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Ca 2+-binding protein from Entamoeba histolytica (EhCaBP6) is a novel GTPase. Biochem Biophys Res Commun 2020; 527:631-637. [PMID: 32423808 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbrc.2020.04.141] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/18/2020] [Accepted: 04/28/2020] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
GTPases are molecular switches, which regulate a variety of cellular processes such as cell polarity, gene transcription, microtubule dynamics, cell-cycle etc. In this paper, we characterize a Ca2+-binding protein from Entamoeba histolytica (EhCaBP6) as a novel GTPase. We locate the active site for GTP hydrolysis within the C-terminal domain of EhCaBP6, although it requires full length protein for its complete range of activity. Using NMR studies, we observe that GTP binding induces conformational change in EhCaBP6. The identification of this novel and unusual Ca2+-dependent GTPase is important to elucidate the unconventional cell cycle of E. histolytica.
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Kinesin-14 motor protein KIFC1 participates in DNA synthesis and chromatin maintenance. Cell Death Dis 2019; 10:402. [PMID: 31127080 PMCID: PMC6534603 DOI: 10.1038/s41419-019-1619-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/14/2019] [Revised: 03/02/2019] [Accepted: 04/29/2019] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
The nuclear localization signal (NLS) in kinesin-14 KIFC1 is associated with nuclear importins and Ran gradient, but detailed mechanism remains unknown. In this study, we found that KIFC1 proteins have specific transport characteristics during cell cycle. In the absence of KIFC1, cell cycle kinetics decrease significantly with a prolonged S phase. After KIFC1 overexpression, the duration of S phase becomes shorten. KIFC1 may transport the recombinant/replicate-related proteins into the nucleus, meanwhile avoiding excessive KIFC1 in the cytoplasm, which results in aberrant microtubule bundling. Interestingly, the deletion of kifc1 in human cells results in a higher ratio of aberrant nuclear membrane, and the degradation of lamin B and lamin A/C. We also found that kifc1 deletion leads to defects in metaphase mitotic spindle assembly, and then results in chromosome structural abnormality. The kifc1-/- cells finally form micronuclei in daughter cells, and results in aneuploidy and chromosome loss in cell cycle. In this study, we demonstrate that kinesin-14 KIFC1 proteins involve in regulating DNA synthesis in S phase, and chromatin maintenance in mitosis, and maintain cell growth in a nuclear transport-independent way.
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Mizuno Y, Ohtsu M, Shibata Y, Tanaka A, Camagna M, Ojika M, Mori H, Sato I, Chiba S, Kawakita K, Takemoto D. Nicotiana benthamiana RanBP1-1 Is Involved in the Induction of Disease Resistance via Regulation of Nuclear-Cytoplasmic Transport of Small GTPase Ran. FRONTIERS IN PLANT SCIENCE 2019; 10:222. [PMID: 30906303 PMCID: PMC6418045 DOI: 10.3389/fpls.2019.00222] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/03/2018] [Accepted: 02/08/2019] [Indexed: 06/07/2023]
Abstract
Plant cells enhance the tolerances to abiotic and biotic stresses via recognition of the stress, activation and nuclear import of signaling factors, up-regulation of defense genes, nuclear export of mRNA and translation of defense proteins. Nuclear pore-mediated transports should play critical roles in these processes, however, the regulatory mechanisms of nuclear-cytoplasmic transport during stress responses are largely unknown. In this study, a regulator of nuclear export of RNA and proteins, NbRanBP1-1 (Ran-binding protein1-1), was identified as an essential gene for the resistance of Nicotiana benthamiana to potato blight pathogen Phytophthora infestans. NbRanBP1-1-silenced plants showed delayed accumulation of capsidiol, a sesquiterpenoid phytoalexin, in response to elicitor treatment, and reduced resistance to P. infestans. Abnormal accumulation of mRNA was observed in NbRanBP1-1-silenced plants, indicating that NbRanBP1-1 is involved in the nuclear export of mRNA. In NbRanBP1-1-silenced plants, elicitor-induced expression of defense genes, NbEAS and NbWIPK, was not affected in the early stage of defense induction, but the accumulation of NbWIPK protein was reduced. Nuclear export of the small G-protein NbRan1a was activated during the induction of plant defense, whereas this process was compromised in NbRanBP1-1-silenced plants. Silencing of genes encoding the nuclear pore proteins, Nup75 and Nup160, also caused abnormal nuclear accumulation of mRNA, defects in the nuclear export of NbRan1a, and reduced production of capsidiol, resulting in decreased resistance to P. infestans. These results suggest that nuclear export of NbRan is a key event for defense induction in N. benthamiana, and both RanBP1-1 and nucleoporins play important roles in the process.
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Rodrigues FF, Shao W, Harris TJC. The Arf GAP Asap promotes Arf1 function at the Golgi for cleavage furrow biosynthesis in Drosophila. Mol Biol Cell 2016; 27:3143-3155. [PMID: 27535433 PMCID: PMC5063621 DOI: 10.1091/mbc.e16-05-0272] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/04/2016] [Accepted: 08/11/2016] [Indexed: 11/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Drosophila embryo cleavage requires the conserved Arf GAP Asap. Asap seems to recycle Arf1 to the Golgi from post-Golgi membranes for optimal Golgi output and cleavage furrow biosynthesis. Biosynthetic traffic from the Golgi drives plasma membrane growth. For Drosophila embryo cleavage, this growth is rapid but regulated for cycles of furrow ingression and regression. The highly conserved small G protein Arf1 organizes Golgi trafficking. Arf1 is activated by guanine nucleotide exchange factors, but essential roles for Arf1 GTPase-activating proteins (GAPs) are less clear. We report that the conserved Arf GAP Asap is required for cleavage furrow ingression in the early embryo. Because Asap can affect multiple subcellular processes, we used genetic approaches to dissect its primary effect. Our data argue against cytoskeletal or endocytic involvement and reveal a common role for Asap and Arf1 in Golgi organization. Although Asap lacked Golgi enrichment, it was necessary and sufficient for Arf1 accumulation at the Golgi, and a conserved Arf1-Asap binding site was required for Golgi organization and output. Of note, Asap relocalized to the nuclear region at metaphase, a shift that coincided with subtle Golgi reorganization preceding cleavage furrow regression. We conclude that Asap is essential for Arf1 to function at the Golgi for cleavage furrow biosynthesis. Asap may recycle Arf1 to the Golgi from post-Golgi membranes, providing optimal Golgi output for specific stages of the cell cycle.
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Affiliation(s)
- Francisco F Rodrigues
- Department of Cell and Systems Biology, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON M5S 3G5, Canada
| | - Wei Shao
- Department of Cell and Systems Biology, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON M5S 3G5, Canada
| | - Tony J C Harris
- Department of Cell and Systems Biology, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON M5S 3G5, Canada
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Chen JWC, Barker AR, Wakefield JG. The Ran Pathway in Drosophila melanogaster Mitosis. Front Cell Dev Biol 2015; 3:74. [PMID: 26636083 PMCID: PMC4659922 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2015.00074] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/04/2015] [Accepted: 11/09/2015] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Over the last two decades, the small GTPase Ran has emerged as a central regulator of both mitosis and meiosis, particularly in the generation, maintenance, and regulation of the microtubule (MT)-based bipolar spindle. Ran-regulated pathways in mitosis bear many similarities to the well-characterized functions of Ran in nuclear transport and, as with transport, the majority of these mitotic effects are mediated through affecting the physical interaction between karyopherins and Spindle Assembly Factors (SAFs)—a loose term describing proteins or protein complexes involved in spindle assembly through promoting nucleation, stabilization, and/or depolymerization of MTs, through anchoring MTs to specific structures such as centrosomes, chromatin or kinetochores, or through sliding MTs along each other to generate the force required to achieve bipolarity. As such, the Ran-mediated pathway represents a crucial functional module within the wider spindle assembly landscape. Research into mitosis using the model organism Drosophila melanogaster has contributed substantially to our understanding of centrosome and spindle function. However, in comparison to mammalian systems, very little is known about the contribution of Ran-mediated pathways in Drosophila mitosis. This article sets out to summarize our understanding of the roles of the Ran pathway components in Drosophila mitosis, focusing on the syncytial blastoderm embryo, arguing that it can provide important insights into the conserved functions on Ran during spindle formation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jack W C Chen
- Biosciences, College of Life and Environmental Sciences, University of Exeter Exeter, UK
| | - Amy R Barker
- Biosciences, College of Life and Environmental Sciences, University of Exeter Exeter, UK ; Centre for Microvascular Research, William Harvey Research Institute, Barts and The London School of Medicine and Dentistry, Queen Mary University of London London, UK
| | - James G Wakefield
- Biosciences, College of Life and Environmental Sciences, University of Exeter Exeter, UK
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Wu Z, Jiang Q, Clarke PR, Zhang C. Phosphorylation of Crm1 by CDK1-cyclin-B promotes Ran-dependent mitotic spindle assembly. J Cell Sci 2013; 126:3417-28. [PMID: 23729730 DOI: 10.1242/jcs.126854] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Mitotic spindle assembly in animal cells is orchestrated by a chromosome-dependent pathway that directs microtubule stabilization. RanGTP generated at chromosomes releases spindle assembly factors from inhibitory complexes with importins, the nuclear transport factors that facilitate protein import into the nucleus during interphase. In addition, the nuclear export factor Crm1 has been proposed to act as a mitotic effector of RanGTP through the localized assembly of protein complexes on the mitotic spindle, notably at centrosomes and kinetochores. It has been unclear, however, how the functions of nuclear transport factors are controlled during mitosis. Here, we report that human Crm1 is phosphorylated at serine 391 in mitosis by CDK1-cyclin-B (i.e. the CDK1 and cyclin B complex). Expression of Crm1 with serine 391 mutated to either non-phosphorylated or phosphorylation-mimicking residues indicates that phosphorylation directs the localization of Crm1 to the mitotic spindle and facilitates spindle assembly, microtubule stabilization and chromosome alignment. We find that phosphorylation of Crm1 at serine 391 enhances its RanGTP-dependent interaction with RanGAP1-RanBP2 and promotes their recruitment to the mitotic spindle. These results show that phosphorylation of Crm1 controls its molecular interactions, localization and function during mitosis, uncovering a new mechanism for the control of mitotic spindle assembly by CDK1-cyclin-B. We propose that nuclear transport factors are controlled during mitosis through the selection of specific molecular interactions by protein phosphorylation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhige Wu
- The MOE Key Laboratory of Cell Proliferation and Differentiation and the State Key Laboratory of Bio-membrane and Membrane Bio-engineering, College of Life Sciences, Peking University, Beijing 100871, China
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Bierbaum M, Bastiaens P. Cell cycle-dependent binding modes of the ran exchange factor RCC1 to chromatin. Biophys J 2013; 104:1642-51. [PMID: 23601311 PMCID: PMC3627872 DOI: 10.1016/j.bpj.2013.03.024] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/15/2012] [Revised: 03/04/2013] [Accepted: 03/11/2013] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
The formation of an activity gradient of the small G-protein Ran around chromatin depends on the differential partitioning of the opposing enzyme activities of the Ran guanine nucleotide exchange factor RCC1 that resides on chromatin, and the cytoplasmic Ran GTPase activating protein RanGAP. We studied the time-dependent interaction kinetics between RCC1 and chromatin and the mobility of the Ran-RCC1 complex in living cells by fluorescence correlation spectroscopy to investigate whether binding of RCC1 to chromatin regulates the exchange activity of RCC1, and whether the stability of the RCC1-chromatin interaction is regulated during the cell cycle. We found that RCC1 mobility is dominated by two states: a highly mobile state that is trapped within chromatin, and a transiently immobilized state that is stabilized during mitosis. We show that only the immobilized state of RCC1 interacts with Ran and conclude that its guanine nucleotide exchange activity is restricted to specific sites on chromatin.
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Affiliation(s)
- Martin Bierbaum
- Department of Systemic Cell Biology, Max Planck Institute for Molecular Physiology, Dortmund, Germany
- Faculty of Chemistry, Technical University Dortmund, Dortmund, Germany
| | - Philippe I.H. Bastiaens
- Department of Systemic Cell Biology, Max Planck Institute for Molecular Physiology, Dortmund, Germany
- Faculty of Chemistry, Technical University Dortmund, Dortmund, Germany
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Proteome analysis on lethal effect of l 2 in the sex-linked balanced lethal strains of silkworm, Bombyx mori. BIOTECHNOL BIOPROC E 2012. [DOI: 10.1007/s12257-012-0006-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
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The site of RanGTP generation can act as an organizational cue for mitotic microtubules. Biol Cell 2011; 103:421-34. [PMID: 21692748 DOI: 10.1042/bc20100135] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/07/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND INFORMATION RanGTP, which is generated on chromosomes during mitosis, is required for microtubule spindle assembly. Due to its restricted spatial generation within the cell it has been suggested that RanGTP acts as a spatial cue to organize site-specific spindle assembly within the cell. However, the absence of a detectable sharp gradient of RanGTP in somatic cells has led to suggestions that it may only act as a spatial cue in large cells and that it may operate as a general activator of the mitotic cytosol in somatic cells. RESULTS We report that ectopic generation of RanGTP at the plasma membrane stimulates the formation of organized arrays of microtubules at the plasma membrane. CONCLUSIONS These results suggest that the site of RanGTP generation in a mitotic somatic cell can generate critical spatial information that specifies where microtubules grow towards and where microtubules are organized. As RanGTP is normally generated on chromosomes, these results suggest that RanGTP may play an important role in specifying that spindle assembly occurs around chromosomes.
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Cesario J, McKim KS. RanGTP is required for meiotic spindle organization and the initiation of embryonic development in Drosophila. J Cell Sci 2011; 124:3797-810. [PMID: 22100918 PMCID: PMC3225268 DOI: 10.1242/jcs.084855] [Citation(s) in RCA: 44] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 07/04/2011] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
RanGTP is important for chromosome-dependent spindle assembly in Xenopus extracts. Here we report on experiments to determine the role of the Ran pathway on microtubule dynamics in Drosophila oocytes and embryos. Females expressing a dominant-negative form of Ran have fertility defects, suggesting that RanGTP is required for normal fertility. This is not, however, because of a defect in acentrosomal meiotic spindle assembly. Therefore, RanGTP does not appear to be essential or sufficient for the formation of the acentrosomal spindle. Instead, the most important function of the Ran pathway in spindle assembly appears to be in the tapering of microtubules at the spindle poles, which might be through regulation of proteins such as TACC and the HURP homolog, Mars. One consequence of this spindle organization defect is an increase in the nondisjunction of achiasmate chromosomes. However, the meiotic defects are not severe enough to cause the decreased fertility. Reductions in fertility occur because RanGTP has a role in microtubule assembly that is not directly nucleated by the chromosomes. This includes microtubules nucleated from the sperm aster, which are required for pronuclear fusion. We propose that following nuclear envelope breakdown, RanGTP is released from the nucleus and creates a cytoplasm that is activated for assembling microtubules, which is important for processes such as pronuclear fusion. Around the chromosomes, however, RanGTP might be redundant with other factors such as the chromosome passenger complex.
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Affiliation(s)
- J. Cesario
- Waksman Institute and Department of Genetics, Rutgers, the State University of New Jersey, 190 Frelinghuysen RD, Piscataway NJ 08854-8020, USA
| | - K. S. McKim
- Waksman Institute and Department of Genetics, Rutgers, the State University of New Jersey, 190 Frelinghuysen RD, Piscataway NJ 08854-8020, USA
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Zheng A, Li J, Begna D, Fang Y, Feng M, Song F. Proteomic analysis of honeybee (Apis mellifera L.) pupae head development. PLoS One 2011; 6:e20428. [PMID: 21637821 PMCID: PMC3102718 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0020428] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/12/2011] [Accepted: 04/27/2011] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
The honeybee pupae development influences its future adult condition as well as honey and royal jelly productions. However, the molecular mechanism that regulates honeybee pupae head metamorphosis is still poorly understood. To further our understand of the associated molecular mechanism, we investigated the protein change of the honeybee pupae head at 5 time-points using 2-D electrophoresis, mass spectrometry, bioinformatics, quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction and Western blot analysis. Accordingly, 58 protein spots altered their expression across the 5 time points (13–20 days), of which 36 proteins involved in the head organogenesis were upregulated during early stages (13–17 days). However, 22 proteins involved in regulating the pupae head neuron and gland development were upregulated at later developmental stages (19–20 days). Also, the functional enrichment analysis further suggests that proteins related to carbohydrate metabolism and energy production, development, cytoskeleton and protein folding were highly involved in the generation of organs and development of honeybee pupal head. Furthermore, the constructed protein interaction network predicted 33 proteins acting as key nodes of honeybee pupae head growth of which 9 and 4 proteins were validated at gene and protein levels, respectively. In this study, we uncovered potential protein species involved in the formation of honeybee pupae head development along with their specific temporal requirements. This first proteomic result allows deeper understanding of the proteome profile changes during honeybee pupae head development and provides important potential candidate proteins for future reverse genetic research on honeybee pupae head development to improve the performance of related organs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aijuan Zheng
- Key Laboratory of Pollinating Insect Biology, Ministry of Agriculture/Institute of Apicultural Research, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Science, Beijing, China
- Feed Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Science, Beijing, China
| | - Jianke Li
- Key Laboratory of Pollinating Insect Biology, Ministry of Agriculture/Institute of Apicultural Research, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Science, Beijing, China
- * E-mail:
| | - Desalegn Begna
- Key Laboratory of Pollinating Insect Biology, Ministry of Agriculture/Institute of Apicultural Research, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Science, Beijing, China
| | - Yu Fang
- Key Laboratory of Pollinating Insect Biology, Ministry of Agriculture/Institute of Apicultural Research, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Science, Beijing, China
| | - Mao Feng
- Key Laboratory of Pollinating Insect Biology, Ministry of Agriculture/Institute of Apicultural Research, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Science, Beijing, China
| | - Feifei Song
- Key Laboratory of Pollinating Insect Biology, Ministry of Agriculture/Institute of Apicultural Research, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Science, Beijing, China
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Ciciarello M, Roscioli E, Di Fiore B, Di Francesco L, Sobrero F, Bernard D, Mangiacasale R, Harel A, Schininà ME, Lavia P. Nuclear reformation after mitosis requires downregulation of the Ran GTPase effector RanBP1 in mammalian cells. Chromosoma 2010; 119:651-68. [PMID: 20658144 DOI: 10.1007/s00412-010-0286-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/14/2010] [Revised: 06/28/2010] [Accepted: 06/30/2010] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
The GTPase Ran regulates nucleocytoplasmic transport in interphase and spindle organisation in mitosis via effectors of the importin beta superfamily. Ran-binding protein 1 (RanBP1) regulates guanine nucleotide turnover on Ran, as well as its interactions with effectors. Unlike other Ran network members that are steadily expressed, RanBP1 abundance is modulated during the mammalian cell cycle, peaking in mitosis and declining at mitotic exit. Here, we show that RanBP1 downregulation takes place in mid to late telophase, concomitant with the reformation of nuclei. Mild RanBP1 overexpression in murine cells causes RanBP1 to persist in late mitosis and hinders a set of events underlying the telophase to interphase transition, including chromatin decondensation, nuclear expansion and nuclear lamina reorganisation. Moreover, the reorganisation of nuclear pores fails associated with defective nuclear relocalisation of NLS cargoes. Co-expression of importin beta, together with RanBP1, however mitigates these defects. Thus, RanBP1 downregulation is required for nuclear reorganisation pathways operated by importin beta after mitosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marilena Ciciarello
- CNR National Research Council, Institute of Molecular Biology and Pathology, c/o Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, 00185, Italy
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Ho CY, Wong CH, Li HY. Perturbation of the chromosomal binding of RCC1, Mad2 and survivin causes spindle assembly defects and mitotic catastrophe. J Cell Biochem 2008; 105:835-46. [PMID: 18712773 DOI: 10.1002/jcb.21879] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Mitotic catastrophe is a form of cell death that results from aberrant mitosis. Currently, the mechanisms involved in this form of cell death remain poorly understood. We found that actinomycin D induces mitotic catastrophe with severe spindle assembly defects. We have studied the nature of three groups of chromosome binding proteins in mitotic cells treated with actinomycin D. We found that actinomycin D reduced the binding affinity of RCC1 to the mitotic chromosome, which led to a reduction of RanGTP level. In addition, Mad2 was not concentrated at the kinetochores, indicating that the mitotic spindle checkpoint was affected. Furthermore, the localization of survivin was altered in cells. These data suggested that chromosomal binding of the mitotic regulators such as RCC1, Mad2 and survivin is essential for mitotic progression. Mitotic chromosomes not only carry the genetic material needed for the newly synthesized daughter cells, but also serve as docking sites for some of the mitotic regulators. Perturbation of their binding to the mitotic chromosome by actinomycin D could affect their functions in regulating mitotic progression thus leading to severe spindle defects and mitotic catastrophe.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chin-Yee Ho
- Division of Molecular and Cell Biology, School of Biological Sciences, College of Science, Nanyang Technological University, Singapore 637551, Singapore
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Silverman-Gavrila RV, Hales KG, Wilde A. Anillin-mediated targeting of peanut to pseudocleavage furrows is regulated by the GTPase Ran. Mol Biol Cell 2008; 19:3735-44. [PMID: 18579688 DOI: 10.1091/mbc.e08-01-0049] [Citation(s) in RCA: 48] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/11/2022] Open
Abstract
During early development in Drosophila, pseudocleavage furrows in the syncytial embryo prevent contact between neighboring spindles, thereby ensuring proper chromosome segregation. Here we demonstrate that the GTPase Ran regulates pseudocleavage furrow organization. Ran can exert control on pseudocleavage furrows independently of its role in regulating the microtubule cytoskeleton. Disruption of the Ran pathway prevented pseudocleavage furrow formation and restricted the depth and duration of furrow ingression of those pseudocleavage furrows that did form. We found that Ran was required for the localization of the septin Peanut to the pseudocleavage furrow, but not anillin or actin. Biochemical assays revealed that the direct binding of the nuclear transport receptors importin alpha and beta to anillin prevented the binding of Peanut to anillin. Furthermore, RanGTP reversed the inhibitory action of importin alpha and beta. On expression of a mutant form of anillin that lacked an importin alpha and beta binding site, inhibition of Ran no longer restricted the depth and duration of furrow ingression in those pseudocleavage furrows that formed. These data suggest that anillin and Peanut are involved in pseudocleavage furrow ingression in syncytial embryos and that this process is regulated by Ran.
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15
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Katsani KR, Karess RE, Dostatni N, Doye V. In vivo dynamics of Drosophila nuclear envelope components. Mol Biol Cell 2008; 19:3652-66. [PMID: 18562695 DOI: 10.1091/mbc.e07-11-1162] [Citation(s) in RCA: 96] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/26/2023] Open
Abstract
Nuclear pore complexes (NPCs) are multisubunit protein entities embedded into the nuclear envelope (NE). Here, we examine the in vivo dynamics of the essential Drosophila nucleoporin Nup107 and several other NE-associated proteins during NE and NPCs disassembly and reassembly that take place within each mitosis. During both the rapid mitosis of syncytial embryos and the more conventional mitosis of larval neuroblasts, Nup107 is gradually released from the NE, but it remains partially confined to the nuclear (spindle) region up to late prometaphase, in contrast to nucleoporins detected by wheat germ agglutinin and lamins. We provide evidence that in all Drosophila cells, a structure derived from the NE persists throughout metaphase and early anaphase. Finally, we examined the dynamics of the spindle checkpoint proteins Mad2 and Mad1. During mitotic exit, Mad2 and Mad1 are actively imported back from the cytoplasm into the nucleus after the NE and NPCs have reformed, but they reassociate with the NE only later in G1, concomitantly with the recruitment of the basket nucleoporin Mtor (the Drosophila orthologue of vertebrate Tpr). Surprisingly, Drosophila Nup107 shows no evidence of localization to kinetochores, despite the demonstrated importance of this association in mammalian cells.
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16
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Abstract
The GTPase Ran has a key role in nuclear import and export, mitotic spindle assembly and nuclear envelope formation. The cycling of Ran between its GTP- and GDP-bound forms is catalyzed by the chromatin-bound guanine nucleotide exchange factor RCC1 and the cytoplasmic Ran GTPase-activating protein RanGAP. The result is an intracellular concentration gradient of RanGTP that equips eukaryotic cells with a ;genome-positioning system' (GPS). The binding of RanGTP to nuclear transport receptors (NTRs) of the importin beta superfamily mediates the effects of the gradient and generates further downstream gradients, which have been elucidated by fluorescence resonance energy transfer (FRET) imaging and computational modeling. The Ran-dependent GPS spatially directs many functions required for genome segregation by the mitotic spindle during mitosis. Through exportin 1, RanGTP recruits essential centrosome and kinetochore components, whereas the RanGTP-induced release of spindle assembly factors (SAFs) from importins activates SAFs to nucleate, bind and organize nascent spindle microtubules. Although a considerable fraction of cytoplasmic SAFs is active and RanGTP induces only partial further activation near chromatin, bipolar spindle assembly is robustly induced by cooperativity and positive-feedback mechanisms within the network of Ran-activated SAFs. The RanGTP gradient is conserved, although its roles vary among different cell types and species, and much remains to be learned regarding its functions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Petr Kalab
- Laboratory of Cell and Molecular Biology, National Cancer Institute, Bethesda, MD 20892-4256, USA.
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Delmar VA, Chan RC, Forbes DJ. Xenopus importin beta validates human importin beta as a cell cycle negative regulator. BMC Cell Biol 2008; 9:14. [PMID: 18366719 PMCID: PMC2324082 DOI: 10.1186/1471-2121-9-14] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/20/2007] [Accepted: 03/22/2008] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Human importin beta has been used in all Xenopus laevis in vitro nuclear assembly and spindle assembly studies. This disconnect between species raised the question for us as to whether importin beta was an authentic negative regulator of cell cycle events, or a dominant negative regulator due to a difference between the human and Xenopus importin beta sequences. No Xenopus importin beta gene was yet identified at the time of those studies. Thus, we first cloned, identified, and tested the Xenopus importin beta gene to address this important mechanistic difference. If human importin beta is an authentic negative regulator then we would expect human and Xenopus importin beta to have identical negative regulatory effects on nuclear membrane fusion and pore assembly. If human importin beta acts instead as a dominant negative mutant inhibitor, we should then see no inhibitory effect when we added the Xenopus homologue. Results We found that Xenopus importin beta acts identically to its human counterpart. It negatively regulates both nuclear membrane fusion and pore assembly. Human importin beta inhibition was previously found to be reversible by Ran for mitotic spindle assembly and nuclear membrane fusion, but not nuclear pore assembly. During the present study, we observed that this differing reversibility varied depending on the presence or absence of a tag on importin beta. Indeed, when untagged importin beta, either human or Xenopus, was used, inhibition of nuclear pore assembly proved to be Ran-reversible. Conclusion We conclude that importin beta, human or Xenopus, is an authentic negative regulator of nuclear assembly and, presumably, spindle assembly. A difference in the Ran sensitivity between tagged and untagged importin beta in pore assembly gives us mechanistic insight into nuclear pore formation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Valerie A Delmar
- Section of Cell and Developmental Biology, Division of Biological Sciences 0347, University of California - San Diego, 9500 Gilman Drive, La Jolla, CA 92093-0347, USA.
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18
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Tedeschi A, Ciciarello M, Mangiacasale R, Roscioli E, Rensen WM, Lavia P. RANBP1 localizes a subset of mitotic regulatory factors on spindle microtubules and regulates chromosome segregation in human cells. J Cell Sci 2007; 120:3748-61. [PMID: 17940066 DOI: 10.1242/jcs.009308] [Citation(s) in RCA: 47] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
The GTPase RAN has an established role in spindle assembly and in mitotic progression, although not all mechanisms are fully understood in somatic cells. Here, we have downregulated RAN-binding protein 1 (RANBP1), a RAN partner that has highest abundance in G2 and mitosis, in human cells. RANBP1-depleted cells underwent prolonged prometaphase delay often followed by apoptosis. Cells that remained viable assembled morphologically normal spindles; these spindles, however, were hyperstable and failed to recruit cyclin B1 or to restrict the localization of HURP (DLG7), a microtubule-stabilizing factor, to plus-ends. RANBP1 depletion did not increase the frequency of unattached chromosomes; however, RANBP1-depleted cells frequently showed lagging chromosomes in anaphase, suggesting that merotelic attachments form and are not efficiently resolved. These data indicate that RANBP1 activity is required for the proper localization of specific factors that regulate microtubule function; loss of this activity contributes to the generation of aneuploidy in a microtubule-dependent manner.
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Affiliation(s)
- Antonio Tedeschi
- IBPM Institute of Molecular Biology and Pathology, CNR National Research Council, Via degli Apuli 4, 00185 Rome, Italy
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19
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Ma L, Hong Z, Zhang Z. Perinuclear and nuclear envelope localizations of Arabidopsis Ran proteins. PLANT CELL REPORTS 2007; 26:1373-82. [PMID: 17530257 DOI: 10.1007/s00299-007-0367-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/30/2007] [Accepted: 04/19/2007] [Indexed: 05/15/2023]
Abstract
Using phragmoplastin-interacting protein 1 (PhrIP1) as bait, we isolated an Arabidopsis cDNA encoding Ran2, a small Ras-like GTP-binding protein. The interaction between PhrIP1 and Ran2 was confirmed by an in vitro protein-protein interaction assay with purified Ran2 and PhrIP1. The plant Ran2 shares high sequence homology, 78 and 86% at the amino acid level, with human Ran/TC4 and C. elegans Ran, respectively. Our results obtained from enzyme assays and Western blot analysis show that Ran2 has intrinsic GTPase activity and is present in the soluble fraction of Arabidopsis seedling extract. Fluorescent microscopy using anti-Ran2 antibody revealed that the Ran protein is localized in the perinuclear region with the highest concentration at the nuclear envelope. In contrast to its animal counterparts that are present in the nucleoplasm, the Ran protein is absent inside the nucleus. These results suggest that plant Ran proteins may be involved in mediation of nucleocytoplasmic transport and assembly of the nuclear envelope after karyokinesis in plant cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lian Ma
- State Key Laboratory of Agricultural Microbiology, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan 430070, China
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20
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Jang JK, Rahman T, Kober VS, Cesario J, McKim KS. Misregulation of the kinesin-like protein Subito induces meiotic spindle formation in the absence of chromosomes and centrosomes. Genetics 2007; 177:267-80. [PMID: 17660552 PMCID: PMC2013708 DOI: 10.1534/genetics.107.076091] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Bipolar spindles assemble in the absence of centrosomes in the oocytes of many species. In Drosophila melanogaster oocytes, the chromosomes have been proposed to initiate spindle assembly by nucleating or capturing microtubules, although the mechanism is not understood. An important contributor to this process is Subito, which is a kinesin-6 protein that is required for bundling interpolar microtubules located within the central spindle at metaphase I. We have characterized the domains of Subito that regulate its activity and its specificity for antiparallel microtubules. This analysis has revealed that the C-terminal domain may interact independently with microtubules while the motor domain is required for maintaining the interaction with the antiparallel microtubules. Surprisingly, deletion of the N-terminal domain resulted in a Subito protein capable of promoting the assembly of bipolar spindles that do not include centrosomes or chromosomes. Bipolar acentrosomal spindle formation during meiosis in oocytes may be driven by the bundling of antiparallel microtubules. Furthermore, these experiments have revealed evidence of a nuclear- or chromosome-based signal that acts at a distance to activate Subito. Instead of the chromosomes directly capturing microtubules, signals released upon nuclear envelope breakdown may activate proteins like Subito, which in turn bundles together microtubules.
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Affiliation(s)
- Janet K Jang
- Waksman Institute and Department of Genetics, Rutgers, the State University of New Jersey, Piscataway, New Jersey 08854-8020, USA
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21
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Russo J, Balogh GA, Heulings R, Mailo DA, Moral R, Russo PA, Sheriff F, Vanegas J, Russo IH. Molecular basis of pregnancy-induced breast cancer protection. Eur J Cancer Prev 2007; 15:306-42. [PMID: 16835503 DOI: 10.1097/00008469-200608000-00006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/17/2023]
Abstract
We have postulated that the lifetime protective effect of an early pregnancy against breast cancer is due to the complete differentiation of the mammary gland characterized by a specific genomic signature imprinted by the physiological process of pregnancy. In the present work, we show evidence that the breast tissue of postmenopausal parous women has had a shifting of stem cell 1 to stem cell 2 with a genomic signature different from similar structures derived from postmenopausal nulliparous women that have stem cell 1. Those genes that are significantly different are grouped in major categories on the basis of their putative functional significance. Among them are those gene transcripts related to immune surveillance, DNA repair, transcription, chromatin structure/activators/co-activators, growth factor and signal transduction pathway, transport and cell trafficking, cell proliferation, differentiation, cell adhesion, protein synthesis and cell metabolism. From these data, it was concluded that during pregnancy there are significant genomic changes that reflect profound alterations in the basic physiology of the mammary gland that explain the protective effect against carcinogenesis. The implication of this knowledge is that when the genomic signature of protection or refractoriness to carcinogenesis is acquired by the shifting of stem cell 1 to stem cell 2, the hormonal milieu induced by pregnancy or pregnancy-like conditions is no longer required. This is a novel concept that challenges the current knowledge that a chemopreventive agent needs to be given for a long period to suppress a metabolic pathway or abrogate the function of an organ.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jose Russo
- Breast Cancer Research Laboratory, Fox Chase Cancer Center, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19111, USA.
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22
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23
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Brust-Mascher I, Scholey JM. Mitotic spindle dynamics in Drosophila. INTERNATIONAL REVIEW OF CYTOLOGY 2007; 259:139-72. [PMID: 17425941 DOI: 10.1016/s0074-7696(06)59004-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Mitosis, the process by which the replicated chromosomes are segregated equally into daughter cells, has been studied for over a century. Drosophila melanogaster is an ideal organism for this research. Drosophila embryos are well suited to image mitosis, because during cycles 10-13 nuclei divide rapidly at the surface of the embryo, but mitotic cells during larval stages and spermatocytes are also used for the study of mitosis. Drosophila can be easily maintained, many mutant stocks exist, and transgenic flies expressing mutated or fluorescently labeled proteins can be made. In addition, the genome has been completed and RNA interference can be used in Drosophila tissue culture cells. Here, we review our current understanding of spindle dynamics, looking at the experiments and quantitative modeling on which it is based. Many molecular players in the Drosophila mitotic spindle are similar to those in mammalian spindles, so findings in Drosophila can be extended to other organisms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ingrid Brust-Mascher
- Section of Molecular and Cellular Biology, University of California at Davis, Davis, California 95616, USA
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24
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Johansen KM, Johansen J. Cell and Molecular Biology of the Spindle Matrix. INTERNATIONAL REVIEW OF CYTOLOGY 2007; 263:155-206. [PMID: 17725967 DOI: 10.1016/s0074-7696(07)63004-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 55] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
The concept of a spindle matrix has long been proposed to account for incompletely understood features of microtubule spindle dynamics and force production during mitosis. In its simplest formulation, the spindle matrix is hypothesized to provide a stationary or elastic molecular matrix that can provide a substrate for motor molecules to interact with during microtubule sliding and which can stabilize the spindle during force production. Although this is an attractive concept with the potential to greatly simplify current models of microtubule spindle behavior, definitive evidence for the molecular nature of a spindle matrix or for its direct role in microtubule spindle function has been lagging. However, as reviewed here multiple studies spanning the evolutionary spectrum from lower eukaryotes to vertebrates have provided new and intriguing evidence that a spindle matrix may be a general feature of mitosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kristen M Johansen
- Department of Biochemistry, Biophysics, and Molecular Biology, Iowa State University, Ames, Iowa 50011, USA
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25
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Orjalo AV, Arnaoutov A, Shen Z, Boyarchuk Y, Zeitlin SG, Fontoura B, Briggs S, Dasso M, Forbes DJ. The Nup107-160 nucleoporin complex is required for correct bipolar spindle assembly. Mol Biol Cell 2006; 17:3806-18. [PMID: 16807356 PMCID: PMC1593160 DOI: 10.1091/mbc.e05-11-1061] [Citation(s) in RCA: 118] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/11/2022] Open
Abstract
The Nup107-160 complex is a critical subunit of the nuclear pore. This complex localizes to kinetochores in mitotic mammalian cells, where its function is unknown. To examine Nup107-160 complex recruitment to kinetochores, we stained human cells with antisera to four complex components. Each antibody stained not only kinetochores but also prometaphase spindle poles and proximal spindle fibers, mirroring the dual prometaphase localization of the spindle checkpoint proteins Mad1, Mad2, Bub3, and Cdc20. Indeed, expanded crescents of the Nup107-160 complex encircled unattached kinetochores, similar to the hyperaccumulation observed of dynamic outer kinetochore checkpoint proteins and motors at unattached kinetochores. In mitotic Xenopus egg extracts, the Nup107-160 complex localized throughout reconstituted spindles. When the Nup107-160 complex was depleted from extracts, the spindle checkpoint remained intact, but spindle assembly was rendered strikingly defective. Microtubule nucleation around sperm centrosomes seemed normal, but the microtubules quickly disassembled, leaving largely unattached sperm chromatin. Notably, Ran-GTP caused normal assembly of microtubule asters in depleted extracts, indicating that this defect was upstream of Ran or independent of it. We conclude that the Nup107-160 complex is dynamic in mitosis and that it promotes spindle assembly in a manner that is distinct from its functions at interphase nuclear pores.
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Affiliation(s)
- Arturo V Orjalo
- Sections of Cell and Developmental Biology, Division of Biological Sciences, University of California-San Diego Medical School, La Jolla, CA 92093-0347, USA
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26
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Silverman-Gavrila RV, Wilde A. Ran is required before metaphase for spindle assembly and chromosome alignment and after metaphase for chromosome segregation and spindle midbody organization. Mol Biol Cell 2006; 17:2069-80. [PMID: 16481399 PMCID: PMC1415283 DOI: 10.1091/mbc.e05-10-0991] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/11/2022] Open
Abstract
The Ran pathway has been shown to have a role in spindle assembly. However, the extent of the role of the Ran pathway in mitosis in vivo is unclear. We report that perturbation of the Ran pathway disrupted multiple steps of mitosis in syncytial Drosophila embryos and uncovered new mitotic processes that are regulated by Ran. During the onset of mitosis, the Ran pathway is required for the production, organization, and targeting of centrosomally nucleated microtubules to chromosomes. However, the role of Ran is not restricted to microtubule organization, because Ran is also required for the alignment of chromosomes at the metaphase plate. In addition, the Ran pathway is required for postmetaphase events, including chromosome segregation and the assembly of the microtubule midbody. The Ran pathway mediates these mitotic events, in part, by facilitating the correct targeting of the kinase Aurora A and the kinesins KLP61F and KLP3A to spindles.
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27
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Gorjánácz M, Török I, Pomozi I, Garab G, Szlanka T, Kiss I, Mechler BM. Domains of Importin-alpha2 required for ring canal assembly during Drosophila oogenesis. J Struct Biol 2006; 154:27-41. [PMID: 16458020 DOI: 10.1016/j.jsb.2005.12.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/20/2005] [Revised: 11/10/2005] [Accepted: 12/07/2005] [Indexed: 10/25/2022]
Abstract
Null-mutation in Drosophila importin-alpha2, such as the deficiency imp-alpha2(D14), causes recessive female sterility with the formation of dumpless eggs. In imp-alpha2(D14) the transfer of nurse cell components to the oocyte is interrupted and the Kelch protein, an oligomeric ring canal actin organizer, is normally produced but fails to associate with the ring canals resulting in their occlusion. To define domains regulating Kelch deposition on ring canals we performed site-directed mutagenesis on protein binding domains and putative phosphorylation sites of Imp-alpha2. Phenotypic analysis of the mutant transgenes in imp-alpha2(D14) revealed that mutations affecting the Imp-beta binding-domain, the dimerization domain, and specific serine residues of putative phosphorylation sites led to a normal or nearly normal oogenesis but arrested early embryonic development, whereas mutations in the nuclear localization signal (NLS) and CAS/exportin binding domains resulted in ring canal occlusion and a drastic nuclear accumulation of the mutant proteins. Deletion of the Imp-beta binding domain also gave rise to a nuclear localization of the mutant protein, which partially retained its function in ring canal assembly. Thus, we propose that mutations in NLS and CAS binding domains affect the deposition of Kelch onto the ring canals and prevent the association of Imp-alpha2 with a negative regulator of Kelch function.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mátyás Gorjánácz
- Institute of Genetics, Biological Research Center of the Hungarian Academy of Sciences, Szeged, Hungary
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28
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Tokai-Nishizumi N, Ohsugi M, Suzuki E, Yamamoto T. The chromokinesin Kid is required for maintenance of proper metaphase spindle size. Mol Biol Cell 2005; 16:5455-63. [PMID: 16176979 PMCID: PMC1266440 DOI: 10.1091/mbc.e05-03-0244] [Citation(s) in RCA: 66] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/11/2022] Open
Abstract
The human chromokinesin Kid/kinesin-10, a plus end-directed microtubule (MT)-based motor with both microtubule- and DNA-binding domains, is required for proper chromosome alignment at the metaphase plate. Here, we performed RNA interference experiments to deplete endogenous Kid from HeLa cells and confirmed defects in metaphase chromosome arm alignment in Kid-depleted cells. In addition, we noted a shortening of the spindle length, resulting in a pole-to-pole distance only 80% of wild type. The spindle microtubule-bundles with which Kid normally colocalize became less robust. Rescue of the two Kid deficiency phenotypes-imprecise chromosome alignment at metaphase and shortened spindles- exhibited distinct requirements. Mutants lacking either the DNA-binding domain or the MT motor ATPase failed to rescue the former defect, whereas rescue of the shortened spindle phenotype required neither activity. Kid also exhibits microtubule bundling activity in vitro, and rescue of the shortened spindle phenotype and the bundling activity displayed similar domain requirements, except that rescue required a coiled-coil domain not needed for bundling. These results suggest that distinct from its role in chromosome movement, Kid contributes to spindle morphogenesis by mediating spindle microtubules stabilization.
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Affiliation(s)
- Noriko Tokai-Nishizumi
- Division of Oncology, Department of Cancer Biology, Institute of Medical Science, University of Tokyo, Tokyo 108-8639, Japan
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29
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Abstract
Importin beta, once thought to be exclusively a nuclear transport receptor, is emerging as a global regulator of diverse cellular functions. Importin beta acts positively in multiple interphase roles: in nuclear import, as a chaperone for highly charged nuclear proteins, and as a potential motor adaptor for movement along microtubules. In contrast, importin beta plays a negative regulatory role in mitotic spindle assembly, centrosome dynamics, nuclear membrane formation, and nuclear pore assembly. In most of these, importin beta is counteracted by its regulator, Ran-GTP. In light of this, the recent discovery of Ran's involvement in spindle checkpoint control suggested a potential new arena for importin beta action, although it is also possible that one of importin beta's relatives, the karyopherin family of proteins, manages this checkpoint. Lastly, importin beta plays a role in transducing damage signals from the axons of injured neurons back to the cell body.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amnon Harel
- Section of Cell and Developmental Biology, Division of Biological Sciences 0347, University of California, San Diego, 9500 Gilman Drive, Room 2124A, Pacific Hall, La Jolla, CA 92093, USA
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30
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Onischenko EA, Gubanova NV, Kieselbach T, Kiseleva EV, Hallberg E. Annulate lamellae play only a minor role in the storage of excess nucleoporins in Drosophila embryos. Traffic 2004; 5:152-64. [PMID: 15086791 DOI: 10.1111/j.1600-0854.2004.0166.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
The nuclear pore complexes (NPCs), multiprotein assemblies embedded in the nuclear envelope, conduct nucleo-cytoplasmic traffic of macromolecules. Mimics of NPCs, called annulate lamellae pore complexes (ALPCs), are usually found in cytoplasmic membranous stacks in oocytes and early embryonic cells. They are believed to constitute storage compartments for excess premade nucleoporins. To evaluate the extent to which ALPCs store nucleoporins in early embryonic cells we took advantage of syncytial Drosophila embryos, containing both AL and rapidly proliferating nuclei in the common cytoplasm. Electron microscopic morphometric analysis showed that the number of ALPCs did not decrease to compensate for the growing number of NPCs during syncytial development. We performed Western blot analysis to quantify seven different nucleoporins and analyzed their intraembryonal distribution by confocal microscopy and subcellular fractionation. Syncytial embryos contained a large maternally contributed stockpile of nucleoporins. However, even during interphases, only a small fraction of the excess nucleoporins was assembled into ALPCs, whereas the major fraction was soluble and contained at least one phosphorylated nucleoporin. We conclude that in Drosophila embryos ALPCs play only a minor role in storing the excess maternally contributed nucleoporins. Factors that may prevent nucleoporins from assembly into ALPCs are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Evgeny A Onischenko
- Section for Natural Sciences, Södertörns University College, SE-14189. Huddinge, Sweden
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31
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Abstract
Recent work has provided new insights into the mechanism of spindle assembly. Growing evidence supports a model in which the small GTPase Ran plays a central role in this process. Here, we examine the evidence for the existence of a RanGTP gradient around mitotic chromosomes and some controversial data on the role that chromosomes play in spindle assembly. We review the current knowledge on the Ran downstream targets for spindle assembly and we focus on the multiple roles of TPX2, one of the targets of RanGTP during cell division.
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Affiliation(s)
- Oliver J Gruss
- Cell Biology and Biophysics Program, European Molecular Biology Laboratory, Meyerhofstrasse 1, Heidelberg 69117, Germany.
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32
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Abstract
Drosophila melanogaster is an excellent model for studying mitosis. Syncytial embryos are amenable to time-lapse imaging of hundreds of synchronously dividing spindles, allowing the quantitation of spindle and chromosome dynamics with unprecedented fidelity. Other Drosophila cell types, including neuroblasts, cultured cells, spermatocytes and oocytes, contain spindles that differ in their design, providing cells amenable to different types of experiments and allowing identification of common core mechanisms. The function of mitotic proteins can be studied using mutants, inhibitor microinjection and RNA interference (RNAi) to identify the full inventory of mitotic proteins encoded by the genome. Here, we review recent advances in understanding how ensembles of mitotic proteins coordinate spindle assembly and chromosome motion in this system.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mijung Kwon
- Department of Pediatric Oncology, The Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Harvard Medical School, 44 Binney Street, Boston, MA 02115, USA
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Shi WY, Skeath JB. The Drosophila RCC1 homolog, Bj1, regulates nucleocytoplasmic transport and neural differentiation during Drosophila development. Dev Biol 2004; 270:106-21. [PMID: 15136144 DOI: 10.1016/j.ydbio.2004.02.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/07/2003] [Revised: 02/10/2004] [Accepted: 02/12/2004] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
The Bj1 gene encodes the Drosophila homolog of RCC1, the guanine-nucleotide exchange factor for RanGTPase. Here, we provide the first phenotypic characterization of a RCC1 homolog in a developmental model system. We identified Bj1 (dRCC1) in a genetic screen to identify mutations that alter central nervous system development. We find that zygotic dRCC1 mutant embryos exhibit specific defects in the development and differentiation of lateral CNS neurons although cell division and the cell cycle appear grossly normal. dRCC1 mutant nerve cords contain abnormally large cells with compartmentalized nuclei and exhibit increased transcription in the lateral CNS. As RCC1 is an important component of the nucleocytoplasmic transport machinery, we find that dRCC1 function is required for nuclear import of nuclear localization signal sequence (NLS)-carrying cargo molecules. Finally, we show that dRCC1 is required for cell proliferation and/or survival during germline, eye and wing development and that dRCC1 appears to facilitate apoptosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wei-Yang Shi
- Program in Developmental Biology, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO 63110, USA
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Tirnauer JS, Salmon ED, Mitchison TJ. Microtubule plus-end dynamics in Xenopus egg extract spindles. Mol Biol Cell 2004; 15:1776-84. [PMID: 14767058 PMCID: PMC379274 DOI: 10.1091/mbc.e03-11-0824] [Citation(s) in RCA: 58] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Microtubule dynamics underlie spindle assembly, yet we do not know how the spindle environment affects these dynamics. We developed methods for measuring two key parameters of microtubule plus-end dynamic instability in Xenopus egg extract spindles. To measure plus-end polymerization rates and localize growing plus ends, we used fluorescence confocal imaging of EB1. This revealed plus-end polymerization throughout the spindle at approximately 11 microm/min, similar to astral microtubules, suggesting polymerization velocity is not regionally regulated by the spindle. The ratio of EB1 to microtubule fluorescence revealed an enrichment of polymerizing ends near the spindle middle, indicating enhanced nucleation or rescue there. We measured depolymerization rates by creating a front of synchronized depolymerization in spindles severed with microneedles. This front could be tracked by polarization and fluorescence microscopy as it advanced from each cut edge toward the associated pole. Both imaging modalities revealed rapid depolymerization ( approximately 30 microm/min) superimposed on a subset of microtubules stable to depolymerization. Larger spindle fragments contained a higher percentage of stable microtubules, which we believe were oriented with their minus ends facing the cut. Depolymerization was blocked by the potent microtubule stabilizing agent hexylene glycol, but was unaffected by alpha-MCAK antibody and AMPPNP, which block catastrophe and kinesin motility, respectively. These measurements move us closer to understanding the complete life history of a spindle microtubule.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jennifer S Tirnauer
- Woods Hole Marine Biological Laboratory, Woods Hole, Massachusetts 02543, USA.
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Trieselmann N, Armstrong S, Rauw J, Wilde A. Ran modulates spindle assembly by regulating a subset of TPX2 and Kid activities including Aurora A activation. J Cell Sci 2003; 116:4791-8. [PMID: 14600264 DOI: 10.1242/jcs.00798] [Citation(s) in RCA: 95] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Ran, a GTPase in the Ras superfamily, is proposed to be a spatial regulator of microtubule spindle assembly by maintaining key spindle assembly factors in an active state close to chromatin. RanGTP is hypothesized to maintain the spindle assembly factors in the active state by binding to importin β, part of the nuclear transport receptor complex, thereby preventing the inhibitory binding of the nuclear transport receptors to spindle assembly factors. To directly test this hypothesis, two putative downstream targets of the Ran spindle assembly pathway, TPX2, a protein required for correct spindle assembly and Kid, a chromokinesin involved in chromosome arm orientation on the spindle, were analyzed to determine if their direct binding to nuclear transport receptors inhibited their function. In the amino-terminal domain of TPX2 we identified nuclear targeting information, microtubule-binding and Aurora A binding activities. Nuclear transport receptor binding to TPX2 inhibited Aurora A binding activity but not the microtubule-binding activity of TPX2. Inhibition of the interaction between TPX2 and Aurora A prevented Aurora A activation and recruitment to microtubules. In addition we identified nuclear targeting information in both the amino-terminal microtubule-binding domain and the carboxy-terminal DNA binding domain of Kid. However, the binding of nuclear transport receptors to Kid only inhibited the microtubule-binding activity of Kid. Therefore, by regulating a subset of TPX2 and Kid activities, Ran modulates at least two processes involved in spindle assembly.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nadia Trieselmann
- Department of Medical Genetics and Microbiology, University of Toronto, 1 King's College Circle, Toronto, Ontario, Canada, M5S 1A8
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36
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Cushman I, Stenoien D, Moore MS. The dynamic association of RCC1 with chromatin is modulated by Ran-dependent nuclear transport. Mol Biol Cell 2003; 15:245-55. [PMID: 14565978 PMCID: PMC307544 DOI: 10.1091/mbc.e03-06-0409] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Regulator of chromosome condensation (RCC1) binding to chromatin is highly dynamic, as determined by fluorescence recovery after photobleaching analysis of GFP-RCC1 in stably transfected tsBN2 cells. Microinjection of wild-type or Q69L Ran markedly slowed the mobility of GFP-RCC1, whereas T24N Ran (defective in nucleotide loading) decreased it further still. We found significant alterations in the mobility of intranuclear GFP-RCC1 after treatment with agents that disrupt different Ran-dependent nuclear export pathways. Leptomycin B, which inhibits Crm1/RanGTP-dependent nuclear export, significantly increased the mobility of RCC1 as did high levels of actinomycin D (to inhibit RNA polymerases I, II, and III) or alpha-amanitin (to inhibit RNA polymerases II and III) as well as energy depletion. Inhibition of just mRNA transcription, however, had no affect on GFP-RCC1 mobility consistent with mRNA export being a Ran-independent process. In permeabilized cells, cytosol and GTP were required for the efficient release of GFP-RCC1 from chromatin. Recombinant Ran would not substitute for cytosol, and high levels of supplemental Ran inhibited the cytosol-stimulated release. Thus, RCC1 release from chromatin in vitro requires a factor(s) distinct from, or in addition to, Ran and seems linked in vivo to the availability of Ran-dependent transport cargo.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ian Cushman
- Interdepartmental Program in Cell and Molecular Biology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas 77030, USA
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37
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Ems-McClung SC, Zheng Y, Walczak CE. Importin alpha/beta and Ran-GTP regulate XCTK2 microtubule binding through a bipartite nuclear localization signal. Mol Biol Cell 2003; 15:46-57. [PMID: 13679510 PMCID: PMC307526 DOI: 10.1091/mbc.e03-07-0454] [Citation(s) in RCA: 111] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/11/2022] Open
Abstract
The small GTPase Ran is essential for spindle assembly. Ran is proposed to act through its nuclear import receptors importin alpha and/or importin beta to control the sequestration of proteins necessary for spindle assembly. To date, the molecular mechanisms by which the Ran pathway functions remain unclear. Using purified proteins, we have reconstituted Ran-regulated microtubule binding of the C-terminal kinesin XCTK2, a kinesin important for spindle assembly. We show that the tail of XCTK2 binds to microtubules and that this binding is inhibited in the presence of importin alpha and beta (alpha/beta) and restored by addition of Ran-GTP. The bipartite nuclear localization signal (NLS) in the tail of XCTK2 is essential to this process, because mutation of the NLS abolishes importin alpha/beta-mediated regulation of XCTK2 microtubule binding. Our data show that importin alpha/beta directly regulates the activity of XCTK2 and that one of the molecular mechanisms of Ran-regulated spindle assembly is identical to that used in classical NLS-driven nuclear transport.
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Tirián L, Timinszky G, Szabad J. P446L-importin-beta inhibits nuclear envelope assembly by sequestering nuclear envelope assembly factors to the microtubules. Eur J Cell Biol 2003; 82:351-9. [PMID: 12924630 DOI: 10.1078/0171-9335-00324] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
The P446L mutant Drosophila importin-beta (P446L-imp-beta) has been reported to prohibit--in dominant negative fashion--nuclear envelope (NE) assembly. Along elucidating the mode of action of P446L-imp-beta we studied in vitro NE assembly on Sepharose beads. While Drosophila embryo extracts support NE assembly over Sepharose beads coated with Ran, NE assembly does not take place in extracts supplied with exogenous P446L-imp-beta. A NE also forms over importin-beta-coated beads. Surprisingly, when immobilized to Sepharose beads P446L-imp-beta as efficiently recruits NE vesicles as normal importin-beta. The discrepancy in behavior of cytoplasmic and bead-bound P446L-imp-beta appears to be related to icreased--as compared to normal importin-beta--microtubule (MT) binding ability of P446L-imp-beta. While wild-type importin-beta is able to bind MTs and the binding decreases upon RanGTP interaction, P446L-imp-beta cannot be removed from the MTs by RanGTP. P446L-imp-beta, like normal importin-beta, binds some types of the nucleoporins that have been known to be required for NE assembly at the end of mitosis. It appears that the inhibitory effect of P446L-imp-beta on NE assembly is caused by sequestering some of the nucleoporins required for NE assembly to the MTs.
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Affiliation(s)
- László Tirián
- The University of Szeged, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Biology, Szeged, Hungary
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Abstract
It is now clear that both centrioles and their surrounding pericentriolar material (PCM) are capable of self-assembly. Whereas centrioles are normally duplicated during G1-S phase, PCM components may be loaded onto centrosomes in both a microtubule-dependent and -independent manner at all stages of the cell cycle. Centrosomes enlarge dramatically after mitotic entry, when both Aurora A and Polo-like kinases cooperate to recruit additional gamma-tubulin ring complexes and microtubule-associated proteins to assist spindle formation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sarah P Blagden
- Cancer Research UK Cell Cycle Genetics Research Group, University of Cambridge, Department of Genetics, Downing Street, Cambridge, CB2 3EH, UK
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Sprague BL, Pearson CG, Maddox PS, Bloom KS, Salmon ED, Odde DJ. Mechanisms of microtubule-based kinetochore positioning in the yeast metaphase spindle. Biophys J 2003; 84:3529-46. [PMID: 12770865 PMCID: PMC1302941 DOI: 10.1016/s0006-3495(03)75087-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 86] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
It has been hypothesized that spatial gradients in kMT dynamic instability facilitate mitotic spindle formation and chromosome movement. To test this hypothesis requires the analysis of kMT dynamics, which have not been resolved at the single kMT level in living cells. The budding yeast spindle offers an attractive system in which to study kMT dynamics because, in contrast to animal cells, there is only one kMT per kinetochore. To visualize metaphase kMT plus-end dynamics in yeast, a strain containing a green fluorescent protein fusion to the kinetochore protein, Cse4, was imaged by fluorescence microscopy. Although individual kinetochores were not resolvable, we found that models of kMT dynamics could be evaluated by simulating the stochastic kMT dynamics and then simulating the fluorescence imaging of kMT plus-end-associated kinetochores. Statistical comparison of model-predicted images to experimentally observed images demonstrated that a pure dynamic instability model for kMT dynamics in the yeast metaphase spindle was unacceptable. However, when a temporally stable spatial gradient in the catastrophe or rescue frequency was added to the model, there was reasonable agreement between the model and the experiment. These results provide the first evidence of temporally stable spatial gradients of kMT catastrophe and/or rescue frequency in living cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Brian L Sprague
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, Minnesota 55455, USA
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Lutz W, Frank EM, Craig TA, Thompson R, Venters RA, Kojetin D, Cavanagh J, Kumar R. Calbindin D28K interacts with Ran-binding protein M: identification of interacting domains by NMR spectroscopy. Biochem Biophys Res Commun 2003; 303:1186-92. [PMID: 12684061 DOI: 10.1016/s0006-291x(03)00499-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
Calbindin D(28K) is an EF-hand containing protein that plays a vital role in neurological function. We now show that calcium-loaded calbindin D(28K) interacts with Ran-binding protein M, a protein known to play a role in microtubule function. Using NMR methods, we show that a peptide, LASIKNR, derived from Ran-binding protein M, interacts with several regions of the calcium-loaded protein including the amino terminus and two other regions that exhibit conformational exchange on the NMR timescale. We suggest that the interaction between calbindin D(28K) and Ran-binding protein M may be important in calbindin D(28K) function.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ward Lutz
- Department of Biochemistry, Research Center, Mayo Clinic and Foundation, 200 First Street SW, Rochester, MN 55905, USA
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Budde PP, Heald R. Centrosomes and Kinetochores, Who Needs 'Em? The Role of Noncentromeric Chromatin in Spindle Assembly. Curr Top Dev Biol 2003; 56:85-113. [PMID: 14584727 DOI: 10.1016/s0070-2153(03)01008-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Priya Prakash Budde
- Department of Molecular and Cell Biology, University of California, Berkeley, California 94720, USA
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Giarrè M, Török I, Schmitt R, Gorjánácz M, Kiss I, Mechler BM. Patterns of importin-alpha expression during Drosophila spermatogenesis. J Struct Biol 2002; 140:279-90. [PMID: 12490175 DOI: 10.1016/s1047-8477(02)00543-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
Importin-alpha proteins do not only mediate the nuclear import of karyophilic proteins but also regulate spindle assembly during mitosis and the assembly of ring canals during Drosophila oogenesis. Three importin-alpha genes are present in the genome of Drosophila. To gain further insights into their function we analysed their expression during spermatogenesis by using antibodies raised against each of the three Importin-alpha proteins identified in Drosophila, namely, Imp-alpha1, -alpha2, and -alpha3. We found that each Imp-alpha is expressed during a specific and limited period of spermatogenesis. Strong expression of Imp-alpha2 takes place in spermatogonial cells, persists in spermatocytes, and lasts up to the completion of meiosis. In growing spermatocytes, the intracellular localisation of Imp-alpha2 appears to be dependent upon the rate of cell growth. In pupal testes Imp-alpha2 is essentially present in the spermatocyte nucleus but is localised in the cytoplasm of spermatocytes from adult testes. Both Imp-alpha1 and -alpha3 expression initiates at the beginning of meiosis and ends during spermatid differentiation. Imp-alpha1 expression extends up to the onset of the elongation phase, whereas that of Imp-alpha3 persists up to the completion of nuclear condensation when the spermatids become individualised. During meiosis Imp-alpha1 and -alpha3 are dispersed in the karyoplasm where they are partially associated with the nuclear spindle, albeit not with the asters. At telophase they aggregate around the chromatin. During sperm head differentiation, both Imp-alpha1 and -alpha3 are nuclear. These data indicate that each Imp-alpha protein carries during Drosophila spermatogenesis distinct, albeit overlapping, functions that may involve nuclear import of proteins, microtubule organisation, and other yet unknown processes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marianna Giarrè
- Department of Developmental Genetics, Deutsches Krebsforschungszentrum, Im Neuenheimer Feld 280, Heidelberg, Germany
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