Conventional and immunoelectron microscopy of mitochondria

Regulation with cell size ensures mitochondrial DNA homeostasis during cell growth

To maintain stable DNA concentrations, proliferating cells need to coordinate DNA replication with cell growth. For nuclear DNA, eukaryotic cells achieve this by coupling DNA replication to cell-cycle progression, ensuring that DNA is doubled exactly once per cell cycle. By contrast, mitochondrial DNA replication is typically not strictly coupled to the cell cycle, leaving the open question of how cells maintain the correct amount of mitochondrial DNA during cell growth. Here, we show that in budding yeast, mitochondrial DNA copy number increases with cell volume, both in asynchronously cycling populations and during G1 arrest. Our findings suggest that cell-volume-dependent mitochondrial DNA maintenance is achieved through nuclear-encoded limiting factors, including the mitochondrial DNA polymerase Mip1 and the packaging factor Abf2, whose amount increases in proportion to cell volume. By directly linking mitochondrial DNA maintenance to nuclear protein synthesis and thus cell growth, constant mitochondrial DNA concentrations can be robustly maintained without a need for cell-cycle-dependent regulation.

Fatty Acid Synthase Is Involved in Classical Swine Fever Virus Replication by Interaction with NS4B

Classical swine fever virus (CSFV), a member of the genus Pestivirus of the family Flaviviridae, relies on host machinery to complete its life cycle. Previous studies have shown a close connection between virus infection and fatty acid biosynthesis, mainly regulated by fatty acid synthase (FASN). However, the molecular action of how FASN participates in CSFV replication remains to be elucidated. In this study, two chemical inhibitors of the fatty acid synthesis pathway [5-(tetradecyloxy)-2-furoic acid (TOFA) and tetrahydro-4-methylene-2R-octyl-5-oxo-3S-furancarboxylic acid (C75)] significantly impaired the late stage of viral propagation, suggesting CSFV replication required fatty acid synthesis. We next found that CSFV infection stimulated the expression of FASN, whereas knockdown of FASN inhibited CSFV replication. Furthermore, confocal microscopy showed that FASN participated in the formation of replication complex (RC), which was associated with the endoplasmic reticulum (ER). Interestingly, CSFV NS4B interacted with FASN and promoted overexpression of FASN, which is regulated by functional Rab18. Moreover, we found that FASN regulated the formation of lipid droplets (LDs) upon CSFV infection, promoting virus proliferation. Taken together, our work provides mechanistic insight into the role of FASN in the viral life of CSFV, and it highlights the potential antiviral target for the development of therapeutics against pestiviruses. IMPORTANCE Classical swine fever, caused by classical swine fever virus (CSFV), is one of the notifiable diseases by the World Organization for Animal Health (OIE) and causes significant financial losses to the pig industry globally. CSFV, like other (+)-strand RNA viruses, requires lipid and sterol biosynthesis for efficient replication. However, the role of lipid metabolism in CSFV replication remains unknown. Here, we found that fatty acid synthase (FASN) was involved in viral propagation. Moreover, FASN is recruited to CSFV replication sites in the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) and interacts with NS4B to regulate CSFV replication that requires Rab18. Furthermore, we speculated that lipid droplet (LD) biosynthesis, indirectly regulated by FASN, ultimately promotes CSFV replication. Our results highlight a critical role for de novo fatty acid synthesis in CSFV infection, which might help control this devastating virus.

Wnt5a promotes hippocampal postsynaptic development and GluN2B-induced expression via the eIF2α HRI kinase

Wnt signaling plays a key role in neurodevelopment and neuronal maturation. Specifically, Wnt5a stimulates postsynaptic assemblies, increases glutamatergic neurotransmission and, through calcium signaling, generates nitric oxide (NO). Trying to unveil the molecular pathway triggering these postsynaptic effects, we found that Wnt5a treatment induces a time-dependent increases in the length of the postsynaptic density (PSD), elicits novel synaptic contacts and facilitates F-actin flow both in in vitro and ex vivo models. These effects were partially abolished by the inhibition of the Heme-regulated eukaryotic initiation factor 2α (HRI) kinase, a kinase which phosphorylates the initiation translational factor eIF2α. When phosphorylated, eIF2α normally avoids the translation of proteins not needed during stress conditions, in order to avoid unnecessary energetic expenses. However, phosphorylated eIF2α promotes the translation of some proteins with more than one open reading frame in its 5′ untranslated region. One of these proteins targeted by Wnt-HRI-eIF2α mediated translation is the GluN2B subunit of the NMDA receptor. The identified increase in GluN2B expression correlated with increased NMDA receptor function. Considering that NMDA receptors are crucial for excitatory synaptic transmission, the molecular pathway described here contributes to the understanding of the fast and plastic translational mechanisms activated during learning and memory processes.

Membrane dynamics and protein targets of lipid droplet microautophagy during ER stress-induced proteostasis in the budding yeast, Saccharomyces cerevisiae

Our previous studies reveal a mechanism for lipid droplet (LD)-mediated proteostasis in the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) whereby unfolded proteins that accumulate in the ER in response to lipid imbalance-induced ER stress are removed by LDs and degraded by microlipophagy (µLP), autophagosome-independent LD uptake into the vacuole (the yeast lysosome). Here, we show that dithiothreitol- or tunicamycin-induced ER stress also induces µLP and identify an unexpected role for vacuolar membrane dynamics in this process. All stressors studied induce vacuolar fragmentation prior to µLP. Moreover, during µLP, fragmented vacuoles fuse to form cup-shaped structures that encapsulate and ultimately take up LDs. Our studies also indicate that proteins of the endosome sorting complexes required for transport (ESCRT) are upregulated, required for µLP, and recruited to LDs, vacuolar membranes, and sites of vacuolar membrane scission during µLP. We identify possible target proteins for LD-mediated ER proteostasis. Our live-cell imaging studies reveal that one potential target (Nup159) localizes to punctate structures that colocalizes with LDs 1) during movement from ER membranes to the cytosol, 2) during microautophagic uptake into vacuoles, and 3) within the vacuolar lumen. Finally, we find that mutations that inhibit LD biogenesis, homotypic vacuolar membrane fusion or ESCRT function inhibit stress-induced autophagy of Nup159 and other ER proteins. Thus, we have obtained the first direct evidence that LDs and µLP can mediate ER stress-induced ER proteostasis, and identified direct roles for ESCRT and vacuolar membrane fusion in that process.

Membrane dynamics and protein targets of lipid droplet microautophagy during ER stress-induced proteostasis in the budding yeast, Saccharomyces cerevisiae

Our previous studies reveal a mechanism for lipid droplet (LD)-mediated proteostasis in the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) whereby unfolded proteins that accumulate in the ER in response to lipid imbalance-induced ER stress are removed by LDs and degraded by microlipophagy (µLP), autophagosome-independent LD uptake into the vacuole (the yeast lysosome). Here, we show that dithiothreitol- or tunicamycin-induced ER stress also induces µLP and identify an unexpected role for vacuolar membrane dynamics in this process. All stressors studied induce vacuolar fragmentation prior to µLP. Moreover, during µLP, fragmented vacuoles fuse to form cup-shaped structures that encapsulate and ultimately take up LDs. Our studies also indicate that proteins of the endosome sorting complexes required for transport (ESCRT) are upregulated, required for µLP, and recruited to LDs, vacuolar membranes, and sites of vacuolar membrane scission during µLP. We identify possible target proteins for LD-mediated ER proteostasis. Our live-cell imaging studies reveal that one potential target (Nup159) localizes to punctate structures that colocalizes with LDs 1) during movement from ER membranes to the cytosol, 2) during microautophagic uptake into vacuoles, and 3) within the vacuolar lumen. Finally, we find that mutations that inhibit LD biogenesis, homotypic vacuolar membrane fusion or ESCRT function inhibit stress-induced autophagy of Nup159 and other ER proteins. Thus, we have obtained the first direct evidence that LDs and µLP can mediate ER stress-induced ER proteostasis, and identified direct roles for ESCRT and vacuolar membrane fusion in that process.

Sam50-Mic19-Mic60 axis determines mitochondrial cristae architecture by mediating mitochondrial outer and inner membrane contact

Mitochondrial cristae are critical for efficient oxidative phosphorylation, however, how cristae architecture is precisely organized remains largely unknown. Here, we discovered that Mic19, a core component of MICOS (mitochondrial contact site and cristae organizing system) complex, can be cleaved at N-terminal by mitochondrial protease OMA1 under certain physiological stresses. Mic19 directly interacts with mitochondrial outer-membrane protein Sam50 (the key subunit of SAM complex) and inner-membrane protein Mic60 (the key component of MICOS complex) to form Sam50-Mic19-Mic60 axis, which dominantly connects SAM and MICOS complexes to assemble MIB (mitochondrial intermembrane space bridging) supercomplex for mediating mitochondrial outer- and inner-membrane contact. OMA1-mediated Mic19 cleavage causes Sam50-Mic19-Mic60 axis disruption, which separates SAM and MICOS and leads to MIB disassembly. Disrupted Sam50-Mic19-Mic60 axis, even in the presence of SAM and MICOS complexes, causes the abnormal mitochondrial morphology, loss of mitochondrial cristae junctions, abnormal cristae distribution and reduced ATP production. Importantly, Sam50 displays punctate distribution at mitochondrial outer membrane, and acts as an anchoring point to guide the formation of mitochondrial cristae junctions. Therefore, we propose that Sam50-Mic19-Mic60 axis-mediated SAM-MICOS complexes integration determines mitochondrial cristae architecture.

The Regulation of Cbf1 by PAS Kinase Is a Pivotal Control Point for Lipogenesis vs. Respiration in Saccharomyces cerevisiae

PAS kinase 1 (Psk1) is a key regulator of respiration in Saccharomyces cerevisiae. Herein the molecular mechanisms of this regulation are explored through the characterization of its substrate, Centromere binding factor 1 (Cbf1). CBF1-deficient yeast displayed a significant decrease in cellular respiration, while PAS kinase-deficient yeast, or yeast harboring a Cbf1 phosphosite mutant (T211A) displayed a significant increase. Transmission electron micrographs showed an increased number of mitochondria in PAS kinase-deficient yeast consistent with the increase in respiration. Although the CBF1-deficient yeast did not appear to have an altered number of mitochondria, a mitochondrial proteomics study revealed significant differences in the mitochondrial composition of CBF1-deficient yeast including altered Atp3 levels, a subunit of the mitochondrial F₁-ATP synthase complex. Both beta-galactosidase reporter assays and western blot analysis confirmed direct transcriptional control of ATP3 by Cbf1. In addition, we confirmed the regulation of yeast lipid genes LAC1 and LAG1 by Cbf1. The human homolog of Cbf1, Upstream transcription factor 1 (USF1), is also known to be involved in lipid biogenesis. Herein, we provide the first evidence for a role of USF1 in respiration since it appeared to complement Cbf1in vivo as determined by respiration phenotypes. In addition, we confirmed USF1 as a substrate of human PAS kinase (hPASK) in vitro. Combined, our data supports a model in which Cbf1/USF1 functions to partition glucose toward respiration and away from lipid biogenesis, while PAS kinase inhibits respiration in part through the inhibition of Cbf1/USF1.

Analysis of Yeast Mitochondria by Electron Microscopy

Budding yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae represents a widely used model organism for the study of mitochondrial biogenesis and architecture. Electron microscopy is an essential tool in the analysis of cellular ultrastructure and the precise localization of proteins to organellar subcompartments. We provide here detailed protocols for the analysis of yeast mitochondria by transmission electron microscopy: (1) chemical fixation and Epon embedding of yeast cells and isolated mitochondria, and (2) cryosectioning and immunolabeling of yeast cells and isolated mitochondria according to the Tokuyasu method.

An impediment to random walk: trehalose microenvironment drives preferential endocytic uptake of plasmonic nanoparticles

Developing effective theranostic nanoplex platforms for personalized disease treatment necessitates an understanding of and the ability to control live cell-nanoparticle interactions. However, aggregation of nanoparticles on the cell surface and their subsequent internalization is sparsely understood and adversely impact cellular recognition and viability. Here we report a facile method of precisely modulating the aggregation and uptake for silver nanoparticles without altering their surface geometry or functionalization. Exploiting the stabilization properties of trehalose, our approach enables uptake of nanoparticles while reducing aggregation on cell surface and maintaining cell viability. Electron microscopy reveals the larger utilization of endosomal structures in the trehalose-rich environment compared to the nanoparticles' "free" cytosolic diffusion patterns in the control group. Additionally, in the presence of trehalose, plasmon-enhanced Raman spectroscopy confirms the preservation of the protein structure in the vicinity of the nanoparticles reinforcing the promise of the proposed route for label-free, multiplexed intracellular monitoring.

Subunit connectivity, assembly determinants and architecture of the yeast exocyst complex

The exocyst is a hetero-octameric complex that has been proposed to serve as the tethering complex for exocytosis, although it remains poorly understood at the molecular level. Here, we purified endogenous exocyst complexes from Saccharomyces cerevisiae and showed that they are stable and consist of all eight subunits with equal stoichiometry. Using a combination of biochemical and auxin induced-degradation experiments in yeast, we mapped the subunit connectivity, identified two stable four-subunit modules within the octamer and demonstrated that several known exocyst-binding partners are not necessary for exocyst assembly and stability. Furthermore, we visualized the structure of the yeast complex by using negative-stain electron microscopy; our results indicate that the exocyst exists predominantly as a stable, octameric complex with an elongated architecture that suggests that the subunits are contiguous helical bundles packed together into a bundle of long rods.

Wnt-5a ligand modulates mitochondrial fission-fusion in rat hippocampal neurons

The Wnt signaling pathway plays an important role in developmental processes, including embryonic patterning, cell specification, and cell polarity. Wnt components participate in the development of the central nervous system, and growing evidence indicates that this pathway also regulates the function of the adult nervous system. In this study, we report that Wnt-5a, a noncanonical Wnt ligand, is a potent activator of mitochondrial dynamics and induces acute fission and fusion events in the mitochondria of rat hippocampal neurons. The effect of Wnt-5a was inhibited in the presence of sFRP, a Wnt scavenger. Similarly, the canonical Wnt-3a ligand had no effect on mitochondrial fission-fusion events, suggesting that this effect is specific for Wnt-5a alone. We also show that the Wnt-5a effects on mitochondrial dynamics occur with an increase in both intracellular and mitochondrial calcium (Ca(2+)), which was correlated with an increased phosphorylation of Drp1(Ser-616) and a decrease of Ser-637 phosphorylation, both indicators of mitochondrial dynamics. Electron microscope analysis of hippocampal tissues in the CA1 region showed an increase in the number of mitochondria present in the postsynaptic region, and this finding correlated with a change in mitochondrial morphology. We conclude that Wnt-5a/Ca(2+) signaling regulates the mitochondrial fission-fusion process in hippocampal neurons, a feature that might help to further understand the role of Wnt-related pathologies, including neurodegenerative diseases associated with mitochondrial dysfunction, and represents a potentially important link between impaired metabolic function and degenerative disorders.

The role of Sec3p in secretory vesicle targeting and exocyst complex assembly

The exocyst has been speculated to mediate the tethering of secretory vesicles to the plasma membrane. However, there has been no direct experimental evidence for this notion. An ectopic targeting strategy is used to provide experimental support for this model and investigate the regulators of exocyst assembly and vesicle targeting.

During membrane trafficking, vesicular carriers are transported and tethered to their cognate acceptor compartments before soluble N-ethylmaleimide–sensitive factor attachment protein (SNARE)-mediated membrane fusion. The exocyst complex was believed to target and tether post-Golgi secretory vesicles to the plasma membrane during exocytosis. However, no definitive experimental evidence is available to support this notion. We developed an ectopic targeting assay in yeast in which each of the eight exocyst subunits was expressed on the surface of mitochondria. We find that most of the exocyst subunits were able to recruit the other members of the complex there, and mistargeting of the exocyst led to secretion defects in cells. On the other hand, only the ectopically located Sec3p subunit is capable of recruiting secretory vesicles to mitochondria. Our assay also suggests that both cytosolic diffusion and cytoskeleton-based transport mediate the recruitment of exocyst subunits and secretory vesicles during exocytosis. In addition, the Rab GTPase Sec4p and its guanine nucleotide exchange factor Sec2p regulate the assembly of the exocyst complex. Our study helps to establish the role of the exocyst subunits in tethering and allows the investigation of the mechanisms that regulate vesicle tethering during exocytosis.

A hydrophobic domain within the small capsid protein of Kaposi's sarcoma-associated herpesvirus is required for assembly

Kaposi's sarcoma-associated herpesvirus (KSHV) capsids can be produced in insect cells using recombinant baculoviruses for protein expression. All six capsid proteins are required for this process to occur and, unlike for alphaherpesviruses, the small capsid protein (SCP) ORF65 is essential for this process. This protein decorates the capsid shell by virtue of its interaction with the capsomeres. In this study, we have explored the SCP interaction with the major capsid protein (MCP) using GFP fusions. The assembly site within the nucleus of infected cells was visualized by light microscopy using fluorescence produced by the SCP-GFP polypeptide, and the relocalization of the SCP to these sites was evident only when the MCP and the scaffold protein were also present - indicative of an interaction between these proteins that ensures delivery of the SCP to assembly sites. Biochemical assays demonstrated a physical interaction between the SCP and MCP, and also between this complex and the scaffold protein. Self-assembly of capsids with the SCP-GFP polypeptide was evident. Potentially, this result can be used to engineer fluorescent KSHV particles. A similar SCP-His6 polypeptide was used to purify capsids from infected cell lysates using immobilized affinity chromatography and to directly label this protein in capsids using chemically derivatized gold particles. Additional studies with SCP-GFP polypeptide truncation mutants identified a domain residing between aa 50 and 60 of ORF65 that was required for the relocalization of SCP-GFP to nuclear assembly sites. Substitution of residues in this region and specifically at residue 54 with a polar amino acid (lysine) disrupted or abolished this localization as well as capsid assembly, whereas substitution with non-polar residues did not affect the interaction. Thus, this study identified a small conserved hydrophobic domain that is important for the SCP-MCP interaction.

Liver: tissue handling and evaluation

Liver diseases remain among the most important causes of morbidity and mortality worldwide. Although the diagnostic tools (e.g., blood studies, imaging, genetic and molecular tests) available to clinicians have greatly expanded in number and increased in sensitivity, the examination of liver tissue by a pathologist skilled and experienced in hepatopathology remains vitally important in the evaluation and care of the patient with liver abnormalities. In some disorders, such as autoimmune hepatitis, liver biopsy is considered mandatory. The indications for performing liver biopsies have changed over the years (e.g., large duct obstruction was a common diagnostic problem 50 years ago and is only uncommonly so currently). Liver samples come to the pathologist as aspiration biopsies for cytologic examination, tissue biopsies (fine needle, core, transjugular, and wedge), resections, and explants. Each demands slightly different approaches for optimal handling and evaluation.

Mitotic phosphorylation of Exo84 disrupts exocyst assembly and arrests cell growth

Mitotic phosphorylation of Exo84 disrupts the assembly of the exocyst complex, thereby inhibiting exocytosis of select secreted cargoes and cell surface expansion.

The rate of eukaryotic cell growth is tightly controlled for proper progression through each cell cycle stage and is important for cell size homeostasis. It was previously shown that cell growth is inhibited during mitosis when cells are preparing for division. However, the mechanism for growth arrest at this stage is unknown. Here we demonstrate that exocytosis of a select group of cargoes was inhibited before the metaphase–anaphase transition in the budding yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae. The cyclin-dependent kinase, Cdk1, when bound to the mitotic cyclin Clb2, directly phosphorylated Exo84, a component of the exocyst complex essential for exocytosis. Mitotic phosphorylation of Exo84 disrupted the assembly of the exocyst complex, thereby affecting exocytosis and cell surface expansion. Our study demonstrates the coordination between membrane trafficking and cell cycle progression and provides a molecular mechanism by which cell growth is controlled during the cell division cycle.

Interactions of the Kaposi's Sarcoma-associated herpesvirus nuclear egress complex: ORF69 is a potent factor for remodeling cellular membranes

All herpesviruses encode a complex of two proteins, referred to as the nuclear egress complex (NEC), which together facilitate the exit of assembled capsids from the nucleus. Previously, we showed that the Kaposi's sarcoma-associated herpesvirus (KSHV) NEC specified by the ORF67 and ORF69 genes when expressed in insect cells using baculoviruses for protein expression forms a complex at the nuclear membrane and remodels these membranes to generate nuclear membrane-derived vesicles. In this study, we have analyzed the functional domains of the KSHV NEC proteins and their interactions. Site-directed mutagenesis of gammaherpesvirus conserved residues revealed functional domains of these two proteins, which in many cases abolish the formation of the NEC and remodeling of nuclear membranes. Small in-frame deletions within ORF67 in all cases result in loss of the ability of the mutant protein to induce cellular membrane proliferation as well as to interact with ORF69. Truncation of the C terminus of ORF67 that resides in the perinuclear space does not impair the functions of ORF67; however, deletion of the transmembrane domain of ORF67 produces a protein that cannot induce membrane proliferation but can still interact with ORF69 in the nucleus and can be tethered to the nuclear membrane by virtue of its interaction with the wild-type-membrane-anchored ORF67. In-frame deletions in ORF69 have varied effects on NEC formation, but all abolish remodeling of nuclear membranes into circular structures. One mutant interacts with ORF67 as well as the wild-type protein but cannot function in membrane curvature and fission events that generate circular vesicles. These studies genetically confirm that ORF67 is required for cellular membrane proliferation and that ORF69 is the factor required to remodel these duplicated membranes into circular-virion-size vesicles. Furthermore, we also investigated the NEC encoded by Epstein-Barr virus (EBV). The EBV complex comprised of BFRF1 and BFLF2 was visualized at the nuclear membrane using autofluorescent protein fusions. BFRF1 is a potent inducer of membrane proliferation; however, BFLF2 cannot remodel these membranes into circular structures. What was evident is the superior remodeling activity of ORF69, which could convert the host membrane proliferations induced by BFRF1 into circular structures.

Ultrastructural study of Rift Valley fever virus in the mouse model

Detailed ultrastructural studies of Rift Valley fever virus (RVFV) in the mouse model are needed to develop and characterize a small animal model of RVF for the evaluation of potential vaccines and therapeutics. In this study, the ultrastructural features of RVFV infection in the mouse model were analyzed. The main changes in the liver included the presence of viral particles in hepatocytes and hepatic stem cells accompanied by hepatocyte apoptosis. However, viral particles were observed rarely in the liver; in contrast, particles were extremely abundant in the CNS. Despite extensive lymphocytolysis, direct evidence of viral replication was not observed in the lymphoid tissue. These results correlate with the acute-onset hepatitis and delayed-onset encephalitis that are dominant features of severe human RVF, but suggest that host immune-mediated mechanisms contribute significantly to pathology. The results of this study expand our knowledge of RVFV-host interactions and further characterize the mouse model of RVF.

Cryo-EM study of Hepatitis B virus core antigen capsids decorated with antibodies from a human patient

The capsid (core antigen, HBcAg) is one of three major antigens present in patients infected with Hepatitis B virus. The capsids are icosahedral particles, whose most prominent features are spikes that extend 25 Å out from the contiguous "floor". At the spike tip are two copies of the "immunodominant loop". Previously, the epitopes of seven murine monoclonal antibodies have been identified by cryo-EM analysis of Fab-labeled capsids. All but one are conformational and all but one map around the spike tip. The exception, which is also the tightest-binder, straddles an inter-molecular interface on the floor. Seeking to relate these observations to the immunological response of infected humans, we isolated anti-cAg antibodies from a patient, prepared Fabs, and analyzed their binding to capsids. A priori, one possibility was that many different Fabs would give an undifferentiated continuum of Fab-related density. In fact, the density observed was highly differentiated and could be reproduced by modeling with just five Fabs, three binding to the spike and two to the floor. These results show that epitopes on the floor, far (~30 Å) from the immunodominant loop, are clinically relevant and that murine anti-cAg antibodies afford a good model for the human system.

Vascular endothelial growth factor and substrate mechanics regulate in vitro tubulogenesis of endothelial progenitor cells

Endothelial progenitor cells (EPCs) in the circulatory system have been suggested to maintain vascular homeostasis and contribute to adult vascular regeneration and repair. These processes require that EPCs break down the extracellular matrix (ECM), migrate, differentiate and undergo tube morphogenesis. Evidently, the ECM plays a critical role by providing biochemical and biophysical cues that regulate cellular behaviour. Using a chemically and mechanically tunable hydrogel to study tube morphogenesis in vitro, we show that vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and substrate mechanics co-regulate tubulogenesis of EPCs. High levels of VEGF are required to initiate tube morphogenesis and activate matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs), which enable EPC migration. Under these conditions, the elasticity of the substrate affects the progression of tube morphogenesis. With decreases in substrate stiffness, we observe decreased MMP expression while increased cellular elongation, with intracellular vacuole extension and coalescence to open lumen compartments. RNAi studies demonstrate that membrane type 1-MMP (MT1-MMP) is required to enable the movement of EPCs on the matrix and that EPCs sense matrix stiffness through signalling cascades leading to the activation of the RhoGTPase Cdc42. Collectively, these results suggest that coupled responses for VEGF stimulation and modulation of substrate stiffness are required to regulate tube morphogenesis of EPCs.

Cyclophilin D is required for mitochondrial removal by autophagy in cardiac cells

Autophagy is a highly regulated intracellular degradation process by which cells remove cytosolic long-lived proteins and damaged organelles. The mitochondrial permeability transition (MPT) results in mitochondrial depolarization and increased reactive oxygen species production, which can trigger autophagy. Therefore, we hypothesized that the MPT may have a role in signaling autophagy in cardiac cells. Mitochondrial membrane potential was lower in HL-1 cells subjected to starvation compared to cells maintained in full medium. Mitochondrial membrane potential was preserved in starved cells treated with cyclosporin A (CsA), suggesting the MPT pore is associated with starvation-induced depolarization. Starvation-induced autophagy in HL-1 cells, neonatal rat cardiomyocytes and adult mouse cardiomyocytes was inhibited by CsA. Starvation failed to induce autophagy in CypD-deficient murine cardiomyocytes, whereas in myocytes from mice overexpressing CypD the levels of autophagy were enhanced even under fed conditions. Collectively, these results demonstrate a role for CypD and the MPT in the initiation of autophagy. We also analyzed the role of the MPT in the degradation of mitochondria by biochemical analysis and electron microscopy. HL-1 cells subjected to starvation in the presence of CsA had higher levels of mitochondrial proteins (by Western blot), more mitochondria and less autophagosomes (by electron microscopy) than cells starved in the absence of CsA. Our results suggest a physiologic function for CypD and the MPT in the regulation of starvation-induced autophagy. Starvation-induced autophagy regulated by CypD and the MPT may represent a homeostatic mechanism for cellular and mitochondrial quality control.

Directed growth of fibroblasts into three dimensional micropatterned geometries via self-assembling scaffolds

We describe the use of conventional photolithography to construct three dimensional (3D) thin film scaffolds and direct the growth of fibroblasts into three distinct and anatomically relevant geometries: cylinders, spirals and bi-directionally folded sheets. The scaffolds were micropatterned as two dimensional sheets which then spontaneously assembled into specific geometries upon release from the underlying substrate. The viability of fibroblasts cultured on these self-assembling scaffolds was verified using fluorescence microscopy; cell morphology and spreading were studied using scanning electron microscopy. We demonstrate control over scaffold size, radius of curvature and folding pitch, thereby enabling an attractive approach for investigating the effects of these 3D geometric factors on cell behaviour.

Organelle-specific, rapid induction of molecular activities and membrane tethering

Using a series of novel chemically-inducible dimerization probes, we generated a system in which proteins were rapidly targeted to individual intracellular organelles. We demonstrated that a Ras GTPase can be activated at distinct intracellular locations and that membranes from two organelles, ER and mitochondria, can be inducibly tethered. Innovative techniques to rapidly perturb molecular activities and organelle-organelle communications at precise locations and timing will provide powerful strategies to dissect spatio-temporally complex biological processes.

Staphylococcal enterotoxin A induces small clusters of HLA-DR1 on B cells

The superantigen SEA causes non-specific hyperactivation of T and B cells at low concentrations. Studies of mutants or soluble proteins suggest SEA is bivalent for its ligand, MHC class II. However, the interaction between these molecules on intact cells is unknown. On primary mouse B cells expressing the MHC class II allele HLA-DR1, measurements of Förster Resonance Energy Transfer between HLA-DR1 molecules on SEA-treated cells indicated specific clustering, not observed in untreated or monovalent superantigen treated cells. Tomographic visualization and electron microscopy of immunogold-labeled SEA-treated B cells revealed small clusters of surface HLA-DR1 (≤4 gold labels). These results present direct visual evidence of SEA-mediated clustering of MHC class II molecules on treated antigen presenting cells, and provide a new structural approach to addressing problems of this nature.

Mitofusins and OPA1 mediate sequential steps in mitochondrial membrane fusion

Mitochondrial fusion requires the coordinated fusion of the outer and inner membranes. Three large GTPases--OPA1 and the mitofusins Mfn1 and Mfn2--are essential for the fusion of mammalian mitochondria. OPA1 is mutated in dominant optic atrophy, a neurodegenerative disease of the optic nerve. In yeast, the OPA1 ortholog Mgm1 is required for inner membrane fusion in vitro; nevertheless, yeast lacking Mgm1 show neither outer nor inner membrane fusion in vivo, because of the tight coupling between these two processes. We find that outer membrane fusion can be readily visualized in OPA1-null mouse cells in vivo, but these events do not progress to inner membrane fusion. Similar defects are found in cells lacking prohibitins, which are required for proper OPA1 processing. In contrast, double Mfn-null cells show neither outer nor inner membrane fusion. Mitochondria in OPA1-null cells often contain multiple matrix compartments bounded together by a single outer membrane, consistent with uncoupling of outer versus inner membrane fusion. In addition, unlike mitofusins and yeast Mgm1, OPA1 is not required on adjacent mitochondria to mediate membrane fusion. These results indicate that mammalian mitofusins and OPA1 mediate distinct sequential fusion steps that are readily uncoupled, in contrast to the situation in yeast.

Self-assembly of Epstein-Barr virus capsids

Epstein-Barr virus (EBV), a member of the Gammaherpesvirus family, primarily infects B lymphocytes and is responsible for a number of lymphoproliferative diseases. The molecular genetics of the assembly pathway and high-resolution structural analysis of the capsid have not been determined for this lymphocryptovirus. As a first step in studying EBV capsid assembly, the baculovirus expression vector (BEV) system was used to express the capsid shell proteins BcLF1 (major capsid protein), BORF1 (triplex protein), BDLF1 (triplex protein), and BFRF3 (small capsid protein); the internal scaffold protein, BdRF1; and the maturational protease (BVRF2). Coinfection of insect cells with the six viruses expressing these proteins resulted in the production of closed capsid structures as judged by electron microscopy and sedimentation methods. Therefore, as shown for other herpesviruses, only six proteins are required for EBV capsid assembly. Furthermore, the small capsid protein of EBV (BFRF3), like that of Kaposi's sarcoma-associated herpesvirus, was found to be required for assembly of a stable structure. Localization of the small capsid protein to nuclear assembly sites required both the major capsid (BcLF1) and scaffold proteins (BdRF1) but not the triplex proteins. Mutational analysis of BFRF3 showed that the N-terminal half (amino acids 1 to 88) of this polypeptide is required and sufficient for capsid assembly. A region spanning amino acids 65 to 88 is required for the concentration of BFRF3 at a subnuclear site and the N-terminal 65 amino acids contain the sequences required for interaction with major capsid protein. These studies have identified the multifunctional role of the gammaherpesvirus small capsid proteins.

Small capsid protein pORF65 is essential for assembly of Kaposi's sarcoma-associated herpesvirus capsids

Kaposi's sarcoma-associated herpesvirus (KSHV) is the etiologic agent for KS tumors, multicentric Castleman's disease, and primary effusion lymphomas. Like other herpesvirus capsids, the KSHV capsid is an icosahedral structure composed of six proteins. The capsid shell is made up of the major capsid protein, two triplex proteins, and the small capsid protein. The scaffold protein and the protease occupy the internal space. The assembly of KSHV capsids is thought to occur in a manner similar to that determined for herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV-1). Our goal was to assemble KSHV capsids in insect cells using the baculovirus expression vector system. Six KSHV capsid open reading frames were cloned and the proteins expressed in Sf9 cells: pORF25 (major capsid protein), pORF62 (triplex 1), pORF26 (triplex 2), pORF17 (protease), pORF17.5 (scaffold protein), and also pORF65 (small capsid protein). When insect cells were coinfected with these baculoviruses, angular capsids that contained internal core structures were readily observed by conventional electron microscopy of the infected cells. Capsids were also readily isolated from infected cells by using rate velocity sedimentation. With immuno-electron microscopy methods, these capsids were seen to be reactive to antisera to pORF65 as well as to KSHV-positive human sera, indicating the correct conformation of pORF65 in these capsids. When either virus expressing the triplex proteins was omitted from the coinfection, capsids did not assemble; similar to observations made in HSV-1-infected cells. If the virus expressing the scaffold protein was excluded, large open shells that did not attain icosahedral structure were seen in the nuclei of infected cells. The presence of pORF65 was required for capsid assembly, in that capsids did not form if this protein was absent as judged by both by ultrastructural analysis of infected cells and rate velocity sedimentation experiments. Thus, a novel outcome of this study is the finding that the small capsid protein of KSHV, like the major capsid and triplex proteins, is essential for capsid shell assembly.