Integrin trafficking regulated by Rab21 is necessary for cytokinesis

Are vacuolar dynamics crucial factors for plant cell division and differentiation?

Vacuoles are the largest membrane-bound organelles in plant cells, critical for development and environmental responses. Vacuolar dynamics indicate reversible changes of vacuoles in morphology, size, or numbers. In this review, we summarize current understandings of vacuolar dynamics in different types of plant cells, biological processes associated with vacuolar dynamics, and regulators controlling vacuolar dynamics. Specifically, we point out the possibility that vacuolar dynamics play key roles in cell division and differentiation, which are controlled by the nucleus. Finally, we propose three routes through which vacuolar dynamics actively participate in nucleus-controlled cellular activities.

Loss of RAB25 Cooperates with Oncogenes in the Transformation of Human Mammary Epithelial Cells (HMECs) to Give Rise to Claudin-Low Tumors

The loss of RAB25 expression-RAS superfamily of GTPase characteristic of numerous breast cancers-corresponds with H-RAS point mutations, particularly in triple-negative breast cancers (TNBC), a subtype associated with a poor prognosis. To address the poorly understood factors dictating the progression of TNBC tumors, we examine the cooperative effects that loss of RAB25 expression in human mammary epithelial cell (HMEC) lines with H-RAS mutations confers in tumorigenesis. HMECs were immortalized by transduction with LXSN CDK4 R24C, a mutant form of cyclin-dependent kinase, followed by transduction with hTERT, a catalytic subunit of the telomerase enzyme. We found that with the loss of RAB25 and overexpression of mutant H-RAS61L, immortal HMECs transformed toward anchorage-independent growth and acquired an increased ability to migrate. Furthermore, cells express low CD24, high CD44, and low claudin levels, indicating stem-like properties upon transformation. Besides, loss of RAB25 and overexpression of H-RAS61L resulted in increased expression of transcription factors Snail and Slug that drive these cells to lose E-cadherin and undergo epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT). This study confirms that loss of RAB25 and overexpression of mutant H-RAS can drive HMECs toward a mesenchymal stem-like state. Our findings reveal that RAB25 functions as a tumor suppressor gene, and loss of RAB25 could serve as a novel biomarker of the claudin-low type of TNBC.

The Role of Rab GTPases in the development of genetic and malignant diseases

Small GTPases have been shown to play an important role in several cellular functions, including cytoskeletal remodeling, cell polarity, intracellular trafficking, cell-cycle, progression and lipid transformation. The Ras-associated binding (Rab) family of GTPases constitutes the largest family of GTPases and consists of almost 70 known members of small GTPases in humans, which are known to play an important role in the regulation of intracellular membrane trafficking, membrane identity, vesicle budding, uncoating, motility and fusion of membranes. Mutations in Rab genes can cause a wide range of inherited genetic diseases, ranging from neurodegenerative diseases, such as Parkinson's disease (PD) and Alzheimer's disease (AD) to immune dysregulation/deficiency syndromes, like Griscelli Syndrome Type II (GS-II) and hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis (HLH), as well as a variety of cancers. Here, we provide an extended overview of human Rabs, discussing their function and diseases related to Rabs and Rab effectors, as well as focusing on effects of (aberrant) Rab expression. We aim to underline their importance in health and the development of genetic and malignant diseases by assessing their role in cellular structure, regulation, function and biology and discuss the possible use of stem cell gene therapy, as well as targeting of Rabs in order to treat malignancies, but also to monitor recurrence of cancer and metastasis through the use of Rabs as biomarkers. Future research should shed further light on the roles of Rabs in the development of multifactorial diseases, such as diabetes and assess Rabs as a possible treatment target.

Tissue-specific antioxidative response and metabolism of paralytic shellfish toxins in scallop (Chlamys farreri) mantle with Alexandrium dinoflagellate exposure

Bivalves show remarkable capacity to acclimate paralytic shellfish toxins (PSTs) produced by dinoflagellates, severely affecting fishery industry and public health. Here, transcriptomic response to PSTs-producing dinoflagellate (Alexandrium minutum) was investigated in Zhikong scallop (Chlamys farreri) mantle. The PSTs accumulated in C. farreri mantle continually increased during the 15 days exposure, with "oxidation-reduction" genes induced compared to the control group at the 1st and 15th day. Through gene co-expression network analysis, 16 PSTs-responsive modules were enriched with up- or down-regulated genes. The concentration of GTXs, major PSTs in A. minutum and accumulated in scallops, was correlated with the up-regulated magenta module, enriching peroxisome genes as the potential mantle-specific PSTs biomarker. Moreover, Hsp70B2s were inhibited throughout the exposure, which together with the expanded neurotransmitter transporter SLC6As, may play essential roles on neurotransmitter homeostasis in scallop mantle. These results paved the way for a comprehensive understanding of defensive mechanism and homeostatic response in scallop mantle against PSTs.

Assembly, dynamics and remodeling of epithelial cell junctions throughout development

Cell junctions play key roles in epithelial integrity. During development, when epithelia undergo extensive morphogenesis, these junctions must be remodeled in order to maintain mechanochemical barriers and ensure the cohesion of the tissue. In this Review, we present a comprehensive and integrated description of junctional remodeling mechanisms in epithelial cells during development, from embryonic to adult epithelia. We largely focus on Drosophila, as quantitative analyses in this organism have provided a detailed characterization of the molecular mechanisms governing cell topologies, and discuss the conservation of these mechanisms across metazoans. We consider how changes at the molecular level translate to tissue-scale irreversible deformations, exploring the composition and assembly of cellular interfaces to unveil how junctions are remodeled to preserve tissue homeostasis during cell division, intercalation, invagination, ingression and extrusion.

The Regulatory Mechanism of Rab21 in Human Diseases

Rab proteins are important components of small GTPases and play crucial roles in regulating intracellular transportation and cargo delivery. Maintaining the proper functions of Rab proteins is essential for normal cellular activities such as cell signaling, division, and survival. Due to their vital and irreplaceable role in regulating intracellular vesicle transportation, accumulated researches have shown that the abnormalities of Rab proteins and their effectors are closely related to human diseases. Here, this review focused on Rab21, a member of the Rab family, and introduced the structures and functions of Rab21, as well as the regulatory mechanisms of Rab21 in human diseases, including neurodegenerative diseases, cancer, and inflammation. In summary, we described in detail the role of Rab21 in human diseases and provide insights into the potential of Rab21 as a therapeutic target for diseases.

The phosphatidylinositol (4,5)-bisphosphate-Rab35 axis regulates migrasome formation

Migrasomes are recently discovered organelles, which are formed on the ends or branch points of retraction fibers at the trailing edge of migrating cells. Previously, we showed that recruitment of integrins to the site of migrasome formation is essential for migrasome biogenesis. In this study, we found that prior to migrasome formation, PIP5K1A, a PI4P kinase which converts PI4P into PI(4,5)P2, is recruited to migrasome formation sites. The recruitment of PIP5K1A results in generation of PI(4,5)P2 at the migrasome formation site. Once accumulated, PI(4,5)P2 recruits Rab35 to the migrasome formation site by interacting with the C-terminal polybasic cluster of Rab35. We further demonstrated that active Rab35 promotes migrasome formation by recruiting and concentrating integrin α5 at migrasome formation sites, which is likely mediated by the interaction between integrin α5 and Rab35. Our study identifies the upstream signaling events orchestrating migrasome biogenesis.

Vesicle-mediated transport of ALIX and ESCRT-III to the intercellular bridge during cytokinesis

Cellular abscission is the final step of cytokinesis that leads to the physical separation of the two daughter cells. The scaffold protein ALIX and the ESCRT-I protein TSG101 contribute to recruiting ESCRT-III to the midbody, which orchestrates the final membrane scission of the intercellular bridge. Here, we addressed the transport mechanisms of ALIX and ESCRT-III subunit CHMP4B to the midbody. Structured illumination microscopy revealed gradual accumulation of ALIX at the midbody, resulting in the formation of spiral-like structures extending from the midbody to the abscission site, which strongly co-localized with CHMP4B. Live-cell microscopy uncovered that ALIX appeared together with CHMP4B in vesicular structures, whose motility was microtubule-dependent. Depletion of ALIX led to structural alterations of the midbody and delayed recruitment of CHMP4B, resulting in delayed abscission. Likewise, depletion of the kinesin-1 motor KIF5B reduced the motility of ALIX-positive vesicles and delayed midbody recruitment of ALIX, TSG101 and CHMP4B, accompanied by impeded abscission. We propose that ALIX, TSG101 and CHMP4B are associated with endosomal vesicles transported on microtubules by kinesin-1 to the cytokinetic bridge and midbody, thereby contributing to their function in abscission.

RAB21 controls autophagy and cellular energy homeostasis by regulating retromer-mediated recycling of SLC2A1/GLUT1

The endosomal system maintains cellular homeostasis by coordinating multiple vesicular trafficking events, and the retromer complex plays a critical role in endosomal cargo recognition and sorting. Here, we demonstrate an essential role for the small GTPase RAB21 in regulating retromer-mediated recycling of the glucose transporter SLC2A1/GLUT1 and macroautophagy/autophagy. RAB21 depletion mis-sorts SLC2A1 to lysosomes and affects glucose uptake, thereby activating the AMPK-ULK1 pathway to increase autophagic flux. RAB21 depletion also increases lysosome function. Notably, RAB21 depletion does not overtly affect retrograde transport of IGF2R/CI-M6PR or WLS from endosomes to the trans-Golgi network. We speculate that RAB21 regulates fission of retromer-decorated endosomal tubules, as RAB21 depletion causes accumulation of the SNX27-containing retromer complex on enlarged endosomes at the perinuclear region. Functionally, RAB21 depletion sensitizes cancer cells to energy stress and inhibits tumor growth in vivo, suggesting an oncogenic role for RAB21. Overall, our study illuminates the role of RAB21 in regulating endosomal dynamics and maintaining cellular energy homeostasis and suggests RAB21 as a potential metabolic target for cancer therapy.

An overview of receptor endocytosis and signaling

Endocytosis is a cellular process which mediates receptor internalization, nutrient uptake, and the regulation of cell signaling. Microorganisms (many bacteria and viruses) and toxins also use the same process and enter the cells. Generally, endocytosis is considered in the three forms such as phagocytosis (cell eating), pinocytosis (cell drinking), and highly selective receptor-mediated endocytosis (clathrin-dependent and independent). Several endocytic routes exist in an analogous, achieving diverse functions. Most studies on endocytosis have used transformed cells in culture. To visualize the receptor internalization, trafficking, and signaling in subcellular organelles, a green fluorescent protein-tagged receptor has been utilized. It also helps to visualize the endocytosis effects in live-cell imaging. Confocal laser microscopy increases our understanding of receptor endocytosis and signaling. Site-directed mutagenesis studies demonstrated that many short-sequence motifs of the cytoplasmic domain of receptors significantly play a vital role in receptor internalization, subcellular trafficking, and signaling. However, other factors also regulate receptor internalization through clathrin-coated vesicles. Receptor endocytosis can occur through clathrin-dependent and clathrin-independent pathways. This chapter briefly discusses the internalization, trafficking, and signaling of various receptors in normal conditions. In addition, it also highlights the malfunction of the receptor in disease conditions.

Integrin receptor trafficking in health and disease

Integrins are a family of 24 different heterodimers that are indispensable for multicellular life. Cell polarity, adhesion and migration are controlled by integrins delivered to the cell surface which in turn is regulated by the exo- and endocytic trafficking of integrins. The deep integration between trafficking and cell signaling determines the spatial and temporal output from any biochemical cue. Integrin trafficking plays a key role in development and many pathological conditions, especially cancer. Several novel regulators of integrin traffic have been discovered in recent times, including a novel class of integrin carrying vesicles, the intracellular nanovesicles (INVs). The tight regulation of trafficking pathways by cell signaling, where kinases phosphorylate key small GTPases in the trafficking pathway enable coordination of cell response to the extracellular milieu. Integrin heterodimer expression and trafficking differ in different tissues and contexts. In this Chapter, we discuss recent studies on integrin trafficking and its contribution to normal physiological and pathophysiological states.

Receptor biology: Challenges and opportunities

Receptor biology provides a great opportunity to understand the ligand-receptor signaling involved in health and disease processes. Receptor endocytosis and signaling play a vital role in health conditions. Receptor-based signaling is the main form of communication between cells and cells with the environment. However, if any irregularities happen during these events, the consequences of pathophysiological conditions occur. Various methods are utilized to know structure, function, and regulation of receptor proteins. Further, live-cell imaging and genetic manipulations have aided in the understanding of receptor internalization, subcellular trafficking, signaling, metabolic degradation, etc. Understanding the genetics, biochemistry, and physiology of receptors and ligands is very helpful to explore various aspects such as prognosis, diagnosis, and treatment of disease. However, there are enormous challenges that exist to explore receptor biology further. This chapter briefly discusses the current challenges and emerging opportunities of receptor biology.

Contribution of integrin adhesion to cytokinetic abscission and genomic integrity

Recent research shows that integrin-mediated adhesion contributes to the regulation of cell division at two key steps: the formation of the mitotic spindle at the mitotic entry and the final cytokinetic abscission at the mitotic exit. Failure in either of these processes will have a direct impact on the other in each round of the cell cycle and on the genomic integrity. This review aims to present how integrin signals are involved at these cell cycle stages under normal conditions and some safety mechanisms that may counteract the generation of aneuploid cells in cases of defective integrin signals.

Lipid Polarization during Cytokinesis

The plasma membrane of eukaryotic cells is composed of a large number of lipid species that are laterally segregated into functional domains as well as asymmetrically distributed between the outer and inner leaflets. Additionally, the spatial distribution and organization of these lipids dramatically change in response to various cellular states, such as cell division, differentiation, and apoptosis. Division of one cell into two daughter cells is one of the most fundamental requirements for the sustenance of growth in all living organisms. The successful completion of cytokinesis, the final stage of cell division, is critically dependent on the spatial distribution and organization of specific lipids. In this review, we discuss the properties of various lipid species associated with cytokinesis and the mechanisms involved in their polarization, including forward trafficking, endocytic recycling, local synthesis, and cortical flow models. The differences in lipid species requirements and distribution in mitotic vs. male meiotic cells will be discussed. We will concentrate on sphingolipids and phosphatidylinositols because their transbilayer organization and movement may be linked via the cytoskeleton and thus critically regulate various steps of cytokinesis.

Cell Cycle Regulation by Integrin-Mediated Adhesion

Cell cycle and cell adhesion are two interdependent cellular processes regulating each other, reciprocally, in every cell cycle phase. The cell adhesion to the extracellular matrix (ECM) via integrin receptors triggers signaling pathways required for the cell cycle progression; the passage from the G1 to S phase and the completion of cytokinesis are the best-understood events. Growing evidence, however, suggests more adhesion-dependent regulatory aspects of the cell cycle, particularly during G2 to M transition and early mitosis. Conversely, the cell cycle machinery regulates cell adhesion in manners recently shown driven mainly by cyclin-dependent kinase 1 (CDK1). This review summarizes the recent findings regarding the role of integrin-mediated cell adhesion and its downstream signaling components in regulating the cell cycle, emphasizing the cell cycle progression through the G2 and early M phases. Further investigations are required to raise our knowledge about the molecular mechanisms of crosstalk between cell adhesion and the cell cycle in detail.

Pathways of integrins in the endo-lysosomal system

In this review, we present recent scientific advances about integrin trafficking in the endo-lysosomal system. In the last few years, plenty of new information has emerged about the endo-lysosomal system, integrins, and the mechanism, how exactly the intracellular trafficking of integrins is regulated. We review the internalization and recycling pathways of integrins, and we provide information about the possible ways of lysosomal degradation through the endosomal and autophagic system. The regulation of integrin internalization and recycling proved to be a complex process worth studying. Trafficking of integrins, together with the regulation of their gene expression, defines cellular adhesion and cellular migration through bidirectional signalization and ligand binding. Thus, any malfunction in this system can potentially (but not necessarily) lead to tumorigenesis or metastasis. Hence, extensive examinations of integrins in the endo-lysosomal system raise the possibility to identify potential new medical targets. Furthermore, this knowledge can also serve as a basis for further determination of integrin signaling- and adhesion-related processes.

Cargo-specific recruitment in clathrin- and dynamin-independent endocytosis

Spatially controlled, cargo-specific endocytosis is essential for development, tissue homeostasis and cancer invasion. Unlike cargo-specific clathrin-mediated endocytosis, the clathrin- and dynamin-independent endocytic pathway (CLIC-GEEC, CG pathway) is considered a bulk internalization route for the fluid phase, glycosylated membrane proteins and lipids. While the core molecular players of CG-endocytosis have been recently defined, evidence of cargo-specific adaptors or selective uptake of proteins for the pathway are lacking. Here we identify the actin-binding protein Swiprosin-1 (Swip1, EFHD2) as a cargo-specific adaptor for CG-endocytosis. Swip1 couples active Rab21-associated integrins with key components of the CG-endocytic machinery-Arf1, IRSp53 and actin-and is critical for integrin endocytosis. Through this function, Swip1 supports integrin-dependent cancer-cell migration and invasion, and is a negative prognostic marker in breast cancer. Our results demonstrate a previously unknown cargo selectivity for the CG pathway and a role for specific adaptors in recruitment into this endocytic route.

The role of host cell Rab GTPases in influenza A virus infections

Influenza A virus (IAV) is a crucial cause of respiratory infections in humans worldwide. Therefore, studies should clarify adaptation mechanisms of IAV and critical factors of the viral pathogenesis in human hosts. GTPases of the Rab family are the largest branch of the Ras-like small GTPase superfamily, and they regulate almost every step during vesicle-mediated trafficking. Evidence has shown that Rab proteins participate in the lifecycle of IAV. In this mini-review, we outline the regulatory mechanisms of different Rab proteins in the lifecycle of IAV. Understanding the role of Rab proteins in IAV infections is important to develop broad-spectrum host-targeted antiviral strategies.

Cyclin-dependent Kinase 1 and Aurora Kinase choreograph mitotic storage and redistribution of a growth factor receptor

Endosomal trafficking of receptors and associated proteins plays a critical role in signal processing. Until recently, it was thought that trafficking was shut down during cell division. Thus, remarkably, the regulation of trafficking during division remains poorly characterized. Here we delineate the role of mitotic kinases in receptor trafficking during asymmetric division. Targeted perturbations reveal that Cyclin-dependent Kinase 1 (CDK1) and Aurora Kinase promote storage of Fibroblast Growth Factor Receptors (FGFRs) by suppressing endosomal degradation and recycling pathways. As cells progress through metaphase, loss of CDK1 activity permits differential degradation and targeted recycling of stored receptors, leading to asymmetric induction. Mitotic receptor storage, as delineated in this study, may facilitate rapid reestablishment of signaling competence in nascent daughter cells. However, mutations that limit or enhance the release of stored signaling components could alter daughter cell fate or behavior thereby promoting oncogenesis.

This study provides fundamental insights into the crosstalk between cell division and signaling, with implications for cancer. High-resolution in vivo analysis reveals that dividing cells sequester signal receptor proteins into internal compartments; stored receptors are then redistributed as cells complete division.

Genome-wide association studies in Samoans give insight into the genetic architecture of fasting serum lipid levels

The current understanding of the genetic architecture of lipids has largely come from genome-wide association studies (GWAS). To date, few GWAS have examined the genetic architecture of lipids in Polynesians, and none have in Samoans, whose unique population history, including many population bottlenecks, may provide insight into the biological foundations of variation in lipid levels. Here we performed a GWAS of four fasting serum lipid levels: total cholesterol (TC), high-density lipoprotein (HDL), low-density lipoprotein (LDL), and triglycerides (TG) in a sample of 2849 Samoans, with validation genotyping for associations in a replication cohort comprising 1798 Samoans and American Samoans. We identified multiple genome-wide significant associations (P < 5 × 10^-8) previously seen in other populations-APOA1 with TG, CETP with HDL, and APOE with TC and LDL-and several suggestive associations (P < 1 × 10^-5), including an association of variants downstream of MGAT1 and RAB21 with HDL. However, we observed different association signals for variants near APOE than what has been previously reported in non-Polynesian populations. The association with several known lipid loci combined with the newly identified associations with variants near MGAT1 and RAB21 suggest that while some of the genetic architecture of lipids is shared between Samoans and other populations, part of the genetic architecture may be Polynesian-specific.

Comprehensive Analysis of Expression, Clinicopathological Association and Potential Prognostic Significance of RABs in Pancreatic Cancer

RAB proteins (RABs) represent the largest subfamily of Ras-like small GTPases that regulate a wide variety of endosomal membrane transport pathways. Their aberrant expression has been demonstrated in various malignancies and implicated in pathogenesis. Using The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) database, we analyzed the differential expression and clinicopathological association of RAB genes in pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC). Of the 62 RAB genes analyzed, five (RAB3A, RAB26, RAB25, RAB21, and RAB22A) exhibited statistically significant upregulation, while five (RAB6B, RAB8B, RABL2A, RABL2B, and RAB32) were downregulated in PDAC as compared to the normal pancreas. Racially disparate expression was also reported for RAB3A, RAB25, and RAB26. However, no clear trend of altered expression was observed with increasing stage and grade, age, and gender of the patients. PDAC from occasional drinkers had significantly higher expression of RAB21 compared to daily or weekly drinkers, whereas RAB25 expression was significantly higher in social drinkers, compared to occasional ones. The expression of RABL2A was significantly reduced in PDAC from diabetic patients, whereas RAB26 was significantly lower in pancreatitis patients. More importantly, a significant association of high expression of RAB21, RAB22A, and RAB25, and low expression of RAB6B, RABL2A, and RABL2B was observed with poorer survival of PC patients. Together, our study suggests potential diagnostic and prognostic significance of RABs in PDAC, warranting further investigations to define their functional and mechanistic significance.

Conformationally active integrin endocytosis and traffic: why, where, when and how?

Spatiotemporal control of integrin-mediated cell adhesion to the extracellular matrix (ECM) is critical for physiological and pathological events in multicellular organisms, such as embryonic development, angiogenesis, platelet aggregation, leukocytes extravasation, and cancer cell metastatic dissemination. Regulation of integrin adhesive function and signaling relies on the modulation of both conformation and traffic. Indeed, integrins exist in a dynamic equilibrium between a bent/closed (inactive) and an extended/open (active) conformation, respectively endowed with low and high affinity for ECM ligands. Increasing evidence proves that, differently to what hypothesized in the past, detachment from the ECM and conformational inactivation are not mandatory for integrin to get endocytosed and trafficked. Specific transmembrane and cytosolic proteins involved in the control of ECM proteolytic fragment-bound active integrin internalization and recycling exist. In the complex masterplan that governs cell behavior, active integrin traffic is key to the turnover of ECM polymers and adhesion sites, the polarized secretion of endogenous ECM proteins and modifying enzymes, the propagation of motility and survival endosomal signals, and the control of cell metabolism.

Traction forces at the cytokinetic ring regulate cell division and polyploidy in the migrating zebrafish epicardium

Epithelial repair and regeneration are driven by collective cell migration and division. Both cellular functions involve tightly controlled mechanical events, but how physical forces regulate cell division in migrating epithelia is largely unknown. Here we show that cells dividing in the migrating zebrafish epicardium exert large cell-extracellular matrix (ECM) forces during cytokinesis. These forces point towards the division axis and are exerted through focal adhesions that connect the cytokinetic ring to the underlying ECM. When subjected to high loading rates, these cytokinetic focal adhesions prevent closure of the contractile ring, leading to multi-nucleation through cytokinetic failure. By combining a clutch model with experiments on substrates of different rigidity, ECM composition and ligand density, we show that failed cytokinesis is triggered by adhesion reinforcement downstream of increased myosin density. The mechanical interaction between the cytokinetic ring and the ECM thus provides a mechanism for the regulation of cell division and polyploidy that may have implications in regeneration and cancer.

Septin and Ras regulate cytokinetic abscission in detached cells

Background

Integrin-mediated adhesion is normally required for cytokinetic abscission, and failure in the process can generate potentially oncogenic tetraploid cells. Here, detachment-induced formation of oncogenic tetraploid cells was analyzed in non-transformed human BJ fibroblasts and BJ expressing SV40LT (BJ-LT) ± overactive HRas.

Results

In contrast to BJ and BJ-LT cells, non-adherent BJ-LT-Ras cells recruited ALIX and CHMP4B to the midbody and divided. In detached BJ and BJ-LT cells regression of the cytokinetic furrow was suppressed by intercellular bridge-associated septin; after re-adhesion these cells divided by cytofission, however, some cells became bi-nucleated because of septin reorganization and furrow regression. Adherent bi-nucleated BJ cells became senescent in G1 with p21 accumulation in the nucleus, apparently due to p53 activation since adherent bi-nucleated BJ-LT cells passed through next cell cycle and divided into mono-nucleated tetraploids; the two centrosomes present in bi-nucleated BJ cells fused after furrow regression, pointing to the PIDDosome pathway as a possible mechanism for the p53 activation.

Conclusions

Several mechanisms prevent detached normal cells from generating tumor-causing tetraploid cells unless they have a suppressed p53 response by viruses, mutation or inflammation. Importantly, activating Ras mutations promote colony growth of detached transformed cells by inducing anchorage-independent cytokinetic abscission in single cells.

Connections between the cell cycle, cell adhesion and the cytoskeleton

Cell division, the purpose of which is to enable cell replication, and in particular to distribute complete, accurate copies of genetic material to daughter cells, is essential for the propagation of life. At a morphological level, division not only necessitates duplication of cellular structures, but it also relies on polar segregation of this material followed by physical scission of the parent cell. For these fundamental changes in cell shape and positioning to be achieved, mechanisms are required to link the cell cycle to the modulation of cytoarchitecture. Outside of mitosis, the three main cytoskeletal networks not only endow cells with a physical cytoplasmic skeleton, but they also provide a mechanism for spatio-temporal sensing via integrin-associated adhesion complexes and site-directed delivery of cargoes. During mitosis, some interphase functions are retained, but the architecture of the cytoskeleton changes dramatically, and there is a need to generate a mitotic spindle for chromosome segregation. An economical solution is to re-use existing cytoskeletal molecules: transcellular actin stress fibres remodel to create a rigid cortex and a cytokinetic furrow, while unipolar radial microtubules become the primary components of the bipolar spindle. This remodelling implies the existence of specific mechanisms that link the cell-cycle machinery to the control of adhesion and the cytoskeleton. In this article, we review the intimate three-way connection between microenvironmental sensing, adhesion signalling and cell proliferation, particularly in the contexts of normal growth control and aberrant tumour progression. As the morphological changes that occur during mitosis are ancient, the mechanisms linking the cell cycle to the cytoskeleton/adhesion signalling network are likely to be primordial in nature and we discuss recent advances that have elucidated elements of this link. A particular focus is the connection between CDK1 and cell adhesion. This article is part of a discussion meeting issue 'Forces in cancer: interdisciplinary approaches in tumour mechanobiology'.

APEX2-mediated RAB proximity labeling identifies a role for RAB21 in clathrin-independent cargo sorting

RAB GTPases are central modulators of membrane trafficking. They are under the dynamic regulation of activating guanine exchange factors (GEFs) and inactivating GTPase-activating proteins (GAPs). Once activated, RABs recruit a large spectrum of effectors to control trafficking functions of eukaryotic cells. Multiple proteomic studies, using pull-down or yeast two-hybrid approaches, have identified a number of RAB interactors. However, due to the in vitro nature of these approaches and inherent limitations of each technique, a comprehensive definition of RAB interactors is still lacking. By comparing quantitative affinity purifications of GFP:RAB21 with APEX2-mediated proximity labeling of RAB4a, RAB5a, RAB7a, and RAB21, we find that APEX2 proximity labeling allows for the comprehensive identification of RAB regulators and interactors. Importantly, through biochemical and genetic approaches, we establish a novel link between RAB21 and the WASH and retromer complexes, with functional consequences on cargo sorting. Hence, APEX2-mediated proximity labeling of RAB neighboring proteins represents a new and efficient tool to define RAB functions.

Mycoplasma hyopneumoniae resides intracellularly within porcine epithelial cells

Enzootic pneumonia incurs major economic losses to pork production globally. The primary pathogen and causative agent, Mycoplasma hyopneumoniae, colonises ciliated epithelium and disrupts mucociliary function predisposing the upper respiratory tract to secondary pathogens. Alleviation of disease is reliant on antibiotics, vaccination, and sound animal husbandry, but none are effective at eliminating M. hyopneumoniae from large production systems. Sustainable pork production systems strive to lower reliance on antibiotics but lack of a detailed understanding of the pathobiology of M. hyopneumoniae has curtailed efforts to develop effective mitigation strategies. M. hyopneumoniae is considered an extracellular pathogen. Here we show that M. hyopneumoniae associates with integrin β1 on the surface of epithelial cells via interactions with surface-bound fibronectin and initiates signalling events that stimulate pathogen uptake into clathrin-coated vesicles (CCVs) and caveosomes. These early events allow M. hyopneumoniae to exploit an intracellular lifestyle by commandeering the endosomal pathway. Specifically, we show: (i) using a modified gentamicin protection assay that approximately 8% of M. hyopneumoniae cells reside intracellularly; (ii) integrin β1 expression specifically co-localises with the deposition of fibronectin precisely where M. hyopneumoniae cells assemble extracellularly; (iii) anti-integrin β1 antibodies block entry of M. hyopneumoniae into porcine cells; and (iv) M. hyopneumoniae survives phagolysosomal fusion, and resides within recycling endosomes that are trafficked to the cell membrane. Our data creates a paradigm shift by challenging the long-held view that M. hyopneumoniae is a strict extracellular pathogen and calls for in vivo studies to determine if M. hyopneumoniae can traffic to extrapulmonary sites in commercially-reared pigs.

Cell adhesion is regulated by CDK1 during the cell cycle

In most tissues, anchorage-dependent growth and cell cycle progression are dependent on cells engaging extracellular matrices (ECMs) via integrin-receptor adhesion complexes. In a highly conserved manner, cells disassemble adhesion complexes, round up, and retract from their surroundings before division, suggestive of a primordial link between the cell cycle machinery and the regulation of cell adhesion to the ECM. In this study, we demonstrate that cyclin-dependent kinase 1 (CDK1) mediates this link. CDK1, in complex with cyclin A2, promotes adhesion complex and actin cytoskeleton organization during interphase and mediates a large increase in adhesion complex area as cells transition from G1 into S. Adhesion complex area decreases in G2, and disassembly occurs several hours before mitosis. This loss requires elevated cyclin B1 levels and is caused by inhibitory phosphorylation of CDK1-cyclin complexes. The inactivation of CDK1 is therefore the trigger that initiates remodeling of adhesion complexes and the actin cytoskeleton in preparation for rapid entry into mitosis.

Mitosis-Resistant Adhesions Provide Molecular Memory to Dividing Cells

During mitosis, animal cells disassemble focal adhesions and round up while remaining attached to the substrata via actin cables and unknown adhesive structures. In this issue of Developmental Cell, Dix et al. (2018) describe integrin-positive adhesions, devoid of classical focal adhesion components, that persist throughout mitosis to contribute to re-spreading.

The Role of Mitotic Cell-Substrate Adhesion Re-modeling in Animal Cell Division

Animal cells undergo a dramatic series of shape changes as they divide, which depend on re-modeling of cell-substrate adhesions. Here, we show that while focal adhesion complexes are disassembled during mitotic rounding, integrins remain in place. These integrin-rich contacts connect mitotic cells to the underlying substrate throughout mitosis, guide polarized cell migration following mitotic exit, and are functionally important, since adherent cells undergo division failure when removed from the substrate. Further, the ability of cells to re-spread along pre-existing adhesive contacts is essential for division in cells compromised in their ability to construct a RhoGEF-dependent (Ect2) actomyosin ring. As a result, following Ect2 depletion, cells fail to divide on small adhesive islands but successfully divide on larger patterns, as the connection between daughter cells narrows and severs as they migrate away from one another. In this way, regulated re-modeling of cell-substrate adhesions during mitotic rounding aids division in animal cells.

Ndr2 Kinase Controls Neurite Outgrowth and Dendritic Branching Through α1 Integrin Expression

The serine/threonine kinase Ndr2 has been shown to control the inside-out activation of the β₁subunit of integrins and the formation of neurites in both primary neurons and neurally differentiated pheochromacytoma (PC12) cells. In this study, we demonstrate that Ndr2 kinase furthermore determines the substrate specificity of neurite extension in PC12 cells via expression of α₁β₁ integrins. We show that stable overexpression of Ndr2 in PC12 cells increases neurite growth and extension on poly-D-lysine substrate, likely involving an increased expression of active β₁ integrin in the growth tips of these cells. By contrast, the Ndr2 overexpressing cells do not show the α₁β₁ integrin-mediated enhancement of neurite growth on collagen IV substrate that can be seen in control cells. Moreover, they entirely fail to increase in response to activation of α₁β₁ integrins via a soluble KTS ligand and show a diminished accumulation of α₁ integrin in neurite tips, although the expression of this subunit is induced during differentiation to comparable levels as in control cells. Finally, we demonstrate that Ndr2 overexpression similarly inhibits the α₁β₁ integrin-dependent dendritic growth of primary hippocampal neurons on laminin 111 substrate. By contrast, lack of Ndr2 impairs the dendritic growth regardless of the substrate. Together, these results suggest that Ndr2 regulates α₁ integrin trafficking in addition to β₁ integrin subunit activation and thereby controls the neurite growth on different extracellular matrix (ECM) substrates.

Lipid Cell Biology: A Focus on Lipids in Cell Division

Cells depend on hugely diverse lipidomes for many functions. The actions and structural integrity of the plasma membrane and most organelles also critically depend on membranes and their lipid components. Despite the biological importance of lipids, our understanding of lipid engagement, especially the roles of lipid hydrophobic alkyl side chains, in key cellular processes is still developing. Emerging research has begun to dissect the importance of lipids in intricate events such as cell division. This review discusses how these structurally diverse biomolecules are spatially and temporally regulated during cell division, with a focus on cytokinesis. We analyze how lipids facilitate changes in cellular morphology during division and how they participate in key signaling events. We identify which cytokinesis proteins are associated with membranes, suggesting lipid interactions. More broadly, we highlight key unaddressed questions in lipid cell biology and techniques, including mass spectrometry, advanced imaging, and chemical biology, which will help us gain insights into the functional roles of lipids.

Rab25 acts as an oncogene in luminal B breast cancer and is causally associated with Snail driven EMT

The Rab GTPases regulate vesicular trafficking machinery that transports and delivers a diverse pool of cargo, including growth factor receptors, integrins, nutrient receptors and junction proteins to specific intracellular sites. The trafficking machinery is indeed a major posttranslational modifier and is critical for cellular homeostasis. Deregulation of this stringently controlled system leads to a wide spectrum of disorders including cancer. Herein we demonstrate that Rab25, a key GTPase, mostly decorating the apical recycling endosome, is a dichotomous variable in breast cancer cell lines with higher mRNA and protein expression in Estrogen Receptor positive (ER+ve) lines. Rab25 and its effector, Rab Coupling Protein (RCP) are frequently coamplified and coordinately elevated in ER+ve breast cancers. In contrast, Rab25 levels are decreased in basal-like and almost completely lost in claudin-low tumors. This dichotomy exists despite the presence of the 1q amplicon that hosts Rab25 across breast cancer subtypes and is likely due to differential methylation of the Rab25 promoter. Functionally, elevated levels of Rab25 drive major hallmarks of cancer including indefinite growth and metastasis but in case of luminal B breast cancer only. Importantly, in such ER+ve tumors, coexpression of Rab25 and its effector, RCP is significantly associated with a markedly worsened clinical outcome. Importantly, in claudin-low cell lines, exogenous Rab25 markedly inhibits cell migration. Similarly, during Snail-induced epithelial to mesenchymal transition (EMT) exogenous Rab25 potently reverses Snail-driven invasion. Overall, this study substantiates a striking context dependent role of Rab25 in breast cancer where Rab25 is amplified and enhances aggressiveness in luminal B cancers while in claudin-low tumors, Rab25 is lost indicating possible anti-tumor functions.

Tension-induced cytokinetic abscission in human fibroblasts

Previous studies have shown that cytokinetic abscission at the end of mitosis is executed by the ESCRT machinery in mammalian cells, and that the process is dependent on adhesion-induced integrin signalling via a FAK-PLK1-CEP55-TSG101/Alix-CHMP4B pathway. The present study identified an alternative abscission mechanism driven by mechanical force. In the absence of integrin signals (non-adherent conditions), cytokinesis in non-transformed human fibroblasts proceeds to CEP55 accumulation at the midbody, but after prolonged time (>3 hours) the major midbody components Aurora B, MKLP1 and CEP55 were no longer detected in the area. Upon adhesion to fibronectin, such cells were able to complete abscission without re-appearance of midbody proteins. Live-cell imaging revealed that re-plating on stiff fibronectin matrix (64 KPa) allowed >95% of the cells to complete abscission within 9 hours while the corresponding number was 40% on soft fibronectin matrix (0.5 KPa). The cells re-plated on poly-L-lysine were not able to generate tension and did not divide. Thus, mechanical tension can cause cytokinetic abscission by stretching of the intercellular bridge between the two daughter cells until it eventually ruptures without the involvement of ESCRT complexes. Importantly, regression of the cleavage furrow and formation of bi-nucleated cells did not occur in most of the suspension-treated mitotic cells after re-plating on fibronectin. Septin, which stabilizes the membrane associated with the midbody, was found to remain along the ingressed membrane, suggesting that this filament system maintains the membrane bridge although the midbody had dissolved, thereby preventing regression and allowing tension to act on the narrow intercellular bridge.

Phosphoinositide conversion in endocytosis and the endolysosomal system

Phosphoinositides (PIs) are phospholipids that perform crucial cell functions, ranging from cell migration and signaling to membrane trafficking, by serving as signposts of compartmental membrane identity. Although phosphatidylinositol 4,5-bisphosphate, 3-phosphate, and 3,5-bisphosphate are commonly considered as hallmarks of the plasma membrane, endosomes, and lysosomes, these compartments contain other functionally important PIs. Here, we review the roles of PIs in different compartments of the endolysosomal system in mammalian cells and discuss the mechanisms that spatiotemporally control PI conversion in endocytosis and endolysosomal membrane dynamics during endosome maturation and sorting. As defective PI conversion underlies human genetic diseases, including inherited myopathies, neurological disorders, and cancer, PI-converting enzymes represent potential targets for drug-based therapies.

Proteins regulating the intercellular transfer and function of P-glycoprotein in multidrug-resistant cancer

Chemotherapy is an essential part of anticancer treatment. However, the overexpression of P-glycoprotein (P-gp) and the subsequent emergence of multidrug resistance (MDR) hampers successful treatment clinically. P-gp is a multidrug efflux transporter that functions to protect cells from xenobiotics by exporting them out from the plasma membrane to the extracellular space. P-gp inhibitors have been developed in an attempt to overcome P-gp-mediated MDR; however, lack of specificity and dose limiting toxicity have limited their effectiveness clinically. Recent studies report on accessory proteins that either directly or indirectly regulate P-gp expression and function and which are necessary for the establishment of the functional phenotype in cancer cells. This review discusses the role of these proteins, some of which have been recently proposed to comprise an interactive complex, and discusses their contribution towards MDR. We also discuss the role of other pathways and proteins in regulating P-gp expression in cells. The potential for these proteins as novel therapeutic targets provides new opportunities to circumvent MDR clinically.

Regulation of cytokinesis during corticogenesis: focus on the midbody

Development of the cerebral cortices depends on tight regulation of cell divisions. In this system, stem and progenitor cells undergo symmetric and asymmetric divisions to ultimately produce neurons that establish the layers of the cortex. Cell division culminates with the formation of the midbody, a transient organelle that establishes the site of abscission between nascent daughter cells. During cytokinetic abscission, the final stage of cell division, one daughter cell will inherit the midbody remnant, which can then maintain or expel the remnant, but mechanisms and circumstances influencing this decision are unclear. This review describes the midbody and its constituent proteins, as well as the known consequences of their manipulation during cortical development. The potential functional relevance of midbody mechanisms is discussed.

PKN1 Directs Polarized RAB21 Vesicle Trafficking via RPH3A and Is Important for Neutrophil Adhesion and Ischemia-Reperfusion Injury

Polarized vesicle transport plays an important role in cell polarization, but the mechanisms underlying this process and its role in innate immune responses are not well understood. Here, we describe a phosphorylation-regulated polarization mechanism that is important for neutrophil adhesion to endothelial cells during inflammatory responses. We show that the protein kinase PKN1 phosphorylates RPH3A, which enhances binding of RPH3A to guanosine triphosphate (GTP)-bound RAB21. These interactions are important for polarized localization of RAB21 and RPH3A in neutrophils, which leads to PIP5K1C90 polarization. Consistent with the roles of PIP5K1C90 polarization, the lack of PKN1 or RPH3A impairs neutrophil integrin activation, adhesion to endothelial cells, and infiltration in inflammatory models. Furthermore, myeloid-specific loss of PKN1 decreases tissue injury in a renal ischemia-reperfusion model. Thus, this study characterizes a mechanism for protein polarization in neutrophils and identifies a potential protein kinase target for therapeutic intervention in reperfusion-related tissue injury.

Rab21, a Novel PS1 Interactor, Regulates γ-Secretase Activity via PS1 Subcellular Distribution

γ-Secretase has been a therapeutical target for its key role in cleaving APP to generate β-amyloid (Aβ), the primary constituents of senile plaques and a hallmark of Alzheimer's disease (AD) pathology. Recently, γ-secretase-associating proteins showed promising role in specifically modulating APP processing while sparing Notch signaling; however, the underlying mechanism is still unclear. A co-immunoprecipitation (Co-IP) coupled with mass spectrometry proteomic assay for Presenilin1 (PS1, the catalytic subunit of γ-secretase) was firstly conducted to find more γ-secretase-associating proteins. Gene ontology analysis of these results identified Rab21 as a potential PS1 interacting protein, and the interaction between them was validated by reciprocal Co-IP and immunofluorescence assay. Then, molecular and biochemical methods were used to investigate the effect of Rab21 on APP processing. Results showed that overexpression of Rab21 enhanced Aβ generation, while silencing of Rab21 reduced the accumulation of Aβ, which resulted due to change in γ-secretase activity rather than α- or β-secretase. Finally, we demonstrated that Rab21 had no effect on γ-secretase complex synthesis or metabolism but enhanced PS1 endocytosis and translocation to late endosome/lysosome. In conclusion, we identified a novel γ-secretase-associating protein Rab21 and illustrate that Rab21 promotes γ-secretase internalization and translocation to late endosome/lysosome. Moreover, silencing of Rab21 decreases the γ-secretase activity in APP processing thus production of Aβ. All these results open new gateways towards the understanding of γ-secretase-associating proteins in APP processing and make inhibition of Rab21 a promising strategy for AD therapy.

Rab GTPases and cell division

Cytokinesis is a complex cellular process that leads to a physical separation of two daughter cells. The key to a successful cytokinesis is a coordinated reorganization of cellular cytoskeleton and membrane trafficking pathways. Consequently, Rab GTPases recently emerged as major regulators of cellular division. Rabs belong to a superfamily of small monomeric GTPases that regulate a diverse array of cellular functions. Rabs in particular are well-established regulators of membrane transport and have been shown to mediate several membrane transport steps including vesicle formation, molecular motor-dependent vesicle transport and targeting of transport vesicles and organelles to their correct destinations. Significantly, several Rab GTPases also have been shown to function in regulating cell division. In this review, we discuss latest findings about the function of Rabs and polarized membrane transport during different steps of cytokinesis as well as during the final stage of cell division known as abscission.

Integrins and Cell Metabolism: An Intimate Relationship Impacting Cancer

Integrins are important regulators of cell survival, proliferation, adhesion and migration. Once activated, integrins establish a regulated link between the extracellular matrix and the cytoskeleton. Integrins have well-established functions in cancer, such as in controlling cell survival by engagement of many specific intracellular signaling pathways and in facilitating metastasis. Integrins and associated proteins are regulated by control of transcription, membrane traffic, and degradation, as well as by a number of post-translational modifications including glycosylation, allowing integrin function to be modulated to conform to various cellular needs and environmental conditions. In this review, we examine the control of integrin function by cell metabolism, and the impact of this regulation in cancer. Within this context, nutrient sufficiency or deprivation is sensed by a number of metabolic signaling pathways such as AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK), mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) and hypoxia-inducible factor (HIF) 1, which collectively control integrin function by a number of mechanisms. Moreover, metabolic flux through specific pathways also controls integrins, such as by control of integrin glycosylation, thus impacting integrin-dependent cell adhesion and migration. Integrins also control various metabolic signals and pathways, establishing the reciprocity of this regulation. As cancer cells exhibit substantial changes in metabolism, such as a shift to aerobic glycolysis, enhanced glucose utilization and a heightened dependence on specific amino acids, the reciprocal regulation of integrins and metabolism may provide important clues for more effective treatment of various cancers.

Rab7a regulates cell migration through Rac1 and vimentin

Rab7a, a small GTPase of the Rab family, is localized to late endosomes and controls late endocytic trafficking. The discovery of several Rab7a interacting proteins revealed that Rab7a function is closely connected to cytoskeletal elements. Indeed, Rab7a recruits on vesicles RILP and FYCO that are responsible for the movement of Rab7a-positive vesicles and/or organelles on microtubule tracks, but also directly interacts with Rac1, a fundamental regulator of actin cytoskeleton, and with peripherin and vimentin, two intermediate filament proteins. Considering all these interactions and, in particular, the fact that Rac1 and vimentin are key factors for cellular motility, we investigated a possible role of Rab7a in cell migration. We show here that Rab7a is needed for cell migration as Rab7a depletion causes slower migration of NCI H1299 cells affecting cell velocity and directness. Rab7a depletion negatively affects adhesion and spreading onto fibronectin substrates, altering β1-integrin activation, localization and intracellular trafficking, and myosin X localization. In fact, Rab7a-depleted cells show 40% less filopodia and active integrin accumulates at the leading edge of migrating cells. Furthermore, Rab7a depletion decreases the amount of active Rac1 but not its abundance and reduces the number of cells with vimentin filaments facing the wound, indicating that Rab7a has a role in the orientation of vimentin filaments during migration. In conclusion, our results demonstrate a key role of Rab7a in the regulation of different aspects of cell migration.

Tetraploid cells produced by absence of substrate adhesion during cytokinesis are limited in their proliferation and enter senescence after DNA replication

Tetraploidy has been proposed as an intermediate state in neoplastic transformation due to the intrinsic chromosome instability of tetraploid cells. Despite the identification of p53 as a major factor in growth arrest of tetraploid cells, it is still unclear whether the p53-dependent mechanism for proliferation restriction is intrinsic to the tetraploid status or dependent on the origin of tetraploidy. Substrate adherence is fundamental for cytokinesis completion in adherent untransformed cells. Here we show that untransformed fibroblast cells undergoing mitosis in suspension produce binucleated tetraploid cells due to defective cleavage furrow constriction that leads to incomplete cell abscission. Binucleated cells obtained after loss of substrate adhesion maintain an inactive p53 status and are able to progress into G1 and S phase. However, binucleated cells arrest in G2, accumulate p53 and are not able to enter mitosis as no tetraploid metaphases were recorded after one cell cycle time. In contrast, tetraploid metaphases were found following pharmacological inhibition of Chk1 kinase, suggesting the involvement of the ATR/Chk1 pathway in the G2 arrest of binucleated cells. Interestingly, after persistence in the G2 phase of the cell cycle, a large fraction of binucleated cells become senescent. These findings identify a new pathway of proliferation restriction for tetraploid untransformed cells that seems to be specific for loss of adhesion-dependent cytokinesis failure. This involves Chk1 and p53 activation during G2. Inhibition of growth and entrance into senescence after cytokinesis in suspension may represent an important mechanism to control tumor growth. In fact, anchorage independent growth is a hallmark of cancer and it has been demonstrated that binucleated transformed cells can enter a cycle of anchorage independent growth.

Ankyrin-B is a PI3P effector that promotes polarized α5β1-integrin recycling via recruiting RabGAP1L to early endosomes

Endosomal membrane trafficking requires coordination between phosphoinositide lipids, Rab GTPases, and microtubule-based motors to dynamically determine endosome identity and promote long-range organelle transport. Here we report that ankyrin-B (AnkB), through integrating all three systems, functions as a critical node in the protein circuitry underlying polarized recycling of α5β1-integrin in mouse embryonic fibroblasts, which enables persistent fibroblast migration along fibronectin gradients. AnkB associates with phosphatidylinositol 3-phosphate (PI3P)-positive organelles in fibroblasts and binds dynactin to promote their long-range motility. We demonstrate that AnkB binds to Rab GTPase Activating Protein 1-Like (RabGAP1L) and recruits it to PI3P-positive organelles, where RabGAP1L inactivates Rab22A, and promotes polarized trafficking to the leading edge of migrating fibroblasts. We further determine that α5β1-integrin depends on an AnkB/RabGAP1L complex for polarized recycling. Our results reveal AnkB as an unexpected key element in coordinating polarized transport of α5β1-integrin and likely of other specialized endocytic cargos.

The kindlin family: functions, signaling properties and implications for human disease

The kindlin (or fermitin) family of proteins comprises three members (kindlin-1,-2 and -3) of evolutionarily conserved focal adhesion (FA) proteins, whose best-known task is to increase integrin affinity for a ligand (also referred as integrin activation) through binding of β-integrin tails. The consequence of kindlin-mediated integrin activation and integrin-ligand binding is cell adhesion, spreading and migration, assembly of the extracellular matrix (ECM), cell survival, proliferation and differentiation. Another hallmark of kindlins is their involvement in disease. Mutations in the KINDLIN-1 (also known as FERMT1) gene cause Kindler syndrome (KS)--in which mainly skin and intestine are affected, whereas mutations in the KINDLIN-3 (also known as FERMT3) gene cause leukocyte adhesion deficiency type III (LAD III), which is characterized by impaired extravasation of blood effector cells and severe, spontaneous bleedings. Also, aberrant expression of kindlins in various forms of cancer and in tissue fibrosis has been reported. Although the malfunctioning of integrins represent a major cause leading to kindlin-associated diseases, increasing evidence also point to integrin-independent functions of kindlins that play an important role in the pathogenesis of certain disease aspects. Furthermore, isoform-specific kindlin functions have been discovered, explaining, for example, why loss of kindlins differentially affects tissue stem cell homeostasis or tumor development. This Commentary focuses on new and isoform-specific kindlin functions in different tissues and discusses their potential role in disease development and progression.

Endocytic Trafficking of Integrins in Cell Migration

Integrins are a family of heterodimeric receptors that bind to components of the extracellular matrix and influence cellular processes as varied as proliferation and migration. These effects are achieved by tight spatiotemporal control over intracellular signalling pathways, including those that mediate cytoskeletal reorganisation. The ability of integrins to bind to ligands is governed by integrin conformation, or activity, and this is widely acknowledged to be an important route to the regulation of integrin function. Over the last 15 years, however, the pathways that regulate endocytosis and recycling of integrins have emerged as major players in controlling integrin action, and studying integrin trafficking has revealed fresh insight into the function of this fascinating class of extracellular matrix receptors, in particular in the context of cell migration and invasion. Here, we review our current understanding of the contribution of integrin trafficking to cell motility.