The molecular structure of human erythrocyte spectrin. Biophysical and electron microscopic studies

SPTAN1/NUMB axis senses cell density to restrain cell growth and oncogenesis through Hippo signaling

The loss of contact inhibition is a key step during carcinogenesis. The Hippo-Yes-associated protein (Hippo/YAP) pathway is an important regulator of cell growth in a cell density-dependent manner. However, how Hippo signaling senses cell density in this context remains elusive. Here, we report that high cell density induced the phosphorylation of spectrin α chain, nonerythrocytic 1 (SPTAN1), a plasma membrane-stabilizing protein, to recruit NUMB endocytic adaptor protein isoforms 1 and 2 (NUMB1/2), which further sequestered microtubule affinity-regulating kinases (MARKs) in the plasma membrane and rendered them inaccessible for phosphorylation and inhibition of the Hippo kinases sterile 20-like kinases MST1 and MST2 (MST1/2). WW45 interaction with MST1/2 was thereby enhanced, resulting in the activation of Hippo signaling to block YAP activity for cell contact inhibition. Importantly, low cell density led to SPTAN1 dephosphorylation and NUMB cytoplasmic location, along with MST1/2 inhibition and, consequently, YAP activation. Moreover, double KO of NUMB and WW45 in the liver led to appreciable organ enlargement and rapid tumorigenesis. Interestingly, NUMB isoforms 3 and 4, which have a truncated phosphotyrosine-binding (PTB) domain and are thus unable to interact with phosphorylated SPTAN1 and activate MST1/2, were selectively upregulated in liver cancer, which correlated with YAP activation. We have thus revealed a SPTAN1/NUMB1/2 axis that acts as a cell density sensor to restrain cell growth and oncogenesis by coupling external cell-cell contact signals to intracellular Hippo signaling.

Dynamics of the axon plasma membrane skeleton

It was recently revealed via super-resolution microscopy experiments that the axon plasma membrane skeleton (APMS) comprises a series of periodically arranged azimuthal actin rings connected via longitudinal spectrin filaments forming an orthotropic network. The common perception is that APMS enhances structural stability of the axon but its impact on axon deformation is unknown. To investigate the response of the APMS to extension, we introduce a coarse-grain molecular dynamics model consisting of actin particles forming rings and chains of particles representing spectrin tetramers with repeats than can unfold. We observe that the shape of force-extension curve is initially linear and the force level depends on the extension rate. Even during the initial deformation stage, unfolding of spectrin repeats occurs, but the saw-tooth shape of the corresponding force-extension curve observed in the case of one spectrin tetramer does not appear in the case of the entire APMS. The reason is that spectrin unfolding is not synchronized across filaments during extension. If actin-spectrin associations remain intact, the force-extension response reaches a perfectly plastic region because of increased spectrin unfolding frequency. However, when actin-spectrin links dissociate, which can happen at moderate and high extension rates, APMS softens and the resistance force decreases linearly as the axon elongates until it reaches a point where the APMS is completely severed. Furthermore, when the ring-to-ring distance is maintained fixed under stretch, the resistance force relaxes exponentially as a function of time due to additional unfolding of spectrin tetramers following the Kelvin-Voigt representation of the Zener model.

Mechanical role of the submembrane spectrin scaffold in red blood cells and neurons

Spectrins are large, evolutionarily well-conserved proteins that form highly organized scaffolds on the inner surface of eukaryotic cells. Their organization in different cell types or cellular compartments helps cells withstand mechanical challenges with unique strategies depending on the cell type. This Review discusses our understanding of the mechanical properties of spectrins, their very distinct organization in red blood cells and neurons as two examples, and the contribution of the scaffolds they form to the mechanical properties of these cells.

The role of the membrane-associated periodic skeleton in axons

The identification of the membrane periodic skeleton (MPS), composed of a periodic lattice of actin rings interconnected by spectrin tetramers, was enabled by the development of super-resolution microscopy, and brought a new exciting perspective to our view of neuronal biology. This exquisite cytoskeleton arrangement plays an important role on mechanisms regulating neuronal (dys)function. The MPS was initially thought to provide mainly for axonal mechanical stability. Since its discovery, the importance of the MPS in multiple aspects of neuronal biology has, however, emerged. These comprise its capacity to act as a signaling platform, regulate axon diameter-with important consequences on the efficiency of axonal transport and electrophysiological properties- participate in the assembly and function of the axon initial segment, and control axon microtubule stability. Recently, MPS disassembly has also surfaced as an early player in the course of axon degeneration. Here, we will discuss the current knowledge on the role of the MPS in axonal physiology and disease.

Targeting spectrin redox switches to regulate the mechanoproperties of red blood cells

The mechanical properties of red blood cells (RBCs) are fundamental for their physiological role as gas transporters. RBC flexibility and elasticity allow them to survive the hemodynamic changes in the different regions of the vascular tree, to dynamically contribute to the flow thereby decreasing vascular resistance, and to deform during the passage through narrower vessels. RBC mechanoproperties are conferred mainly by the structural characteristics of their cytoskeleton, which consists predominantly of a spectrin scaffold connected to the membrane via nodes of actin, ankyrin and adducin. Changes in redox state and treatment with thiol-targeting molecules decrease the deformability of RBCs and affect the structure and stability of the spectrin cytoskeleton, indicating that the spectrin cytoskeleton may contain redox switches. In this perspective review, we revise current knowledge about the structural and functional characterization of spectrin cysteine redox switches and discuss the current lines of research aiming to understand the role of redox regulation on RBC mechanical properties. These studies may provide novel functional targets to modulate RBC function, blood viscosity and flow, and tissue perfusion in disease conditions.

Forced Unfolding of Proteins Directs Biochemical Cascades

Many proteins in cells and in the extracellular matrix assemble into force-bearing networks, and some proteins clearly transduce mechanical stimuli into biochemical signals. Although structural mechanisms remain poorly understood, the designs of such proteins enable mechanical forces to either inhibit or facilitate interactions of protein domains with other proteins, including small molecules and enzymes, including proteases and kinases. Here, we review some of the structural proteins and processes that exhibit distinct modes of force-dependent signal conversion.

The Spectrinome: The Interactome of a Scaffold Protein Creating Nuclear and Cytoplasmic Connectivity and Function

We provide a review of Spectrin isoform function in the cytoplasm, the nucleus, the cell surface, and in intracellular signaling. We then discuss the importance of Spectrin’s E2/E3 chimeric ubiquitin conjugating and ligating activity in maintaining cellular homeostasis. Finally we present spectrin isoform subunit specific human diseases. We have created the Spectrinome, from the Human Proteome, Human Reactome and Human Atlas data and demonstrated how it can be a useful tool in visualizing and understanding spectrins myriad of cellular functions.

Impact statement

Spectrin was for the first 12 years after its discovery thought to be found only in erythrocytes. In 1981, Goodman and colleagues1found that spectrin-like molecules were ubiquitously found in non-erythroid cells leading to a great multitude of publications over the next thirty eight years. The discovery of multiple spectrin isoforms found associated with every cellular compartment, and representing 2-3% of cellular protein, has brought us to today’s understanding that spectrin is a scaffolding protein, with its own E2/E3 chimeric ubiquitin conjugating ligating activity that is involved in virtually every cellular function. We cover the history, localized functions of spectrin isoforms, human diseases caused by mutations, and provide the spectrinome: a useful tool for understanding the myriad of functions for one of the most important proteins in all eukaryotic cells.

Modeling of the axon plasma membrane structure and its effects on protein diffusion

The axon plasma membrane consists of the membrane skeleton, which comprises ring-like actin filaments connected to each other by spectrin tetramers, and the lipid bilayer, which is tethered to the skeleton via, at least, ankyrin. Currently it is unknown whether this unique axon plasma membrane skeleton (APMS) sets the diffusion rules of lipids and proteins in the axon. To answer this question, we developed a coarse-grain molecular dynamics model for the axon that includes the APMS, the phospholipid bilayer, transmembrane proteins (TMPs), and integral monotopic proteins (IMPs) in both the inner and outer lipid layers. We first showed that actin rings limit the longitudinal diffusion of TMPs and the IMPs of the inner leaflet but not of the IMPs of the outer leaflet. To reconcile the experimental observations, which show restricted diffusion of IMPs of the outer leaflet, with our simulations, we conjectured the existence of actin-anchored proteins that form a fence which restricts the longitudinal diffusion of IMPs of the outer leaflet. We also showed that spectrin filaments could modify transverse diffusion of TMPs and IMPs of the inner leaflet, depending on the strength of the association between lipids and spectrin. For instance, in areas where spectrin binds to the lipid bilayer, spectrin filaments would restrict diffusion of proteins within the skeleton corrals. In contrast, in areas where spectrin and lipids are not associated, spectrin modifies the diffusion of TMPs and IMPs of the inner leaflet from normal to confined-hop diffusion. Overall, we showed that diffusion of axon plasma membrane proteins is deeply anisotropic, as longitudinal diffusion is of different type than transverse diffusion. Finally, we investigated how accumulation of TMPs affects diffusion of TMPs and IMPs of both the inner and outer leaflets by changing the density of TMPs. We showed that the APMS structure acts as a fence that restricts the diffusion of TMPs and IMPs of the inner leaflet within the membrane skeleton corrals. Our findings provide insight into how the axon skeleton acts as diffusion barrier and maintains neuronal polarity.

The axon plasma membrane skeleton consists of repeated periodic actin ring-like structures along its length connected via spectrin tetramers and anchored to the lipid bilayer at least via ankyrin. However, it is currently unclear whether this structure controls diffusion of lipids and proteins in the axon. Here, we developed a coarse-grain molecular dynamics computational model for the axon plasma membrane that comprises minimal representations for the APMS and the lipid bilayer. In a departure from current models, we found that actin rings limit diffusion of proteins only in the inner membrane leaflet. Then, we showed that actin anchored proteins likely act as “fences” confining diffusion of proteins in the outer leaflet. Our simulations, unexpectedly, also revealed that spectrin filaments could impede transverse diffusion in the inner leaflet of the axon and in some conditions modify diffusion from normal to abnormal. We predicted that diffusion of axon plasma membrane proteins is anisotropic as longitudinal diffusion is of different type than transverse (azimuthal) diffusion. We conclude that the periodic structure of the axon plays a critical role in controlling diffusion of proteins and lipids in the axon plasma membrane.

The role of βII spectrin in cardiac health and disease

Spectrins are large, flexible proteins comprised of α-β dimers that are connected head-to-head to form the canonical heterotetrameric spectrin structure. Spectrins were initially believed to be exclusively found in human erythrocytic membrane and are highly conserved among different species. βII spectrin, the most common isoform of non-erythrocytic spectrin, is found in all nucleated cells and forms larger macromolecular complexes with ankyrins and actins. Not only is βII spectrin a central cytoskeletal scaffolding protein involved in preserving cell structure but it has also emerged as a critical protein required for distinct physiologic functions such as posttranslational localization of crucial membrane proteins and signal transduction. In the heart, βII spectrin plays a vital role in maintaining normal cardiac membrane excitability and proper cardiac development during embryogenesis. Mutations in βII spectrin genes have been strongly linked with the development of serious cardiac disorders such as congenital arrhythmias, heart failure, and possibly sudden cardiac death. This review focuses on our current knowledge of the role βII spectrin plays in the cardiovascular system in health and disease and the potential future clinical implications.

αII Spectrin Forms a Periodic Cytoskeleton at the Axon Initial Segment and Is Required for Nervous System Function

Spectrins form a submembranous cytoskeleton proposed to confer strength and flexibility to neurons and to participate in ion channel clustering at axon initial segments (AIS) and nodes of Ranvier. Neuronal spectrin cytoskeletons consist of diverse β subunits and αII spectrin. Although αII spectrin is found in neurons in both axonal and somatodendritic domains, using proteomics, biochemistry, and superresolution microscopy, we show that αII and βIV spectrin interact and form a periodic AIS cytoskeleton. To determine the role of spectrins in the nervous system, we generated Sptan1^f/f mice for deletion of CNS αII spectrin. We analyzed αII spectrin-deficient mice of both sexes and found that loss of αII spectrin causes profound reductions in all β spectrins. αII spectrin-deficient mice die before 1 month of age and have disrupted AIS and many other neurological impairments including seizures, disrupted cortical lamination, and widespread neurodegeneration. These results demonstrate the importance of the spectrin cytoskeleton both at the AIS and throughout the nervous system.SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENT Spectrin cytoskeletons play diverse roles in neurons, including assembly of excitable domains such as the axon initial segment (AIS) and nodes of Ranvier. However, the molecular composition and structure of these cytoskeletons remain poorly understood. Here, we show that αII spectrin partners with βIV spectrin to form a periodic cytoskeleton at the AIS. Using a new αII spectrin conditional knock-out mouse, we show that αII spectrin is required for AIS assembly, neuronal excitability, cortical lamination, and to protect against neurodegeneration. These results demonstrate the broad importance of spectrin cytoskeletons for nervous system function and development and have important implications for nervous system injuries and diseases because disruption of the spectrin cytoskeleton is a common molecular pathology.

Microfluidic assay of the deformability of primitive erythroblasts

Primitive erythroblasts (precursors of red blood cells) enter vascular circulation during the embryonic period and mature while circulating. As a result, primitive erythroblasts constantly experience significant hemodynamic shear stress. Shear-induced deformation of primitive erythroblasts however, is poorly studied. In this work, we examined the deformability of primitive erythroblasts at physiologically relevant flow conditions in microfluidic channels and identified the regulatory roles of the maturation stage of primitive erythroblasts and cytoskeletal protein 4.1 R in shear-induced cell deformation. The results showed that the maturation stage affected the deformability of primitive erythroblasts significantly and that primitive erythroblasts at later maturational stages exhibited a better deformability due to a matured cytoskeletal structure in the cell membrane.

Protein-Protein Interaction Probed by Label-free Second Harmonic Light Scattering: Hemoglobin Adsorption on Spectrin Surface as a Case Study

In this article, we have studied the binding of different naturally occurring hemoglobin (Hb) variants on erythrocyte skeletal protein, spectrin surface using the label free nondestructive second harmonic light scattering (SHLS) technique in aqueous buffer. Hemoglobin variants like sickle hemoglobin (HbS) and hemoglobin E (HbE) were chosen as they associate with sickle cell disease and HbEβ-thalassemia, respectively, and their interaction with spectrin is compared with normal adult hemoglobin (HbA). The concentration dependent change in the second harmonic light intensity from nanomolar spectrin solution has been measured after addition of small aliquots of hemoglobins. From the second harmonic titration data, the binding constant is calculated using a modified Langmuir adsorption model of hemoglobin binding to the spectrin surface. Interestingly, it is found that the binding constant for HbE (13.8 × 10⁸ M^-1) is 1 order of magnitude higher than that of HbS (1.6 × 10⁸ M^-1) or HbA (2.1 × 10⁸ M^-1) which indicates higher affinity of HbE for spectrin compared to HbA and HbS. The number of the Hb molecules bound to the spectrin surface was estimated to be of the order of hundred's which is determined for the first time.

Modeling of the axon membrane skeleton structure and implications for its mechanical properties

Super-resolution microscopy recently revealed that, unlike the soma and dendrites, the axon membrane skeleton is structured as a series of actin rings connected by spectrin filaments that are held under tension. Currently, the structure-function relationship of the axonal structure is unclear. Here, we used atomic force microscopy (AFM) to show that the stiffness of the axon plasma membrane is significantly higher than the stiffnesses of dendrites and somata. To examine whether the structure of the axon plasma membrane determines its overall stiffness, we introduced a coarse-grain molecular dynamics model of the axon membrane skeleton that reproduces the structure identified by super-resolution microscopy. Our proposed computational model accurately simulates the median value of the Young’s modulus of the axon plasma membrane determined by atomic force microscopy. It also predicts that because the spectrin filaments are under entropic tension, the thermal random motion of the voltage-gated sodium channels (Na_v), which are bound to ankyrin particles, a critical axonal protein, is reduced compared to the thermal motion when spectrin filaments are held at equilibrium. Lastly, our model predicts that because spectrin filaments are under tension, any axonal injuries that lacerate spectrin filaments will likely lead to a permanent disruption of the membrane skeleton due to the inability of spectrin filaments to spontaneously form their initial under-tension configuration.

Super-resolution microscopy has suggested that the actin cytoskeleton structure differ between various neuronal subcompartments. To determine the possible implication of the differing actin cytoskeleton structure, we determined the stiffness of the plasma membrane of neuronal subcompartments using atomic force microscopy (AFM). We found that axons are almost ~6 fold stiffer than the soma and ~2 fold stiffer than dendrites. By using a particle-based model for the surface membrane skeleton of the axon that comprises actin rings connected with spring filaments to represent the axonal structure, we show that regions neighboring actin rings are stiffer than areas between these rings. In these in between sub-regions, the spectrin filaments determine stiffness. Our modeling also shows that because the spectrin filaments are under tension, the thermal jitter of the actin-associated ankyrin particles, connected to the middle area of spectrin filaments, is minimal. As a result, we propose that the sodium channels bound to ankyrin particles will maintain an ordered distribution along the axon. We also predict that laceration of the spectrin filaments due to injury will cause a permanent damage to the axon since spontaneous repair of the spectrin network is not possible as spectrin filaments are under entropic tension.

Feisty filaments: actin dynamics in the red blood cell membrane skeleton

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

This article discusses recent advances and unsolved questions in our understanding of actin filament organization and dynamics in the red blood cell (RBC) membrane skeleton, a two-dimensional quasi-hexagonal network consisting of (α1β1)2-spectrin tetramers interconnecting short actin filament-based junctional complexes.

RECENT FINDINGS

In contrast to the long-held view that RBC actin filaments are static structures that do not exchange subunits with the cytosol, RBC actin filaments are dynamic structures that undergo subunit exchange and turnover, as evidenced by monomer incorporation experiments with rhodamine-actin and filament disruption experiments with actin-targeting drugs. The malaria-causing parasite, Plasmodium falciparum, co-opts RBC actin dynamics to construct aberrantly branched actin filament networks. Even though RBC actin filaments are dynamic, RBC actin filament lengths are highly uniform (∼37 nm). RBC actin filament lengths are thought to be stabilized by the capping proteins, tropomodulin-1 and αβ-adducin, as well as the side-binding protein tropomyosin, present in an equimolar combination of two isoforms, TM5b (Tpm1.9) and TM5NM1 (Tpm3.1).

SUMMARY

New evidence indicates that RBC actin filaments are not simply passive cytolinkers, but rather dynamic structures whose assembly and disassembly play important roles in RBC membrane function.

Modeling of band-3 protein diffusion in the normal and defective red blood cell membrane

We employ a two-component red blood cell (RBC) membrane model to simulate lateral diffusion of band-3 proteins in the normal RBC and in the RBC with defective membrane proteins. The defects reduce the connectivity between the lipid bilayer and the membrane skeleton (vertical connectivity), or the connectivity of the membrane skeleton itself (horizontal connectivity), and are associated with the blood disorders of hereditary spherocytosis (HS) and hereditary elliptocytosis (HE) respectively. Initially, we demonstrate that the cytoskeleton limits band-3 lateral mobility by measuring the band-3 macroscopic diffusion coefficients in the normal RBC membrane and in a lipid bilayer without the cytoskeleton. Then, we study band-3 diffusion in the defective RBC membrane and quantify the relation between band-3 diffusion coefficients and percentage of protein defects in HE RBCs. In addition, we illustrate that at low spectrin network connectivity (horizontal connectivity) band-3 subdiffusion can be approximated as anomalous diffusion, while at high horizontal connectivity band-3 diffusion is characterized as confined diffusion. Our simulations show that the band-3 anomalous diffusion exponent depends on the percentage of protein defects in the membrane cytoskeleton. We also confirm that the introduction of attraction between the lipid bilayer and the spectrin network reduces band-3 diffusion, but we show that this reduction is lower than predicted by the percolation theory. Furthermore, we predict that the attractive force between the spectrin filament and the lipid bilayer is at least 20 times smaller than the binding forces at band-3 and glycophorin C, the two major membrane binding sites. Finally, we explore diffusion of band-3 particles in the RBC membrane with defects related to vertical connectivity. We demonstrate that in this case band-3 diffusion can be approximated as confined diffusion for all attraction levels between the spectrin network and the lipid bilayer. By comparing the diffusion coefficients measured in horizontal vs. vertical defects, we conclude that band-3 mobility is primarily controlled by the horizontal connectivity.

Dielectric relaxations on erythrocyte membrane as revealed by spectrin denaturation

We studied the effect of spectrin denaturation at 49.5°C (TA) on the dielectric relaxations and related changes in the complex impedance, Z*, complex capacitance, C*, and dielectric loss curve of suspensions containing human erythrocytes, erythrocyte ghost membranes (EMs) and Triton-X-100 residues of EMs. The loss curve prior to, minus the loss curve after TA, resulted in a bell-shaped peak at 1.5MHz. The changes in the real and imaginary components of Z* and C* at TA, i.e., ΔZre, ΔZim, ΔCre and ΔCim, calculated in the same way, strongly varied with frequency. Between 1.0 and 12MHz the -ΔZim vs ΔZre, and ΔCim vs ΔCre plots depicted semicircles with critical frequencies, fcr, at 2.5MHz expressing recently reported relaxation of spectrin dipoles. Between 0.02 and 1.0MHz the -ΔZim vs ΔZre plot exhibited another relaxation whose fcr mirrored that of beta relaxation. This relaxation was absent on Triton-X-shells, while on erythrocytes and EMs it was inhibited by selective dissociation of either attachment sites between spectrin and bilayer. Considering above findings and inaccessibility of cytosole to outside field at such frequencies, the latter relaxation was assumed originating from a piezoelectric effect on the highly deformable spectrin filaments.

An Adaptable Spectrin/Ankyrin-Based Mechanism for Long-Range Organization of Plasma Membranes in Vertebrate Tissues

Ankyrins are membrane-associated proteins that together with their spectrin partners are responsible for micron-scale organization of vertebrate plasma membranes, including those of erythrocytes, excitable membranes of neurons and heart, lateral membrane domains of columnar epithelial cells, and striated muscle. Ankyrins coordinate functionally related membrane transporters and cell adhesion proteins (15 protein families identified so far) within plasma membrane compartments through independently evolved interactions of intrinsically disordered sequences with a highly conserved peptide-binding groove formed by the ANK repeat solenoid. Ankyrins are coupled to spectrins, which are elongated organelle-sized proteins that form mechanically resilient arrays through cross-linking by specialized actin filaments. In addition to protein interactions, cellular targeting and assembly of spectrin/ankyrin domains also critically depend on palmitoylation of ankyrin-G by aspartate-histidine-histidine-cysteine 5/8 palmitoyltransferases, as well as interaction of beta-2 spectrin with phosphoinositide lipids. These lipid-dependent spectrin/ankyrin domains are not static but are locally dynamic and determine membrane identity through opposing endocytosis of bulk lipids as well as specific proteins. A partnership between spectrin, ankyrin, and cell adhesion molecules first emerged in bilaterians over 500 million years ago. Ankyrin and spectrin may have been recruited to plasma membranes from more ancient roles in organelle transport. The basic bilaterian spectrin-ankyrin toolkit markedly expanded in vertebrates through gene duplications combined with variation in unstructured intramolecular regulatory sequences as well as independent evolution of ankyrin-binding activity by ion transporters involved in action potentials and calcium homeostasis. In addition, giant vertebrate ankyrins with specialized roles in axons acquired new coding sequences by exon shuffling. We speculate that early axon initial segments and epithelial lateral membranes initially were based on spectrin-ankyrin-cell adhesion molecule assemblies and subsequently served as "incubators," where ion transporters independently acquired ankyrin-binding activity through positive selection.

Anatomy of the red cell membrane skeleton: unanswered questions

The red cell membrane skeleton is a pseudohexagonal meshwork of spectrin, actin, protein 4.1R, ankyrin, and actin-associated proteins that laminates the inner membrane surface and attaches to the overlying lipid bilayer via band 3-containing multiprotein complexes at the ankyrin- and actin-binding ends of spectrin. The membrane skeleton strengthens the lipid bilayer and endows the membrane with the durability and flexibility to survive in the circulation. In the 36 years since the first primitive model of the red cell skeleton was proposed, many additional proteins have been discovered, and their structures and interactions have been defined. However, almost nothing is known of the skeleton's physiology, and myriad questions about its structure remain, including questions concerning the structure of spectrin in situ, the way spectrin and other proteins bind to actin, how the membrane is assembled, the dynamics of the skeleton when the membrane is deformed or perturbed by parasites, the role lipids play, and variations in membrane structure in unique regions like lipid rafts. This knowledge is important because the red cell membrane skeleton is the model for spectrin-based membrane skeletons in all cells, and because defects in the red cell membrane skeleton underlie multiple hemolytic anemias.

Spectrin's chimeric E2/E3 enzymatic activity

In this minireview, we cover the discovery of the human erythrocyte α spectrin E2/E3 ubiquitin conjugating/ligating enzymatic activity and the specific cysteines involved. We then discuss the consequences when this activity is partially inhibited in sickle cell disease and the possibility that the same attenuation is occurring in multiple organ dysfunction syndrome. We finish by discussing the reasons for believing that nonerythroid α spectrin isoforms (I and II) also have this activity and the importance of testing this hypothesis. If correct, this would suggest that the nonerythroid spectrin isoforms play a major role in protein ubiquitination in all cell types. This would open new fields in experimental biology focused on uncovering the impact that this enzymatic activity has upon protein-protein interactions, protein turnover, cellular signaling, and many other functions impacted by spectrin, including DNA repair.

Dynamics of red blood cells in microporous membranes

We have performed microfluidic experiments with erythrocytes passing through a network of microchannels of 20-25 μm width and 5 μm of height. Red blood cells (RBCs) were flowing in countercurrent directions through microchannels connected by μm pores. Thereby, we have observed interesting flow dynamics. All pores were blocked by erythrocytes. Some erythrocytes have passed through pores, depending on the channel size and cell elasticity. Many RBCs split into two or more smaller parts. Two types of splits were observed. In one type, the lipid bilayer and spectrin network were cut at the same time. In the second type, the lipid bilayer reconnected, but the part of spectrin network stayed outside the cell forming a rope like structure, which could eventually break. The microporous membrane results in multiple breakups of the cells, which can have various clinical implications, e.g., glomerulus hematuria and anemia of patients undergoing dialysis. The cell breakup procedure is similar to the one observed in the droplet breakage of viscoelastic liquids in confinement.

Dynamic morphology and cytoskeletal protein changes during spontaneous inside-out vesiculation of red blood cell membranes

Vesicle preparations from cell plasma membranes, red blood cells in particular, are extensively used in transport and enzymic studies and in the fields of drug delivery and drug-transport interactions. Here we investigated the role of spectrin–actin, the main components of the red cell cortical cytoskeleton, in a particular mechanism of vesicle generation found to be relevant to the egress process of Plasmodium falciparum merozoites from infected red blood cells. Plasma membranes from red blood cells lysed in ice-cold media of low ionic strength and free of divalent cations spontaneously and rapidly vesiculate upon incubation at 37 °C rendering high yields of inside-out vesicles. We tested the working hypothesis that the dynamic shape transformations resulted from changes in spectrin–actin configuration within a disintegrating cytoskeletal mesh. We showed that cytoskeletal-free membranes behave like a two-dimensional fluid lacking shape control, that spectrin–actin remain attached to vesiculating membranes for as long as spontaneous movement persists, that most of the spectrin–actin detachment occurs terminally at the time of vesicle sealing and that naked membrane patches increasingly appear during vesiculation. These results support the proposed role of spectrin–actin in spontaneous vesiculation. The implications of these results to membrane dynamics and to the mechanism of merozoite egress are discussed.

Expression profiling reveals novel hypoxic biomarkers in peripheral blood of adult mice exposed to chronic hypoxia

Hypoxia induces a myriad of changes including an increase in hematocrit due to erythropoietin (EPO) mediated erythropoiesis. While hypoxia is of importance physiologically and clinically, lacunae exist in our knowledge of the systemic and temporal changes in gene expression occurring in blood during the exposure and recovery from hypoxia. To identify these changes expression profiling was conducted on blood obtained from cohorts of C57Bl-10 wild type mice that were maintained at normoxia (NX), exposed for two weeks to normobaric chronic hypoxia (CH) or two weeks of CH followed by two weeks of normoxic recovery (REC). Using stringent bioinformatic cut-offs (0% FDR, 2 fold change cut-off), 230 genes were identified and separated into four distinct temporal categories. Class I) contained 1 transcript up-regulated in both CH and REC; Class II) contained 202 transcripts up-regulated in CH but down-regulated after REC; Class III) contained 9 transcripts down-regulated both in CH and REC; Class IV) contained 18 transcripts down-regulated after CH exposure but up-regulated after REC. Profiling was independently validated and extended by analyzing expression levels of selected genes as novel biomarkers from our profile (e.g. spectrin alpha-1, ubiquitin domain family-1 and pyrroline-5-carboxylate reductase-1) by performing qPCR at 7 different time points during CH and REC. Our identification and characterization of these genes define transcriptome level changes occurring during chronic hypoxia and normoxic recovery as well as novel blood biomarkers that may be useful in monitoring a variety of physiological and pathological conditions associated with hypoxia.

β-III spectrin is critical for development of purkinje cell dendritic tree and spine morphogenesis

Mutations in the gene encoding β-III spectrin give rise to spinocerebellar ataxia type 5, a neurodegenerative disease characterized by progressive thinning of the molecular layer, loss of Purkinje cells and increasing motor deficits. A mouse lacking full-length β-III spectrin (β-III⁻/⁻) displays a similar phenotype. In vitro and in vivo analyses of Purkinje cells lacking β-III spectrin, reveal a critical role for β-III spectrin in Purkinje cell morphological development. Disruption of the normally well ordered dendritic arborization occurs in Purkinje cells from β-III⁻/⁻ mice, specifically showing a loss of monoplanar organization, smaller average dendritic diameter and reduced densities of Purkinje cell spines and synapses. Early morphological defects appear to affect distribution of dendritic, but not axonal, proteins. This study confirms that thinning of the molecular layer associated with disease pathogenesis is a consequence of Purkinje cell dendritic degeneration, as Purkinje cells from 8-month-old β-III⁻/⁻ mice have drastically reduced dendritic volumes, surface areas and total dendritic lengths compared with 5- to 6-week-old β-III⁻/⁻ mice. These findings highlight a critical role of β-III spectrin in dendritic biology and are consistent with an early developmental defect in β-III⁻/⁻ mice, with abnormal Purkinje cell dendritic morphology potentially underlying disease pathogenesis.

Native ultrastructure of the red cell cytoskeleton by cryo-electron tomography

Erythrocytes possess a spectrin-based cytoskeleton that provides elasticity and mechanical stability necessary to survive the shear forces within the microvasculature. The architecture of this membrane skeleton and the nature of its intermolecular contacts determine the mechanical properties of the skeleton and confer the characteristic biconcave shape of red cells. We have used cryo-electron tomography to evaluate the three-dimensional topology in intact, unexpanded membrane skeletons from mouse erythrocytes frozen in physiological buffer. The tomograms reveal a complex network of spectrin filaments converging at actin-based nodes and a gradual decrease in both the density and the thickness of the network from the center to the edge of the cell. The average contour length of spectrin filaments connecting junctional complexes is 46 ± 15 nm, indicating that the spectrin heterotetramer in the native membrane skeleton is a fraction of its fully extended length (∼190 nm). Higher-order oligomers of spectrin were prevalent, with hexamers and octamers seen between virtually every junctional complex in the network. Based on comparisons with expanded skeletons, we propose that the oligomeric state of spectrin is in a dynamic equilibrium that facilitates remodeling of the network as the cell changes shape in response to shear stress.

Modelling the structure of the red cell membraneThis paper is one of a selection of papers published in a Special Issue entitled CSBMCB 53rd Annual Meeting — Membrane Proteins in Health and Disease, and has undergone the Journal’s usual peer review process

The red cell membrane has long been the focus of extensive study. The macromolecules embedded within the membrane carry the blood group antigens and perform many functions including the vital task of gas exchange. Links between the intramembrane macromolecules and the underlying cytoskeleton stabilize the biconcave morphology of the red cell and allow deformation during microvascular transit. Much is now known about the proteins of the red cell membrane and how they are organised. In many cases we have an understanding of which proteins are expressed, the number of each protein per cell, their oligomeric state(s), and how they are collected in large multi-protein complexes. However, our typical view of these structures is as cartoon shapes in schematic figures. In this study we have combined knowledge of the red cell membrane with a wealth of protein structure data from crystallography, NMR, and homology modelling to generate the first, tentative models of the complexes which link the membrane to the cytoskeleton. Measurement of the size of these complexes and comparison with known cytoskeletal distance parameters suggests the idea of interaction between the membrane complexes, which may have profound implications for understanding red cell function and deformation.

Intertwined αβ spectrin meeting helical actin protofilament in the erythrocyte membrane skeleton: wrap-around vs. point-attachment

Our 3-D model for a junctional complex (JC) in the erythrocyte membrane skeleton proposed that the helical actin protofilament functions as a mechanical axis for three pairs of αβ spectrin (Sp), and each pair wraps around the protofilament in a back-to-back fashion. The distal end of each Sp is further associated with the lipid bilayer by a suspension complex (SC). Here, we detail how splitting and rejoining of αβ Sp around a protofilament may form a loop that sustains and equilibrates tension. Sequential association of β and α Sp solves the challenge of constructing multiple loops along the protofilament, and topological connection facilitates their re-association. The wrap-around model minimizes the strain of the actin binding site on β Sp due to tension, redirection, or sliding of intertwined Sp. Pairing Sp balances the opposing forces and provides a mechanism for elastic recovery. The wrap-around junction thus provides mechanical advantages over a point-attachment junction in maintaining the integrity and functionality of the network. Severing α or β Sp may convert a wrapping-around junction to a point-attachment junction. In that case, a “bow up” motion of JC during deformation may disturb or flip the overlaid lipid bilayer, and mark stressed erythrocytes for phagocytosis.

The origins and evolution of freeze-etch electron microscopy

The introduction of the Balzers freeze-fracture machine by Moor in 1961 had a much greater impact on the advancement of electron microscopy than he could have imagined. Devised originally to circumvent the dangers of classical thin-section techniques, as well as to provide unique en face views of cell membranes, freeze-fracturing proved to be crucial for developing modern concepts of how biological membranes are organized and proved that membranes are bilayers of lipids within which proteins float and self-assemble. Later, when freeze-fracturing was combined with methods for freezing cells that avoided the fixation and cryoprotection steps that Moor still had to use to prepare the samples for his original invention, it became a means for capturing membrane dynamics on the millisecond time-scale, thus allowing a deeper understanding of the functions of biological membranes in living cells as well as their static ultrastructure. Finally, the realization that unfixed, non-cryoprotected samples could be deeply vacuum-etched or even freeze-dried after freeze-fracturing opened up a whole new way to image all the other molecular components of cells besides their membranes and also provided a powerful means to image the interactions of all the cytoplasmic components with the various membranes of the cell. The purpose of this review is to outline the history of these technical developments, to describe how they are being used in electron microscopy today and to suggest how they can be improved in order to further their utility for biological electron microscopy in the future.

Electron microscopy and persistence length analysis of semi-rigid smooth muscle tropomyosin strands

The structural mechanics of tropomyosin are essential determinants of its affinity and positioning on F-actin. Thus, tissue-specific differences among tropomyosin isoforms may influence both access of actin-binding proteins along the actin filaments and the cooperativity of actin-myosin interactions. Here, 40 nm long smooth and striated muscle tropomyosin molecules were rotary-shadowed and compared by means of electron microscopy. Electron microscopy shows that striated muscle tropomyosin primarily consists of single molecules or paired molecules linked end-to-end. In contrast, smooth muscle tropomyosin is more a mixture of varying-length chains of end-to-end polymers. Both isoforms are characterized by gradually bending molecular contours that lack obvious signs of kinking. The flexural stiffness of the tropomyosins was quantified and evaluated. The persistence lengths along the shaft of rotary-shadowed smooth and striated muscle tropomyosin molecules are equivalent to each other (approximately 100 nm) and to values obtained from molecular-dynamics simulations of the tropomyosins; however, the persistence length surrounding the end-to-end linkage is almost twofold higher for smooth compared to cardiac muscle tropomyosin. The tendency of smooth muscle tropomyosin to form semi-rigid polymers with continuous and undampened rigidity may compensate for the lack of troponin-based structural support in smooth muscles and ensure positional fidelity on smooth muscle thin filaments.

Beta-III spectrin mutation L253P associated with spinocerebellar ataxia type 5 interferes with binding to Arp1 and protein trafficking from the Golgi

Spinocerebellar ataxia type 5 (SCA5) is an autosomal dominant neurodegenerative disorder caused by mutations in beta-III spectrin. A mouse lacking full-length beta-III spectrin has a phenotype closely mirroring symptoms of SCA5 patients. Here we report the analysis of heterozygous animals, which show no signs of ataxia or cerebellar degeneration up to 2 years of age. This argues against haploinsufficiency as a disease mechanism and points towards human mutations having a dominant-negative effect on wild-type (WT) beta-III spectrin function. Cell culture studies using beta-III spectrin with a mutation associated with SCA5 (L253P) reveal that mutant protein, instead of being found at the cell membrane, appears trapped in the cytoplasm associated with the Golgi apparatus. Furthermore, L253P beta-III spectrin prevents correct localization of WT beta-III spectrin and prevents EAAT4, a protein known to interact with beta-III spectrin, from reaching the plasma membrane. Interaction of beta-III spectrin with Arp1, a subunit of the dynactin-dynein complex, is also lost with the L253P substitution. Despite intracellular accumulation of proteins, this cellular stress does not induce the unfolded protein response, implying the importance of membrane protein loss in disease pathogenesis. Incubation at lower temperature (25 degrees C) rescues L253P beta-III spectrin interaction with Arp1 and normal protein trafficking to the membrane. These data provide evidence for a dominant-negative effect of an SCA5 mutation and show for the first time that trafficking of both beta-III spectrin and EAAT4 from the Golgi is disrupted through failure of the L253P mutation to interact with Arp1.

Ring-shaped Rad51 paralog protein complexes bind Holliday junctions and replication forks as visualized by electron microscopy

In mammals, there are five Rad51 paralogs that form two distinct complexes in vivo. One complex is composed of Rad51B-Rad51C-Rad51D-Xrcc2 (BCDX2) and the other Rad51C-Xrcc3 (CX3). We co-expressed and purified human BCDX2 and CX3 protein complexes from insect cells and investigated their binding preferences and structure using transmission electron microscopy (TEM). We visualized the binding of BCDX2 and CX3 to DNA templates containing replication forks and Holliday junctions, intermediates observed during DNA replication and recombination, respectively. We show that both complexes bind with exceptionally high specificity to the DNA junctions with little binding observed elsewhere on the DNAs. Further analysis of the structure of free or DNA-bound BCDX2 and CX3 complexes revealed a multimeric ring structure whose subunits are arranged into a flat disc around a central channel. This work provides the first EM visualization of BCDX2 and CX3 binding to Holliday junctions and forked DNAs and suggests the complexes form ring-shaped structures.

Carbon nanocones: wall structure and morphology

Large-scale production of conical carbon nanostructures is possible through pyrolysis of hydrocarbons in a plasma torch process. The resulting carbon cones occur in five distinctly different forms, and disc-shaped particles are produced as well. The structure and properties of these carbon cones and discs have been relatively little explored until now. Here we characterize the structure of these particles using transmission electron microscopy, synchrotron x-ray and electron diffraction. The carbon nanocones are found to exhibit several interesting structural features; instead of having a uniform cross-section, the walls consist of a relatively thin inner graphite-like layer with a non-crystalline envelope, where the amount of the latter can be modified significantly by annealing. The cones appear with a well-defined faceting along the cone edge, demonstrating strict long-range atomic ordering; they also present occasional examples of symmetry breaking, such as two apexes appearing in the same carbon nanocone.

Evolution of spectrin function in cytoskeletal and membrane networks

Spectrin is a cytoskeletal protein thought to have descended from an alpha-actinin-like ancestor. It emerged during evolution of animals to promote integration of cells into tissues by assembling signalling and cell adhesion complexes, by enhancing the mechanical stability of membranes and by promoting assembly of specialized membrane domains. Spectrin functions as an (alphabeta([H]))(2) tetramer that cross-links transmembrane proteins, membrane lipids and the actin cytoskeleton, either directly or via adaptor proteins such as ankyrin and 4.1. In the present paper, I review recent findings on the origins and adaptations in this system. (i) The genome of the choanoflagellate Monosiga brevicollis encodes alpha-, beta- and beta(Heavy)-spectrin, indicating that spectrins evolved in the immediate unicellular precursors of animals. (ii) Ankyrin and 4.1 are not encoded in that genome, indicating that spectrin gained function during subsequent animal evolution. (iii) Protein 4.1 gained a spectrin-binding activity in the evolution of vertebrates. (iv) Interaction of chicken or mammal beta-spectrin with PtdInsP(2) can be regulated by differential mRNA splicing, which can eliminate the PH (pleckstrin homology) domain in betaI- or betaII-spectrins; in the case of mammalian betaII-spectrin, the alternative C-terminal region encodes a phosphorylation site that regulates interaction with alpha-spectrin. (v) In mammalian evolution, the single pre-existing alpha-spectrin gene was duplicated, and one of the resulting pair (alphaI) neo-functionalized for rapid make-and-break of tetramers. I hypothesize that the elasticity of mammalian non-nucleated erythrocytes depends on the dynamic rearrangement of spectrin dimers/tetramers under the shearing forces experienced in circulation.

Membrane domains based on ankyrin and spectrin associated with cell-cell interactions

Nodes of Ranvier and axon initial segments of myelinated nerves, sites of cell-cell contact in early embryos and epithelial cells, and neuromuscular junctions of skeletal muscle all perform physiological functions that depend on clustering of functionally related but structurally diverse ion transporters and cell adhesion molecules within microdomains of the plasma membrane. These specialized cell surface domains appeared at different times in metazoan evolution, involve a variety of cell types, and are populated by distinct membrane-spanning proteins. Nevertheless, recent work has shown that these domains all share on their cytoplasmic surfaces a membrane skeleton comprised of members of the ankyrin and spectrin families. This review will summarize basic features of ankyrins and spectrins, and will discuss emerging evidence that these proteins are key players in a conserved mechanism responsible for assembly and maintenance of physiologically important domains on the surfaces of diverse cells.

Size and shape of protein molecules at the nanometer level determined by sedimentation, gel filtration, and electron microscopy

An important part of characterizing any protein molecule is to determine its size and shape. Sedimentation and gel filtration are hydrodynamic techniques that can be used for this medium resolution structural analysis. This review collects a number of simple calculations that are useful for thinking about protein structure at the nanometer level. Readers are reminded that the Perrin equation is generally not a valid approach to determine the shape of proteins. Instead, a simple guideline is presented, based on the measured sedimentation coefficient and a calculated maximum S, to estimate if a protein is globular or elongated. It is recalled that a gel filtration column fractionates proteins on the basis of their Stokes radius, not molecular weight. The molecular weight can be determined by combining gradient sedimentation and gel filtration, techniques available in most biochemistry laboratories, as originally proposed by Siegel and Monte. Finally, rotary shadowing and negative stain electron microscopy are powerful techniques for resolving the size and shape of single protein molecules and complexes at the nanometer level. A combination of hydrodynamics and electron microscopy is especially powerful.

Malaria parasite proteins that remodel the host erythrocyte

Exported proteins of the malaria parasite Plasmodium falciparum interact with proteins of the erythrocyte membrane and induce substantial changes in the morphology, physiology and function of the host cell. These changes underlie the pathology that is responsible for the deaths of 1-2 million children every year due to malaria infections. The advent of molecular transfection technology, including the ability to generate deletion mutants and to introduce fluorescent reporter proteins that track the locations and dynamics of parasite proteins, has increased our understanding of the processes and machinery for export of proteins in P. falciparum-infected erythrocytes and has provided us with insights into the functions of the parasite protein exportome. We review these developments, focusing on parasite proteins that interact with the erythrocyte membrane skeleton or that promote delivery of the major virulence protein, PfEMP1, to the erythrocyte membrane.

Localization and structure of the ankyrin-binding site on beta2-spectrin

Spectrins are tetrameric actin-cross-linking proteins that form an elastic network, termed the membrane skeleton, on the cytoplasmic surface of cellular membranes. At the plasma membrane, the membrane skeleton provides essential support, preventing loss of membrane material to environmental shear stresses. The skeleton also controls the location, abundance, and activity of membrane proteins that are critical to cell and tissue function. The ability of the skeleton to modulate membrane stability and function requires adaptor proteins that bind the skeleton to membranes. The principal adaptors are the ankyrin proteins, which bind to the beta-subunit of spectrin and to the cytoplasmic domains of numerous integral membrane proteins. Here, we present the crystal structure of the ankyrin-binding domain of human beta2-spectrin at 1.95 A resolution together with mutagenesis data identifying the binding surface for ankyrins on beta2-spectrin.

Adhesive activity of Lu glycoproteins is regulated by interaction with spectrin

The Lutheran (Lu) and Lu(v13) blood group glycoproteins function as receptors for extracellular matrix laminins. Lu and Lu(v13) are linked to the erythrocyte cytoskeleton through a direct interaction with spectrin. However, neither the molecular basis of the interaction nor its functional consequences have previously been delineated. In the present study, we defined the binding motifs of Lu and Lu(v13) on spectrin and identified a functional role for this interaction. We found that the cytoplasmic domains of both Lu and Lu(v13) bound to repeat 4 of the alpha spectrin chain. The interaction of full-length spectrin dimer to Lu and Lu(v13) was inhibited by repeat 4 of alpha-spectrin. Further, resealing of this repeat peptide into erythrocytes led to weakened Lu-cytoskeleton interaction as demonstrated by increased detergent extractability of Lu. Importantly, disruption of the Lu-spectrin linkage was accompanied by enhanced cell adhesion to laminin. We conclude that the interaction of the Lu cytoplasmic tail with the cytoskeleton regulates its adhesive receptor function.

Analysis of the unfolding process of green fluorescent protein by molecular dynamics simulation

Molecular dynamics simulation of the enforced stretching of circularly permuted green fluorescent protein (cpGFP) was performed to observe the detailed process of unfolding of beta-sheets in cpGFP and to clarify the structural change arising from the force. The simulation using the generalized Born method with original force field parameters enabled us to observe the unfolding process of the entire region of the protein and to clarify atom motion of the individual domain during the stretching. The force required for the stretching of cpGFP was estimated from the differential of the computed potential energy. A prominent rise in force appeared three times during the stretching. The amplitude and the position of these three peaks were consistent with the observation in atomic force microscopy (AFM) experiments. Further, the movements of atoms involved in each peak were shown to be closely related to the dissociation of hydrogen bonds. Additional simulations for the unfolding process of titin and spectrin also gave satisfactory interpretation of the results of previous AFM experiments. The difference in the enforced stretching process between cpGFP and wild-type GFP was further discussed through the MD simulation.

Protein 4.1R-dependent multiprotein complex: new insights into the structural organization of the red blood cell membrane

Protein 4.1R (4.1R) is a multifunctional component of the red cell membrane. It forms a ternary complex with actin and spectrin, which defines the nodal junctions of the membrane-skeletal network, and its attachment to the transmembrane protein glycophorin C creates a bridge between the protein network and the membrane bilayer. We now show that deletion of 4.1R in mouse red cells leads to a large diminution of actin accompanied by extensive loss of cytoskeletal lattice structure, with formation of bare areas of membrane. Whereas band 3, the preponderant transmembrane constituent, and proteins known to be associated with it are present in normal or increased amounts, glycophorin C is missing and XK, Duffy, and Rh are much reduced in the 4.1R-deficient cells. The inference that these are associated with 4.1R was borne out by the results of in vitro pull-down assays. Furthermore, whereas Western blot analysis showed normal levels of band 3 and Kell, flow cytometric analysis using an antibody against the extracellular region of band 3 or Kell revealed reduction of these two proteins, suggesting a conformational change of band 3 and Kell epitopes. Taken together, we suggest that 4.1R organizes a macromolecular complex of skeletal and transmembrane proteins at the junctional node and that perturbation of this macromolecular complex not only is responsible for the well characterized membrane instability but may also remodel the red cell surface.

The nuclear envelope as an integrator of nuclear and cytoplasmic architecture

Initially perceived as little more than a container for the genome, our view of the nuclear envelope (NE) and its role in defining global nuclear architecture has evolved significantly in recent years. The recognition that certain human diseases arise from defects in NE components has provided new insight into its structural and regulatory functions. In particular, NE defects associated with striated muscle disease have been shown to cause structural perturbations not just of the nucleus itself but also of the cytoplasm. It is now becoming increasingly apparent that these two compartments display co-dependent mechanical properties. The identification of cytoskeletal binding complexes that localize to the NE now reveals a molecular framework that can seamlessly integrate nuclear and cytoplasmic architecture.

Unique elastic properties of the spectrin tetramer as revealed by multiscale coarse-grained modeling

The force-extension profile of tetrameric spectrin is determined by using multiscale computer simulation. Fluctuation results of atomistic simulations of double spectrin repeat units (DSRU) are used to systematically build a coarse-grained (CG) model for the tetrameric form of spectrin. It is found that the spectrin tetramer can be modeled as a soft polymer with a unique flat force-extension profile over the range of biologically important lengths. It is also concluded that in the cytoskeletal network of the red blood cell the tetramer is in an "overcompressed" state. These findings are in contrast to the commonly used models of spectrin tetramer elasticity, namely the "entropic spring" polymer models. From these results, it is concluded that stable intact helical linker regions are needed to maintain the soft elasticity of the spectrin tetramer.