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Chiu K, Berrada Y, Eskndir N, Song D, Fong C, Naughton S, Chen T, Moy S, Gyurmey S, James L, Ezeiruaku C, Capistran C, Lowey D, Diwanji V, Peterson S, Parakh H, Burgess AR, Probert C, Zhu A, Anderson B, Levi N, Gerlitz G, Packard MC, Dorfman KA, Bahiru MS, Stephens AD. CTCF is essential for proper mitotic spindle structure and anaphase segregation. Chromosoma 2024; 133:183-194. [PMID: 37728741 DOI: 10.1007/s00412-023-00810-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/11/2023] [Revised: 08/11/2023] [Accepted: 09/08/2023] [Indexed: 09/21/2023]
Abstract
Mitosis is an essential process in which the duplicated genome is segregated equally into two daughter cells. CTCF has been reported to be present in mitosis and has a role in localizing CENP-E, but its importance for mitotic fidelity remains to be determined. To evaluate the importance of CTCF in mitosis, we tracked mitotic behaviors in wild-type and two different CTCF CRISPR-based genetic knockdowns. We find that knockdown of CTCF results in prolonged mitoses and failed anaphase segregation via time-lapse imaging of SiR-DNA. CTCF knockdown did not alter cell cycling or the mitotic checkpoint, which was activated upon nocodazole treatment. Immunofluorescence imaging of the mitotic spindle in CTCF knockdowns revealed disorganization via tri/tetrapolar spindles and chromosomes behind the spindle pole. Imaging of interphase nuclei showed that nuclear size increased drastically, consistent with failure to divide the duplicated genome in anaphase. Long-term inhibition of CNEP-E via GSK923295 recapitulates CTCF knockdown abnormal mitotic spindles with polar chromosomes and increased nuclear sizes. Population measurements of nuclear shape in CTCF knockdowns do not display decreased circularity or increased nuclear blebbing relative to wild-type. However, failed mitoses do display abnormal nuclear morphologies relative to successful mitoses, suggesting that population images do not capture individual behaviors. Thus, CTCF is important for both proper metaphase organization and anaphase segregation which impacts the size and shape of the interphase nucleus likely through its known role in recruiting CENP-E.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katherine Chiu
- Biology Department, University of Massachusetts Amherst, Amherst, MA, 01003, USA
| | - Yasmin Berrada
- Biology Department, University of Massachusetts Amherst, Amherst, MA, 01003, USA
| | - Nebiyat Eskndir
- Biology Department, University of Massachusetts Amherst, Amherst, MA, 01003, USA
| | - Dasol Song
- Biology Department, University of Massachusetts Amherst, Amherst, MA, 01003, USA
| | - Claire Fong
- Biology Department, University of Massachusetts Amherst, Amherst, MA, 01003, USA
| | - Sarah Naughton
- Biology Department, University of Massachusetts Amherst, Amherst, MA, 01003, USA
| | - Tina Chen
- Biology Department, University of Massachusetts Amherst, Amherst, MA, 01003, USA
| | - Savanna Moy
- Biology Department, University of Massachusetts Amherst, Amherst, MA, 01003, USA
| | - Sarah Gyurmey
- Biology Department, University of Massachusetts Amherst, Amherst, MA, 01003, USA
| | - Liam James
- Biology Department, University of Massachusetts Amherst, Amherst, MA, 01003, USA
| | - Chimere Ezeiruaku
- Biology Department, University of Massachusetts Amherst, Amherst, MA, 01003, USA
| | - Caroline Capistran
- Biology Department, University of Massachusetts Amherst, Amherst, MA, 01003, USA
| | - Daniel Lowey
- Biology Department, University of Massachusetts Amherst, Amherst, MA, 01003, USA
| | - Vedang Diwanji
- Biology Department, University of Massachusetts Amherst, Amherst, MA, 01003, USA
| | - Samantha Peterson
- Biology Department, University of Massachusetts Amherst, Amherst, MA, 01003, USA
| | - Harshini Parakh
- Biology Department, University of Massachusetts Amherst, Amherst, MA, 01003, USA
| | - Ayanna R Burgess
- Biology Department, University of Massachusetts Amherst, Amherst, MA, 01003, USA
| | - Cassandra Probert
- Biology Department, University of Massachusetts Amherst, Amherst, MA, 01003, USA
| | - Annie Zhu
- Biology Department, University of Massachusetts Amherst, Amherst, MA, 01003, USA
| | - Bryn Anderson
- Biology Department, University of Massachusetts Amherst, Amherst, MA, 01003, USA
| | - Nehora Levi
- Biology Department of Molecular Biology, Faculty of Life Sciences, Ariel University, 40700, Ariel, Israel
| | - Gabi Gerlitz
- Biology Department of Molecular Biology, Faculty of Life Sciences, Ariel University, 40700, Ariel, Israel
| | - Mary C Packard
- Biology Department, University of Massachusetts Amherst, Amherst, MA, 01003, USA
| | - Katherine A Dorfman
- Biology Department, University of Massachusetts Amherst, Amherst, MA, 01003, USA
| | - Michael Seifu Bahiru
- Biology Department, University of Massachusetts Amherst, Amherst, MA, 01003, USA
| | - Andrew D Stephens
- Biology Department, University of Massachusetts Amherst, Amherst, MA, 01003, USA.
- Molecular and Cellular Biology, University of Massachusetts Amherst, Amherst, MA, 01003, USA.
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Sankaran DG, Zhu H, Maymi VI, Forlastro IM, Jiang Y, Laniewski N, Scheible KM, Rudd BD, Grimson AW. Gene Regulatory Programs that Specify Age-Related Differences during Thymocyte Development. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2024:2024.06.14.599011. [PMID: 38948840 PMCID: PMC11212896 DOI: 10.1101/2024.06.14.599011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 07/02/2024]
Abstract
T cell development is fundamental to immune system establishment, yet how this development changes with age remains poorly understood. Here, we construct a transcriptional and epigenetic atlas of T cell developmental programs in neonatal and adult mice, revealing the ontogeny of divergent gene regulatory programs and their link to age-related differences in phenotype and function. Specifically, we identify a gene module that diverges with age from the earliest stages of genesis and includes programs that govern effector response and cell cycle regulation. Moreover, we reveal that neonates possess more accessible chromatin during early thymocyte development, likely establishing poised gene expression programs that manifest later in thymocyte development. Finally, we leverage this atlas, employing a CRISPR-based perturbation approach coupled with single-cell RNA sequencing as a readout to uncover a conserved transcriptional regulator, Zbtb20, that contributes to age-dependent differences in T cell development. Altogether, our study defines transcriptional and epigenetic programs that regulate age-specific differences in T cell development.
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Wang L, Bu T, Wu X, Li L, Sun F, Cheng CY. Motor proteins, spermatogenesis and testis function. ADVANCES IN PROTEIN CHEMISTRY AND STRUCTURAL BIOLOGY 2024; 141:381-445. [PMID: 38960481 DOI: 10.1016/bs.apcsb.2024.03.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 07/05/2024]
Abstract
The role of motor proteins in supporting intracellular transports of vesicles and organelles in mammalian cells has been known for decades. On the other hand, the function of motor proteins that support spermatogenesis is also well established since the deletion of motor protein genes leads to subfertility and/or infertility. Furthermore, mutations and genetic variations of motor protein genes affect fertility in men, but also a wide range of developmental defects in humans including multiple organs besides the testis. In this review, we seek to provide a summary of microtubule and actin-dependent motor proteins based on earlier and recent findings in the field. Since these two cytoskeletons are polarized structures, different motor proteins are being used to transport cargoes to different ends of these cytoskeletons. However, their involvement in germ cell transport across the blood-testis barrier (BTB) and the epithelium of the seminiferous tubules remains relatively unknown. It is based on recent findings in the field, we have provided a hypothetical model by which motor proteins are being used to support germ cell transport across the BTB and the seminiferous epithelium during the epithelial cycle of spermatogenesis. In our discussion, we have highlighted the areas of research that deserve attention to bridge the gap of research in relating the function of motor proteins to spermatogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lingling Wang
- The Second Affiliated Hospital and Yuying Children's Hospital, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang, P.R. China; Department of Urology and Andrology, Sir Run Run Shaw Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, P.R. China
| | - Tiao Bu
- Department of Urology and Andrology, Sir Run Run Shaw Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, P.R. China
| | - Xiaolong Wu
- Department of Urology and Andrology, Sir Run Run Shaw Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, P.R. China
| | - Linxi Li
- The Second Affiliated Hospital and Yuying Children's Hospital, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang, P.R. China
| | - Fei Sun
- Department of Urology and Andrology, Sir Run Run Shaw Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, P.R. China
| | - C Yan Cheng
- The Second Affiliated Hospital and Yuying Children's Hospital, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang, P.R. China; Department of Urology and Andrology, Sir Run Run Shaw Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, P.R. China.
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Pussila M, Laiho A, Törönen P, Björkbacka P, Nykänen S, Pylvänäinen K, Holm L, Mecklin JP, Renkonen-Sinisalo L, Lehtonen T, Lepistö A, Linden J, Mäki-Nevala S, Peltomäki P, Nyström M. Mitotic abnormalities precede microsatellite instability in lynch syndrome-associated colorectal tumourigenesis. EBioMedicine 2024; 103:105111. [PMID: 38583260 PMCID: PMC11002576 DOI: 10.1016/j.ebiom.2024.105111] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/08/2023] [Revised: 03/21/2024] [Accepted: 03/26/2024] [Indexed: 04/09/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Lynch syndrome (LS) is one of the most common hereditary cancer syndromes worldwide. Dominantly inherited mutation in one of four DNA mismatch repair genes combined with somatic events leads to mismatch repair deficiency and microsatellite instability (MSI) in tumours. Due to a high lifetime risk of cancer, regular surveillance plays a key role in cancer prevention; yet the observation of frequent interval cancers points to insufficient cancer prevention by colonoscopy-based methods alone. This study aimed to identify precancerous functional changes in colonic mucosa that could facilitate the monitoring and prevention of cancer development in LS. METHODS The study material comprised colon biopsy specimens (n = 71) collected during colonoscopy examinations from LS carriers (tumour-free, or diagnosed with adenoma, or diagnosed with carcinoma) and a control group, which included sporadic cases without LS or neoplasia. The majority (80%) of LS carriers had an inherited genetic MLH1 mutation. The remaining 20% included MSH2 mutation carriers (13%) and MSH6 mutation carriers (7%). The transcriptomes were first analysed with RNA-sequencing and followed up with Gorilla Ontology analysis and Reactome Knowledgebase and Ingenuity Pathway Analyses to detect functional changes that might be associated with the initiation of the neoplastic process in LS individuals. FINDINGS With pathway and gene ontology analyses combined with measurement of mitotic perimeters from colonic mucosa and tumours, we found an increased tendency to chromosomal instability (CIN), already present in macroscopically normal LS mucosa. Our results suggest that CIN is an earlier aberration than MSI and may be the initial cancer driving aberration, whereas MSI accelerates tumour formation. Furthermore, our results suggest that MLH1 deficiency plays a significant role in the development of CIN. INTERPRETATION The results validate our previous findings from mice and highlight early mitotic abnormalities as an important contributor and precancerous marker of colorectal tumourigenesis in LS. FUNDING This work was supported by grants from the Jane and Aatos Erkko Foundation, the Academy of Finland (330606 and 331284), Cancer Foundation Finland sr, and the Sigrid Jusélius Foundation. Open access is funded by Helsinki University Library.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marjaana Pussila
- Molecular and Integrative Biosciences Research Programme, Faculty of Biological and Environmental Sciences, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland.
| | - Aleksi Laiho
- Organismal and Evolutionary Biology Research Program, Faculty of Biosciences, and Institute of Biotechnology, Helsinki Institute of Life Science (HiLIFE), University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Petri Törönen
- Organismal and Evolutionary Biology Research Program, Faculty of Biosciences, and Institute of Biotechnology, Helsinki Institute of Life Science (HiLIFE), University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Pauliina Björkbacka
- Department of Veterinary Biosciences, and Finnish Centre for Laboratory Animal Pathology (FCLAP), Helsinki Institute of Life Science (HiLIFE), University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Sonja Nykänen
- Molecular and Integrative Biosciences Research Programme, Faculty of Biological and Environmental Sciences, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Kirsi Pylvänäinen
- Faculty of Sports and Health Sciences, University of Jyväskylä, Jyväskylä, Finland
| | - Liisa Holm
- Organismal and Evolutionary Biology Research Program, Faculty of Biosciences, and Institute of Biotechnology, Helsinki Institute of Life Science (HiLIFE), University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Jukka-Pekka Mecklin
- Well Being Services County of Central Finland, Department of Science, Jyväskylä, Finland; Faculty of Sports and Health Sciences, University of Jyväskylä, Jyväskylä, Finland
| | - Laura Renkonen-Sinisalo
- Department of Surgery, Helsinki University Hospital, Helsinki, Finland; Applied Tumour Genomics, Research Programs Unit, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Taru Lehtonen
- Department of Surgery, Helsinki University Hospital, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Anna Lepistö
- Department of Surgery, Helsinki University Hospital, Helsinki, Finland; Applied Tumour Genomics, Research Programs Unit, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Jere Linden
- Department of Veterinary Biosciences, and Finnish Centre for Laboratory Animal Pathology (FCLAP), Helsinki Institute of Life Science (HiLIFE), University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Satu Mäki-Nevala
- Department of Medical and Clinical Genetics, University of Helsinki, Finland
| | - Päivi Peltomäki
- Department of Medical and Clinical Genetics, University of Helsinki, Finland; HUSLAB Laboratory of Genetics, HUS Diagnostic Center, Helsinki University Hospital, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Minna Nyström
- Molecular and Integrative Biosciences Research Programme, Faculty of Biological and Environmental Sciences, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
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Zhang JL, Xu MF, Chen J, Wei YL, She ZY. Kinesin-7 CENP-E mediates chromosome alignment and spindle assembly checkpoint in meiosis I. Chromosoma 2024; 133:149-168. [PMID: 38456964 DOI: 10.1007/s00412-024-00818-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/27/2023] [Revised: 02/05/2024] [Accepted: 02/26/2024] [Indexed: 03/09/2024]
Abstract
In eukaryotes, meiosis is the genetic basis for sexual reproduction, which is important for chromosome stability and species evolution. The defects in meiosis usually lead to chromosome aneuploidy, reduced gamete number, and genetic diseases, but the pathogenic mechanisms are not well clarified. Kinesin-7 CENP-E is a key regulator in chromosome alignment and spindle assembly checkpoint in cell division. However, the functions and mechanisms of CENP-E in male meiosis remain largely unknown. In this study, we have revealed that the CENP-E gene was highly expressed in the rat testis. CENP-E inhibition influences chromosome alignment and spindle organization in metaphase I spermatocytes. We have found that a portion of misaligned homologous chromosomes is located at the spindle poles after CENP-E inhibition, which further activates the spindle assembly checkpoint during the metaphase-to-anaphase transition in rat spermatocytes. Furthermore, CENP-E depletion leads to abnormal spermatogenesis, reduced sperm count, and abnormal sperm head structure. Our findings have elucidated that CENP-E is essential for homologous chromosome alignment and spindle assembly checkpoint in spermatocytes, which further contribute to chromosome stability and sperm cell quality during spermatogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jing-Lian Zhang
- Department of Cell Biology and Genetics, The School of Basic Medical Sciences, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, 350122, Fujian, China
- Key Laboratory of Stem Cell Engineering and Regenerative Medicine, Fujian Province University, Fuzhou, 350122, Fujian, China
| | - Meng-Fei Xu
- Department of Cell Biology and Genetics, The School of Basic Medical Sciences, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, 350122, Fujian, China
- Key Laboratory of Stem Cell Engineering and Regenerative Medicine, Fujian Province University, Fuzhou, 350122, Fujian, China
| | - Jie Chen
- Department of Cell Biology and Genetics, The School of Basic Medical Sciences, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, 350122, Fujian, China
- Key Laboratory of Stem Cell Engineering and Regenerative Medicine, Fujian Province University, Fuzhou, 350122, Fujian, China
| | - Ya-Lan Wei
- Medical Research Center, Fujian Maternity and Child Health Hospital, Fuzhou, 350001, Fujian, China
- College of Clinical Medicine for Obstetrics & Gynecology and Pediatrics, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, 350122, Fujian, China
| | - Zhen-Yu She
- Department of Cell Biology and Genetics, The School of Basic Medical Sciences, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, 350122, Fujian, China.
- Key Laboratory of Stem Cell Engineering and Regenerative Medicine, Fujian Province University, Fuzhou, 350122, Fujian, China.
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Nasr-Esfahani A, Valipour Motlagh A, Adib M, Pashaei K, Nasr-Esfahani MH. Integrative Bioinformatics Analysis of The Cell Division Cycle and Ribosomal Pathways in The Rat Varicocele: Implications for Drug Discovery. CELL JOURNAL 2023; 25:727-737. [PMID: 37865881 PMCID: PMC10591260 DOI: 10.22074/cellj.2023.2004771.1329] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/14/2023] [Revised: 07/02/2023] [Accepted: 07/04/2023] [Indexed: 10/23/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Varicocele is a common cause of male infertility, affecting a substantial proportion of infertile men. Recent studies have employed transcriptomic analysis to identify candidate genes that may be implicated in the pathogenesis of this condition. Accordingly, this study sought to leverage rat gene expression profiling, along with protein-protein interaction networks, to identify key regulatory genes, related pathways, and potentially effective drugs for the treatment of varicocele. MATERIALS AND METHODS In this in-silico study, differentially expressed genes (DEGs) from the testicular tissue of 3 rats were screened using the edgeR package in R software and the results were compared to 3 rats in the control group. Data was obtained from GSE139447. Setting a -11 and P<0.05 as cutoff points for statistical significance, up and down-regulated genes were identified. Based on Cytoscape plugins, protein-protein interaction (PPI) networks were drawn, and hub genes were highlighted. ShinyGO was used for pathway enrichment. Finally, effective drugs were identified from the drug database. RESULTS Among the 1277 DEGs in this study, 677 genes were up-regulated while 600 genes were down-regulated in rats with varicocele compared to the control group. Using protein-protein interaction networks, we identified the top five up-regulated genes and the top five down-regulated genes. Enrichment analysis showed that the up-regulated genes were associated with the cell division cycle pathway, while the down-regulated genes were linked to the ribosome pathway. Notably, our findings suggested that dexamethasone may be a promising therapeutic option for individuals with varicocele. CONCLUSION The current investigation indicates that in varicocele the cell division cycle pathway is up-regulated while the ribosome pathway is down-regulated compared to controls. Based on these findings, dexamethasone could be considered a future candidate drug for the treatment of individuals with varicocele.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Ali Valipour Motlagh
- Department of Animal Biotechnology, Cell Science Research Center, Royan Institute for Biotechnology, ACECR, Isfahan, Iran
| | - Minoo Adib
- Department of Immunology, Medical School, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Iran
| | - Kosar Pashaei
- Isfahan Fertility and Infertility Center, Isfahan, Iran
| | - Mohammad Hossein Nasr-Esfahani
- Department of Animal Biotechnology, Reproductive Biomedicine Research Center, Royan Institute for Biotechnology, ACECR, Isfahan, Iran.
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Shibuya A, Suzuki A, Ogo N, Sawada JI, Asai A, Yokoyama H. Crystal structure of the motor domain of centromere-associated protein E in complex with a non-hydrolysable ATP analogue. FEBS Lett 2023; 597:1138-1148. [PMID: 36823439 DOI: 10.1002/1873-3468.14602] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/11/2022] [Revised: 01/22/2023] [Accepted: 02/10/2023] [Indexed: 02/25/2023]
Abstract
Centromere-associated protein E (CENP-E) is a kinesin motor protein essential for mitosis and a new target for anticancer agents with less side effects. To rationally design anticancer drug candidates based on structure, it is important to determine the three-dimensional structure of the CENP-E motor domain bound to its inhibitor. Here, we report the first crystal structure of the CENP-E motor domain in complex with a non-hydrolysable ATP analogue, adenylyl-imidodiphosphate (AMPPNP). Furthermore, the structure is compared with the ADP-bound form of the CENP-E motor domain as well as the AMPPNP-bound forms of other kinesins. This study indicates that helix α4 of CENP-E participates in the slow binding of CENP-E to microtubules. These results will contribute to the development of anticancer drugs targeting CENP-E.
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Affiliation(s)
- Asuka Shibuya
- Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Tokyo University of Science, Chiba, Japan
| | - Akira Suzuki
- Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Tokyo University of Science, Chiba, Japan
| | - Naohisa Ogo
- Center for Drug Discovery, Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Shizuoka, Japan
| | - Jun-Ichi Sawada
- Center for Drug Discovery, Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Shizuoka, Japan
| | - Akira Asai
- Center for Drug Discovery, Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Shizuoka, Japan
| | - Hideshi Yokoyama
- Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Tokyo University of Science, Chiba, Japan
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8
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Chiu K, Berrada Y, Eskndir N, Song D, Fong C, Naughton S, Chen T, Moy S, Gyurmey S, James L, Ezeiruaku C, Capistran C, Lowey D, Diwanji V, Peterson S, Parakh H, Burgess AR, Probert C, Zhu A, Anderson B, Levi N, Gerlitz G, Packard MC, Dorfman KA, Bahiru MS, Stephens AD. CTCF is essential for proper mitotic spindle structure and anaphase segregation. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2023:2023.01.09.523293. [PMID: 36712070 PMCID: PMC9881978 DOI: 10.1101/2023.01.09.523293] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/12/2023]
Abstract
Mitosis is an essential process in which the duplicated genome is segregated equally into two daughter cells. CTCF has been reported to be present in mitosis but its importance for mitotic fidelity remains to be determined. To evaluate the importance of CTCF in mitosis, we tracked mitotic behaviors in wild type and two different CTCF CRISPR-based genetic knockdowns. We find that knockdown of CTCF results in prolonged mitoses and failed anaphase segregation via time lapse imaging of SiR-DNA. CTCF knockdown did not alter cell cycling or the mitotic checkpoint, which was activated upon nocodazole treatment. Immunofluorescence imaging of the mitotic spindle in CTCF knockdowns revealed disorganization via tri/tetrapolar spindles and chromosomes behind the spindle pole. Imaging of interphase nuclei showed that nuclear size increased drastically, consistent with failure to divide the duplicated genome in anaphase. Population measurements of nuclear shape in CTCF knockdowns do not display decreased circularity or increased nuclear blebbing relative to wild type. However, failed mitoses do display abnormal nuclear morphologies relative to successful mitoses, suggesting population images do not capture individual behaviors. Thus, CTCF is important for both proper metaphase organization and anaphase segregation which impacts the size and shape of the interphase nucleus.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katherine Chiu
- Biology Department, University of Massachusetts Amherst, Amherst, MA 01003, USA
| | - Yasmin Berrada
- Biology Department, University of Massachusetts Amherst, Amherst, MA 01003, USA
| | - Nebiyat Eskndir
- Biology Department, University of Massachusetts Amherst, Amherst, MA 01003, USA
| | - Dasol Song
- Biology Department, University of Massachusetts Amherst, Amherst, MA 01003, USA
| | - Claire Fong
- Biology Department, University of Massachusetts Amherst, Amherst, MA 01003, USA
| | - Sarah Naughton
- Biology Department, University of Massachusetts Amherst, Amherst, MA 01003, USA
| | - Tina Chen
- Biology Department, University of Massachusetts Amherst, Amherst, MA 01003, USA
| | - Savanna Moy
- Biology Department, University of Massachusetts Amherst, Amherst, MA 01003, USA
| | - Sarah Gyurmey
- Biology Department, University of Massachusetts Amherst, Amherst, MA 01003, USA
| | - Liam James
- Biology Department, University of Massachusetts Amherst, Amherst, MA 01003, USA
| | - Chimere Ezeiruaku
- Biology Department, University of Massachusetts Amherst, Amherst, MA 01003, USA
| | - Caroline Capistran
- Biology Department, University of Massachusetts Amherst, Amherst, MA 01003, USA
| | - Daniel Lowey
- Biology Department, University of Massachusetts Amherst, Amherst, MA 01003, USA
| | - Vedang Diwanji
- Biology Department, University of Massachusetts Amherst, Amherst, MA 01003, USA
| | - Samantha Peterson
- Biology Department, University of Massachusetts Amherst, Amherst, MA 01003, USA
| | - Harshini Parakh
- Biology Department, University of Massachusetts Amherst, Amherst, MA 01003, USA
| | - Ayanna R. Burgess
- Biology Department, University of Massachusetts Amherst, Amherst, MA 01003, USA
| | - Cassandra Probert
- Biology Department, University of Massachusetts Amherst, Amherst, MA 01003, USA
| | - Annie Zhu
- Biology Department, University of Massachusetts Amherst, Amherst, MA 01003, USA
| | - Bryn Anderson
- Biology Department, University of Massachusetts Amherst, Amherst, MA 01003, USA
| | - Nehora Levi
- Biology Department of Molecular Biology, Faculty of Life Sciences, Ariel University, Ariel 40700, Israel
| | - Gabi Gerlitz
- Biology Department of Molecular Biology, Faculty of Life Sciences, Ariel University, Ariel 40700, Israel
| | - Mary C. Packard
- Biology Department, University of Massachusetts Amherst, Amherst, MA 01003, USA
| | | | | | - Andrew D. Stephens
- Biology Department, University of Massachusetts Amherst, Amherst, MA 01003, USA
- Molecular and Cellular Biology, University of Massachusetts Amherst, Amherst, MA 01003, USA
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9
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She ZY, Xu MF, Jiang SY, Wei YL. Kinesin-7 CENP-E is essential for chromosome alignment and spindle assembly of mouse spermatocytes. BIOCHIMICA ET BIOPHYSICA ACTA. MOLECULAR CELL RESEARCH 2022; 1869:119306. [PMID: 35680098 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbamcr.2022.119306] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/14/2022] [Revised: 05/28/2022] [Accepted: 05/31/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
Genome stability depends on chromosome congression and alignment during cell division. Kinesin-7 CENP-E is critical for kinetochore-microtubule attachment and chromosome alignment, which contribute to genome stability in mitosis. However, the functions and mechanisms of CENP-E in the meiotic division of male spermatocytes remain largely unknown. In this study, by combining the use of chemical inhibitors, siRNA-mediated gene knockdown, immunohistochemistry, and high-resolution microscopy, we have found that CENP-E inhibition results in chromosome misalignment and metaphase arrest in dividing spermatocyte during meiosis. Strikingly, we have revealed that CENP-E regulates spindle organization in metaphase I spermatocytes and cultured GC-2 spd cells. CENP-E depletion leads to spindle elongation, chromosome misalignment, and chromosome instability in spermatocytes. Together, these findings indicate that CENP-E mediates the kinetochore recruitment of BubR1, spindle assembly checkpoint and chromosome alignment in dividing spermatocytes, which finally contribute to faithful chromosome segregation and chromosome stability in the male meiotic division.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhen-Yu She
- Department of Cell Biology and Genetics, The School of Basic Medical Sciences, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, Fujian 350122, China; Key Laboratory of Stem Cell Engineering and Regenerative Medicine, Fujian Province University, Fuzhou, Fujian 350122, China.
| | - Meng-Fei Xu
- Department of Cell Biology and Genetics, The School of Basic Medical Sciences, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, Fujian 350122, China; Key Laboratory of Stem Cell Engineering and Regenerative Medicine, Fujian Province University, Fuzhou, Fujian 350122, China
| | - Sun-Ying Jiang
- Department of Cell Biology and Genetics, The School of Basic Medical Sciences, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, Fujian 350122, China; Key Laboratory of Stem Cell Engineering and Regenerative Medicine, Fujian Province University, Fuzhou, Fujian 350122, China
| | - Ya-Lan Wei
- Fujian Obstetrics and Gynecology Hospital, Fuzhou, Fujian 350011, China; Medical Research Center, Fujian Maternity and Child Health Hospital, Affiliated Hospital of Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, Fujian 350001, China
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10
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Yao M, Qu H, Han Y, Cheng CY, Xiao X. Kinesins in Mammalian Spermatogenesis and Germ Cell Transport. Front Cell Dev Biol 2022; 10:837542. [PMID: 35547823 PMCID: PMC9083010 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2022.837542] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/16/2021] [Accepted: 03/25/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
In mammalian testes, the apical cytoplasm of each Sertoli cell holds up to several dozens of germ cells, especially spermatids that are transported up and down the seminiferous epithelium. The blood-testis barrier (BTB) established by neighboring Sertoli cells in the basal compartment restructures on a regular basis to allow preleptotene/leptotene spermatocytes to pass through. The timely transfer of germ cells and other cellular organelles such as residual bodies, phagosomes, and lysosomes across the epithelium to facilitate spermatogenesis is important and requires the microtubule-based cytoskeleton in Sertoli cells. Kinesins, a superfamily of the microtubule-dependent motor proteins, are abundantly and preferentially expressed in the testis, but their functions are poorly understood. This review summarizes recent findings on kinesins in mammalian spermatogenesis, highlighting their potential role in germ cell traversing through the BTB and the remodeling of Sertoli cell-spermatid junctions to advance spermatid transport. The possibility of kinesins acting as a mediator and/or synchronizer for cell cycle progression, germ cell transit, and junctional rearrangement and turnover is also discussed. We mostly cover findings in rodents, but we also make special remarks regarding humans. We anticipate that this information will provide a framework for future research in the field.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mingxia Yao
- Center for Reproductive Health, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Hangzhou Medical College (Zhejiang Academy of Medical Sciences), Hangzhou, China
| | - Haoyang Qu
- Center for Reproductive Health, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Hangzhou Medical College (Zhejiang Academy of Medical Sciences), Hangzhou, China
| | - Yating Han
- Center for Reproductive Health, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Hangzhou Medical College (Zhejiang Academy of Medical Sciences), Hangzhou, China
| | - C Yan Cheng
- Department of Urology and Andrology, Sir Run-Run Shaw Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China
| | - Xiang Xiao
- Center for Reproductive Health, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Hangzhou Medical College (Zhejiang Academy of Medical Sciences), Hangzhou, China.,Zhejiang Provincial Laboratory of Experimental Animal's & Nonclinical Laboratory Studies, Hangzhou Medical College, Hangzhou, China
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11
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Iegiani G, Di Cunto F, Pallavicini G. Inhibiting microcephaly genes as alternative to microtubule targeting agents to treat brain tumors. Cell Death Dis 2021; 12:956. [PMID: 34663805 PMCID: PMC8523548 DOI: 10.1038/s41419-021-04259-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/01/2021] [Revised: 09/10/2021] [Accepted: 09/24/2021] [Indexed: 01/14/2023]
Abstract
Medulloblastoma (MB) and gliomas are the most frequent high-grade brain tumors (HGBT) in children and adulthood, respectively. The general treatment for these tumors consists in surgery, followed by radiotherapy and chemotherapy. Despite the improvement in patient survival, these therapies are only partially effective, and many patients still die. In the last decades, microtubules have emerged as interesting molecular targets for HGBT, as various microtubule targeting agents (MTAs) have been developed and tested pre-clinically and clinically with encouraging results. Nevertheless, these treatments produce relevant side effects since they target microtubules in normal as well as in cancerous cells. A possible strategy to overcome this toxicity could be to target proteins that control microtubule dynamics but are required by HGBT cells much more than in normal cell types. The genes mutated in primary hereditary microcephaly (MCPH) are ubiquitously expressed in proliferating cells, but under normal conditions are selectively required during brain development, in neural progenitors. There is evidence that MB and glioma cells share molecular profiles with progenitors of cerebellar granules and of cortical radial glia cells, in which MCPH gene functions are fundamental. Moreover, several studies indicate that MCPH genes are required for HGBT expansion. Among the 25 known MCPH genes, we focus this review on KNL1, ASPM, CENPE, CITK and KIF14, which have been found to control microtubule stability during cell division. We summarize the current knowledge about the molecular basis of their interaction with microtubules. Moreover, we will discuss data that suggest these genes are promising candidates as HGBT-specific targets.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giorgia Iegiani
- Neuroscience Institute Cavalieri Ottolenghi, 10043, Orbassano, Italy
- Department of Neuroscience 'Rita Levi Montalcini', University of Turin, 10126, Turin, Italy
| | - Ferdinando Di Cunto
- Neuroscience Institute Cavalieri Ottolenghi, 10043, Orbassano, Italy
- Department of Neuroscience 'Rita Levi Montalcini', University of Turin, 10126, Turin, Italy
| | - Gianmarco Pallavicini
- Neuroscience Institute Cavalieri Ottolenghi, 10043, Orbassano, Italy.
- Department of Neuroscience 'Rita Levi Montalcini', University of Turin, 10126, Turin, Italy.
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12
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Wu S, Li H, Wang L, Mak N, Wu X, Ge R, Sun F, Cheng CY. Motor Proteins and Spermatogenesis. ADVANCES IN EXPERIMENTAL MEDICINE AND BIOLOGY 2021; 1288:131-159. [PMID: 34453735 DOI: 10.1007/978-3-030-77779-1_7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/19/2023]
Abstract
Unlike the intermediate filament- and septin-based cytoskeletons which are apolar structures, the microtubule (MT) and actin cytoskeletons are polarized structures in mammalian cells and tissues including the testis, most notable in Sertoli cells. In the testis, these cytoskeletons that stretch across the epithelium of seminiferous tubules and lay perpendicular to the basement membrane of tunica propria serve as tracks for corresponding motor proteins to support cellular cargo transport. These cargoes include residual bodies, phagosomes, endocytic vesicles and most notably developing spermatocytes and haploid spermatids which lack the ultrastructures of motile cells (e.g., lamellipodia, filopodia). As such, these developing germ cells require the corresponding motor proteins to facilitate their transport across the seminiferous epithelium during the epithelial cycle of spermatogenesis. Due to the polarized natures of these cytoskeletons with distinctive plus (+) and minus (-) end, directional cargo transport can take place based on the use of corresponding actin- or MT-based motor proteins. These include the MT-based minus (-) end directed motor proteins: dyneins, and the plus (+) end directed motor proteins: kinesins, as well as the actin-based motor proteins: myosins, many of which are plus (+) end directed but a few are also minus (-) end directed motor proteins. Recent studies have shown that these motor proteins are essential to support spermatogenesis. In this review, we briefly summarize and evaluate these recent findings so that this information will serve as a helpful guide for future studies and for planning functional experiments to better understand their role mechanistically in supporting spermatogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Siwen Wu
- The Second Affiliated Hospital and Yuying Children's Hospital, Wenzhou Medical University, Zhejiang, China.,The Mary M. Wohlford Laboratory for Male Contraceptive Research, Center for Biomedical Research, Population Council, New York, NY, USA
| | - Huitao Li
- The Second Affiliated Hospital and Yuying Children's Hospital, Wenzhou Medical University, Zhejiang, China.,The Mary M. Wohlford Laboratory for Male Contraceptive Research, Center for Biomedical Research, Population Council, New York, NY, USA
| | - Lingling Wang
- The Second Affiliated Hospital and Yuying Children's Hospital, Wenzhou Medical University, Zhejiang, China.,The Mary M. Wohlford Laboratory for Male Contraceptive Research, Center for Biomedical Research, Population Council, New York, NY, USA.,Institute of Reproductive Medicine, Nantong University School of Medicine, Nantong, Jiangsu, China
| | - Nathan Mak
- The Mary M. Wohlford Laboratory for Male Contraceptive Research, Center for Biomedical Research, Population Council, New York, NY, USA
| | - Xiaolong Wu
- Institute of Reproductive Medicine, Nantong University School of Medicine, Nantong, Jiangsu, China
| | - Renshan Ge
- The Second Affiliated Hospital and Yuying Children's Hospital, Wenzhou Medical University, Zhejiang, China
| | - Fei Sun
- Sir Run Run Shaw Hospital (SRRSH), Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - C Yan Cheng
- Sir Run Run Shaw Hospital (SRRSH), Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China.
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13
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She ZY, Yu KW, Wei YL, Zhong N, Lin Y. Kinesin-7 CENP-E regulates the formation and structural maintenance of the acrosome. Cell Tissue Res 2020; 383:1167-1182. [PMID: 33237480 DOI: 10.1007/s00441-020-03341-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/13/2020] [Accepted: 11/05/2020] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
The acrosome is a special organelle that develops from the Golgi apparatus and the endolysosomal compartment in the spermatids. Centromere protein E (CENP-E) is an essential kinesin motor in chromosome congression and alignment. This study is aimed at investigating the roles and mechanisms of kinesin-7 CENP-E in the formation of the acrosome during spermatogenesis. Male ICR mice are injected with GSK923295 for long-term inhibition of CENP-E. Chemical inhibition and siRNA-mediated knockdown of CENP-E are carried out in the GC-2 spd cells. The morphology of the acrosomes is determined by the HE staining, immunofluorescence, and transmission electron microscopy. We have identified CENP-E is a key factor in the formation and structural maintenance of the acrosome during acrosome biogenesis. Long-term inhibition of CENP-E by GSK923295 results in the asymmetric acrosome and the dispersed acrosome. CENP-E depletion leads to the malformation of the Golgi complex and abnormal targeting of the PICK1- and PIST-positive Golgi-associated vesicles. Our findings uncover an essential role of CENP-E in membrane trafficking and structural organization of the acrosome in the spermatids during spermatogenesis. Our results shed light on the molecular mechanisms involved in vesicle trafficking and architecture maintenance of the acrosome.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhen-Yu She
- Department of Cell Biology and Genetics, The School of Basic Medical Sciences, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, 350122, Fujian, China. .,Key Laboratory of Stem Cell Engineering and Regenerative Medicine, Fujian Province University, Fuzhou, 350122, Fujian, China.
| | - Kai-Wei Yu
- Department of Cell Biology and Genetics, The School of Basic Medical Sciences, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, 350122, Fujian, China.,Key Laboratory of Stem Cell Engineering and Regenerative Medicine, Fujian Province University, Fuzhou, 350122, Fujian, China
| | - Ya-Lan Wei
- Fujian Obstetrics and Gynecology Hospital, Fuzhou, 350011, Fujian, China.,Medical Research Center, Fujian Maternity and Child Health Hospital, Affiliated Hospital of Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, 350001, Fujian, China
| | - Ning Zhong
- Department of Cell Biology and Genetics, The School of Basic Medical Sciences, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, 350122, Fujian, China.,Key Laboratory of Stem Cell Engineering and Regenerative Medicine, Fujian Province University, Fuzhou, 350122, Fujian, China
| | - Yang Lin
- Department of Cell Biology and Genetics, The School of Basic Medical Sciences, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, 350122, Fujian, China.,Key Laboratory of Stem Cell Engineering and Regenerative Medicine, Fujian Province University, Fuzhou, 350122, Fujian, China
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