NEK7 regulates dendrite morphogenesis in neurons via Eg5-dependent microtubule stabilization

Microtubule Association of EML4-ALK V3 Is Key for the Elongated Cell Morphology and Enhanced Migration Observed in V3 Cells

The EML4-ALK oncogene drives tumour progression in approximately 5% of cases of non-small-cell lung cancers. At least 15 EML4-ALK variants have been identified, which elicit differential responses to conventional ALK inhibitors. Unfortunately, most, if not all, patients eventually acquire resistance to these inhibitors and succumb to the disease, which warrants the need for alternative targets to be identified. The most aggressive variant, EML4-ALK variant 3 (V3), assembles into a complex on interphase microtubules together with the NEK9 and NEK7 kinases, which leads to the downstream phosphorylation of NEK7 substrates. Overall, this promotes an elongated cell morphology and an enhanced migratory phenotype, which likely contributes to the increased metastasis often seen in V3 patients. Here, using two separate approaches to displace V3 from microtubules and a variety of in vitro assays, we show that microtubule association of EML4-ALK V3 is required for both V3 phenotypes, as removal of the oncogenic fusion protein from microtubules led to the dissociation of the V3-NEK9-NEK7 complex and the reversal of both phenotypic changes. Overall, we propose that targeting the interaction between EML4-ALK V3 and microtubules might offer a novel therapeutic option, independent of ALK activity, for V3+ NSCLC patients with acquired resistance to ALK inhibitors.

The mesenchymal morphology of cells expressing the EML4-ALK V3 oncogene is dependent on phosphorylation of Eg5 by NEK7

Echinoderm microtubule-associated protein-like 4 (EML4)-anaplastic lymphoma kinase (ALK) oncogenic fusion proteins are found in approximately 5% of non-small cell lung cancers. Different EML4-ALK fusion variants exist with variant 3 (V3) being associated with a significantly higher risk than other common variants, such as variant 1 (V1). Patients with V3 respond less well to targeted ALK inhibitors, have accelerated rates of metastasis, and have poorer overall survival. A pathway has been described downstream of EML4-ALK V3 that is independent of ALK catalytic activity but dependent on the NEK9 and NEK7 kinases. It has been proposed that assembly of an EML4-ALK V3-NEK9-NEK7 complex on microtubules leads to cells developing a mesenchymal-like morphology and exhibiting enhanced migration. However, downstream targets of this complex remain unknown. Here, we show that the microtubule-based kinesin, Eg5, is recruited to interphase microtubules in cells expressing EML4-ALK V3, whereas chemical inhibition of Eg5 reverses the mesenchymal morphology of cells. Furthermore, we show that depletion of NEK7 interferes with Eg5 recruitment to microtubules in cells expressing EML4-ALK V3 and cell length is reduced, but this is reversed by coexpression of a phosphomimetic mutant of Eg5, in a site, S1033, phosphorylated by NEK7. Intriguingly, we also found that expression of Eg5-S1033D led to cells expressing EML4-ALK V1 adopting a more mesenchymal-like morphology. Together, we propose that Eg5 acts as a substrate of NEK7 in cells expressing EML4-ALK V3 and Eg5 phosphorylation promotes the mesenchymal morphology typical of these cells.

In silico study to identify novel NEK7 inhibitors from natural sources by a combination strategy

Cancer poses a significant global health challenge and significantly contributes to mortality. NEK7, related to the NIMA protein kinase family, plays a crucial role in spindle assembly and cell division. The dysregulation of NEK7 is closely linked to the onset and progression of various cancers, especially colon and breast cancer, making it a promising target for cancer therapy. Nevertheless, the shortage of high-quality NEK7 inhibitors highlights the need for new therapeutic strategies. In this study, we utilized a multidisciplinary approach, including virtual screening, molecular docking, pharmacokinetics, molecular dynamics simulations (MDs), and MM/PBSA calculations, to evaluate natural compounds as NEK7 inhibitors comprehensively. Through various docking strategies, we identified three natural compounds: (-)-balanol, digallic acid, and scutellarin. Molecular docking revealed significant interactions at residues such as GLU112 and ALA114, with docking scores of -15.054, -13.059, and -11.547 kcal/mol, respectively, highlighting their potential as NEK7 inhibitors. MDs confirmed the stability of these compounds at the NEK7-binding site. Hydrogen bond analysis during simulations revealed consistent interactions, supporting their strong binding capacity. MM/PBSA analysis identified other crucial amino acids contributing to binding affinity, including ILE20, VAL28, ILE75, LEU93, ALA94, LYS143, PHE148, LEU160, and THR161, crucial for stabilizing the complex. This research demonstrated that these compounds exceeded dabrafenib in binding energy, according to MM/PBSA calculations, underscoring their effectiveness as NEK7 inhibitors. ADME/T predictions showed lower oral toxicity for these compounds, suggesting their potential for further development. This study highlights the promise of these natural compounds as bases for creating more potent derivatives with significant biological activities, paving the way for future experimental validation.

UNC-116 and UNC-16 function with the NEKL-3 kinase to promote axon targeting

KIF5C is a kinesin-1 heavy chain that has been associated with neurodevelopmental disorders. Although the roles of kinesin-1 in axon transport are well known, little is known about how it regulates axon targeting. We report that UNC-116/KIF5C functions with the NEKL-3/NEK6/7 kinase to promote axon targeting in Caenorhabditis elegans. Loss of UNC-116 causes the axon to overshoot its target and UNC-116 gain-of-function causes premature axon termination. We find that loss of the UNC-16/JIP3 kinesin-1 cargo adaptor disrupts axon termination, but loss of kinesin-1 light chain function does not affect axon termination. Genetic analysis indicates that UNC-16 functions with the NEKL-3 kinase to promote axon termination. Consistent with this observation, imaging experiments indicate that loss of UNC-16 and UNC-116 disrupt localization of NEKL-3 in the axon. Moreover, genetic interactions suggest that NEKL-3 promotes axon termination by functioning with RPM-1, a ubiquitin ligase that regulates microtubule stability in the growth cone. These observations support a model where UNC-116 functions with UNC-16 to promote localization of NEKL-3 in the axon. NEKL-3, in turn, functions with the RPM-1 ubiquitin ligase to promote axon termination.

Lactate promotes neuronal differentiation of SH-SY5Y cells by lactate-responsive gene sets through NDRG3-dependent and -independent manners

Lactate serves as the major glucose alternative to an energy substrate in the brain. Lactate level is increased in the fetal brain from the middle stage of gestation, indicating the involvement of lactate in brain development and neuronal differentiation. Recent reports show that lactate functions as a signaling molecule to regulate gene expression and protein stability. However, the roles of lactate signaling in neuronal cells remain unknown. Here, we showed that lactate promotes the all stages of neuronal differentiation of SH-SY5Y and Neuro2A, human and mouse neuroblastoma cell lines, characterized by increased neuronal marker expression and the rates of neurites extension. Transcriptomics revealed many lactate-responsive genes sets such as SPARCL1 in SH-SY5Y, Neuro2A, and primary embryonic mouse neuronal cells. The effects of lactate on neuronal function were mainly mediated through monocarboxylate transporters 1 (MCT1). We found that NDRG family member 3 (NDRG3), a lactate-binding protein, was highly expressed and stabilized by lactate treatment during neuronal differentiation. Combinative RNA-seq of SH-SY5Y with lactate treatment and NDRG3 knockdown shows that the promotive effects of lactate on neural differentiation are regulated through NDRG3-dependent and independent manners. Moreover, we identified TEA domain family member 1 (TEAD1) and ETS-related transcription factor 4 (ELF4) are the specific transcription factors that are regulated by both lactate and NDRG3 in neuronal differentiation. TEAD1 and ELF4 differently affect the expression of neuronal marker genes in SH-SY5Y cells. These results highlight the biological roles of extracellular and intracellular lactate as a critical signaling molecule that modifies neuronal differentiation.

Total tanshinones protect against acute lung injury through the PLCγ2/NLRP3 inflammasome signaling pathway

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

Salvia miltiorrhiza Bunge is a widely used traditional Chinese medicine with anticholinesterase, antitumor, and anti-inflammatory. Total Tanshinones (TTN), the most significant active ingredient of Salvia miltiorrhiza Bunge, exerts anti-inflammatory activity. However, the protective mechanism of total Tanshinones on acute lung injury (ALI) still needs to be explored.

AIM OF THIS STUDY

In this study, the underlying mechanisms of TTN to treat with ALI were investigated in vitro and in vivo.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Cell experiments established an in vitro model of LPS-induced J774A.1 and MH-S macrophages to verify the mechanism. The levels of inflammatory cytokines (TNF-α, IL-6 and IL-1β) were estimated by ELISA. The changes of ROS, Ca²⁺ and NO were detected by flow cytometry. The expression levels of proteins related to the NLRP3 inflammasome were determined by Western blotting. The effect of TTN on NLRP3 inflammasome activation was examined by immunofluorescence analysis of caspase-1 p20. Male BALB/c mice were selected to establish the ALI model. The experiment was randomly divided into six groups: control, LPS, LPS + si-NC, LPA + si-Nek7, LPS + TTN, and DEX. Pathological alterations were explored by H&E staining. The expression levels of proteins related to the NLRP3 inflammasome were analyzed by Western blotting.

RESULTS

TTN decreased pro-inflammatory cytokines levels like TNF-α, IL-6, IL-1β, NO, and ROS in alveolar macrophages. TTN bound to NIMA-related kinase 7 (NEK7), a new therapeutic protein to modulate NLRP3 inflammasome and PLCγ2-PIP2 signaling pathway. In ALI mice, LPS enhanced IL-1β levels in the serum, lung tissues, and bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF),which were reversed by TTN. TTN decreased cleaved-caspase-1 and NLRP3 expressions in lung tissues. When Nek7 was knocked down in mice by siRNA, the syndrome of ALI in mice was significantly suppressed, of which the effect was similar to that of TTN.

CONCLUSIONS

This research demonstrates that TTN alleviated ALI by binding to NEK7 in vitro and in vivo to modulate NLRP3 inflammasome activation and PLCγ2-PIP2 signaling pathways.

Increased KIF11/kinesin-5 expression offsets Alzheimer Aβ-mediated toxicity and cognitive dysfunction

Previously, we found that amyloid-beta (Aβ) competitively inhibits the kinesin motor protein KIF11 (Kinesin-5/Eg5), leading to defects in the microtubule network and in neurotransmitter and neurotrophin receptor localization and function. These biochemical and cell biological mechanisms for Aβ-induced neuronal dysfunction may underlie learning and memory defects in Alzheimer's disease (AD). Here, we show that KIF11 overexpression rescues Aβ-mediated decreases in dendritic spine density in cultured neurons and in long-term potentiation in hippocampal slices. Furthermore, Kif11 overexpression from a transgene prevented spatial learning deficits in the 5xFAD mouse model of AD. Finally, increased KIF11 expression in neuritic plaque-positive AD patients' brains was associated with better cognitive performance and higher expression of synaptic protein mRNAs. Taken together, these mechanistic biochemical, cell biological, electrophysiological, animal model, and human data identify KIF11 as a key target of Aβ-mediated toxicity in AD, which damages synaptic structures and functions critical for learning and memory in AD.

NEK7: a new target for the treatment of multiple tumors and chronic inflammatory diseases

NIMA-related kinase 7 (NEK7) is a serine/threonine kinase, which is the smallest one in mammalian NEK family. At present, many studies have reported that NEK7 has a physiological role in regulating the cell cycle and promoting the mitotic process of cells. In recent years, an increasing number of studies have proposed that NEK7 is involved in the activation of the NLRP3 inflammasome. Under normal conditions, NEK7 is in a low activity state, while under pathological conditions, NEK7 is abnormally expressed and therefore plays a key role in the progression of multiple tumors and chronic inflammatory diseases. This review will concentrate on the mechanism of NEK7 participates in the process of mitosis and regulates the activation of NLRP3 inflammasome, the aberrant expression of NEK7 in a variety of tumors and chronic inflammatory diseases, and some potential inhibitors, which may provide some new ideas for the treatment of diverse tumors and chronic inflammatory diseases associated with NEK7.

In Mitosis You Are Not: The NIMA Family of Kinases in Aspergillus, Yeast, and Mammals

The Never in mitosis gene A (NIMA) family of serine/threonine kinases is a diverse group of protein kinases implicated in a wide variety of cellular processes, including cilia regulation, microtubule dynamics, mitotic processes, cell growth, and DNA damage response. The founding member of this family was initially identified in Aspergillus and was found to play important roles in mitosis and cell division. The yeast family has one member each, Fin1p in fission yeast and Kin3p in budding yeast, also with functions in mitotic processes, but, overall, these are poorly studied kinases. The mammalian family, the main focus of this review, consists of 11 members named Nek1 to Nek11. With the exception of a few members, the functions of the mammalian Neks are poorly understood but appear to be quite diverse. Like the prototypical NIMA, many members appear to play important roles in mitosis and meiosis, but their functions in the cell go well beyond these well-established activities. In this review, we explore the roles of fungal and mammalian NIMA kinases and highlight the most recent findings in the field.

Phosphorylation of endogenous α-synuclein induced by extracellular seeds initiates at the pre-synaptic region and spreads to the cell body

Accumulation of phosphorylated α-synuclein aggregates has been implicated in several diseases, such as Parkinson's disease (PD) and dementia with Lewy bodies (DLB), and is thought to spread in a prion-like manner. Elucidating the mechanisms of prion-like transmission of α-synuclein is important for the development of therapies for these diseases, but little is known about the details. Here, we injected α-synuclein fibrils into the brains of wild-type mice and examined the early phase of the induction of phosphorylated α-synuclein accumulation. We found that phosphorylated α-synuclein appeared within a few days after the intracerebral injection. It was observed initially in presynaptic regions and subsequently extended its localization to axons and cell bodies.　These results suggest that extracellular α-synuclein fibrils are taken up into the presynaptic region and seed-dependently convert the endogenous normal α-synuclein that is abundant there to an abnormal phosphorylated form, which is then transported through the axon to the cell body.

Molecular motor KIF3B in the prelimbic cortex constrains the consolidation of contextual fear memory

Molecular and cellular mechanisms underlying the role of the prelimbic cortex in contextual fear memory remain elusive. Here we examined the kinesin family of molecular motor proteins (KIFs) in the prelimbic cortex for their role in mediating contextual fear, a form of associative memory. KIFs function as critical mediators of synaptic transmission and plasticity by their ability to modulate microtubule function and transport of gene products. However, the regulation and function of KIFs in the prelimbic cortex insofar as mediating memory consolidation is not known. We find that within one hour of contextual fear conditioning, the expression of KIF3B is upregulated in the prelimbic but not the infralimbic cortex. Importantly, lentiviral-mediated knockdown of KIF3B in the prelimbic cortex produces deficits in consolidation while reducing freezing behavior during extinction of contextual fear. We also find that the depletion of KIF3B increases spine density within prelimbic neurons. Taken together, these results illuminate a key role for KIF3B in the prelimbic cortex as far as mediating contextual fear memory.

A mouse model for kinesin family member 11 (Kif11)-associated familial exudative vitreoretinopathy

During mitosis, Kif11, a kinesin motor protein, promotes bipolar spindle formation and chromosome movement, and during interphase, Kif11 mediates diverse trafficking processes in the cytoplasm. In humans, inactivating mutations in KIF11 are associated with (1) retinal hypovascularization with or without microcephaly and (2) multi-organ syndromes characterized by variable combinations of lymphedema, chorioretinal dysplasia, microcephaly and/or mental retardation. To explore the pathogenic basis of KIF11-associated retinal vascular disease, we generated a Kif11 conditional knockout (CKO) mouse and investigated the consequences of early postnatal inactivation of Kif11 in vascular endothelial cells (ECs). The principal finding is that postnatal EC-specific loss of Kif11 leads to severely stunted growth of the retinal vasculature, mildly stunted growth of the cerebellar vasculature and little or no effect on the vasculature elsewhere in the central nervous system (CNS). Thus, in mice, Kif11 function in early postnatal CNS ECs is most significant in the two CNS regions-the retina and cerebellum-that exhibit the most rapid rate of postnatal growth, which may sensitize ECs to impaired mitotic spindle function. Several lines of evidence indicate that these phenotypes are not caused by reduced beta-catenin signaling in ECs, despite the close resemblance of the Kif11 CKO phenotype to that caused by EC-specific reductions in beta-catenin signaling. Based on prior work, defective beta-catenin signaling had been the only known mechanism responsible for monogenic human disorders of retinal hypovascularization. The present study implies that retinal hypovascularization can arise from a second and mechanistically distinct cause.

Double Duty: Mitotic Kinesins and Their Post-Mitotic Functions in Neurons

Neurons, regarded as post-mitotic cells, are characterized by their extensive dendritic and axonal arborization. This unique architecture imposes challenges to how to supply materials required at distal neuronal components. Kinesins are molecular motor proteins that mediate the active delivery of cellular materials along the microtubule cytoskeleton for facilitating the local biochemical and structural changes at the synapse. Recent studies have made intriguing observations that some kinesins that function during neuronal mitosis also have a critical role in post-mitotic neurons. However, we know very little about the function and regulation of such kinesins. Here, we summarize the known cellular and biochemical functions of mitotic kinesins in post-mitotic neurons.

Physiological and Pathological Roles of Mammalian NEK7

NEK7 is the smallest NIMA-related kinase (NEK) in mammals. The pathological and physiological roles of NEK7 have been widely reported in many studies. To date, the major function of NEK7 has been well documented in mitosis and NLRP3 inflammasome activation, but the detailed mechanisms of its regulation remain unclear. This review summarizes current advances in NEK7 research involving mitotic regulation, NLRP3 inflammasome activation, related diseases and potential inhibitors, which may provide new insights into the understanding and therapy of the diseases associated with NEK7, as well as the subsequent studies in the future.

NEK7 Coordinates Rapid Neuroinflammation After Subarachnoid Hemorrhage in Mice

Background: Subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH) is a devastating disease which leads to high morbidity and mortality. Recent studies have indicated that, never in mitosis gene A-related expressed kinase 7 (NEK7), is involved in NLRP3 (NLR family, pyrin domain containing 3) associated inflammation, which may result in subsequent cellular and vascular damage. The aim of this study was to investigate whether NEK7 is involved in the pathophysiology of subarachnoid hemorrhage.

Methods: 455 adult male C57B6J mice, weighing 22 to 30 g, were used to investigate the time course of NEK7 expression in the ipsilateral cortex after SAH, and to investigate the intrinsic function and mechanism of NEK7. A vascular puncture model was used to create the mouse SAH model, and intracerebroventricular injection was used to deliver NEK7 recombinant protein, NEK7 small interfering RNA, nigericin, and MCC950. Neurological score, brain water content, Evans blue extravasation, immunofluorescence, and western blot were evaluated for neurological outcome, neuronal apoptosis, blood-brain barrier damage, microglia accumulation, and the mechanism of NEK7 and NLRP3 activation.

Results: Our results exhibited that intrinsic NEK7 was elevated after SAH in the cortex of the left/ipsilateral hemisphere and was colocalized with microglia, endothelial cells, neuron, astrocyte, and oligodendrocyte, and highly expressed in microglia and endothelial cells after SAH. NEK7 recombinant protein aggravated neurological deficits, brain edema, neuronal apoptosis, BBB permeability, microglial accumulation, and activated caspase-1 and IL-1β maturation, while NEK7 small interfering RNA injection reversed those effects. Nigericin administration enhanced ASC oligomerization, caspase-1 and IL-1β maturation without increasing the protein level of NLRP3, and ASC oligomerization and caspase-1 IL-1β maturation reduced when combined with NEK7 knockdown or MCC950 delivery. We found the level of NEK7 expression increased after SAH and could activate the downstream NLRP3 pathway to induce caspase-1, IL-1β expression and then increased the BBB opening, microglia accumulation and neuronal apoptosis after SAH.

Conclusions: This study demonstrated for the first time that NEK7 mediated the harmful effects of neuronal apoptosis and BBB disruption after SAH, which may potentially be mediated by the NEK7/NLRP3 signal. NEK7 served as a co-component for NLRP3 inflammasome activation after SAH. NEK7 may be a promising target on the management of SAH patients.

EML4-ALK V3 oncogenic fusion proteins promote microtubule stabilization and accelerated migration through NEK9 and NEK7

EML4-ALK is an oncogenic fusion present in ∼5% of non-small cell lung cancers. However, alternative breakpoints in the EML4 gene lead to distinct variants of EML4-ALK with different patient outcomes. Here, we show that, in cell models, EML4-ALK variant 3 (V3), which is linked to accelerated metastatic spread, causes microtubule stabilization, formation of extended cytoplasmic protrusions and increased cell migration. EML4-ALK V3 also recruits the NEK9 and NEK7 kinases to microtubules via the N-terminal EML4 microtubule-binding region. Overexpression of wild-type EML4, as well as constitutive activation of NEK9, also perturbs cell morphology and accelerates migration in a microtubule-dependent manner that requires the downstream kinase NEK7 but does not require ALK activity. Strikingly, elevated NEK9 expression is associated with reduced progression-free survival in EML4-ALK patients. Hence, we propose that EML4-ALK V3 promotes microtubule stabilization through NEK9 and NEK7, leading to increased cell migration. This represents a novel actionable pathway that could drive metastatic disease progression in EML4-ALK lung cancer.

NEK7 mediated assembly and activation of NLRP3 inflammasome downstream of potassium efflux in ventilator-induced lung injury

Disordered immune regulation and persistent inflammatory damage are the key mechanisms of ventilator-induced lung injury (VILI). NLR family pyrin domain containing 3 (NLRP3) inflammasome activation causes VILI by mediating the formation of inflammatory mediators and infiltration of inflammatory cells, increasing pulmonary capillary membrane permeability, which leads to pulmonary edema and lung tissue damage. What mediates activation of NLRP3 inflammasome in VILI? In this study, we constructed an in vitro cyclic stretch (CS)-stimulated mouse lung epithelial (MLE-12) cell model that was transfected with NIMA-related kinase 7 (NEK7) small interfering RNA (siRNA) or scramble siRNA (sc siRNA) and pretreated with or without glibenclamide (glb). We also established a VILI mouse model, which was pretreated with glibenclamide or oridonin (Ori). Our goal was to investigate the regulatory effects of NEK7 on NLRP3 inflammasome activation and the anti-inflammatory effects of glibenclamide and oridonin on VILI. Mechanical stretch exaggerated the interaction between NEK7 and NLRP3, leading to assembly and activation of NLRP3 inflammasome downstream of potassium efflux. NEK7 depletion and treatment with glibenclamide or oridonin exerted anti-inflammatory effects that alleviated VILI by blocking the interaction between NEK7 and NLRP3, inhibiting NLRP3 inflammasome activation. NEK7 is a vital mediator of NLRP3 inflammasome activation, and glibenclamide or oridonin may be candidates for the development of new therapeutics against VILI driven by the interaction between NEK7 and NLRP3.

NEK7: a potential therapy target for NLRP3-related diseases

NLRP3 inflammasome plays an essential role in innate immunity, yet the activation mechanism of NLRP3 inflammasome is not clear. In human or animal models, inappropriate NLRP3 inflammasome activation is implicated in many NLRP3-related diseases, such as tumors, inflammatory diseases and autoimmune diseases. Until now, a great number of inhibitors have been used to disturb the related signaling pathways, such as IL-1β blockade, IL-18 blockade and caspase-1 inhibitors. Unfortunately, most of these inhibitors just disturb the signaling pathways after the activation of NLRP3 inflammasome. Inhibitors that directly regulate NLRP3 to abolish the inflammation response may be more effective. NEK7 is a multifunctional kinase affecting centrosome duplication, mitochondrial regulation, intracellular protein transport, DNA repair and mitotic spindle assembly. Researchers have made significant observations on the regulation of gene transcription or protein expression of the NLRP3 inflammasome signaling pathway by NEK7. Those signaling pathways include ROS signaling, potassium efflux, lysosomal destabilization, and NF-κB signaling. Furthermore, NEK7 has been proved to be involved in many NLRP3-related diseases in humans or in animal models. Inhibitors focused on NEK7 may regulate NLRP3 to abolish the inflammation response and NEK7 may be a potential therapeutic target for NLRP3-related diseases.

Checking NEKs: Overcoming a Bottleneck in Human Diseases

In previous years, several kinases, such as phosphoinositide 3-kinase (PI3K), mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR), and extracellular-signal-regulated kinase (ERK), have been linked to important human diseases, although some kinase families remain neglected in terms of research, hiding their relevance to therapeutic approaches. Here, a review regarding the NEK family is presented, shedding light on important information related to NEKs and human diseases. NEKs are a large group of homologous kinases with related functions and structures that participate in several cellular processes such as the cell cycle, cell division, cilia formation, and the DNA damage response. The review of the literature points to the pivotal participation of NEKs in important human diseases, like different types of cancer, diabetes, ciliopathies and central nervous system related and inflammatory-related diseases. The different known regulatory molecular mechanisms specific to each NEK are also presented, relating to their involvement in different diseases. In addition, important information about NEKs remains to be elucidated and is highlighted in this review, showing the need for other studies and research regarding this kinase family. Therefore, the NEK family represents an important group of kinases with potential applications in the therapy of human diseases.

Role of dynein-dynactin complex, kinesins, motor adaptors, and their phosphorylation in dendritogenesis

One of the characteristic features of different classes of neurons that is vital for their proper functioning within neuronal networks is the shape of their dendritic arbors. To properly develop dendritic trees, neurons need to accurately control the intracellular transport of various cellular cargo (e.g., mRNA, proteins, and organelles). Microtubules and motor proteins (e.g., dynein and kinesins) that move along microtubule tracks play an essential role in cargo sorting and transport to the most distal ends of neurons. Equally important are motor adaptors, which may affect motor activity and specify cargo that is transported by the motor. Such transport undergoes very dynamic fine-tuning in response to changes in the extracellular environment and synaptic transmission. Such regulation is achieved by the phosphorylation of motors, motor adaptors, and cargo, among other mechanisms. This review focuses on the contribution of the dynein-dynactin complex, kinesins, their adaptors, and the phosphorylation of these proteins in the formation of dendritic trees by maturing neurons. We primarily review the effects of the motor activity of these proteins in dendrites on dendritogenesis. We also discuss less anticipated mechanisms that contribute to dendrite growth, such as dynein-driven axonal transport and non-motor functions of kinesins.

Assaying Microtubule Nucleation

Assaying microtubule nucleation is essential to understand the organization of microtubule networks in any cell type. In this chapter we describe methods for measuring nucleation activity at centrosomes and at mitotic chromatin in cell lines, to study interphase and mitotic microtubule organization, and for measuring non-centrosomal nucleation in cultured primary neurons, to study microtubule organization in the absence of a microtubule organizing center. While a number of different approaches and variations thereof have been reported in the literature, here we aim to keep the methodology as simple as possible and thus accessible to most research laboratories.

Small molecule allosteric uncoupling of microtubule depolymerase activity from motility in human Kinesin-5 during mitotic spindle assembly

Human Kinesin-5 (Eg5) has a large number of known allosteric inhibitors that disrupt its mitotic function. Small-molecule inhibitors of Eg5 are candidate anti-cancer agents and important probes for understanding the cellular function. Here we show that Eg5 is capable of more than one type of microtubule interaction, and these activities can be controlled by allosteric agents. While both monastrol and S-trityl-L-cysteine inhibit Eg5 motility, our data reveal an unexpected ability of these loop5 targeting inhibitors to differentially control a novel Eg5 microtubule depolymerizing activity. Remarkably, small molecule loop5 effectors are able to independently modulate discrete functional interactions between the motor and microtubule track. We establish that motility can be uncoupled from the microtubule depolymerase activity and argue that loop5-targeting inhibitors of Kinesin-5 should not all be considered functionally synonymous. Also, the depolymerizing activity of the motor does not contribute to the genesis of monopolar spindles during allosteric inhibition of motility, but instead reveals a new function. We propose that, in addition to its canonical role in participating in the construction of the three-dimensional mitotic spindle structure, Eg5 also plays a distinct role in regulating the dynamics of individual microtubules, and thereby impacts the density of the mitotic spindle.

Involvement of chronic unpredictable mild stress-induced hippocampal LRP1 up-regulation in microtubule instability and depressive-like behavior in a depressive-like adult male rat model

Low-density lipoprotein receptor-related protein 1 (LRP1) and tau play an important role in developing Alzheimer's disease. This study aimed to explore the involvement of LRP1 in microtubule dynamic and depressive-like behavior in a depressive-like rat model. It also investigated whether fluoxetine blocked the change induced by chronic unpredictable mild stress (CUMS). Sprague-Dawley rats (200-250 g) were exposed to CUMS and fluoxetine for 4 weeks respectively. The body weight was determined, and behavior tests, including sucrose preference test, forced swimming test and open field test were performed. Western blot analysis was conducted to determine the protein levels of LRP1, tubulin, Acet-tub, Tyr-tub and PI3K/Akt/GSK-3β. Real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction was used for mRNA expression levels of LRP1. Immunohistochemical staining was applied for LRP1 and immunofluorescence staining for the co-location of p-tau (404,262) and Acet-tub. The CUMS group presented a decreased body weight and depressive-like behavior, which was improved by fluoxetine. The protein and mRNA expression levels of LRP1 were elevated in the CUMS group. The levels of Acet-tub increased following CUMS, accompanied by elevated levels of p-tau (404,262). The binding of p-tau and Acet-tub significantly decreased in depressive-like rats, and fluoxetine attenuated microtubule instability. Finally, the inhibition of CUMS-induced PI3K/Akt activated GSK-3β, and fluoxetine reversed the change in the signaling pathway. Hence, LRP1 might impair the microtubule dynamics accompanied by depressive-like behavior via the PI3K/ Akt /GSK3β pathway in adult depressive-like rats, and hippocampal LRP1 might be involved in the development of depression.

Unconventional Roles of Cytoskeletal Mitotic Machinery in Neurodevelopment

At first look, cell division and neurite formation seem to be two different, essential biological processes. However, both processes require extensive reorganization of the cytoskeleton, and especially microtubules. Remarkably, in recent years, independent work from several groups has shown that multiple cytoskeletal components previously considered specific for the mitotic machinery play important roles in neurite initiation and extension. In this review article, we describe how several cytoplasmic and mitotic microtubule motors, components of mitotic kinetochores, and cortical actin participate in reorganization of the microtubule network required to form and maintain axons and dendrites. The emerging similarities between these two biological processes will certainly generate new insights into the mechanisms generating the unique morphology of neurons.

EK7 Regulates NLRP3 Inflammasome Activation and Neuroinflammation Post-traumatic Brain Injury

As one of the most common causes of mortality and disability, traumatic brain injury (TBI) is a huge psychological and economic burden to patients, families, and societies worldwide. Neuroinflammation reduction may be a favorable option to alleviate secondary brain injuries and ameliorate the outcome of TBI. The nucleotide-binding oligomerization domain, leucine-rich repeat and pyrin domain-containing 3 (NLRP3) inflammasome, has been shown to be involved in TBI. NIMA-related kinase 7 (NEK7) has been verified as an essential mediator of NLRP3 inflammasome activation that is recruited upstream of the formation of inflammasomes in response to NLRP3 activators. However, the underlying mechanism by which NEK7 operates post-TBI remains undefined. In this study, we performed both in vivo and in vitro experiments. Using an in vivo mouse TBI model, mice were administered an intracerebroventricular injection of NEK7-shRNA virus. For the in vitro analysis, primary cortical neurons with NEK7-shRNA were stimulated with lipopolysaccharide (LPS)/ATP or potassium (K⁺). We evaluated the effects of NEK7 knock-down on neurological deficits, NLRP3 inflammasomes, caspase-1 activation, and neuronal injury. During the 0–168 h post-TBI period in vivo, NEK7 and NLRP3 inflammasome activation increased in what appeared to be a time-dependent manner. As well as pyroptosis-related markers, caspase-1 activation (p20) and interleukin-1β (IL-1β) activation (p17) were up-regulated. NEK7 down-regulation attenuated neurological deficits, NLRP3 inflammasomes, caspase-1 activation, and neuronal injury. The same phenomena were observed during the in vitro experiments. Furthermore, NEK7 knock-down suppressed NLRP3 inflammasome activation and pyroptosis, which were triggered by K⁺ efflux, and the LPS + ATP-triggered NEK7–NLRP3 complex was reversed in primary cortical neurons placed in 50 mM K⁺ medium. Collectively, the data demonstrated that NEK7, as a modulator, regulates NLRP3 inflammasomes and downstream neuroinflammation in response to K⁺ efflux, through NEK7–NLRP3 assembly, pro-caspase-1 recruitment, caspase-1 activation, and pyroptosis in nerve injuries, post-TBI. NEK7 may be a potential therapeutic target for attenuating neuroinflammation and nerve injury post-TBI.

Kif18a regulates Sirt2-mediated tubulin acetylation for spindle organization during mouse oocyte meiosis

Background

During oocyte meiosis, the cytoskeleton dynamics, especially spindle organization, are critical for chromosome congression and segregation. However, the roles of the kinesin superfamily in this process are still largely unknown.

Results

In the present study, Kif18a, a member of the kinesin-8 family, regulated spindle organization through its effects on tubulin acetylation in mouse oocyte meiosis. Our results showed that Kif18a is expressed and mainly localized in the spindle region. Knock down of Kif18a caused the failure of first polar body extrusion, dramatically affecting spindle organization and resulting in severe chromosome misalignment. Further analysis showed that the disruption of Kif18a caused an increase in acetylated tubulin level, which might be the reason for the spindle organization defects after Kif18a knock down in oocyte meiosis, and the decreased expression of deacetylase Sirt2 was found after Kif18a knock down. Moreover, microinjections of tubulin K40R mRNA, which could induce tubulin deacetylation, protected the oocytes from the effects of Kif18a downregulation, resulting in normal spindle morphology in Kif18a-knock down oocytes.

Conclusions

Taken together, our results showed that Kif18a affected Sirt2-mediated tubulin acetylation level for spindle organization during mouse oocyte meiosis. Our results not only revealed the critical effect of Kif18a on microtubule stability, but also extended our understanding of kinesin activity in meiosis.