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Li D, Yang Y, Lv C, Wang Y, Chao X, Huang J, Singh SP, Yuan Y, Zhang C, Lou J, Gao P, Huang S, Li B, Cai H. GxcM-Fbp17/RacC-WASP signaling regulates polarized cortex assembly in migrating cells via Arp2/3. J Cell Biol 2023; 222:e202208151. [PMID: 37010470 PMCID: PMC10072221 DOI: 10.1083/jcb.202208151] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/11/2022] [Revised: 02/02/2023] [Accepted: 03/17/2023] [Indexed: 04/04/2023] Open
Abstract
The actin-rich cortex plays a fundamental role in many cellular processes. Its architecture and molecular composition vary across cell types and physiological states. The full complement of actin assembly factors driving cortex formation and how their activities are spatiotemporally regulated remain to be fully elucidated. Using Dictyostelium as a model for polarized and rapidly migrating cells, we show that GxcM, a RhoGEF localized specifically in the rear of migrating cells, functions together with F-BAR protein Fbp17, a small GTPase RacC, and the actin nucleation-promoting factor WASP to coordinately promote Arp2/3 complex-mediated cortical actin assembly. Overactivation of this signaling cascade leads to excessive actin polymerization in the rear cortex, whereas its disruption causes defects in cortical integrity and function. Therefore, apart from its well-defined role in the formation of the protrusions at the cell front, the Arp2/3 complex-based actin carries out a previously unappreciated function in building the rear cortical subcompartment in rapidly migrating cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dong Li
- National Laboratory of Biomacromolecules, Institute of Biophysics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
- Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, China
| | - Yihong Yang
- National Laboratory of Biomacromolecules, Institute of Biophysics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Chenglin Lv
- Department of Engineering Mechanics, Applied Mechanics Laboratory, Institute of Biomechanics and Medical Engineering, Tsinghua University, Beijing, China
| | - Yingjie Wang
- Center for Plant Biology, School of Life Sciences, Tsinghua University, Beijing, China
| | - Xiaoting Chao
- National Laboratory of Biomacromolecules, Institute of Biophysics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
- College of Life Sciences, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Jiafeng Huang
- College of Life Sciences, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
- Key Laboratory of Infection and Immunity, Institute of Biophysics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | | | - Ye Yuan
- National Laboratory of Biomacromolecules, Institute of Biophysics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
- College of Life Sciences, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Chengyu Zhang
- National Laboratory of Biomacromolecules, Institute of Biophysics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
- College of Life Sciences, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Jizhong Lou
- College of Life Sciences, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
- Key Laboratory of RNA Biology, Institute of Biophysics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Pu Gao
- College of Life Sciences, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
- Key Laboratory of Infection and Immunity, Institute of Biophysics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Shanjin Huang
- Center for Plant Biology, School of Life Sciences, Tsinghua University, Beijing, China
| | - Bo Li
- Department of Engineering Mechanics, Applied Mechanics Laboratory, Institute of Biomechanics and Medical Engineering, Tsinghua University, Beijing, China
| | - Huaqing Cai
- National Laboratory of Biomacromolecules, Institute of Biophysics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
- College of Life Sciences, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
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Li D, Sun F, Yang Y, Tu H, Cai H. Gradients of PI(4,5)P2 and PI(3,5)P2 Jointly Participate in Shaping the Back State of Dictyostelium Cells. Front Cell Dev Biol 2022; 10:835185. [PMID: 35186938 PMCID: PMC8855053 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2022.835185] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/14/2021] [Accepted: 01/19/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Polarity, which refers to the molecular or structural asymmetry in cells, is essential for diverse cellular functions. Dictyostelium has proven to be a valuable system for dissecting the molecular mechanisms of cell polarity. Previous studies in Dictyostelium have revealed a range of signaling and cytoskeletal proteins that function at the leading edge to promote pseudopod extension and migration. In contrast, how proteins are localized to the trailing edge is not well understood. By screening for asymmetrically localized proteins, we identified a novel trailing-edge protein we named Teep1. We show that a charged surface formed by two pleckstrin homology (PH) domains in Teep1 is necessary and sufficient for targeting it to the rear of cells. Combining biochemical and imaging analyses, we demonstrate that Teep1 interacts preferentially with PI(4,5)P2 and PI(3,5)P2in vitro and simultaneous elimination of these lipid species in cells blocks the membrane association of Teep1. Furthermore, a leading-edge localized myotubularin phosphatase likely mediates the removal of PI(3,5)P2 from the front, as well as the formation of a back-to-front gradient of PI(3,5)P2. Together our data indicate that PI(4,5)P2 and PI(3,5)P2 on the plasma membrane jointly participate in shaping the back state of Dictyostelium cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dong Li
- School of Life Sciences, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, China
- National Laboratory of Biomacromolecules, Institute of Biophysics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Feifei Sun
- School of Life Sciences, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, China
- National Laboratory of Biomacromolecules, Institute of Biophysics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Yihong Yang
- National Laboratory of Biomacromolecules, Institute of Biophysics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Hui Tu
- National Laboratory of Biomacromolecules, Institute of Biophysics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
- College of Life Sciences, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Huaqing Cai
- National Laboratory of Biomacromolecules, Institute of Biophysics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
- College of Life Sciences, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
- *Correspondence: Huaqing Cai,
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Kuhn J, Lin Y, Devreotes PN. Using Live-Cell Imaging and Synthetic Biology to Probe Directed Migration in Dictyostelium. Front Cell Dev Biol 2021; 9:740205. [PMID: 34676215 PMCID: PMC8523838 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2021.740205] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/12/2021] [Accepted: 09/08/2021] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
For decades, the social amoeba Dictyostelium discoideum has been an invaluable tool for dissecting the biology of eukaryotic cells. Its short growth cycle and genetic tractability make it ideal for a variety of biochemical, cell biological, and biophysical assays. Dictyostelium have been widely used as a model of eukaryotic cell motility because the signaling and mechanical networks which they use to steer and produce forward motion are highly conserved. Because these migration networks consist of hundreds of interconnected proteins, perturbing individual molecules can have subtle effects or alter cell morphology and signaling in major unpredictable ways. Therefore, to fully understand this network, we must be able to quantitatively assess the consequences of abrupt modifications. This ability will allow us better control cell migration, which is critical for development and disease, in vivo. Here, we review recent advances in imaging, synthetic biology, and computational analysis which enable researchers to tune the activity of individual molecules in single living cells and precisely measure the effects on cellular motility and signaling. We also provide practical advice and resources to assist in applying these approaches in Dictyostelium.
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Yang Y, Li D, Chao X, Singh SP, Thomason P, Yan Y, Dong M, Li L, Insall RH, Cai H. Leep1 interacts with PIP3 and the Scar/WAVE complex to regulate cell migration and macropinocytosis. J Cell Biol 2021; 220:212090. [PMID: 33978708 PMCID: PMC8127007 DOI: 10.1083/jcb.202010096] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/21/2020] [Revised: 03/23/2021] [Accepted: 04/21/2021] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Polarity is essential for diverse functions in many cell types. Establishing polarity requires targeting a network of specific signaling and cytoskeleton molecules to different subregions of the cell, yet the full complement of polarity regulators and how their activities are integrated over space and time to form morphologically and functionally distinct domains remain to be uncovered. Here, by using the model system Dictyostelium and exploiting the characteristic chemoattractant-stimulated translocation of polarly distributed molecules, we developed a proteomic screening approach, through which we identified a leucine-rich repeat domain–containing protein we named Leep1 as a novel polarity regulator. We combined imaging, biochemical, and phenotypic analyses to demonstrate that Leep1 localizes selectively at the leading edge of cells by binding to PIP3, where it modulates pseudopod and macropinocytic cup dynamics by negatively regulating the Scar/WAVE complex. The spatiotemporal coordination of PIP3 signaling, Leep1, and the Scar/WAVE complex provides a cellular mechanism for organizing protrusive structures at the leading edge.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yihong Yang
- National Laboratory of Biomacromolecules, Chinese Academy of Sciences Center for Excellence in Biomacromolecules, Institute of Biophysics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Dong Li
- National Laboratory of Biomacromolecules, Chinese Academy of Sciences Center for Excellence in Biomacromolecules, Institute of Biophysics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China.,School of Life Sciences, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, China
| | - Xiaoting Chao
- National Laboratory of Biomacromolecules, Chinese Academy of Sciences Center for Excellence in Biomacromolecules, Institute of Biophysics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China.,College of Life Sciences, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Shashi P Singh
- Cancer Research UK Beatson Institute, Glasgow, UK.,University of Glasgow Institute of Cancer Sciences, Glasgow, UK
| | - Peter Thomason
- Cancer Research UK Beatson Institute, Glasgow, UK.,University of Glasgow Institute of Cancer Sciences, Glasgow, UK
| | - Yonghong Yan
- National Institute of Biological Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Mengqiu Dong
- National Institute of Biological Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Lei Li
- State Key Laboratory of Protein and Plant Gene Research, Peking-Tsinghua Center for Life Sciences, School of Life Sciences, Peking University, Beijing, China
| | - Robert H Insall
- Cancer Research UK Beatson Institute, Glasgow, UK.,University of Glasgow Institute of Cancer Sciences, Glasgow, UK
| | - Huaqing Cai
- National Laboratory of Biomacromolecules, Chinese Academy of Sciences Center for Excellence in Biomacromolecules, Institute of Biophysics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China.,College of Life Sciences, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
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5
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Abstract
Signal transduction and cytoskeleton networks in a wide variety of cells display excitability, but the mechanisms are poorly understood. Here, we show that during random migration and in response to chemoattractants, cells maintain complementary spatial and temporal distributions of Ras activity and phosphatidylinositol (3,4)-bisphosphate [PI(3,4)P2]. In addition, depletion of PI(3,4)P2 by disruption of the 5-phosphatase, Dd5P4, or by recruitment of 4-phosphatase INPP4B to the plasma membrane, leads to elevated Ras activity, cell spreading, and altered migratory behavior. Furthermore, RasGAP2 and RapGAP3 bind to PI(3,4)P2, and the phenotypes of cells lacking these genes mimic those with low PI(3,4)P2 levels, providing a molecular mechanism. These findings suggest that Ras activity drives PI(3,4)P2 down, causing the PI(3,4)P2-binding GAPs to dissociate from the membrane, further activating Ras, completing a positive-feedback loop essential for excitability. Consistently, a computational model incorporating such a feedback loop in an excitable network model accurately simulates the dynamic distributions of active Ras and PI(3,4)P2 as well as cell migratory behavior. The mutually inhibitory Ras-PI(3,4)P2 mechanisms we uncovered here provide a framework for Ras regulation that may play a key role in many physiological processes.
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Artemenko Y, Devreotes PN. Assessment of Dictyostelium discoideum Response to Acute Mechanical Stimulation. J Vis Exp 2017. [PMID: 29155792 DOI: 10.3791/56411] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Chemotaxis, or migration up a gradient of a chemoattractant, is the best understood mode of directed migration. Studies using social amoeba Dictyostelium discoideum revealed that a complex signal transduction network of parallel pathways amplifies the response to chemoattractants, and leads to biased actin polymerization and protrusion of a pseudopod in the direction of a gradient. In contrast, molecular mechanisms driving other types of directed migration, for example, due to exposure to shear flow or electric fields, are not known. Many regulators of chemotaxis exhibit localization at the leading or lagging edge of a migrating cell, as well as show transient changes in localization or activation following global stimulation with a chemoattractant. To understand the molecular mechanisms of other types of directed migration we developed a method that allows examination of cellular response to acute mechanical stimulation based on brief (2 - 5 s) exposure to shear flow. This stimulation can be delivered in a channel while imaging cells expressing fluorescently-labeled biosensors to examine individual cell behavior. Additionally, cell population can be stimulated in a plate, lysed, and immunoblotted using antibodies that recognize active versions of proteins of interest. By combining both assays, one can examine a wide array of molecules activated by changes in subcellular localization and/or phosphorylation. Using this method we determined that acute mechanical stimulation triggers activation of the chemotactic signal transduction and actin cytoskeleton networks. The ability to examine cellular responses to acute mechanical stimulation is important for understanding the initiating events necessary for shear flow-induced motility. This approach also provides a tool for studying the chemotactic signal transduction network without the confounding influence of the chemoattractant receptor.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Peter N Devreotes
- Department of Cell Biology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine
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7
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Chemical and mechanical stimuli act on common signal transduction and cytoskeletal networks. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2016; 113:E7500-E7509. [PMID: 27821730 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.1608767113] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/19/2023] Open
Abstract
Signal transduction pathways activated by chemoattractants have been extensively studied, but little is known about the events mediating responses to mechanical stimuli. We discovered that acute mechanical perturbation of cells triggered transient activation of all tested components of the chemotactic signal transduction network, as well as actin polymerization. Similarly to chemoattractants, the shear flow-induced signal transduction events displayed features of excitability, including the ability to mount a full response irrespective of the length of the stimulation and a refractory period that is shared with that generated by chemoattractants. Loss of G protein subunits, inhibition of multiple signal transduction events, or disruption of calcium signaling attenuated the response to acute mechanical stimulation. Unlike the response to chemoattractants, an intact actin cytoskeleton was essential for reacting to mechanical perturbation. These results taken together suggest that chemotactic and mechanical stimuli trigger activation of a common signal transduction network that integrates external cues to regulate cytoskeletal activity and drive cell migration.
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Skoge M, Wong E, Hamza B, Bae A, Martel J, Kataria R, Keizer-Gunnink I, Kortholt A, Van Haastert PJM, Charras G, Janetopoulos C, Irimia D. A Worldwide Competition to Compare the Speed and Chemotactic Accuracy of Neutrophil-Like Cells. PLoS One 2016; 11:e0154491. [PMID: 27332963 PMCID: PMC4917115 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0154491] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/29/2015] [Accepted: 04/14/2016] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Chemotaxis is the ability to migrate towards the source of chemical gradients. It underlies the ability of neutrophils and other immune cells to hone in on their targets and defend against invading pathogens. Given the importance of neutrophil migration to health and disease, it is crucial to understand the basic mechanisms controlling chemotaxis so that strategies can be developed to modulate cell migration in clinical settings. Because of the complexity of human genetics, Dictyostelium and HL60 cells have long served as models system for studying chemotaxis. Since many of our current insights into chemotaxis have been gained from these two model systems, we decided to compare them side by side in a set of winner-take-all races, the Dicty World Races. These worldwide competitions challenge researchers to genetically engineer and pharmacologically enhance the model systems to compete in microfluidic racecourses. These races bring together technological innovations in genetic engineering and precision measurement of cell motility. Fourteen teams participated in the inaugural Dicty World Race 2014 and contributed cell lines, which they tuned for enhanced speed and chemotactic accuracy. The race enabled large-scale analyses of chemotaxis in complex environments and revealed an intriguing balance of speed and accuracy of the model cell lines. The successes of the first race validated the concept of using fun-spirited competition to gain insights into the complex mechanisms controlling chemotaxis, while the challenges of the first race will guide further technological development and planning of future events.
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Affiliation(s)
- Monica Skoge
- Joseph Henry Laboratories of Physics and Lewis-Sigler Institute for Integrative Genomics, Princeton University, Princeton, New Jersey, United States of America
| | - Elisabeth Wong
- BioMEMS Resource Center, Massachusetts General Hospital, Shriners Burns Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, United States of America
| | - Bashar Hamza
- BioMEMS Resource Center, Massachusetts General Hospital, Shriners Burns Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, United States of America
| | - Albert Bae
- Max Planck Institute for Dynamics and Self Organization, Göttingen, Germany
| | - Joseph Martel
- BioMEMS Resource Center, Massachusetts General Hospital, Shriners Burns Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, United States of America
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Wentworth Institute of Technology, Boston, Massachusetts, United States of America
| | - Rama Kataria
- Department of Cell Biochemistry, University of Groningen, Groningen, Netherlands
| | - Ineke Keizer-Gunnink
- Department of Cell Biochemistry, University of Groningen, Groningen, Netherlands
| | - Arjan Kortholt
- Department of Cell Biochemistry, University of Groningen, Groningen, Netherlands
| | | | - Guillaume Charras
- London Centre for Nanotechnology and Department of Cell and Developmental Biology, University College London, London, United Kingdom
| | | | - Daniel Irimia
- BioMEMS Resource Center, Massachusetts General Hospital, Shriners Burns Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, United States of America
- * E-mail:
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