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Kraus J, Alfaro-Aco R, Gouveia B, Petry S. Microtubule nucleation for spindle assembly: one molecule at a time. Trends Biochem Sci 2023; 48:761-775. [PMID: 37482516 PMCID: PMC10789498 DOI: 10.1016/j.tibs.2023.06.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/23/2022] [Revised: 06/01/2023] [Accepted: 06/06/2023] [Indexed: 07/25/2023]
Abstract
The cell orchestrates the dance of chromosome segregation with remarkable speed and fidelity. The mitotic spindle is built from scratch after interphase through microtubule (MT) nucleation, which is dependent on the γ-tubulin ring complex (γ-TuRC), the universal MT template. Although several MT nucleation pathways build the spindle framework, the question of when and how γ-TuRC is targeted to these nucleation sites in the spindle and subsequently activated remains an active area of investigation. Recent advances facilitated the discovery of new MT nucleation effectors and their mechanisms of action. In this review, we illuminate each spindle assembly pathway and subsequently consider how the pathways are merged to build a spindle.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jodi Kraus
- Department of Molecular Biology, Princeton University, Princeton, NJ, USA
| | | | - Bernardo Gouveia
- Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering, Princeton University, Princeton, NJ, USA
| | - Sabine Petry
- Department of Molecular Biology, Princeton University, Princeton, NJ, USA.
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2
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Gouveia B, Setru SU, King MR, Hamlin A, Stone HA, Shaevitz JW, Petry S. Acentrosomal spindles assemble from branching microtubule nucleation near chromosomes in Xenopus laevis egg extract. Nat Commun 2023; 14:3696. [PMID: 37344488 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-023-39041-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/15/2022] [Accepted: 05/08/2023] [Indexed: 06/23/2023] Open
Abstract
Microtubules are generated at centrosomes, chromosomes, and within spindles during cell division. Whereas microtubule nucleation at the centrosome is well characterized, much remains unknown about where, when, and how microtubules are nucleated at chromosomes. To address these questions, we reconstitute microtubule nucleation from purified chromosomes in meiotic Xenopus egg extract and find that chromosomes alone can form spindles. We visualize microtubule nucleation near chromosomes using total internal reflection fluorescence microscopy to find that this occurs through branching microtubule nucleation. By inhibiting molecular motors, we find that the organization of the resultant polar branched networks is consistent with a theoretical model where the effectors for branching nucleation are released by chromosomes, forming a concentration gradient that spatially biases branching microtbule nucleation. In the presence of motors, these branched networks are ultimately organized into functional spindles, where the number of emergent spindle poles scales with the number of chromosomes and total chromatin area.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bernardo Gouveia
- Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering, Princeton University, Princeton, NJ, 08544, USA
| | - Sagar U Setru
- Lewis-Sigler Institute for Integrative Genomics, Princeton University, Princeton, NJ, 08544, USA
| | - Matthew R King
- Department of Molecular Biology, Princeton University, Princeton, NJ, 08544, USA
| | - Aaron Hamlin
- Department of Molecular Biology, Princeton University, Princeton, NJ, 08544, USA
| | - Howard A Stone
- Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering, Princeton University, Princeton, NJ, 08544, USA
| | - Joshua W Shaevitz
- Lewis-Sigler Institute for Integrative Genomics, Princeton University, Princeton, NJ, 08544, USA
- Department of Physics, Princeton University, Princeton, NJ, 08544, USA
| | - Sabine Petry
- Department of Molecular Biology, Princeton University, Princeton, NJ, 08544, USA.
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3
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Wang J, Dong X, Li D, Fang Z, Wan X, Liu J. Fucoxanthin inhibits gastric cancer lymphangiogenesis and metastasis by regulating Ran expression. PHYTOMEDICINE : INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF PHYTOTHERAPY AND PHYTOPHARMACOLOGY 2023; 118:154926. [PMID: 37392675 DOI: 10.1016/j.phymed.2023.154926] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/23/2023] [Revised: 05/21/2023] [Accepted: 06/06/2023] [Indexed: 07/03/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Lymph node metastasis is a key mechanism in gastric cancer (GC) metastasis and lymphangiogenesis is a vital step in the process of lymph node metastasis. Currently, there are no drugs which can treat lymph node metastasis in GC. Previous studies using the drug fucoxanthin have mainly focused on cell cycle arrest, induction of apoptosis, or inhibition of angiogenesis in GC. However, the effects of fucoxanthin on lymphangiogenesis and metastasis in GC have not been studied. METHODS Cell counting kit 8 and transwell experiments were used to evaluate the inhibitory effect of fucoxanthin on cell proliferation, migration and invasion. HGC-27 and HLEC cells were co-cultured in a transwell chamber and the footpad metastasis model was established to evaluate lymphangiogenesis and lymph node metastasis. The possible regulatory targets of fucoxanthin in GC were analyzed using human tissue microarrays, bioinformatics analysis, and molecular docking. The regulatory pathway of fucoxanthin was verified using confocal laser microscopy, adenovirus transfection and western blotting. RESULTS Tissue microarray and bioinformatics analyses showed that Ran was highly expressed in metastatic lymph nodes and has some predictive value for metastasis in GC. Molecular docking results revealed that fucoxanthin interacted with Met189 and Lys167 of Ran via hydrogen bonds. Mechanistically, fucoxanthin inhibits the nuclear transport of NF-κB by downregulating protein expression of Ran and importinβ, thereby inhibiting VEGF-C secretion, and ultimately inhibiting tumor lymphangiogenesis and lymph node metastasis in vivo and in vitro. CONCLUSIONS Fucoxanthin suppressed GC-induced lymphangiogenesis and metastasis in vitro and in vivo by regulating Ran expression via the importinβ/NF-κB/VEGF-C nuclear transport signaling pathway. These novel findings provide the basis for the research and development of novel treatments using traditional Chinese medicine in treatment of lymph node metastasis, which has important theoretical significance and clinical value.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jia Wang
- Stem Cell Clinical Research Center, The First Affiliated Hospital of Dalian Medical University, Dalian, Liaoning 116011, China; Department of Critical Care Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Dalian Medical University, Dalian, Liaoning 116021, China
| | - Xue Dong
- Department of Critical Care Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Dalian Medical University, Dalian, Liaoning 116021, China
| | - Dandan Li
- Department of Critical Care Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Dalian Medical University, Dalian, Liaoning 116021, China
| | - Zhiyao Fang
- Department of Critical Care Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Dalian Medical University, Dalian, Liaoning 116021, China
| | - Xianyao Wan
- Department of Critical Care Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Dalian Medical University, Dalian, Liaoning 116021, China.
| | - Jing Liu
- Stem Cell Clinical Research Center, The First Affiliated Hospital of Dalian Medical University, Dalian, Liaoning 116011, China; Liaoning Key Laboratory of Frontier Technology of Stem Cell and Precision Medicine, Dalian Engineering Research Center for Genetic Variation Detection of Infectious Pathogenic Microorganisms, Dalian Innovation Institute of Stem Cell and Precision Medicine, Dalian, Liaoning 116085, China.
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4
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GBM Cells Exhibit Susceptibility to Metformin Treatment According to TLR4 Pathway Activation and Metabolic and Antioxidant Status. Cancers (Basel) 2023; 15:cancers15030587. [PMID: 36765551 PMCID: PMC9913744 DOI: 10.3390/cancers15030587] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/20/2022] [Revised: 01/10/2023] [Accepted: 01/14/2023] [Indexed: 01/20/2023] Open
Abstract
Glioblastoma (GBM) is an aggressive brain cancer associated with poor overall survival. The metabolic status and tumor microenvironment of GBM cells have been targeted to improve therapeutic strategies. TLR4 is an important innate immune receptor capable of recognizing pathogens and danger-associated molecules. We have previously demonstrated the presence of TLR4 in GBM tumors and the decreased viability of the GBM tumor cell line after lipopolysaccharide (LPS) (TLR4 agonist) stimulation. In the present study, metformin (MET) treatment, used in combination with temozolomide (TMZ) in two GBM cell lines (U87MG and A172) and stimulated with LPS was analyzed. MET is a drug widely used for the treatment of diabetes and has been repurposed for cancer treatment owing to its anti-proliferative and anti-inflammatory actions. The aim of the study was to investigate MET and LPS treatment in two GBM cell lines with different metabolic statuses. MET treatment led to mitochondrial respiration blunting and oxidative stress with superoxide production in both cell lines, more markedly in U87MG cells. Decreased cell viability after MET + TMZ and MET + LPS + TMZ treatment was observed in both cell lines. U87MG cells exhibited apoptosis after MET + LPS + TMZ treatment, promoting increased ER stress, unfolded protein response, and BLC2 downregulation. LPS stimulation of U87MG cells led to upregulation of SOD2 and genes related to the TLR4 signaling pathway, including IL1B and CXCL8. A172 cells attained upregulated antioxidant gene expression, particularly SOD1, TXN and PRDX1-5, while MET treatment led to cell-cycle arrest. In silico analysis of the TCGA-GBM-RNASeq dataset indicated that the glycolytic plurimetabolic (GPM)-GBM subtype had a transcriptomic profile which overlapped with U87MG cells, suggesting GBM cases exhibiting this metabolic background with an activated inflammatory TLR4 pathway may respond to MET treatment. For cases with upregulated CXCL8, coding for IL8 (a pro-angiogenic factor), combination treatment with an IL8 inhibitor may improve tumor growth control. The A172 cell line corresponded to the mitochondrial (MTC)-GBM subtype, where MET plus an antioxidant inhibitor, such as anti-SOD1, may be indicated as a combinatory therapy.
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5
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Striebel M, Brauns F, Frey E. Length Regulation Drives Self-Organization in Filament-Motor Mixtures. PHYSICAL REVIEW LETTERS 2022; 129:238102. [PMID: 36563230 DOI: 10.1103/physrevlett.129.238102] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/24/2021] [Accepted: 10/10/2022] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
Cytoskeletal networks form complex intracellular structures. Here we investigate a minimal model for filament-motor mixtures in which motors act as depolymerases and thereby regulate filament length. Combining agent-based simulations and hydrodynamic equations, we show that resource-limited length regulation drives the formation of filament clusters despite the absence of mechanical interactions between filaments. Even though the orientation of individual remains fixed, collective filament orientation emerges in the clusters, aligned orthogonal to their interfaces.
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Affiliation(s)
- Moritz Striebel
- Arnold Sommerfeld Center for Theoretical Physics and Center for NanoScience, Department of Physics, Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München, Theresienstrasse 37, D-80333 Munich, Germany
| | - Fridtjof Brauns
- Arnold Sommerfeld Center for Theoretical Physics and Center for NanoScience, Department of Physics, Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München, Theresienstrasse 37, D-80333 Munich, Germany
| | - Erwin Frey
- Arnold Sommerfeld Center for Theoretical Physics and Center for NanoScience, Department of Physics, Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München, Theresienstrasse 37, D-80333 Munich, Germany
- Max Planck School Matter to Life, Hofgartenstraße 8, D-80539 Munich, Germany
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6
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Zheng D, Cao M, Zuo S, Xia X, Zhi C, Lin Y, Deng S, Yuan X. RANBP1 promotes colorectal cancer progression by regulating pre-miRNA nuclear export via a positive feedback loop with YAP. Oncogene 2022; 41:930-942. [PMID: 34615998 DOI: 10.1038/s41388-021-02036-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/09/2021] [Revised: 09/05/2021] [Accepted: 09/22/2021] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
Colorectal cancer (CRC) is among the top five most common malignant tumors worldwide and has a high mortality rate. Identification of the mechanism of CRC and potential therapeutic targets is critical for improving survival. In the present study, we observed high expression of RAN binding protein 1 (RANBP1) in CRC tissues. Upregulated RANBP1 expression was strongly associated with TNM stages and was an independent risk factor for poor prognosis. In vitro and in vivo functional experiments demonstrated that RANBP1 promoted the proliferation and invasion of CRC cells and inhibited the apoptosis of CRC cells. Low RANBP1 expression reduced the expression levels of hsa-miR-18a, hsa-miR-183, and hsa-miR-106 microRNAs (miRNAs) by inhibiting the nucleoplasmic transport of precursor miRNAs (pre-miRNAs), thereby promoting the accumulation of the latter in the nucleus and reducing the expression of mature miRNAs. Further experiments and bioinformatic analyses demonstrated that RANBP1 promoted the expression of YAP by regulating miRNAs and the Hippo pathway. We also found that YAP acted as a transcriptional cofactor to activate RANBP1 transcription in combination with TEAD4 transcription factor. Thus, RANBP1 further promoted the progression of CRC by forming a positive feedback loop with YAP. Our results revealed the biological role and mechanism of RANBP1 in CRC for the first time, suggesting that RANBP1 can be used as a diagnostic molecule and a potential therapeutic target in CRC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dandan Zheng
- Department of Anatomy, Histology and Embryology, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, 211166, China
| | - Meng Cao
- Department of General Surgery, Nanjing Drum Tower Hospital, the Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing University Medical School, Nanjing, 210008, China
| | - Siyu Zuo
- Department of Anatomy, Histology and Embryology, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, 211166, China
- The Children's Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, National Clinical Research Center for Child Health, Hangzhou, 310003, China
| | - Xin Xia
- Department of Anatomy, Histology and Embryology, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, 211166, China
| | - Chunchun Zhi
- Department of Pathology, Nanjing Jinling Hospital, Nanjing University School of Medicine, Nanjing, 210002, China
| | - Yanbing Lin
- Department of Anatomy, Histology and Embryology, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, 211166, China
| | - Sitong Deng
- Department of Anatomy, Histology and Embryology, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, 211166, China
| | - Xiaoqin Yuan
- Department of Anatomy, Histology and Embryology, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, 211166, China.
- Key Laboratory for Aging & Disease, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, 211166, China.
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7
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Abstract
The purpose of this review is to explore self-organizing mechanisms that pattern microtubules (MTs) and spatially organize animal cell cytoplasm, inspired by recent experiments in frog egg extract. We start by reviewing conceptual distinctions between self-organizing and templating mechanisms for subcellular organization. We then discuss self-organizing mechanisms that generate radial MT arrays and cell centers in the absence of centrosomes. These include autocatalytic MT nucleation, transport of minus ends, and nucleation from organelles such as melanosomes and Golgi vesicles that are also dynein cargoes. We then discuss mechanisms that partition the cytoplasm in syncytia, in which multiple nuclei share a common cytoplasm, starting with cytokinesis, when all metazoan cells are transiently syncytial. The cytoplasm of frog eggs is partitioned prior to cytokinesis by two self-organizing modules, protein regulator of cytokinesis 1 (PRC1)-kinesin family member 4A (KIF4A) and chromosome passenger complex (CPC)-KIF20A. Similar modules may partition longer-lasting syncytia, such as early Drosophila embryos. We end by discussing shared mechanisms and principles for the MT-based self-organization of cellular units.
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Affiliation(s)
- Timothy J Mitchison
- Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts 02115, USA; ,
- Marine Biological Laboratory, Woods Hole, Massachusetts 02543, USA
| | - Christine M Field
- Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts 02115, USA; ,
- Marine Biological Laboratory, Woods Hole, Massachusetts 02543, USA
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8
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Abstract
In the context of animal or plant development, we tend to think of cells as small, simple, building blocks, such that complex patterns or shapes can only be constructed from large numbers of cells, with cells in different parts of the organism taking on different fates. However, cells themselves are far from simple, and often take on complex shapes with a remarkable degree of intracellular patterning. How do these patterns arise? As in embryogenesis, the development of structure inside a cell can be broken down into a number of basic processes. For each part of the cell, morphogenetic processes create internal structures such as organelles, which might correspond to organs at the level of a whole organism. Given that mechanisms exist to generate parts, patterning processes are required to ensure that the parts are distributed in the correct arrangement relative to the rest of the cell. Such patterning processes make reference to global polarity axes, requiring mechanisms for axiation which, in turn, require processes to break symmetry. These fundamental processes of symmetry breaking, axiation, patterning, and morphogenesis have been extensively studied in developmental biology but less so at the subcellular level. This review will focus on developmental processes that give eukaryotic cells their complex structures, with a focus on cytoskeletal organization in free-living cells, ciliates in particular, in which these processes are most readily apparent.
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9
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Mani N, Wijeratne SS, Subramanian R. Micron-scale geometrical features of microtubules as regulators of microtubule organization. eLife 2021; 10:e63880. [PMID: 34114950 PMCID: PMC8195601 DOI: 10.7554/elife.63880] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/12/2020] [Accepted: 06/02/2021] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
The organization of micron-sized, multi-microtubule arrays from individual microtubules is essential for diverse cellular functions. The microtubule polymer is largely viewed as a passive building block during the organization process. An exception is the 'tubulin code' where alterations to tubulin at the amino acid level can influence the activity of microtubule-associated proteins. Recent studies reveal that micron-scale geometrical features of individual microtubules and polymer networks, such as microtubule length, overlap length, contact angle, and lattice defects, can also regulate the activity of microtubule-associated proteins and modulate polymer dynamics. We discuss how the interplay between such geometrical properties of the microtubule lattice and the activity of associated proteins direct multiple aspects of array organization, from microtubule nucleation and coalignment to specification of array dimensions and remodeling of dynamic networks. The mechanisms reviewed here highlight micron-sized features of microtubules as critical parameters to be routinely investigated in the study of microtubule self-organization.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nandini Mani
- Department of Molecular Biology, Massachusetts General HospitalBostonUnited States
- Department of Genetics, Harvard Medical SchoolBostonUnited States
| | - Sithara S Wijeratne
- Department of Molecular Biology, Massachusetts General HospitalBostonUnited States
- Department of Genetics, Harvard Medical SchoolBostonUnited States
| | - Radhika Subramanian
- Department of Molecular Biology, Massachusetts General HospitalBostonUnited States
- Department of Genetics, Harvard Medical SchoolBostonUnited States
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10
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Abstract
An investigation of how mitotic spindle size scales with cell size in early zebrafish embryos reveals fundamental principles of spindle organization. Spindle size depends primarily on microtubule number, which is regulated by a reaction-diffusion system when cells are large, and by signals from the plasma membrane when they are small.
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Affiliation(s)
- T J Mitchison
- Department of Systems Biology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA.
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11
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Spindle scaling mechanisms. Essays Biochem 2021; 64:383-396. [PMID: 32501481 DOI: 10.1042/ebc20190064] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/14/2020] [Revised: 05/11/2020] [Accepted: 05/12/2020] [Indexed: 02/02/2023]
Abstract
The mitotic spindle robustly scales with cell size in a plethora of different organisms. During development and throughout evolution, the spindle adjusts to cell size in metazoans and yeast in order to ensure faithful chromosome separation. Spindle adjustment to cell size occurs by the scaling of spindle length, spindle shape and the velocity of spindle assembly and elongation. Different mechanisms, depending on spindle structure and organism, account for these scaling relationships. The limited availability of critical spindle components, protein gradients, sequestration of spindle components, or post-translational modification and differential expression levels have been implicated in the regulation of spindle length and the spindle assembly/elongation velocity in a cell size-dependent manner. In this review, we will discuss the phenomenon and mechanisms of spindle length, spindle shape and spindle elongation velocity scaling with cell size.
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12
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Rieckhoff EM, Berndt F, Elsner M, Golfier S, Decker F, Ishihara K, Brugués J. Spindle Scaling Is Governed by Cell Boundary Regulation of Microtubule Nucleation. Curr Biol 2020; 30:4973-4983.e10. [DOI: 10.1016/j.cub.2020.10.093] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/27/2020] [Revised: 10/11/2020] [Accepted: 10/29/2020] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
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13
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Ems-McClung SC, Emch M, Zhang S, Mahnoor S, Weaver LN, Walczak CE. RanGTP induces an effector gradient of XCTK2 and importin α/β for spindle microtubule cross-linking. J Cell Biol 2020; 219:133528. [PMID: 31865374 PMCID: PMC7041689 DOI: 10.1083/jcb.201906045] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/07/2019] [Revised: 10/21/2019] [Accepted: 11/08/2019] [Indexed: 01/04/2023] Open
Abstract
High RanGTP around chromatin is important for governing spindle assembly during meiosis and mitosis by releasing the inhibitory effects of importin α/β. Here we examine how the Ran gradient regulates Kinesin-14 function to control spindle organization. We show that Xenopus Kinesin-14, XCTK2, and importin α/β form an effector gradient that is highest at the poles and diminishes toward the chromatin, which is opposite the RanGTP gradient. Importin α and β preferentially inhibit XCTK2 antiparallel microtubule cross-linking and sliding by decreasing the microtubule affinity of the XCTK2 tail domain. This change in microtubule affinity enables RanGTP to target endogenous XCTK2 to the spindle. We propose that these combined actions of the Ran pathway are critical to promote Kinesin-14 parallel microtubule cross-linking to help focus spindle poles for efficient bipolar spindle assembly. Furthermore, our work illustrates that RanGTP regulation in the spindle is not simply a switch, but rather generates effector gradients where importins α and β gradually tune the activities of spindle assembly factors.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Mackenzie Emch
- Department of Biology, Indiana University, Bloomington, IN
| | | | - Serena Mahnoor
- Indiana University International Summer Undergraduate Research Program, Bloomington, IN
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14
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Guilloux G, Gibeaux R. Mechanisms of spindle assembly and size control. Biol Cell 2020; 112:369-382. [PMID: 32762076 DOI: 10.1111/boc.202000065] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/19/2020] [Revised: 08/03/2020] [Accepted: 08/03/2020] [Indexed: 01/09/2023]
Abstract
The spindle is crucial for cell division by allowing the faithful segregation of replicated chromosomes to daughter cells. Proper segregation is ensured only if microtubules (MTs) and hundreds of other associated factors interact to assemble this complex structure with the appropriate architecture and size. In this review, we describe the latest view of spindle organisation as well as the molecular gradients and mechanisms underlying MT nucleation and spindle assembly. We then discuss the overlapping physical and molecular constraints that dictate spindle morphology, concluding with a focus on spindle size regulation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gabriel Guilloux
- Univ Rennes, CNRS, IGDR [(Institute of Genetics and Development of Rennes)] - UMR 6290, F-35000 Rennes, France
| | - Romain Gibeaux
- Univ Rennes, CNRS, IGDR [(Institute of Genetics and Development of Rennes)] - UMR 6290, F-35000 Rennes, France
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15
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Active forces shape the metaphase spindle through a mechanical instability. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2020; 117:16154-16159. [PMID: 32601228 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.2002446117] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
The metaphase spindle is a dynamic structure orchestrating chromosome segregation during cell division. Recently, soft matter approaches have shown that the spindle behaves as an active liquid crystal. Still, it remains unclear how active force generation contributes to its characteristic spindle-like shape. Here we combine theory and experiments to show that molecular motor-driven forces shape the structure through a barreling-type instability. We test our physical model by titrating dynein activity in Xenopus egg extract spindles and quantifying the shape and microtubule orientation. We conclude that spindles are shaped by the interplay between surface tension, nematic elasticity, and motor-driven active forces. Our study reveals how motor proteins can mold liquid crystalline droplets and has implications for the design of active soft materials.
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16
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King MR, Petry S. Phase separation of TPX2 enhances and spatially coordinates microtubule nucleation. Nat Commun 2020; 11:270. [PMID: 31937751 PMCID: PMC6959270 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-019-14087-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 118] [Impact Index Per Article: 29.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/02/2019] [Accepted: 12/10/2019] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Phase separation of substrates and effectors is proposed to enhance biological reaction rates and efficiency. Targeting protein for Xklp2 (TPX2) is an effector of branching microtubule nucleation in spindles and functions with the substrate tubulin by an unknown mechanism. Here we show that TPX2 phase separates into a co-condensate with tubulin, which mediates microtubule nucleation in vitro and in isolated cytosol. TPX2-tubulin co-condensation preferentially occurs on pre-existing microtubules, the site of branching microtubule nucleation, at the endogenous and physiologically relevant concentration of TPX2. Truncation and chimera versions of TPX2 suggest that TPX2-tubulin co-condensation enhances the efficiency of TPX2-mediated branching microtubule nucleation. Finally, the known inhibitor of TPX2, the importin-α/β heterodimer, regulates TPX2 condensation in vitro and, consequently, branching microtubule nucleation activity in isolated cytosol. Our study demonstrates how regulated phase separation can simultaneously enhance reaction efficiency and spatially coordinate microtubule nucleation, which may facilitate rapid and accurate spindle formation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matthew R King
- Department of Molecular Biology, Princeton University, Princeton, New Jersey, 08544, USA
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Washington University, Brauer Hall, One Brookings Drive, Saint Louis, Missouri, 63130, USA
| | - Sabine Petry
- Department of Molecular Biology, Princeton University, Princeton, New Jersey, 08544, USA.
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17
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Drutovic D, Duan X, Li R, Kalab P, Solc P. RanGTP and importin β regulate meiosis I spindle assembly and function in mouse oocytes. EMBO J 2020; 39:e101689. [PMID: 31617608 PMCID: PMC6939199 DOI: 10.15252/embj.2019101689] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/01/2019] [Revised: 09/17/2019] [Accepted: 09/20/2019] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Homologous chromosome segregation during meiosis I (MI) in mammalian oocytes is carried out by the acentrosomal MI spindles. Whereas studies in human oocytes identified Ran GTPase as a crucial regulator of the MI spindle function, experiments in mouse oocytes questioned the generality of this notion. Here, we use live-cell imaging with fluorescent probes and Förster resonance energy transfer (FRET) biosensors to monitor the changes in Ran and importin β signaling induced by perturbations of Ran in mouse oocytes while examining the MI spindle dynamics. We show that unlike RanT24N employed in previous studies, a RanT24N, T42A double mutant inhibits RanGEF without perturbing cargo binding to importin β and disrupts MI spindle function in chromosome segregation. Roles of Ran and importin β in the coalescence of microtubule organizing centers (MTOCs) and MI spindle assembly are further supported by the use of the chemical inhibitor importazole, whose effects are partially rescued by the GTP hydrolysis-resistant RanQ69L mutant. These results indicate that RanGTP is essential for MI spindle assembly and function both in humans and mice.
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Affiliation(s)
- David Drutovic
- Institute of Animal Physiology and Genetics of the Czech Academy of SciencesLibechovCzech Republic
| | - Xing Duan
- Department of Chemical and Biomolecular EngineeringWhiting School of EngineeringBaltimoreMDUSA
- Center for Cell DynamicsDepartment of Cell BiologyJohns Hopkins University School of MedicineBaltimoreMDUSA
| | - Rong Li
- Department of Chemical and Biomolecular EngineeringWhiting School of EngineeringBaltimoreMDUSA
- Center for Cell DynamicsDepartment of Cell BiologyJohns Hopkins University School of MedicineBaltimoreMDUSA
| | - Petr Kalab
- Department of Chemical and Biomolecular EngineeringWhiting School of EngineeringBaltimoreMDUSA
| | - Petr Solc
- Institute of Animal Physiology and Genetics of the Czech Academy of SciencesLibechovCzech Republic
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18
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Huang X, Zhao J, Fu W, Zhu J, Lou S, Tian X, Chen S, Ruan J, He J, Zhou H. The association of RAN and RANBP2 gene polymerphisms with Wilms tumor risk in Chinese children. J Cancer 2020; 11:804-809. [PMID: 31949483 PMCID: PMC6959007 DOI: 10.7150/jca.36651] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/11/2019] [Accepted: 11/03/2019] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Wilms tumor is considered to be the most common renal malignancy among children. RAN, a member of RAS superfamily, and its binding partner RANBP2 are related to the progression of multiple tumors. Nevertheless, the effects of the RAN and RANBP2 gene polymorphisms on the tumorigenesis of Wilms tumor remain unclarified. In this study, three potentially functional polymorphisms (rs56109543 C>T, rs7132224 A>G, and rs14035 C>T) in the RAN and one (rs2462788 C>T) in the RANBP2 were chosen to investigate their association with Wilms tumor susceptibility. Odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were applied to assess the association of the selected polymorphisms with Wilms tumor susceptibility. Results shown that RAN rs7132224 AG/GG genotypes significantly increased Wilms tumor risk when compared to AA genotype (adjusted OR=1.40, 95% CI=1.01-1.95, P=0.047). Carriers of 1-3 risk genotypes have a significantly higher Wilms tumor risk than those without risk genotype (adjusted OR=1.49, 95% CI=1.07-2.07, P=0.020). Moreover, stratified analysis indicated that RAN rs56109543 CT/TT genotypes, RAN rs7132224 AG/GG genotypes and RANBP2 rs2462788 CT/TT genotypes remarkably increased Wilms tumor susceptibility among the subgroups. Our results indicated that RAN and RANBP2 polymorphisms were associated with Wilms tumor susceptibility in Chinese children. The role of RAN/RANBP2 in cancers deserves more attention.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaokai Huang
- Department of Hematology, The Second Affiliated Hospital and Yuying Children's Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou 325027, Zhejiang, China
| | - Jie Zhao
- Department of Hematology, The Second Affiliated Hospital and Yuying Children's Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou 325027, Zhejiang, China
| | - Wen Fu
- Department of Pediatric Surgery, Guangzhou Institute of Pediatrics, Guangzhou Women and Children's Medical Center, Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510623, China
| | - Jinhong Zhu
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, Biobank, Harbin Medical University Cancer Hospital, Harbin 150040, Heilongjiang, China
| | - Susu Lou
- Department of Hematology, The Second Affiliated Hospital and Yuying Children's Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou 325027, Zhejiang, China
| | - Xiaoqian Tian
- Department of Hematology, The Second Affiliated Hospital and Yuying Children's Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou 325027, Zhejiang, China
| | - Shanshan Chen
- Department of Hematology, The Second Affiliated Hospital and Yuying Children's Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou 325027, Zhejiang, China
| | - Jichen Ruan
- Department of Hematology, The Second Affiliated Hospital and Yuying Children's Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou 325027, Zhejiang, China
| | - Jing He
- Department of Hematology, The Second Affiliated Hospital and Yuying Children's Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou 325027, Zhejiang, China
- Department of Pediatric Surgery, Guangzhou Institute of Pediatrics, Guangzhou Women and Children's Medical Center, Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510623, China
- ✉ Corresponding authors: Haixia Zhou, Department of Hematology, The Second Affiliated Hospital and Yuying Children's Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, 109 West Xueyuan Road, Wenzhou 325027, Zhejiang, China, Tel./Fax: +86-13587898900, ; or Jing He, Department of Pediatric Surgery, Guangzhou Institute of Pediatrics, Guangzhou Women and Children's Medical Center, Guangzhou Medical University, 9 Jinsui Road, Guangzhou 510623, Guangdong, China, Tel./Fax: (+86-020)38076560,
| | - Haixia Zhou
- Department of Hematology, The Second Affiliated Hospital and Yuying Children's Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou 325027, Zhejiang, China
- ✉ Corresponding authors: Haixia Zhou, Department of Hematology, The Second Affiliated Hospital and Yuying Children's Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, 109 West Xueyuan Road, Wenzhou 325027, Zhejiang, China, Tel./Fax: +86-13587898900, ; or Jing He, Department of Pediatric Surgery, Guangzhou Institute of Pediatrics, Guangzhou Women and Children's Medical Center, Guangzhou Medical University, 9 Jinsui Road, Guangzhou 510623, Guangdong, China, Tel./Fax: (+86-020)38076560,
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19
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Abstract
The notion that graded distributions of signals underlie the spatial organization of biological systems has long been a central pillar in the fields of cell and developmental biology. During morphogenesis, morphogens spread across tissues to guide development of the embryo. Similarly, a variety of dynamic gradients and pattern-forming networks have been discovered that shape subcellular organization. Here we discuss the principles of intracellular pattern formation by these intracellular morphogens and relate them to conceptually similar processes operating at the tissue scale. We will specifically review mechanisms for generating cellular asymmetry and consider how intracellular patterning networks are controlled and adapt to cellular geometry. Finally, we assess the general concept of intracellular gradients as a mechanism for positional control in light of current data, highlighting how the simple readout of fixed concentration thresholds fails to fully capture the complexity of spatial patterning processes occurring inside cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lars Hubatsch
- Max Planck Institute for the Physics of Complex Systems, Dresden, Germany
| | - Nathan W Goehring
- The Francis Crick Institute, London, United Kingdom; Institute for the Physics of Living Systems, University College London, London, United Kingdom; MRC Laboratory for Molecular Cell Biology, University College London, London, United Kingdom.
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20
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Bao X, Liu H, Liu X, Ruan K, Zhang Y, Zhang Z, Hu Q, Liu Y, Akram S, Zhang J, Gong Q, Wang W, Yuan X, Li J, Zhao L, Dou Z, Tian R, Yao X, Wu J, Shi Y. Mitosis-specific acetylation tunes Ran effector binding for chromosome segregation. J Mol Cell Biol 2019; 10:18-32. [PMID: 29040603 PMCID: PMC6041754 DOI: 10.1093/jmcb/mjx045] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/04/2017] [Accepted: 10/03/2017] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Stable transmission of genetic information during cell division requires faithful mitotic spindle assembly and chromosome segregation. The Ran GTPase plays a key role in mitotic spindle assembly. However, how the generation of a chemical gradient of Ran-GTP at the spindle is coupled to mitotic post-translational modifications has never been characterized. Here, we solved the complex structure of Ran with the nucleotide release factor Mog1 and delineated a novel mitosis-specific acetylation-regulated Ran-Mog1 interaction during chromosome segregation. Our structure-guided functional analyses revealed that Mog1 competes with RCC1 for Ran binding in a GTP/GDP-dependent manner. Biochemical characterization demonstrated that Mog1-bound Ran prevents RCC1 binding and subsequent GTP loading. Surprisingly, Ran is a bona fide substrate of TIP60, and the acetylation of Lys134 by TIP60 liberates Mog1 from Ran binding during mitosis. Importantly, this acetylation-elicited switch of Ran binding to RCC1 promotes high level of Ran-GTP, which is essential for chromosome alignment. These results establish a previously uncharacterized regulatory mechanism in which TIP60 provides a homeostatic control of Ran-GTP level by tuning Ran effector binding for chromosome segregation in mitosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaoling Bao
- Hefei National Laboratory for Physical Sciences at Microscale, and School of Life Sciences, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei 230027, China
| | - Heng Liu
- Hefei National Laboratory for Physical Sciences at Microscale, and School of Life Sciences, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei 230027, China
| | - Xing Liu
- Center of Excellence in Molecular Cell Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences & Anhui Key Laboratory for Cellular Dynamics and Chemical Biology, Hefei 230027, China
| | - Ke Ruan
- Hefei National Laboratory for Physical Sciences at Microscale, and School of Life Sciences, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei 230027, China
| | - Yonghui Zhang
- Hefei National Laboratory for Physical Sciences at Microscale, and School of Life Sciences, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei 230027, China
| | - Zhiyong Zhang
- Hefei National Laboratory for Physical Sciences at Microscale, and School of Life Sciences, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei 230027, China
| | - Qi Hu
- Hefei National Laboratory for Physical Sciences at Microscale, and School of Life Sciences, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei 230027, China
| | - Ying Liu
- Hefei National Laboratory for Physical Sciences at Microscale, and School of Life Sciences, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei 230027, China
| | - Saima Akram
- Center of Excellence in Molecular Cell Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences & Anhui Key Laboratory for Cellular Dynamics and Chemical Biology, Hefei 230027, China
| | - Jiahai Zhang
- Hefei National Laboratory for Physical Sciences at Microscale, and School of Life Sciences, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei 230027, China
| | - Qingguo Gong
- Hefei National Laboratory for Physical Sciences at Microscale, and School of Life Sciences, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei 230027, China
| | - Wenwen Wang
- Center of Excellence in Molecular Cell Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences & Anhui Key Laboratory for Cellular Dynamics and Chemical Biology, Hefei 230027, China
| | - Xiao Yuan
- Southern University of Science & Technology, Shenzhen 518055, China
| | - Jian Li
- Keck Center for Molecular Imaging, Morehouse School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA 30310, USA
| | - Lingli Zhao
- Keck Center for Molecular Imaging, Morehouse School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA 30310, USA
| | - Zhen Dou
- Center of Excellence in Molecular Cell Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences & Anhui Key Laboratory for Cellular Dynamics and Chemical Biology, Hefei 230027, China
| | - Ruijun Tian
- Southern University of Science & Technology, Shenzhen 518055, China
| | - Xuebiao Yao
- Center of Excellence in Molecular Cell Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences & Anhui Key Laboratory for Cellular Dynamics and Chemical Biology, Hefei 230027, China
| | - Jihui Wu
- Hefei National Laboratory for Physical Sciences at Microscale, and School of Life Sciences, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei 230027, China
| | - Yunyu Shi
- Hefei National Laboratory for Physical Sciences at Microscale, and School of Life Sciences, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei 230027, China
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21
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Krmpot AJ, Nikolić SN, Oasa S, Papadopoulos DK, Vitali M, Oura M, Mikuni S, Thyberg P, Tisa S, Kinjo M, Nilsson L, Terenius L, Rigler R, Vukojević V. Functional Fluorescence Microscopy Imaging: Quantitative Scanning-Free Confocal Fluorescence Microscopy for the Characterization of Fast Dynamic Processes in Live Cells. Anal Chem 2019; 91:11129-11137. [PMID: 31364842 DOI: 10.1021/acs.analchem.9b01813] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
Functional fluorescence microscopy imaging (fFMI), a time-resolved (21 μs/frame) confocal fluorescence microscopy imaging technique without scanning, is developed for quantitative characterization of fast reaction-transport processes in solution and in live cells. The method is based on massively parallel fluorescence correlation spectroscopy (FCS). Simultaneous excitation of fluorescent molecules in multiple spots in the focal plane is achieved using a diffractive optical element (DOE). Fluorescence from the DOE-generated 1024 illuminated spots is detected in a confocal arrangement by a matching matrix detector comprising 32 × 32 single-photon avalanche photodiodes (SPADs). Software for data acquisition and fast auto- and cross-correlation analysis by parallel signal processing using a graphic processing unit (GPU) allows temporal autocorrelation across all pixels in the image frame in 4 s and cross-correlation between first- and second-order neighbor pixels in 45 s. We present here this quantitative, time-resolved imaging method with single-molecule sensitivity and demonstrate its usefulness for mapping in live cell location-specific differences in the concentration and translational diffusion of molecules in different subcellular compartments. In particular, we show that molecules without a specific biological function, e.g., the enhanced green fluorescent protein (eGFP), exhibit uniform diffusion. In contrast, molecules that perform specialized biological functions and bind specifically to their molecular targets show location-specific differences in their concentration and diffusion, exemplified here for two transcription factor molecules, the glucocorticoid receptor (GR) before and after nuclear translocation and the Sex combs reduced (Scr) transcription factor in the salivary gland of Drosophila ex vivo.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aleksandar J Krmpot
- Department of Clinical Neuroscience (CNS), Center for Molecular Medicine (CMM) , Karolinska Institutet , Stockholm 17176 , Sweden.,Institute of Physics Belgrade , University of Belgrade , Belgrade 11080 , Serbia
| | - Stanko N Nikolić
- Department of Clinical Neuroscience (CNS), Center for Molecular Medicine (CMM) , Karolinska Institutet , Stockholm 17176 , Sweden.,Institute of Physics Belgrade , University of Belgrade , Belgrade 11080 , Serbia
| | - Sho Oasa
- Department of Clinical Neuroscience (CNS), Center for Molecular Medicine (CMM) , Karolinska Institutet , Stockholm 17176 , Sweden
| | | | | | - Makoto Oura
- Laboratory of Molecular Cell Dynamics, Faculty of Advanced Life Science , Hokkaido University , Sapporo , Hokkaido 001-0021 , Japan
| | - Shintaro Mikuni
- Laboratory of Molecular Cell Dynamics, Faculty of Advanced Life Science , Hokkaido University , Sapporo , Hokkaido 001-0021 , Japan
| | - Per Thyberg
- Department of Applied Physics , AlbaNova University Center, Royal Institute of Technology , Stockholm 10691 , Sweden
| | - Simone Tisa
- Micro Photon Devices (MPD) , Bolzano 39100 , Italy
| | - Masataka Kinjo
- Laboratory of Molecular Cell Dynamics, Faculty of Advanced Life Science , Hokkaido University , Sapporo , Hokkaido 001-0021 , Japan
| | - Lennart Nilsson
- Department of Biosciences and Nutrition , Karolinska Institutet , Huddinge 14183 , Sweden
| | - Lars Terenius
- Department of Clinical Neuroscience (CNS), Center for Molecular Medicine (CMM) , Karolinska Institutet , Stockholm 17176 , Sweden
| | - Rudolf Rigler
- Department of Clinical Neuroscience (CNS), Center for Molecular Medicine (CMM) , Karolinska Institutet , Stockholm 17176 , Sweden.,Department of Medical Biochemistry and Biophysics (MBB) , Karolinska Institutet , Stockholm 17177 , Sweden
| | - Vladana Vukojević
- Department of Clinical Neuroscience (CNS), Center for Molecular Medicine (CMM) , Karolinska Institutet , Stockholm 17176 , Sweden
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22
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Rieckhoff EM, Ishihara K, Brugués J. How to tune spindle size relative to cell size? Curr Opin Cell Biol 2019; 60:139-144. [PMID: 31377657 DOI: 10.1016/j.ceb.2019.06.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/17/2019] [Revised: 06/17/2019] [Accepted: 06/17/2019] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
Cells need to regulate the size and shape of their organelles for proper function. For example, the mitotic spindle adapts its size to changes in cell size over several orders of magnitude, but we lack a mechanistic understanding of how this is achieved. Here, we review our current knowledge of how small and large spindles assemble and ask which microtubule-based biophysical processes (nucleation, polymerization dynamics, transport) may be responsible for spindle size regulation. Finally, we review possible cell-scale mechanisms that put spindle size under the regulation of cell size.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elisa Maria Rieckhoff
- Max Planck Institute of Molecular Cell Biology and Genetics, Dresden, Germany; Max Planck Institute for the Physics of Complex Systems, Dresden, Germany; Center for Systems Biology Dresden, Dresden, Germany; Cluster of Excellence Physics of Life, TU Dresden, Dresden, Germany
| | - Keisuke Ishihara
- Max Planck Institute of Molecular Cell Biology and Genetics, Dresden, Germany; Max Planck Institute for the Physics of Complex Systems, Dresden, Germany; Center for Systems Biology Dresden, Dresden, Germany; Cluster of Excellence Physics of Life, TU Dresden, Dresden, Germany
| | - Jan Brugués
- Max Planck Institute of Molecular Cell Biology and Genetics, Dresden, Germany; Max Planck Institute for the Physics of Complex Systems, Dresden, Germany; Center for Systems Biology Dresden, Dresden, Germany; Cluster of Excellence Physics of Life, TU Dresden, Dresden, Germany.
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23
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Verma V, Maresca TJ. Direct observation of branching MT nucleation in living animal cells. J Cell Biol 2019; 218:2829-2840. [PMID: 31340987 PMCID: PMC6719462 DOI: 10.1083/jcb.201904114] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/18/2019] [Revised: 06/07/2019] [Accepted: 07/01/2019] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Branching microtubule nucleation by its molecular mediators has never been directly observed in animal cells. By imaging augmin, γ-TuRC, and microtubules with high spatiotemporal resolution, Verma and Maresca quantitatively define the sequential steps of augmin-mediated branching microtubule nucleation in dividing Drosophila cells. Centrosome-mediated microtubule (MT) nucleation has been well characterized; however, numerous noncentrosomal MT nucleation mechanisms exist. The branching MT nucleation pathway envisages that the γ-tubulin ring complex (γ-TuRC) is recruited to MTs by the augmin complex to initiate nucleation of new MTs. While the pathway is well conserved at a molecular and functional level, branching MT nucleation by core constituents has never been directly observed in animal cells. Here, multicolor TIRF microscopy was applied to visualize and quantitatively define the entire process of branching MT nucleation in dividing Drosophila cells during anaphase. The steps of a stereotypical branching nucleation event entailed augmin binding to a mother MT and recruitment of γ-TuRC after 15 s, followed by nucleation 16 s later of a daughter MT at a 36° branch angle. Daughters typically remained attached throughout their ∼40-s lifetime unless the mother depolymerized past the branch point. Assembly of branched MT arrays, which did not require Drosophila TPX2, enhanced localized RhoA activation during cytokinesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vikash Verma
- Biology Department, University of Massachusetts, Amherst, MA
| | - Thomas J Maresca
- Biology Department, University of Massachusetts, Amherst, MA .,Molecular and Cellular Biology Graduate Program, University of Massachusetts, Amherst, MA
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24
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David AF, Roudot P, Legant WR, Betzig E, Danuser G, Gerlich DW. Augmin accumulation on long-lived microtubules drives amplification and kinetochore-directed growth. J Cell Biol 2019; 218:2150-2168. [PMID: 31113824 PMCID: PMC6605806 DOI: 10.1083/jcb.201805044] [Citation(s) in RCA: 48] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/10/2018] [Revised: 12/19/2018] [Accepted: 04/30/2019] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
Vertebrate cells assemble mitotic spindles through multiple pathways. It is shown that Augmin-dependent, noncentrosomal nucleation generates the vast majority of microtubules in metaphase spindles. This results in a strong directional bias of microtubule growth toward individual kinetochores. Dividing cells reorganize their microtubule cytoskeleton into a bipolar spindle, which moves one set of sister chromatids to each nascent daughter cell. Early spindle assembly models postulated that spindle pole–derived microtubules search the cytoplasmic space until they randomly encounter a kinetochore to form a stable attachment. More recent work uncovered several additional, centrosome-independent microtubule generation pathways, but the contributions of each pathway to spindle assembly have remained unclear. Here, we combined live microscopy and mathematical modeling to show that most microtubules nucleate at noncentrosomal regions in dividing human cells. Using a live-cell probe that selectively labels aged microtubule lattices, we demonstrate that the distribution of growing microtubule plus ends can be almost entirely explained by Augmin-dependent amplification of long-lived microtubule lattices. By ultrafast 3D lattice light-sheet microscopy, we observed that this mechanism results in a strong directional bias of microtubule growth toward individual kinetochores. Our systematic quantification of spindle dynamics reveals highly coordinated microtubule growth during kinetochore fiber assembly.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ana F David
- Institute of Molecular Biotechnology of the Austrian Academy of Sciences, Vienna BioCenter, Vienna, Austria
| | - Philippe Roudot
- Department of Cell Biology and Lyda Hill Department of Bioinformatics, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX
| | - Wesley R Legant
- Janelia Research Campus, Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Ashburn, VA
| | - Eric Betzig
- Janelia Research Campus, Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Ashburn, VA
| | - Gaudenz Danuser
- Department of Cell Biology and Lyda Hill Department of Bioinformatics, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX
| | - Daniel W Gerlich
- Institute of Molecular Biotechnology of the Austrian Academy of Sciences, Vienna BioCenter, Vienna, Austria
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25
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Thawani A, Stone HA, Shaevitz JW, Petry S. Spatiotemporal organization of branched microtubule networks. eLife 2019; 8:43890. [PMID: 31066674 PMCID: PMC6519983 DOI: 10.7554/elife.43890] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/26/2018] [Accepted: 05/07/2019] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
To understand how chromosomes are segregated, it is necessary to explain the precise spatiotemporal organization of microtubules (MTs) in the mitotic spindle. We use Xenopus egg extracts to study the nucleation and dynamics of MTs in branched networks, a process that is critical for spindle assembly. Surprisingly, new branched MTs preferentially originate near the minus-ends of pre-existing MTs. A sequential reaction model, consisting of deposition of nucleation sites on an existing MT, followed by rate-limiting nucleation of branches, reproduces the measured spatial profile of nucleation, the distribution of MT plus-ends and tubulin intensity. By regulating the availability of the branching effectors TPX2, augmin and γ-TuRC, combined with single-molecule observations, we show that first TPX2 is deposited on pre-existing MTs, followed by binding of augmin/γ-TuRC to result in the nucleation of branched MTs. In sum, regulating the localization and kinetics of nucleation effectors governs the architecture of branched MT networks.
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Affiliation(s)
- Akanksha Thawani
- Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering, Princeton University, Princeton, United States
| | - Howard A Stone
- Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering, Princeton University, Princeton, United States
| | - Joshua W Shaevitz
- Lewis-Sigler Institute for Integrative Genomics, Princeton University, Princeton, United States.,Department of Physics, Princeton University, Princeton, United States
| | - Sabine Petry
- Department of Molecular Biology, Princeton University, Princeton, United States
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26
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Abstract
The assembly of the mitotic spindle and the subsequent segregation of sister chromatids are based on the self-organized action of microtubule filaments, motor proteins, and other microtubule-associated proteins, which constitute the fundamental force-generating elements in the system. Many of the components in the spindle have been identified, but until recently it remained unclear how their collective behaviors resulted in such a robust bipolar structure. Here, we review the current understanding of the physics of the metaphase spindle that is only now starting to emerge.
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Affiliation(s)
- David Oriola
- Max Planck Institute of Molecular Cell Biology and Genetics, 01307, Dresden, Germany; .,Max Planck Institute for the Physics of Complex Systems, 01187, Dresden, Germany.,Center for Systems Biology Dresden, 01307, Dresden, Germany
| | - Daniel J Needleman
- School of Engineering and Applied Sciences, Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology, and FAS Center for Systems Biology, Harvard University, Cambridge, Massachusetts 021382, USA
| | - Jan Brugués
- Max Planck Institute of Molecular Cell Biology and Genetics, 01307, Dresden, Germany; .,Max Planck Institute for the Physics of Complex Systems, 01187, Dresden, Germany.,Center for Systems Biology Dresden, 01307, Dresden, Germany
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27
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Liang HX, Liu HW. Inducible Expression of Ran1 and Its GDP- and GTP-Bound Mimetic Mutants Leads to Defects in Amitosis and Cytokinesis with Abnormal Cytoplasmic Microtubule Assembly. Mol Biol 2019. [DOI: 10.1134/s0026893319030105] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
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28
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Ilan Y. Microtubules: From understanding their dynamics to using them as potential therapeutic targets. J Cell Physiol 2018; 234:7923-7937. [PMID: 30536951 DOI: 10.1002/jcp.27978] [Citation(s) in RCA: 50] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/24/2018] [Accepted: 11/21/2018] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Microtubules (MT) and actin microfilaments are dynamic cytoskeleton components involved in a range of intracellular processes. MTs play a role in cell division, beating of cilia and flagella, and intracellular transport. Over the past decades, much knowledge has been gained regarding MT function and structure, and its role in underlying disease progression. This makes MT potential therapeutic targets for various disorders. Disturbances in MT and their associated proteins are the underlying cause of diseases such as Alzheimer's disease, cancer, and several genetic diseases. Some of the advances in the field of MT research, as well as the potenti G beta gamma, is needed al uses of MT-targeting agents in various conditions have been reviewed here.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yaron Ilan
- Department of Medicine, Hadassah-Hebrew University Medical Center, Jerusalem, Israel
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29
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Rosas-Salvans M, Cavazza T, Espadas G, Sabido E, Vernos I. Proteomic Profiling of Microtubule Self-organization in M-phase. Mol Cell Proteomics 2018; 17:1991-2004. [PMID: 29970457 DOI: 10.1074/mcp.ra118.000745] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/16/2018] [Revised: 06/11/2018] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Microtubules (MTs) and associated proteins can self-organize into complex structures such as the bipolar spindle, a process in which RanGTP plays a major role. Addition of RanGTP to M-phase Xenopus egg extracts promotes the nucleation and self-organization of MTs into asters and bipolar-like structures in the absence of centrosomes or chromosomes. We show here that the complex proteome of these RanGTP-induced MT assemblies is similar to that of mitotic spindles. Using proteomic profiling we show that MT self-organization in the M-phase cytoplasm involves the non-linear and non-stoichiometric recruitment of proteins from specific functional groups. Our study provides for the first time a temporal understanding of the protein dynamics driving MT self-organization in M-phase.
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Affiliation(s)
- Miquel Rosas-Salvans
- From the ‡Cell and Developmental Biology Programme, Centre for Genomic Regulation, Barcelona Institute of Science and Technology, Dr. Aiguader 88, 08003 Barcelona, Spain
| | - Tommaso Cavazza
- From the ‡Cell and Developmental Biology Programme, Centre for Genomic Regulation, Barcelona Institute of Science and Technology, Dr. Aiguader 88, 08003 Barcelona, Spain
| | - Guadalupe Espadas
- **Proteomics Unit, Centre for Genomic Regulation (CRG), The Barcelona Institute for Science and Technology, Dr. Aiguader 88, 08003 Barcelona, Spain.,§Universitat Pompeu Fabra, Dr. Aiguader 88, 08003 Barcelona, Spain
| | - Eduard Sabido
- **Proteomics Unit, Centre for Genomic Regulation (CRG), The Barcelona Institute for Science and Technology, Dr. Aiguader 88, 08003 Barcelona, Spain.,§Universitat Pompeu Fabra, Dr. Aiguader 88, 08003 Barcelona, Spain
| | - Isabelle Vernos
- From the ‡Cell and Developmental Biology Programme, Centre for Genomic Regulation, Barcelona Institute of Science and Technology, Dr. Aiguader 88, 08003 Barcelona, Spain; .,§Universitat Pompeu Fabra, Dr. Aiguader 88, 08003 Barcelona, Spain.,‡‡Institució Catalana de Recerca I Estudis Avançats (ICREA), Passeig de Lluis Companys 23, 08010 Barcelona, Spain
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30
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Heald R, Gibeaux R. Subcellular scaling: does size matter for cell division? Curr Opin Cell Biol 2018; 52:88-95. [PMID: 29501026 PMCID: PMC5988940 DOI: 10.1016/j.ceb.2018.02.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/16/2018] [Revised: 02/05/2018] [Accepted: 02/13/2018] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Among different species or cell types, or during early embryonic cell divisions that occur in the absence of cell growth, the size of subcellular structures, including the nucleus, chromosomes, and mitotic spindle, scale with cell size. Maintaining correct subcellular scales is thought to be important for many cellular processes and, in particular, for mitosis. In this review, we provide an update on nuclear and chromosome scaling mechanisms and their significance in metazoans, with a focus on Caenorhabditis elegans, Xenopus and mammalian systems, for which a common role for the Ran (Ras-related nuclear protein)-dependent nuclear transport system has emerged.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rebecca Heald
- Department of Molecular and Cell Biology, University of California, Berkeley, CA 94720, USA.
| | - Romain Gibeaux
- Department of Molecular and Cell Biology, University of California, Berkeley, CA 94720, USA.
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31
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Decker F, Oriola D, Dalton B, Brugués J. Autocatalytic microtubule nucleation determines the size and mass of Xenopus laevis egg extract spindles. eLife 2018; 7:31149. [PMID: 29323637 PMCID: PMC5814149 DOI: 10.7554/elife.31149] [Citation(s) in RCA: 43] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/11/2017] [Accepted: 01/09/2018] [Indexed: 01/27/2023] Open
Abstract
Regulation of size and growth is a fundamental problem in biology. A prominent example is the formation of the mitotic spindle, where protein concentration gradients around chromosomes are thought to regulate spindle growth by controlling microtubule nucleation. Previous evidence suggests that microtubules nucleate throughout the spindle structure. However, the mechanisms underlying microtubule nucleation and its spatial regulation are still unclear. Here, we developed an assay based on laser ablation to directly probe microtubule nucleation events in Xenopus laevis egg extracts. Combining this method with theory and quantitative microscopy, we show that the size of a spindle is controlled by autocatalytic growth of microtubules, driven by microtubule-stimulated microtubule nucleation. The autocatalytic activity of this nucleation system is spatially regulated by the limiting amounts of active microtubule nucleators, which decrease with distance from the chromosomes. This mechanism provides an upper limit to spindle size even when resources are not limiting.
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Affiliation(s)
- Franziska Decker
- Max Planck Institute of Molecular Cell Biology and GeneticsDresdenGermany,Center for Systems Biology DresdenDresdenGermany,Max Planck Institute for the Physics of Complex SystemsDresdenGermany
| | - David Oriola
- Max Planck Institute of Molecular Cell Biology and GeneticsDresdenGermany,Center for Systems Biology DresdenDresdenGermany,Max Planck Institute for the Physics of Complex SystemsDresdenGermany
| | - Benjamin Dalton
- Max Planck Institute of Molecular Cell Biology and GeneticsDresdenGermany,Center for Systems Biology DresdenDresdenGermany,Max Planck Institute for the Physics of Complex SystemsDresdenGermany
| | - Jan Brugués
- Max Planck Institute of Molecular Cell Biology and GeneticsDresdenGermany,Center for Systems Biology DresdenDresdenGermany,Max Planck Institute for the Physics of Complex SystemsDresdenGermany
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32
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Sulimenko V, Hájková Z, Klebanovych A, Dráber P. Regulation of microtubule nucleation mediated by γ-tubulin complexes. PROTOPLASMA 2017; 254:1187-1199. [PMID: 28074286 DOI: 10.1007/s00709-016-1070-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/14/2016] [Accepted: 12/22/2016] [Indexed: 05/18/2023]
Abstract
The microtubule cytoskeleton is critically important for spatio-temporal organization of eukaryotic cells. The nucleation of new microtubules is typically restricted to microtubule organizing centers (MTOCs) and requires γ-tubulin that assembles into multisubunit complexes of various sizes. γ-Tubulin ring complexes (TuRCs) are efficient microtubule nucleators and are associated with large number of targeting, activating and modulating proteins. γ-Tubulin-dependent nucleation of microtubules occurs both from canonical MTOCs, such as spindle pole bodies and centrosomes, and additional sites such as Golgi apparatus, nuclear envelope, plasma membrane-associated sites, chromatin and surface of pre-existing microtubules. Despite many advances in structure of γ-tubulin complexes and characterization of γTuRC interacting factors, regulatory mechanisms of microtubule nucleation are not fully understood. Here, we review recent work on the factors and regulatory mechanisms that are involved in centrosomal and non-centrosomal microtubule nucleation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vadym Sulimenko
- Department of Biology of Cytoskeleton, Institute of Molecular Genetics, Academy of Sciences of the Czech Republic, Vídeňská 1083, 142 20, Prague 4, Czech Republic
| | - Zuzana Hájková
- Department of Biology of Cytoskeleton, Institute of Molecular Genetics, Academy of Sciences of the Czech Republic, Vídeňská 1083, 142 20, Prague 4, Czech Republic
| | - Anastasiya Klebanovych
- Department of Biology of Cytoskeleton, Institute of Molecular Genetics, Academy of Sciences of the Czech Republic, Vídeňská 1083, 142 20, Prague 4, Czech Republic
| | - Pavel Dráber
- Department of Biology of Cytoskeleton, Institute of Molecular Genetics, Academy of Sciences of the Czech Republic, Vídeňská 1083, 142 20, Prague 4, Czech Republic.
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33
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Kapoor TM. Metaphase Spindle Assembly. BIOLOGY 2017; 6:biology6010008. [PMID: 28165376 PMCID: PMC5372001 DOI: 10.3390/biology6010008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/03/2016] [Revised: 01/17/2017] [Accepted: 01/19/2017] [Indexed: 01/31/2023]
Abstract
A microtubule-based bipolar spindle is required for error-free chromosome segregation during cell division. In this review I discuss the molecular mechanisms required for the assembly of this dynamic micrometer-scale structure in animal cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tarun M Kapoor
- Laboratory of Chemistry and Cell Biology, the Rockefeller University, New York, NY 10065, USA.
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