BAC TransgeneOmics: a high-throughput method for exploration of protein function in mammals

Glycolic acid and D-lactate-putative products of DJ-1-restore neurodegeneration in FUS - and SOD1-ALS

Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) leads to death within 2-5 yr. Currently, available drugs only slightly prolong survival. We present novel insights into the pathophysiology of Superoxide Dismutase 1 (SOD1)- and in particular Fused In Sarcoma (FUS)-ALS by revealing a supposedly central role of glycolic acid (GA) and D-lactic acid (DL)-both putative products of the Parkinson's disease associated glyoxylase DJ-1. Combined, not single, treatment with GA/DL restored axonal organelle phenotypes of mitochondria and lysosomes in FUS- and SOD1-ALS patient-derived motoneurons (MNs). This was not only accompanied by restoration of mitochondrial membrane potential but even dependent on it. Despite presenting an axonal transport deficiency as well, TDP43 patient-derived MNs did not share mitochondrial depolarization and did not respond to GA/DL treatment. GA and DL also restored cytoplasmic mislocalization of FUS and FUS recruitment to DNA damage sites, recently reported being upstream of the mitochondrial phenotypes in FUS-ALS. Whereas these data point towards the necessity of individualized (gene-) specific therapy stratification, it also suggests common therapeutic targets across different neurodegenerative diseases characterized by mitochondrial depolarization.

Dynamics of Replication-Associated Protein Levels through the Cell Cycle

The measurement of dynamic changes in protein level and localization throughout the cell cycle is of major relevance to studies of cellular processes tightly coordinated with the cycle, such as replication, transcription, DNA repair, and checkpoint control. Currently available methods include biochemical assays of cells in bulk following synchronization, which determine protein levels with poor temporal and no spatial resolution. Taking advantage of genetic engineering and live-cell microscopy, we performed time-lapse imaging of cells expressing fluorescently tagged proteins under the control of their endogenous regulatory elements in order to follow their levels throughout the cell cycle. We effectively discern between cell cycle phases and S subphases based on fluorescence intensity and distribution of co-expressed proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA)-mCherry. This allowed us to precisely determine and compare the levels and distribution of multiple replication-associated factors, including Rap1-interacting factor 1 (RIF1), minichromosome maintenance complex component 6 (MCM6), origin recognition complex subunit 1 (ORC1, and Claspin, with high spatiotemporal resolution in HeLa Kyoto cells. Combining these data with available mass spectrometry-based measurements of protein concentrations reveals the changes in the concentration of these proteins throughout the cell cycle. Our approach provides a practical basis for a detailed interrogation of protein dynamics in the context of the cell cycle.

A unified mechanism for PARP inhibitor-induced PARP1 chromatin retention at DNA damage sites in living cells

Poly(ADP-ribose) polymerase (PARP) inhibitors (PARPis) not only suppress PARP1 catalytic activity but also prolong its association to damaged chromatin. Here, through live-cell imaging, we quantify the alterations in PARP1 dynamics and activity elicited by seven PARPis over a wide range of concentrations to deliver a unified mechanism of PARPi-induced PARP1 chromatin retention. We find that gross PARP1 retention at DNA damage sites is jointly governed by catalytic inhibition and allosteric trapping, albeit in a strictly independent manner-catalytic inhibition causes multiple unproductive binding-dissociation cycles of PARP1, while allosteric trapping prolongs the lesion-bound state of PARP1 to greatly increase overall retention. Importantly, stronger PARP1 retention produces greater temporal shifts in downstream DNA repair events and superior cytotoxicity, highlighting PARP1 retention, a complex but precisely quantifiable characteristic of PARPis, as a valuable biomarker for PARPi efficacy. Our approach can be promptly repurposed for interrogating the properties of DNA-repair-targeting compounds beyond PARPis.

Lysosomal damage sensing and lysophagy initiation by SPG20-ITCH

Cells respond to lysosomal membrane permeabilization by membrane repair or selective macroautophagy of damaged lysosomes, termed lysophagy, but it is not fully understood how this decision is made. Here, we uncover a pathway in human cells that detects lipid bilayer perturbations in the limiting membrane of compromised lysosomes, which fail to be repaired, and then initiates ubiquitin-triggered lysophagy. We find that SPG20 binds the repair factor IST1 on damaged lysosomes and, importantly, integrates that with the detection of damage-associated lipid-packing defects of the lysosomal membrane. Detection occurs via sensory amphipathic helices in SPG20 before rupture of the membrane. If lipid-packing defects are extensive, such as during lipid peroxidation, SPG20 recruits and activates ITCH, which marks the damaged lysosome with lysine-63-linked ubiquitin chains to initiate lysophagy and thus triages the lysosome for destruction. With SPG20 being linked to neurodegeneration, these findings highlight the relevance of a coordinated lysosomal damage response for cellular homeostasis.

Multivalent coiled-coil interactions enable full-scale centrosome assembly and strength

The outermost layer of centrosomes, called pericentriolar material (PCM), organizes microtubules for mitotic spindle assembly. The molecular interactions that enable PCM to assemble and resist external forces are poorly understood. Here, we use crosslinking mass spectrometry (XL-MS) to analyze PLK-1-potentiated multimerization of SPD-5, the main PCM scaffold protein in C. elegans. In the unassembled state, SPD-5 exhibits numerous intramolecular crosslinks that are eliminated after phosphorylation by PLK-1. Thus, phosphorylation induces a structural opening of SPD-5 that primes it for assembly. Multimerization of SPD-5 is driven by interactions between multiple dispersed coiled-coil domains. Structural analyses of a phosphorylated region (PReM) in SPD-5 revealed a helical hairpin that dimerizes to form a tetrameric coiled-coil. Mutations within this structure and other interacting regions cause PCM assembly defects that are partly rescued by eliminating microtubule-mediated forces, revealing that PCM assembly and strength are interdependent. We propose that PCM size and strength emerge from specific, multivalent coiled-coil interactions between SPD-5 proteins.

Single-molecule imaging of stochastic interactions that drive dynein activation and cargo movement in cells

Cytoplasmic dynein 1 (dynein) is the primary minus end-directed motor protein in most eukaryotic cells. Dynein remains in an inactive conformation until the formation of a tripartite complex comprising dynein, its regulator dynactin, and a cargo adaptor. How this process of dynein activation occurs is unclear since it entails the formation of a three-protein complex inside the crowded environs of a cell. Here, we employed live-cell, single-molecule imaging to visualize and track fluorescently tagged dynein. First, we observed that only ∼30% of dynein molecules that bound to the microtubule (MT) engaged in minus end-directed movement, and that too for a short duration of ∼0.6 s. Next, using high-resolution imaging in live and fixed cells and using correlative light and electron microscopy, we discovered that dynactin and endosomal cargo remained in proximity to each other and to MTs. We then employed two-color imaging to visualize cargo movement effected by single motor binding. Finally, we performed long-term imaging to show that short movements are sufficient to drive cargo to the perinuclear region of the cell. Taken together, we discovered a search mechanism that is facilitated by dynein's frequent MT binding-unbinding kinetics: (i) in a futile event when dynein does not encounter cargo anchored in proximity to the MT, dynein dissociates and diffuses into the cytoplasm, (ii) when dynein encounters cargo and dynactin upon MT binding, it moves cargo in a short run. Several of these short runs are undertaken in succession for long-range directed movement. In conclusion, we demonstrate that dynein activation and cargo capture are coupled in a step that relies on the reduction of dimensionality to enable minus end-directed transport in cellulo and that complex cargo behavior emerges from stochastic motor-cargo interactions.

A nanobody-based strategy for rapid and scalable purification of human protein complexes

The isolation of proteins in high yield and purity is a major bottleneck for the analysis of their three-dimensional structure, function and interactome. Here, we present a streamlined workflow for the rapid production of proteins or protein complexes using lentiviral transduction of human suspension cells, combined with highly specific nanobody-mediated purification and proteolytic elution. Application of the method requires prior generation of a plasmid coding for a protein of interest (POI) fused to an N- or C-terminal GFP or ALFA peptide tag using a lentiviral plasmid toolkit we have designed. The plasmid is then used to generate human suspension cell lines stably expressing the tagged fusion protein by lentiviral transduction. By leveraging the picomolar affinity of the GFP and ALFA nanobodies for their respective tags, the POI can be specifically captured from the resulting cell lysate even when expressed at low levels and under a variety of conditions, including detergents and mild denaturants. Finally, rapid and specific elution of the POI (in its tagged or untagged form) under native conditions is achieved within minutes at 4 °C, using the engineered SUMO protease SENPEuB. We demonstrate the wide applicability of the method by purifying multiple challenging soluble and membrane protein complexes to high purity from human cells. Our strategy is also directly compatible with many widely used GFP-expression plasmids, cell lines and transgenic model organisms. Finally, our method is faster than alternative approaches, requiring only 8 d from plasmid to purified protein, and results in substantially improved yields and purity.

CellTool: An Open-Source Software Combining Bio-Image Analysis and Mathematical Modeling for the Study of DNA Repair Dynamics

Elucidating the dynamics of DNA repair proteins is essential to understanding the mechanisms that preserve genomic stability and prevent carcinogenesis. However, the measurement and modeling of protein dynamics at DNA lesions via currently available image analysis tools is cumbersome. Therefore, we developed CellTool-a stand-alone open-source software with a graphical user interface for the analysis of time-lapse microscopy images. It combines data management, image processing, mathematical modeling, and graphical presentation of data in a single package. Multiple image filters, segmentation, and particle tracking algorithms, combined with direct visualization of the obtained results, make CellTool an ideal application for the comprehensive analysis of DNA repair protein dynamics. This software enables the fitting of obtained kinetic data to predefined or custom mathematical models. Importantly, CellTool provides a platform for easy implementation of custom image analysis packages written in a variety of programing languages. Using CellTool, we demonstrate that the ALKB homolog 2 (ALKBH2) demethylase is excluded from DNA damage sites despite recruitment of its putative interaction partner proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA). Further, CellTool facilitates the straightforward fluorescence recovery after photobleaching (FRAP) analysis of BRCA1 associated RING domain 1 (BARD1) exchange at complex DNA lesions. In summary, the software presented herein enables the time-efficient analysis of a wide range of time-lapse microscopy experiments through a user-friendly interface.

Cortical tension drug screen links mitotic spindle integrity to Rho pathway

Mechanical force generation plays an essential role in many cellular functions, including mitosis. Actomyosin contractile forces mediate changes in cell shape in mitosis and are implicated in mitotic spindle integrity via cortical tension. An unbiased screen of 150 small molecules that impact actin organization and 32 anti-mitotic drugs identified two molecular targets, Rho kinase (ROCK) and tropomyosin 3.1/2 (Tpm3.1/2), whose inhibition has the greatest impact on mitotic cortical tension. The converse was found for compounds that depolymerize microtubules. Tpm3.1/2 forms a co-polymer with mitotic cortical actin filaments, and its inhibition prevents rescue of multipolar spindles induced by anti-microtubule chemotherapeutics. We examined the role of mitotic cortical tension in this rescue mechanism. Inhibition of ROCK and Tpm3.1/2 and knockdown (KD) of cortical nonmuscle myosin 2A (NM2A), all of which reduce cortical tension, inhibited rescue of multipolar mitotic spindles, further implicating cortical tension in the rescue mechanism. GEF-H1 released from microtubules by depolymerization increased cortical tension through the RhoA pathway, and its KD also inhibited rescue of multipolar mitotic spindles. We conclude that microtubule depolymerization by anti-cancer drugs induces cortical-tension-based rescue to ensure integrity of the mitotic bipolar spindle mediated via the RhoA pathway. Central to this mechanism is the dependence of NM2A on Tpm3.1/2 to produce the functional engagement of actin filaments responsible for cortical tension.

Nodal flow transfers polycystin to determine mouse left-right asymmetry

Left-dominant [Ca2+]i elevation on the left margin of the ventral node furnishes the initial laterality of mouse embryos. It depends on extracellular leftward fluid flow (nodal flow), fibroblast growth factor receptor (FGFR)/sonic hedgehog (Shh) signaling, and the PKD1L1 polycystin subunit, of which interrelationship is still elusive. Here, we show that leftward nodal flow directs PKD1L1-containing fibrous strands and facilitates Nodal-mediated [Ca2+]i elevation on the left margin. We generate KikGR-PKD1L1 knockin mice in order to monitor protein dynamics with a photoconvertible fluorescence protein tag. By imaging those embryos, we have identified fragile meshwork being gradually transferred leftward involving pleiomorphic extracellular events. A portion of the meshwork finally bridges over the left nodal crown cells in an FGFR/Shh-dependent manner. As PKD1L1 N-term is predominantly associated with Nodal on the left margin and that PKD1L1/PKD2 overexpression significantly augments cellular Nodal sensitivity, we propose that leftward transfer of polycystin-containing fibrous strands determines left-right asymmetry in developing embryos.

Loss of PML nuclear bodies in familial amyotrophic lateral sclerosis-frontotemporal dementia

Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS) and Frontotemporal Dementia (FTD) are two neurodegenerative disorders that share genetic causes and pathogenic mechanisms. The critical genetic players of ALS and FTD are the TARDBP, FUS and C9orf72 genes, whose protein products, TDP-43, FUS and the C9orf72-dipeptide repeat proteins, accumulate in form of cytoplasmic inclusions. The majority of the studies focus on the understanding of how cells control TDP-43 and FUS aggregation in the cytoplasm, overlooking how dysfunctions occurring at the nuclear level may influence the maintenance of protein solubility outside of the nucleus. However, protein quality control (PQC) systems that maintain protein homeostasis comprise a cytoplasmic and a nuclear arm that are interconnected and share key players. It is thus conceivable that impairment of the nuclear arm of the PQC may have a negative impact on the cytoplasmic arm of the PQC, contributing to the formation of the cytoplasmic pathological inclusions. Here we focused on two stress-inducible condensates that act as transient deposition sites for misfolding-prone proteins: Promyelocytic leukemia protein (PML) nuclear bodies (PML-NBs) and cytoplasmic stress granules (SGs). Upon stress, PML-NBs compartmentalize misfolded proteins, including defective ribosomal products (DRiPs), and recruit chaperones and proteasomes to promote their nuclear clearance. SGs transiently sequester aggregation-prone RNA-binding proteins linked to ALS-FTD and mRNAs to attenuate their translation. We report that PML assembly is impaired in the human brain and spinal cord of familial C9orf72 and FUS ALS-FTD cases. We also show that defective PML-NB assembly impairs the compartmentalization of DRiPs in the nucleus, leading to their accumulation inside cytoplasmic SGs, negatively influencing SG dynamics. Although it is currently unclear what causes the decrease of PML-NBs in ALS-FTD, our data highlight the existence of a cross-talk between the cytoplasmic and nuclear PQC systems, whose alteration can contribute to SG accumulation and cytoplasmic protein aggregation in ALS-FTD.

Precise excision of HTLV-1 provirus with a designer-recombinase

The human T cell leukemia virus type 1 (HTLV-1) is a pathogenic retrovirus that persists as a provirus in the genome of infected cells and can lead to adult T cell leukemia (ATL). Worldwide, more than 10 million people are infected and approximately 5% of these individuals will develop ATL, a highly aggressive cancer that is currently incurable. In the last years, genome editing tools have emerged as promising antiviral agents. In this proof-of-concept study, we use substrate-linked directed evolution (SLiDE) to engineer Cre-derived site-specific recombinases to excise the HTLV-1 proviral genome from infected cells. We identified a conserved loxP-like sequence (loxHTLV) present in the long terminal repeats of the majority of virus isolates. After 181 cycles of SLiDE, we isolated a designer-recombinase (designated RecHTLV), which efficiently recombines the loxHTLV sequence in bacteria and human cells with high specificity. Expression of RecHTLV in human Jurkat T cells resulted in antiviral activity when challenged with an HTLV-1 infection. Moreover, expression of RecHTLV in chronically infected SP cells led to the excision of HTLV-1 proviral DNA. Our data suggest that recombinase-mediated excision of the HTLV-1 provirus represents a promising approach to reduce proviral load in HTLV-1-infected individuals, potentially preventing the development of HTLV-1-associated diseases.

Molecular mechanisms of stress-induced reactivation in mumps virus condensates

Negative-stranded RNA viruses can establish long-term persistent infection in the form of large intracellular inclusions in the human host and cause chronic diseases. Here, we uncover how cellular stress disrupts the metastable host-virus equilibrium in persistent infection and induces viral replication in a culture model of mumps virus. Using a combination of cell biology, whole-cell proteomics, and cryo-electron tomography, we show that persistent viral replication factories are dynamic condensates and identify the largely disordered viral phosphoprotein as a driver of their assembly. Upon stress, increased phosphorylation of the phosphoprotein at its interaction interface with the viral polymerase coincides with the formation of a stable replication complex. By obtaining atomic models for the authentic mumps virus nucleocapsid, we elucidate a concomitant conformational change that exposes the viral genome to its replication machinery. These events constitute a stress-mediated switch within viral condensates that provide an environment to support upregulation of viral replication.

Identifying multiscale translational safety biomarkers using a network-based systems approach

Animal testing is the current standard for drug and chemicals safety assessment, but hazards translation to human is uncertain. Human in vitro models can address the species translation but might not replicate in vivo complexity. Herein, we propose a network-based method addressing these translational multiscale problems that derives in vivo liver injury biomarkers applicable to in vitro human early safety screening. We applied weighted correlation network analysis (WGCNA) to a large rat liver transcriptomic dataset to obtain co-regulated gene clusters (modules). We identified modules statistically associated with liver pathologies, including a module enriched for ATF4-regulated genes as associated with the occurrence of hepatocellular single-cell necrosis, and as preserved in human liver in vitro models. Within the module, we identified TRIB3 and MTHFD2 as a novel candidate stress biomarkers, and developed and used BAC-eGFPHepG2 reporters in a compound screening, identifying compounds showing ATF4-dependent stress response and potential early safety signals.

Cell cycle-dependent palmitoylation of protocadherin 7 by ZDHHC5 promotes successful cytokinesis

Cell division requires dramatic reorganization of the cell cortex, which is primarily driven by the actomyosin network. We previously reported that protocadherin 7 (PCDH7) gets enriched at the cell surface during mitosis, which is required to build up the full mitotic rounding pressure. Here, we report that PCDH7 interacts with and is palmitoylated by the palmitoyltransferase, ZDHHC5. PCDH7 and ZDHHC5 colocalize at the mitotic cell surface and translocate to the cleavage furrow during cytokinesis. The localization of PCDH7 depends on the palmitoylation activity of ZDHHC5. Silencing PCDH7 increases the percentage of multinucleated cells and the duration of mitosis. Loss of PCDH7 expression correlates with reduced levels of active RhoA and phospho-myosin at the cleavage furrow. This work uncovers a palmitoylation-dependent translocation mechanism for PCDH7, which contributes to the reorganization of the cortical cytoskeleton during cell division.

Temporal-iCLIP captures co-transcriptional RNA-protein interactions

Dynamic RNA-protein interactions govern the co-transcriptional packaging of RNA polymerase II (RNAPII)-derived transcripts. Yet, our current understanding of this process in vivo primarily stems from steady state analysis. To remedy this, we here conduct temporal-iCLIP (tiCLIP), combining RNAPII transcriptional synchronisation with UV cross-linking of RNA-protein complexes at serial timepoints. We apply tiCLIP to the RNA export adaptor, ALYREF; a component of the Nuclear Exosome Targeting (NEXT) complex, RBM7; and the nuclear cap binding complex (CBC). Regardless of function, all tested factors interact with nascent RNA as it exits RNAPII. Moreover, we demonstrate that the two transesterification steps of pre-mRNA splicing temporally separate ALYREF and RBM7 binding to splicing intermediates, and that exon-exon junction density drives RNA 5'end binding of ALYREF. Finally, we identify underappreciated steps in snoRNA 3'end processing performed by RBM7. Altogether, our data provide a temporal view of RNA-protein interactions during the early phases of transcription.

Visualization of Single Dynein Molecules in Mammalian Cells

In vitro single-molecule imaging experiments have provided insight into the stepping behavior, force production, and activation of several molecular motors. However, due to the difficulty in visualizing single molecules of motor proteins in vivo, the physiological function and regulation of motors at the single-molecule level have not been studied widely. Here, we describe how highly inclined and laminated optical sheet (HILO) microscopy can be adapted to visualize single molecules of the motor protein cytoplasmic dynein-1 in mammalian cells with high signal-to-noise ratio and temporal resolution.

SPECC1L binds the myosin phosphatase complex MYPT1/PP1β and can regulate its distribution between microtubules and filamentous actin

The subcellular localization, activity , and substrate specificity of the serine/threonine protein phosphatase 1 catalytic subunit (PP1_cat) is mediated through its dynamic association with regulatory subunits in holoenzyme complexes. While some functional overlap is observed for the three human PP1_cat isoforms, they also show distinct targeting based on relative preferences for specific regulatory subunits. A well-known example is the preferential association of MYPT1 with PP1β in the myosin phosphatase complex. In smooth muscle, MYPT1/PP1β counteracts the muscle contraction induced by phosphorylation of the light chains of myosin by the myosin light chain kinase. This phosphatase complex is also found in nonmuscle cells, where it is targeted to both myosin and nonmyosin substrates and contributes to regulation of the balance of cytoskeletal structure and motility during cell migration and division. Although it remains unclear how MYPT1/PP1β traffics between microtubule- and actin-associated substrates, our identification of the microtubule- and actin-binding protein SPECC1L in both the PP1β and MYPT1 interactomes suggests that it is the missing link. Our validation of their association using coimmunoprecipitation and proximity biotinylation assays, together with the strong overlap that we observed for the SPECC1L and MYPT1 interactomes, confirmed that they exist in a stable complex in the cell. We further showed that SPECC1L binds MYPT1 directly and that it can impact the balance of the distribution of the MYPT1/PP1β complex between the microtubule and filamentous actin networks.

Autocleavage of separase suppresses its premature activation by promoting binding to cyclin B1

Accurate chromosome segregation requires timely activation of separase, a protease that cleaves cohesin during the metaphase-to-anaphase transition. However, the mechanism that maintains the inactivity of separase prior to this event remains unclear. We provide evidence that separase autocleavage plays an essential role in this process. We show that the inhibition of separase autocleavage results in premature activity before the onset of anaphase, accompanied by the formation of chromosomal bridges and spindle rocking. This deregulation is attributed to the reduced binding of cyclin B1 to separase that occurs during the metaphase-to-anaphase transition. Furthermore, when separase is mutated to render the regulation by cyclin B1 irrelevant, which keeps separase in securin-binding form, the deregulation induced by autocleavage inhibition is rescued. Our results reveal a physiological role of separase autocleavage in regulating separase, which ensures faithful chromosome segregation.

Augmin prevents merotelic attachments by promoting proper arrangement of bridging and kinetochore fibers

The human mitotic spindle is made of microtubules nucleated at centrosomes, at kinetochores, and from pre-existing microtubules by the augmin complex. However, it is unknown how the augmin-mediated nucleation affects distinct microtubule classes and thereby mitotic fidelity. Here, we use superresolution microscopy to analyze the previously indistinguishable microtubule arrangements within the crowded metaphase plate area and demonstrate that augmin is vital for the formation of uniformly arranged parallel units consisting of sister kinetochore fibers connected by a bridging fiber. This ordered geometry helps both prevent and resolve merotelic attachments. Whereas augmin-nucleated bridging fibers prevent merotelic attachments by creating a nearly parallel and highly bundled microtubule arrangement unfavorable for creating additional attachments, augmin-nucleated k-fibers produce robust force required to resolve errors during anaphase. STED microscopy revealed that bridging fibers were impaired twice as much as k-fibers following augmin depletion. The complete absence of bridging fibers from a significant portion of kinetochore pairs, especially in the inner part of the spindle, resulted in the specific reduction of the interkinetochore distance. Taken together, we propose a model where augmin promotes mitotic fidelity by generating assemblies consisting of bridging and kinetochore fibers that align sister kinetochores to face opposite poles, thereby preventing erroneous attachments.

Membrane compartmentalization of Ect2/Cyk4/Mklp1 and NuMA/dynein regulates cleavage furrow formation

In animal cells, spindle elongation during anaphase is temporally coupled with cleavage furrow formation. Spindle elongation during anaphase is regulated by NuMA/dynein/dynactin complexes that occupy the polar region of the cell membrane and are excluded from the equatorial membrane. How NuMA/dynein/dynactin are excluded from the equatorial membrane and the biological significance of this exclusion remains unknown. Here, we show that the centralspindlin (Cyk4/Mklp1) and its interacting partner RhoGEF Ect2 are required for NuMA/dynein/dynactin exclusion from the equatorial cell membrane. The Ect2-based (Ect2/Cyk4/Mklp1) and NuMA-based (NuMA/dynein/dynactin) complexes occupy mutually exclusive membrane surfaces during anaphase. The equatorial membrane enrichment of Ect2-based complexes is essential for NuMA/dynein/dynactin exclusion and proper spindle elongation. Conversely, NuMA-based complexes at the polar region of the cell membrane ensure spatially confined localization of Ect2-based complexes and thus RhoA. Overall, our work establishes that membrane compartmentalization of NuMA-based and Ect2-based complexes at the two distinct cell surfaces restricts dynein/dynactin and RhoA for coordinating spindle elongation with cleavage furrow formation.

SAMHD1 controls innate immunity by regulating condensation of immunogenic self RNA

Recognition of pathogen-derived foreign nucleic acids is central to innate immune defense. This requires discrimination between structurally highly similar self and nonself nucleic acids to avoid aberrant inflammatory responses as in the autoinflammatory disorder Aicardi-Goutières syndrome (AGS). How vast amounts of self RNA are shielded from immune recognition to prevent autoinflammation is not fully understood. Here, we show that human SAM-domain- and HD-domain-containing protein 1 (SAMHD1), one of the AGS-causing genes, functions as a single-stranded RNA (ssRNA) 3'exonuclease, the lack of which causes cellular RNA accumulation. Increased ssRNA in cells leads to dissolution of RNA-protein condensates, which sequester immunogenic double-stranded RNA (dsRNA). Release of sequestered dsRNA from condensates triggers activation of antiviral type I interferon via retinoic-acid-inducible gene I-like receptors. Our results establish SAMHD1 as a key regulator of cellular RNA homeostasis and demonstrate that buffering of immunogenic self RNA by condensates regulates innate immune responses.

Systematic discovery of biomolecular condensate-specific protein phosphorylation

Reversible protein phosphorylation is an important mechanism for regulating (dis)assembly of biomolecular condensates. However, condensate-specific phosphosites remain largely unknown, thereby limiting our understanding of the underlying mechanisms. Here, we combine solubility proteome profiling with phosphoproteomics to quantitatively map several hundred phosphosites enriched in either soluble or condensate-bound protein subpopulations, including a subset of phosphosites modulating protein–RNA interactions. We show that multi-phosphorylation of the C-terminal disordered segment of heteronuclear ribonucleoprotein A1 (HNRNPA1), a key RNA-splicing factor, reduces its ability to locate to nuclear clusters. For nucleophosmin 1 (NPM1), an essential nucleolar protein, we show that phosphorylation of S254 and S260 is crucial for lowering its partitioning to the nucleolus and additional phosphorylation of distal sites enhances its retention in the nucleoplasm. These phosphorylation events decrease RNA and protein interactions of NPM1 to regulate its condensation. Our dataset is a rich resource for systematically uncovering the phosphoregulation of biomolecular condensates.

A combination of solubility proteome profiling with phosphoproteomics enables systematic analysis of the phosphorylation status of proteins in soluble and condensate-bound pools.

Deep learning for de-convolution of Smad2 versus Smad3 binding sites

Background

The transforming growth factor beta-1 (TGF β-1) cytokine exerts both pro-tumor and anti-tumor effects in carcinogenesis. An increasing body of literature suggests that TGF β-1 signaling outcome is partially dependent on the regulatory targets of downstream receptor-regulated Smad (R-Smad) proteins Smad2 and Smad3. However, the lack of Smad-specific antibodies for ChIP-seq hinders convenient identification of Smad-specific binding sites.

Results

In this study, we use localization and affinity purification (LAP) tags to identify Smad-specific binding sites in a cancer cell line. Using ChIP-seq data obtained from LAP-tagged Smad proteins, we develop a convolutional neural network with long-short term memory (CNN-LSTM) as a deep learning approach to classify a pool of Smad-bound sites as being Smad2- or Smad3-bound. Our data showed that this approach is able to accurately classify Smad2- versus Smad3-bound sites. We use our model to dissect the role of each R-Smad in the progression of breast cancer using a previously published dataset.

Conclusions

Our results suggests that deep learning approaches can be used to dissect binding site specificity of closely related transcription factors.

Supplementary Information

The online version contains supplementary material available at (10.1186/s12864-022-08565-x).

Mapping the dynamics of Nrf2 antioxidant and NFκB inflammatory responses by soft electrophilic chemicals in human liver cells defines the transition from adaptive to adverse responses

A comprehensive understanding of the dynamic activation and crosstalk between different cellular stress response pathways that drive cell adversity is crucial in chemical safety assessment. Various chemicals have electrophilic properties that drive cell injury responses in particular oxidative stress signaling and inflammatory signaling. Here we used bacterial artificial chromosome-based GFP cellular stress reporters with live cell confocal imaging, to systematically monitor the differential modulation of the dynamics of stress pathway activation by six different soft electrophiles: sulforaphane, andrographolide, diethyl maleate, CDDO-Me, ethacrynic acid and tert-butyl hydroquinone. The various soft electrophiles showed differential potency and dynamics of Nrf2 activation and nuclear translocation. These differences in Nrf2 dynamics correlated with distinct activation pattern of Nrf2 downstream targets SRNX1 and HMOX1. All soft electrophiles caused a strong dose dependent suppression of a cytokine-induced NFĸB response represented by suppression of NFĸB nuclear oscillation and inhibition of the downstream target gene activation A20 and ICAM1, which followed the potency of Nrf2 modulation but occurred at higher concentration close to saturation of Nrf2 activation. RNAi-based depletion of RelA resulted in a prolonged presence of Nrf2 in the nucleus after soft electrophile treatment; depletion of Nrf2 caused the induction of NFĸB signaling and activation of its downstream targets A20 and ICAM1. A systematic transcriptome analysis confirmed these effects by soft electrophiles on Nrf2 and NFκB signaling crosstalk in human induced-pluripotent stem cell-derived hepatocyte-like cells. Altogether our data indicate that modulation of Nrf2 by soft electrophiles may have consequences for efficient inflammatory signaling.

The KASH5 protein involved in meiotic chromosomal movements is a novel dynein activating adaptor

Dynein harnesses ATP hydrolysis to move cargo on microtubules in multiple biological contexts. Dynein meets a unique challenge in meiosis by moving chromosomes tethered to the nuclear envelope to facilitate homolog pairing essential for gametogenesis. Though processive dynein motility requires binding to an activating adaptor, the identity of the activating adaptor required for dynein to move meiotic chromosomes is unknown. We show that the meiosis-specific nuclear-envelope protein KASH5 is a dynein activating adaptor: KASH5 directly binds dynein using a mechanism conserved among activating adaptors and converts dynein into a processive motor. We map the dynein-binding surface of KASH5, identifying mutations that abrogate dynein binding in vitro and disrupt recruitment of the dynein machinery to the nuclear envelope in cultured cells and mouse spermatocytes in vivo. Our study identifies KASH5 as the first transmembrane dynein activating adaptor and provides molecular insights into how it activates dynein during meiosis.

Dynamic modeling of Nrf2 pathway activation in liver cells after toxicant exposure

Cells are exposed to oxidative stress and reactive metabolites every day. The Nrf2 signaling pathway responds to oxidative stress by upregulation of antioxidants like glutathione (GSH) to compensate the stress insult and re-establish homeostasis. Although mechanisms describing the interaction between the key pathway constituents Nrf2, Keap1 and p62 are widely reviewed and discussed in literature, quantitative dynamic models bringing together these mechanisms with time-resolved data are limited. Here, we present an ordinary differential equation (ODE) based dynamic model to describe the dynamic response of Nrf2, Keap1, Srxn1 and GSH to oxidative stress caused by the soft-electrophile diethyl maleate (DEM). The time-resolved data obtained by single-cell confocal microscopy of green fluorescent protein (GFP) reporters and qPCR of the Nrf2 pathway components complemented with siRNA knock down experiments, is accurately described by the calibrated mathematical model. We show that the quantitative model can describe the activation of the Nrf2 pathway by compounds with a different mechanism of activation, including drugs which are known for their ability to cause drug induced liver-injury (DILI) i.e., diclofenac (DCF) and omeprazole (OMZ). Finally, we show that our model can reveal differences in the processes leading to altered activation dynamics amongst DILI inducing drugs.

High-content high-throughput imaging reveals distinct connections between mitochondrial morphology and functionality for OXPHOS complex I, III, and V inhibitors

Cells can adjust their mitochondrial morphology by altering the balance between mitochondrial fission and fusion to adapt to stressful conditions. The connection between a chemical perturbation, changes in mitochondrial function, and altered mitochondrial morphology is not well understood. Here, we made use of high-throughput high-content confocal microscopy to assess the effects of distinct classes of oxidative phosphorylation (OXPHOS) complex inhibitors on mitochondrial parameters in a concentration and time resolved manner. Mitochondrial morphology phenotypes were clustered based on machine learning algorithms and mitochondrial integrity patterns were mapped. In parallel, changes in mitochondrial membrane potential (MMP), mitochondrial and cellular ATP levels, and viability were microscopically assessed. We found that inhibition of MMP, mitochondrial ATP production, and oxygen consumption rate (OCR) using sublethal concentrations of complex I and III inhibitors did not trigger mitochondrial fragmentation. Instead, complex V inhibitors that suppressed ATP and OCR but increased MMP provoked a more fragmented mitochondrial morphology. In agreement, complex V but not complex I or III inhibitors triggered proteolytic cleavage of the mitochondrial fusion protein, OPA1. The relation between increased MMP and fragmentation did not extend beyond OXPHOS complex inhibitors: increasing MMP by blocking the mPTP pore did not lead to OPA1 cleavage or mitochondrial fragmentation and the OXPHOS uncoupler FCCP was associated with OPA1 cleavage and MMP reduction. Altogether, our findings connect vital mitochondrial functions and phenotypes in a high-throughput high-content confocal microscopy approach that help understanding of chemical-induced toxicity caused by OXPHOS complex perturbing chemicals.

The chirality of the mitotic spindle provides a mechanical response to forces and depends on microtubule motors and augmin

Forces produced by motor proteins and microtubule dynamics within the mitotic spindle are crucial for proper chromosome segregation. In addition to linear forces, rotational forces or torques are present in the spindle, which are reflected in the left-handed twisted shapes of microtubule bundles that make the spindle chiral. However, the biological role and molecular origins of spindle chirality are unknown. By developing methods for measuring the spindle twist, we show that spindles are most chiral near the metaphase-to-anaphase transition. To assess the role of chirality in spindle mechanics, we compressed the spindles along their axis. This resulted in a stronger left-handed twist, suggesting that the twisted shape allows for a mechanical response to forces. Inhibition or depletion of motor proteins that perform chiral stepping, Eg5/kinesin-5, Kif18A/kinesin-8, MKLP1/kinesin-6, and dynein, decreased the left-handed twist or led to right-handed twist, implying that these motors regulate the twist by rotating microtubules within their antiparallel overlaps or at the spindle pole. A right-handed twist was also observed after the depletion of the microtubule nucleator augmin, indicating its contribution to the twist through the nucleation of antiparallel bridging microtubules. The uncovered switch from left-handed to right-handed twist reveals the existence of competing mechanisms that promote twisting in opposite directions. As round spindles are more twisted than the elongated ones are, we infer that bending and twisting moments are generated by similar molecular mechanisms and propose a physiological role for spindle chirality in allowing the spindle to absorb mechanical load.

Video abstract

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Spindle twist depends on torque-generating motors Eg5, Kif18A, MKLP1, and dynein

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Without the microtubule nucleator augmin, spindles show right-handed twist

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Compression of the spindle along the axis increases the left-handed twist

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Rounder spindles are more twisted than elongated ones are

Characterizing Endogenous Protein Complexes with Biological Mass Spectrometry

Biological mass spectrometry (MS) encompasses a range of methods for characterizing proteins and other biomolecules. MS is uniquely powerful for the structural analysis of endogenous protein complexes, which are often heterogeneous, poorly abundant, and refractive to characterization by other methods. Here, we focus on how biological MS can contribute to the study of endogenous protein complexes, which we define as complexes expressed in the physiological host and purified intact, as opposed to reconstituted complexes assembled from heterologously expressed components. Biological MS can yield information on complex stoichiometry, heterogeneity, topology, stability, activity, modes of regulation, and even structural dynamics. We begin with a review of methods for isolating endogenous complexes. We then describe the various biological MS approaches, focusing on the type of information that each method yields. We end with future directions and challenges for these MS-based methods.

Ca2+-activated sphingomyelin scrambling and turnover mediate ESCRT-independent lysosomal repair

Lysosomes are vital organelles vulnerable to injuries from diverse materials. Failure to repair or sequester damaged lysosomes poses a threat to cell viability. Here we report that cells exploit a sphingomyelin-based lysosomal repair pathway that operates independently of ESCRT to reverse potentially lethal membrane damage. Various conditions perturbing organelle integrity trigger a rapid calcium-activated scrambling and cytosolic exposure of sphingomyelin. Subsequent metabolic conversion of sphingomyelin by neutral sphingomyelinases on the cytosolic surface of injured lysosomes promotes their repair, also when ESCRT function is compromised. Conversely, blocking turnover of cytosolic sphingomyelin renders cells more sensitive to lysosome-damaging drugs. Our data indicate that calcium-activated scramblases, sphingomyelin, and neutral sphingomyelinases are core components of a previously unrecognized membrane restoration pathway by which cells preserve the functional integrity of lysosomes.

OpenCell: Endogenous tagging for the cartography of human cellular organization

Elucidating the wiring diagram of the human cell is a central goal of the postgenomic era. We combined genome engineering, confocal live-cell imaging, mass spectrometry, and data science to systematically map the localization and interactions of human proteins. Our approach provides a data-driven description of the molecular and spatial networks that organize the proteome. Unsupervised clustering of these networks delineates functional communities that facilitate biological discovery. We found that remarkably precise functional information can be derived from protein localization patterns, which often contain enough information to identify molecular interactions, and that RNA binding proteins form a specific subgroup defined by unique interaction and localization properties. Paired with a fully interactive website (opencell.czbiohub.org), our work constitutes a resource for the quantitative cartography of human cellular organization.

The CDK1-TOPBP1-PLK1 axis regulates the Bloom's syndrome helicase BLM to suppress crossover recombination in somatic cells

Bloom's syndrome is caused by inactivation of the BLM helicase, which functions with TOP3A and RMI1-2 (BTR complex) to dissolve recombination intermediates and avoid somatic crossing-over. We show here that crossover avoidance by BTR further requires the activity of cyclin-dependent kinase-1 (CDK1), Polo-like kinase-1 (PLK1), and the DDR mediator protein TOPBP1, which act in the same pathway. Mechanistically, CDK1 phosphorylates BLM and TOPBP1 and promotes the interaction of both proteins with PLK1. This is amplified by the ability of TOPBP1 to facilitate phosphorylation of BLM at sites that stimulate both BLM-PLK1 and BLM-TOPBP1 binding, creating a positive feedback loop that drives rapid BLM phosphorylation at the G2-M transition. In vitro, BLM phosphorylation by CDK/PLK1/TOPBP1 stimulates the dissolution of topologically linked DNA intermediates by BLM-TOP3A. Thus, we propose that the CDK1-TOPBP1-PLK1 axis enhances BTR-mediated dissolution of recombination intermediates late in the cell cycle to suppress crossover recombination and curtail genomic instability.

Genomic studies controvert the existence of the CUX1 p75 isoform

CUX1, encoding a homeodomain-containing transcription factor, is recurrently deleted or mutated in multiple tumor types. In myeloid neoplasms, CUX1 deletion or mutation carries a poor prognosis. We have previously established that CUX1 functions as a tumor suppressor in hematopoietic cells across multiple organisms. Others, however, have described oncogenic functions of CUX1 in solid tumors, often attributed to truncated CUX1 isoforms, p75 and p110, generated by an alternative transcriptional start site or post-translational cleavage, respectively. Given the clinical relevance, it is imperative to clarify these discrepant activities. Herein, we sought to determine the CUX1 isoforms expressed in hematopoietic cells and find that they express the full-length p200 isoform. Through the course of this analysis, we found no evidence of the p75 alternative transcript in any cell type examined. Using an array of orthogonal approaches, including biochemistry, proteomics, CRISPR/Cas9 genomic editing, and analysis of functional genomics datasets across a spectrum of normal and malignant tissue types, we found no data to support the existence of the CUX1 p75 isoform as previously described. Based on these results, prior studies of p75 require reevaluation, including the interpretation of oncogenic roles attributed to CUX1.

The Effect of Dia2 Protein Deficiency on the Cell Cycle, Cell Size, and Recruitment of Ctf4 Protein in Saccharomyces cerevisiae

Cells have evolved elaborate mechanisms to regulate DNA replication machinery and cell cycles in response to DNA damage and replication stress in order to prevent genomic instability and cancer. The E3 ubiquitin ligase SCFDia2 in S. cerevisiae is involved in the DNA replication and DNA damage stress response, but its effect on cell growth is still unclear. Here, we demonstrate that the absence of Dia2 prolongs the cell cycle by extending both S- and G2/M-phases while, at the same time, activating the S-phase checkpoint. In these conditions, Ctf4-an essential DNA replication protein and substrate of Dia2-prolongs its binding to the chromatin during the extended S- and G2/M-phases. Notably, the prolonged cell cycle when Dia2 is absent is accompanied by a marked increase in cell size. We found that while both DNA replication inhibition and an absence of Dia2 exerts effects on cell cycle duration and cell size, Dia2 deficiency leads to a much more profound increase in cell size and a substantially lesser effect on cell cycle duration compared to DNA replication inhibition. Our results suggest that the increased cell size in dia2∆ involves a complex mechanism in which the prolonged cell cycle is one of the driving forces.

Assembly of Multiple Full-Size Genes or Genomic DNA Fragments on Human Artificial Chromosomes Using the Iterative Integration System

Human artificial chromosomes (HACs) are gene delivery vectors that have been used for decades for gene functional studies. HACs have several advantages over viral‐based gene transfer systems, including stable episomal maintenance in a single copy in the cell and the ability to carry up to megabase‐sized genomic DNA segments. We have previously developed the alphoid^tetO‐HAC, which has a single gene acceptor loxP site that allows insertion of an individual gene of interest using Chinese hamster ovary (CHO) hybrid cells. The HAC, along with a DNA segment of interest, can then be transferred from donor CHO cells to various recipient cells of interest via microcell‐mediated chromosome transfer (MMCT). Here, we detail a protocol for loading multiple genomic DNA segments or genes into the alphoid^tetO‐HAC vector using an iterative integration system (IIS) that utilizes recombinases Cre, ΦC31, and ΦBT. This IIS‐alphoid^tetO‐HAC can be used for either serially assembling genomic loci or fragments of a large gene, or for inserting multiple genes into the same artificial chromosome. The insertions are executed iteratively, whereby each round results in the insertion of a new DNA segment of interest. This is accompanied by changes of expression of marker fluorescent proteins, which simplifies screening of correct clones, and changes of selection and counterselection markers, which constitutes an error‐proofing mechanism that removes mis‐incorporated DNA segments. In addition, the IIS‐alphoid^tetO‐HAC carrying the genes can be eliminated from the cells, offering the possibility to compare the phenotypes of human cells with and without functional copies of the genes of interest. The resulting HAC molecules may be used to investigate biomedically relevant pathways or the regulation of multiple genes, and to potentially engineer synthetic chromosomes with a specific set of genes of interest. The IIS‐alphoid^tetO‐HAC system is expected to be beneficial in creating multiple‐gene humanized models with the purpose of understanding complex multi‐gene genetic disorders. Published 2021. This article is a U.S. Government work and is in the public domain in the USA. Current Protocols published by Wiley Periodicals LLC.

Basic Protocol 1: Integration of the first DNA segment of interest into the IIS‐alphoid^teto‐HAC

Basic Protocol 2: Integration of a second DNA segment of interest into the IIS‐alphoid^teto‐HAC

Basic Protocol 3: Integration of a third DNA segment of interest into the IIS‐alphoid^teto‐HAC

Support Protocol: Fluorescence in situ hybridization analysis for the circular IIS‐alphoid^tetO‐HAC

The kinesin KIF1C transports APC-dependent mRNAs to cell protrusions

RNA localization and local translation are important for numerous cellular functions. In mammals, a class of mRNAs localize to cytoplasmic protrusions in an APC-dependent manner, with roles during cell migration. Here, we investigated this localization mechanism. We found that the KIF1C motor interacts with APC-dependent mRNAs and is required for their localization. Live cell imaging revealed rapid, active transport of single mRNAs over long distances that requires both microtubules and KIF1C. Two-color imaging directly revealed single mRNAs transported by single KIF1C motors, with the 3'UTR being sufficient to trigger KIF1C-dependent RNA transport and localization. Moreover, KIF1C remained associated with peripheral, multimeric RNA clusters and was required for their formation. These results reveal a widespread RNA transport pathway in mammalian cells, in which the KIF1C motor has a dual role in transporting RNAs and clustering them within cytoplasmic protrusions. Interestingly, KIF1C also transports its own mRNA, suggesting a possible feedback loop acting at the level of mRNA transport.

A read-across case study on chronic toxicity of branched carboxylic acids (1): Integration of mechanistic evidence from new approach methodologies (NAMs) to explore a common mode of action

This read-across case study characterises thirteen, structurally similar carboxylic acids demonstrating the application of in vitro and in silico human-based new approach methods, to determine biological similarity. Based on data from in vivo animal studies, the read-across hypothesis is that all analogues are steatotic and so should be considered hazardous. Transcriptomic analysis to determine differentially expressed genes (DEGs) in hepatocytes served as first tier testing to confirm a common mode-of-action and identify differences in the potency of the analogues. An adverse outcome pathway (AOP) network for hepatic steatosis, informed the design of an in vitro testing battery, targeting AOP relevant MIEs and KEs, and Dempster-Shafer decision theory was used to systematically quantify uncertainty and to define the minimal testing scope. The case study shows that the read-across hypothesis is the critical core to designing a robust, NAM-based testing strategy. By summarising the current mechanistic understanding, an AOP enables the selection of NAMs covering MIEs, early KEs, and late KEs. Experimental coverage of the AOP in this way is vital since MIEs and early KEs alone are not confirmatory of progression to the AO. This strategy exemplifies the workflow previously published by the EUTOXRISK project driving a paradigm shift towards NAM-based NGRA.

greenCUT&RUN: Efficient Genomic Profiling of GFP-Tagged Transcription Factors and Chromatin Regulators

Genome-wide mapping of transcription factors and chromatin regulators is important to distinguish their direct from indirect effects on gene transcription or chromatin function. Novel approaches for studying their genomic localization under native conditions, such us cleavage under target and release using nuclease (CUT&RUN), offer higher resolution and lower sequencing costs than classical chromatin immunoprecipitation (ChIP) assays, and require fewer cells but they still depend on the availability of high-quality antibodies. Here, we describe detailed and robust protocols for greenCUT&RUN, which is a generic CUT&RUN-based approach for mapping the genome-wide localization of green fluorescent protein (GFP)-tagged factors in intact mammalian cells. The greenCUT&RUN method makes use of a micrococcal nuclease (MNase) coupled to a high affinity nanobody against GFP, which exploits the accessibility of multiple surfaces of the GFP tag, thus eliminating issues of antibody variability and availability. We also provide efficient protocols for the expression and purification of two different GFP nanobodies, which recognize non-overlapping GFP epitopes and can be combined for a further gain in sensitivity and accuracy. Compared to traditional CUT&RUN, genomic localization by greenCUT&RUN reduces handling time and experimental variability. GreenCUT&RUN is a versatile, robust, and universal procedure for surveying the genome-wide localization of GFP-tagged versions of proteins that drive key transcriptional programs and regulate chromatin function. © 2021 The Authors. Current Protocols published by Wiley Periodicals LLC. Basic Protocol: Standard greenCUT&RUN for GFP-tagged proteins in mammalian cells Alternate Protocol: High-Ca⁺⁺ /low-salt greenCUT&RUN for GFP-tagged histone proteins in mammalian cells Support Protocol: Expression and purification of GFP nanobody-MNase fusion proteins for greenCUT&RUN.

DNArepairK: An Interactive Database for Exploring the Impact of Anticancer Drugs onto the Dynamics of DNA Repair Proteins

Cells are constantly exposed to numerous mutagens that produce diverse types of DNA lesions. Eukaryotic cells have evolved an impressive array of DNA repair mechanisms that are able to detect and repair these lesions, thus preventing genomic instability. The DNA repair process is subjected to precise spatiotemporal coordination, and repair proteins are recruited to lesions in an orderly fashion, depending on their function. Here, we present DNArepairK, a unique open-access database that contains the kinetics of recruitment and removal of 70 fluorescently tagged DNA repair proteins to complex DNA damage sites in living HeLa Kyoto cells. An interactive graphical representation of the data complemented with live cell imaging movies facilitates straightforward comparisons between the dynamics of proteins contributing to different DNA repair pathways. Notably, most of the proteins included in DNArepairK are represented by their kinetics in both nontreated and PARP1/2 inhibitor-treated (talazoparib) cells, thereby providing an unprecedented overview of the effects of anticancer drugs on the regular dynamics of the DNA damage response. We believe that the exclusive dataset available in DNArepairK will be of value to scientists exploring the DNA damage response but, also, to inform and guide the development and evaluation of novel DNA repair-targeting anticancer drugs.

Fluorescent tagging of endogenous Heme oxygenase-1 in human induced pluripotent stem cells for high content imaging of oxidative stress in various differentiated lineages

Tagging of endogenous stress response genes can provide valuable in vitro models for chemical safety assessment. Here, we present the generation and application of a fluorescent human induced pluripotent stem cell (hiPSC) reporter line for Heme oxygenase-1 (HMOX1), which is considered a sensitive and reliable biomarker for the oxidative stress response. CRISPR/Cas9 technology was used to insert an enhanced green fluorescent protein (eGFP) at the C-terminal end of the endogenous HMOX1 gene. Individual clones were selected and extensively characterized to confirm precise editing and retained stem cell properties. Bardoxolone-methyl (CDDO-Me) induced oxidative stress caused similarly increased expression of both the wild-type and eGFP-tagged HMOX1 at the mRNA and protein level. Fluorescently tagged hiPSC-derived proximal tubule-like, hepatocyte-like, cardiomyocyte-like and neuron-like progenies were treated with CDDO-Me (5.62–1000 nM) or diethyl maleate (5.62–1000 µM) for 24 h and 72 h. Multi-lineage oxidative stress responses were assessed through transcriptomics analysis, and HMOX1-eGFP reporter expression was carefully monitored using live-cell confocal imaging. We found that eGFP intensity increased in a dose-dependent manner with dynamics varying amongst lineages and stressors. Point of departure modelling further captured the specific lineage sensitivities towards oxidative stress. We anticipate that the newly developed HMOX1 hiPSC reporter will become a valuable tool in understanding and quantifying critical target organ cell-specific oxidative stress responses induced by (newly developed) chemical entities.

Multifunctional protein 4.1R regulates the asymmetric segregation of Numb during terminal erythroid maturation

The asymmetric cell division of stem or progenitor cells generates daughter cells with distinct fates that balance proliferation and differentiation. Asymmetric segregation of Notch signaling regulatory protein Numb plays a crucial role in cell diversification. However, the molecular mechanism remains unclear. Here, we examined the unequal distribution of Numb in the daughter cells of murine erythroleukemia cells (MELCs) that undergo DMSO-induced erythroid differentiation. In contrast to the cytoplasmic localization of Numb during uninduced cell division, Numb is concentrated at the cell boundary in interphase, near the one-spindle pole in metaphase, and is unequally distributed to one daughter cell in anaphase in induced cells. The inheritance of Numb guides this daughter cell toward erythroid differentiation while the other cell remains a progenitor cell. Mitotic spindle orientation, critical for distribution of cell fate determinants, requires complex communication between the spindle microtubules and the cell cortex mediated by the NuMA-LGN-dynein/dynactin complex. Depletion of each individual member of the complex randomizes the position of Numb relative to the mitotic spindle. Gene replacement confirms that multifunctional erythrocyte protein 4.1R (4.1R) functions as a member of the NuMA-LGN-dynein/dynactin complex and is necessary for regulating spindle orientation, in which interaction between 4.1R and NuMA plays an important role. These results suggest that mispositioning of Numb is the result of spindle misorientation. Finally, disruption of the 4.1R-NuMA-LGN complex increases Notch signaling and decreases the erythroblast population. Together, our results identify a critical role for 4.1R in regulating the asymmetric segregation of Numb to mediate erythropoiesis.

Mitochondrial adaptor TRAK2 activates and functionally links opposing kinesin and dynein motors

Mitochondria are transported along microtubules by opposing kinesin and dynein motors. Kinesin-1 and dynein-dynactin are linked to mitochondria by TRAK proteins, but it is unclear how TRAKs coordinate these motors. We used single-molecule imaging of cell lysates to show that TRAK2 robustly activates kinesin-1 for transport toward the microtubule plus-end. TRAK2 is also a novel dynein activating adaptor that utilizes a conserved coiled-coil motif to interact with dynein to promote motility toward the microtubule minus-end. However, dynein-mediated TRAK2 transport is minimal unless the dynein-binding protein LIS1 is present at a sufficient level. Using co-immunoprecipitation and co-localization experiments, we demonstrate that TRAK2 forms a complex containing both kinesin-1 and dynein-dynactin. These motors are functionally linked by TRAK2 as knockdown of either kinesin-1 or dynein-dynactin reduces the initiation of TRAK2 transport toward either microtubule end. We propose that TRAK2 coordinates kinesin-1 and dynein-dynactin as an interdependent motor complex, providing integrated control of opposing motors for the proper transport of mitochondria.

Mitochondrial transport toward both the plus- and minus-ends of microtubules is mediated by motor proteins linked to mitochondria by TRAK adaptor proteins. Here the authors investigate the role of TRAK2 as a bidirectional motor adaptor, and propose a model where TRAK2 coordinates the activities of opposing kinesin-1 and cytoplasmic dynein motors as a single interdependent motor complex.

TSSC4 is a component of U5 snRNP that promotes tri-snRNP formation

U5 snRNP is a complex particle essential for RNA splicing. U5 snRNPs undergo intricate biogenesis that ensures that only a fully mature particle assembles into a splicing competent U4/U6•U5 tri-snRNP and enters the splicing reaction. During splicing, U5 snRNP is substantially rearranged and leaves as a U5/PRPF19 post-splicing particle, which requires re-generation before the next round of splicing. Here, we show that a previously uncharacterized protein TSSC4 is a component of U5 snRNP that promotes tri-snRNP formation. We provide evidence that TSSC4 associates with U5 snRNP chaperones, U5 snRNP and the U5/PRPF19 particle. Specifically, TSSC4 interacts with U5-specific proteins PRPF8, EFTUD2 and SNRNP200. We also identified TSSC4 domains critical for the interaction with U5 snRNP and the PRPF19 complex, as well as for TSSC4 function in tri-snRNP assembly. TSSC4 emerges as a specific chaperone that acts in U5 snRNP de novo biogenesis as well as post-splicing recycling.

The correct assembly and recycling of the multicomponent spliceosome remains largely elusive. Here, the authors show that a previously uncharacterized protein TSSC4 associates with de novo formed spliceosomal U5 snRNP as well as with a post-splicing U5-PRPF19 particle, and that TSSC4 is important for assembly of the splicing competent tri-snRNP.

An open-source platform to quantify subnuclear foci and protein colocalization in response to replication stress

Nuclear reorganization, including the localization of proteins into discrete subnuclear foci, is a hallmark of the cellular response to DNA damage and replication stress. These foci are thought to represent transient environments or repair factories, in which the lesion is sequestered with molecules and co-factors that catalyze repair. For example, nuclear foci contain signaling proteins that recruit transducer proteins. One important class of transducers is the structure-selective endonucleases, such as SLX1-SLX4, MUS81-EME1, and XPF-ERCC1, which remove branched DNA structures that form during repair. The relocalization of structure-selective endonucleases into subnuclear foci provides a visual read-out for the presence of direct DNA damage, replication barriers, or DNA entanglements and can be monitored using fluorescence microscopy. By simultaneously probing for two or more fluorescent signals, fluorescence microscopy can also provide insights into the proximal association of proteins within a local environment. Here, we report an open-source and semi-automated method to detect and quantify subnuclear foci, as well as foci colocalization and the accompanying pixel-based colocalization metrics. We use this pipeline to show that pre-mitotic nuclei contain a basal threshold of foci marked by SLX1-SLX4, MUS81, or XPF. Some of these foci colocalize with FANCD2 and have a high degree of correlation and co-occurrence. We also show that pre-mitotic cells experiencing replication stress contain elevated levels of foci containing SLX1-SLX4 or XPF, but not MUS81. These results point towards a role for SLX1-SLX4 and XPF-ERCC1 in the early cellular response to replication stress. Nevertheless, most of the foci that form in response to replication stress contain either FANCD2 or one of the three endonucleases. Altogether, our work highlights the compositional heterogeneity of subnuclear foci that form in response to replication stress. We also describe a user-friendly pipeline that can be used to characterize these dynamic structures.

A recombineering pipeline to clone large and complex genes in Chlamydomonas

The ability to clone genes has greatly advanced cell and molecular biology research, enabling researchers to generate fluorescent protein fusions for localization and confirm genetic causation by mutant complementation. Most gene cloning is polymerase chain reaction (PCR)�or DNA synthesis-dependent, which can become costly and technically challenging as genes increase in size, particularly if they contain complex regions. This has been a long-standing challenge for the Chlamydomonas reinhardtii research community, as this alga has a high percentage of genes containing complex sequence structures. Here we overcame these challenges by developing a recombineering pipeline for the rapid parallel cloning of genes from a Chlamydomonas bacterial artificial chromosome collection. To generate fluorescent protein fusions for localization, we applied the pipeline at both batch and high-throughput scales to 203 genes related to the Chlamydomonas CO2 concentrating mechanism (CCM), with an overall cloning success rate of 77%. Cloning success was independent of gene size and complexity, with cloned genes as large as 23 kb. Localization of a subset of CCM targets confirmed previous mass spectrometry data, identified new pyrenoid components, and enabled complementation of mutants. We provide vectors and detailed protocols to facilitate easy adoption of this technology, which we envision will open up new possibilities in algal and plant research.