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Holland ED, Miller HL, Millette MM, Taylor RJ, Drucker GL, Dent EW. A methodology for specific disruption of microtubule polymerization into dendritic spines. Mol Biol Cell 2024; 35:mr3. [PMID: 38630519 PMCID: PMC11238079 DOI: 10.1091/mbc.e24-02-0093] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/27/2024] [Revised: 04/04/2024] [Accepted: 04/12/2024] [Indexed: 05/07/2024] Open
Abstract
Dendritic spines, the mushroom-shaped extensions along dendritic shafts of excitatory neurons, are critical for synaptic function and are one of the first neuronal structures disrupted in neurodevelopmental and neurodegenerative diseases. Microtubule (MT) polymerization into dendritic spines is an activity-dependent process capable of affecting spine shape and function. Studies have shown that MT polymerization into spines occurs specifically in spines undergoing plastic changes. However, discerning the function of MT invasion of dendritic spines requires the specific inhibition of MT polymerization into spines, while leaving MT dynamics in the dendritic shaft, synaptically connected axons and associated glial cells intact. This is not possible with the unrestricted, bath application of pharmacological compounds. To specifically disrupt MT entry into spines we coupled a MT elimination domain (MTED) from the Efa6 protein to the actin filament-binding peptide LifeAct. LifeAct was chosen because actin filaments are highly concentrated in spines and are necessary for MT invasions. Temporally controlled expression of this LifeAct-MTED construct inhibits MT entry into dendritic spines, while preserving typical MT dynamics in the dendrite shaft. Expression of this construct will allow for the determination of the function of MT invasion of spines and more broadly, to discern how MT-actin interactions affect cellular processes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elizabeth D. Holland
- Neuroscience Training Program, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI 53705
| | - Hannah L. Miller
- Neuroscience Training Program, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI 53705
| | - Matthew M. Millette
- Department of Neuroscience, School of Medicine and Public Health, Madison, WI 53705
| | - Russell J. Taylor
- Department of Neuroscience, School of Medicine and Public Health, Madison, WI 53705
| | - Gabrielle L. Drucker
- Department of Neuroscience, School of Medicine and Public Health, Madison, WI 53705
| | - Erik W. Dent
- Department of Neuroscience, School of Medicine and Public Health, Madison, WI 53705
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2
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Lian YL, Lin YC. The emerging tools for precisely manipulating microtubules. Curr Opin Cell Biol 2024; 88:102360. [PMID: 38640790 DOI: 10.1016/j.ceb.2024.102360] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/28/2023] [Revised: 03/25/2024] [Accepted: 03/26/2024] [Indexed: 04/21/2024]
Abstract
Cells generate a highly diverse microtubule network to carry out different activities. This network is comprised of distinct tubulin isotypes, tubulins with different post-translational modifications, and many microtubule-based structures. Defects in this complex system cause numerous human disorders. However, how different microtubule subtypes in this network regulate cellular architectures and activities remains largely unexplored. Emerging tools such as photosensitive pharmaceuticals, chemogenetics, and optogenetics enable the spatiotemporal manipulation of structures, dynamics, post-translational modifications, and cross-linking with actin filaments in target microtubule subtypes. This review summarizes the design rationale and applications of these new approaches and aims to provide a roadmap for researchers navigating the intricacies of microtubule dynamics and their post-translational modifications in cellular contexts, thereby opening new avenues for therapeutic interventions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yen-Ling Lian
- Institute of Molecular Medicine, National Tsing Hua University, Hsinchu, 30013, Taiwan.
| | - Yu-Chun Lin
- Institute of Molecular Medicine, National Tsing Hua University, Hsinchu, 30013, Taiwan; Department of Medical Science, National Tsing Hua University, Hsinchu, 30013, Taiwan.
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3
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Kroll J, Renkawitz J. Principles of organelle positioning in motile and non-motile cells. EMBO Rep 2024; 25:2172-2187. [PMID: 38627564 PMCID: PMC11094012 DOI: 10.1038/s44319-024-00135-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/13/2023] [Revised: 03/15/2024] [Accepted: 04/04/2024] [Indexed: 05/16/2024] Open
Abstract
Cells are equipped with asymmetrically localised and functionally specialised components, including cytoskeletal structures and organelles. Positioning these components to specific intracellular locations in an asymmetric manner is critical for their functionality and affects processes like immune responses, tissue maintenance, muscle functionality, and neurobiology. Here, we provide an overview of strategies to actively move, position, and anchor organelles to specific locations. By conceptualizing the cytoskeletal forces and the organelle-to-cytoskeleton connectivity, we present a framework of active positioning of both membrane-enclosed and membrane-less organelles. Using this framework, we discuss how different principles of force generation and organelle anchorage are utilised by different cells, such as mesenchymal and amoeboid cells, and how the microenvironment influences the plasticity of organelle positioning. Given that motile cells face the challenge of coordinating the positioning of their content with cellular motion, we particularly focus on principles of organelle positioning during migration. In this context, we discuss novel findings on organelle positioning by anchorage-independent mechanisms and their advantages and disadvantages in motile as well as stationary cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Janina Kroll
- Biomedical Center, Walter Brendel Center of Experimental Medicine, Institute of Cardiovascular Physiology and Pathophysiology, Klinikum der Universität, Ludwig Maximilians Universität München, Munich, Germany
| | - Jörg Renkawitz
- Biomedical Center, Walter Brendel Center of Experimental Medicine, Institute of Cardiovascular Physiology and Pathophysiology, Klinikum der Universität, Ludwig Maximilians Universität München, Munich, Germany.
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4
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Beaumale E, Van Hove L, Pintard L, Joly N. Microtubule-binding domains in Katanin p80 subunit are essential for severing activity in C. elegans. J Cell Biol 2024; 223:e202308023. [PMID: 38329452 PMCID: PMC10853069 DOI: 10.1083/jcb.202308023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/03/2023] [Revised: 11/22/2023] [Accepted: 01/09/2024] [Indexed: 02/09/2024] Open
Abstract
Microtubule-severing enzymes (MSEs), such as Katanin, Spastin, and Fidgetin play essential roles in cell division and neurogenesis. They damage the microtubule (MT) lattice, which can either destroy or amplify the MT cytoskeleton, depending on the cellular context. However, little is known about how they interact with their substrates. We have identified the microtubule-binding domains (MTBD) required for Katanin function in C. elegans. Katanin is a heterohexamer of dimers containing a catalytic subunit p60 and a regulatory subunit p80, both of which are essential for female meiotic spindle assembly. Here, we report that p80-like(MEI-2) dictates Katanin binding to MTs via two MTBDs composed of basic patches. Substituting these patches reduces Katanin binding to MTs, compromising its function in female meiotic-spindle assembly. Structural alignments of p80-like(MEI-2) with p80s from different species revealed that the MTBDs are evolutionarily conserved, even if the specific amino acids involved vary. Our findings highlight the critical importance of the regulatory subunit (p80) in providing MT binding to the Katanin complex.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eva Beaumale
- Université Paris Cité, CNRS, Institut Jacques Monod, Paris, France
| | - Lucie Van Hove
- Université Paris Cité, CNRS, Institut Jacques Monod, Paris, France
| | - Lionel Pintard
- Université Paris Cité, CNRS, Institut Jacques Monod, Paris, France
| | - Nicolas Joly
- Université Paris Cité, CNRS, Institut Jacques Monod, Paris, France
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Holland ED, Miller HL, Millette MM, Taylor RJ, Drucker GL, Dent EW. A Methodology for Specific Disruption of Microtubules in Dendritic Spines. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2024:2024.03.04.583370. [PMID: 38496454 PMCID: PMC10942340 DOI: 10.1101/2024.03.04.583370] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/19/2024]
Abstract
Dendritic spines, the mushroom-shaped extensions along dendritic shafts of excitatory neurons, are critical for synaptic function and are one of the first neuronal structures disrupted in neurodevelopmental and neurodegenerative diseases. Microtubule (MT) polymerization into dendritic spines is an activity-dependent process capable of affecting spine shape and function. Studies have shown that MT polymerization into spines occurs specifically in spines undergoing plastic changes. However, discerning the function of MT invasion of dendritic spines requires the specific inhibition of MT polymerization into spines, while leaving MT dynamics in the dendritic shaft, synaptically connected axons and associated glial cells intact. This is not possible with the unrestricted, bath application of pharmacological compounds. To specifically disrupt MT entry into spines we coupled a MT elimination domain (MTED) from the Efa6 protein to the actin filament-binding peptide LifeAct. LifeAct was chosen because actin filaments are highly concentrated in spines and are necessary for MT invasions. Temporally controlled expression of this LifeAct-MTED construct inhibits MT entry into dendritic spines, while preserving typical MT dynamics in the dendrite shaft. Expression of this construct will allow for the determination of the function of MT invasion of spines and more broadly, to discern how MT-actin interactions affect cellular processes.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Hannah L. Miller
- Neuroscience Training Program, University of Wisconsin-Madison, WI 53705
| | - Matthew M. Millette
- Department of Neuroscience, School of Medicine and Public Health, Madison, WI 53705
| | - Russell J. Taylor
- Department of Neuroscience, School of Medicine and Public Health, Madison, WI 53705
| | - Gabrielle L. Drucker
- Department of Neuroscience, School of Medicine and Public Health, Madison, WI 53705
| | - Erik W. Dent
- Department of Neuroscience, School of Medicine and Public Health, Madison, WI 53705
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Xu Y, Wang B, Bush I, Saunders HAJ, Wildonger J, Han C. Light-induced trapping of endogenous proteins reveals spatiotemporal roles of microtubule and kinesin-1 in dendrite patterning of Drosophila sensory neurons. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2023:2023.09.30.560303. [PMID: 37873262 PMCID: PMC10592855 DOI: 10.1101/2023.09.30.560303] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/25/2023]
Abstract
Animal development involves numerous molecular events, whose spatiotemporal properties largely determine the biological outcomes. Conventional methods for studying gene function lack the necessary spatiotemporal resolution for precise dissection of developmental mechanisms. Optogenetic approaches are powerful alternatives, but most existing tools rely on exogenous designer proteins that produce narrow outputs and cannot be applied to diverse or endogenous proteins. To address this limitation, we developed OptoTrap, a light-inducible protein trapping system that allows manipulation of endogenous proteins tagged with GFP or split GFP. This system turns on fast and is reversible in minutes or hours. We generated OptoTrap variants optimized for neurons and epithelial cells and demonstrate effective trapping of endogenous proteins of diverse sizes, subcellular locations, and functions. Furthermore, OptoTrap allowed us to instantly disrupt microtubules and inhibit the kinesin-1 motor in specific dendritic branches of Drosophila sensory neurons. Using OptoTrap, we obtained direct evidence that microtubules support the growth of highly dynamic dendrites. Similarly, targeted manipulation of Kinesin heavy chain revealed differential spatiotemporal requirements of kinesin-1 in the patterning of low- and high-order dendritic branches, suggesting that different cargos are needed for the growth of these branches. OptoTrap allows for precise manipulation of endogenous proteins in a spatiotemporal manner and thus holds great promise for studying developmental mechanisms in a wide range of cell types and developmental stages.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yineng Xu
- Weill Institute for Cell and Molecular Biology, Department of Molecular Biology and Genetics, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY 14853, USA
| | - Bei Wang
- Weill Institute for Cell and Molecular Biology, Department of Molecular Biology and Genetics, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY 14853, USA
| | - Inle Bush
- Weill Institute for Cell and Molecular Biology, Department of Molecular Biology and Genetics, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY 14853, USA
| | - Harriet AJ Saunders
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Wisconsin-Madison, 440 Henry Mall, Madison, WI 53706, USA
| | - Jill Wildonger
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Wisconsin-Madison, 440 Henry Mall, Madison, WI 53706, USA
- Pediatrics Department and Biological Sciences Division, Section of Cell and Developmental Biology, University of California, San Diego, 9500 Gilman Drive, La Jolla, CA 92093, USA
| | - Chun Han
- Weill Institute for Cell and Molecular Biology, Department of Molecular Biology and Genetics, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY 14853, USA
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7
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Quiogue AR, Sumiyoshi E, Fries A, Chuang CH, Bowerman B. Microtubules oppose cortical actomyosin-driven membrane ingression during C. elegans meiosis I polar body extrusion. PLoS Genet 2023; 19:e1010984. [PMID: 37782660 PMCID: PMC10569601 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pgen.1010984] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/22/2023] [Revised: 10/12/2023] [Accepted: 09/19/2023] [Indexed: 10/04/2023] Open
Abstract
During C. elegans oocyte meiosis I cytokinesis and polar body extrusion, cortical actomyosin is locally remodeled to assemble a contractile ring that forms within and remains part of a much larger and actively contractile cortical actomyosin network. This network both mediates contractile ring dynamics and generates shallow ingressions throughout the oocyte cortex during polar body extrusion. Based on our analysis of requirements for CLS-2, a member of the CLASP family of proteins that stabilize microtubules, we recently proposed that a balance of actomyosin-mediated tension and microtubule-mediated stiffness limits membrane ingression throughout the oocyte during meiosis I polar body extrusion. Here, using live cell imaging and fluorescent protein fusions, we show that CLS-2 is part of a group of kinetochore proteins, including the scaffold KNL-1 and the kinase BUB-1, that also co-localize during meiosis I to structures called linear elements, which are present within the assembling oocyte spindle and also are distributed throughout the oocyte in proximity to, but appearing to underlie, the actomyosin cortex. We further show that KNL-1 and BUB-1, like CLS-2, promote the proper organization of sub-cortical microtubules and also limit membrane ingression throughout the oocyte. Moreover, nocodazole or taxol treatment to destabilize or stabilize oocyte microtubules leads to, respectively, excess or decreased membrane ingression throughout the oocyte. Furthermore, taxol treatment, and genetic backgrounds that elevate the levels of cortically associated microtubules, both suppress excess membrane ingression in cls-2 mutant oocytes. We propose that linear elements influence the organization of sub-cortical microtubules to generate a stiffness that limits cortical actomyosin-driven membrane ingression throughout the oocyte during meiosis I polar body extrusion. We discuss the possibility that this regulation of sub-cortical microtubule dynamics facilitates actomyosin contractile ring dynamics during C. elegans oocyte meiosis I cell division.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alyssa R. Quiogue
- Institute of Molecular Biology, University of Oregon, Eugen, Oregon, United States of America
| | - Eisuke Sumiyoshi
- Institute of Molecular Biology, University of Oregon, Eugen, Oregon, United States of America
| | - Adam Fries
- Institute of Molecular Biology, University of Oregon, Eugen, Oregon, United States of America
- Imaging Core, Office of the Vice President for Research University of Oregon, Eugene, Oregon, United States of America
| | - Chien-Hui Chuang
- Institute of Molecular Biology, University of Oregon, Eugen, Oregon, United States of America
| | - Bruce Bowerman
- Institute of Molecular Biology, University of Oregon, Eugen, Oregon, United States of America
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8
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Quiogue AR, Sumiyoshi E, Fries A, Chuang CH, Bowerman B. Cortical microtubules oppose actomyosin-driven membrane ingression during C. elegans meiosis I polar body extrusion. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2023:2023.05.26.542508. [PMID: 37292632 PMCID: PMC10245968 DOI: 10.1101/2023.05.26.542508] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
During C. elegans oocyte meiosis I, cortical actomyosin is locally remodeled to assemble a contractile ring near the spindle. In contrast to mitosis, when most cortical actomyosin converges into a contractile ring, the small oocyte ring forms within and remains part of a much larger and actively contractile cortical actomyosin network. This network both mediates contractile ring dynamics and generates shallow ingressions throughout the oocyte cortex during polar body extrusion. Based on our analysis of requirements for CLS-2, a member of the CLASP family of proteins that stabilize microtubules, we recently proposed that a balance of actomyosin-mediated tension and microtubule-mediated stiffness are required for contractile ring assembly within the oocyte cortical actomyosin network. Here, using live cell imaging and fluorescent protein fusions, we show that CLS-2 is part of a complex of kinetochore proteins, including the scaffold KNL-1 and the kinase BUB-1, that also co-localize to patches distributed throughout the oocyte cortex during meiosis I. By reducing their function, we further show that KNL-1 and BUB-1, like CLS-2, are required for cortical microtubule stability, to limit membrane ingression throughout the oocyte, and for meiotic contractile ring assembly and polar body extrusion. Moreover, nocodazole or taxol treatment to destabilize or stabilize oocyte microtubules, respectively, leads to excess or decreased membrane ingression throughout the oocyte and defective polar body extrusion. Finally, genetic backgrounds that elevate cortical microtubule levels suppress the excess membrane ingression in cls-2 mutant oocytes. These results support our hypothesis that CLS-2, as part of a sub-complex of kinetochore proteins that also co-localize to patches throughout the oocyte cortex, stabilizes microtubules to stiffen the oocyte cortex and limit membrane ingression throughout the oocyte, thereby facilitating contractile ring dynamics and the successful completion of polar body extrusion during meiosis I.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Adam Fries
- Institute of Molecular Biology
- Imaging Core, Office of the Vice President for Research, University of Oregon, Eugene, OR USA 97403
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9
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Sittewelle M, Ferrandiz N, Fesenko M, Royle SJ. Genetically encoded imaging tools for investigating cell dynamics at a glance. J Cell Sci 2023; 136:jcs260783. [PMID: 37039102 DOI: 10.1242/jcs.260783] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/12/2023] Open
Abstract
The biology of a cell is the sum of many highly dynamic processes, each orchestrated by a plethora of proteins and other molecules. Microscopy is an invaluable approach to spatially and temporally dissect the molecular details of these processes. Hundreds of genetically encoded imaging tools have been developed that allow cell scientists to determine the function of a protein of interest in the context of these dynamic processes. Broadly, these tools fall into three strategies: observation, inhibition and activation. Using examples for each strategy, in this Cell Science at a Glance and the accompanying poster, we provide a guide to using these tools to dissect protein function in a given cellular process. Our focus here is on tools that allow rapid modification of proteins of interest and how observing the resulting changes in cell states is key to unlocking dynamic cell processes. The aim is to inspire the reader's next set of imaging experiments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Méghane Sittewelle
- Centre for Mechanochemical Cell Biology, Division of Biomedical Sciences, Warwick Medical School, University of Warwick, Coventry CV4 7AL, UK
| | - Nuria Ferrandiz
- Centre for Mechanochemical Cell Biology, Division of Biomedical Sciences, Warwick Medical School, University of Warwick, Coventry CV4 7AL, UK
| | - Mary Fesenko
- Centre for Mechanochemical Cell Biology, Division of Biomedical Sciences, Warwick Medical School, University of Warwick, Coventry CV4 7AL, UK
| | - Stephen J Royle
- Centre for Mechanochemical Cell Biology, Division of Biomedical Sciences, Warwick Medical School, University of Warwick, Coventry CV4 7AL, UK
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