1
|
Mercier AE, Joubert AM, Prudent R, Viallet J, Desroches-Castan A, De Koning L, Mabeta P, Helena J, Pepper MS, Lafanechère L. Sulfamoylated Estradiol Analogs Targeting the Actin and Microtubule Cytoskeletons Demonstrate Anti-Cancer Properties In Vitro and In Ovo. Cancers (Basel) 2024; 16:2941. [PMID: 39272798 PMCID: PMC11394244 DOI: 10.3390/cancers16172941] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/25/2024] [Revised: 07/30/2024] [Accepted: 08/14/2024] [Indexed: 09/15/2024] Open
Abstract
The microtubule-disrupting agent 2-methoxyestradiol (2-ME) displays anti-tumor and anti-angiogenic properties, but its clinical development is halted due to poor pharmacokinetics. We therefore designed two 2-ME analogs in silico-an ESE-15-one and an ESE-16 one-with improved pharmacological properties. We investigated the effects of these compounds on the cytoskeleton in vitro, and their anti-angiogenic and anti-metastatic properties in ovo. Time-lapse fluorescent microscopy revealed that sub-lethal doses of the compounds disrupted microtubule dynamics. Phalloidin fluorescent staining of treated cervical (HeLa), metastatic breast (MDA-MB-231) cancer, and human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) displayed thickened, stabilized actin stress fibers after 2 h, which rearranged into a peripheral radial pattern by 24 h. Cofilin phosphorylation and phosphorylated ezrin/radixin/moesin complexes appeared to regulate this actin response. These signaling pathways overlap with anti-angiogenic, extra-cellular communication and adhesion pathways. Sub-lethal concentrations of the compounds retarded both cellular migration and invasion. Anti-angiogenic and extra-cellular matrix signaling was evident with TIMP2 and P-VEGF receptor-2 upregulation. ESE-15-one and ESE-16 exhibited anti-tumor and anti-metastatic properties in vivo, using the chick chorioallantoic membrane assay. In conclusion, the sulfamoylated 2-ME analogs displayed promising anti-tumor, anti-metastatic, and anti-angiogenic properties. Future studies will assess the compounds for myeloproliferative effects, as seen in clinical applications of other drugs in this class.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Anne Elisabeth Mercier
- Department of Physiology, School of Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Pretoria, Pretoria 0028, South Africa
| | - Anna Margaretha Joubert
- Department of Physiology, School of Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Pretoria, Pretoria 0028, South Africa
| | - Renaud Prudent
- Institute for Advanced Biosciences, INSERM U1209, CNRS UMR5309, Université Grenoble Alpes, 38000 Grenoble, France
| | - Jean Viallet
- Inovotion SAS France, Biopolis, 38700 La Tronche, France
| | - Agnes Desroches-Castan
- Laboratoire Biosanté U1292, Université Grenoble Alpes, Inserm, CEA, 38000 Grenoble, France
| | - Leanne De Koning
- Institut Curie Centre de Recherche, PSL Research University, 75248 Paris Cedex 05, France
| | - Peace Mabeta
- Department of Physiology, School of Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Pretoria, Pretoria 0028, South Africa
| | - Jolene Helena
- Department of Physiology, School of Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Pretoria, Pretoria 0028, South Africa
| | - Michael Sean Pepper
- Institute for Cellular and Molecular Medicine, Department of Immunology, and South African Medical Research Council Extramural Unit for Stem Cell Research and Therapy, School of Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Pretoria, Pretoria 0028, South Africa
| | - Laurence Lafanechère
- Department of Physiology, School of Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Pretoria, Pretoria 0028, South Africa
- Team Cytoskeleton Dynamics and Nuclear Functions, Institute for Advanced Biosciences, INSERM U1209, CNRS UMR5309, Université Grenoble Alpes, 38000 Grenoble, France
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Dema A, Charafeddine RA, van Haren J, Rahgozar S, Viola G, Jacobs KA, Kutys ML, Wittmann T. Doublecortin reinforces microtubules to promote growth cone advance in soft environments. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2024:2024.02.28.582626. [PMID: 38464100 PMCID: PMC10925279 DOI: 10.1101/2024.02.28.582626] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/12/2024]
Abstract
Doublecortin (DCX) is a microtubule-associated protein critical for brain development. Although most highly expressed in the developing central nervous system, the molecular function of DCX in neuron morphogenesis remains unknown and controversial. We demonstrate that DCX function is intimately linked to its microtubule-binding activity. By using human induced pluripotent stem cell (hiPSC)- derived cortical i 3 Neurons genome engineered to express mEmerald-tagged DCX from the endogenous locus, we find that DCX-MT interactions become highly polarized very early during neuron morphogenesis. DCX becomes enriched only on straight microtubules in advancing growth cones with approximately 120 DCX molecules bound per micrometer of growth cone microtubule. At a similar saturation, microtubule-bound DCX molecules begin to impede lysosome transport, and thus can potentially control growth cone organelle entry. In addition, by comparing control, DCX-mEmerald and knockout DCX -/Y i 3 Neurons, we find that DCX stabilizes microtubules in the growth cone peripheral domain by reducing the microtubule catastrophe frequency and the depolymerization rate. DCX -/Y i 3 Neuron morphogenesis was inhibited in soft microenvironments that mimic the viscoelasticity of brain tissue and DCX -/Y neurites failed to grow toward brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) gradients. Together with high resolution traction force microscopy data, we propose a model in which DCX-decorated, rigid growth cone microtubules provide intracellular mechanical resistance to actomyosin generated contractile forces in soft physiological environments in which weak and transient adhesion-mediated forces in the growth cone periphery may be insufficient for productive growth cone advance. These data provide a new mechanistic understanding of how DCX mutations cause lissencephaly-spectrum brain malformations by impacting growth cone dynamics during neuron morphogenesis in physiological environments.
Collapse
|
3
|
Wongsawat M, Glaharn S, Srisook C, Dechkhajorn W, Chaisri U, Punsawad C, Techarang T, Chotivanich K, Krudsood S, Viriyavejakul P. Immunofluorescence study of cytoskeleton in endothelial cells induced with malaria sera. Malar J 2024; 23:10. [PMID: 38183117 PMCID: PMC10770940 DOI: 10.1186/s12936-023-04833-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/10/2023] [Accepted: 12/29/2023] [Indexed: 01/07/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Endothelial cells (ECs) play a major role in malaria pathogenesis, as a point of direct contact of parasitized red blood cells to the blood vessel wall. The study of cytoskeleton structures of ECs, whose main functions are to maintain shape and provide strength to the EC membrane is important in determining the severe sequelae of Plasmodium falciparum malaria. The work investigated the cytoskeletal changes (microfilaments-actin, microtubules-tubulin and intermediate filaments-vimentin) in ECs induced by malaria sera (Plasmodium vivax, uncomplicated P. falciparum and complicated P. falciparum), in relation to the levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines. METHODS Morphology and fluorescence intensity of EC cytoskeleton stimulated with malaria sera were evaluated using immunofluorescence technique. Levels of tumour necrosis factor (TNF) and interferon (IFN)-gamma (γ) were determined using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Control experimental groups included ECs incubated with media alone and non-malaria patient sera. Experimental groups consisted of ECs incubated with malaria sera from P. vivax, uncomplicated P. falciparum and complicated P. falciparum. Morphological scores of cytoskeletal alterations and fluorescence intensity were compared across each experiment group, and correlated with TNF and IFN-γ. RESULTS The four morphological changes of cytoskeleton included (1) shrinkage of cytoskeleton and ECs with cortical condensation, (2) appearance of eccentric nuclei, (3) presence of "spiking pattern" of cytoskeleton and EC membrane, and (4) fragmentation and discontinuity of cytoskeleton and ECs. Significant damages were noted in actin filaments compared to tubulin and vimentin filaments in ECs stimulated with sera from complicated P. falciparum malaria. Morphological damages to cytoskeleton was positively correlated with fluorescence intensity and the levels of TNF and IFN-γ. CONCLUSIONS ECs stimulated with sera from complicated P. falciparum malaria showed cytoskeletal alterations and increased in fluorescence intensity, which was associated with high levels of TNF and IFN-γ. Cytoskeletal changes of ECs incubated with complicated P. falciparum malaria sera can lead to EC junctional alteration and permeability changes, which is mediated through apoptotic pathway. The findings can serve as a basis to explore measures to strengthen EC cytoskeleton and alleviate severe malaria complications such as pulmonary oedema and cerebral malaria. In addition, immunofluorescence intensity of cytoskeleton could be investigated as potential prognostic indicator for malaria severity.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Mathusorn Wongsawat
- Department of Tropical Pathology, Faculty of Tropical Medicine, Mahidol University, 420/6 Rajvithi Road, Bangkok, 10400, Thailand
| | - Supattra Glaharn
- Department of Tropical Pathology, Faculty of Tropical Medicine, Mahidol University, 420/6 Rajvithi Road, Bangkok, 10400, Thailand
| | - Charit Srisook
- Department of Tropical Pathology, Faculty of Tropical Medicine, Mahidol University, 420/6 Rajvithi Road, Bangkok, 10400, Thailand
| | - Wilanee Dechkhajorn
- Department of Tropical Pathology, Faculty of Tropical Medicine, Mahidol University, 420/6 Rajvithi Road, Bangkok, 10400, Thailand
| | - Urai Chaisri
- Department of Tropical Pathology, Faculty of Tropical Medicine, Mahidol University, 420/6 Rajvithi Road, Bangkok, 10400, Thailand
| | - Chuchard Punsawad
- Department of Medical Science, School of Medicine, Walailak University, Nakhon Si Thammarat, 80160, Thailand
- Research Center in Tropical Pathobiology, Walailak University, Nakhon Si Thammarat, 80160, Thailand
| | - Tachpon Techarang
- Department of Tropical Pathology, Faculty of Tropical Medicine, Mahidol University, 420/6 Rajvithi Road, Bangkok, 10400, Thailand
| | - Kesinee Chotivanich
- Department of Clinical Tropical Medicine, Faculty of Tropical Medicine, Mahidol University, 420/6 Rajvithi Road, Bangkok, 10400, Thailand
| | - Srivicha Krudsood
- Department of Tropical Hygiene, Faculty of Tropical Medicine, Mahidol University, 420/6 Rajvithi Road, Bangkok, 10400, Thailand
| | - Parnpen Viriyavejakul
- Department of Tropical Pathology, Faculty of Tropical Medicine, Mahidol University, 420/6 Rajvithi Road, Bangkok, 10400, Thailand.
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Takayasu BS, Rodrigues SS, Madureira Trufen CE, Machado-Santelli GM, Onuki J. Effects on cell cycle progression and cytoskeleton organization of five Bothrops spp. venoms in cell culture-based assays. Heliyon 2023; 9:e18317. [PMID: 37539139 PMCID: PMC10393766 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2023.e18317] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/15/2023] [Revised: 07/11/2023] [Accepted: 07/13/2023] [Indexed: 08/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Snake envenomation is a neglected tropical disease. In Brazil, the Bothrops genus is responsible for about 86% of snakebite accidents. Despite extensive evidence of the cytotoxicity of snake venoms, the cellular and molecular mechanisms involved are not fully understood, especially regarding the effects on cell cycle progression and cytoskeleton organization. Traditionally, the effectiveness and quality control tests of venoms and antivenoms are assessed by in vivo assays. Despite this, there is a rising effort to develop surrogate in vitro models according to the 3R principle (Replacement, Reduction, and Refinement). In this study, we treated rat liver cells (BRL-3A) with venoms from five Bothrops species (B. jararaca, B. jararacussu, B. moojeni, B. alternatus, and B. neuwiedi) and analyzed cell viability and IC50 by MTT assay, cell cycle phases distribution by flow cytometry, and morphology and cytoskeleton alterations by immunofluorescence. In addition, we evaluated the correlation between IC50 and the enzymatic and biological activities of each venom. Our results indicated that Bothrops spp. venoms decreased the cell viability of rat liver BRL-3A cells. The rank order of potency was B. jararacussu > B. moojeni > B. alternatus > B. jararaca > B. neuwiedi. The mechanisms of cytotoxicity were related to microtubules and actin network disruption, but not to cell cycle arrest. No clear correlation was found between the IC50 and retrieved literature data of in vitro enzymatic and in vivo biological activities. This work contributed to understanding cellular and molecular mechanisms underlying the Bothrops spp. venom cytotoxicity, which can help to improve envenomation treatment, as well as disclose potential therapeutic properties of snake venoms.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Bianca Sayuri Takayasu
- Laboratory of Structural Biology, Butantan Institute, São Paulo, Brazil
- Department of Cell and Developmental Biology, Institute of Biomedical Sciences, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | | | | | - Glaucia Maria Machado-Santelli
- Department of Cell and Developmental Biology, Institute of Biomedical Sciences, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Janice Onuki
- Laboratory of Structural Biology, Butantan Institute, São Paulo, Brazil
- Laboratory of Herpetology, Butantan Institute, São Paulo, Brazil
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Guan G, Cannon RD, Coates DE, Mei L. Effect of the Rho-Kinase/ROCK Signaling Pathway on Cytoskeleton Components. Genes (Basel) 2023; 14:272. [PMID: 36833199 PMCID: PMC9957420 DOI: 10.3390/genes14020272] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/20/2022] [Revised: 01/10/2023] [Accepted: 01/16/2023] [Indexed: 01/22/2023] Open
Abstract
The mechanical properties of cells are important in tissue homeostasis and enable cell growth, division, migration and the epithelial-mesenchymal transition. Mechanical properties are determined to a large extent by the cytoskeleton. The cytoskeleton is a complex and dynamic network composed of microfilaments, intermediate filaments and microtubules. These cellular structures confer both cell shape and mechanical properties. The architecture of the networks formed by the cytoskeleton is regulated by several pathways, a key one being the Rho-kinase/ROCK signaling pathway. This review describes the role of ROCK (Rho-associated coiled-coil forming kinase) and how it mediates effects on the key components of the cytoskeleton that are critical for cell behaviour.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Guangzhao Guan
- Sir John Walsh Research Institute, Faculty of Dentistry, University of Otago, Dunedin 9016, New Zealand
- Department of Oral Diagnostic and Surgical Sciences, Faculty of Dentistry, University of Otago, 310 Great King Street, Dunedin 9016, New Zealand
| | - Richard D. Cannon
- Sir John Walsh Research Institute, Faculty of Dentistry, University of Otago, Dunedin 9016, New Zealand
- Department of Oral Sciences, Faculty of Dentistry, University of Otago, 310 Great King Street, Dunedin 9016, New Zealand
| | - Dawn E. Coates
- Sir John Walsh Research Institute, Faculty of Dentistry, University of Otago, Dunedin 9016, New Zealand
| | - Li Mei
- Sir John Walsh Research Institute, Faculty of Dentistry, University of Otago, Dunedin 9016, New Zealand
- Department of Oral Sciences, Faculty of Dentistry, University of Otago, 310 Great King Street, Dunedin 9016, New Zealand
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Martínez-Morales JC, Solís KH, Romero-Ávila MT, Reyes-Cruz G, García-Sáinz JA. Cell Trafficking and Function of G Protein-coupled Receptors. Arch Med Res 2022; 53:451-460. [PMID: 35835604 DOI: 10.1016/j.arcmed.2022.06.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/13/2022] [Revised: 06/22/2022] [Accepted: 06/30/2022] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
The G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs) are plasma membrane proteins that function as sensors of changes in the internal and external milieux and play essential roles in health and disease. They are targets of hormones, neurotransmitters, local hormones (autacoids), and a large proportion of the drugs currently used as therapeutics and for "recreational" purposes. Understanding how these receptors signal and are regulated is fundamental for progress in areas such as physiology and pharmacology. This review will focus on what is currently known about their structure, the molecular events that trigger their signaling, and their trafficking to endosomal compartments. GPCR phosphorylation and its role in desensitization (signaling switching) are also discussed. It should be mentioned that the volume of information available is enormous given the large number and variety of GPCRs. However, knowledge is fragmentary even for the most studied receptors, such as the adrenergic receptors. Therefore, we attempt to present a panoramic view of the field, conscious of the risks and limitations (such as oversimplifications and incorrect generalizations). We hope this will provoke further research in the area. It is currently accepted that GPCR internalization plays a role signaling events. Therefore, the processes that allow them to internalize and recycle back to the plasma membrane are briefly reviewed. The functions of cytoskeletal elements (mainly actin filaments and microtubules), the molecular motors implicated in receptor trafficking (myosin, kinesin, and dynein), and the GTPases involved in GPCR internalization (dynamin) and endosomal sorting (Rab proteins), are discussed. The critical role phosphoinositide metabolism plays in regulating these events is also depicted.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Juan Carlos Martínez-Morales
- Departamento de Biología Celular y Desarrollo, Instituto de Fisiología Celular, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Ciudad de México, México
| | - K Helivier Solís
- Departamento de Biología Celular y Desarrollo, Instituto de Fisiología Celular, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Ciudad de México, México
| | - M Teresa Romero-Ávila
- Departamento de Biología Celular y Desarrollo, Instituto de Fisiología Celular, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Ciudad de México, México
| | - Guadalupe Reyes-Cruz
- Departamento de Biología Celular, Centro de Investigación y Estudios Avanzados-Instituto Politécnico Nacional, Ciudad de México, México
| | - J Adolfo García-Sáinz
- Departamento de Biología Celular y Desarrollo, Instituto de Fisiología Celular, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Ciudad de México, México.
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Kirchner S, Pianowski Z. Photopharmacology of Antimitotic Agents. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:5657. [PMID: 35628467 PMCID: PMC9145521 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23105657] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/01/2022] [Revised: 05/16/2022] [Accepted: 05/17/2022] [Indexed: 01/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Antimitotic agents such as the clinically approved vinca alkaloids, taxanes and epothilone can arrest cell growth during interphase and are therefore among the most important drugs available for treating cancer. These agents suppress microtubule dynamics and thus interfere with intracellular transport, inhibit cell proliferation and promote cell death. Because these drugs target biological processes that are essential to all cells, they face an additional challenge when compared to most other drug classes. General toxicity can limit the applicable dose and therefore reduce therapeutic benefits. Photopharmacology aims to avoid these side-effects by introducing compounds that can be applied globally to cells in their inactive form, then be selectively induced to bioactivity in targeted cells or tissue during a defined time window. This review discusses photoswitchable analogues of antimitotic agents that have been developed by combining different photoswitchable motifs with microtubule-stabilizing or microtubule-destabilizing agents.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Susanne Kirchner
- Institute of Organic Chemistry, Karlsruhe Institute of Technology, 76131 Karlsruhe, Germany;
| | - Zbigniew Pianowski
- Institute of Organic Chemistry, Karlsruhe Institute of Technology, 76131 Karlsruhe, Germany;
- Institute of Biological and Chemical Systems–FMS, Karlsruhe Institute of Technology, 76344 Eggenstein-Leopoldshafen, Germany
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Dema A, van Haren J, Wittmann T. Optogenetic EB1 inactivation shortens metaphase spindles by disrupting cortical force-producing interactions with astral microtubules. Curr Biol 2022; 32:1197-1205.e4. [PMID: 35090591 PMCID: PMC8930524 DOI: 10.1016/j.cub.2022.01.017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/28/2021] [Revised: 12/09/2021] [Accepted: 01/07/2022] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
Abstract
Chromosome segregation is accomplished by the mitotic spindle, a bipolar micromachine built primarily from microtubules. Different microtubule populations contribute to spindle function: kinetochore microtubules attach and transmit forces to chromosomes, antiparallel interpolar microtubules support spindle structure, and astral microtubules connect spindle poles to the cell cortex.1,2 In mammalian cells, end-binding (EB) proteins associate with all growing microtubule plus ends throughout the cell cycle and serve as adaptors for diverse +TIPs that control microtubule dynamics and interactions with other intracellular structures.3 Because binding of many +TIPs to EB1 and thus microtubule-end association is switched off by mitotic phosphorylation,4-6 the mitotic function of EBs remains poorly understood. To analyze how EB1 and associated +TIPs on different spindle microtubule populations contribute to mitotic spindle dynamics, we use a light-sensitive EB1 variant, π-EB1, that allows local, acute, and reversible inactivation of +TIP association with growing microtubule ends in live cells.7 We find that acute π-EB1 photoinactivation results in rapid and reversible metaphase spindle shortening and transient relaxation of tension across the central spindle. However, in contrast to interphase, π-EB1 photoinactivation does not inhibit microtubule growth in metaphase but instead increases astral microtubule length and number. Yet in the absence of EB1 activity, astral microtubules fail to engage the cortical dynein/dynactin machinery, and spindle poles move away from regions of π-EB1 photoinactivation. In conclusion, our optogenetic approach reveals mitotic EB1 functions that remain hidden in genetic experiments, likely due to compensatory molecular systems regulating vertebrate spindle dynamics.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Alessandro Dema
- Department of Cell & Tissue Biology, University of California, San Francisco, 513 Parnassus Avenue, San Francisco, CA 94143, USA
| | | | - Torsten Wittmann
- Department of Cell & Tissue Biology, University of California, San Francisco, 513 Parnassus Avenue, San Francisco, CA 94143, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Dema A, Rahgozar S, Siquier L, van Haren J, Wittmann T. Controlling Cell Shape and Microtubule Organization by Extracellular Matrix Micropatterning. Methods Mol Biol 2022; 2430:467-481. [PMID: 35476350 DOI: 10.1007/978-1-0716-1983-4_29] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
Micropatterning of extracellular matrix proteins enables defining cell position and shape in experiments investigating intracellular dynamics and organization. While such standardization is advantageous in automated and quantitative analysis of many cells, the original methods generating such patterns are cumbersome and inflexible. However, recent development of contact-less methods that allow photochemical generation of protein patterns robustly and rapidly is boosting the broader availability of micropatterning approaches. Here, we describe an optimized protocol to achieve large micropatterned areas with high fidelity using a commercially available microscope-mounted UV projection system.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Alessandro Dema
- Department of Cell & Tissue Biology, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Shima Rahgozar
- Department of Cell & Tissue Biology, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | | | | | - Torsten Wittmann
- Department of Cell & Tissue Biology, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
Rayevsky A, Sharifi M, Samofalova D, Demchuk O, Karpov P, Blume Y. In silico mechanistic model of microtubule assembly inhibition by selective chromone derivatives. J Mol Struct 2021. [DOI: 10.1016/j.molstruc.2021.130633] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
|
11
|
Sadler KJ, Gatta PAD, Naim T, Wallace MA, Lee A, Zaw T, Lindsay A, Chung RS, Bello L, Pegoraro E, Lamon S, Lynch GS, Russell AP. Striated muscle activator of Rho signalling (STARS) overexpression in the mdx mouse enhances muscle functional capacity and regulates the actin cytoskeleton and oxidative phosphorylation pathways. Exp Physiol 2021; 106:1597-1611. [PMID: 33963617 DOI: 10.1113/ep089253] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/08/2020] [Accepted: 05/04/2021] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Abstract
NEW FINDINGS What is the central question of this study? Striated muscle activator of rho signalling (STARS) is an actin-binding protein that regulates transcriptional pathways controlling muscle function, growth and myogenesis, processes that are impaired in dystrophic muscle: what is the regulation of the STARS pathway in Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD)? What is the main finding and its importance? Members of the STARS signalling pathway are reduced in the quadriceps of patients with DMD and in mouse models of muscular dystrophy. Overexpression of STARS in the dystrophic deficient mdx mouse model increased maximal isometric specific force and upregulated members of the actin cytoskeleton and oxidative phosphorylation pathways. Regulating STARS may be a therapeutic approach to enhance muscle health. ABSTRACT Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) is characterised by impaired cytoskeleton organisation, cytosolic calcium handling, oxidative stress and mitochondrial dysfunction. This results in progressive muscle damage, wasting and weakness and premature death. The striated muscle activator of rho signalling (STARS) is an actin-binding protein that activates the myocardin-related transcription factor-A (MRTFA)/serum response factor (SRF) transcriptional pathway, a pathway regulating cytoskeletal structure and muscle function, growth and repair. We investigated the regulation of the STARS pathway in the quadriceps muscle from patients with DMD and in the tibialis anterior (TA) muscle from the dystrophin-deficient mdx and dko (utrophin and dystrophin null) mice. Protein levels of STARS, SRF and RHOA were reduced in patients with DMD. STARS, SRF and MRTFA mRNA levels were also decreased in DMD muscle, while Stars mRNA levels were decreased in the mdx mice and Srf and Mrtfa mRNAs decreased in the dko mice. Overexpressing human STARS (hSTARS) in the TA muscles of mdx mice increased maximal isometric specific force by 13% (P < 0.05). This was not associated with changes in muscle mass, fibre cross-sectional area, fibre type, centralised nuclei or collagen deposition. Proteomics screening followed by pathway enrichment analysis identified that hSTARS overexpression resulted in 31 upregulated and 22 downregulated proteins belonging to the actin cytoskeleton and oxidative phosphorylation pathways. These pathways are impaired in dystrophic muscle and regulate processes that are vital for muscle function. Increasing the STARS protein in dystrophic muscle improves muscle force production, potentially via synergistic regulation of cytoskeletal structure and energy production.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Kate J Sadler
- Institute for Physical Activity and Nutrition (IPAN), School of Exercise and Nutrition Sciences, Deakin University, Geelong, Victoria, Australia
| | - Paul A Della Gatta
- Institute for Physical Activity and Nutrition (IPAN), School of Exercise and Nutrition Sciences, Deakin University, Geelong, Victoria, Australia
| | - Timur Naim
- Department of Physiology, Centre for Muscle Research, University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
| | - Marita A Wallace
- Institute for Physical Activity and Nutrition (IPAN), School of Exercise and Nutrition Sciences, Deakin University, Geelong, Victoria, Australia
| | - Albert Lee
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Centre for Motor Neuron Disease Research, Macquarie University, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Thiri Zaw
- Australian Proteome Analysis Facility, Macquarie University, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Angus Lindsay
- Institute for Physical Activity and Nutrition (IPAN), School of Exercise and Nutrition Sciences, Deakin University, Geelong, Victoria, Australia
| | - Roger S Chung
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Centre for Motor Neuron Disease Research, Macquarie University, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Luca Bello
- Department of Neurosciences, ERN Neuromuscular Center, University of Padua, Padua, Italy
| | - Elena Pegoraro
- Department of Neurosciences, ERN Neuromuscular Center, University of Padua, Padua, Italy
| | - Séverine Lamon
- Institute for Physical Activity and Nutrition (IPAN), School of Exercise and Nutrition Sciences, Deakin University, Geelong, Victoria, Australia
| | - Gordon S Lynch
- Department of Physiology, Centre for Muscle Research, University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
| | - Aaron P Russell
- Institute for Physical Activity and Nutrition (IPAN), School of Exercise and Nutrition Sciences, Deakin University, Geelong, Victoria, Australia
| |
Collapse
|
12
|
Ulyanov EV, Vinogradov DS, McIntosh JR, Gudimchuk NB. Brownian dynamics simulation of protofilament relaxation during rapid freezing. PLoS One 2021; 16:e0247022. [PMID: 33577570 PMCID: PMC7880439 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0247022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/16/2020] [Accepted: 01/31/2021] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Electron cryo-microscopy (Cryo-EM) is a powerful method for visualizing biological objects with up to near-angstrom resolution. Instead of chemical fixation, the method relies on very rapid freezing to immobilize the sample. Under these conditions, crystalline ice does not have time to form and distort structure. For many practical applications, the rate of cooling is fast enough to consider sample immobilization instantaneous, but in some cases, a more rigorous analysis of structure relaxation during freezing could be essential. This difficult yet important problem has been significantly under-reported in the literature, despite spectacular recent developments in Cryo-EM. Here we use Brownian dynamics modeling to examine theoretically the possible effects of cryo-immobilization on the apparent shapes of biological polymers. The main focus of our study is on tubulin protofilaments. These structures are integral parts of microtubules, which in turn are key elements of the cellular skeleton, essential for intracellular transport, maintenance of cell shape, cell division and migration. We theoretically examine the extent of protofilament relaxation within the freezing time as a function of the cooling rate, the filament's flexural rigidity, and the effect of cooling on water's viscosity. Our modeling suggests that practically achievable cooling rates are not rapid enough to capture tubulin protofilaments in conformations that are incompletely relaxed, suggesting that structures seen by cryo-EM are good approximations to physiological shapes. This prediction is confirmed by our analysis of curvatures of tubulin protofilaments, using samples, prepared and visualized with a variety of methods. We find, however, that cryofixation may capture incompletely relaxed shapes of more flexible polymers, and it may affect Cryo-EM-based measurements of their persistence lengths. This analysis will be valuable for understanding of structures of different types of biopolymers, observed with Cryo-EM.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Evgeniy V. Ulyanov
- Department of Physics, Lomonosov Moscow State University, Moscow, Russia
| | | | - J. Richard McIntosh
- Department of MCD Biology, University of Colorado, Boulder, CO, United States of America
| | - Nikita B. Gudimchuk
- Department of Physics, Lomonosov Moscow State University, Moscow, Russia
- Department of MCD Biology, University of Colorado, Boulder, CO, United States of America
- Dmitry Rogachev National Medical Research Center of Pediatric Hematology, Oncology and Immunology, Moscow, Russia
| |
Collapse
|
13
|
Jaiswal S, Kasera H, Jain S, Khandelwal S, Singh P. Centrosome: A Microtubule Nucleating Cellular Machinery. J Indian Inst Sci 2021. [DOI: 10.1007/s41745-020-00213-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/12/2023]
|
14
|
Microtubule Dysfunction: A Common Feature of Neurodegenerative Diseases. Int J Mol Sci 2020; 21:ijms21197354. [PMID: 33027950 PMCID: PMC7582320 DOI: 10.3390/ijms21197354] [Citation(s) in RCA: 58] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/08/2020] [Revised: 09/24/2020] [Accepted: 10/01/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Neurons are particularly susceptible to microtubule (MT) defects and deregulation of the MT cytoskeleton is considered to be a common insult during the pathogenesis of neurodegenerative disorders. Evidence that dysfunctions in the MT system have a direct role in neurodegeneration comes from findings that several forms of neurodegenerative diseases are associated with changes in genes encoding tubulins, the structural units of MTs, MT-associated proteins (MAPs), or additional factors such as MT modifying enzymes which modulating tubulin post-translational modifications (PTMs) regulate MT functions and dynamics. Efforts to use MT-targeting therapeutic agents for the treatment of neurodegenerative diseases are underway. Many of these agents have provided several benefits when tested on both in vitro and in vivo neurodegenerative model systems. Currently, the most frequently addressed therapeutic interventions include drugs that modulate MT stability or that target tubulin PTMs, such as tubulin acetylation. The purpose of this review is to provide an update on the relevance of MT dysfunctions to the process of neurodegeneration and briefly discuss advances in the use of MT-targeting drugs for the treatment of neurodegenerative disorders.
Collapse
|
15
|
Wittmann T, Dema A, van Haren J. Lights, cytoskeleton, action: Optogenetic control of cell dynamics. Curr Opin Cell Biol 2020; 66:1-10. [PMID: 32371345 PMCID: PMC7577957 DOI: 10.1016/j.ceb.2020.03.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/26/2020] [Revised: 03/24/2020] [Accepted: 03/25/2020] [Indexed: 01/29/2023]
Abstract
Cell biology is moving from observing molecules to controlling them in real time, a critical step towards a mechanistic understanding of how cells work. Initially developed from light-gated ion channels to control neuron activity, optogenetics now describes any genetically encoded protein system designed to accomplish specific light-mediated tasks. Recent photosensitive switches use many ingenious designs that bring spatial and temporal control within reach for almost any protein or pathway of interest. This next generation optogenetics includes light-controlled protein-protein interactions and shape-shifting photosensors, which in combination with live microscopy enable acute modulation and analysis of dynamic protein functions in living cells. We provide a brief overview of various types of optogenetic switches. We then discuss how diverse approaches have been used to control cytoskeleton dynamics with light through Rho GTPase signaling, microtubule and actin assembly, mitotic spindle positioning and intracellular transport and highlight advantages and limitations of different experimental strategies.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Torsten Wittmann
- Department of Cell & Tissue Biology, University of California San Francisco, 513 Parnassus Avenue, San Francisco, CA 94143, USA.
| | - Alessandro Dema
- Department of Cell & Tissue Biology, University of California San Francisco, 513 Parnassus Avenue, San Francisco, CA 94143, USA
| | | |
Collapse
|
16
|
Abstract
Light can be controlled with high spatial and temporal accuracy. Therefore, optogenetics is an attractive experimental approach to modulate intracellular cytoskeleton dynamics at much faster timescales than by genetic modification. For example, in mammalian cells, microtubules (MTs) grow tens of micrometers per minute and many intracellular MT functions are mediated by a complex of +TIP proteins that dynamically associate with growing MT plus ends. EB1 is a central component of this +TIP protein network, and we recently developed a photo-inactivated π-EB1 by inserting a blue light-sensitive LOV2/Zdk1 module between the EB1 MT-binding domain and the +TIP adaptor domain. Blue light-induced π-EB1 photodissociation results in disassembly of the +TIP complex and strongly attenuates MT growth in mammalian cells.In this chapter, we discuss theoretical and practical aspects of how to perform high-resolution live-cell microscopy in combination with π-EB1 photodissociation. However, these techniques are broadly applicable to other LOV2-based and likely other blue light-sensitive optogenetics. In addition to being a tool to investigate +TIP functions acutely and with subcellular resolution, because of its dramatic and rapid change in intracellular localization, π-EB1 can serve as a powerful tool to test and characterize optogenetic illumination setups. We describe protocols on how to achieve micrometer-scale intracellular control of π-EB1 activity using patterned illumination, and we introduce a do-it-yourself LED cube design compatible with transmitted light microscopy in multiwell plates.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jeffrey van Haren
- Department of Cell and Tissue Biology, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA.,Department of Cell Biology, Erasmus MC, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Lauren S Adachi
- Department of Cell and Tissue Biology, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Torsten Wittmann
- Department of Cell and Tissue Biology, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
17
|
Hahn I, Voelzmann A, Liew YT, Costa-Gomes B, Prokop A. The model of local axon homeostasis - explaining the role and regulation of microtubule bundles in axon maintenance and pathology. Neural Dev 2019; 14:11. [PMID: 31706327 PMCID: PMC6842214 DOI: 10.1186/s13064-019-0134-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/06/2019] [Accepted: 10/02/2019] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Axons are the slender, cable-like, up to meter-long projections of neurons that electrically wire our brains and bodies. In spite of their challenging morphology, they usually need to be maintained for an organism's lifetime. This makes them key lesion sites in pathological processes of ageing, injury and neurodegeneration. The morphology and physiology of axons crucially depends on the parallel bundles of microtubules (MTs), running all along to serve as their structural backbones and highways for life-sustaining cargo transport and organelle dynamics. Understanding how these bundles are formed and then maintained will provide important explanations for axon biology and pathology. Currently, much is known about MTs and the proteins that bind and regulate them, but very little about how these factors functionally integrate to regulate axon biology. As an attempt to bridge between molecular mechanisms and their cellular relevance, we explain here the model of local axon homeostasis, based on our own experiments in Drosophila and published data primarily from vertebrates/mammals as well as C. elegans. The model proposes that (1) the physical forces imposed by motor protein-driven transport and dynamics in the confined axonal space, are a life-sustaining necessity, but pose a strong bias for MT bundles to become disorganised. (2) To counterbalance this risk, MT-binding and -regulating proteins of different classes work together to maintain and protect MT bundles as necessary transport highways. Loss of balance between these two fundamental processes can explain the development of axonopathies, in particular those linking to MT-regulating proteins, motors and transport defects. With this perspective in mind, we hope that more researchers incorporate MTs into their work, thus enhancing our chances of deciphering the complex regulatory networks that underpin axon biology and pathology.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ines Hahn
- Manchester Academic Health Science Centre, Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, The University of Manchester, School of Biology, Manchester, UK
| | - André Voelzmann
- Manchester Academic Health Science Centre, Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, The University of Manchester, School of Biology, Manchester, UK
| | - Yu-Ting Liew
- Manchester Academic Health Science Centre, Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, The University of Manchester, School of Biology, Manchester, UK
| | - Beatriz Costa-Gomes
- Manchester Academic Health Science Centre, Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, The University of Manchester, School of Biology, Manchester, UK
| | - Andreas Prokop
- Manchester Academic Health Science Centre, Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, The University of Manchester, School of Biology, Manchester, UK.
| |
Collapse
|