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Sanzhaeva U, Boyd-Pratt H, Bender PTR, Saravanan T, Rhodes SB, Guan T, Billington N, Boye SE, Cunningham CL, Anderson CT, Ramamurthy V. TUBB4B is essential for the cytoskeletal architecture of cochlear supporting cells and motile cilia development. Commun Biol 2024; 7:1146. [PMID: 39277687 PMCID: PMC11401917 DOI: 10.1038/s42003-024-06867-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/15/2024] [Accepted: 09/09/2024] [Indexed: 09/17/2024] Open
Abstract
Microtubules are essential for various cellular processes. The functional diversity of microtubules is attributed to the incorporation of various α- and β-tubulin isotypes encoded by different genes. In this work, we investigated the functional role of β4B-tubulin isotype (TUBB4B) in hearing and vision as mutations in TUBB4B are associated with sensorineural disease. Using a Tubb4b knockout mouse model, our findings demonstrate that TUBB4B is essential for hearing. Mice lacking TUBB4B are profoundly deaf due to defects in the inner and middle ear. Specifically, in the inner ear, the absence of TUBB4B lead to disorganized and reduced densities of microtubules in pillar cells, suggesting a critical role for TUBB4B in providing mechanical support for auditory transmission. In the middle ear, Tubb4b-/- mice exhibit motile cilia defects in epithelial cells, leading to the development of otitis media. However, Tubb4b deletion does not affect photoreceptor function or cause retinal degeneration. Intriguingly, β6-tubulin levels increase in retinas lacking β4B-tubulin isotype, suggesting a functional compensation mechanism. Our findings illustrate the essential roles of TUBB4B in hearing but not in vision in mice, highlighting the distinct functions of tubulin isotypes in different sensory systems.
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Affiliation(s)
- Urikhan Sanzhaeva
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Medicine, West Virginia University School of Medicine, Morgantown, WV, USA
| | - Helen Boyd-Pratt
- Clinical Translational Sciences Institute, West Virginia University School of Medicine, Morgantown, WV, USA
| | - Philip T R Bender
- Rockefeller Neuroscience Institute and Department of Neuroscience, West Virginia University School of Medicine, Morgantown, WV, USA
| | - Thamaraiselvi Saravanan
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Medicine, West Virginia University School of Medicine, Morgantown, WV, USA
| | - Scott B Rhodes
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Medicine, West Virginia University School of Medicine, Morgantown, WV, USA
| | - Tongju Guan
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Medicine, West Virginia University School of Medicine, Morgantown, WV, USA
| | - Neil Billington
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Medicine, West Virginia University School of Medicine, Morgantown, WV, USA
| | - Shannon E Boye
- Division of Cellular and Molecular Therapy, Department of Pediatrics, University of Florida College of Medicine, Gainesville, FL, USA
| | - Christopher L Cunningham
- Pittsburgh Hearing Research Center, Department of Otolaryngology, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Charles T Anderson
- Rockefeller Neuroscience Institute and Department of Neuroscience, West Virginia University School of Medicine, Morgantown, WV, USA
| | - Visvanathan Ramamurthy
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Medicine, West Virginia University School of Medicine, Morgantown, WV, USA.
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, West Virginia University School of Medicine, Morgantown, WV, USA.
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2
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Nazari H, Cho AN, Goss D, Thiery JP, Ebrahimi Warkiani M. Impact of brain organoid-derived sEVs on metastatic adaptation and invasion of breast carcinoma cells through a microphysiological system. LAB ON A CHIP 2024; 24:3434-3455. [PMID: 38888211 DOI: 10.1039/d4lc00296b] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/20/2024]
Abstract
Brain metastases are common in triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC), suggesting a complex process of cancer spread. The mechanisms enabling TNBC cell adaptation and proliferation in the brain remain unclear. Small extracellular vesicles (sEVs) play a crucial role in communication between breast carcinoma cells and the brain. However, the lack of relevant models hinders understanding of sEV-mediated communication. The present study assesses the impact of brain organoid-derived sEVs (BO-sEVs) on various behaviours of the MDA-MB-231 cell line, chosen as a representative of TNBC in a 3D microfluidic model. Our results demonstrate that 150-200 nm sEVs expressing CD63, CD9, and CD81 from brain organoid media decrease MDA-MB-231 cell proliferation, enhance their wound-healing capacity, alter their morphology into more mesenchymal mode, and increase their stemness. BO-sEVs led to heightened PD-L1, CD49f, and vimentin levels of expression in MDA-MB-231 cells, suggesting an amplified immunosuppressive, stem-like, and mesenchymal phenotype. Furthermore, these sEVs also induced the expression of neural markers such as GFAP in carcinoma cells. The cytokine antibody profiling array also showed that BO-sEVs enhanced the secretion of MCP-1, IL-6, and IL-8 by MDA-MB-231 cells. Moreover, sEVs significantly enhance the migration and invasion of carcinoma cells toward brain organoids in a 3D organoid-on-a-chip system. Our findings emphasize the potential significance of metastatic site-derived sEVs as pivotal mediators in carcinoma progression and adaptation to the brain microenvironment, thereby unveiling novel therapeutic avenues.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hojjatollah Nazari
- School of Biomedical Engineering, Faculty of Engineering and IT, University of Technology Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia.
| | - Ann-Na Cho
- School of Biomedical Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, The University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Dale Goss
- School of Biomedical Engineering, Faculty of Engineering and IT, University of Technology Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia.
| | - Jean Paul Thiery
- UMR 7057 CNRS Matter and Complex Systems, Université Paris Cité, Paris, France
| | - Majid Ebrahimi Warkiani
- School of Biomedical Engineering, Faculty of Engineering and IT, University of Technology Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia.
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3
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Kumari S, Sobhia ME. Targeting an Old Foe for Cancer: A Molecular Dynamics Perspective to Unravel the Specific Binding Nature of 2-Methoxy Estradiol to Human β-Tubulin Isotypes. J Chem Inf Model 2024; 64:4121-4133. [PMID: 38706255 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jcim.4c00438] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/07/2024]
Abstract
Microtubules, composed of α- and β-tubulin subunits are crucial for cell division with their dynamic tissue-specificity which is dictated by expression of isotypes. These isotypes differ in carboxy-terminal tails (CTTs), rich in negatively charged acidic residues in addition to the differences in the composition of active site residues. 2-Methoxy estradiol (2-ME) is the first antimicrotubule agent that showed less affinity toward hemopoietic-specific β1 isotype consequently preventing myelosuppression toxicity. The present study focuses on the MD-directed conformational analysis of 2-ME and estimation of its binding affinity in the colchicine binding pocket of various β-tubulin isotypes combined with the α-tubulin isotype, α1B. AlphaFold 2.0 was used to predict the 3D structure of phylogenetically divergent human β-tubulin isotypes in dimer form with α1B. The dimeric complexes were subjected to induced-fit docking with 2-ME. The statistical analysis of docking showed differences in the binding characteristics of 2-ME with different isotypes. The replicas of atom-based molecular dynamic simulations of the best conformation of 2-ME provided insights into the molecular-level details of its binding pattern across the isotypes. Furthermore, the MM/GBSA analyses revealed the specific binding energy profile of 2-ME in β-tubulin isotypes. It also highlighed, 2-ME exhibits the lowest binding affinity toward the β1 isotype as supported by experimental study. The present study may offer useful information for designing next-generation antimicrotubule agents that are more specific and less toxic.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sonia Kumari
- Department of Pharmacoinformatics, National Institute of Pharmaceutical Education and Research (NIPER), Sector 67, S.A.S. Nagar (Mohali) 166062, Punjab, India
| | - Masilamani Elizabeth Sobhia
- Department of Pharmacoinformatics, National Institute of Pharmaceutical Education and Research (NIPER), Sector 67, S.A.S. Nagar (Mohali) 166062, Punjab, India
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4
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Bodenbender JP, Marino V, Philipp J, Tropitzsch A, Kernstock C, Stingl K, Kempf M, Haack TB, Zuleger T, Mazzola P, Kohl S, Weisschuh N, Dell'Orco D, Kühlewein L. Comprehensive analysis of two hotspot codons in the TUBB4B gene and associated phenotypes. Sci Rep 2024; 14:10551. [PMID: 38719929 PMCID: PMC11078972 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-024-61019-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/27/2023] [Accepted: 04/30/2024] [Indexed: 05/12/2024] Open
Abstract
Our purpose was to elucidate the genotype and ophthalmological and audiological phenotype in TUBB4B-associated inherited retinal dystrophy (IRD) and sensorineural hearing loss (SNHL), and to model the effects of all possible amino acid substitutions at the hotspot codons Arg390 and Arg391. Six patients from five families with heterozygous missense variants in TUBB4B were included in this observational study. Ophthalmological testing included best-corrected visual acuity, fundus examination, optical coherence tomography, fundus autofluorescence imaging, and full-field electroretinography (ERG). Audiological examination included pure-tone and speech audiometry in adult patients and auditory brainstem response testing in a child. Genetic testing was performed by disease gene panel analysis based on genome sequencing. The molecular consequences of the substitutions of residues 390 and 391 on TUBB4B and its interaction with α-tubulin were predicted in silico on its three-dimensional structure obtained by homology modelling. Two independent patients had amino acid exchanges at position 391 (p.(Arg391His) or p.(Arg391Cys)) of the TUBB4B protein. Both had a distinct IRD phenotype with peripheral round yellowish lesions with pigmented spots and mild or moderate SNHL, respectively. Yet the phenotype was milder with a sectorial pattern of bone spicules in one patient, likely due to a genetically confirmed mosaicism for p.(Arg391His). Three patients were heterozygous for an amino acid exchange at position 390 (p.(Arg390Gln) or p.(Arg390Trp)) and presented with another distinct retinal phenotype with well demarcated pericentral retinitis pigmentosa. All showed SNHL ranging from mild to severe. One additional patient showed a variant distinct from codon 390 or 391 (p.(Tyr310His)), and presented with congenital profound hearing loss and reduced responses in ERG. Variants at codon positions 390 and 391 were predicted to decrease the structural stability of TUBB4B and its complex with α-tubulin, as well as the complex affinity. In conclusion, the twofold larger reduction in heterodimer affinity exhibited by Arg391 substitutions suggested an association with the more severe retinal phenotype, compared to the substitution at Arg390.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jan-Philipp Bodenbender
- University Eye Hospital, Centre for Ophthalmology, University of Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany
| | - Valerio Marino
- Department of Neurosciences, Biomedicine and Movement Sciences, Section of Biological Chemistry, University of Verona, Verona, Italy
| | - Julia Philipp
- Department of Otolaryngology-Head & Neck Surgery, Hearing Research Center, University of Tübingen Medical Center, Tübingen, Germany
| | - Anke Tropitzsch
- Department of Otolaryngology-Head & Neck Surgery, Hearing Research Center, University of Tübingen Medical Center, Tübingen, Germany
- Centre for Rare Diseases, University of Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany
| | - Christoph Kernstock
- University Eye Hospital, Centre for Ophthalmology, University of Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany
| | - Katarina Stingl
- University Eye Hospital, Centre for Ophthalmology, University of Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany
| | - Melanie Kempf
- University Eye Hospital, Centre for Ophthalmology, University of Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany
| | - Tobias B Haack
- Centre for Rare Diseases, University of Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany
- Institute of Medical Genetics and Applied Genomics, University of Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany
| | - Theresia Zuleger
- Institute of Medical Genetics and Applied Genomics, University of Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany
| | - Pascale Mazzola
- Institute of Medical Genetics and Applied Genomics, University of Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany
| | - Susanne Kohl
- Molecular Genetics Laboratory, Institute for Ophthalmic Research, Centre for Ophthalmology, University of Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany
| | - Nicole Weisschuh
- Molecular Genetics Laboratory, Institute for Ophthalmic Research, Centre for Ophthalmology, University of Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany
| | - Daniele Dell'Orco
- Department of Neurosciences, Biomedicine and Movement Sciences, Section of Biological Chemistry, University of Verona, Verona, Italy
| | - Laura Kühlewein
- University Eye Hospital, Centre for Ophthalmology, University of Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany.
- Institute for Ophthalmic Research, Centre for Ophthalmology, University of Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany.
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5
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Jędrzejczyk M, Morabito B, Żyżyńska-Granica B, Struga M, Janczak J, Aminpour M, Tuszynski JA, Huczyński A. Novel Combretastatin A-4 Analogs-Design, Synthesis, and Antiproliferative and Anti-Tubulin Activity. Molecules 2024; 29:2200. [PMID: 38792062 PMCID: PMC11124394 DOI: 10.3390/molecules29102200] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/13/2024] [Revised: 04/23/2024] [Accepted: 04/30/2024] [Indexed: 05/26/2024] Open
Abstract
Combretastatins isolated from the Combretum caffrum tree belong to a group of closely related stilbenes. They are colchicine binding site inhibitors which disrupt the polymerization process of microtubules in tubulins, causing mitotic arrest. In vitro and in vivo studies have proven that some combretastatins exhibit antitumor properties, and among them, combretastatin A-4 is the most active mitotic inhibitor. In this study, a series of novel combretastatin A-4 analogs containing carboxylic acid, ester, and amide moieties were synthesized and their cytotoxic activity against six tumor cell lines was determined using sulforhodamine B assay. For the most cytotoxic compounds (8 and 20), further studies were performed. These compounds were shown to induce G0/G1 cell cycle arrest in MDA and A549 cells, in a concentration-dependent manner. Moreover, in vitro tubulin polymerization assays showed that both compounds are tubulin polymerization enhancers. Additionally, computational analysis of the binding modes and binding energies of the compounds with respect to the key human tubulin isotypes was performed. We have obtained a satisfactory correlation of the binding energies with the IC50 values when weighted averages of the binding energies accounting for the abundance of tubulin isotypes in specific cancer cell lines were computed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marta Jędrzejczyk
- Department of Medical Chemistry, Faculty of Chemistry, Adam Mickiewicz University, Uniwersytetu Poznańskiego 8, 61-614 Poznań, Poland;
| | - Benedetta Morabito
- Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering, Politecnico di Torino, 10129 Turin, Italy (J.A.T.)
| | - Barbara Żyżyńska-Granica
- Chair and Department of Biochemistry, Medical University of Warsaw, Banacha 1, 02-097 Warsaw, Poland; (B.Ż.-G.)
| | - Marta Struga
- Chair and Department of Biochemistry, Medical University of Warsaw, Banacha 1, 02-097 Warsaw, Poland; (B.Ż.-G.)
| | - Jan Janczak
- Institute of Low Temperature and Structure Research, Polish Academy of Sciences, Okólna 2, 50-422 Wrocław, Poland;
| | - Maral Aminpour
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB T6G 1H9, Canada
| | - Jack A. Tuszynski
- Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering, Politecnico di Torino, 10129 Turin, Italy (J.A.T.)
- Department of Data Science and Engineering, The Silesian University of Technology, 44-100 Gliwice, Poland
- Department of Physics, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB T6G 2E1, Canada
| | - Adam Huczyński
- Department of Medical Chemistry, Faculty of Chemistry, Adam Mickiewicz University, Uniwersytetu Poznańskiego 8, 61-614 Poznań, Poland;
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6
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Cannariato M, Zizzi EA, Pallante L, Miceli M, Deriu MA. Mechanical communication within the microtubule through network-based analysis of tubulin dynamics. Biomech Model Mechanobiol 2024; 23:569-579. [PMID: 38060156 PMCID: PMC10963519 DOI: 10.1007/s10237-023-01792-5] [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: 07/24/2023] [Accepted: 11/11/2023] [Indexed: 12/08/2023]
Abstract
The identification of the mechanisms underlying the transfer of mechanical vibrations in protein complexes is crucial to understand how these super-assemblies are stabilized to perform specific functions within the cell. In this context, the study of the structural communication and the propagation of mechanical stimuli within the microtubule (MT) is important given the pivotal role of the latter in cell viability. In this study, we employed molecular modelling and the dynamical network analysis approaches to analyse the MT. The results highlight that β -tubulin drives the transfer of mechanical information between protofilaments (PFs), which is altered at the seam due to a different interaction pattern. Moreover, while the key residues involved in the structural communication along the PF are generally conserved, a higher diversity was observed for amino acids mediating the lateral communication. Taken together, these results might explain why MTs with different PF numbers are formed in different organisms or with different β -tubulin isotypes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marco Cannariato
- PolitoBIOMed Lab, Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering, Politecnico di Torino, Turin, Italy
| | - Eric A Zizzi
- PolitoBIOMed Lab, Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering, Politecnico di Torino, Turin, Italy
| | - Lorenzo Pallante
- PolitoBIOMed Lab, Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering, Politecnico di Torino, Turin, Italy
| | - Marcello Miceli
- PolitoBIOMed Lab, Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering, Politecnico di Torino, Turin, Italy
| | - Marco A Deriu
- PolitoBIOMed Lab, Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering, Politecnico di Torino, Turin, Italy.
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7
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Takashima M, Nagaya M, Takamura Y, Inatani M, Oki M. HIF-1 inhibition reverses opacity in a rat model of galactose-induced cataract. PLoS One 2024; 19:e0299145. [PMID: 38416732 PMCID: PMC10901314 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0299145] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/17/2023] [Accepted: 02/05/2024] [Indexed: 03/01/2024] Open
Abstract
Cataract is an eye disease, in which the lens becomes opaque, causing vision loss and blindness. The detailed mechanism of cataract development has not been characterized, and effective drug therapies remain unavailable. Here, we investigated the effects of Hypoxia-inducible factor 1 (HIF-1) inhibitors using an ex vivo model, in which rat lenses were cultured in galactose-containing medium to induce opacity formation. We found that treatment with the HIF-1 inhibitors 2-Methoxyestradiol (2ME2), YC-1, and Bavachinin decreased lens opacity. Microarray analysis on 2ME2-treated samples, in which opacity was decreased, identified genes upregulated by galactose and downregulated by inhibitor treatment. Subsequent STRING analysis on genes that showed expression change by RT-qPCR identified two clusters. First cluster related to the cytoskeleton and epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT). Second cluster related to the oxidative stress, and apoptosis. ACTA2, a known marker for EMT, and TXNIP, a suppressor of cell proliferation and activator of apoptosis, were present in each cluster. Thus, suppression of EMT and apoptosis, as well as activation of cell proliferation, appear to underlie the decrease in lens opacity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Masaru Takashima
- Department of Industrial Creation Engineering, Graduate School of Engineering, University of Fukui, Fukui, Japan
| | - Masaya Nagaya
- Department of Industrial Creation Engineering, Graduate School of Engineering, University of Fukui, Fukui, Japan
| | - Yoshihiro Takamura
- Department of Ophthalmology, Faculty of Medical Sciences, University of Fukui, Fukui, Japan
| | - Masaru Inatani
- Department of Ophthalmology, Faculty of Medical Sciences, University of Fukui, Fukui, Japan
| | - Masaya Oki
- Department of Industrial Creation Engineering, Graduate School of Engineering, University of Fukui, Fukui, Japan
- Life Science Innovation Center, University of Fukui, Fukui, Japan
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8
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Van Schoor E, Strubbe D, Braems E, Weishaupt J, Ludolph AC, Van Damme P, Thal DR, Bercier V, Van Den Bosch L. TUBA4A downregulation as observed in ALS post-mortem motor cortex causes ALS-related abnormalities in zebrafish. Front Cell Neurosci 2024; 18:1340240. [PMID: 38463699 PMCID: PMC10921936 DOI: 10.3389/fncel.2024.1340240] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/17/2023] [Accepted: 01/22/2024] [Indexed: 03/12/2024] Open
Abstract
Disease-associated variants of TUBA4A (alpha-tubulin 4A) have recently been identified in familial ALS. Interestingly, a downregulation of TUBA4A protein expression was observed in familial as well as sporadic ALS brain tissue. To investigate whether a decreased TUBA4A expression could be a driving factor in ALS pathogenesis, we assessed whether TUBA4A knockdown in zebrafish could recapitulate an ALS-like phenotype. For this, we injected an antisense oligonucleotide morpholino in zebrafish embryos targeting the zebrafish TUBA4A orthologue. An antibody against synaptic vesicle 2 was used to visualize motor axons in the spinal cord, allowing the analysis of embryonic ventral root projections. Motor behavior was assessed using the touch-evoked escape response. In post-mortem ALS motor cortex, we observed reduced TUBA4A levels. The knockdown of the zebrafish TUBA4A orthologue induced a motor axonopathy and a significantly disturbed motor behavior. Both phenotypes were dose-dependent and could be rescued by the addition of human wild-type TUBA4A mRNA. Thus, TUBA4A downregulation as observed in ALS post-mortem motor cortex could be modeled in zebrafish and induced a motor axonopathy and motor behavior defects reflecting a motor neuron disease phenotype, as previously described in embryonic zebrafish models of ALS. The rescue with human wild-type TUBA4A mRNA suggests functional conservation and strengthens the causal relation between TUBA4A protein levels and phenotype severity. Furthermore, the loss of TUBA4A induces significant changes in post-translational modifications of tubulin, such as acetylation, detyrosination and polyglutamylation. Our data unveil an important role for TUBA4A in ALS pathogenesis, and extend the relevance of TUBA4A to the majority of ALS patients, in addition to cases bearing TUBA4A mutations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Evelien Van Schoor
- Laboratory of Neuropathology, Department of Imaging and Pathology, KU Leuven (University of Leuven) and Leuven Brain Institute (LBI), Leuven, Belgium
- Laboratory of Neurobiology, Department of Neurosciences, KU Leuven (University of Leuven) and Leuven Brain Institute (LBI), Leuven, Belgium
- Center for Brain and Disease Research, VIB, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Dufie Strubbe
- Laboratory of Neurobiology, Department of Neurosciences, KU Leuven (University of Leuven) and Leuven Brain Institute (LBI), Leuven, Belgium
- Center for Brain and Disease Research, VIB, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Elke Braems
- Laboratory of Neurobiology, Department of Neurosciences, KU Leuven (University of Leuven) and Leuven Brain Institute (LBI), Leuven, Belgium
- Center for Brain and Disease Research, VIB, Leuven, Belgium
| | | | - Albert C. Ludolph
- Department of Neurology, Ulm University, Ulm, Germany
- Deutsches Zentrum für Neurodegenerative Erkrankungen, Ulm, Germany
| | - Philip Van Damme
- Laboratory of Neurobiology, Department of Neurosciences, KU Leuven (University of Leuven) and Leuven Brain Institute (LBI), Leuven, Belgium
- Center for Brain and Disease Research, VIB, Leuven, Belgium
- Department of Neurology, University Hospitals Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Dietmar Rudolf Thal
- Laboratory of Neuropathology, Department of Imaging and Pathology, KU Leuven (University of Leuven) and Leuven Brain Institute (LBI), Leuven, Belgium
- Department of Pathology, University Hospitals Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Valérie Bercier
- Laboratory of Neurobiology, Department of Neurosciences, KU Leuven (University of Leuven) and Leuven Brain Institute (LBI), Leuven, Belgium
- Center for Brain and Disease Research, VIB, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Ludo Van Den Bosch
- Laboratory of Neurobiology, Department of Neurosciences, KU Leuven (University of Leuven) and Leuven Brain Institute (LBI), Leuven, Belgium
- Center for Brain and Disease Research, VIB, Leuven, Belgium
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9
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Mura E, Parazzini C, Tonduti D. Rare forms of hypomyelination and delayed myelination. HANDBOOK OF CLINICAL NEUROLOGY 2024; 204:225-252. [PMID: 39322381 DOI: 10.1016/b978-0-323-99209-1.00002-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 09/27/2024]
Abstract
Hypomyelination is defined by the evidence of an unchanged pattern of deficient myelination on two MRIs performed at least 6 months apart in a child older than 1 year. When the temporal criteria are not fulfilled, and the follow-up MRI shows a progression of the myelination even if still not adequate for age, hypomyelination is excluded and the pattern is instead consistent with delayed myelination. This can be mild and nonspecific in some cases, while in other cases there is a severe delay that in the first disease stages could be difficult to differentiate from hypomyelination. In hypomyelinating leukodystrophies, hypomyelination is due to a primary impairment of myelin deposition, such as in Pelizaeus Merzabcher disease. Conversely, myelin lack is secondary, often to primary neuronal disorders, in delayed myelination and some condition with hypomyelination. Overall, the group of inherited white matter disorders with abnormal myelination has expanded significantly during the past 20 years. Many of these disorders have only recently been described, for many of them only a few patients have been reported and this contributes to make challenging the diagnostic process and the interpretation of Next Generation Sequencing results. In this chapter, we review the clinical and radiologic features of rare and lesser known forms of hypomyelination and delayed myelination not mentioned in other chapters of this handbook.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eleonora Mura
- Unit of Pediatric Neurology, Department of Biomedical and Clinical Sciences, V. Buzzi Children's Hospital, Università degli Studi di Milano, Milan, Italy; C.O.A.L.A (Center for Diagnosis and Treatment of Leukodystrophies), V. Buzzi Children's Hospital, Università degli Studi di Milano, Milan, Italy
| | - Cecilia Parazzini
- C.O.A.L.A (Center for Diagnosis and Treatment of Leukodystrophies), V. Buzzi Children's Hospital, Università degli Studi di Milano, Milan, Italy; Pediatric Radiology and Neuroradiology Department, V. Buzzi Children's Hospital, Milan, Italy
| | - Davide Tonduti
- Unit of Pediatric Neurology, Department of Biomedical and Clinical Sciences, V. Buzzi Children's Hospital, Università degli Studi di Milano, Milan, Italy; C.O.A.L.A (Center for Diagnosis and Treatment of Leukodystrophies), V. Buzzi Children's Hospital, Università degli Studi di Milano, Milan, Italy.
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10
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Wethekam LC, Moore JK. α-tubulin regulation by 5' introns in Saccharomyces cerevisiae. Genetics 2023; 225:iyad163. [PMID: 37675603 PMCID: PMC10697811 DOI: 10.1093/genetics/iyad163] [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: 06/22/2023] [Revised: 06/22/2023] [Accepted: 08/21/2023] [Indexed: 09/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Across eukaryotic genomes, multiple α- and β-tubulin genes require regulation to ensure sufficient production of tubulin heterodimers. Features within these gene families that regulate expression remain underexplored. Here, we investigate the role of the 5' intron in regulating α-tubulin expression in Saccharomyces cerevisiae. We find that the intron in the α-tubulin, TUB1, promotes α-tubulin expression and cell fitness during microtubule stress. The role of the TUB1 intron depends on proximity to the TUB1 promoter and sequence features that are distinct from the intron in the alternative α-tubulin isotype, TUB3. These results lead us to perform a screen to identify genes that act with the TUB1 intron. We identified several genes involved in chromatin remodeling, α/β-tubulin heterodimer assembly, and the spindle assembly checkpoint. We propose a model where the TUB1 intron promotes expression from the chromosomal locus and that this may represent a conserved mechanism for tubulin regulation under conditions that require high levels of tubulin production.
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Affiliation(s)
- Linnea C Wethekam
- Department of Cell and Developmental Biology, University of Colorado School of Medicine, Aurora, CO 80045, USA
| | - Jeffrey K Moore
- Department of Cell and Developmental Biology, University of Colorado School of Medicine, Aurora, CO 80045, USA
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11
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Cano-González L, Espinosa-Mendoza JD, Matadamas-Martínez F, Romero-Velásquez A, Flores-Ramos M, Colorado-Pablo LF, Cerbón-Cervantes MA, Castillo R, González-Sánchez I, Yépez-Mulia L, Hernández-Campos A, Aguayo-Ortiz R. Structure-Based Optimization of Carbendazim-Derived Tubulin Polymerization Inhibitors through Alchemical Free Energy Calculations. J Chem Inf Model 2023; 63:7228-7238. [PMID: 37947759 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jcim.3c01379] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2023]
Abstract
Carbendazim derivatives, commonly used as antiparasitic drugs, have shown potential as anticancer agents due to their ability to induce cell cycle arrest and apoptosis in human cancer cells by inhibiting tubulin polymerization. Crystallographic structures of α/β-tubulin multimers complexed with nocodazole and mebendazole, two carbendazim derivatives with potent anticancer activity, highlighted the possibility of designing compounds that occupy both benzimidazole- and colchicine-binding sites. In addition, previous studies have demonstrated that the incorporation of a phenoxy group at position 5/6 of carbendazim increases the antiproliferative activity in cancer cell lines. Despite the significant progress made in identifying new tubulin-targeting anticancer compounds, further modifications are needed to enhance their potency and safety. In this study, we explored the impact of modifying the phenoxy substitution pattern on antiproliferative activity. Alchemical free energy calculations were used to predict the binding free energy difference upon ligand modification and define the most viable path for structure optimization. Based on these calculations, seven compounds were synthesized and evaluated against lung and colon cancer cell lines. Our results showed that compound 5a, which incorporates an α-naphthyloxy substitution, exhibits the highest antiproliferative activity against both cancer lines (SK-LU-1 and SW620, IC50 < 100 nM) and induces morphological changes in the cells associated with mitotic arrest and mitotic catastrophe. Nevertheless, the tubulin polymerization assay showed that 5a has a lower inhibitory potency than nocodazole. Molecular dynamics simulations suggested that this low antitubulin activity could be associated with the loss of the key H-bond interaction with V236. This study provides insights into the design of novel carbendazim derivatives with anticancer activity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lucia Cano-González
- Departamento de Farmacia, Facultad de Química, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Mexico City 04510, Mexico
| | - Johan D Espinosa-Mendoza
- Departamento de Farmacia, Facultad de Química, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Mexico City 04510, Mexico
| | - Félix Matadamas-Martínez
- Unidad de Investigación Médica en Enfermedades Infecciosas y Parasitarias, UMAE Hospital de Pediatría, Centro Médico Nacional Siglo XXI, Instituto Mexicano del Seguro Social, Mexico City 06720, Mexico
| | - Ariana Romero-Velásquez
- Departamento de Biología, Facultad de Química, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Mexico City 04510, Mexico
| | - Miguel Flores-Ramos
- Escuela Nacional de Estudios Superiores, Unidad Mérida, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Yucatán 97357, Mexico
| | - Luis Fernando Colorado-Pablo
- Departamento de Farmacia, Facultad de Química, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Mexico City 04510, Mexico
| | | | - Rafael Castillo
- Departamento de Farmacia, Facultad de Química, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Mexico City 04510, Mexico
| | - Ignacio González-Sánchez
- Departamento de Biología, Facultad de Química, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Mexico City 04510, Mexico
| | - Lilián Yépez-Mulia
- Unidad de Investigación Médica en Enfermedades Infecciosas y Parasitarias, UMAE Hospital de Pediatría, Centro Médico Nacional Siglo XXI, Instituto Mexicano del Seguro Social, Mexico City 06720, Mexico
| | - Alicia Hernández-Campos
- Departamento de Farmacia, Facultad de Química, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Mexico City 04510, Mexico
| | - Rodrigo Aguayo-Ortiz
- Departamento de Farmacia, Facultad de Química, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Mexico City 04510, Mexico
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12
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Diao L, Zheng W, Zhao Q, Liu M, Fu Z, Zhang X, Bao L, Cong Y. Cryo-EM of α-tubulin isotype-containing microtubules revealed a contracted structure of α4A/β2A microtubules. Acta Biochim Biophys Sin (Shanghai) 2023; 55:1551-1560. [PMID: 37439022 PMCID: PMC10577476 DOI: 10.3724/abbs.2023130] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/09/2023] [Accepted: 04/14/2023] [Indexed: 07/14/2023] Open
Abstract
Microtubules are hollow α/β-tubulin heterodimeric polymers that play critical roles in cells. In vertebrates, both α- and β-tubulins have multiple isotypes encoded by different genes, which are intrinsic factors in regulating microtubule functions. However, the structures of microtubules composed of different tubulin isotypes, especially α-tubulin isotypes, remain largely unknown. Here, we purify recombinant tubulin heterodimers composed of different mouse α-tubulin isotypes, including α1A, α1C and α4A, with the β-tubulin isotype β2A. We further assemble and determine the cryo-electron microscopy (cryo-EM) structures of α1A/β2A, α1C/β2A, and α4A/β2A microtubules. Our structural analysis demonstrates that α4A/β2A microtubules exhibit longitudinal contraction between tubulin interdimers compared with α1A/β2A and α1C/β2A microtubules. Collectively, our findings reveal that α-tubulin isotype composition can tune microtubule structures, and also provide evidence for the "tubulin code" hypothesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lei Diao
- State Key Laboratory of Cell BiologyShanghai Institute of Biochemistry and Cell BiologyCenter for Excellence in Molecular Cell ScienceUniversity of Chinese Academy of SciencesChinese Academy of SciencesShanghai200031China
| | - Wei Zheng
- State Key Laboratory of Molecular BiologyShanghai Institute of Biochemistry and Cell BiologyCenter for Excellence in Molecular Cell ScienceUniversity of Chinese Academy of SciencesChinese Academy of SciencesShanghai200031China
| | - Qiaoyu Zhao
- State Key Laboratory of Molecular BiologyShanghai Institute of Biochemistry and Cell BiologyCenter for Excellence in Molecular Cell ScienceUniversity of Chinese Academy of SciencesChinese Academy of SciencesShanghai200031China
| | - Mingyi Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Cell BiologyShanghai Institute of Biochemistry and Cell BiologyCenter for Excellence in Molecular Cell ScienceUniversity of Chinese Academy of SciencesChinese Academy of SciencesShanghai200031China
- School of Life Science and TechnologyShanghaiTech UniversityShanghai201210China
| | - Zhenglin Fu
- State Key Laboratory of Molecular BiologyShanghai Institute of Biochemistry and Cell BiologyCenter for Excellence in Molecular Cell ScienceUniversity of Chinese Academy of SciencesChinese Academy of SciencesShanghai200031China
| | - Xu Zhang
- School of Life Science and TechnologyShanghaiTech UniversityShanghai201210China
- Shanghai Advanced Research InstituteChinese Academy of SciencesShanghai201210China
| | - Lan Bao
- State Key Laboratory of Cell BiologyShanghai Institute of Biochemistry and Cell BiologyCenter for Excellence in Molecular Cell ScienceUniversity of Chinese Academy of SciencesChinese Academy of SciencesShanghai200031China
- School of Life Science and TechnologyShanghaiTech UniversityShanghai201210China
| | - Yao Cong
- State Key Laboratory of Molecular BiologyShanghai Institute of Biochemistry and Cell BiologyCenter for Excellence in Molecular Cell ScienceUniversity of Chinese Academy of SciencesChinese Academy of SciencesShanghai200031China
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13
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Yamane T, Nakayama T, Ekimoto T, Inoue M, Ikezaki K, Sekiguchi H, Kuramochi M, Terao Y, Judai K, Saito M, Ikeguchi M, Sasaki YC. Comparison of the Molecular Motility of Tubulin Dimeric Isoforms: Molecular Dynamics Simulations and Diffracted X-ray Tracking Study. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:15423. [PMID: 37895101 PMCID: PMC10607685 DOI: 10.3390/ijms242015423] [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: 07/31/2023] [Revised: 10/11/2023] [Accepted: 10/19/2023] [Indexed: 10/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Tubulin has been recently reported to form a large family consisting of various gene isoforms; however, the differences in the molecular features of tubulin dimers composed of a combination of these isoforms remain unknown. Therefore, we attempted to elucidate the physical differences in the molecular motility of these tubulin dimers using the method of measurable pico-meter-scale molecular motility, diffracted X-ray tracking (DXT) analysis, regarding characteristic tubulin dimers, including neuronal TUBB3 and ubiquitous TUBB5. We first conducted a DXT analysis of neuronal (TUBB3-TUBA1A) and ubiquitous (TUBB5-TUBA1B) tubulin dimers and found that the molecular motility around the vertical axis of the neuronal tubulin dimer was lower than that of the ubiquitous tubulin dimer. The results of molecular dynamics (MD) simulation suggest that the difference in motility between the neuronal and ubiquitous tubulin dimers was probably caused by a change in the major contact of Gln245 in the T7 loop of TUBB from Glu11 in TUBA to Val353 in TUBB. The present study is the first report of a novel phenomenon in which the pico-meter-scale molecular motility between neuronal and ubiquitous tubulin dimers is different.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tsutomu Yamane
- Graduate School of Medical Life Science, Yokohama City University, 1-7-29 Suehiro-cho, Tsurumi-ku, Yokohama 230-0045, Japan; (T.E.); (M.I.); (M.I.)
- HPC- and AI-Driven Drug Development Platform Division, Riken Center for Computational Science, RIKEN, 1-7-22 Suehiro-cho, Tsurumi-ku, Yokohama 230-0045, Japan
| | - Takahiro Nakayama
- Department of Medical Physiology, Kyorin University School of Medicine, 6-20-2 Shinkawa, Mitaka 181-8611, Japan; (T.N.); (Y.T.)
| | - Toru Ekimoto
- Graduate School of Medical Life Science, Yokohama City University, 1-7-29 Suehiro-cho, Tsurumi-ku, Yokohama 230-0045, Japan; (T.E.); (M.I.); (M.I.)
| | - Masao Inoue
- Graduate School of Medical Life Science, Yokohama City University, 1-7-29 Suehiro-cho, Tsurumi-ku, Yokohama 230-0045, Japan; (T.E.); (M.I.); (M.I.)
| | - Keigo Ikezaki
- Graduate School of Frontier Sciences, The University of Tokyo, 5-1-5 Kashiwanoha, Kashiwa 277-8568, Japan; (K.I.); (M.K.)
| | - Hiroshi Sekiguchi
- Japan Synchrotron Radiation Research Institute, SPring-8, 1-1-1 Kouto, Sayo 679-5198, Japan;
| | - Masahiro Kuramochi
- Graduate School of Frontier Sciences, The University of Tokyo, 5-1-5 Kashiwanoha, Kashiwa 277-8568, Japan; (K.I.); (M.K.)
| | - Yasuo Terao
- Department of Medical Physiology, Kyorin University School of Medicine, 6-20-2 Shinkawa, Mitaka 181-8611, Japan; (T.N.); (Y.T.)
| | - Ken Judai
- Department of Physics, College of Humanities and Sciences, Nihon University, Sakurajosui 3-25-40, Tokyo 156-8550, Japan;
| | - Minoru Saito
- Department of Biosciences, College of Humanities and Sciences, Nihon University, Tokyo 156-8550, Japan;
| | - Mitsunori Ikeguchi
- Graduate School of Medical Life Science, Yokohama City University, 1-7-29 Suehiro-cho, Tsurumi-ku, Yokohama 230-0045, Japan; (T.E.); (M.I.); (M.I.)
- HPC- and AI-Driven Drug Development Platform Division, Riken Center for Computational Science, RIKEN, 1-7-22 Suehiro-cho, Tsurumi-ku, Yokohama 230-0045, Japan
| | - Yuji C. Sasaki
- Graduate School of Frontier Sciences, The University of Tokyo, 5-1-5 Kashiwanoha, Kashiwa 277-8568, Japan; (K.I.); (M.K.)
- Japan Synchrotron Radiation Research Institute, SPring-8, 1-1-1 Kouto, Sayo 679-5198, Japan;
- AIST-UTokyo Advanced Operando-Measurement Technology Open Innovation Laboratory (OPERANDO-OIL), National Institute of Advanced Industrial Science and Technology (AIST), 6-2-3 Kashiwanoha, Chiba 277-0882, Japan
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14
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Spildrejorde M, Samara A, Sharma A, Leithaug M, Falck M, Modafferi S, Sundaram AY, Acharya G, Nordeng H, Eskeland R, Gervin K, Lyle R. Multi-omics approach reveals dysregulated genes during hESCs neuronal differentiation exposure to paracetamol. iScience 2023; 26:107755. [PMID: 37731623 PMCID: PMC10507163 DOI: 10.1016/j.isci.2023.107755] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/27/2023] [Revised: 06/30/2023] [Accepted: 08/24/2023] [Indexed: 09/22/2023] Open
Abstract
Prenatal paracetamol exposure has been associated with neurodevelopmental outcomes in childhood. Pharmacoepigenetic studies show differences in cord blood DNA methylation between unexposed and paracetamol-exposed neonates, however, causality and impact of long-term prenatal paracetamol exposure on brain development remain unclear. Using a multi-omics approach, we investigated the effects of paracetamol on an in vitro model of early human neurodevelopment. We exposed human embryonic stem cells undergoing neuronal differentiation with paracetamol concentrations corresponding to maternal therapeutic doses. Single-cell RNA-seq and ATAC-seq integration identified paracetamol-induced chromatin opening changes linked to gene expression. Differentially methylated and/or expressed genes were involved in neurotransmission and cell fate determination trajectories. Some genes involved in neuronal injury and development-specific pathways, such as KCNE3, overlapped with differentially methylated genes previously identified in cord blood associated with prenatal paracetamol exposure. Our data suggest that paracetamol may play a causal role in impaired neurodevelopment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mari Spildrejorde
- PharmaTox Strategic Research Initiative, Faculty of Mathematics and Natural Sciences, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway
- Department of Medical Genetics, Oslo University Hospital and University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway
- Institute of Clinical Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway
| | - Athina Samara
- Division of Clinical Paediatrics, Department of Women’s and Children’s Health, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
- Astrid Lindgren Children′s Hospital, Karolinska University Hospital, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Ankush Sharma
- Department of Informatics, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway
- Department of Molecular Medicine, Institute of Basic Medical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway
- Department of Biosciences, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway
| | - Magnus Leithaug
- PharmaTox Strategic Research Initiative, Faculty of Mathematics and Natural Sciences, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway
- Department of Medical Genetics, Oslo University Hospital and University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway
| | - Martin Falck
- PharmaTox Strategic Research Initiative, Faculty of Mathematics and Natural Sciences, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway
- Department of Biosciences, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway
| | - Stefania Modafferi
- Department of Medical Genetics, Oslo University Hospital and University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway
| | - Arvind Y.M. Sundaram
- Department of Medical Genetics, Oslo University Hospital and University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway
| | - Ganesh Acharya
- Division of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Department of Clinical Science, Intervention and Technology (CLINTEC), Karolinska Institutet, Alfred Nobels Allé 8, SE-14152 Stockholm, Sweden
- Center for Fetal Medicine, Karolinska University Hospital, SE-14186 Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Hedvig Nordeng
- PharmaTox Strategic Research Initiative, Faculty of Mathematics and Natural Sciences, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway
- Pharmacoepidemiology and Drug Safety Research Group, Department of Pharmacy, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway
| | - Ragnhild Eskeland
- PharmaTox Strategic Research Initiative, Faculty of Mathematics and Natural Sciences, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway
- Department of Molecular Medicine, Institute of Basic Medical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway
| | - Kristina Gervin
- PharmaTox Strategic Research Initiative, Faculty of Mathematics and Natural Sciences, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway
- Pharmacoepidemiology and Drug Safety Research Group, Department of Pharmacy, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway
- Division of Clinical Neuroscience, Department of Research and Innovation, Oslo University Hospital, Oslo, Norway
| | - Robert Lyle
- PharmaTox Strategic Research Initiative, Faculty of Mathematics and Natural Sciences, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway
- Department of Medical Genetics, Oslo University Hospital and University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway
- Centre for Fertility and Health, Norwegian Institute of Public Health, Oslo, Norway
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15
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McKenna ED, Sarbanes SL, Cummings SW, Roll-Mecak A. The Tubulin Code, from Molecules to Health and Disease. Annu Rev Cell Dev Biol 2023; 39:331-361. [PMID: 37843925 DOI: 10.1146/annurev-cellbio-030123-032748] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/18/2023]
Abstract
Microtubules are essential dynamic polymers composed of α/β-tubulin heterodimers. They support intracellular trafficking, cell division, cellular motility, and other essential cellular processes. In many species, both α-tubulin and β-tubulin are encoded by multiple genes with distinct expression profiles and functionality. Microtubules are further diversified through abundant posttranslational modifications, which are added and removed by a suite of enzymes to form complex, stereotyped cellular arrays. The genetic and chemical diversity of tubulin constitute a tubulin code that regulates intrinsic microtubule properties and is read by cellular effectors, such as molecular motors and microtubule-associated proteins, to provide spatial and temporal specificity to microtubules in cells. In this review, we synthesize the rapidly expanding tubulin code literature and highlight limitations and opportunities for the field. As complex microtubule arrays underlie essential physiological processes, a better understanding of how cells employ the tubulin code has important implications for human disease ranging from cancer to neurological disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elizabeth D McKenna
- Cell Biology and Biophysics Unit, Porter Neuroscience Research Center, National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke, Bethesda, Maryland, USA;
| | - Stephanie L Sarbanes
- Cell Biology and Biophysics Unit, Porter Neuroscience Research Center, National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke, Bethesda, Maryland, USA;
| | - Steven W Cummings
- Cell Biology and Biophysics Unit, Porter Neuroscience Research Center, National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke, Bethesda, Maryland, USA;
| | - Antonina Roll-Mecak
- Cell Biology and Biophysics Unit, Porter Neuroscience Research Center, National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke, Bethesda, Maryland, USA;
- Biochemistry and Biophysics Center, National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute, Bethesda, Maryland, USA
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16
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Ben Jdila M, Kammoun F, Abdelmaksoud-Dammak R, Triki C, Fakhfakh F. Mutation in the β-tubulin gene TUBB4A results in epileptic encephalopathy associated with hypomyelinated leucodystrophy: Unexpected findings reveal genetic mosaicism. Int J Dev Neurosci 2023; 83:532-545. [PMID: 37529938 DOI: 10.1002/jdn.10284] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/07/2023] [Revised: 05/10/2023] [Accepted: 06/15/2023] [Indexed: 08/03/2023] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Epileptic encephalopathies (EEs) are a group of heterogeneous epileptic syndromes characterized by early-onset refractory seizures, specific EEG abnormalities, developmental delay or regression and intellectual disability. The genetic spectrum of EE is very wide with mutations in a number of genes having various functions, such as those encoding AMPA ionotropic and glutamate receptors as well as voltage-gated ion channels. However, the list of EE-responsible genes could certainly be enlarged by next-generation sequencing. PATIENTS AND METHODS The present study reports a clinical investigation and a molecular analysis by the whole exome sequencing (WES) and pyrosequencing of a patient's family affected by epileptic spasms and severe psychomotor delay. RESULTS Clinical and radiological investigations revealed that the patient presented clinical features of severe and drug-resistant EE-type infantile epileptic spasm syndrome that evolved to Lennox Gastaut syndrome with radiological findings of hypomyelinated leukodystrophy. The results of WES revealed the presence of a novel heterozygous c.466C>T mutation in exon 4 of the TUBB4A gene in the patient. This transition led to the replacement of arginine by cysteine at position 156 (p.R156C) of the conserved helix 4 among the N-terminal domain of the TUBB4A protein. Bioinformatic tools predicted its deleterious effects on the structural arrangement and stability of the protein. The presence of the mutation in the asymptomatic father suggested the hypothesis of somatic mosaicism that was tested by pyrosequencing of DNA from two tissues of the patient and her father. The obtained results showed a lower rate of mutated alleles in the asymptomatic father compared with the affected daughter in both lymphocytes and buccal mucosa cells, confirming the occurrence of paternal mosaicism. The phenotypic features of the patient were also compared with those of previously described patients presenting TUBB4A mutations. CONCLUSIONS Our study is the first to report a disease-causing variant in the TUBB4A gene in a patient with EE associated with hypomyelinated leucodystrophy. In addition, we expanded the phenotypic spectrum associated with the TUBB4A gene.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marwa Ben Jdila
- Research Laboratory 'NeuroPédiatrie' (LR19ES15), Sfax Medical School, Sfax University, Sfax, Tunisia
- Laboratory of Molecular and Functional Genetics, Faculty of Science of Sfax, Sfax University, Sfax, Tunisia
| | - Fatma Kammoun
- Research Laboratory 'NeuroPédiatrie' (LR19ES15), Sfax Medical School, Sfax University, Sfax, Tunisia
- Child Neurology Department, Hedi Chaker University Hospital of Sfax, Sfax, Tunisia
| | - Rania Abdelmaksoud-Dammak
- Center of Biotechnology of Sfax, Laboratory of Eucaryotes Molecular Biotechnology, University of Sfax, Sfax, Tunisia
| | - Chahnez Triki
- Research Laboratory 'NeuroPédiatrie' (LR19ES15), Sfax Medical School, Sfax University, Sfax, Tunisia
- Child Neurology Department, Hedi Chaker University Hospital of Sfax, Sfax, Tunisia
| | - Faiza Fakhfakh
- Laboratory of Molecular and Functional Genetics, Faculty of Science of Sfax, Sfax University, Sfax, Tunisia
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17
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Uittenboogaard A, van den Berg MH, Abbink FCH, Twisk JWR, van der Sluis IM, van den Bos C, van den Heuvel‐Eibrink MM, Segers H, Chantrain C, van der Werff ten Bosch J, Willems L, Kaspers GJL, van de Velde ME. Randomized controlled trial on the effect of 1-hour infusion of vincristine versus push injection on neuropathy in children with cancer (final analysis). Cancer Med 2023; 12:19480-19490. [PMID: 37732486 PMCID: PMC10587928 DOI: 10.1002/cam4.6550] [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: 01/18/2023] [Revised: 09/06/2023] [Accepted: 09/06/2023] [Indexed: 09/22/2023] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Vincristine is an integral component of treatment for children with cancer. Its main dose-limiting side effect is vincristine-induced peripheral neuropathy (VIPN). The VINCA trial was a randomized controlled trial that explored the effect of 1-hour infusion compared with push injection of vincristine on the development of VIPN in children with cancer. The short-term outcomes (median follow-up 9 months) showed that there was no difference in VIPN between the randomization groups. However, 1-hour infusion was less toxic in children who also received azoles. We now report the results of the final analyses (median follow-up 20 months), which includes treatment outcome as a secondary objective (follow-up 3 years). METHODS VIPN was measured 1-7 times per participant using the Common Terminology Criteria for Adverse Events (CTCAE) and the pediatric-modified total neuropathy score. Poisson mixed model and logistic generalized estimating equation analysis for repeated measures were performed. RESULTS Forty-five participants per randomization group were included. There was no significant effect of 1-hour infusion compared with push injection on VIPN. In participants receiving concurrent azoles, the total CTCAE score was significantly lower in the one-hour group (rate ratio 0.52, 95% confidence interval 0.33-0.80, p = 0.003). Four patients in the one-hour group and one patient in the push group relapsed. Two patients in the one-hour group died. CONCLUSION 1-hour infusion of vincristine is not protective against VIPN. However, in patients receiving concurrent azoles, 1-hour infusion may be less toxic. The difference in treatment outcome is most likely the result of differences in risk profile.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aniek Uittenboogaard
- Pediatric oncologyEmma Children's HospitalAmsterdam UMCVrije Universiteit AmsterdamAmsterdamthe Netherlands
- Princess Máxima Center for Pediatric OncologyUtrechtthe Netherlands
| | - Marleen H. van den Berg
- Pediatric oncologyEmma Children's HospitalAmsterdam UMCVrije Universiteit AmsterdamAmsterdamthe Netherlands
| | - Floor C. H. Abbink
- Pediatric oncologyEmma Children's HospitalAmsterdam UMCVrije Universiteit AmsterdamAmsterdamthe Netherlands
| | - Jos W. R. Twisk
- Department of Epidemiology and BiostatisticsAmsterdam UMCVrije Universiteit AmsterdamAmsterdamthe Netherlands
| | - Inge M. van der Sluis
- Princess Máxima Center for Pediatric OncologyUtrechtthe Netherlands
- Department of Pediatric OncologyErasmus Medical Center Rotterdam/Sophia Children's HospitalRotterdamthe Netherlands
| | - Cor van den Bos
- Pediatric oncologyEmma Children's HospitalAmsterdam UMCVrije Universiteit AmsterdamAmsterdamthe Netherlands
- Princess Máxima Center for Pediatric OncologyUtrechtthe Netherlands
| | | | - Heidi Segers
- Department of Pediatric Hemato‐OncologyUniversity Hospitals Leuven and Catholic University LeuvenLeuvenBelgium
| | - Christophe Chantrain
- Department of PediatricsClinique du MontLégiaThe Centre Hospitalier ChrétienLiègeBelgium
| | | | - Leen Willems
- Department of Paediatric Haematology‐Oncology and Stem Cell TransplantationGhent University HospitalGhentBelgium
| | - Gertjan J. L. Kaspers
- Pediatric oncologyEmma Children's HospitalAmsterdam UMCVrije Universiteit AmsterdamAmsterdamthe Netherlands
- Princess Máxima Center for Pediatric OncologyUtrechtthe Netherlands
| | - Mirjam Esther van de Velde
- Pediatric oncologyEmma Children's HospitalAmsterdam UMCVrije Universiteit AmsterdamAmsterdamthe Netherlands
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18
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Chew YM, Cross RA. Taxol acts differently on different tubulin isotypes. Commun Biol 2023; 6:946. [PMID: 37717119 PMCID: PMC10505170 DOI: 10.1038/s42003-023-05306-y] [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: 03/20/2023] [Accepted: 08/31/2023] [Indexed: 09/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Taxol is a small molecule effector that allosterically locks tubulin into the microtubule lattice. We show here that taxol has different effects on different single-isotype microtubule lattices. Using in vitro reconstitution, we demonstrate that single-isotype α1β4 GDP-tubulin lattices are stabilised and expanded by 10 µM taxol, as reported by accelerated microtubule gliding in kinesin motility assays, whereas single-isotype α1β3 GDP-tubulin lattices are stabilised but not expanded. This isotype-specific action of taxol drives gliding of segmented-isotype GDP-taxol microtubules along convoluted, sinusoidal paths, because their expanded α1β4 segments try to glide faster than their compacted α1β3 segments. In GMPCPP, single-isotype α1β3 and α1β4 lattices both show accelerated gliding, indicating that both can in principle be driven to expand. We therefore propose that taxol-induced lattice expansion requires a higher taxol occupancy than taxol-induced stabilisation, and that higher taxol occupancies are accessible to α1β4 but not α1β3 single-isotype lattices.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yean Ming Chew
- Centre for Mechanochemical Cell Biology, Warwick Medical School, Coventry, CV4 7LA, UK
| | - Robert A Cross
- Centre for Mechanochemical Cell Biology, Warwick Medical School, Coventry, CV4 7LA, UK.
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19
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Chen H, Zhang M, Deng Y. Long Noncoding RNAs in Taxane Resistance of Breast Cancer. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:12253. [PMID: 37569629 PMCID: PMC10418730 DOI: 10.3390/ijms241512253] [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: 07/11/2023] [Revised: 07/25/2023] [Accepted: 07/29/2023] [Indexed: 08/13/2023] Open
Abstract
Breast cancer is a common cancer in women and a leading cause of mortality. With the early diagnosis and development of therapeutic drugs, the prognosis of breast cancer has markedly improved. Chemotherapy is one of the predominant strategies for the treatment of breast cancer. Taxanes, including paclitaxel and docetaxel, are widely used in the treatment of breast cancer and remarkably decrease the risk of death and recurrence. However, taxane resistance caused by multiple factors significantly impacts the effect of the drug and leads to poor prognosis. Long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) have been shown to play a significant role in critical cellular processes, and a number of studies have illustrated that lncRNAs play vital roles in taxane resistance. In this review, we systematically summarize the mechanisms of taxane resistance in breast cancer and the functions of lncRNAs in taxane resistance in breast cancer. The findings provide insight into the role of lncRNAs in taxane resistance and suggest that lncRNAs may be used to develop therapeutic targets to prevent or reverse taxane resistance in patients with breast cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hailong Chen
- Department of Breast Surgery, The Second Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou 310009, China;
| | - Mengwen Zhang
- Department of Plastic Surgery, The Second Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou 310009, China;
| | - Yongchuan Deng
- Department of Breast Surgery, The Second Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou 310009, China;
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20
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Zocchi R, Bellacchio E, Piccione M, Scardigli R, D’Oria V, Petrini S, Baranano K, Bertini E, Sferra A. Novel loss of function mutation in TUBA1A gene compromises tubulin stability and proteostasis causing spastic paraplegia and ataxia. Front Cell Neurosci 2023; 17:1162363. [PMID: 37435044 PMCID: PMC10332271 DOI: 10.3389/fncel.2023.1162363] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/09/2023] [Accepted: 06/01/2023] [Indexed: 07/13/2023] Open
Abstract
Microtubules are dynamic cytoskeletal structures involved in several cellular functions, such as intracellular trafficking, cell division and motility. More than other cell types, neurons rely on the proper functioning of microtubules to conduct their activities and achieve complex morphologies. Pathogenic variants in genes encoding for α and β-tubulins, the structural subunits of microtubules, give rise to a wide class of neurological disorders collectively known as "tubulinopathies" and mainly involving a wide and overlapping range of brain malformations resulting from defective neuronal proliferation, migration, differentiation and axon guidance. Although tubulin mutations have been classically linked to neurodevelopmental defects, growing evidence demonstrates that perturbations of tubulin functions and activities may also drive neurodegeneration. In this study, we causally link the previously unreported missense mutation p.I384N in TUBA1A, one of the neuron-specific α-tubulin isotype I, to a neurodegenerative disorder characterized by progressive spastic paraplegia and ataxia. We demonstrate that, in contrast to the p.R402H substitution, which is one of the most recurrent TUBA1A pathogenic variants associated to lissencephaly, the present mutation impairs TUBA1A stability, reducing the abundance of TUBA1A available in the cell and preventing its incorporation into microtubules. We also show that the isoleucine at position 384 is an amino acid residue, which is critical for α-tubulin stability, since the introduction of the p.I384N substitution in three different tubulin paralogs reduces their protein level and assembly into microtubules, increasing their propensity to aggregation. Moreover, we demonstrate that the inhibition of the proteasome degradative systems increases the protein levels of TUBA1A mutant, promoting the formation of tubulin aggregates that, as their size increases, coalesce into inclusions that precipitate within the insoluble cellular fraction. Overall, our data describe a novel pathogenic effect of p.I384N mutation that differs from the previously described substitutions in TUBA1A, and expand both phenotypic and mutational spectrum related to this gene.
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Affiliation(s)
- Riccardo Zocchi
- Unit of Neuromuscular Disorders, Translational Pediatrics and Clinical Genetics, Bambino Gesù Children’s Hospital, IRCCS, Rome, Italy
| | - Emanuele Bellacchio
- Molecular Genetics and Functional Genomics Research Unit, Bambino Gesù Children’s Hospital, IRCCS, Rome, Italy
| | - Michela Piccione
- Research Laboratories, Bambino Gesù Children’s Hospital, IRCSS, Rome, Italy
| | - Raffaella Scardigli
- Consiglio Nazionale delle Ricerche (CNR), Institute of Translational Pharmacology (IFT), Rome, Italy
- European Brain Research Institute (EBRI) “Rita Levi-Montalcini,” Rome, Italy
| | - Valentina D’Oria
- Research Laboratories, Bambino Gesù Children’s Hospital, IRCSS, Rome, Italy
| | - Stefania Petrini
- Research Laboratories, Bambino Gesù Children’s Hospital, IRCSS, Rome, Italy
| | - Kristin Baranano
- Department of Neurology, The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, United States
| | - Enrico Bertini
- Unit of Neuromuscular Disorders, Translational Pediatrics and Clinical Genetics, Bambino Gesù Children’s Hospital, IRCCS, Rome, Italy
| | - Antonella Sferra
- Unit of Neuromuscular Disorders, Translational Pediatrics and Clinical Genetics, Bambino Gesù Children’s Hospital, IRCCS, Rome, Italy
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21
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Tantry MSA, Santhakumar K. Insights on the Role of α- and β-Tubulin Isotypes in Early Brain Development. Mol Neurobiol 2023; 60:3803-3823. [PMID: 36943622 DOI: 10.1007/s12035-023-03302-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/19/2022] [Accepted: 03/05/2023] [Indexed: 03/23/2023]
Abstract
Tubulins are the highly conserved subunit of microtubules which involve in various fundamental functions including brain development. Microtubules help in neuronal proliferation, migration, differentiation, cargo transport along the axons, synapse formation, and many more. Tubulin gene family consisting of multiple isotypes, their differential expression and varied post translational modifications create a whole new level of complexity and diversity in accomplishing manifold neuronal functions. The studies on the relation between tubulin genes and brain development opened a new avenue to understand the role of each tubulin isotype in neurodevelopment. Mutations in tubulin genes are reported to cause brain development defects especially cortical malformations, referred as tubulinopathies. There is an increased need to understand the molecular correlation between various tubulin mutations and the associated brain pathology. Recently, mutations in tubulin isotypes (TUBA1A, TUBB, TUBB1, TUBB2A, TUBB2B, TUBB3, and TUBG1) have been linked to cause various neurodevelopmental defects like lissencephaly, microcephaly, cortical dysplasia, polymicrogyria, schizencephaly, subcortical band heterotopia, periventricular heterotopia, corpus callosum agenesis, and cerebellar hypoplasia. This review summarizes on the microtubule dynamics, their role in neurodevelopment, tubulin isotypes, post translational modifications, and the role of tubulin mutations in causing specific neurodevelopmental defects. A comprehensive list containing all the reported tubulin pathogenic variants associated with brain developmental defects has been prepared to give a bird's eye view on the broad range of tubulin functions.
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Affiliation(s)
- M S Ananthakrishna Tantry
- Department of Genetic Engineering, SRM Institute of Science and Technology, Kattankulathur, 603203, India
| | - Kirankumar Santhakumar
- Department of Genetic Engineering, SRM Institute of Science and Technology, Kattankulathur, 603203, India.
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22
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Vottero P, Wang Q, Michalak M, Aminpour M, Tuszynski JA. Computational Analysis and Experimental Testing of the Molecular Mode of Action of Gatastatin and Its Derivatives. Cancers (Basel) 2023; 15:cancers15061714. [PMID: 36980600 PMCID: PMC10046562 DOI: 10.3390/cancers15061714] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/28/2023] [Revised: 03/04/2023] [Accepted: 03/08/2023] [Indexed: 03/14/2023] Open
Abstract
Given its critical role in cell mitosis, the tubulin γ chain represents a viable chemotherapeutic target to solve the specificity issues associated with targeting α and β tubulin. Since γ tubulin is overexpressed in glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) and some breast lesions, the glaziovianin A derivative gatastatin, presented as a γ-tubulin-specific inhibitor, could yield a successful therapeutic strategy. The present work aims to identify the binding sites and modes of gatastatin and its derivatives through molecular-docking simulations. Computational binding free energy predictions were compared to experimental microscale thermophoresis assay results. The computational simulations did not reveal a strong preference toward γ tubulin, suggesting that further derivatization may be needed to increase its specificity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paola Vottero
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB T6G 2V2, Canada
| | - Qian Wang
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB T6G 2H7, Canada
| | - Marek Michalak
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB T6G 2H7, Canada
| | - Maral Aminpour
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB T6G 2V2, Canada
| | - Jack Adam Tuszynski
- Department of Physics, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB T6G 2E9, Canada
- Dipartimento di Ingegneria Meccanica e Aerospaziale (DIMEAS), Politecnico di Torino, I-10129 Turin, Italy
- Correspondence:
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23
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Wethekam LC, Moore JK. Tubulin isotype regulation maintains asymmetric requirement for α-tubulin over β-tubulin. J Cell Biol 2023; 222:e202202102. [PMID: 36719400 PMCID: PMC9930134 DOI: 10.1083/jcb.202202102] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/17/2022] [Revised: 07/19/2022] [Accepted: 11/14/2022] [Indexed: 02/01/2023] Open
Abstract
How cells regulate α- and β-tubulin to meet the demand for αβ-heterodimers and avoid consequences of monomer imbalance is not understood. We investigate the role of gene copy number and how shifting expression of α- or β-tubulin genes impacts tubulin proteostasis and microtubule function in Saccharomyces cerevisiae. We find that α-tubulin gene copy number is important for maintaining excess α-tubulin protein compared to β-tubulin protein. Excess α-tubulin prevents accumulation of super-stoichiometric β-tubulin, which leads to loss of microtubules, formation of non-microtubule assemblies of tubulin, and disrupts cell proliferation. In contrast, sub-stoichiometric β-tubulin or overexpression of α-tubulin has minor effects. We provide evidence that yeast cells equilibrate α-tubulin protein concentration when α-tubulin isotype expression is increased. We propose an asymmetric relationship between α- and β-tubulins, in which α-tubulins are maintained in excess to supply αβ-heterodimers and limit the accumulation of β-tubulin monomers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Linnea C. Wethekam
- Department of Cell and Developmental Biology, University of Colorado School of Medicine, Aurora, CO, USA
| | - Jeffrey K. Moore
- Department of Cell and Developmental Biology, University of Colorado School of Medicine, Aurora, CO, USA
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24
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Zocchi R, Compagnucci C, Bertini E, Sferra A. Deciphering the Tubulin Language: Molecular Determinants and Readout Mechanisms of the Tubulin Code in Neurons. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:ijms24032781. [PMID: 36769099 PMCID: PMC9917122 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24032781] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/26/2022] [Revised: 01/17/2023] [Accepted: 01/27/2023] [Indexed: 02/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Microtubules (MTs) are dynamic components of the cell cytoskeleton involved in several cellular functions, such as structural support, migration and intracellular trafficking. Despite their high similarity, MTs have functional heterogeneity that is generated by the incorporation into the MT lattice of different tubulin gene products and by their post-translational modifications (PTMs). Such regulations, besides modulating the tubulin composition of MTs, create on their surface a "biochemical code" that is translated, through the action of protein effectors, into specific MT-based functions. This code, known as "tubulin code", plays an important role in neuronal cells, whose highly specialized morphologies and activities depend on the correct functioning of the MT cytoskeleton and on its interplay with a myriad of MT-interacting proteins. In recent years, a growing number of mutations in genes encoding for tubulins, MT-interacting proteins and enzymes that post-translationally modify MTs, which are the main players of the tubulin code, have been linked to neurodegenerative processes or abnormalities in neural migration, differentiation and connectivity. Nevertheless, the exact molecular mechanisms through which the cell writes and, downstream, MT-interacting proteins decipher the tubulin code are still largely uncharted. The purpose of this review is to describe the molecular determinants and the readout mechanisms of the tubulin code, and briefly elucidate how they coordinate MT behavior during critical neuronal events, such as neuron migration, maturation and axonal transport.
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Affiliation(s)
- Riccardo Zocchi
- Unit of Neuromuscular Disorders, Translational Pediatrics and Clinical Genetics, Bambino Gesù Children’s Hospital, IRCCS, 00146 Rome, Italy
| | - Claudia Compagnucci
- Molecular Genetics and Functional Genomics, Bambino Gesù Children’s Research Hospital, IRCCS, 00146 Rome, Italy
| | - Enrico Bertini
- Unit of Neuromuscular Disorders, Translational Pediatrics and Clinical Genetics, Bambino Gesù Children’s Hospital, IRCCS, 00146 Rome, Italy
- Correspondence: (E.B.); or (A.S.); Tel.: +39-06-6859-2104 (E.B. & A.S.)
| | - Antonella Sferra
- Unit of Neuromuscular Disorders, Translational Pediatrics and Clinical Genetics, Bambino Gesù Children’s Hospital, IRCCS, 00146 Rome, Italy
- Correspondence: (E.B.); or (A.S.); Tel.: +39-06-6859-2104 (E.B. & A.S.)
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25
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Cushion TD, Leca I, Keays DA. MAPping tubulin mutations. Front Cell Dev Biol 2023; 11:1136699. [PMID: 36875768 PMCID: PMC9975266 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2023.1136699] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/03/2023] [Accepted: 02/02/2023] [Indexed: 02/17/2023] Open
Abstract
Microtubules are filamentous structures that play a critical role in a diverse array of cellular functions including, mitosis, nuclear translocation, trafficking of organelles and cell shape. They are composed of α/β-tubulin heterodimers which are encoded by a large multigene family that has been implicated in an umbrella of disease states collectively known as the tubulinopathies. De novo mutations in different tubulin genes are known to cause lissencephaly, microcephaly, polymicrogyria, motor neuron disease, and female infertility. The diverse clinical features associated with these maladies have been attributed to the expression pattern of individual tubulin genes, as well as their distinct Functional repertoire. Recent studies, however, have highlighted the impact of tubulin mutations on microtubule-associated proteins (MAPs). MAPs can be classified according to their effect on microtubules and include polymer stabilizers (e.g., tau, MAP2, doublecortin), destabilizers (e.g., spastin, katanin), plus-end binding proteins (e.g., EB1-3, XMAP215, CLASPs) and motor proteins (e.g., dyneins, kinesins). In this review we analyse mutation-specific disease mechanisms that influence MAP binding and their phenotypic consequences, and discuss methods by which we can exploit genetic variation to identify novel MAPs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thomas D Cushion
- Department of Physiology, Development and Neuroscience, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, United Kingdom.,Research Institute of Molecular Pathology (IMP), Vienna Biocenter (VBC), Vienna, Austria
| | - Ines Leca
- Research Institute of Molecular Pathology (IMP), Vienna Biocenter (VBC), Vienna, Austria
| | - David A Keays
- Department of Physiology, Development and Neuroscience, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, United Kingdom.,Research Institute of Molecular Pathology (IMP), Vienna Biocenter (VBC), Vienna, Austria.,Division of Neurobiology, Department Biology II, Ludwig-Maximilians-University Munich, Munich, Germany
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26
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Li S, Mori M, Yang M, Elfazazi S, Hortigüela R, Chan P, Feng X, Risinger A, Yang Z, Oliva MÁ, Fernando Díaz J, Fang WS. Targeting the tubulin C-terminal tail by charged small molecules. Org Biomol Chem 2022; 21:153-162. [PMID: 36472095 DOI: 10.1039/d2ob01910h] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
The disordered tubulin C-terminal tail (CTT), which possesses a higher degree of heterogeneity, is the target for the interaction of many proteins and cellular components. Compared to the seven well-described binding sites of microtubule-targeting agents (MTAs) that localize on the globular tubulin core, tubulin CTT is far less explored. Therefore, tubulin CTT can be regarded as a novel site for the development of MTAs with distinct biochemical and cell biological properties. Here, we designed and synthesized linear and cyclic peptides containing multiple arginines (RRR), which are complementary to multiple acidic residues in tubulin CTT. Some of them showed moderate induction and promotion of tubulin polymerization. The most potent macrocyclic compound 1f was found to bind to tubulin CTT and thus exert its bioactivity. Such RRR containing compounds represent a starting point for the discovery of tubulin CTT-targeting agents with therapeutic potential.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shuo Li
- State Key Laboratory of Bioactive Substances and Functions of Natural Medicines & MHC Key Laboratory of Biosynthesis of Natural Products, Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical College, 2A Nan Wei Road, Beijing 100050, China.
| | - Mattia Mori
- Department of Biotechnology, Chemistry and Pharmacy, University of Siena, via Aldo Moro 2, Siena 53100, Italy
| | - Mingyan Yang
- State Key Laboratory of Bioactive Substances and Functions of Natural Medicines & MHC Key Laboratory of Biosynthesis of Natural Products, Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical College, 2A Nan Wei Road, Beijing 100050, China.
| | - Soumia Elfazazi
- Centro de Investigaciones Biológicas Margarita Salas, Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas, Ramiro de Maeztu 9, Madrid 28040, Spain
| | - Rafael Hortigüela
- Centro de Investigaciones Biológicas Margarita Salas, Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas, Ramiro de Maeztu 9, Madrid 28040, Spain
| | - Peter Chan
- Department of Pharmacology, University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio, San Antonio, Texas 78229, USA
| | - Xinyue Feng
- College of Food Science and Technology, Guangdong Ocean University, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Aquatic Product Processing and Safety, Guangdong Province Engineering Laboratory for Marine Biological Products, Guangdong Provincial Engineering Technology Research Center of Seafood, Key Laboratory of Advanced Processing of Aquatic Product of Guangdong Higher Education Institution, Zhanjiang 524088, China
| | - April Risinger
- Department of Pharmacology, University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio, San Antonio, Texas 78229, USA
| | - Zhiyou Yang
- College of Food Science and Technology, Guangdong Ocean University, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Aquatic Product Processing and Safety, Guangdong Province Engineering Laboratory for Marine Biological Products, Guangdong Provincial Engineering Technology Research Center of Seafood, Key Laboratory of Advanced Processing of Aquatic Product of Guangdong Higher Education Institution, Zhanjiang 524088, China
| | - María Ángela Oliva
- Centro de Investigaciones Biológicas Margarita Salas, Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas, Ramiro de Maeztu 9, Madrid 28040, Spain
| | - J Fernando Díaz
- Centro de Investigaciones Biológicas Margarita Salas, Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas, Ramiro de Maeztu 9, Madrid 28040, Spain
| | - Wei-Shuo Fang
- State Key Laboratory of Bioactive Substances and Functions of Natural Medicines & MHC Key Laboratory of Biosynthesis of Natural Products, Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical College, 2A Nan Wei Road, Beijing 100050, China.
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27
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Ciliate Microtubule Diversities: Insights from the EFBTU3 Tubulin in the Antarctic Ciliate Euplotes focardii. Microorganisms 2022; 10:microorganisms10122415. [PMID: 36557668 PMCID: PMC9784925 DOI: 10.3390/microorganisms10122415] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/02/2022] [Revised: 12/01/2022] [Accepted: 12/02/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Protozoans of the Phylum Ciliophora (ciliates) assemble many diverse microtubular structures in a single cell throughout the life cycle, a feature that made them useful models to study microtubule complexity and the role of tubulin isotypes. In the Antarctic ciliate Euplotes focardii we identified five β-tubulin isotypes by genome sequencing, named EFBTU1, EFBTU2, EFBTU3, EFBTU4 and EFBTU5. By using polyclonal antibodies directed against EFBTU2/EFBTU1 and EFBTU3, we show that the former isotypes appear to be involved in the formation of all microtubular structures and are particularly abundant in cilia, whereas the latter specifically localizes at the bases of cilia. By RNA interference (RNAi) technology, we silenced the EFBTU3 gene and provided evidence that this isotype has a relevant role in cilia regeneration upon deciliation and in cell division. These results support the long-standing concept that tubulin isotypes possess functional specificity in building diverse microtubular structures.
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28
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Kim B, Jung M, Moon KC, Han D, Kim K, Kim H, Yang S, Lee D, Jun H, Lee K, Lee CH, Nikas IP, Yang S, Lee H, Ryu HS. Quantitative proteomics identifies
TUBB6
as a biomarker of muscle‐invasion and poor prognosis in bladder cancer. Int J Cancer 2022; 152:320-330. [DOI: 10.1002/ijc.34265] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/29/2022] [Revised: 07/21/2022] [Accepted: 08/12/2022] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Bohyun Kim
- Department of Pathology, Konkuk University Medical Center Konkuk University School of Medicine Seoul Korea
| | - Minsun Jung
- Department of Pathology, Severance Hospital Yonsei University College of Medicine Seoul Republic of Korea
| | - Kyung Chul Moon
- Department of Pathology Seoul National University College of Medicine Seoul Republic of Korea
- Department of Pathology Seoul National University Hospital Seoul Republic of Korea
- Kidney Research Institute, Medical Research Center Seoul National University College of Medicine Seoul Republic of Korea
| | - Dohyun Han
- Transdisciplinary Department of Medicine & Advanced Technology Seoul National University Hospital Seoul South Korea
- Proteomics Core Facility, Biomedical Research Institute Seoul National University Hospital Seoul South Korea
| | - Kwangsoo Kim
- Transdisciplinary Department of Medicine & Advanced Technology Seoul National University Hospital Seoul South Korea
| | - Hyeyoon Kim
- Transdisciplinary Department of Medicine & Advanced Technology Seoul National University Hospital Seoul South Korea
- Proteomics Core Facility, Biomedical Research Institute Seoul National University Hospital Seoul South Korea
| | - Sunah Yang
- Transdisciplinary Department of Medicine & Advanced Technology Seoul National University Hospital Seoul South Korea
| | - Dongjoo Lee
- Interdisciplinary Program in Bioengineering Seoul National University Seoul Korea
| | - Hyeji Jun
- Center for Medical Innovation, Biomedical Research Institute Seoul National University Hospital Seoul South Korea
| | - Kyung‐Min Lee
- Center for Medical Innovation, Biomedical Research Institute Seoul National University Hospital Seoul South Korea
| | - Cheng Hyun Lee
- Department of Pathology Seoul National University College of Medicine Seoul Republic of Korea
| | - Ilias P. Nikas
- School of Medicine, European University Cyprus Nicosia Cyprus
| | - Sohyeon Yang
- Department of Pathology Seoul National University Hospital Seoul Republic of Korea
| | - Hyebin Lee
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Kangbuk Samsung Hospital Sungkyunkwan University School of Medicine Seoul Republic of Korea
| | - Han Suk Ryu
- Department of Pathology Seoul National University College of Medicine Seoul Republic of Korea
- Department of Pathology Seoul National University Hospital Seoul Republic of Korea
- Center for Medical Innovation, Biomedical Research Institute Seoul National University Hospital Seoul South Korea
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29
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Nijstad AL, Chu WY, de Vos-Kerkhof E, Enters-Weijnen CF, van de Velde ME, Kaspers GJL, Barnett S, Veal GJ, Lalmohamed A, Zwaan CM, Huitema ADR. A Population Pharmacokinetic Modelling Approach to Unravel the Complex Pharmacokinetics of Vincristine in Children. Pharm Res 2022; 39:2487-2495. [PMID: 35986122 PMCID: PMC9556337 DOI: 10.1007/s11095-022-03364-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/04/2022] [Accepted: 08/09/2022] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
Abstract
Background
Vincristine, a chemotherapeutic agent that extensively binds to β-tubulin, is commonly dosed at 1.4–2.0 mg/m2 capped at 2 mg. For infants, doses vary from 0.025–0.05 mg/kg or 50–80% of the mg/m2 dose. However, evidence for lower doses in infants compared to older children is lacking. This study was conducted to unravel the complex pharmacokinetics of vincristine, including the effects of age, to assist optimal dosing in this population.
Methods
206 patients (0.04–33.9 years; 25 patients < 1 years), receiving vincristine, with 1297 plasma concentrations were included. Semi-mechanistic population pharmacokinetic analyses were performed using non-linear mixed effects modelling.
Results
A three-compartment model, with one saturable compartment resembling saturable binding to β-tubulin and thus, saturable distribution, best described vincristine pharmacokinetics. Body weight and age were covariates significantly influencing the maximal binding capacity to β-tubulin, which increased with increasing body weight and decreased with increasing age. Vincristine clearance (CL) was estimated as 30.6 L/h (95% confidence interval (CI) 27.6–33.0), intercompartmental CL (Q) as 63.2 L/h (95%CI 57.2–70.1), volume of distribution of the central compartment as 5.39 L (95%CI 4.23–6.46) and of the peripheral compartment as 400 L (95%CI 357–463) (all parameters correspond to a patient of 70 kg). The maximal binding capacity was 0.525 mg (95%CI 0.479–0.602) (for an 18 year old patient of 70 kg), with a high association rate constant, fixed at 1300 /h and a dissociation constant of 11.5 /h.
Interpretation
A decrease of vincristine β-tubulin binding capacity with increasing age suggests that young children tolerate higher doses of vincristine.
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Affiliation(s)
- A Laura Nijstad
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy, University Medical Center Utrecht, Heidelberglaan 100, 3584 CX, Utrecht, the Netherlands.
- Department of Pharmacology, Princess Máxima Center for Pediatric Oncology, Heidelberglaan 25, 3584 CS, Utrecht, the Netherlands.
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy, University Medical Center Utrecht, Internal postal D.00.204, Postbus 85500, 3508 GA, Utrecht, The Netherlands.
| | - Wan-Yu Chu
- Department of Pharmacy & Pharmacology, Netherlands Cancer Institute, Plesmanlaan 121, 1066 CX, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Evelien de Vos-Kerkhof
- Princess Máxima Center for Pediatric Oncology, Heidelberglaan 25, 3584 CS, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Catherine F Enters-Weijnen
- Princess Máxima Center for Pediatric Oncology, Heidelberglaan 25, 3584 CS, Utrecht, The Netherlands
- Julius Center for Health Sciences and Primary Care, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Mirjam E van de Velde
- Emma Children's Hospital, Pediatric Oncology, Amsterdam UMC, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, 1105 AZ, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Gertjan J L Kaspers
- Princess Máxima Center for Pediatric Oncology, Heidelberglaan 25, 3584 CS, Utrecht, The Netherlands
- Emma Children's Hospital, Pediatric Oncology, Amsterdam UMC, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, 1105 AZ, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Shelby Barnett
- Newcastle University Centre for Cancer, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne, NE2 4HH, UK
| | - Gareth J Veal
- Newcastle University Centre for Cancer, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne, NE2 4HH, UK
| | - Arief Lalmohamed
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy, University Medical Center Utrecht, Heidelberglaan 100, 3584 CX, Utrecht, the Netherlands
- Utrecht Institute for Pharmaceutical Sciences, Utrecht University, Universiteitsweg 99, 3584 CG, Utrecht, the Netherlands
| | - C Michel Zwaan
- Princess Máxima Center for Pediatric Oncology, Heidelberglaan 25, 3584 CS, Utrecht, The Netherlands
- Department of Pediatric Oncology, Erasmus MC-Sophia Children's Hospital, Dr. Molewaterplein 40, 3015 GD, Rotterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Alwin D R Huitema
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy, University Medical Center Utrecht, Heidelberglaan 100, 3584 CX, Utrecht, the Netherlands
- Department of Pharmacology, Princess Máxima Center for Pediatric Oncology, Heidelberglaan 25, 3584 CS, Utrecht, the Netherlands
- Department of Pharmacy & Pharmacology, Netherlands Cancer Institute, Plesmanlaan 121, 1066 CX, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
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Liu Y, Ma S, Ma Q, Zhu H. Silencing LINC00665 inhibits cutaneous melanoma in vitro progression and induces apoptosis via the miR-339-3p/TUBB. J Clin Lab Anal 2022; 36:e24630. [PMID: 35929185 PMCID: PMC9459347 DOI: 10.1002/jcla.24630] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/18/2022] [Revised: 06/21/2022] [Accepted: 07/18/2022] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Background LncRNAs are closely related to cutaneous melanoma (CM) tumorigenesis and metastasis, and it can affect the progression of CM by regulating cell proliferation, migration, invasion, apoptosis, and other cellular mechanisms. This study investigated the role of LINC00665 in CM. Methods Expressions of LINC00665, miR‐339‐3p, and tubulin beta chain (TUBB) in CM cells were analyzed by qRT‐PCR and/or Western blot. The LINC00665/miR‐339‐3p/TUBB targeting network was predicted by bioinformatics tools, screened out by Venn diagrams and analyzed by Pearson's correlation coefficients, followed by validation via dual‐luciferase reporter assay and/or pull‐down assay. Transfection of siLINC00665 or miR‐339‐3p inhibitor/mimic was conducted with CM cells whose viability, proliferation, migration, invasion, cell cycle progression, and apoptosis were measured by CCK‐8 assay, colony formation assay, wound healing assay, Transwell assay, and flow cytometry. The associations of TUBB with tumor biological characteristics and other proteins were analyzed by CanserSEA and String, respectively. Results High‐expressed LINC00665 was detected in CM cells. Silencing LINC00665 decreased CM cell viability; inhibited colony formation, cell cycle progression, migration and invasion; enhanced apoptosis; and upregulated miR‐339‐3p. LINC00665 targeted miR‐339‐3p which targeted TUBB. MiR‐339‐3p upregulation induced effects similar to the LINC00665‐silencing‐induced effects and could downregulate TUBB, which was associated with malignant behaviors and related to other five proteins. MiR‐339‐3p downregulation induced the opposite effects of what miR‐339‐3p upregulation induced, and the miR‐339‐3p downregulation‐induced effects could be reversed by LINC00665 silencing. Conclusion Silencing LINC00665 inhibits in vitro CM progression and induces apoptosis via the miR‐339‐3p/TUBB axis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yi Liu
- Dermatological Department, Nanxishan Hospital of Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, Guilin City, China
| | - Shanshan Ma
- Department of Dermatology & STD, QingDao No.8 People's Hospital, Qingdao, China
| | - Qichao Ma
- Dermatological Department, Ningbo Yinzhou No 2. Hospital, Ningbo City, China
| | - Haigang Zhu
- Dermatological Department, Ningbo Yinzhou No 2. Hospital, Ningbo City, China
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31
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Novel TUBB4A mutation in a family with hereditary spastic paraplegia. Acta Neurol Belg 2022:10.1007/s13760-022-02032-w. [DOI: 10.1007/s13760-022-02032-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/26/2022] [Accepted: 07/10/2022] [Indexed: 11/01/2022]
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32
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Ludueña RF, Walss-Bass C, Portyanko A, Guo J, Yeh IT. Nuclear βII-Tubulin and its Possible Utility in Cancer Diagnosis, Prognosis and Treatment. Front Cell Dev Biol 2022; 10:870088. [PMID: 35706904 PMCID: PMC9190298 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2022.870088] [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: 02/05/2022] [Accepted: 05/02/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Microtubules are organelles that usually occur only in the cytosol. Walss et al. (1999) discovered the βII isotype of tubulin, complexed with α, in the nuclei of certain cultured cells, in non-microtubule form. When fluorescently labeled tubulins were microinjected into the cells, only αβII appeared in the nucleus, and only after one cycle of nuclear disassembly and reassembly. It appeared as if αβII does not cross the nuclear envelope but is trapped in the nucleus by the re-forming nuclear envelope in whose reassembly βII may be involved. βII is present in the cytoplasm and nuclei of many tumor cells. With some exceptions, normal tissues that expressed βII rarely had βII in their nuclei. It is possible that βII is involved in nuclear reassembly and then disappears from the nucleus. Ruksha et al. (2019) observed that patients whose colon cancer cells in the invasive front showed no βII had a median survival of about 5.5 years, which was more than halved if they had cytosolic βII and further lessened if they had nuclear βII, suggesting that the presence and location of βII in biopsies could be a useful prognostic indicator and also that βII may be involved in cancer progression. Yeh and Ludueña. (2004) observed that many tumors were surrounded by non-cancerous cells exhibiting cytosolic and nuclear βII, suggesting a signaling pathway that causes βII to be synthesized in nearby cells and localized to their nuclei. βII could be useful in cancer diagnosis, since the presence of βII in non-cancerous cells could indicate a nearby tumor. Investigation of this pathway might reveal novel targets for chemotherapy. Another possibility would be to combine αβII with CRISPR-Cas9. This complex would likely enter the nucleus of a cancer cell and, if guided to the appropriate gene, might destroy the cancer cell or make it less aggressive; possible targets will be discussed here. The possibilities raised here about the utility of βII in cancer diagnosis, prognosis, biology and therapy may repay further investigation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Richard F Ludueña
- Department of Biochemistry and Structural Biology, University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio, San Antonio, TX, United States
| | - Consuelo Walss-Bass
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, Houston, TX, United States
| | | | | | - I-Tien Yeh
- Department of Pathology, University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio, San Antonio, TX, United States
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33
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Zhuang Z, Cummings SW, Roll-Mecak A, Tanner ME. Phosphinic acid-based inhibitors of tubulin polyglycylation. Chem Commun (Camb) 2022; 58:6530-6533. [PMID: 35579270 DOI: 10.1039/d2cc01783k] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
Tubulin polyglycylation is a posttranslational modification that occurs primarily on the axonemes of flagella and cilia and has been shown to be essential for proper sperm motility. Inhibitors of both the initiase and elongase ligases (TTLL8 and TTLL10) are shown to inhibit tubulin glycylation in the low micromolar range.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zaile Zhuang
- Department of Chemistry, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, V6T 1Z1, Canada.
| | - Steven W Cummings
- Cell Biology and Biophysics Unit, National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke, and Biochemistry and Biophysics Center, National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute, Bethesda, MD, 20892, USA.
| | - Antonina Roll-Mecak
- Cell Biology and Biophysics Unit, National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke, and Biochemistry and Biophysics Center, National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute, Bethesda, MD, 20892, USA.
| | - Martin E Tanner
- Department of Chemistry, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, V6T 1Z1, Canada.
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34
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Duly AMP, Kao FCL, Teo WS, Kavallaris M. βIII-Tubulin Gene Regulation in Health and Disease. Front Cell Dev Biol 2022; 10:851542. [PMID: 35573698 PMCID: PMC9096907 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2022.851542] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/10/2022] [Accepted: 04/07/2022] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Microtubule proteins form a dynamic component of the cytoskeleton, and play key roles in cellular processes, such as vesicular transport, cell motility and mitosis. Expression of microtubule proteins are often dysregulated in cancer. In particular, the microtubule protein βIII-tubulin, encoded by the TUBB3 gene, is aberrantly expressed in a range of epithelial tumours and is associated with drug resistance and aggressive disease. In normal cells, TUBB3 expression is tightly restricted, and is found almost exclusively in neuronal and testicular tissues. Understanding the mechanisms that control TUBB3 expression, both in cancer, mature and developing tissues will help to unravel the basic biology of the protein, its role in cancer, and may ultimately lead to the development of new therapeutic approaches to target this protein. This review is devoted to the transcriptional and posttranscriptional regulation of TUBB3 in normal and cancerous tissue.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alastair M. P. Duly
- Children’s Cancer Institute, Lowy Cancer Research Center, UNSW Sydney, Randwick, NSW, Australia
| | - Felicity C. L. Kao
- Children’s Cancer Institute, Lowy Cancer Research Center, UNSW Sydney, Randwick, NSW, Australia
- Australian Center for NanoMedicine, UNSW Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia
- School of Women and Children’s Health, Faculty of Medicine and Health, UNSW Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Wee Siang Teo
- Children’s Cancer Institute, Lowy Cancer Research Center, UNSW Sydney, Randwick, NSW, Australia
- Australian Center for NanoMedicine, UNSW Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Maria Kavallaris
- Children’s Cancer Institute, Lowy Cancer Research Center, UNSW Sydney, Randwick, NSW, Australia
- Australian Center for NanoMedicine, UNSW Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia
- School of Women and Children’s Health, Faculty of Medicine and Health, UNSW Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia
- UNSW RNA Institute, UNSW Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia
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35
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Fertuzinhos S, Legué E, Li D, Liem KF. A dominant tubulin mutation causes cerebellar neurodegeneration in a genetic model of tubulinopathy. SCIENCE ADVANCES 2022; 8:eabf7262. [PMID: 35171680 PMCID: PMC8849301 DOI: 10.1126/sciadv.abf7262] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/20/2021] [Accepted: 12/22/2021] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
Mutations in tubulins cause distinct neurodevelopmental and degenerative diseases termed "tubulinopathies"; however, little is known about the functional requirements of tubulins or how mutations cause cell-specific pathologies. Here, we identify a mutation in the gene Tubb4a that causes degeneration of cerebellar granule neurons and myelination defects. We show that the neural phenotypes result from a cell type-specific enrichment of a dominant mutant form of Tubb4a relative to the expression other β-tubulin isotypes. Loss of Tubb4a function does not underlie cellular pathology but is compensated by the transcriptional up-regulation of related tubulin genes in a cell type-specific manner. This work establishes that the expression of a primary tubulin mutation in mature neurons is sufficient to promote cell-autonomous cell death, consistent with a causative association of microtubule dysfunction with neurodegenerative diseases. These studies provide evidence that mutations in tubulins cause specific phenotypes based on expression ratios of tubulin isotype genes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sofia Fertuzinhos
- Vertebrate Developmental Biology Program, Department of Pediatrics, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT 06520, USA
| | - Emilie Legué
- Vertebrate Developmental Biology Program, Department of Pediatrics, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT 06520, USA
| | - Davis Li
- Department of Genetics, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT 06520, USA
| | - Karel F. Liem
- Vertebrate Developmental Biology Program, Department of Pediatrics, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT 06520, USA
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36
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Bell CJ, Potts KG, Hitt MM, Pink D, Tuszynski JA, Lewis JD. Novel colchicine derivative CR42-24 demonstrates potent anti-tumor activity in urothelial carcinoma. Cancer Lett 2022; 526:168-179. [PMID: 34838691 DOI: 10.1016/j.canlet.2021.11.028] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/10/2021] [Revised: 11/09/2021] [Accepted: 11/23/2021] [Indexed: 01/03/2023]
Abstract
Bladder cancers, and specifically urothelial carcinoma, have few effective treatment options, and tumors typically develop resistance against standard of care chemotherapies leading to significant mortality. The development of alternative therapies with increased selectivity and improved tolerability would significantly impact this patient population. Here, we investigate a novel colchicine derivative, CR42-24, with increased selectivity for the βIII tubulin subtype as a treatment for urothelial carcinoma. βIII tubulin is a promising target due to its low expression in healthy tissues and its clinical association with poor prognosis. This study demonstrated that CR42-24 is selectively cytotoxic to several cancer cell lines at low nanomolar IC50, with high activity in bladder cancer cell lines both in vitro and in vivo. CR42-24 monotherapy in an aggressive urothelial carcinoma xenograft model results in effective control when treated early. We observed significant ablation of large tumors and patient-derived xenografts at low doses with excellent tolerability. CR42-24 was highly synergistic in combination with the standard of care chemotherapies gemcitabine and cisplatin, further increasing its therapeutic potential as a novel treatment for urothelial carcinoma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Clayton J Bell
- Department of Oncology, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, T6G 2E1, Canada
| | - Kyle G Potts
- Department Microbiology, Immunology & Infectious Diseases, Alberta Children's Hospital Research Institute, T2N-4N1, Canada
| | - Mary M Hitt
- Department of Oncology, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, T6G 2E1, Canada
| | - Desmond Pink
- Department of Oncology, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, T6G 2E1, Canada
| | - Jack A Tuszynski
- Department of Oncology, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, T6G 2E1, Canada
| | - John D Lewis
- Department of Oncology, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, T6G 2E1, Canada.
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37
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Çitli Ş, Serdaroglu E. Maternal Germline Mosaicism of a de Novo TUBB2B Mutation Leads to Complex Cortical Dysplasia in Two Siblings. Fetal Pediatr Pathol 2022; 41:155-165. [PMID: 32281916 DOI: 10.1080/15513815.2020.1753270] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/24/2022]
Abstract
Introduction: Complex cortical dysplasia with other brain malformations-7 (a.k.a. polymicrogyria) caused by mutations in TUBB2B gene is a clinically heterogeneous condition. Case report: We report two siblings with polymicrogyria. Brain MRI showed polymicrogyria, small brainstem, thin corpus callosum and fused basal ganglia. Karyotypes and chromosomal microarray analysis were normal. By whole exome sequencing, there were a de novo variant of c.728C > T (p.P243L) in both siblings and a common single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) (c.718C > T) in both siblings and the mother. Seminal DNA analysis obtained from father was normal. Conclusion: Maternal germline mosaicism was considered because the sequencing result of the father's sperm was normal, two siblings had the same disease, and both patients and mother had the same SNP.
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Affiliation(s)
- Şenol Çitli
- Medical Genetics, Gaziosmanpasa University Medical Faculty, Tokat, Turkey
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38
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Maurin J, Morel A, Guérit D, Cau J, Urbach S, Blangy A, Bompard G. The Beta-Tubulin Isotype TUBB6 Controls Microtubule and Actin Dynamics in Osteoclasts. Front Cell Dev Biol 2021; 9:778887. [PMID: 34869381 PMCID: PMC8639228 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2021.778887] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/17/2021] [Accepted: 10/11/2021] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Osteoclasts are bone resorbing cells that participate in the maintenance of bone health. Pathological increase in osteoclast activity causes bone loss, eventually resulting in osteoporosis. Actin cytoskeleton of osteoclasts organizes into a belt of podosomes, which sustains the bone resorption apparatus and is maintained by microtubules. Better understanding of the molecular mechanisms regulating osteoclast cytoskeleton is key to understand the mechanisms of bone resorption, in particular to propose new strategies against osteoporosis. We reported recently that β-tubulin isotype TUBB6 is key for cytoskeleton organization in osteoclasts and for bone resorption. Here, using an osteoclast model CRISPR/Cas9 KO for Tubb6, we show that TUBB6 controls both microtubule and actin dynamics in osteoclasts. Osteoclasts KO for Tubb6 have reduced microtubule growth speed with longer growth life time, higher levels of acetylation, and smaller EB1-caps. On the other hand, lack of TUBB6 increases podosome life time while the belt of podosomes is destabilized. Finally, we performed proteomic analyses of osteoclast microtubule-associated protein enriched fractions. This highlighted ARHGAP10 as a new microtubule-associated protein, which binding to microtubules appears to be negatively regulated by TUBB6. ARHGAP10 is a negative regulator of CDC42 activity, which participates in actin organization in osteoclasts. Our results suggest that TUBB6 plays a key role in the control of microtubule and actin cytoskeleton dynamics in osteoclasts. Moreover, by controlling ARHGAP10 association with microtubules, TUBB6 may participate in the local control of CDC42 activity to ensure efficient bone resorption.
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Affiliation(s)
- Justine Maurin
- Centre de Recherche de Biologie Cellulaire de Montpellier, CNRS, Montpellier University, Montpellier, France
| | - Anne Morel
- Centre de Recherche de Biologie Cellulaire de Montpellier, CNRS, Montpellier University, Montpellier, France
| | - David Guérit
- Centre de Recherche de Biologie Cellulaire de Montpellier, CNRS, Montpellier University, Montpellier, France
| | - Julien Cau
- BioCampus Montpellier, CNRS, INSERM, Montpellier University, Montpellier, France
| | - Serge Urbach
- Institute of Functional Genomics, CNRS, INSERM, Montpellier University, Montpellier, France
| | - Anne Blangy
- Centre de Recherche de Biologie Cellulaire de Montpellier, CNRS, Montpellier University, Montpellier, France
| | - Guillaume Bompard
- Centre de Recherche de Biologie Cellulaire de Montpellier, CNRS, Montpellier University, Montpellier, France
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39
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Cunha Nascimento P, Alana Bragança Aragão W, Oliveira Bittencourt L, Dionizio A, A. R. Buzalaf M, Crespo-Lopez ME, Lima RR. Maternal methylmercury exposure changes the proteomic profile of the offspring's salivary glands: Prospects on translational toxicology. PLoS One 2021; 16:e0258969. [PMID: 34748590 PMCID: PMC8575261 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0258969] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/18/2021] [Accepted: 10/08/2021] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Methylmercury (MeHg) remains a public health issue since developing organisms are particularly vulnerable to this environmental contaminant. This study investigated the effect of maternal MeHg exposure on the modulation of proteomic profile of parotid (PA), submandibular (SM), and sublingual (SL) glands of offspring rats. Materials and methods Pregnant Wistar rats were daily exposed to 40 μg/kg MeHg during both gestational and lactation periods. The proteomic profiles of the major salivary glands of the offspring rats were analyzed through mass spectrometry. Results The offspring rats exposed to MeHg showed significant alterations in the proteomic profiles of the PA, SM, and SL glands. Altered proteins were associated with cytoskeleton components, tissue morphogenesis, and response to stimulus and stress. Conclusion This original study showed that maternal MeHg exposure significantly modulates the expression of proteins and induces alterations in the proteomic profiles of developing salivary glands.
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Affiliation(s)
- Priscila Cunha Nascimento
- Laboratory of Functional and Structural Biology, Institute of Biological Sciences, Federal University of Para, Belém, PA, Brazil
| | - Walessa Alana Bragança Aragão
- Laboratory of Functional and Structural Biology, Institute of Biological Sciences, Federal University of Para, Belém, PA, Brazil
| | - Leonardo Oliveira Bittencourt
- Laboratory of Functional and Structural Biology, Institute of Biological Sciences, Federal University of Para, Belém, PA, Brazil
| | - Aline Dionizio
- Department of Biological Sciences, Bauru School of Dentistry, University of São Paulo, Bauru, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Marilia A. R. Buzalaf
- Department of Biological Sciences, Bauru School of Dentistry, University of São Paulo, Bauru, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Maria Elena Crespo-Lopez
- Laboratory of Molecular Pharmacology, Institute of Biological Sciences, Federal University of Para, Belém, PA, Brazil
| | - Rafael Rodrigues Lima
- Laboratory of Functional and Structural Biology, Institute of Biological Sciences, Federal University of Para, Belém, PA, Brazil
- * E-mail:
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40
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Dekker J, Diderich KEM, Schot R, Husen SC, Dremmen MHG, Go ATJI, Weerts MJA, van Slegtenhorst MA, Mancini GMS. A novel family illustrating the mild phenotypic spectrum of TUBB2B variants. Eur J Paediatr Neurol 2021; 35:35-39. [PMID: 34592644 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejpn.2021.09.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/30/2021] [Revised: 08/12/2021] [Accepted: 09/09/2021] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
Abstract
TUBB2B codes for one of the isotypes of β-tubulin and dominant negative variants in this gene result in distinctive malformations of cortical development (MCD), including dysgyria, dysmorphic basal ganglia and cerebellar anomalies. We present a novel family with a heterozygous missense variant in TUBB2B and an unusually mild phenotype. First, at 21 37 weeks of gestation ultrasonography revealed a fetus with a relatively small head, enlarged lateral ventricles, borderline hypoplastic cerebellum and a thin corpus callosum. The couple opted for pregnancy termination. Exome sequencing on fetal material afterwards identified a heterozygous maternally inherited variant in TUBB2B (NM_178012.4 (TUBB2B):c.530A > T, p.(Asp177Val)), not present in GnomAD and predicted as damaging. The healthy mother had only a language delay in childhood. This inherited TUBB2B variant prompted re-evaluation of the older son of the couple, who presented with a mild delay in motor skills and speech. His MRI revealed mildly enlarged lateral ventricles, a thin corpus callosum, mild cortical dysgyria, and dysmorphic vermis and basal ganglia, a pattern typical of tubulinopathies. This son finally showed the same TUBB2B variant, supporting pathogenicity of the TUBB2B variant. These observations illustrate the wide phenotypic heterogeneity of tubulinopathies, including reduced penetrance and mild expressivity, that require careful evaluation in pre- and postnatal counseling.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jordy Dekker
- Department of Clinical Genetics, Erasmus MC University Medical Center, 3015, GD Rotterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Karin E M Diderich
- Department of Clinical Genetics, Erasmus MC University Medical Center, 3015, GD Rotterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Rachel Schot
- Department of Clinical Genetics, Erasmus MC University Medical Center, 3015, GD Rotterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Sofie C Husen
- Department of Obstetrics and Prenatal Medicine, Erasmus MC University Medical Center, 3015, GD Rotterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Marjolein H G Dremmen
- Department of Radiology and Nuclear Medicine, Erasmus MC University Medical Center, 3015, GD Rotterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Attie T J I Go
- Department of Obstetrics and Prenatal Medicine, Erasmus MC University Medical Center, 3015, GD Rotterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Marjolein J A Weerts
- Department of Clinical Genetics, Erasmus MC University Medical Center, 3015, GD Rotterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Marjon A van Slegtenhorst
- Department of Clinical Genetics, Erasmus MC University Medical Center, 3015, GD Rotterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Grazia M S Mancini
- Department of Clinical Genetics, Erasmus MC University Medical Center, 3015, GD Rotterdam, the Netherlands.
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41
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Gavazzi F, Charsar BA, Williams C, Shults J, Alves CA, Adang L, Vanderver A. Acquisition of Developmental Milestones in Hypomyelination With Atrophy of the Basal Ganglia and Cerebellum and Other TUBB4A-Related Leukoencephalopathy. J Child Neurol 2021; 36:805-811. [PMID: 34514881 PMCID: PMC8505576 DOI: 10.1177/08830738211000977] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/22/2023]
Abstract
Mutations in TUBB4A are associated with a spectrum of neurologic disorders categorized as TUBB4A-related leukoencephalopathy. Affected children can present with global developmental delay or normal early development, followed by a variable loss of skills over time. Further research is needed to characterize the factors associated with the divergent developmental trajectories in this rare monogenic disorder because this phenotypic spectrum is not fully explained by genotype alone.To characterize early psychomotor features, developmental milestones and age of disease onset were collected from medical records (n=54 individuals). Three subcohorts were identified: individuals with the common p.Asp249Asn variant vs all other genotypes with either early (<12 months of age) or late onset of presentation. Individuals with the p.Asp249Asn variant or those with non-p.Asp249Asn genotypes with later disease onset attained key milestones, including head control, sitting, and independent walking. Subjects with early-onset, non-p.Asp249Asn-associated disease were less likely to achieve developmental milestones. Next, we defined the developmental severity as the percentage of milestones attained by age 2 years. The mild form was defined as attaining at least 75% of key developmental milestones. Among cohort categorized as mild, individuals with p.Asp249Asn variant were more likely to lose acquired abilities when compared with non-p.Asp249Asn individuals.Our results suggest multiple influences on developmental trajectory, including a strong contribution from genotype and age of onset. Further studies are needed to identify additional factors that influence overall outcomes to better counsel families and to design clinical trials with appropriate clinical endpoints.
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Affiliation(s)
- Francesco Gavazzi
- Division of Neurology, Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, PA, USA,Department of Molecular and Translational Medicine, University of Brescia, Italy
| | | | - Catherine Williams
- Division of Neurology, Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Justine Shults
- Department of Pediatrics, Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, PA,Department of Biostatistics, Epidemiology and Informatics, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA
| | - Cesar A. Alves
- Division of Neuroradiology, Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, PA
| | - Laura Adang
- Division of Neurology, Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, PA, USA,Department of Neurology, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA
| | - Adeline Vanderver
- Division of Neurology, Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, PA, USA,Department of Neurology, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA
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42
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Garge RK, Cha HJ, Lee C, Gollihar JD, Kachroo AH, Wallingford JB, Marcotte EM. Discovery of new vascular disrupting agents based on evolutionarily conserved drug action, pesticide resistance mutations, and humanized yeast. Genetics 2021; 219:iyab101. [PMID: 34849907 PMCID: PMC8633126 DOI: 10.1093/genetics/iyab101] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/29/2020] [Accepted: 06/15/2021] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Thiabendazole (TBZ) is an FDA-approved benzimidazole widely used for its antifungal and antihelminthic properties. We showed previously that TBZ is also a potent vascular disrupting agent and inhibits angiogenesis at the tissue level by dissociating vascular endothelial cells in newly formed blood vessels. Here, we uncover TBZ's molecular target and mechanism of action. Using human cell culture, molecular modeling, and humanized yeast, we find that TBZ selectively targets only 1 of 9 human β-tubulin isotypes (TUBB8) to specifically disrupt endothelial cell microtubules. By leveraging epidemiological pesticide resistance data and mining chemical features of commercially used benzimidazoles, we discover that a broader class of benzimidazole compounds, in extensive use for 50 years, also potently disrupt immature blood vessels and inhibit angiogenesis. Thus, besides identifying the molecular mechanism of benzimidazole-mediated vascular disruption, this study presents evidence relevant to the widespread use of these compounds while offering potential new clinical applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Riddhiman K Garge
- Department of Molecular Biosciences, The University of Texas at Austin, Austin, TX 78712, USA
| | - Hye Ji Cha
- Department of Molecular Biosciences, The University of Texas at Austin, Austin, TX 78712, USA
- Division of Hematology/Oncology, Boston Children's Hospital and Department of Pediatric Oncology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Harvard Stem Cell Institute, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - Chanjae Lee
- Department of Molecular Biosciences, The University of Texas at Austin, Austin, TX 78712, USA
| | - Jimmy D Gollihar
- Department of Molecular Biosciences, The University of Texas at Austin, Austin, TX 78712, USA
- US Army Research Laboratory—South, Austin, TX 78758, USA
| | - Aashiq H Kachroo
- The Department of Biology, Centre for Applied Synthetic Biology, Concordia University, Montreal, QC H4B 1R6, Canada
| | - John B Wallingford
- Department of Molecular Biosciences, The University of Texas at Austin, Austin, TX 78712, USA
| | - Edward M Marcotte
- Department of Molecular Biosciences, The University of Texas at Austin, Austin, TX 78712, USA
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43
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Functional roles of α 1-, α 2-, β 1-, β 2-tubulin in vegetative growth, microtubule assembly and sexual reproduction of Fusarium graminearum. Appl Environ Microbiol 2021; 87:e0096721. [PMID: 34378994 DOI: 10.1128/aem.00967-21] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
The plant pathogen Fusarium graminearum contains two α-tubulin (α1 and α2) isotypes and two β-tubulin isotypes (β1 and β2). The functional roles of these tubulins in microtubule assembly are not clear. Previous studies showed that α1- and β2-tubulin deletion mutants showed severe growth defects and hypersensitivity to carbendazim, which have not been well explained. Here, we investigated the interaction between α- and β-tubulin of F. graminearum. Co-localization experiments demonstrated that β1- and β2-tubulin are co-localized. Co-immunoprecipitation experiment suggested that β1-tubulin binds to both α1- and α2-tubulin and β2-tubulin can also bind to α1- or α2-tubulin. Interestingly, deletion of α1-tubulin increased the interaction between β2-tubulin and α2-tubulin. Microtubule observation assays showed that deletion of α1-tubulin completely disrupted β1-tubulin-containing microtubules and significantly decreased β2-tubulin-containing microtubules. Deletion of α2-, β1- or β2-tubulin respectively had no obvious effect on the microtubule cytoskeleton. However, microtubules in α1- and β2-tubulin deletion mutants were easily depolymerized in the presence of carbendazim. The sexual reproduction assay indicates that α1- and β1-tubulin deletion mutants could not produce asci and ascospores. These results implied that α1-tubulin may be essential for the microtubule cytoskeleton. However, our Δα1-2×α2 mutant (α1-tubulin deletion mutant containing two copies of α2-tubulin) exhibited a normal microtubule network, growth and sexual reproduction. Interestingly, the Δα1-2×α2 mutant was still hypersensitive to carbendazim. In addition, both β1-tubulin and β2-tubulin were found to bind the mitochondrial outer membrane voltage-dependent anion channel (VDAC), indicating they could regulate the function of VDAC. Importance: In this study, we found that F. graminearum contains four different α-/β-tubulin heterodimers (α1-β1, α1-β2, α2-β1 and α2-β2) and they assemble together into a single microtubule. Moreover, α1-, α2-tubulins are functionally interchangeable in microtubule assembly, vegetative growth and sexual reproduction. These results provide more insights into functional roles of different tubulins of F. graminearum which could be helpful for purification of tubulin heterodimers and developing new tubulin-binding agents.
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Alata M, González-Vega A, Piazza V, Kleinert-Altamirano A, Cortes C, Ahumada-Juárez JC, Eguibar JR, López-Juárez A, Hernandez VH. Longitudinal Evaluation of Cerebellar Signs of H-ABC Tubulinopathy in a Patient and in the taiep Model. Front Neurol 2021; 12:702039. [PMID: 34335454 PMCID: PMC8317997 DOI: 10.3389/fneur.2021.702039] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/28/2021] [Accepted: 06/08/2021] [Indexed: 01/20/2023] Open
Abstract
Hypomyelination with atrophy of the basal ganglia and cerebellum (H-ABC) is a central neurodegenerative disease due to mutations in the tubulin beta-4A (TUBB4A) gene, characterized by motor development delay, abnormal movements, ataxia, spasticity, dysarthria, and cognitive deficits. Diagnosis is made by integrating clinical data and radiological signs. Differences in MRIs have been reported in patients that carry the same mutation; however, a quantitative study has not been performed so far. Our study aimed to provide a longitudinal analysis of the changes in the cerebellum (Cb), corpus callosum (CC), ventricular system, and striatum in a patient suffering from H-ABC and in the taiep rat. We correlated the MRI signs of the patient with the results of immunofluorescence, gait analysis, segmentation of cerebellum, CC, and ventricular system, performed in the taiep rat. We found that cerebellar and callosal changes, suggesting a potential hypomyelination, worsened with age, in concomitance with the emergence of ataxic gait. We also observed a progressive lateral ventriculomegaly in both patient and taiep, possibly secondary to the atrophy of the white matter. These white matter changes are progressive and can be involved in the clinical deterioration. Hypomyelination with atrophy of the basal ganglia and cerebellum (H-ABC) gives rise to a spectrum of clinical signs whose pathophysiology still needs to be understood.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Arturo González-Vega
- Department of Chemical, Electronic and Biomedical Engineering, Division of Sciences and Engineering, University of Guanajuato, Guanajuato, Mexico
| | | | | | - Carmen Cortes
- Behavioral Neurophysiology Lab, Institute of Physiology, Benemérita Universidad Autónoma de Puebla, Puebla, Mexico
| | - Juan C Ahumada-Juárez
- Behavioral Neurophysiology Lab, Institute of Physiology, Benemérita Universidad Autónoma de Puebla, Puebla, Mexico
| | - Jose R Eguibar
- Behavioral Neurophysiology Lab, Institute of Physiology, Benemérita Universidad Autónoma de Puebla, Puebla, Mexico.,Research Office, Vicerrectory of Research and Postgraduate Studies, Benemérita Universidad Autónoma de Puebla, Puebla, Mexico
| | - Alejandra López-Juárez
- Department of Chemical, Electronic and Biomedical Engineering, Division of Sciences and Engineering, University of Guanajuato, Guanajuato, Mexico
| | - Victor H Hernandez
- Department of Chemical, Electronic and Biomedical Engineering, Division of Sciences and Engineering, University of Guanajuato, Guanajuato, Mexico
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45
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Kearns S, Mason FM, Rathmell WK, Park IY, Walker C, Verhey KJ, Cianfrocco MA. Molecular determinants for α-tubulin methylation by SETD2. J Biol Chem 2021; 297:100898. [PMID: 34157286 PMCID: PMC8294582 DOI: 10.1016/j.jbc.2021.100898] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/22/2020] [Revised: 05/28/2021] [Accepted: 06/18/2021] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Post-translational modifications to tubulin are important for many microtubule-based functions inside cells. It was recently shown that methylation of tubulin by the histone methyltransferase SETD2 occurs on mitotic spindle microtubules during cell division, with its absence resulting in mitotic defects. However, the catalytic mechanism of methyl addition to tubulin is unclear. We used a truncated version of human wild type SETD2 (tSETD2) containing the catalytic SET and C-terminal Set2-Rpb1-interacting (SRI) domains to investigate the biochemical mechanism of tubulin methylation. We found that recombinant tSETD2 had a higher activity toward tubulin dimers than polymerized microtubules. Using recombinant single-isotype tubulin, we demonstrated that methylation was restricted to lysine 40 of α-tubulin. We then introduced pathogenic mutations into tSETD2 to probe the recognition of histone and tubulin substrates. A mutation in the catalytic domain (R1625C) allowed tSETD2 to bind to tubulin but not methylate it, whereas a mutation in the SRI domain (R2510H) caused loss of both tubulin binding and methylation. Further investigation of the role of the SRI domain in substrate binding found that mutations within this region had differential effects on the ability of tSETD2 to bind to tubulin versus the binding partner RNA polymerase II for methylating histones in vivo, suggesting distinct mechanisms for tubulin and histone methylation by SETD2. Finally, we found that substrate recognition also requires the negatively charged C-terminal tail of α-tubulin. Together, this study provides a framework for understanding how SETD2 serves as a dual methyltransferase for both histone and tubulin methylation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sarah Kearns
- Program of Chemical Biology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA; Life Sciences Institute, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA
| | - Frank M Mason
- Department of Medicine, Division of Hematology and Oncology, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, Tennessee, USA; Department of Genetics, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, Tennessee, USA
| | - W Kimryn Rathmell
- Department of Medicine, Division of Hematology and Oncology, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, Tennessee, USA; Department of Genetics, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, Tennessee, USA
| | - In Young Park
- Center for Precision Environmental Health, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas, USA
| | - Cheryl Walker
- Center for Precision Environmental Health, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas, USA
| | - Kristen J Verhey
- Department of Cell and Developmental Biology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA
| | - Michael A Cianfrocco
- Life Sciences Institute, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA; Department of Biological Chemistry, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA.
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46
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Nishida K, Tsuchiya K, Obinata H, Onodera S, Honda Y, Lai YC, Haruta N, Sugimoto A. Expression Patterns and Levels of All Tubulin Isotypes Analyzed in GFP Knock-In C. elegans Strains. Cell Struct Funct 2021; 46:51-64. [PMID: 33967119 PMCID: PMC10511039 DOI: 10.1247/csf.21022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/19/2021] [Accepted: 04/28/2021] [Indexed: 11/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Most organisms have multiple α- and β-tubulin isotypes that likely contribute to the diversity of microtubule (MT) functions. To understand the functional differences of tubulin isotypes in Caenorhabditis elegans, which has nine α-tubulin isotypes and six β-tubulin isotypes, we systematically constructed null mutants and GFP-fusion strains for all tubulin isotypes with the CRISPR/Cas9 system and analyzed their expression patterns and levels in adult hermaphrodites. Four isotypes-α-tubulins TBA-1 and TBA-2 and β-tubulins TBB-1 and TBB-2-were expressed in virtually all tissues, with a distinct tissue-specific spectrum. Other isotypes were expressed in specific tissues or cell types at significantly lower levels than the broadly expressed isotypes. Four isotypes (TBA-5, TBA-6, TBA-9, and TBB-4) were expressed in different subsets of ciliated sensory neurons, and TBB-4 was inefficiently incorporated into mitotic spindle MTs. Taken together, we propose that MTs in C. elegans are mainly composed of four broadly expressed tubulin isotypes and that incorporation of a small amount of tissue-specific isotypes may contribute to tissue-specific MT properties. These newly constructed strains will be useful for further elucidating the distinct roles of tubulin isotypes.Key words: tubulin isotypes, microtubules, C. elegans.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kei Nishida
- Laboratory of Developmental Dynamics, Graduate School of Life Sciences, Tohoku University, Sendai 980-8577, Japan
| | - Kenta Tsuchiya
- Laboratory of Developmental Dynamics, Graduate School of Life Sciences, Tohoku University, Sendai 980-8577, Japan
| | - Hiroyuki Obinata
- Laboratory of Developmental Dynamics, Graduate School of Life Sciences, Tohoku University, Sendai 980-8577, Japan
| | - Shizuka Onodera
- Laboratory of Developmental Dynamics, Graduate School of Life Sciences, Tohoku University, Sendai 980-8577, Japan
| | - Yu Honda
- Laboratory of Developmental Dynamics, Graduate School of Life Sciences, Tohoku University, Sendai 980-8577, Japan
| | - Yen-Cheng Lai
- Laboratory of Developmental Dynamics, Graduate School of Life Sciences, Tohoku University, Sendai 980-8577, Japan
| | - Nami Haruta
- Laboratory of Developmental Dynamics, Graduate School of Life Sciences, Tohoku University, Sendai 980-8577, Japan
| | - Asako Sugimoto
- Laboratory of Developmental Dynamics, Graduate School of Life Sciences, Tohoku University, Sendai 980-8577, Japan
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47
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Gavazzi F, Charsar BA, Williams C, Shults J, Alves CA, Adang L, Vanderver A. Acquisition of Developmental Milestones in Hypomyelination With Atrophy of the Basal Ganglia and Cerebellum and Other TUBB4A-Related Leukoencephalopathy. J Child Neurol 2021. [PMID: 33843299 DOI: 10.1177/0883073821000977] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Mutations in TUBB4A are associated with a spectrum of neurologic disorders categorized as TUBB4A-related leukoencephalopathy. Affected children can present with global developmental delay or normal early development, followed by a variable loss of skills over time. Further research is needed to characterize the factors associated with the divergent developmental trajectories in this rare monogenic disorder because this phenotypic spectrum is not fully explained by genotype alone.To characterize early psychomotor features, developmental milestones and age of disease onset were collected from medical records (n=54 individuals). Three subcohorts were identified: individuals with the common p.Asp249Asn variant vs all other genotypes with either early (<12 months of age) or late onset of presentation. Individuals with the p.Asp249Asn variant or those with non-p.Asp249Asn genotypes with later disease onset attained key milestones, including head control, sitting, and independent walking. Subjects with early-onset, non-p.Asp249Asn-associated disease were less likely to achieve developmental milestones. Next, we defined the developmental severity as the percentage of milestones attained by age 2 years. The mild form was defined as attaining at least 75% of key developmental milestones. Among cohort categorized as mild, individuals with p.Asp249Asn variant were more likely to lose acquired abilities when compared with non-p.Asp249Asn individuals.Our results suggest multiple influences on developmental trajectory, including a strong contribution from genotype and age of onset. Further studies are needed to identify additional factors that influence overall outcomes to better counsel families and to design clinical trials with appropriate clinical endpoints.
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Affiliation(s)
- Francesco Gavazzi
- Division of Neurology, 6567Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, PA, USA.,Department of Molecular and Translational Medicine, University of Brescia, Brescia, Italy
| | - Brittany A Charsar
- Sidney Kimmel Medical College, 23217Jefferson University, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Catherine Williams
- Division of Neurology, 6567Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Justine Shults
- Department of Pediatrics, 6567Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, PA, USA.,Department of Biostatistics, Epidemiology and Informatics, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Cesar A Alves
- Division of Neuroradiology, 6567Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Laura Adang
- Division of Neurology, 6567Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, PA, USA.,Department of Neurology, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Adeline Vanderver
- Division of Neurology, 6567Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, PA, USA.,Department of Neurology, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
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48
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Zizzi EA, Cavaglià M, Tuszynski JA, Deriu MA. Insights into the interaction dynamics between volatile anesthetics and tubulin through computational molecular modelling. J Biomol Struct Dyn 2021; 40:7324-7338. [PMID: 33715591 DOI: 10.1080/07391102.2021.1897044] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
Abstract
General anesthetics, able to reversibly suppress all conscious brain activity, have baffled medical science for decades, and little is known about their exact molecular mechanism of action. Given the recent scientific interest in the exploration of microtubules as putative functional targets of anesthetics, and the involvement thereof in neurodegenerative disorders, the present work focuses on the investigation of the interaction between human tubulin and four volatile anesthetics: ethylene, desflurane, halothane and methoxyflurane. Interaction sites on different tubulin isotypes are predicted through docking, along with an estimate of the binding affinity ranking. The analysis is expanded by Molecular Dynamics simulations, where the dimers are allowed to freely interact with anesthetics in the surrounding medium. This allowed for the determination of interaction hotspots on tubulin dimers, which could be linked to different functional consequences on the microtubule architecture, and confirmed the weak, Van der Waals-type interaction, occurring within hydrophobic pockets on the dimer. Both docking and MD simulations highlighted significantly weaker interactions of ethylene, consistent with its far lower potency as a general anesthetic. Overall, simulations suggest a transient interaction between anesthetics and microtubules in general anesthesia, and contact probability analysis shows interaction strengths consistent with the potencies of the four compounds.Communicated by Ramaswamy H. Sarma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eric A Zizzi
- Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering (DIMEAS), Politecnico di Torino, Turin, Italy
| | - Marco Cavaglià
- Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering (DIMEAS), Politecnico di Torino, Turin, Italy
| | - Jack A Tuszynski
- Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering (DIMEAS), Politecnico di Torino, Turin, Italy.,Department of Physics, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, Canada
| | - Marco A Deriu
- Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering (DIMEAS), Politecnico di Torino, Turin, Italy
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49
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Das T, Anand U, Pandey SK, Ashby CR, Assaraf YG, Chen ZS, Dey A. Therapeutic strategies to overcome taxane resistance in cancer. Drug Resist Updat 2021; 55:100754. [PMID: 33691261 DOI: 10.1016/j.drup.2021.100754] [Citation(s) in RCA: 104] [Impact Index Per Article: 34.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/19/2020] [Revised: 02/22/2021] [Accepted: 02/25/2021] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
One of the primary causes of attenuated or loss of efficacy of cancer chemotherapy is the emergence of multidrug resistance (MDR). Numerous studies have been published regarding potential approaches to reverse resistance to taxanes, including paclitaxel (PTX) and docetaxel, which represent one of the most important classes of anticancer drugs. Since 1984, following the FDA approval of paclitaxel for the treatment of advanced ovarian carcinoma, taxanes have been extensively used as drugs that target tumor microtubules. Taxanes, have been shown to affect an array of oncogenic signaling pathways and have potent cytotoxic efficacy. However, the clinical success of these drugs has been restricted by the emergence of cancer cell resistance, primarily caused by the overexpression of MDR efflux transporters or by microtubule alterations. In vitro and in vivo studies indicate that the mechanisms underlying the resistance to PTX and docetaxel are primarily due to alterations in α-tubulin and β-tubulin. Moreover, resistance to PTX and docetaxel results from: 1) alterations in microtubule-protein interactions, including microtubule-associated protein 4, stathmin, centriole, cilia, spindle-associated protein, and kinesins; 2) alterations in the expression and activity of multidrug efflux transporters of the ABC superfamily including P-glycoprotein (P-gp/ABCB1); 3) overexpression of anti-apoptotic proteins or inhibition of apoptotic proteins and tumor-suppressor proteins, as well as 4) modulation of signal transduction pathways associated with the activity of several cytokines, chemokines and transcription factors. In this review, we discuss the abovementioned molecular mechanisms and their role in mediating cancer chemoresistance to PTX and docetaxel. We provide a detailed analysis of both in vitro and in vivo experimental data and describe the application of these findings to therapeutic practice. The current review also discusses the efficacy of different pharmacological modulations to achieve reversal of PTX resistance. The therapeutic roles of several novel compounds, as well as herbal formulations, are also discussed. Among them, many structural derivatives had efficacy against the MDR phenotype by either suppressing MDR or increasing the cytotoxic efficacy compared to the parental drugs, or both. Natural products functioning as MDR chemosensitizers offer novel treatment strategies in patients with chemoresistant cancers by attenuating MDR and increasing chemotherapy efficacy. We broadly discuss the roles of inhibitors of P-gp and other efflux pumps, in the reversal of PTX and docetaxel resistance in cancer cells and the significance of using a nanomedicine delivery system in this context. Thus, a better understanding of the molecular mechanisms mediating the reversal of drug resistance, combined with drug efficacy and the application of target-based inhibition or specific drug delivery, could signal a new era in modern medicine that would limit the pathological consequences of MDR in cancer patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tuyelee Das
- Department of Life Sciences, Presidency University, 86/1 College Street, Kolkata, 700073, West Bengal, India
| | - Uttpal Anand
- Department of Life Sciences and the National Institute for Biotechnology in the Negev, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, Beer-Sheva, 84105, Israel
| | - Swaroop Kumar Pandey
- Department of Life Sciences and the National Institute for Biotechnology in the Negev, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, Beer-Sheva, 84105, Israel
| | - Charles R Ashby
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences, St. John's University, Queens, NY, 11439, USA
| | - Yehuda G Assaraf
- The Fred Wyszkowski Cancer Research Laboratory, Department of Biology, Technion-Israel Institute of Technology, Haifa, 3200003, Israel
| | - Zhe-Sheng Chen
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences, St. John's University, Queens, NY, 11439, USA.
| | - Abhijit Dey
- Department of Life Sciences, Presidency University, 86/1 College Street, Kolkata, 700073, West Bengal, India.
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50
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Synthesis, anticancer activity and molecular docking studies of N-deacetylthiocolchicine and 4-iodo-N-deacetylthiocolchicine derivatives. Bioorg Med Chem 2021; 32:116014. [PMID: 33465696 DOI: 10.1016/j.bmc.2021.116014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/01/2020] [Revised: 12/30/2020] [Accepted: 01/04/2021] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
Colchicine is a plant alkaloid with a broad spectrum of biological and pharmacological properties. It has found application as an anti-inflammatory agent and also shows anticancer effects through its ability to destabilize microtubules by preventing tubulin dimers from polymerizing leading to mitotic death. However, adverse side effects have so far restricted its use in cancer therapy. This has led to renewed efforts to identify less toxic derivatives. In this article, we describe the synthesis of a set of novel double- and triple-modified colchicine derivatives. These derivatives were tested against primary acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL-5) cells and several established cancer cell lines including A549, MCF-7, LoVo and LoVo/DX. The novel derivatives were active in the low nanomolar range, with 7-deacetyl-10-thiocolchicine analogues more potent towards ALL-5 cells while 4-iodo-7-deacetyl-10-thiocolchicine analogues slightly more effective towards the LoVo cell line. Moreover, most of the synthesized compounds showed a favorable selectivity index (SI), particularly for ALL-5 and LoVo cell lines. Cell cycle analysis of the most potent molecules on ALL-5 and MCF-7 cell lines revealed contrasting effects, where M-phase arrest was observed in MCF-7 cells but not in ALL-5 cells. Molecular docking studies of all derivatives to the colchicine-binding site were performed and it was found that five of the derivatives showed strong β-tubulin binding energies, lower than -8.70 kcal/mol, while the binding energy calculated for colchicine is -8.09 kcal/mol. The present results indicate that 7-deacetyl-10-thiocolchicine and 4-iodo-7-deacetyl-10-thiocolchicine analogues constitute promising lead compounds as chemotherapy agents against several types of cancer.
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