Isolation of temperature-sensitive CHO-K1 cell mutants exhibiting chromosomal instability and reduced DNA synthesis at nonpermissive temperature

UBA1 dysfunction in VEXAS and cancer

UBA1, an X-linked gene, encodes one of the only two ubiquitin E1 enzymes, playing a pivotal role in initiating one of the most essential post-translational modifications. In late 2020, partial loss-of-function mutations in UBA1 within hematopoietic stem and progenitor cells were found to be responsible for VEXAS Syndrome, a previously unidentified hematoinflammatory disorder predominantly affecting older males. The condition is characterized by severe inflammation, cytopenias, and an association to hematologic malignancies. In this research perspective, we comprehensively review the molecular significance of UBA1 loss of function as well as advancements in VEXAS research over the past four years for each of the VEXAS manifestations - inflammation, cytopenias, clonality, and possible oncogenicity. Special attention is given to contrasting the M41 and non-M41 mutations, aiming to elucidate their differential effects and to identify targetable mechanisms responsible for each of the symptoms. Finally, we explore the therapeutic landscape for VEXAS Syndrome, discussing the efficacy and potential of clone-targeting drugs based on the pathobiology of VEXAS. This includes azacitidine, currently approved for myelodysplastic neoplasms (MDS), novel UBA1 inhibitors being developed for a broad spectrum of cancers, Protein Kinase R-like Endoplasmic Reticulum Kinase (PERK) inhibitors, and auranofin, a long-established drug for rheumatoid arthritis. This perspective bridges basic research to clinical symptoms and therapeutics.

SMU1 Knockdown Suppresses Gastric Carcinoma Growth, Migration, and Invasion and Modulates the Cell Cycle

INTRODUCTION

The role of SMU1 in DNA replication and RNA splicing is well-established, yet its specific function and dysregulated mechanisms in gastric cancer (GC) remain inadequately elucidated. This study seeks to investigate the potential oncogenic and progression-promoting effects of SMU1 in GC, with the ultimate goal of informing novel approaches for treatment and diagnosis.

METHODS

The study investigated the expression levels of SMU1 in GC and adjacent normal tissues by analyzing data from the TCGA (27 tissue pairs) and GEO (47 tissue pairs) databases. Immunohistochemistry was used to examine 277 tumor tissue and adjacent non-tumor tissue spots from GC tissue chips, along with relevant follow-up information. The study further assessed the proliferation, invasion, and migration capabilities of cells by manipulating SMU1 expression levels and conducting various assays, including CCK-8, EdU incorporation, colony formation, transwells, flow cytometry, and subcutaneous tumorigenesis assays.

RESULTS

Our study revealed a significant upregulation of SMU1 mRNA and protein levels in GC tissues compared to adjacent tissues. Univariate and multivariate Cox analysis demonstrated that elevated levels of SMU1 were independent prognostic factors for GC prognosis (P = 0.036). Additionally, median survival analysis indicated a significant association between high SMU1 expression and poor prognosis in GC patients (P = 0.0002). In experiments conducted both in vivo and in vitro, it was determined that elevated levels of SMU1 can enhance the proliferation, invasion, and migration of GC cells, whereas suppression of SMU1 can impede the progression of GC by modulating the G1/S checkpoint of the cell cycle.

CONCLUSIONS

Our research introduces the novel idea that SMU1 could serve as a prognostic marker for GC progression, influencing cell proliferation through cell cycle activation. These results offer valuable insights into the understanding, diagnosis, and management of gastric carcinoma.

Chromosome instability caused by mutations in the genes involved in transcription and splicing

Mutations in molecules involved in transcription and splicing can cause chromosome instability such as sister chromatid exchanges. We isolated and characterized responsible genes from mammalian temperature-sensitive mutant cells showing chromosome instability. A mutation in the largest subunit of RNA polymerase II affected DNA synthesis in S phase-arrested cells, resulting in abnormal induction of sister chromatid exchanges. The yeast mutant harboring a homologous mutation showed very similar phenotype to that of the mammalian mutant. A mutation in Smu1, which is involved in splicing, also affected DNA synthesis in S and G2 phase-arrested cells, resulting in abnormal induction of sister chromatid exchanges and chromosomal aberrations. These cells showed a connection between defects of RNA metabolism and induction of chromosome instability. Genome instability appeared to be caused by links between RNA metabolism and replication resulting in genomic recombination. RNA metabolism can be regarded as one possible driver of genome modification triggering genome evolution.

Let's think again about using mammalian temperature-sensitive mutants to investigate functional molecules-The perspectives from the studies on three mutants showing chromosome instability

This review evaluates the use of temperature-sensitive (ts) mutants to investigate functional molecules in mammalian cells. A series of studies were performed in which mammalian cells expressing functional molecules were isolated from ts mutants using complementation by the introduction and expression of the responsible protein tagged with the green fluorescent protein. The results showed that chromosome instability and cell-cycle arrest were caused by ts defects in the following three molecules: the largest subunit of RNA polymerase II, a protein involved in splicing, and ubiquitin-activating enzyme. The cells expressing functional protein were then isolated by introducing the responsible gene tagged with the green fluorescent protein to complement the ts phenotype. These cells proved to be useful in analyzing the dynamics of RNA polymerase II in living cells. Analyses of the functional interaction between proteins involved in splicing were also useful in the investigation of ts mutants and their derivatives. In addition, these cells demonstrated the functional localization of ubiquitin-activating enzyme in the nucleus. Mammalian ts mutants continue to show great potential to aid in understanding the functions of the essential molecules in cells. Therefore, it is highly important that studies on the identification and characterization of the genes responsible for the phenotype of a mutant are carried out.

Molecular Basis for K63-Linked Ubiquitination Processes in Double-Strand DNA Break Repair: A Focus on Kinetics and Dynamics

Cells are exposed to thousands of DNA damage events on a daily basis. This damage must be repaired to preserve genetic information and prevent development of disease. The most deleterious damage is a double-strand break (DSB), which is detected and repaired by mechanisms known as non-homologous end-joining (NHEJ) and homologous recombination (HR), which are components of the DNA damage response system. NHEJ is an error-prone first line of defense, whereas HR invokes error-free repair and is the focus of this review. The functions of the protein components of HR-driven DNA repair are regulated by the coordinated action of post-translational modifications including lysine acetylation, phosphorylation, ubiquitination, and SUMOylation. The latter two mechanisms are fundamental for recognition of DSBs and reorganizing chromatin to facilitate repair. We focus on the structures and molecular mechanisms for the protein components underlying synthesis, recognition, and cleavage of K63-linked ubiquitin chains, which are abundant at damage sites and obligatory for DSB repair. The forward flux of the K63-linked ubiquitination cascade is driven by the combined activity of E1 enzyme, the heterodimeric E2 Mms2-Ubc13, and its cognate E3 ligases RNF8 and RNF168, which is balanced through the binding and cleavage of chains by the deubiquitinase BRCC36, and the proteasome, and through the binding of chains by recognition modules on repair proteins such as RAP80. We highlight a number of aspects regarding our current understanding for the role of kinetics and dynamics in determining the function of the enzymes and chain recognition modules that drive K63 ubiquitination.

SAK-HV Decreases the Self-Ubiquitination of MEKK1 to Promote Macrophage Proliferation via MAPK/ERK and JNK Pathways

SAK-HV is an anti-atherosclerosis recombinant fusion protein developed by our lab. Our study determined that SAK-HV promoted macrophage proliferation, of which the mechanism was explored by both RAW264.7 cells and primary macrophages. Mass spectrometric analysis and co-immunoprecipitation were combined to screen the SAK-HV-interacting proteins in RAW264.7 cells. Confocal microscopy was adopted to detect the localization of SAK-HV in cells. The results indicated that SAK-HV triggered macrophage proliferation via the mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK)/extracellular signal-regulated kinases (ERK) and c-Jun N-terminal kinases (JNK) pathways by its SAK-mutant functional domain. We screened out Uba1 as the SAK-HV-interacting protein in the RAW264.7 cells and discovered their co-localization in the cytoplasm and nucleus. Inhibiting Uba1 significantly decreased the SAK-HV-induced macrophage proliferation. Thus, we postulated an attractive model of ubiquitination, in which the interactions between Uba1 and specific E2 enzymes are blocked by its interaction with SAK-HV. Based on this model, we detected the decreased self-ubiquitination of MEKK1 after SAK-HV treatment and concluded that SAK-HV inhibits the self-ubiquitination of MEKK1 via its SAK-mutant functional domain to activate MAPK/ERK and JNK pathways, promoting macrophage proliferation. This conclusion highly supported our hypothesized model of ubiquitination at the level of Uba1, which may represent a novel paradigm to promote macrophage proliferation by using the E1 enzyme (Uba1) as a switch.

Chromosomal Aberrations in Large Japanese Field Mice (Apodemus speciosus) Captured near Fukushima Dai-ichi Nuclear Power Plant

Since the Fukushima Dai-ichi Nuclear Power Plant accident, radiation effects on nonhuman biota in the contaminated areas have been a major concern. Here, we analyzed the frequencies of chromosomal aberrations (translocations and dicentrics) in the splenic lymphocytes of large Japanese field mice (Apodemus speciosus) inhabiting Fukushima Prefecture. A. speciosus chromosomes 1, 2, and 5 were flow-sorted in order to develop A. speciosus chromosome-specific painting probes, and FISH (fluorescence in situ hybridization) was performed using these painting probes to detect the translocations and dicentrics. The average frequency of the translocations and dicentrics per cell in the heavily contaminated area was significantly higher than the frequencies in the case of the noncontaminated control area and the slightly and moderately contaminated areas, and this aberration frequency in individual mice tended to roughly increase with the estimated dose rates and accumulated doses. In all four sampling areas, the proportion of aberrations occurring in chromosome 2 was approximately >3 times higher than that in chromosomes 1 and 5, which suggests that A. speciosus chromosome 2 harbors a fragile site that is highly sensitive to chromosome breaks induced by cellular stress such as DNA replication. The elevated frequency of chromosomal aberrations in A. speciosus potentially resulting from the presence of a fragile site in chromosome 2 might make it challenging to observe the mild effect of chronic low-dose-rate irradiation on the induction of chromosomal aberrations in A. speciosus inhabiting the contaminated areas of Fukushima.

Nuclear localization of ubiquitin-activating enzyme Uba1 is characterized in its mammalian temperature-sensitive mutant

In our previous study, a point mutation in Uba1, the gene encoding ubiquitin-activating enzyme, was identified in temperature-sensitive (ts) CHO-K1 mutant tsTM3 cells, which led to a Met-to-Ile substitution at amino acid 256 in Uba1 protein. Characterization of this mutant revealed a deficiency of nuclear Uba1 and impaired ubiquitination in the nucleus. The ts defects in tsTM3 were complemented by the expression of the wild-type Uba1 tagged with green fluorescent protein (GFP). In this study, the expression and localization of Uba1 were investigated using the various forms of Uba1 tagged with GFP. Western blot analysis and confocal microscopy revealed that nuclear localization of Uba1, as well as even the modified and truncated forms of Uba1, appears to be essential to rescue tsTM3 cells. The localization of Uba1 in the nucleus, even if it was a small amount, was proportional to the efficiency of complementation of tsTM3 cells. Uba1 plays an important role in the nucleus, and a ts mutation found in tsTM3 cells appears to result in the loss of localization of Uba1 in the nucleus.

Analysis of a temperature-sensitive mutation in Uba1: Effects of the click reaction on subsequent immunolabeling of proteins involved in DNA replication

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The click reaction inhibits the indirect immunolabeling of Cdt1.

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The click reaction allows for the detection of PCNA with nascent DNA.

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Cdt1 appears to remain close to replication sites in the ts-mutant of Uba1.

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Impaired ubiquitination caused by the defect of Uba1 affects DNA replication only slowly.

In our previous study, a Met-to-Ile substitution at amino acid 256 in the catalytic domain of Uba1 was determined in temperature-sensitive CHO-K1 mutant tsTM3 cells, which exhibited chromosomal instability and cell-cycle arrest in the S to G₂ phases with decreased DNA synthesis at the nonpermissive temperature, 39 °C. Mutant cells were also characterized by a significant decrease of Uba1 in the nucleus with decreased ubiquitination activity at 39 °C. Defects of ubiquitination activity in the nucleus resulted in an inappropriate balance between Cdt1 and geminin, a licensing factor of DNA replication and its inhibitor. In the present study, we found that the Cu(I)-catalyzed [3 + 2] cycloaddition (click) reaction inhibits the subsequent indirect immunolabeling of Cdt1 but allows for the detection of PCNA with nascent DNA. Using a procedure without the click reaction, we also demonstrated that Cdt1 remained close to active replication sites in tsTM3 cells at the nonpermissive temperature. Analysis of genome replication by DNA fiber spreading revealed that DNA synthesis continues for at least 10 h after incubation at 39 °C, suggesting that impaired ubiquitination in the nucleus, caused by the defect of Uba1, affected DNA replication only after a long delay.

Characterization of ubiquitin-activating enzyme Uba1 in the nucleus by its mammalian temperature-sensitive mutant

Temperature-sensitive (ts) CHO-K1 mutant tsTM3 exhibits chromosomal instability and cell-cycle arrest in the S to G₂ phases with decreased DNA synthesis at the nonpermissive temperature, 39°C. Previously, complementation tests with other mutants showed that tsTM3 harbors a genetic defect in the ubiquitin-activating enzyme Uba1. Sequence comparison of the Uba1 gene between wild-type and mutant cells in this study revealed that the mutant phenotype is caused by a G-to-A transition that yields a Met-to-Ile substitution at position 256 in hamster Uba1. The ts defects in tsTM3 were complemented by expression of the wild-type Uba1 tagged with green fluorescent protein. Expression of the Uba1 primarily in the nucleus appeared to rescue tsTM3 cells. Incubation at 39°C resulted in a decrease of nuclear Uba1 in tsTM3 cells, suggesting that loss of Uba1 in the nucleus may lead to the ts defects. Analyses with the fluorescent ubiquitination-based cell cycle indicator revealed that loss of function of Uba1 leads to failure of the ubiquitin system in the nucleus. Incubation at 39°C caused an increase in endogenous geminin in tsTM3 cells. A ts mutation of Uba1 found in tsTM3 cells appears to be a novel mutation reflecting the important roles of Uba1 in nucleus.

Loss of Smu1 function de-represses DNA replication and over-activates ATR-dependent replication checkpoint

Smu1 is an evolutionarily conserved gene that encodes a member of the WD40-repeat protein family. Disruption of Smu1 function leads to multiple cellular defects including chromosomal instability, aberrant DNA replication and alternative RNA splicing events. In this paper, we show that Smu1 is a chromatin-bound protein that functions as a negative regulator of DNA replication. Knockdown of Smu1 gene expression promotes excessive incorporation of dNTP analogue, implicating the acceleration of DNA synthesis. Smu1-silenced cells show an excessive activation of replication checkpoint in response to ultraviolate (UV) or hydroxyurea treatment, indicating that abnormal stimulation of DNA replication leads to instability of genomic structure. Hence, we propose that Smu1 participates in the protection of genomic integrity by negatively regulating the process of DNA synthesis.

Characterization of cells expressing RNA polymerase II tagged with green fluorescent protein: effect of ionizing irradiation on RNA synthesis

PURPOSE

To isolate and to characterize cells expressing RNA polymerase II tagged with green fluorescent protein for analyses of the effects of ionizing radiation on transcription in living cells.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

We introduced an alpha-amanitin-resistant mutation into a vector encoding the largest subunit of RNA polymerase II tagged with green fluorescent protein (GFP-pol). Cell lines stably expressing functional GFP-pol were isolated under selection with alpha-amanitin from a Chinese hamster cell line, CHO-K1, and a radiation-sensitive mutant CHO cell line, XR-1.

RESULTS

We tested the functionality of the fusion protein in vivo by determining RNA synthesis activity by incorporation of nucleoside analogues. Both CHO-K1 and XR-1 cells expressing GFP-pol had properties similar to those of their respective parental cell lines, indicating that GFP-pol is functional.

CONCLUSIONS

These stable lines might prove useful for analyses of the roles of transcription after ionizing radiation.

The conserved role of Smu1 in splicing is characterized in its mammalian temperature-sensitive mutant

Temperature-sensitive CHO-K1 mutant cell line tsTM18 exhibits chromosomal instability and cell-cycle arrest at S and G2 phases with decreased DNA synthesis at the nonpermissive temperature, 39 degrees C. We previously identified an amino acid substitution in Smu1 that underlies the temperature-sensitive phenotypes of tsTM18 cells. In the present study, we confirmed that Smu1 is associated with the temperature-sensitive defect of tsTM18 by RNA interference. We also found an early temperature effect in DNA synthesis. Because genetic studies of nematodes revealed that smu-1 is involved in splicing of the unc52/perlecan pre-mRNA, we analysed the perlecan transcript in tsTM18 cells by reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR). The perlecan PCR product amplified from RNA of tsTM18 cells cultured at 39 degrees C appeared to be a mixture of variants. Sequence analysis identified at least six variants that result from alternative splicing and intron retention. Comparison of the results of perlecan RT-PCR analysis with those of analysis of four other genes suggested that the splicing defect in the perlecan gene is unique and that it is conserved through evolution.

A temperature-sensitive mutation in the WD repeat-containing protein Smu1 is related to maintenance of chromosome integrity

Temperature-sensitive CHO-K1 mutant cell line tsTM18 exhibits chromosomal instability and cell cycle arrest at S and G2 phases with decreased DNA synthesis at the nonpermissive temperature, 39 degrees C. To identify the causative mutation, we fused tsTM18 cells with normal human cells to generate hybrids carrying fragments of human chromosomes. Analysis of chromosome content of temperature-resistant transformants and introduction of a bacterial artificial chromosome containing part of human chromosome 9 led to isolation of the human SMU1 gene. Comparison of sequences of the Smu1 gene from wild-type and mutant cells revealed that the mutant phenotype is caused by a G-to-A transition that yields a gly-to-arg substitution at position 489 in hamster Smu1. The substituted glycine is located in the WD-repeat domain of Smu1. Single-stranded DNA accumulated in the nuclei of mutant cells at 39 degrees C. Furthermore, cdc2 kinase was not activated during G2 phase, and there was no chromosome segregation due to incomplete assembly of the spindle during M phase. Thus, Smu1 appears to be involved directly or indirectly in DNA replication, activation of cdc2 kinase, spindle assembly, and maintenance of chromosome integrity, reflecting the important roles of Smu1 in cellular function.

A mutation in the largest (catalytic) subunit of RNA polymerase II and its relation to the arrest of the cell cycle in G(1) phase

Transcriptional activity of RNA polymerase II is modulated during the cell cycle. We previously identified a temperature-sensitive mutation in the largest (catalytic) subunit of RNA polymerase II (RPB1) that causes cell cycle arrest and genome instability. We now characterize a different cell line that has a temperature-sensitive defect in cell cycle progression, and find that it also has a mutation in RPB1. The temperature-sensitive mutant, tsAF8, of the Syrian hamster cell line, BHK21, arrests at the non-permissive temperature in the mid-G(1) phase. We show that RPB1 in tsAF8--which is found exclusively in the nucleus at the permissive temperature--is also found in the cytoplasm at the non-permissive temperature. Comparison of the DNA sequences of the RPB1 gene in the wild-type and mutant shows the mutant phenotype results from a (hemizygous) C-to-A variation at nucleotide 944 in one RPB1 allele; this gives rise to an ala-to-asp substitution at residue 315 in the protein. Aligning the amino acid sequences from various species reveals that ala(315) is highly conserved in eukaryotes.

Mammalian cell lines expressing functional RNA polymerase II tagged with the green fluorescent protein

RNA polymerase II is a multi-subunit enzyme responsible for transcription of most eukaryotic genes. It associates with other complexes to form enormous multifunctional ‘holoenzymes’ involved in splicing and polyadenylation. We wished to study these different complexes in living cells, so we generated cell lines expressing the largest, catalytic, subunit of the polymerase tagged with the green fluorescent protein. The tagged enzyme complements a deficiency in tsTM4 cells that have a temperature-sensitive mutation in the largest subunit. Some of the tagged subunit is incorporated into engaged transcription complexes like the wild-type protein; it both resists extraction with sarkosyl and is hyperphosphorylated at its C terminus. Remarkably, subunits bearing such a tag can be incorporated into the active enzyme, despite the size and complexity of the polymerizing complex. Therefore, these cells should prove useful in the analysis of the dynamics of transcription in living cells.

Cloning and sequencing for the largest subunit of Chinese hamster RNA polymerase II gene: identification of a mutation related to abnormal induction of sister chromatid exchanges

In order to analyze the mutation sites related to abnormal induction of sister chromatid exchanges (SCEs) in the RNA polymerase II largest subunit (RpII LS) gene of the Chinese hamster CHO-KI cell mutant, we have completely sequenced the whole region of the RpII LS cDNAs obtained from normal and mutant cells. By comparing both sequences, a mutation that results in an amino acid (aa) change in the RpII LS gene was found. This aa change was Pro (CCC) to Ser (TCC) at position 1006. Multiple alignment for aa sequences of RpII LS from various species revealed that this Pro residue was highly conserved throughout the eukaryotes. Considering the differences in physico-chemical properties between Pro and Ser residues, the Pro-->Ser substitution may alter the RpII LS structure.

Vanadate triggers the transition from chromosome condensation to decondensation in a mitotic mutant (tsTM13) inactivation of p34cdc2/H1 kinase and dephosphorylation of mitosis-specific histone H3

At the nonpermissive temperature (39 degrees C), chromosomes remain condensed in a temperature-sensitive cell mutant (tsTM13) arrested in the late stage of mitosis. Highly increased activity of histone H1 kinase, hyperphosphorylation of histone H1, and mitosis-specific histone H3 phosphorylation are maintained, even in telophase. In the present study, the defect of chromosome decondensation in tsTM13 cells was found to be partially normalized by a tyrosine phosphatase inhibitor, vanadate, with induction of chromosome decondensation and the formation of multinucleated cells. In the presence of vanadate, the H1 kinase activity dropped to near normal levels and the amount of the inactive from of p34cdc2 protein phosphorylated at a tyrosine residue was increased. H1 and H3 were also extensively de- phosphorylated, the latter being tightly associated with chromosome decondensation. Serine/threonine-protein phosphatase in late mitosis of the mutant works normally at 39 degrees C. The results indicate that (a) the genetic defect in the mutant may be involved in the control mechanism of the p34cdc2/H1 kinase activity in the late M phase rather than the phosphatase, (b) normalization of the defect of the mutant by vanadate results from inactivation of H1 kinase, and (c) late mitosis-specific events (p34cdc2/H1 kinase inactivation, mitosis-specific dephosphorylation of histone H1 and H3) are closely operating with chromosome decondensation.

Dominant genetic instability and sensitivity to DNA damaging agents in a mammalian cell line

An SV40 transformed Indian muntjac cell line (SVM) has been shown to be hypersensitive to cell killing by a wide range of DNA damaging agents. Evidence points to defects in DNA replication and DNA recombination resulting in chromosome instability both spontaneously and following exposure to DNA damaging agents. We have generated proliferating hybrids between SVM and a spontaneously transformed Indian muntjac cell line (DM). Study of these hybrids indicates that the SVM phenotype acts in a genetically dominant manner and is associated with the expression of SV40 large T antigen. We propose that transformation and immortalization of Indian muntjac fibroblasts by SV40 virus can lead to a set of persistent changes in gene expression that result in chromosome instability and increased sensitivity to DNA damaging agents. Genes involved in these processes are likely to be of great importance as chromosome instability can play a central role in cancer development.

The human gene encoding the largest subunit of RNA polymerase II

The nucleotide sequence of a large portion of the human RNA polymerase II large subunit (RpII LS)-encoding gene and its whole gene structure were determined. The RpIILS gene consists of 29 exons. The sequence of the 5' flanking region is highly conserved as compared with that of the mouse RpIILS and contains several SP1-binding sites, a CCAAT sequence and a sequence homologous to a heat-shock element. In addition, several inverted repeats and palindrome sequences were involved in the 5' upstream region. Those suggest that the 5' flanking domain of RpIILS would be highly structured which may be responsible for transcriptional regulation.

Abnormal integrity of the nucleolus associated with cell cycle arrest owing to the temperature-sensitive ubiquitin-activating enzyme E1

A mouse cell mutant, ts85, containing the temperature-sensitive ubiquitin-activating enzyme was arrested in G2 phase at the non-permissive temperature. In the arrested cells, azure C, a nucleolus-specific stain, revealed a U-shaped or ring-shaped arrangement of nucleolar lobes with an unstained region in the center. Silver staining of the nucleolar organizer region (NOR) and fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) with rDNA both gave signals in azure C-positive regions. Electron microscopic examination revealed a cloud of unidentified electron-dense particles (diameter approximately 70 nm) in the azure C-negative center space. When the arrested cells were released into M-phase, we observed the association of NOR-bearing chromosomes with a pulverization-like abnormality. FISH with rDNA and NOR silver staining demonstrated that the pulverization-like abnormality was restricted to NORs. The frequent occurrence of persistent nucleolar material in prophase and prometaphase of the stressed cells after release indicated a delayed dissociation of the nucleolus that brought about the abnormal chromosomes in M-phase. ts85 cells transfected with the mouse E1 cDNA recovered growth at the non-permissive temperature and no longer showed abnormal nucleolar morphology. It seems that the ubiquitin system plays a role in the dissolution of the nucleolus, possibly involving the NOR-bearing chromosomes.

A temperature-sensitive CHO-K1 cell mutant (tsTM13) defective in chromosome decondensation and spindle deconstruction in M phase

A temperature-sensitive CHO-K1 cell mutant, tsTM13, exhibited a delayed cell cycle progression from metaphase to telophase at a nonpermissive temperature and was finally arrested from anaphase to telophase. Metaphase chromosomes were overcondensed and chromosome disjunction in anaphase was uncoordinated. In telophase, sister chromatids were segregated and cytokinesis was completed, but chromosome structure remained in a condensed state and the spindle was not deconstructed. The level of phosphorylation of histones H1 and H3 remained high in the later stages of mitosis and the activity of histone H1 kinase was also maintained at a high level. These results strongly suggest that the pleiotropic defects of tsTM13 cells in mitosis are associated with a lack of inactivation of activated histone H1 kinase.