WAVE signalling: from biochemistry to biology

Disulfidptosis decoded: a journey through cell death mysteries, regulatory networks, disease paradigms and future directions

Cell death is an important part of the life cycle, serving as a foundation for both the orderly development and the maintenance of physiological equilibrium within organisms. This process is fundamental, as it eliminates senescent, impaired, or aberrant cells while also promoting tissue regeneration and immunological responses. A novel paradigm of programmed cell death, known as disulfidptosis, has recently emerged in the scientific circle. Disulfidptosis is defined as the accumulation of cystine by cancer cells with high expression of the solute carrier family 7 member 11 (SLC7A11) during glucose starvation. This accumulation causes extensive disulfide linkages between F-actins, resulting in their contraction and subsequent detachment from the cellular membrane, triggering cellular death. The RAC1-WRC axis is involved in this phenomenon. Disulfidptosis sparked growing interest due to its potential applications in a variety of pathologies, particularly oncology, neurodegenerative disorders, and metabolic anomalies. Nonetheless, the complexities of its regulatory pathways remain elusive, and its precise molecular targets have yet to be definitively identified. This manuscript aims to meticulously dissect the historical evolution, molecular underpinnings, regulatory frameworks, and potential implications of disulfidptosis in various disease contexts, illuminating its promise as a groundbreaking therapeutic pathway and target.

Hem-1 regulates protective humoral immunity and limits autoantibody production in a B cell-specific manner

Hematopoietic protein-1 (Hem-1) is a member of the actin-regulatory WASp family verprolin homolog (WAVE) complex. Loss-of-function variants in the NCKAP1L gene encoding Hem-1 were recently discovered to result in primary immunodeficiency disease (PID) in children, characterized by poor specific Ab responses, increased autoantibodies, and high mortality. However, the mechanisms of how Hem-1 deficiency results in PID are unclear. In this study, we utilized constitutive and B cell-specific Nckap1l-KO mice to dissect the importance of Hem-1 in B cell development and functions. B cell-specific disruption of Hem-1 resulted in reduced numbers of recirculating follicular (FO), marginal zone (MZ), and B1 B cells. B cell migration in response to CXCL12 and -13 were reduced. T-independent Ab responses were nearly abolished, resulting in failed protective immunity to Streptococcus pneumoniae challenge. In contrast, T-dependent IgM and IgG2c, memory B cell, and plasma cell responses were more robust relative to WT control mice. B cell-specific Hem-1-deficient mice had increased autoantibodies against multiple autoantigens, and this correlated with hyperresponsive BCR signaling and increased representation of CD11c+T-bet+ age-associated B cell (ABC cells) - alterations associated with autoimmune diseases. These results suggest that dysfunctional B cells may be part of a mechanism explaining why loss-of-function Hem-1 variants result in recurring infections and autoimmunity.

Altered regulation of cell migration in IRF6-mutated orofacial cleft patients-derived primary cells reveals a novel role of Rho GTPases in cleft/lip palate development

Orofacial clefts are the most common congenital craniofacial birth defects. They occur from a failure in cell proliferation and fusion of neural crest cells of the lip buds and/or palatal shelves. In this study, we investigate the genetic basis and molecular mechanisms in primary cells derived from a cleft and lip palate patient presenting van der Woude syndrome (VWS). Since mutations in the integrin genes are widely correlated with VWS, Interferon Regulatory Factor 6 (IRF6) screening was conducted in a cohort of 200 participants presenting with orofacial anomalies. Primary fibroblastic cells derived from the upper right gingiva and palatal regions were isolated and two cellular populations from two participants were obtained: a control with no cleft phenotype and a patient with a cleft phenotype typical of van der Woude syndrome (VWS). IRF6 targeted sequencing revealed mutations in two distinct families. Our results showed no alteration in the viability of the CLP/VWS patient cells, suggesting the phenotype associate with the disease is not secondary to a defect in cell proliferation. We did however detect a significant decrease in the migratory ability of the CLP with Van der Woude syndrome (CLP/VWS) patient cells, which could account for the phenotype. When compared to normal cells, patient cells showed a lack of polarization, which would account for their lack of mobility. Patient cells showed protrusions all around the cells and a lack of defined leading edge. This was reflected with actin staining, WAVE2 and Arp2 around the cell, and correlated with an increase in Rac1 activation. Consistently with the increase in Rac1 activation, patient cells showed a loss in the maturation of focal adhesions needed for contractility, which also accounts for the lack in cell migration. Our findings give increased understanding of the molecular mechanisms of VWS and expands the knowledge of van der Woude syndrome (VWS) occurrence by providing a strong molecular evidence that CLP with Van der Woude syndrome (CLP/VWS) phenotype is caused by a defect in normal physiological processes of cells.

Systems Analysis Implicates WAVE2 Complex in the Pathogenesis of Developmental Left-Sided Obstructive Heart Defects

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Combining CHD phenotype–driven gene set enrichment and CRISPR knockdown screening in zebrafish is an effective approach to identifying novel CHD genes.

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Mutations affecting genes coding for the WAVE2 protein complex and small GTPase-mediated signaling are associated with LVOTO lesions.

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WAVE2 complex genes brk1, nckap1, and wasf2 and regulators of small GTPase signaling cul3a and racgap1 are critical to zebrafish heart development.

Genetic variants are the primary driver of congenital heart disease (CHD) pathogenesis. However, our ability to identify causative variants is limited. To identify causal CHD genes that are associated with specific molecular functions, the study used prior knowledge to filter de novo variants from 2,881 probands with sporadic severe CHD. This approach enabled the authors to identify an association between left ventricular outflow tract obstruction lesions and genes associated with the WAVE2 complex and regulation of small GTPase-mediated signal transduction. Using CRISPR zebrafish knockdowns, the study confirmed that WAVE2 complex proteins brk1, nckap1, and wasf2 and the regulators of small GTPase signaling cul3a and racgap1 are critical to cardiac development.

De novo hotspot variants in CYFIP2 cause early-onset epileptic encephalopathy

OBJECTIVE

The cytoplasmic fragile X mental retardation 1 interacting proteins 2 (CYFIP2) is a component of the WASP-family verprolin-homologous protein (WAVE) regulatory complex, which is involved in actin dynamics. An obvious association of CYFIP2 variants with human neurological disorders has never been reported. Here, we identified de novo hotspot CYFIP2 variants in neurodevelopmental disorders and explore the possible involvement of the CYFIP2 mutants in the WAVE signaling pathway.

METHODS

We performed trio-based whole-exome sequencing (WES) in 210 families and case-only WES in 489 individuals with epileptic encephalopathies. The functional effect of CYFIP2 variants on WAVE signaling was evaluated by computational structural analysis and in vitro transfection experiments.

RESULTS

We identified three de novo CYFIP2 variants at the Arg87 residue in 4 unrelated individuals with early-onset epileptic encephalopathy. Structural analysis indicated that the Arg87 residue is buried at an interface between CYFIP2 and WAVE1, and the Arg87 variant may disrupt hydrogen bonding, leading to structural instability and aberrant activation of the WAVE regulatory complex. All mutant CYFIP2 showed comparatively weaker interactions to the VCA domain than wild-type CYFIP2. Immunofluorescence revealed that ectopic speckled accumulation of actin and CYFIP2 was significantly increased in cells transfected with mutant CYFIP2.

INTERPRETATION

Our findings suggest that de novo Arg87 variants in CYFIP2 have gain-of-function effects on the WAVE signaling pathway and are associated with severe neurological disorders. Ann Neurol 2018;83:794-806.

Plasticity of Spine Structure: Local Signaling, Translation and Cytoskeletal Reorganization

Dendritic spines are small protrusive structures on dendritic surfaces, and function as postsynaptic compartments for excitatory synapses. Plasticity of spine structure is associated with many forms of long-term neuronal plasticity, learning and memory. Inside these small dendritic compartments, biochemical states and protein-protein interactions are dynamically modulated by synaptic activity, leading to the regulation of protein synthesis and reorganization of cytoskeletal architecture. This in turn causes plasticity of structure and function of the spine. Technical advances in monitoring molecular behaviors in single dendritic spines have revealed that each signaling pathway is differently regulated across multiple spatiotemporal domains. The spatial pattern of signaling activity expands from a single spine to the nearby dendritic area, dendritic branch and the nucleus, regulating different cellular events at each spatial scale. Temporally, biochemical events are typically triggered by short Ca²⁺ pulses (~10–100 ms). However, these signals can then trigger activation of downstream protein cascades that can last from milliseconds to hours. Recent imaging studies provide many insights into the biochemical processes governing signaling events of molecular assemblies at different spatial localizations. Here, we highlight recent findings of signaling dynamics during synaptic plasticity and discuss their roles in long-term structural plasticity of dendritic spines.

Chemokines and Chemokine Receptors: Accomplices for Human Immunodeficiency Virus Infection and Latency

Chemokines are small chemotactic cytokines that are involved in the regulation of immune cell migration. Multiple functional properties of chemokines, such as pro-inflammation, immune regulation, and promotion of cell growth, angiogenesis, and apoptosis, have been identified in many pathological and physiological contexts. Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection is characterized by persistent inflammation and immune activation during both acute and chronic phases, and the "cytokine storm" is one of the hallmarks of HIV infection. Along with immune activation after HIV infection, an extensive range of chemokines and other cytokines are elevated, thereby generating the so-called "cytokine storm." In this review, the effects of the upregulated chemokines and chemokine receptors on the processes of HIV infection are discussed. The objective of this review was to focus on the main chemokines and chemokine receptors that have been found to be associated with HIV infection and latency. Elevated chemokines and chemokine receptors have been shown to play important roles in the HIV life cycle, disease progression, and HIV reservoir establishment. Thus, targeting these chemokines and receptors and the other proteins of related signaling pathways might provide novel therapeutic strategies, and the evidence indicates a promising future regarding the development of a functional cure for HIV.

The Arp2/3 Complex Is Essential for Distinct Stages of Spine Synapse Maturation, Including Synapse Unsilencing

Dendritic filopodia are actin-rich structures that are thought to contribute to early spine synapse formation; however, the actin regulatory proteins important for early synaptogenesis are poorly defined. Using organotypic hippocampal slice cultures and primary neuron hippocampal cultures from Arp2/3 conditional knock-out mice, we analyze the roles of the Arp2/3 complex, an actin regulator that creates branched actin networks, and demonstrate it is essential for distinct stages of both structural and functional maturation of excitatory spine synapses. Our data show that initially the Arp2/3 complex inhibits the formation of dendritic filopodia but that later during development, the Arp2/3 complex drives the morphological maturation from filopodia to typical spine morphology. Furthermore, we demonstrate that although the Arp2/3 complex is not required for key spine maturation steps, such as presynaptic contact and recruitment of MAGUK (membrane-associated guanylate kinase) scaffolding proteins or NMDA receptors, it is necessary for the recruitment of AMPA receptors. This latter process, also known as synapse unsilencing, is a final and essential step in the neurodevelopment of excitatory postsynaptic synaptogenesis, setting the stage for neuronal interconnectivity. These findings provide the first evidence that the Arp2/3 complex is directly involved in functional maturation of dendritic spines during the developmental period of spinogenesis.

SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENT

Excitatory spine synapse formation (spinogenesis) is a poorly understood yet pivotal period of neurodevelopment that occurs within 2-3 weeks after birth. Neurodevelopmental disorders such as intellectual disability and autism are characterized by abnormal spine structure, which may arise from abnormal excitatory synaptogenesis. The initial stage of spinogenesis is thought to begin with the emergence of actin-rich dendritic filopodia that initiate contact with presynaptic axonal boutons. However, it remains enigmatic how actin cytoskeletal regulation directs dendritic filopodial emergence or their subsequent maturation into dendritic spines during development and on into adulthood. In this study, we provide the first evidence that the Arp2/3 complex, a key actin nucleator, is involved in distinct stages of spine formation and is required for synapse unsilencing.

Computational spatiotemporal analysis identifies WAVE2 and cofilin as joint regulators of costimulation-mediated T cell actin dynamics

Fluorescence microscopy is one of the most important tools in cell biology research because it provides spatial and temporal information to investigate regulatory systems inside cells. This technique can generate data in the form of signal intensities at thousands of positions resolved inside individual live cells. However, given extensive cell-to-cell variation, these data cannot be readily assembled into three- or four-dimensional maps of protein concentration that can be compared across different cells and conditions. We have developed a method to enable comparison of imaging data from many cells and applied it to investigate actin dynamics in T cell activation. Antigen recognition in T cells by the T cell receptor (TCR) is amplified by engagement of the costimulatory receptor CD28. We imaged actin and eight core actin regulators to generate over a thousand movies of T cells under conditions in which CD28 was either engaged or blocked in the context of a strong TCR signal. Our computational analysis showed that the primary effect of costimulation blockade was to decrease recruitment of the activator of actin nucleation WAVE2 (Wiskott-Aldrich syndrome protein family verprolin-homologous protein 2) and the actin-severing protein cofilin to F-actin. Reconstitution of WAVE2 and cofilin activity restored the defect in actin signaling dynamics caused by costimulation blockade. Thus, we have developed and validated an approach to quantify protein distributions in time and space for the analysis of complex regulatory systems.

DNA methylation in individuals with anorexia nervosa and in matched normal-eater controls: A genome-wide study

OBJECTIVE

Evidence associates anorexia nervosa (AN) with epigenetic alterations that could contribute to illness risk or entrenchment. We investigated the extent to which AN is associated with a distinct methylation profile compared to that seen in normal-eater women.

METHOD

Genome-wide methylation profiles, obtained using DNA from whole blood, were determined in 29 women currently ill with AN (10 with AN-restrictive type, 19 with AN-binge/purge type) and 15 normal-weight, normal-eater control women, using 450 K Illumina bead arrays.

RESULTS

Regardless of type, AN patients showed higher and less-variable global methylation patterns than controls. False Discovery Rate corrected comparisons identified 14 probes that were hypermethylated in women with AN relative to levels obtained in normal-eater controls, representing genes thought to be associated with histone acetylation, RNA modification, cholesterol storage and lipid transport, and dopamine and glutamate signaling. Age of onset was significantly associated with differential methylation in gene pathways involved in development of the brain and spinal cord, while chronicity of illness was significantly linked to differential methylation in pathways involved with synaptogenesis, neurocognitive deficits, anxiety, altered social functioning, and bowel, kidney, liver and immune function.

DISCUSSION

Although pre-existing differences cannot be ruled out, our findings are consistent with the idea of secondary alterations in methylation at genomic regions pertaining to social-emotional impairments and physical sequelae that are commonly seen in AN patients. Further investigation is needed to establish the clinical relevance of the affected genes in AN, and, importantly, reversibility of effects observed with nutritional rehabilitation and treatment.

IRSp53/BAIAP2 in dendritic spine development, NMDA receptor regulation, and psychiatric disorders

IRSp53 (also known as BAIAP2) is a multi-domain scaffolding and adaptor protein that has been implicated in the regulation of membrane and actin dynamics at subcellular structures, including filopodia and lamellipodia. Accumulating evidence indicates that IRSp53 is an abundant component of the postsynaptic density at excitatory synapses and an important regulator of actin-rich dendritic spines. In addition, IRSp53 has been implicated in diverse psychiatric disorders, including autism spectrum disorders, schizophrenia, and attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder. Mice lacking IRSp53 display enhanced NMDA (N-methyl-d-aspartate) receptor function accompanied by social and cognitive deficits, which are reversed by pharmacological suppression of NMDA receptor function. These results suggest the hypothesis that defective actin/membrane modulation in IRSp53-deficient dendritic spines may lead to social and cognitive deficits through NMDA receptor dysfunction. This article is part of the Special Issue entitled 'Synaptopathy--from Biology to Therapy'.

ARF6 promotes the formation of Rac1 and WAVE-dependent ventral F-actin rosettes in breast cancer cells in response to epidermal growth factor

Coordination between actin cytoskeleton assembly and localized polarization of intracellular trafficking routes is crucial for cancer cell migration. ARF6 has been implicated in the endocytic recycling of surface receptors and membrane components and in actin cytoskeleton remodeling. Here we show that overexpression of an ARF6 fast-cycling mutant in MDA-MB-231 breast cancer-derived cells to mimick ARF6 hyperactivation observed in invasive breast tumors induced a striking rearrangement of the actin cytoskeleton at the ventral cell surface. This phenotype consisted in the formation of dynamic actin-based podosome rosette-like structures expanding outward as wave positive for F-actin and actin cytoskeleton regulatory components including cortactin, Arp2/3 and SCAR/WAVE complexes and upstream Rac1 regulator. Ventral rosette-like structures were similarly induced in MDA-MB-231 cells in response to epidermal growth factor (EGF) stimulation and to Rac1 hyperactivation. In addition, interference with ARF6 expression attenuated activation and plasma membrane targeting of Rac1 in response to EGF treatment. Our data suggest a role for ARF6 in linking EGF-receptor signaling to Rac1 recruitment and activation at the plasma membrane to promote breast cancer cell directed migration.

Ultrastructural abnormalities in CA1 hippocampus caused by deletion of the actin regulator WAVE-1

By conveying signals from the small GTPase family of proteins to the Arp2/3 complex, proteins of the WAVE family facilitate actin remodeling. The WAVE-1 isoform is expressed at high levels in brain, where it plays a role in normal synaptic processing, and is implicated in hippocampus-dependent memory retention. We used electron microscopy to determine whether synaptic structure is modified in the hippocampus of WAVE-1 knockout mice, focusing on the neuropil of CA1 stratum radiatum. Mice lacking WAVE-1 exhibited alterations in the morphology of both axon terminals and dendritic spines; the relationship between the synaptic partners was also modified. The abnormal synaptic morphology we observed suggests that signaling through WAVE-1 plays a critical role in establishing normal synaptic architecture in the rodent hippocampus.

CIP4 coordinates with phospholipids and actin-associated proteins to localize to the protruding edge and produce actin ribs and veils

Cdc42-interacting protein 4 (CIP4), a member of the F-BAR family of proteins, plays important roles in a variety of cellular events by regulating both membrane and actin dynamics. In many cell types, CIP4 functions in vesicle formation, endocytosis and membrane tubulation. However, recent data indicate that CIP4 is also involved in protrusion in some cell types, including cancer cells (lamellipodia and invadopodia) and neurons (ribbed lamellipodia and veils). In neurons, CIP4 localizes specifically to extending protrusions and functions to limit neurite outgrowth early in development. The mechanism by which CIP4 localizes to the protruding edge membrane and induces lamellipodial/veil protrusion and actin rib formation is not known. Here, we show that CIP4 localization to the protruding edge of neurons is dependent on both the phospholipid content of the plasma membrane and the underlying organization of actin filaments. Inhibiting phosphatidylinositol (3,4,5)-trisphosphate (PIP3) production decreases CIP4 at the membrane. CIP4 localization to the protruding edge is also dependent on Rac1/WAVE1, rather than Cdc42/N-WASP. Capping actin filaments with low concentrations of cytochalasin D or by overexpressing capping protein dramatically decreases CIP4 at the protruding edge, whereas inactivating Arp2/3 drives CIP4 to the protruding edge. We also demonstrate that CIP4 dynamically colocalizes with Ena/VASP and DAAM1, two proteins known to induce unbranched actin filament arrays and play important roles in neuronal development. Together, this is the first study to show that the localization of an F-BAR protein depends on both actin filament architecture and phospholipids at the protruding edge of developing neurons.

The Elmo family forms an ancient group of actin-regulating proteins

The Elmo protein family members are important mediators of small G protein activity, regulating actin-mediated processes such as chemotaxis and engulfment. Until recently,1 Elmo function has not been explored in professional phagocytes such as Dictyostelium discoideum. We discuss the significance of this family with respect to pathways that regulate Rac signaling, we present a comparison of Elmo proteins between representative taxa, and discuss our findings on ElmoA, one of six Elmo proteins found in D. discoideum.

Rho GTPases in platelet function

The Rho family of GTP binding proteins, also commonly referred to as the Rho GTPases, are master regulators of the platelet cytoskeleton and platelet function. These low-molecular-weight or 'small' GTPases act as signaling switches in the spatial and temporal transduction, and amplification of signals from platelet cell surface receptors to the intracellular signaling pathways that drive platelet function. The Rho GTPase family members RhoA, Cdc42 and Rac1 have emerged as key regulators in the dynamics of the actin cytoskeleton in platelets and play key roles in platelet aggregation, secretion, spreading and thrombus formation. Rho GTPase regulators, including GEFs and GAPs and downstream effectors, such as the WASPs, formins and PAKs, may also regulate platelet activation and function. In this review, we provide an overview of Rho GTPase signaling in platelet physiology. Previous studies of Rho GTPases and platelets have had a shared history, as platelets have served as an ideal, non-transformed cellular model to characterize Rho function. Likewise, recent studies of the cell biology of Rho GTPase family members have helped to build an understanding of the molecular regulation of platelet function and will continue to do so through the further characterization of Rho GTPases as well as Rho GAPs, GEFs, RhoGDIs and Rho effectors in actin reorganization and other Rho-driven cellular processes.

Roles for netrin signaling outside of axon guidance: a view from the worm

The Netrin family of extracellular ligands and their receptors were the first identified signaling pathway regulating axon guidance. Subsequent work across model systems has begun to reveal the interactions that take place downstream of Netrin reception to facilitate growth cone migration. Though intensely studied, many aspects of this signaling system remain unclear. Even less understood are the growing number of contexts in which Netrin signaling influences cells beyond axon guidance and even outside the nervous system. Genetic and cell-biological studies in C. elegans have played an instrumental role in identifying critical functions for Netrin ligands in setting up specialized and potentially adhesive membrane-associated domains within a broad range of cell types. Here we review recent literature implicating Netrin or its receptors in morphogenetic processes outside of growth cone regulation with a special focus on studies in C. elegans that suggest cell biological mechanisms for Netrin signaling.

Role of Abl kinase and the Wave2 signaling complex in HIV-1 entry at a post-hemifusion step

Entry of human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1) commences with binding of the envelope glycoprotein (Env) to the receptor CD4, and one of two coreceptors, CXCR4 or CCR5. Env-mediated signaling through coreceptor results in Galphaq-mediated Rac activation and actin cytoskeleton rearrangements necessary for fusion. Guanine nucleotide exchange factors (GEFs) activate Rac and regulate its downstream protein effectors. In this study we show that Env-induced Rac activation is mediated by the Rac GEF Tiam-1, which associates with the adaptor protein IRSp53 to link Rac to the Wave2 complex. Rac and the tyrosine kinase Abl then activate the Wave2 complex and promote Arp2/3-dependent actin polymerization. Env-mediated cell-cell fusion, virus-cell fusion and HIV-1 infection are dependent on Tiam-1, Abl, IRSp53, Wave2, and Arp3 as shown by attenuation of fusion and infection in cells expressing siRNA targeted to these signaling components. HIV-1 Env-dependent cell-cell fusion, virus-cell fusion and infection were also inhibited by Abl kinase inhibitors, imatinib, nilotinib, and dasatinib. Treatment of cells with Abl kinase inhibitors did not affect cell viability or surface expression of CD4 and CCR5. Similar results with inhibitors and siRNAs were obtained when Env-dependent cell-cell fusion, virus-cell fusion or infection was measured, and when cell lines or primary cells were the target. Using membrane curving agents and fluorescence microscopy, we showed that inhibition of Abl kinase activity arrests fusion at the hemifusion (lipid mixing) step, suggesting a role for Abl-mediated actin remodeling in pore formation and expansion. These results suggest a potential utility of Abl kinase inhibitors to treat HIV-1 infected patients.

The WAVE regulatory complex is inhibited

The WAVE Regulatory Complex (WRC) transmits information from the Rac GTPase to the actin nucleator, Arp2/3 complex. We have reconstituted recombinant human and Drosophila WRC in several forms and shown that they are inactive toward Arp2/3 complex, but can be activated by Rac in nucleotide dependent fashion. Our observations identify core components needed for WAVE inhibition, reconcile contradictory existing mechanisms and reveal common regulatory principles for the WAVE/WASP family.

Grab your partner with both hands: cytoskeletal remodeling by Arp2/3 signaling

The seemingly simple structure of the actin filament belies the elaborate signaling pathways that regulate its assembly and disassembly in eukaryotic cells. In retrospect, this signaling complexity should not be surprising. Actin regulates many dynamic cellular processes, including protein and organelle trafficking, establishment of cell polarity, directional migration, cellular traction, and the efficiency of endocytosis. Signaling events that coordinately control actin turnover during these processes must display a high degree of sophistication. Emerging data on an important regulator of actin dynamics, the actin-related protein 2 and 3 (Arp2/3) complex, suggest a model of how this may occur.

A point mutation in the murine Hem1 gene reveals an essential role for Hematopoietic protein 1 in lymphopoiesis and innate immunity

Hem1 (Hematopoietic protein 1) is a hematopoietic cell-specific member of the Hem family of cytoplasmic adaptor proteins. Orthologues of Hem1 in Dictyostelium discoideum, Drosophila melanogaster, and Caenorhabditis elegans are essential for cytoskeletal reorganization, embryonic cell migration, and morphogenesis. However, the in vivo functions of mammalian Hem1 are not known. Using a chemical mutagenesis strategy in mice to identify novel genes involved in immune cell functions, we positionally cloned a nonsense mutation in the Hem1 gene. Hem1 deficiency results in defective F-actin polymerization and actin capping in lymphocytes and neutrophils caused by loss of the Rac-controlled actin-regulatory WAVE protein complex. T cell development is disrupted in Hem1-deficient mice at the CD4⁻CD8⁻ (double negative) to CD4⁺CD8⁺ (double positive) cell stages, whereas T cell activation and adhesion are impaired. Hem1-deficient neutrophils fail to migrate in response to chemotactic agents and are deficient in their ability to phagocytose bacteria. Remarkably, some Rac-dependent functions, such as Th1 differentiation and nuclear factor κB (NF-κB)–dependent transcription of proinflammatory cytokines proceed normally in Hem1-deficient mice, whereas the production of Th17 cells are enhanced. These results demonstrate that Hem1 is essential for hematopoietic cell development, function, and homeostasis by controlling a distinct pathway leading to cytoskeletal reorganization, whereas NF-κB–dependent transcription proceeds independently of Hem1 and F-actin polymerization.

The actin cytoskeleton in cancer cell motility

Cancer cell metastasis is a multi-stage process involving invasion into surrounding tissue, intravasation, transit in the blood or lymph, extravasation, and growth at a new site. Many of these steps require cell motility, which is driven by cycles of actin polymerization, cell adhesion and acto-myosin contraction. These processes have been studied in cancer cells in vitro for many years, often with seemingly contradictory results. The challenge now is to understand how the multitude of in vitro observations relates to the movement of cancer cells in living tumour tissue. In this review we will concentrate on actin protrusion and acto-myosin contraction. We will begin by presenting some general principles summarizing the widely-accepted mechanisms for the co-ordinated regulation of actin polymerization and contraction. We will then discuss more recent studies that investigate how experimental manipulation of actin dynamics affects cancer cell invasion in complex environments and in vivo.

Rho GDP dissociation inhibitor-mediated disruption of Rho GTPase activity impairs lens fiber cell migration, elongation and survival

To explore the role of the Rho GTPases in lens morphogenesis, we overexpressed bovine Rho GDP dissociation inhibitor (Rho GDI alpha), which serves as a negative regulator of Rho, Rac and Cdc42 GTPase activity, in a lens-specific manner in transgenic mice. This was achieved using a chimeric promoter of delta-crystallin enhancer and alpha A-crystallin, which is active at embryonic day 12. Several individual transgenic (Tg) lines were obtained, and exhibited ocular specific phenotype comprised of microphthalmic eyes with lens opacity. The overexpression of bovine Rho GDI alpha disrupted membrane translocation of Rho, Rac and Cdc42 GTPases in Tg lenses. Transgenic lenses also revealed abnormalities in the migration pattern, elongation and organization of lens fibers. These changes appeared to be associated with impaired organization of the actin cytoskeleton and cell-cell adhesions. At E14.5, the size of the Rho GDI alpha Tg lenses was larger compared to wild type (WT) and the central lens epithelium and differentiating fibers exhibited an abnormal increase of bromo-deoxy-uridine incorporation. Postnatal Tg eyes, however, were much smaller in size compared to WT eyes, revealing increased apoptosis in the disrupted lens fibers. Taken together, these data demonstrate a critical role for Rho GTPase-dependent signaling pathways in processes underlying morphogenesis, fiber cell migration, elongation and survival in the developing lens.

The WAVE2/Abi1 complex differentially regulates megakaryocyte development and spreading: implications for platelet biogenesis and spreading machinery

Actin polymerization is crucial in throm-bopoiesis, platelet adhesion, and mega-karyocyte (MK) and platelet spreading. The Wiskott-Aldrich syndrome protein (WASp) homolog WAVE functions downstream of Rac and plays a pivotal role in lamellipodia formation. While MKs and platelets principally express WAVE1 and WAVE2, which are associated with Abi1, the physiologic significance of WAVE isoforms remains undefined. We generated WAVE2−/− embryonic stem (ES) cells because WAVE2-null mice die by embryonic day (E) 12.5. We found that while WAVE2−/− ES cells differentiated into immature MKs on OP9 stroma, they were severely impaired in terminal differentiation and in platelet production. WAVE2−/− MKs exhibited a defect in peripheral lamellipodia on fibrinogen even with phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate (PMA) costimulation, indicating a requirement of WAVE2 for integrin αIIbβ3-mediated full spreading. MKs in which expression of Abi1 was reduced by small interfering RNA (siRNA) exhibited striking similarity to WAVE2−/− MKs in maturation and spreading. Interestingly, the knockdown of IRSp53, a Rac effector that preferentially binds to WAVE2, impaired the development of lamellipodia without affecting proplatelet production. In contrast, thrombopoiesis in vivo and platelet spreading on fibrinogen in vitro were intact in WAVE1-null mice. These observations clarify indispensable roles for the WAVE2/Abi1 complex in αIIbβ3-mediated lamellipodia by MKs and platelets through Rac and IRSp53, and additionally in thrombopoiesis independent of Rac and IRSp53.

Cdc42 is required for EGF-stimulated protrusion and motility in MTLn3 carcinoma cells

Cdc42 plays a central role in regulating the actin cytoskeleton and maintaining cell polarity. Here, we show that Cdc42 is crucial for epidermal growth factor (EGF)-stimulated protrusion in MTLn3 carcinoma cells. When stimulated with EGF, carcinoma cells showed a rapid increase in activated Cdc42 that is primarily localized to the protruding edge of the cells. siRNA-mediated knockdown of Cdc42 expression caused a decrease in EGF-stimulated protrusion and reduced cell motility in time-lapse studies. These changes were correlated with a decrease in barbed-end formation and Arp2/3 localization at the cell edge, and a marked defect in actin filament branching, as revealed by rotary-shadowing scanning electron microscopy. Upstream of Arp2/3, Cdc42 knockdown inhibited EGF-stimulated activation of PI 3-kinase at early (within 1 minute) but not late (within 3 minutes) time points. Membrane targeting of N-WASP, WAVE2 and IRSp53 were also inhibited. Effects on WAVE2 were not owing to Rac1 inhibition, because WAVE2 recruitment is unaffected by Rac1 knockdown. Our data suggest that Cdc42 activation is crucial for the regulation of actin polymerization in carcinoma cells, and required for both EGF-stimulated protrusion and cell motility independently of effects on Rac.

Abl tyrosine kinase promotes dorsal ruffles but restrains lamellipodia extension during cell spreading on fibronectin

The nonreceptor Abl tyrosine kinase stimulates F-actin microspikes and membrane ruffles in response to adhesion and growth factor signals. We show here that induced dimerization of Abl-FKBP, but not the kinase-defective AblKD-FKBP, inhibits cell spreading on fibronectin. Conversely, knockdown of cellular Abl by shRNA stimulates cell spreading. The Abl kinase inhibitor, imatinib, also stimulates cell spreading and its effect is overridden by the imatinib-resistant AblT315I. Expression of Abl but not AbkKD in Abl/Arg-deficient cells again inhibits spreading. Furthermore, Abl inhibits spreading of cells that express the activated Rac, RacV12, correlating with RacV12 localization to dorsal membrane protrusions. Ectopic expression of CrkII, a Rac activator that is inactivated by Abl-mediated tyrosine phosphorylation, antagonizes Abl-mediated dorsal membrane localization of RacV12. Ectopic expression of a dynamin-2 mutant, previously shown to induce Rac-GTP localization to the dorsal membrane, abolishes the stimulatory effect of imatinib on cell spreading. These results suggest that Abl tyrosine kinase, through CrkII phosphorylation and in collaboration with dynamin-2 can regulate the partitioning of Rac-GTP to favor dorsal ruffles during cell spreading. The Abl-dependent dorsal membrane localization of activated Rac explains its positive role in ruffling and negative role in cell spreading and migration.

An NGF-induced Exo70-TC10 complex locally antagonises Cdc42-mediated activation of N-WASP to modulate neurite outgrowth

NGF-induced differentiation of PC12 cells is mediated by actin-polymerisation-driven membrane protrusion, involving GTPase signalling pathways that activate actin nucleation promoting factors such as the neural Wiskott-Aldrich syndrome protein (N-WASP). Expression of the exocyst subunit Exo70 in PC12 cells and neurons leads to the generation of numerous membrane protrusions, an effect that is strongly potentiated upon NGF-induced differentiation. Förster resonance energy transfer (FRET) imaging by fluorescence lifetime microscopy (FLIM) reveals an NGF-induced interaction of activated TC10 with Exo70. Expression of dominant-negative mutants and siRNA-mediated knockdown implicates N-WASP in NGF-induced Exo70-TC10-mediated membrane protrusion. However, FRET imaging of N-WASP activation levels of cells expressing Exo70 and/or constitutively active TC10 reveals that this complex locally antagonises the NGF-induced activation of N-WASP in membrane protrusions. Experiments involving siRNA-mediated knockdown of Cdc42 and overexpression of constitutively active Cdc42 confirm that the Exo70-TC10 complex mainly targets the NGF-induced Cdc42-dependent activation of N-WASP. Our results show that Exo70 is responsible for the correct targeting of the Exo70-TC10 complex to sites of membrane protrusion. The functional uncoupling between both pathways represents a novel regulatory mechanism that enables switching between morphologically distinct – Cdc42- or TC10-dominated – forms of cellular membrane outgrowth.

Cell-cell fusion

Cell-cell fusion is a highly regulated and dramatic cellular event that is required for development and homeostasis. Fusion may also play a role in the development of cancer and in tissue repair by stem cells. While virus-cell fusion and the fusion of intracellular membranes have been the subject of intense investigation during the past decade, cell-cell fusion remains poorly understood. Given the importance of this cell-biological phenomenon, a number of investigators have begun analyses of the molecular mechanisms that mediate the specialized fusion events of a variety of cell types and species. We discuss recent genetic and biochemical studies that are beginning to yield exciting insights into the fusion mechanisms of Saccharomyces cerevisiae mating pairs, Caenorhabditis elegans epithelial cells and gametes, Drosophila melanogaster and mammalian myoblasts, and mammalian macrophages.

PACAP stimulates the sustained phosphorylation of tyrosine hydroxylase at serine 40

Tyrosine hydroxylase (TH) is the rate-limiting enzyme in catecholamine synthesis. Its activity is controlled by PACAP, acutely by phosphorylation at Ser40 and chronically by protein synthesis. Using bovine adrenal chromaffin cells we found that PACAP, acting via the continuous activation of PACAP 1 receptors, sustained the phosphorylation of TH at Ser40 and led to TH activation for up to 24 h in the absence of TH protein synthesis. The sustained phosphorylation of TH at Ser40 was not mediated by hierarchical phosphorylation of TH at either Ser19 or Ser31. PACAP caused sustained activation of PKA, but did not sustain activation of other protein kinases including ERK, p38 kinase, PKC, MAPKAPK2 and MSK1. The PKA inhibitor H89 substantially inhibited the acute and the sustained phosphorylation of TH mediated by PACAP. PACAP also inhibited the activity of PP2A and PP2C at 24 h. PACAP therefore sustained TH phosphorylation at Ser40 for 24 h by sustaining the activation of PKA and causing inactivation of Ser40 phosphatases. The PKA activator 8-CPT-6Phe-cAMP also caused sustained phosphorylation of TH at Ser40 that was inhibited by the PKA inhibitor H89. Using cyclic AMP agonist pairs we found that sustained phosphorylation of TH was due to both the RI and the RII isotypes of PKA. The sustained activation of TH that occurred as a result of TH phosphorylation at Ser40 could maintain the synthesis of catecholamines without the need for further stimulus of the adrenal cells or increased TH protein synthesis.

Rho GTPase activity zones and transient contractile arrays

The Rho GTPases-Rho, Rac and Cdc42-act as molecular switches, cycling between an active GTP-bound state and an inactive GDP-bound state, to regulate the actin cytoskeleton. It has recently become apparent that the Rho GTPases can be activated in subcellular zones that appear semi-stable, yet are dynamically maintained. These Rho GTPase activity zones are associated with a variety of fundamental biological processes including symmetric and asymmetric cytokinesis and cellular wound repair. Here we review the basic features of Rho GTPase activity zones, suggest that these zones represent a fundamental signaling mechanism, and discuss the implications of zone properties from the perspective of both their function and how they are likely to be controlled.

Global, In Vivo, and Site-Specific Phosphorylation Dynamics in Signaling Networks

Cell signaling mechanisms often transmit information via posttranslational protein modifications, most importantly reversible protein phosphorylation. Here we develop and apply a general mass spectrometric technology for identification and quantitation of phosphorylation sites as a function of stimulus, time, and subcellular location. We have detected 6,600 phosphorylation sites on 2,244 proteins and have determined their temporal dynamics after stimulating HeLa cells with epidermal growth factor (EGF) and recorded them in the Phosida database. Fourteen percent of phosphorylation sites are modulated at least 2-fold by EGF, and these were classified by their temporal profiles. Surprisingly, a majority of proteins contain multiple phosphorylation sites showing different kinetics, suggesting that they serve as platforms for integrating signals. In addition to protein kinase cascades, the targets of reversible phosphorylation include ubiquitin ligases, guanine nucleotide exchange factors, and at least 46 different transcriptional regulators. The dynamic phosphoproteome provides a missing link in a global, integrative view of cellular regulation.

Actin-based forces driving embryonic morphogenesis in Caenorhabditis elegans

Morphogenesis is the process by which multicellular organisms transform themselves from a ball of cells into an organized animal. Certain virtues of Caenorhabditis elegans make it an excellent model system for the study of this process: it is genetically tractable, develops as a transparent embryo with small cell-numbers, and yet still contains all the major tissues typical of animals. Furthermore, certain morphogenetic events are also amenable to study by direct manipulation of the cells involved. Given these advantages, it has been possible to use C. elegans to investigate the different ways in which the actin cytoskeleton drives the cellular rearrangements underlying morphogenesis, through regulated polymerization or actomyosin contraction. Recent insights from this system have determined the involvement in morphogenesis of key proteins, including the actin-regulating WASP and Ena proteins, potential guidance molecules such as the Eph and Robo receptors, and the cell-cell signaling proteins of the Wnt pathway.