1
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Fukagawa T, Kakutani T. Transgenerational epigenetic control of constitutive heterochromatin, transposons, and centromeres. Curr Opin Genet Dev 2023; 78:102021. [PMID: 36716679 DOI: 10.1016/j.gde.2023.102021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/12/2022] [Revised: 12/20/2022] [Accepted: 01/04/2023] [Indexed: 01/30/2023]
Abstract
Epigenetic mechanisms are important not only for development but also for genome stability and chromosome dynamics. The latter types of epigenetic controls can often be transgenerational. Here, we review recent progress in two examples of transgenerational epigenetic control: i) the control of constitutive heterochromatin and transposable elements and ii) epigenetic mechanisms that regulate centromere specification and functions. We also discuss the biological significance of enigmatic associations among centromeres, transposons, and constitutive heterochromatin.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tatsuo Fukagawa
- Graduate School of Frontier Biosciences, Osaka University, Suita, Osaka 565-0871, Japan. https://twitter.com/tatsuofukagawa1
| | - Tetsuji Kakutani
- Department of Biological Sciences, The University of Tokyo, Hongo 7-3-1, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo 113-0033, Japan.
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2
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Sridhar S, Fukagawa T. Kinetochore Architecture Employs Diverse Linker Strategies Across Evolution. Front Cell Dev Biol 2022; 10:862637. [PMID: 35800888 PMCID: PMC9252888 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2022.862637] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/26/2022] [Accepted: 05/23/2022] [Indexed: 01/09/2023] Open
Abstract
The assembly of a functional kinetochore on centromeric chromatin is necessary to connect chromosomes to the mitotic spindle, ensuring accurate chromosome segregation. This connecting function of the kinetochore presents multiple internal and external structural challenges. A microtubule interacting outer kinetochore and centromeric chromatin interacting inner kinetochore effectively confront forces from the external spindle and centromere, respectively. While internally, special inner kinetochore proteins, defined as “linkers,” simultaneously interact with centromeric chromatin and the outer kinetochore to enable association with the mitotic spindle. With the ability to simultaneously interact with outer kinetochore components and centromeric chromatin, linker proteins such as centromere protein (CENP)-C or CENP-T in vertebrates and, additionally CENP-QOkp1-UAme1 in yeasts, also perform the function of force propagation within the kinetochore. Recent efforts have revealed an array of linker pathways strategies to effectively recruit the largely conserved outer kinetochore. In this review, we examine these linkages used to propagate force and recruit the outer kinetochore across evolution. Further, we look at their known regulatory pathways and implications on kinetochore structural diversity and plasticity.
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3
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Ishii M, Akiyoshi B. Plasticity in centromere organization and kinetochore composition: Lessons from diversity. Curr Opin Cell Biol 2022; 74:47-54. [PMID: 35108654 PMCID: PMC9089191 DOI: 10.1016/j.ceb.2021.12.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/16/2021] [Revised: 12/27/2021] [Accepted: 12/29/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Kinetochores are the macromolecular protein complexes that govern chromosome movement by binding spindle microtubules during mitosis and meiosis. Centromeres are the specific chromosomal regions that serve as the platform on which kinetochores assemble. Despite their essentiality for proper chromosome segregation, the size and organization of centromeres vary dramatically between species, while different compositions of kinetochores are found among eukaryotes. Here we discuss recent progress in understanding centromeres and kinetochores in non-traditional model eukaryotes. We specifically focus on select lineages (holocentric insects, early diverging fungi, and kinetoplastids) that lack CENP-A, a centromere-specific histone H3 variant that is critical for kinetochore specification and assembly in many eukaryotes. We also highlight some organisms that might have hitherto unknown types of kinetochore proteins.
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Affiliation(s)
- Midori Ishii
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Oxford, UK
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4
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Abstract
The centromere performs a universally conserved function, to accurately partition genetic information upon cell division. Yet, centromeres are among the most rapidly evolving regions of the genome and are bound by a varying assortment of centromere-binding factors that are themselves highly divergent at the protein-sequence level. A common thread in most species is the dependence on the centromere-specific histone variant CENP-A for the specification of the centromere site. However, CENP-A is not universally required in all species or cell types, making the identification of a general mechanism for centromere specification challenging. In this review, we examine our current understanding of the mechanisms of centromere specification in CENP-A-dependent and independent systems, focusing primarily on recent work.
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Affiliation(s)
- Barbara G Mellone
- Department of Molecular and Cell Biology, and Institute for Systems Genomics, University of Connecticut, Storrs, CT 06269, USA.
| | - Daniele Fachinetti
- Institut Curie, PSL Research University, CNRS, UMR 144, 26 rue d'Ulm, F-75005 Paris, France.
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5
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Tromer EC, Wemyss TA, Ludzia P, Waller RF, Akiyoshi B. Repurposing of synaptonemal complex proteins for kinetochores in Kinetoplastida. Open Biol 2021; 11:210049. [PMID: 34006126 PMCID: PMC8131943 DOI: 10.1098/rsob.210049] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Chromosome segregation in eukaryotes is driven by the kinetochore, a macromolecular complex that connects centromeric DNA to microtubules of the spindle apparatus. Kinetochores in well-studied model eukaryotes consist of a core set of proteins that are broadly conserved among distant eukaryotic phyla. By contrast, unicellular flagellates of the class Kinetoplastida have a unique set of 36 kinetochore components. The evolutionary origin and history of these kinetochores remain unknown. Here, we report evidence of homology between axial element components of the synaptonemal complex and three kinetoplastid kinetochore proteins KKT16-18. The synaptonemal complex is a zipper-like structure that assembles between homologous chromosomes during meiosis to promote recombination. By using sensitive homology detection protocols, we identify divergent orthologues of KKT16-18 in most eukaryotic supergroups, including experimentally established chromosomal axis components, such as Red1 and Rec10 in budding and fission yeast, ASY3-4 in plants and SYCP2-3 in vertebrates. Furthermore, we found 12 recurrent duplications within this ancient eukaryotic SYCP2–3 gene family, providing opportunities for new functional complexes to arise, including KKT16-18 in the kinetoplastid parasite Trypanosoma brucei. We propose the kinetoplastid kinetochore system evolved by repurposing meiotic components of the chromosome synapsis and homologous recombination machinery that were already present in early eukaryotes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eelco C Tromer
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK.,Cell Biochemistry, Groningen Institute of Biomolecular Sciences & Biotechnology, University of Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - Thomas A Wemyss
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
| | - Patryk Ludzia
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - Ross F Waller
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
| | - Bungo Akiyoshi
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
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6
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Abstract
The kinetochore is a complex structure whose function is absolutely essential. Unlike the centromere, the kinetochore at first appeared remarkably well conserved from yeast to humans, especially the microtubule-binding outer kinetochore. However, recent efforts towards biochemical reconstitution of diverse kinetochores challenge the notion of a similarly conserved architecture for the constitutively centromere-associated network of the inner kinetochore. This review briefly summarizes the evidence from comparative genomics for interspecific variability in inner kinetochore composition and focuses on novel biochemical evidence indicating that even homologous inner kinetochore protein complexes are put to different uses in different organisms.
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Affiliation(s)
- G E Hamilton
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - T N Davis
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
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7
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Butenko A, Hammond M, Field MC, Ginger ML, Yurchenko V, Lukeš J. Reductionist Pathways for Parasitism in Euglenozoans? Expanded Datasets Provide New Insights. Trends Parasitol 2020; 37:100-116. [PMID: 33127331 DOI: 10.1016/j.pt.2020.10.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/24/2020] [Revised: 09/30/2020] [Accepted: 10/01/2020] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
The unicellular trypanosomatids belong to the phylum Euglenozoa and all known species are obligate parasites. Distinct lineages infect plants, invertebrates, and vertebrates, including humans. Genome data for marine diplonemids, together with freshwater euglenids and free-living kinetoplastids, the closest known nonparasitic relatives to trypanosomatids, recently became available. Robust phylogenetic reconstructions across Euglenozoa are now possible and place the results of parasite-focused studies into an evolutionary context. Here we discuss recent advances in identifying the factors shaping the evolution of Euglenozoa, focusing on ancestral features generally considered parasite-specific. Remarkably, most of these predate the transition(s) to parasitism, suggesting that the presence of certain preconditions makes a significant lifestyle change more likely.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anzhelika Butenko
- Biology Centre, Institute of Parasitology, Czech Academy of Sciences, České Budějovice (Budweis), Czech Republic; Faculty of Science, University of Ostrava, Ostrava, Czech Republic.
| | - Michael Hammond
- Biology Centre, Institute of Parasitology, Czech Academy of Sciences, České Budějovice (Budweis), Czech Republic
| | - Mark C Field
- Biology Centre, Institute of Parasitology, Czech Academy of Sciences, České Budějovice (Budweis), Czech Republic; School of Life Sciences, University of Dundee, Dundee, UK
| | - Michael L Ginger
- School of Applied Sciences, University of Huddersfield, Huddersfield, UK
| | - Vyacheslav Yurchenko
- Faculty of Science, University of Ostrava, Ostrava, Czech Republic; Martsinovsky Institute of Medical Parasitology, Sechenov University, Moscow, Russia
| | - Julius Lukeš
- Biology Centre, Institute of Parasitology, Czech Academy of Sciences, České Budějovice (Budweis), Czech Republic; Faculty of Sciences, University of South Bohemia, České Budějovice (Budweis), Czech Republic.
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8
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Ludzia P, Akiyoshi B, Redfield C. 1H, 13C and 15N resonance assignments for the microtubule-binding domain of the kinetoplastid kinetochore protein KKT4 from Trypanosoma brucei. BIOMOLECULAR NMR ASSIGNMENTS 2020; 14:309-315. [PMID: 32696260 PMCID: PMC7462909 DOI: 10.1007/s12104-020-09968-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/22/2020] [Accepted: 07/06/2020] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
KKT4 is a kinetoplastid-specific microtubule-binding kinetochore protein that lacks significant similarity to any known kinetochore or microtubule-binding proteins. Here we present the 1H, 13C and 15N resonance assignments for several fragments from the microtubule-binding domain of KKT4 (KKT4115-343) from Trypanosoma brucei. These assignments provide the starting point for detailed investigations of the structure, dynamics and interactions of the microtubule-binding region of KKT4.
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Affiliation(s)
- Patryk Ludzia
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Oxford, South Parks Road, Oxford, OX1 3QU, UK
| | - Bungo Akiyoshi
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Oxford, South Parks Road, Oxford, OX1 3QU, UK.
| | - Christina Redfield
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Oxford, South Parks Road, Oxford, OX1 3QU, UK.
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9
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LaBar T, Phoebe Hsieh YY, Fumasoni M, Murray AW. Evolutionary Repair Experiments as a Window to the Molecular Diversity of Life. Curr Biol 2020; 30:R565-R574. [PMID: 32428498 PMCID: PMC7295036 DOI: 10.1016/j.cub.2020.03.046] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/24/2022]
Abstract
Comparative genomics reveals an unexpected diversity in the molecular mechanisms underlying conserved cellular functions, such as DNA replication and cytokinesis. However, the genetic bases and evolutionary processes underlying this 'molecular diversity' remain to be explained. Here, we review a tool to generate alternative mechanisms for conserved cellular functions and test hypotheses concerning the generation of molecular diversity - evolutionary repair experiments, in which laboratory microbial populations adapt in response to a genetic perturbation. We summarize the insights gained from evolutionary repair experiments, the spectrum and dynamics of compensatory mutations, and the alternative molecular mechanisms used to repair perturbed cellular functions. We relate these experiments to the modifications of conserved functions that have occurred outside the laboratory. We end by proposing strategies to improve evolutionary repair experiments as a tool to explore the molecular diversity of life.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thomas LaBar
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA 02138, USA.
| | - Yu-Ying Phoebe Hsieh
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA 02138, USA
| | - Marco Fumasoni
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA 02138, USA.
| | - Andrew W Murray
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA 02138, USA.
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10
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Butenko A, Opperdoes FR, Flegontova O, Horák A, Hampl V, Keeling P, Gawryluk RMR, Tikhonenkov D, Flegontov P, Lukeš J. Evolution of metabolic capabilities and molecular features of diplonemids, kinetoplastids, and euglenids. BMC Biol 2020; 18:23. [PMID: 32122335 PMCID: PMC7052976 DOI: 10.1186/s12915-020-0754-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/17/2019] [Accepted: 02/17/2020] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Background The Euglenozoa are a protist group with an especially rich history of evolutionary diversity. They include diplonemids, representing arguably the most species-rich clade of marine planktonic eukaryotes; trypanosomatids, which are notorious parasites of medical and veterinary importance; and free-living euglenids. These different lifestyles, and particularly the transition from free-living to parasitic, likely require different metabolic capabilities. We carried out a comparative genomic analysis across euglenozoan diversity to see how changing repertoires of enzymes and structural features correspond to major changes in lifestyles. Results We find a gradual loss of genes encoding enzymes in the evolution of kinetoplastids, rather than a sudden decrease in metabolic capabilities corresponding to the origin of parasitism, while diplonemids and euglenids maintain more metabolic versatility. Distinctive characteristics of molecular machines such as kinetochores and the pre-replication complex that were previously considered specific to parasitic kinetoplastids were also identified in their free-living relatives. Therefore, we argue that they represent an ancestral rather than a derived state, as thought until the present. We also found evidence of ancient redundancy in systems such as NADPH-dependent thiol-redox. Only the genus Euglena possesses the combination of trypanothione-, glutathione-, and thioredoxin-based systems supposedly present in the euglenozoan common ancestor, while other representatives of the phylum have lost one or two of these systems. Lastly, we identified convergent losses of specific metabolic capabilities between free-living kinetoplastids and ciliates. Although this observation requires further examination, it suggests that certain eukaryotic lineages are predisposed to such convergent losses of key enzymes or whole pathways. Conclusions The loss of metabolic capabilities might not be associated with the switch to parasitic lifestyle in kinetoplastids, and the presence of a highly divergent (or unconventional) kinetochore machinery might not be restricted to this protist group. The data derived from the transcriptomes of free-living early branching prokinetoplastids suggests that the pre-replication complex of Trypanosomatidae is a highly divergent version of the conventional machinery. Our findings shed light on trends in the evolution of metabolism in protists in general and open multiple avenues for future research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anzhelika Butenko
- Institute of Parasitology, Biology Centre, Czech Academy of Sciences, České Budějovice (Budweis), Czech Republic.,Faculty of Science, University of Ostrava, Ostrava, Czech Republic
| | - Fred R Opperdoes
- de Duve Institute, Université Catholique de Louvain, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Olga Flegontova
- Institute of Parasitology, Biology Centre, Czech Academy of Sciences, České Budějovice (Budweis), Czech Republic.,Faculty of Science, University of Ostrava, Ostrava, Czech Republic
| | - Aleš Horák
- Institute of Parasitology, Biology Centre, Czech Academy of Sciences, České Budějovice (Budweis), Czech Republic.,Faculty of Science, University of South Bohemia, České Budějovice (Budweis), Czech Republic
| | - Vladimír Hampl
- Faculty of Science, Charles University, Biocev, Vestec, Czech Republic
| | - Patrick Keeling
- Department of Botany, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, Canada
| | | | - Denis Tikhonenkov
- Department of Botany, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, Canada.,Papanin Institute for Biology of Inland Waters, Russian Academy of Sciences, Borok, Russia
| | - Pavel Flegontov
- Institute of Parasitology, Biology Centre, Czech Academy of Sciences, České Budějovice (Budweis), Czech Republic. .,Faculty of Science, University of Ostrava, Ostrava, Czech Republic. .,Present address: Department of Genetics, Harvard Medical School, Boston, USA.
| | - Julius Lukeš
- Institute of Parasitology, Biology Centre, Czech Academy of Sciences, České Budějovice (Budweis), Czech Republic. .,Faculty of Science, University of South Bohemia, České Budějovice (Budweis), Czech Republic.
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11
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Nerusheva OO, Ludzia P, Akiyoshi B. Identification of four unconventional kinetoplastid kinetochore proteins KKT22-25 in Trypanosoma brucei. Open Biol 2019; 9:190236. [PMID: 31795916 PMCID: PMC6936259 DOI: 10.1098/rsob.190236] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
The kinetochore is a multi-protein complex that drives chromosome segregation in eukaryotes. It assembles onto centromere DNA and interacts with spindle microtubules during mitosis and meiosis. Although most eukaryotes have canonical kinetochore proteins, kinetochores of evolutionarily divergent kinetoplastid species consist of at least 20 unconventional kinetochore proteins (KKT1–20). In addition, 12 proteins (KKT-interacting proteins 1–12, KKIP1–12) are known to localize at kinetochore regions during mitosis. It remains unclear whether KKIP proteins interact with KKT proteins. Here, we report the identification of four additional kinetochore proteins, KKT22–25, in Trypanosoma brucei. KKT22 and KKT23 constitutively localize at kinetochores, while KKT24 and KKT25 localize from S phase to anaphase. KKT23 has a Gcn5-related N-acetyltransferase domain, which is not found in any kinetochore protein known to date. We also show that KKIP1 co-purifies with KKT proteins, but not with KKIP proteins. Finally, our affinity purification of KKIP2/3/4/6 identifies a number of proteins as their potential interaction partners, many of which are implicated in RNA binding or processing. These findings further support the idea that kinetoplastid kinetochores are unconventional.
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Affiliation(s)
- Olga O Nerusheva
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Oxford, Oxford OX1 3QU, UK
| | - Patryk Ludzia
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Oxford, Oxford OX1 3QU, UK
| | - Bungo Akiyoshi
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Oxford, Oxford OX1 3QU, UK
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12
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Torrie LS, Zuccotto F, Robinson DA, Gray DW, Gilbert IH, De Rycker M. Identification of inhibitors of an unconventional Trypanosoma brucei kinetochore kinase. PLoS One 2019; 14:e0217828. [PMID: 31150492 PMCID: PMC6544269 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0217828] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/03/2019] [Accepted: 05/21/2019] [Indexed: 01/13/2023] Open
Abstract
The discovery of 20 unconventional kinetochore proteins in Trypanosoma brucei has opened a new and interesting area of evolutionary research to study a biological process previously thought to be highly conserved in all eukaryotes. In addition, the discovery of novel proteins involved in a critical cellular process provides an opportunity to exploit differences between kinetoplastid and human kinetochore proteins to develop therapeutics for diseases caused by kinetoplastid parasites. Consequently, we identified two of the unconventional kinetochore proteins as key targets (the highly related kinases KKT10 and KKT19). Recombinant T. brucei KKT19 (TbKKT19) protein was produced, a peptide substrate phosphorylated by TbKKT19 identified (KKLRRTLSVA), Michaelis constants for KKLRRTLSVA and ATP were determined (179 μM and 102 μM respectively) and a robust high-throughput compatible biochemical assay developed. This biochemical assay was validated pharmacologically with inhibition by staurosporine and hypothemycin (IC50 values of 288 nM and 65 nM respectively). Surprisingly, a subsequent high-throughput screen of a kinase-relevant compound library (6,624 compounds) yielded few hits (8 hits; final hit rate 0.12%). The low hit rate observed was unusual for a kinase target, particularly when screened against a compound library enriched with kinase hinge binding scaffolds. In an attempt to understand the low hit rate a TbKKT19 homology model, based on human cdc2-like kinase 1 (CLK1), was generated. Analysis of the TbKKT19 sequence and structure revealed no obvious features that could explain the low hit rates. Further work will therefore be necessary to explore this unique kinetochore kinase as well as to assess whether the few hits identified can be developed into tool molecules or new drugs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Leah S. Torrie
- Drug Discovery Unit, Wellcome Centre for Anti-Infectives Research, School of Life Sciences, University of Dundee, Dundee, United Kingdom
| | - Fabio Zuccotto
- Drug Discovery Unit, Wellcome Centre for Anti-Infectives Research, School of Life Sciences, University of Dundee, Dundee, United Kingdom
| | - David A. Robinson
- Drug Discovery Unit, Wellcome Centre for Anti-Infectives Research, School of Life Sciences, University of Dundee, Dundee, United Kingdom
| | - David W. Gray
- Drug Discovery Unit, Wellcome Centre for Anti-Infectives Research, School of Life Sciences, University of Dundee, Dundee, United Kingdom
| | - Ian H. Gilbert
- Drug Discovery Unit, Wellcome Centre for Anti-Infectives Research, School of Life Sciences, University of Dundee, Dundee, United Kingdom
- * E-mail: (IHG); (MDR)
| | - Manu De Rycker
- Drug Discovery Unit, Wellcome Centre for Anti-Infectives Research, School of Life Sciences, University of Dundee, Dundee, United Kingdom
- * E-mail: (IHG); (MDR)
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13
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Hara M, Fukagawa T. Where is the right path heading from the centromere to spindle microtubules? Cell Cycle 2019; 18:1199-1211. [PMID: 31075048 DOI: 10.1080/15384101.2019.1617008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/26/2022] Open
Abstract
The kinetochore is a large protein complex that ensures accurate chromosome segregation during mitosis by connecting the centromere and spindle microtubules. One of the kinetochore sub-complexes, the constitutive centromere-associated network (CCAN), associates with the centromere and recruits another sub-complex, the KMN (KNL1, Mis12, and Ndc80 complexes) network (KMN), which binds to spindle microtubules. The CCAN-KMN interaction is mediated by two parallel pathways (CENP-C- and CENP-T-pathways) in the kinetochore, which bridge the centromere and microtubules. Here, we discuss dynamic protein-interaction changes in the two pathways that couple the centromere with spindle microtubules during mitotic progression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Masatoshi Hara
- a Graduate School of Frontier Biosciences , Osaka University , Suita , Japan
| | - Tatsuo Fukagawa
- a Graduate School of Frontier Biosciences , Osaka University , Suita , Japan
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14
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Harmer J, Towers K, Addison M, Vaughan S, Ginger ML, McKean PG. A centriolar FGR1 oncogene partner-like protein required for paraflagellar rod assembly, but not axoneme assembly in African trypanosomes. Open Biol 2019; 8:rsob.170218. [PMID: 30045883 PMCID: PMC6070722 DOI: 10.1098/rsob.170218] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/29/2017] [Accepted: 06/21/2018] [Indexed: 01/21/2023] Open
Abstract
Proteins of the FGR1 oncogene partner (or FOP) family are found at microtubule organizing centres (MTOCs) including, in flagellate eukaryotes, the centriole or flagellar basal body from which the axoneme extends. We report conservation of FOP family proteins, TbFOPL and TbOFD1, in the evolutionarily divergent sleeping sickness parasite Trypanosoma brucei, showing (in contrast with mammalian cells, where FOP is essential for flagellum assembly) depletion of a trypanosome FOP homologue, TbFOPL, affects neither axoneme nor flagellum elongation. Instead, TbFOPL depletion causes catastrophic failure in assembly of a lineage-specific, extra-axonemal structure, the paraflagellar rod (PFR). That depletion of centriolar TbFOPL causes failure in PFR assembly is surprising because PFR nucleation commences approximately 2 µm distal from the basal body. When over-expressed with a C-terminal myc-epitope, TbFOPL was also observed at mitotic spindle poles. Little is known about bi-polar spindle assembly during closed trypanosome mitosis, but indication of a possible additional MTOC function for TbFOPL parallels MTOC localization of FOP-like protein TONNEAU1 in acentriolar plants. More generally, our functional analysis of TbFOPL emphasizes significant differences in evolutionary cell biology trajectories of FOP-family proteins. We discuss how at the molecular level FOP homologues may contribute to flagellum assembly and function in diverse flagellates.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jane Harmer
- Faculty of Health and Medicine, Division of Biomedical and Life Sciences, Lancaster University, Lancaster LA1 4YQ, UK
| | - Katie Towers
- Department of Biological and Medical Sciences, Faculty of Health and Life Science, Oxford Brookes University, Gipsy Lane, Oxford OX3 0BP, UK
| | - Max Addison
- Faculty of Health and Medicine, Division of Biomedical and Life Sciences, Lancaster University, Lancaster LA1 4YQ, UK
| | - Sue Vaughan
- Department of Biological and Medical Sciences, Faculty of Health and Life Science, Oxford Brookes University, Gipsy Lane, Oxford OX3 0BP, UK
| | - Michael L Ginger
- Department of Biological and Geographical Sciences, School of Applied Sciences, University of Huddersfield, Queensgate, Huddersfield HD1 3DH, UK
| | - Paul G McKean
- Faculty of Health and Medicine, Division of Biomedical and Life Sciences, Lancaster University, Lancaster LA1 4YQ, UK
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15
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Llauró A, Hayashi H, Bailey ME, Wilson A, Ludzia P, Asbury CL, Akiyoshi B. The kinetoplastid kinetochore protein KKT4 is an unconventional microtubule tip-coupling protein. J Cell Biol 2018; 217:3886-3900. [PMID: 30209069 PMCID: PMC6219724 DOI: 10.1083/jcb.201711181] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/29/2017] [Revised: 07/23/2018] [Accepted: 08/24/2018] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
The evolutionarily divergent class of kinetoplastid organisms has a set of unconventional kinetochore proteins that drive chromosome segregation, but it is unclear which components interact with spindle microtubules. Llauró et al. now identify KKT4 as the first microtubule-binding kinetochore protein in Trypanosoma brucei, a major human pathogenic parasite. Kinetochores are multiprotein machines that drive chromosome segregation by maintaining persistent, load-bearing linkages between chromosomes and dynamic microtubule tips. Kinetochores in commonly studied eukaryotes bind microtubules through widely conserved components like the Ndc80 complex. However, in evolutionarily divergent kinetoplastid species such as Trypanosoma brucei, which causes sleeping sickness, the kinetochores assemble from a unique set of proteins lacking homology to any known microtubule-binding domains. Here, we show that the T. brucei kinetochore protein KKT4 binds directly to microtubules and maintains load-bearing attachments to both growing and shortening microtubule tips. The protein localizes both to kinetochores and to spindle microtubules in vivo, and its depletion causes defects in chromosome segregation. We define a microtubule-binding domain within KKT4 and identify several charged residues important for its microtubule-binding activity. Thus, despite its lack of significant similarity to other known microtubule-binding proteins, KKT4 has key functions required for driving chromosome segregation. We propose that it represents a primary element of the kinetochore–microtubule interface in kinetoplastids.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aida Llauró
- Department of Physiology and Biophysics, University of Washington, Seattle, WA
| | - Hanako Hayashi
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - Megan E Bailey
- Department of Physiology and Biophysics, University of Washington, Seattle, WA
| | - Alex Wilson
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - Patryk Ludzia
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - Charles L Asbury
- Department of Physiology and Biophysics, University of Washington, Seattle, WA
| | - Bungo Akiyoshi
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
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Oliferenko S. Understanding eukaryotic chromosome segregation from a comparative biology perspective. J Cell Sci 2018; 131:131/14/jcs203653. [PMID: 30030298 DOI: 10.1242/jcs.203653] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
A long-appreciated variation in fundamental cell biological processes between different species is becoming increasingly tractable due to recent breakthroughs in whole-genome analyses and genome editing techniques. However, the bulk of our mechanistic understanding in cell biology continues to come from just a few well-established models. In this Review, I use the highly diverse strategies of chromosome segregation in eukaryotes as an instrument for a more general discussion on phenotypic variation, possible rules underlying its emergence and its utility in understanding conserved functional relationships underlying this process. Such a comparative approach, supported by modern molecular biology tools, might provide a wider, holistic view of biology that is difficult to achieve when concentrating on a single experimental system.
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Affiliation(s)
- Snezhana Oliferenko
- The Francis Crick Institute, 1 Midland Road, London, NW1 1AT, UK .,Randall Centre for Cell and Molecular Biophysics, New Hunt's House, Guy's Campus, King's College London, London, SE1 1UL, UK
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17
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Evolutionary Lessons from Species with Unique Kinetochores. CENTROMERES AND KINETOCHORES 2017; 56:111-138. [DOI: 10.1007/978-3-319-58592-5_5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
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