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Guo W, Du D, Zhang H, Sanchez JE, Sun S, Xu W, Peng Y, Li L. Bound ion effects: Using machine learning method to study the kinesin Ncd's binding with microtubule. Biophys J 2024; 123:2740-2748. [PMID: 38160255 PMCID: PMC11393710 DOI: 10.1016/j.bpj.2023.12.024] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/24/2023] [Revised: 11/26/2023] [Accepted: 12/27/2023] [Indexed: 01/03/2024] Open
Abstract
Drosophila Ncd proteins are motor proteins that play important roles in spindle organization. Ncd and the tubulin dimer are highly charged. Thus, it is crucial to investigate Ncd-tubulin dimer interactions in the presence of ions, especially ions that are bound or restricted at the Ncd-tubulin dimer binding interfaces. To consider the ion effects, widely used implicit solvent models treat ions implicitly in the continuous solvent environment without focusing on the individual ions' effects. But highly charged biomolecules such as the Ncd and tubulin dimer may capture some ions at highly charged regions as bound ions. Such bound ions are restricted to their binding sites; thus, they can be treated as part of the biomolecules. By applying multiscale computational methods, including the machine-learning-based Hybridizing Ions Treatment-2 program, molecular dynamics simulations, DelPhi, and DelPhiForce, we studied the interaction between the Ncd motor domain and the tubulin dimer using a hybrid solvent model, which considers the bound ions explicitly and the other ions implicitly in the solvent environment. To identify the importance of treating bound ions explicitly, we also performed calculations using the implicit solvent model without considering the individual bound ions. We found that the calculations of the electrostatic features differ significantly between those of the hybrid solvent model and the pure implicit solvent model. The analyses show that treating bound ions at highly charged regions explicitly is crucial for electrostatic calculations. This work proposes a machine-learning-based approach to handle the bound ions using the hybrid solvent model. Such an approach is not only capable of handling kinesin-tubulin complexes but is also appropriate for other highly charged biomolecules, such as DNA/RNA, viral capsid proteins, etc.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wenhan Guo
- College of Physical Science and Technology, Central China Normal University, Hubei, China; Computational Science Program, University of Texas at El Paso, El Paso, Texas
| | - Dan Du
- Computational Science Program, University of Texas at El Paso, El Paso, Texas
| | - Houfang Zhang
- College of Physical Science and Technology, Central China Normal University, Hubei, China
| | - Jason E Sanchez
- Computational Science Program, University of Texas at El Paso, El Paso, Texas
| | - Shengjie Sun
- Computational Science Program, University of Texas at El Paso, El Paso, Texas; School of Life Sciences, Central South University, Hunan, China
| | - Wang Xu
- College of Physical Science and Technology, Central China Normal University, Hubei, China
| | - Yunhui Peng
- College of Physical Science and Technology, Central China Normal University, Hubei, China.
| | - Lin Li
- Computational Science Program, University of Texas at El Paso, El Paso, Texas; Department of Physics, University of Texas at El Paso, El Paso, Texas.
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2
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Guo W, Gao Y, Du D, Sanchez JE, Visootsat A, Li Y, Qiu W, Li L. How does the ion concentration affect the functions of kinesin BimC. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2024:2024.05.31.596855. [PMID: 38853942 PMCID: PMC11160742 DOI: 10.1101/2024.05.31.596855] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/11/2024]
Abstract
BimC family proteins are bipolar motor proteins belonging to the kinesin superfamily which promote mitosis by crosslinking and sliding apart antiparallel microtubules. Understanding the binding mechanism between the kinesin and the microtubule is crucial for researchers to make advances in the treatment of cancer and other malignancies. Experimental research has shown that the ion concentration affects the function of BimC significantly. But the insights of the ion-dependent function of BimC remain unclear. By combining molecular dynamics (MD) simulations with a series of computational approaches, we studied the electrostatic interactions at the binding interfaces of BimC and the microtubule under different KCl concentrations. We found the electrostatic interaction between BimC and microtubule is stronger at 0 mM KCl compared to 150 mM KCl, which is consistent with experimental conclusions. Furthermore, important salt bridges and residues at the binding interfaces of the complex were identified, which illustrates the details of the BimC-microtubule interactions. Molecular dynamics analyses of salt bridges identified that the important residues on the binding interface of BimC are positively charged, while those residues on the binding interface of the tubulin heterodimer are negatively charged. The finding in this work reveals some important mechanisms of kinesin-microtubule binding, which helps the future drug design for cancer therapy.
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3
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Jia N, Zhang B, Huo Z, Qin J, Ji Q, Geng Y. Binding patterns of inhibitors to different pockets of kinesin Eg5. Arch Biochem Biophys 2024; 756:109998. [PMID: 38641233 DOI: 10.1016/j.abb.2024.109998] [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: 12/20/2023] [Revised: 03/19/2024] [Accepted: 04/12/2024] [Indexed: 04/21/2024]
Abstract
The kinesin-5 family member, Eg5, plays very important role in the mitosis. As a mitotic protein, Eg5 is the target of various mitotic inhibitors. There are two targeting pockets in the motor domain of Eg5, which locates in the α2/L5/α3 region and the α4/α6 region respectively. We investigated the interactions between the different inhibitors and the two binding pockets of Eg5 by using all-atom molecular dynamics method. Combined the conformational analysis with the free-energy calculation, the binding patterns of inhibitors to the two binding pockets are shown. The α2/L5/α3 pocket can be divided into 4 regions. The structures and binding conformations of inhibitors in region 1 and 2 are highly conserved. The shape of α4/α6 pocket is alterable. The space of this pocket in ADP-binding state of Eg5 is larger than that in ADP·Pi-binding state due to the limitation of a hydrogen bond formed in the ADP·Pi-binding state. The results of this investigation provide the structural basis of the inhibitor-Eg5 interaction and offer a reference for the Eg5-targeted drug design.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ning Jia
- School of Science, Hebei University of Technology, Tianjin, China; Institute of Biophysics, Hebei University of Technology, Tianjin, China
| | - Bingbing Zhang
- School of Health Sciences & Biomedical Engineering, Hebei University of Technology, Tianjin, China; Institute of Biophysics, Hebei University of Technology, Tianjin, China
| | - Ziling Huo
- School of Health Sciences & Biomedical Engineering, Hebei University of Technology, Tianjin, China; Institute of Biophysics, Hebei University of Technology, Tianjin, China
| | - Jingyu Qin
- College of Electrical and Information Engineering, Quzhou University, Quzhou, China
| | - Qing Ji
- School of Science, Hebei University of Technology, Tianjin, China; Institute of Biophysics, Hebei University of Technology, Tianjin, China
| | - Yizhao Geng
- School of Science, Hebei University of Technology, Tianjin, China; Institute of Biophysics, Hebei University of Technology, Tianjin, China.
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4
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Wang JM, Zhang FH, Liu ZX, Tang YJ, Li JF, Xie LP. Cancer on motors: How kinesins drive prostate cancer progression? Biochem Pharmacol 2024; 224:116229. [PMID: 38643904 DOI: 10.1016/j.bcp.2024.116229] [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: 01/02/2024] [Revised: 04/02/2024] [Accepted: 04/18/2024] [Indexed: 04/23/2024]
Abstract
Prostate cancer causes numerous male deaths annually. Although great progress has been made in the diagnosis and treatment of prostate cancer during the past several decades, much about this disease remains unknown, especially its pathobiology. The kinesin superfamily is a pivotal group of motor proteins, that contains a microtubule-based motor domain and features an adenosine triphosphatase activity and motility characteristics. Large-scale sequencing analyses based on clinical samples and animal models have shown that several members of the kinesin family are dysregulated in prostate cancer. Abnormal expression of kinesins could be linked to uncontrolled cell growth, inhibited apoptosis and increased metastasis ability. Additionally, kinesins may be implicated in chemotherapy resistance and escape immunologic cytotoxicity, which creates a barrier to cancer treatment. Here we cover the recent advances in understanding how kinesins may drive prostate cancer progression and how targeting their function may be a therapeutic strategy. A better understanding of kinesins in prostate cancer tumorigenesis may be pivotal for improving disease outcomes in prostate cancer patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jia-Ming Wang
- Department of Urology, The First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, People's Republic of China
| | - Feng-Hao Zhang
- Department of Urology, The First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, People's Republic of China
| | - Zi-Xiang Liu
- Department of Urology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Ningbo University, Ningbo, People's Republic of China
| | - Yi-Jie Tang
- Department of Urology, The First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, People's Republic of China
| | - Jiang-Feng Li
- Department of Urology, The First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, People's Republic of China.
| | - Li-Ping Xie
- Department of Urology, The First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, People's Republic of China.
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5
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Elseginy SA. Identifying and characterising promising small molecule inhibitors of kinesin spindle protein using ligand-based virtual screening, molecular docking, molecular dynamics and MM‑GBSA calculations. J Comput Aided Mol Des 2024; 38:16. [PMID: 38556596 PMCID: PMC10982093 DOI: 10.1007/s10822-024-00553-5] [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: 12/28/2023] [Accepted: 02/22/2024] [Indexed: 04/02/2024]
Abstract
The kinesin spindle protein (Eg5) is a mitotic protein that plays an essential role in the formation of the bipolar spindles during the mitotic phase. Eg5 protein controls the segregation of the chromosomes in mitosis which renders it a vital target for cancer treatment. In this study our approach to identifying novel scaffold for Eg5 inhibitors is based on targeting the novel allosteric pocket (α4/α6/L11). Extensive computational techniques were applied using ligand-based virtual screening and molecular docking by two approaches, MOE and AutoDock, to screen a library of commercial compounds. We identified compound 8-(3-(1H-imidazol-1-ylpropylamino)-3-methyl-7-((naphthalen-3-yl)methyl)-1H-purine-2, 6 (3H,7H)-dione (compound 5) as a novel scaffold for Eg5 inhibitors. This compound inhibited cancer cell Eg5 ATPase at 2.37 ± 0.15 µM. The molecular dynamics simulations revealed that the identified compound formed stable interactions in the allosteric pocket (α4/α6/L11) of the receptor, indicating its potential as a novel Eg5 inhibitor.
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Affiliation(s)
- Samia A Elseginy
- Chemical Industries Research Division, Green Chemistry Department, National Research Centre, Cairo, 12622, Egypt.
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6
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Sweeney A, Mulvaney T, Maiorca M, Topf M. ChemEM: Flexible Docking of Small Molecules in Cryo-EM Structures. J Med Chem 2024; 67:199-212. [PMID: 38157562 PMCID: PMC10788898 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jmedchem.3c01134] [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: 06/23/2023] [Revised: 11/28/2023] [Accepted: 12/08/2023] [Indexed: 01/03/2024]
Abstract
Cryo-electron microscopy (cryo-EM), through resolution advancements, has become pivotal in structure-based drug discovery. However, most cryo-EM structures are solved at 3-4 Å resolution, posing challenges for small-molecule docking and structure-based virtual screening due to issues in the precise positioning of ligands and the surrounding side chains. We present ChemEM, a software package that employs cryo-EM data for the accurate docking of one or multiple ligands in a protein-binding site. Validated against a highly curated benchmark of high- and medium-resolution cryo-EM structures and the corresponding high-resolution controls, ChemEM displayed impressive performance, accurately placing ligands in all but one case, often surpassing cryo-EM PDB-deposited solutions. Even without including the cryo-EM density, the ChemEM scoring function outperformed the well-established AutoDock Vina score. Using ChemEM, we illustrate that valuable information can be extracted from maps at medium resolution and underline the utility of cryo-EM structures for drug discovery.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aaron Sweeney
- Leibniz Institute of Virology (LIV), Hamburg 20251, Germany
- Centre for Structural Systems Biology, Hamburg 22607, Germany
- Universitätsklinikum Hamburg
Eppendorf (UKE), Hamburg 20246, Germany
| | - Thomas Mulvaney
- Leibniz Institute of Virology (LIV), Hamburg 20251, Germany
- Centre for Structural Systems Biology, Hamburg 22607, Germany
- Universitätsklinikum Hamburg
Eppendorf (UKE), Hamburg 20246, Germany
| | - Mauro Maiorca
- Leibniz Institute of Virology (LIV), Hamburg 20251, Germany
- Centre for Structural Systems Biology, Hamburg 22607, Germany
- Universitätsklinikum Hamburg
Eppendorf (UKE), Hamburg 20246, Germany
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7
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Nejabat M, Hadizadeh F, Sahebkar A. The Application of Kinesin Inhibitors in Medical Issues. Curr Rev Clin Exp Pharmacol 2024; 19:370-378. [PMID: 38275041 DOI: 10.2174/0127724328277623231204064614] [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: 08/16/2023] [Revised: 10/27/2023] [Accepted: 11/01/2023] [Indexed: 01/27/2024]
Abstract
Kinesins are a group of motor proteins in charge of several crucial functions in the cell. These proteins often bind to microtubules and perform their functions using the energy produced by ATP hydrolysis. One function of mitotic kinesin, a subclass of kinesin that is expressed during cell division at the mitotic phase, is to create the mitotic spindle. Uncontrolled cell growth is one trait of cancerous cells. Traditional anticancer medications still used in clinics include taxanes (paclitaxel) and vinca alkaloids (vincristine, vinblastine), which interfere with microtubule dynamics. However, because non-dividing cells like post-mitotic neurons contain microtubules, unwanted side effects like peripheral neuropathy are frequently found in patients taking these medications. More than ten members of the mitotic kinesin family play distinct or complementary roles during mitosis. The mitotic kinesin family's KSP, or Eg5, is regarded as its most dramatic target protein. The current work systematically reviews the use of kinesin inhibitors in the medical field. The challenges of KSP and the practical solutions are also examined, and the outcomes of the previous works are reported. The significant gaps and shortcomings of the related works are also highlighted, which can be an onset topic for future works.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mojgan Nejabat
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, School of Pharmacy, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran
| | - Farzin Hadizadeh
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, School of Pharmacy, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran
- Biotechnology Research Center, Pharmaceutical Technology Institute, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran
| | - Amirhossein Sahebkar
- Biotechnology Research Center, Pharmaceutical Technology Institute, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran
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8
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Guo W, Ale TA, Sun S, Sanchez JE, Li L. A Comprehensive Study on the Electrostatic Properties of Tubulin-Tubulin Complexes in Microtubules. Cells 2023; 12:cells12020238. [PMID: 36672172 PMCID: PMC9857020 DOI: 10.3390/cells12020238] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/07/2022] [Revised: 12/31/2022] [Accepted: 01/02/2023] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Microtubules are key players in several stages of the cell cycle and are also involved in the transportation of cellular organelles. Microtubules are polymerized by α/β tubulin dimers with a highly dynamic feature, especially at the plus ends of the microtubules. Therefore, understanding the interactions among tubulins is crucial for characterizing microtubule dynamics. Studying microtubule dynamics can help researchers make advances in the treatment of neurodegenerative diseases and cancer. In this study, we utilize a series of computational approaches to study the electrostatic interactions at the binding interfaces of tubulin monomers. Our study revealed that among all the four types of tubulin-tubulin binding modes, the electrostatic attractive interactions in the α/β tubulin binding are the strongest while the interactions of α/α tubulin binding in the longitudinal direction are the weakest. Our calculations explained that due to the electrostatic interactions, the tubulins always preferred to form α/β tubulin dimers. The interactions between two protofilaments are the weakest. Thus, the protofilaments are easily separated from each other. Furthermore, the important residues involved in the salt bridges at the binding interfaces of the tubulins are identified, which illustrates the details of the interactions in the microtubule. This study elucidates some mechanistic details of microtubule dynamics and also identifies important residues at the binding interfaces as potential drug targets for the inhibition of cancer cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wenhan Guo
- Computational Science Program, University of Texas at El Paso, El Paso, TX 79902, USA
| | - Tolulope Ayodeji Ale
- Computational Science Program, University of Texas at El Paso, El Paso, TX 79902, USA
| | - Shengjie Sun
- Computational Science Program, University of Texas at El Paso, El Paso, TX 79902, USA
| | - Jason E. Sanchez
- Computational Science Program, University of Texas at El Paso, El Paso, TX 79902, USA
| | - Lin Li
- Computational Science Program, University of Texas at El Paso, El Paso, TX 79902, USA
- Department of Physics, University of Texas at El Paso, El Paso, TX 79902, USA
- Correspondence:
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9
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Chai P, Rao Q, Zhang K. Multi-curve fitting and tubulin-lattice signal removal for structure determination of large microtubule-based motors. J Struct Biol 2022; 214:107897. [PMID: 36089228 DOI: 10.1016/j.jsb.2022.107897] [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: 01/23/2022] [Revised: 08/05/2022] [Accepted: 09/03/2022] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
Revealing high-resolution structures of microtubule-associated proteins (MAPs) is critical for understanding their fundamental roles in various cellular activities, such as cell motility and intracellular cargo transport. Nevertheless, large flexible molecular motors that dynamically bind and release microtubule networks are challenging for cryo-electron microscopy (cryo-EM). Traditional structure determination of MAPs bound to microtubules needs alignment information from the reconstruction of microtubules, which cannot be readily applied to large MAPs without a fixed binding pattern. Here, we developed a comprehensive approach to estimate the microtubule networks (multi-curve fitting), model the tubulin-lattice signals, and remove them (tubulin-lattice subtraction) from the raw cryo-EM micrographs. The approach does not require an ordered binding pattern of MAPs on microtubules, nor does it need a reconstruction of the microtubules. We demonstrated the capability of our approach using the reconstituted outer-arm dynein (OAD) bound to microtubule doublets. The tubulin-lattice subtraction improves the OAD alignment, thus leading to high-resolution reconstructions. In addition, the multi-curve fitting approach provides an accurate automatic alternative method to pick or segment filaments in 2D images and potentially in 3D tomograms. The accuracy of our approach has been demonstrated by using several other biological filaments. Our work provides a new tool to determine high-resolution structures of large MAPs bound to curved microtubule networks.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pengxin Chai
- Department of Molecular Biophysics and Biochemistry, Yale University, New Haven, CT 06511, USA
| | - Qinhui Rao
- Department of Molecular Biophysics and Biochemistry, Yale University, New Haven, CT 06511, USA
| | - Kai Zhang
- Department of Molecular Biophysics and Biochemistry, Yale University, New Haven, CT 06511, USA.
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10
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Beton JG, Cragnolini T, Kaleel M, Mulvaney T, Sweeney A, Topf M. Integrating model simulation tools and
cryo‐electron
microscopy. WIRES COMPUTATIONAL MOLECULAR SCIENCE 2022. [DOI: 10.1002/wcms.1642] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Joseph George Beton
- Centre for Structural Systems Biology (CSSB) Leibniz‐Institut für Virologie (LIV) Hamburg Germany
| | - Tristan Cragnolini
- Institute of Structural and Molecular Biology, Birkbeck and University College London London UK
| | - Manaz Kaleel
- Centre for Structural Systems Biology (CSSB) Leibniz‐Institut für Virologie (LIV) Hamburg Germany
| | - Thomas Mulvaney
- Centre for Structural Systems Biology (CSSB) Leibniz‐Institut für Virologie (LIV) Hamburg Germany
| | - Aaron Sweeney
- Centre for Structural Systems Biology (CSSB) Leibniz‐Institut für Virologie (LIV) Hamburg Germany
| | - Maya Topf
- Centre for Structural Systems Biology (CSSB) Leibniz‐Institut für Virologie (LIV) Hamburg Germany
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11
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Kinesin spindle protein inhibitors in cancer: from high throughput screening to novel therapeutic strategies. Future Sci OA 2022; 8:FSO778. [PMID: 35251692 PMCID: PMC8890118 DOI: 10.2144/fsoa-2021-0116] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/23/2021] [Accepted: 12/14/2021] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Bringing to a halt the cell cycle in mitosis and interfering with its normal progression is one of the most successful anti-cancer strategies used nowadays. Classically, several kinds of anti-cancer drugs like taxanes and vinca alkaloids directly inhibit microtubules during cell division. These drugs exhibit serious side effects, most importantly, severe peripheral neuropathies. Alternatively, KSP inhibitors are grasping a lot of research attention as less toxic mitotic inhibitors. In this review, we track the medicinal chemistry developmental stages of KSP inhibitors. Moreover, we address the challenges that are faced during the development of KSP inhibitor therapy for cancer and future insights for the latest advances in research that are directed to find active KSP inhibitor drugs. Scientists have recognized the importance of selective KSP inhibitors in the early 2000s and so various KSP protein inhibitors have been investigated. Only ten of these have been clinically evaluated for cancer treatment. Ispinesib (SB-715992) and filanesib (Arry-520) were the most promising small molecules in clinical trials against the KSP protein. Many challenges are faced during the development of an active anti-KSP drug; most importantly are the unsatisfactory clinical trial results. Designing dual inhibitors, antibody–drug conjugates, combination therapy and gene therapy approach are among the main strategies that are being investigated nowadays to find new effective KSP inhibitors. The scientific research efforts are still devoted to find an effective and tolerable KSP inhibitor drug that can gain US FDA approval.
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12
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Guo W, Sun S, Sanchez JE, Lopez-Hernandez AE, Ale TA, Chen J, Afrin T, Qiu W, Xie Y, Li L. Using a comprehensive approach to investigate the interaction between Kinesin-5/Eg5 and the microtubule. Comput Struct Biotechnol J 2022; 20:4305-4314. [PMID: 36051882 PMCID: PMC9396395 DOI: 10.1016/j.csbj.2022.08.020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/12/2022] [Revised: 08/01/2022] [Accepted: 08/08/2022] [Indexed: 01/02/2023] Open
Abstract
Kinesins are microtubule-based motor proteins that play important roles ranging from intracellular transport to cell division. Human Kinesin-5 (Eg5) is essential for mitotic spindle assembly during cell division. By combining molecular dynamics (MD) simulations with other multi-scale computational approaches, we systematically studied the interaction between Eg5 and the microtubule. We find the electrostatic feature on the motor domains of Eg5 provides attractive interactions to the microtubule. Additionally, the folding and binding energy analysis reveals that the Eg5 motor domain performs its functions best when in a weak acidic environment. Molecular dynamics analyses of hydrogen bonds and salt bridges demonstrate that, on the binding interfaces of Eg5 and the tubulin heterodimer, salt bridges play the most significant role in holding the complex. The salt bridge residues on the binding interface of Eg5 are mostly positive, while salt bridge residues on the binding interface of tubulin heterodimer are mostly negative. Such salt bridge residue distribution is consistent with electrostatic potential calculations. In contrast, the interface between α and β-tubulins is dominated by hydrogen bonds rather than salt bridges. Compared to the Eg5/α-tubulin interface, the Eg5/β-tubulin interface has a greater number of salt bridges and higher occupancy for salt bridges. This asymmetric salt bridge distribution may play a significant role in Eg5′s directionality. The residues involved in hydrogen bonds and salt bridges are identified in this work and may be helpful for anticancer drug design.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wenhan Guo
- Computational Science Program, University of Texas at El Paso, El Paso, TX, USA
| | - Shengjie Sun
- Computational Science Program, University of Texas at El Paso, El Paso, TX, USA
| | - Jason E. Sanchez
- Computational Science Program, University of Texas at El Paso, El Paso, TX, USA
| | | | - Tolulope A. Ale
- Computational Science Program, University of Texas at El Paso, El Paso, TX, USA
| | - Jiawei Chen
- Department of Physics, University of Texas at El Paso, El Paso, TX, USA
| | - Tanjina Afrin
- Department of Physics, University of Texas at El Paso, El Paso, TX, USA
- Department of Physics, Oregon State University, Corvallis, OR, USA
| | - Weihong Qiu
- Department of Physics, Oregon State University, Corvallis, OR, USA
| | - Yixin Xie
- Department of Information Technology, Kennesaw State University, Kennesaw, GA, USA
| | - Lin Li
- Computational Science Program, University of Texas at El Paso, El Paso, TX, USA
- Department of Physics, University of Texas at El Paso, El Paso, TX, USA
- Corresponding author.
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13
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Cook AD, Roberts AJ, Atherton J, Tewari R, Topf M, Moores CA. Cryo-EM structure of a microtubule-bound parasite kinesin motor and implications for its mechanism and inhibition. J Biol Chem 2021; 297:101063. [PMID: 34375637 PMCID: PMC8526983 DOI: 10.1016/j.jbc.2021.101063] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/19/2021] [Revised: 07/23/2021] [Accepted: 08/05/2021] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Plasmodium parasites cause malaria and are responsible annually for hundreds of thousands of deaths. Kinesins are a superfamily of microtubule-dependent ATPases that play important roles in the parasite replicative machinery, which is a potential target for antiparasite drugs. Kinesin-5, a molecular motor that cross-links microtubules, is an established antimitotic target in other disease contexts, but its mechanism in Plasmodium falciparum is unclear. Here, we characterized P. falciparum kinesin-5 (PfK5) using cryo-EM to determine the motor's nucleotide-dependent microtubule-bound structure and introduced 3D classification of individual motors into our microtubule image processing pipeline to maximize our structural insights. Despite sequence divergence in PfK5, the motor exhibits classical kinesin mechanochemistry, including ATP-induced subdomain rearrangement and cover neck bundle formation, consistent with its plus-ended directed motility. We also observed that an insertion in loop5 of the PfK5 motor domain creates a different environment in the well-characterized human kinesin-5 drug-binding site. Our data reveal the possibility for selective inhibition of PfK5 and can be used to inform future exploration of Plasmodium kinesins as antiparasite targets.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexander D Cook
- Institute of Structural and Molecular Biology, Department of Biological Sciences, Birkbeck, University of London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Anthony J Roberts
- Institute of Structural and Molecular Biology, Department of Biological Sciences, Birkbeck, University of London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Joseph Atherton
- Institute of Structural and Molecular Biology, Department of Biological Sciences, Birkbeck, University of London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Rita Tewari
- School of Life Sciences, University of Nottingham, Nottingham, United Kingdom
| | - Maya Topf
- Institute of Structural and Molecular Biology, Department of Biological Sciences, Birkbeck, University of London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Carolyn A Moores
- Institute of Structural and Molecular Biology, Department of Biological Sciences, Birkbeck, University of London, London, United Kingdom.
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14
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Various effects of two types of kinesin-5 inhibitors on mitosis and cell proliferation. Biochem Pharmacol 2021; 193:114789. [PMID: 34582773 DOI: 10.1016/j.bcp.2021.114789] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/07/2021] [Revised: 09/23/2021] [Accepted: 09/23/2021] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
Kinesin-5 has received considerable attention as a new target for mitosis. Various small-molecule compounds targeting kinesin-5 have been developed in the last few decades. However, the differences in the cellular effects of kinesin-5 inhibitors remain poorly understood. Here, we used two different kinesin-5 inhibitors, biphenyl-type PVZB1194 and S-trityl-L-cysteine-type PVEI0021, to examine their effects on molecular events involving kinesin-5. Our biochemical study of kinesin-5 protein-protein interactions showed that PVZB1194-treated kinesin-5 interacted with TPX2 microtubule nucleation factor, Aurora-A kinase, receptor for hyaluronan-mediated motility, and γ-tubulin, as did untreated mitotic kinesin-5. However, PVEI0021 prevented kinesin-5 from binding to these proteins. In mitotic HeLa cells recovered from nocodazole inhibition, kinesin-5 colocalized with these binding proteins, along with microtubules nucleated near kinetochores. By acting on kinesin-5 interactions with chromatin-associated microtubules, PVZB1194, rather than PVEI0021, not only affected the formation of dispersed microtubule clusters but also enhanced the stability of microtubules. In addition, screening for mitotic inhibitors working synergistically with the kinesin-5 inhibitors revealed that paclitaxel synergistically inhibited HeLa cell proliferation only with PVZB1194. In contrast, the Aurora-A inhibitor MLN8237 exerted a synergistic anti-cell proliferation effect when combined with either inhibitor. Together, these results have provided a better understanding of the molecular action of kinesin-5 inhibitors and indicate their usefulness as molecular tools for the study of mitosis and the development of anticancer agents.
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15
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Liu L, Downs M, Guidry J, Wojcik EJ. Inter-organelle interactions between the ER and mitotic spindle facilitates Zika protease cleavage of human Kinesin-5 and results in mitotic defects. iScience 2021; 24:102385. [PMID: 33997675 PMCID: PMC8100630 DOI: 10.1016/j.isci.2021.102385] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/12/2020] [Revised: 02/21/2021] [Accepted: 03/30/2021] [Indexed: 12/03/2022] Open
Abstract
Here we identify human Kinesin-5, Kif11/HsEg5, as a cellular target of Zika protease. We show that Zika NS2B-NS3 protease targets several sites within the motor domain of HsEg5 irrespective of motor binding to microtubules. The native integral ER-membrane protease triggers mitotic spindle positioning defects and a prolonged metaphase delay in cultured cells. Our data support a model whereby loss of function of HsEg5 is mediated by Zika protease and is spatially restricted to the ER-mitotic spindle interface during mitosis. The resulting phenotype is distinct from the monopolar phenotype that typically results from uniform inhibition of HsEg5 by RNAi or drugs. In addition, our data reveal novel inter-organelle interactions between the mitotic apparatus and the surrounding reticulate ER network. Given that Kif11 is haplo-insufficient in humans, and reduced dosage results in microcephaly, we propose that Zika protease targeting of HsEg5 may be a key event in the etiology of Zika syndrome microcephaly. Zika protease cleavage of Kinesin-5 impairs mitotic progression Inter-organelle interactions spatially control Zika proteolysis of Kinesin-5 Native Zika protease affects mitosis differently than soluble Zika protease Zika protease may elicit fetal microcephaly and blindness via Kif11/Kinesin-5
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Affiliation(s)
- Liqiong Liu
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, LSU School of Medicine & Health Sciences Center, New Orleans, LA 70112, USA
| | - Micquel Downs
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, LSU School of Medicine & Health Sciences Center, New Orleans, LA 70112, USA
| | - Jesse Guidry
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, LSU School of Medicine & Health Sciences Center, New Orleans, LA 70112, USA
- The Proteomics Core Facility, LSU School of Medicine & Health Sciences Center, New Orleans, LA 70112, USA
| | - Edward J Wojcik
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, LSU School of Medicine & Health Sciences Center, New Orleans, LA 70112, USA
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16
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Cragnolini T, Sahota H, Joseph AP, Sweeney A, Malhotra S, Vasishtan D, Topf M. TEMPy2: a Python library with improved 3D electron microscopy density-fitting and validation workflows. Acta Crystallogr D Struct Biol 2021; 77:41-47. [PMID: 33404524 PMCID: PMC7787107 DOI: 10.1107/s2059798320014928] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/28/2020] [Accepted: 11/10/2020] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
Structural determination of molecular complexes by cryo-EM requires large, often complex processing of the image data that are initially obtained. Here, TEMPy2, an update of the TEMPy package to process, optimize and assess cryo-EM maps and the structures fitted to them, is described. New optimization routines, comprehensive automated checks and workflows to perform these tasks are described.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tristan Cragnolini
- Institute of Structural and Molecular Biology, Birkbeck, University College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Harpal Sahota
- Institute of Structural and Molecular Biology, Birkbeck, University College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Agnel Praveen Joseph
- Institute of Structural and Molecular Biology, Birkbeck, University College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Aaron Sweeney
- Institute of Structural and Molecular Biology, Birkbeck, University College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Sony Malhotra
- Institute of Structural and Molecular Biology, Birkbeck, University College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Daven Vasishtan
- Oxford Particle Imaging Centre, Division of Structural Biology, Wellcome Trust Centre for Human Genetics, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
| | - Maya Topf
- Institute of Structural and Molecular Biology, Birkbeck, University College London, London, United Kingdom
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17
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Garcia-Saez I, Skoufias DA. Eg5 targeting agents: From new anti-mitotic based inhibitor discovery to cancer therapy and resistance. Biochem Pharmacol 2020; 184:114364. [PMID: 33310050 DOI: 10.1016/j.bcp.2020.114364] [Citation(s) in RCA: 52] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/02/2020] [Revised: 12/04/2020] [Accepted: 12/08/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Eg5, the product of Kif11 gene, also known as kinesin spindle protein, is a motor protein involved in the proper establishment of a bipolar mitotic spindle. Eg5 is one of the 45 different kinesins coded in the human genome of the kinesin motor protein superfamily. Over the last three decades Eg5 has attracted great interest as a promising new mitotic target. The identification of monastrol as specific inhibitor of the ATPase activity of the motor domain of Eg5 inhibiting the Eg5 microtubule motility in vitro and in cellulo sparked an intense interest in academia and industry to pursue the identification of novel small molecules that target Eg5 in order to be used in cancer chemotherapy based on the anti-mitotic strategy. Several Eg5 inhibitors entered clinical trials. Currently the field is faced with the problem that most of the inhibitors tested exhibited only limited efficacy. However, one Eg5 inhibitor, Arry-520 (clinical name filanesib), has demonstrated clinical efficacy in patients with multiple myeloma and is scheduled to enter phase III clinical trials. At the same time, new trends in Eg5 inhibitor research are emerging, including an increased interest in novel inhibitor binding sites and a focus on drug synergy with established antitumor agents to improve chemotherapeutic efficacy. This review presents an updated view of the structure and function of Eg5-inhibitor complexes, traces the possible development of resistance to Eg5 inhibitors and their potential therapeutic applications, and surveys the current challenges and future directions of this active field in drug discovery.
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Affiliation(s)
- Isabel Garcia-Saez
- Université Grenoble Alpes, CNRS, CEA, Institut de Biologie Structurale (IBS), 38000 Grenoble, France
| | - Dimitrios A Skoufias
- Université Grenoble Alpes, CNRS, CEA, Institut de Biologie Structurale (IBS), 38000 Grenoble, France.
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18
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Atherton J, Hummel JJA, Olieric N, Locke J, Peña A, Rosenfeld SS, Steinmetz MO, Hoogenraad CC, Moores CA. The mechanism of kinesin inhibition by kinesin-binding protein. eLife 2020; 9:e61481. [PMID: 33252036 PMCID: PMC7746232 DOI: 10.7554/elife.61481] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/27/2020] [Accepted: 11/28/2020] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Subcellular compartmentalisation is necessary for eukaryotic cell function. Spatial and temporal regulation of kinesin activity is essential for building these local environments via control of intracellular cargo distribution. Kinesin-binding protein (KBP) interacts with a subset of kinesins via their motor domains, inhibits their microtubule (MT) attachment, and blocks their cellular function. However, its mechanisms of inhibition and selectivity have been unclear. Here we use cryo-electron microscopy to reveal the structure of KBP and of a KBP-kinesin motor domain complex. KBP is a tetratricopeptide repeat-containing, right-handed α-solenoid that sequesters the kinesin motor domain's tubulin-binding surface, structurally distorting the motor domain and sterically blocking its MT attachment. KBP uses its α-solenoid concave face and edge loops to bind the kinesin motor domain, and selected structure-guided mutations disrupt KBP inhibition of kinesin transport in cells. The KBP-interacting motor domain surface contains motifs exclusively conserved in KBP-interacting kinesins, suggesting a basis for kinesin selectivity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joseph Atherton
- Randall Centre for Cell and Molecular Biophysics, King’s CollegeLondonUnited Kingdom
- Institute of Structural and Molecular Biology, Birkbeck, University of LondonLondonUnited Kingdom
| | - Jessica JA Hummel
- Cell Biology, Neurobiology and Biophysics, Department of Biology, Faculty of Science, Utrecht UniversityUtrechtNetherlands
| | - Natacha Olieric
- Laboratory of Biomolecular Research, Division of Biology and Chemistry, Paul Scherrer InstitutVilligen PSISwitzerland
| | - Julia Locke
- Institute of Structural and Molecular Biology, Birkbeck, University of LondonLondonUnited Kingdom
| | - Alejandro Peña
- Institute of Structural and Molecular Biology, Birkbeck, University of LondonLondonUnited Kingdom
| | | | - Michel O Steinmetz
- Laboratory of Biomolecular Research, Division of Biology and Chemistry, Paul Scherrer InstitutVilligen PSISwitzerland
- University of Basel, BiozentrumBaselSwitzerland
| | - Casper C Hoogenraad
- Cell Biology, Neurobiology and Biophysics, Department of Biology, Faculty of Science, Utrecht UniversityUtrechtNetherlands
| | - Carolyn A Moores
- Institute of Structural and Molecular Biology, Birkbeck, University of LondonLondonUnited Kingdom
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19
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Linke H, Höcker B, Furuta K, Forde NR, Curmi PMG. Synthetic biology approaches to dissecting linear motor protein function: towards the design and synthesis of artificial autonomous protein walkers. Biophys Rev 2020; 12:1041-1054. [PMID: 32651904 PMCID: PMC7429643 DOI: 10.1007/s12551-020-00717-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/23/2020] [Accepted: 07/02/2020] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Molecular motors and machines are essential for all cellular processes that together enable life. Built from proteins with a wide range of properties, functionalities and performance characteristics, biological motors perform complex tasks and can transduce chemical energy into mechanical work more efficiently than human-made combustion engines. Sophisticated studies of biological protein motors have provided many structural and biophysical insights and enabled the development of models for motor function. However, from the study of highly evolved, biological motors, it remains difficult to discern detailed mechanisms, for example, about the relative role of different force generation mechanisms, or how information is communicated across a protein to achieve the necessary coordination. A promising, complementary approach to answering these questions is to build synthetic protein motors from the bottom up. Indeed, much effort has been invested in functional protein design, but so far, the "holy grail" of designing and building a functional synthetic protein motor has not been realized. Here, we review the progress made to date, and we put forward a roadmap for achieving the aim of constructing the first artificial, autonomously running protein motor. Specifically, we propose to break down the task into (i) enzymatic control of track binding, (ii) the engineering of asymmetry and (iii) the engineering of allosteric control for internal communication. We also propose specific approaches for solving each of these challenges.
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Affiliation(s)
- Heiner Linke
- NanoLund and Solid State Physics, Lund University, Box 118, SE 22100, Lund, Sweden
| | - Birte Höcker
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Bayreuth, 95447, Bayreuth, Germany
| | - Ken'ya Furuta
- Advanced ICT Research Institute, National Institute of Information and Communications Technology, Kobe, Hyogo, 651-2492, Japan
| | - Nancy R Forde
- Department of Physics, Simon Fraser University, Burnaby, BC, V5A 1S6, Canada
| | - Paul M G Curmi
- School of Physics, University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW, 2052, Australia.
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20
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Hunter B, Allingham JS. These motors were made for walking. Protein Sci 2020; 29:1707-1723. [PMID: 32472639 DOI: 10.1002/pro.3895] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/11/2020] [Revised: 05/19/2020] [Accepted: 05/22/2020] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
Kinesins are a diverse group of adenosine triphosphate (ATP)-dependent motor proteins that transport cargos along microtubules (MTs) and change the organization of MT networks. Shared among all kinesins is a ~40 kDa motor domain that has evolved an impressive assortment of motility and MT remodeling mechanisms as a result of subtle tweaks and edits within its sequence. Several elegant studies of different kinesin isoforms have exposed the purpose of structural changes in the motor domain as it engages and leaves the MT. However, few studies have compared the sequences and MT contacts of these kinesins systematically. Along with clever strategies to trap kinesin-tubulin complexes for X-ray crystallography, new advancements in cryo-electron microscopy have produced a burst of high-resolution structures that show kinesin-MT interfaces more precisely than ever. This review considers the MT interactions of kinesin subfamilies that exhibit significant differences in speed, processivity, and MT remodeling activity. We show how their sequence variations relate to their tubulin footprint and, in turn, how this explains the molecular activities of previously characterized mutants. As more high-resolution structures become available, this type of assessment will quicken the pace toward establishing each kinesin's design-function relationship.
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Affiliation(s)
- Byron Hunter
- Department of Biomedical and Molecular Sciences, Queen's University, Kingston, Ontario, Canada
| | - John S Allingham
- Department of Biomedical and Molecular Sciences, Queen's University, Kingston, Ontario, Canada
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21
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How Essential Kinesin-5 Becomes Non-Essential in Fission Yeast: Force Balance and Microtubule Dynamics Matter. Cells 2020; 9:cells9051154. [PMID: 32392819 PMCID: PMC7290485 DOI: 10.3390/cells9051154] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/20/2020] [Revised: 05/01/2020] [Accepted: 05/04/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
The bipolar mitotic spindle drives accurate chromosome segregation by capturing the kinetochore and pulling each set of sister chromatids to the opposite poles. In this review, we describe recent findings on the multiple pathways leading to bipolar spindle formation in fission yeast and discuss these results from a broader perspective. The roles of three mitotic kinesins (Kinesin-5, Kinesin-6 and Kinesin-14) in spindle assembly are depicted, and how a group of microtubule-associated proteins, sister chromatid cohesion and the kinetochore collaborate with these motors is shown. We have paid special attention to the molecular pathways that render otherwise essential Kinesin-5 to become non-essential: how cells build bipolar mitotic spindles without the need for Kinesin-5 and where the alternate forces come from are considered. We highlight the force balance for bipolar spindle assembly and explain how outward and inward forces are generated by various ways, in which the proper fine-tuning of microtubule dynamics plays a crucial role. Overall, these new pathways have illuminated the remarkable plasticity and adaptability of spindle mechanics. Kinesin molecules are regarded as prospective targets for cancer chemotherapy and many specific inhibitors have been developed. However, several hurdles have arisen against their clinical implementation. This review provides insight into possible strategies to overcome these challenges.
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