental molecular therapeutics for this pathway include adenoviral and gene therapy, small-peptide cyclin-dependent kinase modulators, proteasomal inhibitors and small-molecule cyclin-dependent kinase inhibitors. Several of these recently identified agents have begun evaluation in clinical trials. Further development of targeted therapies designed to modulate apoptosis and the cell cycle, and evaluation of these new agents in clinical trials, will be needed to improve survival and quality of life for patients with brain tumors.

Inhibition of cell-cycle progression in HeLa cells by HY52, a novel cyclin-dependent kinase inhibitor isolated from Bauhinia forficata

In the course of screening for a novel inhibitor of cyclin-dependent kinase (CDK), HY52 (C17H30O2N2; molecular weight 294) was isolated from the leaves of Pata de Vaca (Bauhinia forficata). The growth of HeLa cells was inhibited in a dose-dependent manner when treated with 0.07 to 0.41 mM of HY52 for 24 h (IC50:0.11 mM). Furthermore, HY52 showed the selective inhibitory activity on CDC2 kinase purified using immunoprecipitation with an IC 50 value of 0.45 mM. A flow cytometric analysis of the HeLa cells treated with HY52 revealed an appreciable cell-cycle arrest in the G1 phase. Moreover, a TUNEL assay exhibited the apoptotic induction of HeLa cells treated with HY52. To obtain further information on the cell-cycle arrest induced by HY52, the expression of certain cell-cycle-associated proteins was examined using a Western blot analysis. The results revealed that HY52 was found to inhibit the proliferation of HeLa cells through inducing a G1-phase arrest by inhibiting pRb phosphorylation via an up-regulation of p21WAF1/CIP1 and p27KIP1, and G2/M-phase arrest by down-regulation of CDC2, cyclin A, and cyclin B1.

Genome-wide analysis of cyclin family in rice (Oryza Sativa L.)

The cyclins together with highly conserved cyclin-dependent kinases regulate cell cycle progression in plants. Although extensive and systematic study on cell cycle mechanisms and cyclin functions in yeasts and animals has been carried out, only a small number of plant cyclins have been characterized and classified functionally and phylogenetically. We identified several types of cyclin genes in the rice genome and characterized them by phylogenetic, tandem and segmental duplications analyses. Our results indicated that there were at least 49 predicted rice cyclin genes in the rice genome, and they were distributed on 12 chromosomes. Of these cyclins, one possessed only cyclin_C domain and no cyclin_N domain, and the remaining 48 cyclins with cyclin_N domains were classified as nine types based on evolutionary relationships. Eight of these nine types were common between rice and Arabidopsis, whereas only one, known as F-type cyclins, was unique to rice. No homologues of the F-type cyclins in plants could be retrieved from the public databases, and reverse transcription-PCR analysis supported an existence of the F-type cyclin genes. Sequence alignment suggested that the cyclin genes in the rice genome experienced a mass of gene tandem and segmental duplications occurred on seven chromosomes related to the origins of new cyclin genes. Our study provided an opportunity to facilitate assessment and classification of new members, serving as a guide for further functional elucidation of rice cyclins.

Ircinin-1 induces cell cycle arrest and apoptosis in SK-MEL-2 human melanoma cells

We investigated the effects of ircinin-1, a lipid compound (a C25 sesterterpene tetronic acid) isolated from marine sponges (Sarcotragus sp.), on the modulation of cell cycle and induction of apoptosis in SK-MEL-2 human skin cancer cells (mutant p53). Ircinin-1 treatment on SK-MEL-2 cells resulted in a dose-dependent inhibition of cell growth and induced apoptotic cell death. Flow cytometric analysis revealed that ircinin-1 resulted in G1 arrest in cell cycle progression which was associated with a marked decrease in the protein expression of D-type cyclins and their activating partners Cdk 4 and 6 with concomitant inductions of p21WAF1/CIP1 and p27KIP1. The induction of p21WAF1/CIP1 appears to be transcriptionally upregulated and is p53-independent. In addition, ircinin-1 suppressed the phosphorylation of pRb protein and increased the co-association of pRb or proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA) with p21WAF1/CIP1 in these cells. Ircinin-1 treatment also resulted in induction of apoptosis as determined by morphological changes, DNA fragmentation, alternated ratio of Bax/Bcl-2, cleavages of poly(ADP-ribose) polymerase and PLC-gamma1, and flow cytometric analysis. Ircinin-1 also induced cytochrome c release, cleavage activations of caspase-3 and -9, and upregulation of Fas and Fas-L. Even though the inhibitor of apoptosis protein (IAP) was expressed in ircinin-1-untreated or -treated SK-MEL-2 cells, only the level of cIAP-1, but not XIAP or cIAP-2, was decreased during ircinin-1-induced apoptosis at Western blot and RT-PCR studies. Taken together, these findings suggest that ircinin-1 has strong potential for development as an agent for prevention against skin cancer.

GR 63799X, an EP3 receptor agonist, induced S phase arrest and 3T6 fibroblast growth inhibition

The importance of arachidonic acid metabolites on the control of cell growth, particularly those derived from cyclooxygenase pathway has long been recognized. Recently, we observed that prostaglandin E(2) (PGE(2)) interaction with EP(1) and EP(4) receptors is involved in serum-induced 3T6 fibroblast growth due to their effect at various levels of the cell cycle machinery. This study shows that prostanoid EP(3) receptor was expressed in 3T6 fibroblast. We studied the role of EP(3) receptor agonist GR 63799X in serum-induced 3T6 cell proliferation. This was concentration-dependent inhibit (IC(50) approximately 10 microM) to a complete inhibition without any cytotoxic or proapoptotic effect. The prostanoid EP(3) receptor agonist treatment decreased the G(0)/G(1) and G(2)/M populations whereas cells were accumulated in S phase. This arrest in S phase was associated with a decrease in cyclin B levels and the enhancement of p21 expression. Our data show that EP(3) agonist decreases cAMP levels in our experimental conditions. Interestingly, the S arrest caused by prostanoid EP(3) receptor agonist seems to be cAMP dependent, at least in part, because forskolin treatment allowed S-arrested cells to progress through cell cycle and consequently growth. Thus, our results suggest that PGE(2) EP(3) receptor interaction may be involved in serum-induced 3T6 fibroblast growth due to their effects on cAMP levels and on cell cycle machinery of the S phase.

Inhibitors of cyclin-dependent kinase modulators for cancer therapy

Most human malignancies have an aberration in the Rb pathway due to 'cdk hyperactivation'. Several small-molecule cdk modulators are being discovered and tested in the clinic. The first ATP-competitive cdk inhibitors tested in clinical trials, flavopiridol and UCN-01, have shown promising results with evidence of antitumor activity and plasma concentrations sufficient to inhibit cdk-related functions. The best schedule to be administered, combination with standard chemotherapeutic agents, best tumor types to be targeted, and demonstration of cdk modulation from tumor samples from patients in these trials are important issues that need to be answered to advance these agents to the clinical arena.

Function of c-Fos-like and c-Jun-like proteins on trichostatin A-induced G2/M arrest in Physarum polycephalum

The homologs of transcription factors c-Fos and c-Jun have been detected in slime mold Physarum polycephalum during progression of the synchronous cell cycle. Here we demonstrated that c-Fos-like and c-Jun-like proteins participated in G2/M transition by the regulation of the level of Cyclin B1 protein in P. polycephalum. The study of antibody neutralization revealed that interruption of the functions of c-Fos-like and c-Jun-like proteins resulted in G2/M transition arrest, implicating their functional roles in cell cycle control. When G2/M transition was blocked by histone deacetylase inhibitor trichostatin A, changes in c-Fos- and c-Jun-like protein levels, and hyperacetylation of c-Jun-like protein, were observed. The data suggest that in P. polycephalum, c-Fos- and c-Jun-like proteins may be the key factors in the regulation of histone acetylation-related G2/M transition, involving the coordinated expression and hyperacetylation of these proteins.

The Ste20-like kinase SLK is required for cell cycle progression through G2

We have previously shown that the Ste20-like kinase SLK is a microtubule-associated protein that can regulate actin reorganization during cell adhesion and spreading (Wagner, S., Flood, T. A., O'Reilly, P., Hume, K., and Sabourin, L. A. (2002) J. Biol. Chem. 277, 37685-37692). Because of its association with the microtubule network, we investigated whether SLK plays a role in cell cycle progression, a process that requires microtubule dynamics during mitosis. Consistent with microtubule association in exponentially growing cells, our results showed that SLK co-localizes with the mitotic spindle in cells undergoing mitosis. Expression of a kinase-inactive mutant or SLK small interfering RNAs inhibited cell proliferation and resulted in an accumulation of quiescent cells stimulated to re-enter the cell cycle in the G2 phase. Cultures expressing the mutant SLK displayed a normal pattern of cyclin D, E, and B expression but failed to down-regulate cyclin A levels, suggesting that they cannot proceed through M phase. In addition, these cultures displayed low levels of both phospho-H3 and active p34/cdc2 kinase. Overexpression of active SLK resulted in ectopic spindle assembly and the induction of cell cycle re-entry of Xenopus oocytes, suggesting that SLK is required for progression through G2 upstream of H1 kinase activation.

Cdk1/Erk2- and Plk1-dependent phosphorylation of a centrosome protein, Cep55, is required for its recruitment to midbody and cytokinesis

Centrosomes in mammalian cells have recently been implicated in cytokinesis; however, their role in this process is poorly defined. Here, we describe a human coiled-coil protein, Cep55 (centrosome protein 55 kDa), that localizes to the mother centriole during interphase. Despite its association with gamma-TuRC anchoring proteins CG-NAP and Kendrin, Cep55 is not required for microtubule nucleation. Upon mitotic entry, centrosome dissociation of Cep55 is triggered by Erk2/Cdk1-dependent phosphorylation at S425 and S428. Furthermore, Cep55 locates to the midbody and plays a role in cytokinesis, as its depletion by siRNA results in failure of this process. S425/428 phosphorylation is required for interaction with Plk1, enabling phosphorylation of Cep55 at S436. Cells expressing phosphorylation-deficient mutant forms of Cep55 undergo cytokinesis failure. These results highlight the centrosome as a site to organize phosphorylation of Cep55, enabling it to relocate to the midbody to function in mitotic exit and cytokinesis.

Biochemical characterization of Cdk2-Speedy/Ringo A2

Background

Normal cell cycle progression requires the precise activation and inactivation of cyclin-dependent protein kinases (CDKs), which consist of a CDK and a cyclin subunit. A novel cell cycle regulator called Speedy/Ringo shows no sequence similarity to cyclins, yet can directly bind to and activate CDKs. Speedy/Ringo proteins, which bind to and activate Cdc2 and Cdk2 in vitro, are required for the G2 to M transition during Xenopus oocyte maturation and for normal S-phase entry in cultured human cells.

Results

We have characterized the substrate specificity and enzymatic activity of human Cdk2-Speedy/Ringo A2 in order to gain insights into the possible functions of this complex. In contrast to Cdk2-cyclin A, which has a well-defined consensus target site ((S/T)PX(K/R)) that strongly favors substrates containing a lysine at the +3 position of substrates, Cdk2-Speedy/Ringo A2 displayed a broad substrate specificity at this position. Consequently, Cdk2-Ringo/Speedy A2 phosphorylated optimal Cdk2 substrates such as histone H1 and a KSPRK peptide poorly, only ~0.08% as well as Cdk2-cyclin A, but non-canonical Cdk2 substrates such as a KSPRY peptide relatively well, with an efficiency of ~80% compared to Cdk2-cyclin A. Cdk2-Speedy/Ringo A2 also phosphorylated authentic Cdk2 substrates, such as Cdc25 proteins, which contain non-canonical CDK phosphorylation sites, nearly as well as Cdk2-cyclin A. Phosphopeptide mapping indicated that Cdk2-Speedy/Ringo A2 and Cdk2-cyclin A phosphorylate distinct subsets of sites on Cdc25 proteins. Thus, the low activity that Cdk2-Speedy/Ringo A2 displays when assayed on conventional Cdk2 substrates may significantly underestimate the potential physiological importance of Cdk2-Speedy/Ringo A2 in phosphorylating key subsets of Cdk2 substrates. Unlike Cdk2-cyclin A, whose activity depends strongly on activating phosphorylation of Cdk2 on Thr-160, neither the overall catalytic activity nor the substrate recognition by Cdk2-Speedy/Ringo A2 was significantly affected by this phosphorylation. Furthermore, Cdk2-Speedy/Ringo A2 was not a suitable substrate for metazoan CAK (which phosphorylates Cdk2 at Thr-160), supporting the notion that Speedy/Ringo A2 activates Cdk2 in a CAK-independent manner.

Conclusion

There are major differences in substrate preferences between CDK-Speedy/Ringo A2 and Cdk2-cyclin complexes. These differences may accommodate the CAK-independent activation of Cdk2 by Speedy/Ringo A2 and they raise the possibility that CDK-Speedy/Ringo A2 complexes could phosphorylate and regulate a subset of non-canonical CDK substrates, such as Cdc25 protein phosphatases, to control cell cycle progression.

Characterization of a new family of cyclin-dependent kinase activators

Progression through the cell cycle is regulated by CDKs (cyclin-dependent kinases), which associate with activating partners, named cyclins, to efficiently phosphorylate substrates. We previously reported the identification of RINGO, a Xenopus protein that can activate CDK1 and CDK2 despite lack of sequence similarity to cyclins, which plays a role in the regulation of the meiotic cell cycle in oocytes. In the present study we report the characterization of four mammalian RINGO proteins, which are 53-68% identical with Xenopus RINGO in a central core of about 75 residues. We show that all RINGO family members can bind to and activate CDK1 and CDK2, albeit with different efficiencies, but they do not bind to CDK4 or CDK6. The core RINGO sequences are critical for CDK activation. We also identified key residues in CDK2 that are required for RINGO binding. All RINGO proteins can also bind the CDK inhibitor p27Kip1, but with an inverse efficiency of their ability to bind to CDK1. Our results identify a new family of mammalian proteins that can activate CDKs and therefore potentially function as cell cycle regulators. The ability of RINGO proteins to activate CDK1 and CDK2 suggest also cyclin-independent roles for these kinases.

Chemokine- and neurotrophic factor-induced changes in E2F1 localization and phosphorylation of the retinoblastoma susceptibility gene product (pRb) occur by distinct mechanisms in murine cortical cultures

The retinoblastoma susceptibility gene product (pRb) and E2F1 have been found to exhibit altered localization and increased staining in several neurodegenerative diseases. We have observed similar localization in primary murine cortical cultures treated with neurotrophic factors (NTF) or chemokines. In untreated cultures, E2F1 exhibited minimal immunostaining using the KH95 antibody, which recognizes the pRb interaction domain. In primary E16 murine cortical cultures, NTF- or chemokine-treated neurons, KH95 E2F1 staining was increased in the cytoplasm. However, an antibody recognizing the amino-terminus of E2F1 (KH20) stained the cytoplasm of both untreated and treated neurons. Taken together these results suggest that the change seen in E2F1 using the KH95 antibody is due to antigen unmasking of a carboxy-terminal epitope in response to NTF and chemokines. When we assessed staining for the hyperphosphorylated, inactive form of pRb (ppRb) in untreated cultures, ppRb was predominantly cytoplasmic. In response to NTF or chemokine treatment, staining for ppRb was observed predominantly in nuclei of neurons indicating a change in subcellular distribution. Immunoblot analysis demonstrated increased levels of ppRb in response to NTF and chemokines. Inhibitors of translation, nuclear export, and phoshpatidylinositol-3-kinase blocked NTF- and chemokine-induced nuclear ppRb localization while having no effect on E2F1 staining. Instead increased cytoplasmic KH95 E2F1 staining was dependent on cytoskeletal destabilization which did not influence ppRb localization. These findings demonstrate that alterations in ppRb distribution and E2F1 antigen availability by NTF and chemokines occur by distinct mechanisms suggesting that E2F1 function may be independent of pRb regulation in post-mitotic neurons.

Expression of cell cycle-related proteins in developing and adult mouse hippocampus

Developmental structuring of brain is the result of a strictly coordinated process that involves controlled cell division, neuronal migration and terminal differentiation. Neurogenesis occurs generally during embryonic and early postnatal stages and will be finished in the mature brain. Once differentiated, neurons are incapable of further division but retain the capability of structural and functional plasticity. However, there are distinct regions in the adult brain of mammals that generate neurons continuously throughout life. Among them, the hippocampus, which is known as a region with a high degree of neuroplasticity, is of particular interest in the context of adult neurogenesis. In general, progression through cell cycle phases is regulated by the sequential expression and activation of regulatory proteins like cyclin dependent kinases (cdk), cyclins, or cdk inhibitors (cdki). In postmitotic and terminally differentiated neurons, cell cycle activity is arrested by enrichment of cdkis. The timing of cell cycle exit and neuronal differentiation is likely to be regulated in part by cell cycle regulatory proteins. However, the expression of cell cycle markers in the postnatal or adult brain is still a matter of controversial debate. In the present study, we examined the expression of cdks, cyclins and cdkis within the mouse hippocampus at different developmental stages (embryonic days 17, 19; postnatal day 11 and adult) using immunohistochemical methods. During the prenatal development, cell cycle proteins were localized predominantly in nuclei of all presumptive neuronal populations but expression was not restricted to proliferative cells. With developmental progression, the subcellular localization of most markers was increasingly shifted from nuclear to the cytoplasmic compartment. However, even in the adult, cell cycle-related proteins were found in terminally differentiated pyramidal and granule neurons. Here, they were mainly localized in the perikaryal cytoplasm but only sporadically in neuronal nuclei. Occasionally, immunoreactivity was also found in dendrites and mossy fibers. The present results suggest that cell cycle arrest and terminal differentiation is not necessarily incompatible with the expression of cell cycle-related markers. Thus, they may have supplementary functions in differentiated neurons that might be associated with neuronal plasticity.

p130/p107/p105Rb-dependent transcriptional repression during DNA-damage-induced cell-cycle exit at G2

The progression of normal cells from G2 into mitosis is stably blocked when their DNA is damaged. Tumor cells lacking p53 arrest only transiently in G2, but eventually enter mitosis. We show that an important component of the stable G2 arrest in normal cells is the transcriptional repression of more than 20 genes encoding proteins needed to enter into and progress through mitosis. Studies from a number of labs including our own have shown that, by inducing p53 and p21/WAF1, DNA damage can trigger RB-family-dependent transcriptional repression. Our studies reported here show that p130 and p107 play a key role in transcriptional repression of genes required for G2 and M in response to DNA damage. For plk1, repression is partially abrogated by loss of p130 and p107, and is completely abrogated by loss of all three RB-family proteins. Mouse cells lacking RB-family proteins do not accumulate with a 4N content of DNA when exposed to adriamycin, suggesting that all three RB-family proteins contribute to G2 arrest in response to DNA damage. Stable arrest in the presence of functional p53-to-RB signaling is probably due to the ability of cells to exit the cell cycle from G2, a conclusion supported by our observation that KI67, a marker of cell-cycle entry, is downregulated in both G1 and G2 in a p53-dependent manner.

Silencing of human Int-6 impairs mitosis progression and inhibits cyclin B-Cdk1 activation

The Int-6 protein has been originally identified as the product of a mouse gene being a frequent integration site of the mouse mammary tumour virus. Here, we show that reducing Int-6 expression by RNA interference in HeLa cells markedly alters mitosis progression. Defects in spindle formation, chromosome segregation and cytokinesis were observed. These abnormalities of mitosis completion are correlated with an inhibition of cyclin B-Cdk1 kinase activity, due to a prolonged inhibitory phosphorylated state of Cdk1. In line with this observation, the Wee1 tyrosine kinase that negatively controls Cdk1 was less efficiently inactivated during G2 in Int-6-depleted cells. These findings support the notion that the oncogenic properties associated with alteration of Int-6 originate from chromosomal instability.

Genome-wide annotation and expression profiling of cell cycle regulatory genes in Chlamydomonas reinhardtii

Eukaryotic cell cycles are driven by a set of regulators that have undergone lineage-specific gene loss, duplication, or divergence in different taxa. It is not known to what extent these genomic processes contribute to differences in cell cycle regulatory programs and cell division mechanisms among different taxonomic groups. We have undertaken a genome-wide characterization of the cell cycle genes encoded by Chlamydomonas reinhardtii, a unicellular eukaryote that is part of the green algal/land plant clade. Although Chlamydomonas cells divide by a noncanonical mechanism termed multiple fission, the cell cycle regulatory proteins from Chlamydomonas are remarkably similar to those found in higher plants and metazoans, including the proteins of the RB-E2F pathway that are absent in the fungal kingdom. Unlike in higher plants and vertebrates where cell cycle regulatory genes have undergone extensive duplication, most of the cell cycle regulators in Chlamydomonas have not. The relatively small number of cell cycle genes and growing molecular genetic toolkit position Chlamydomonas to become an important model for higher plant and metazoan cell cycles.