Cortical filamentous actin disassembly and scinderin redistribution during chromaffin cell stimulation precede exocytosis, a phenomenon not exhibited by gelsolin

Physiological and transcriptomic analysis dissects the molecular mechanism governing meat quality during postmortem aging in Hu sheep (Ovis aries)

Introduction

Hu sheep, known for its high quality and productivity, lack fundamental scientific research in China.

Methods

This study focused on the effects of 24 h postmortem aging on the meat physiological and transcriptomic alteration in Hu sheep.

Results

The results showed that the 24 h aging process exerts a substantial influence on the mutton color, texture, and water content as compared to untreated group. Transcriptomic analysis identified 1,668 differentially expressed genes. Functional enrichment analysis highlighted the importance of glycolysis metabolism, protein processing in endoplasmic reticulum, and the FcγR-mediated phagocytosis pathway in mediating meat quality modification following postmortem aging. Furthermore, protein-protein interaction analysis uncovered complex regulatory networks involving glycolysis, the MAPK signaling pathway, protein metabolism, and the immune response.

Discussion

Collectively, these findings offer valuable insights into the molecular mechanisms underlying meat quality changes during postmortem aging in Hu sheep, emphasizing the potential for improving quality control strategies in mutton production.

Nicotine Induces Polyspermy in Sea Urchin Eggs through a Non-Cholinergic Pathway Modulating Actin Dynamics

While alkaloids often exert unique pharmacological effects on animal cells, exposure of sea urchin eggs to nicotine causes polyspermy at fertilization in a dose-dependent manner. Here, we studied molecular mechanisms underlying the phenomenon. Although nicotine is an agonist of ionotropic acetylcholine receptors, we found that nicotine-induced polyspermy was neither mimicked by acetylcholine and carbachol nor inhibited by specific antagonists of nicotinic acetylcholine receptors. Unlike acetylcholine and carbachol, nicotine uniquely induced drastic rearrangement of egg cortical microfilaments in a dose-dependent way. Such cytoskeletal changes appeared to render the eggs more receptive to sperm, as judged by the significant alleviation of polyspermy by latrunculin-A and mycalolide-B. In addition, our fluorimetric assay provided the first evidence that nicotine directly accelerates polymerization kinetics of G-actin and attenuates depolymerization of preassembled F-actin. Furthermore, nicotine inhibited cofilin-induced disassembly of F-actin. Unexpectedly, our results suggest that effects of nicotine can also be mediated in some non-cholinergic pathways.

MUNC18-1 regulates the submembrane F-actin network, independently of syntaxin1 targeting, via hydrophobicity in β-sheet 10

MUNC18-1 (also known as STXBP1) is an essential protein for docking and fusion of secretory vesicles. Mouse chromaffin cells (MCCs) lacking MUNC18-1 show impaired secretory vesicle docking, but also mistargeting of SNARE protein syntaxin1 and an abnormally dense submembrane F-actin network. Here, we tested the contribution of both these phenomena to docking and secretion defects in MUNC18-1-deficient MCCs. We show that an abnormal F-actin network and syntaxin1 targeting defects are not observed in Snap25- or Syt1-knockout (KO) MCCs, which are also secretion deficient. We identified a MUNC18-1 mutant (V263T in β-sheet 10) that fully restores syntaxin1 targeting but not F-actin abnormalities in Munc18-1-KO cells. MUNC18-2 and -3 (also known as STXBP2 and STXBP3, respectively), which lack the hydrophobic residue at position 263, also did not restore a normal F-actin network in Munc18-1-KO cells. However, these proteins did restore the normal F-actin network when a hydrophobic residue was introduced at the corresponding position. Munc18-1-KO MCCs expressing MUNC18-1(V263T) showed normal vesicle docking and exocytosis. These results demonstrate that MUNC18-1 regulates the F-actin network independently of syntaxin1 targeting via hydrophobicity in β-sheet 10. The abnormally dense F-actin network in Munc18-1-deficient cells is not a rate-limiting barrier in secretory vesicle docking or fusion.This article has an associated First Person interview with the first author of the paper.

Membrane Diffusion Occurs by Continuous-Time Random Walk Sustained by Vesicular Trafficking

Diffusion in cellular membranes is regulated by processes that occur over a range of spatial and temporal scales. These processes include membrane fluidity, interprotein and interlipid interactions, interactions with membrane microdomains, interactions with the underlying cytoskeleton, and cellular processes that result in net membrane movement. The complex, non-Brownian diffusion that results from these processes has been difficult to characterize, and moreover, the impact of factors such as membrane recycling on membrane diffusion remains largely unexplored. We have used a careful statistical analysis of single-particle tracking data of the single-pass plasma membrane protein CD93 to show that the diffusion of this protein is well described by a continuous-time random walk in parallel with an aging process mediated by membrane corrals. The overall result is an evolution in the diffusion of CD93: proteins initially diffuse freely on the cell surface but over time become increasingly trapped within diffusion-limiting membrane corrals. Stable populations of freely diffusing and corralled CD93 are maintained by an endocytic/exocytic process in which corralled CD93 is selectively endocytosed, whereas freely diffusing CD93 is replenished by exocytosis of newly synthesized and recycled CD93. This trafficking not only maintained CD93 diffusivity but also maintained the heterogeneous distribution of CD93 in the plasma membrane. These results provide insight into the nature of the biological and biophysical processes that can lead to significantly non-Brownian diffusion of membrane proteins and demonstrate that ongoing membrane recycling is critical to maintaining steady-state diffusion and distribution of proteins in the plasma membrane.

Adseverin, an actin binding protein, regulates articular chondrocyte phenotype

Chondrocytes dedifferentiate as a result of monolayer culture for cell number expansion. This is associated with the development of an elongated shape, increased actin polymerization, development of stress fibres, and expression of contractile molecules. Given the changes in actin status with dedifferentiation, the hypothesis of this study was that adseverin, an actin severing and capping protein, plays a role in regulating chondrocyte phenotype and function. This study reports that serial passaging of articular chondrocytes in monolayer culture resulted in loss of adseverin protein expression as early as Day 14 of culture and remained repressed in Passage 2 (P2) cells. Knockdown of adseverin by siRNA in primary chondrocytes promoted an increase in cell size and an elongated shape, actin stress fibres, decreased G-/F-actin ratio, and increased number of actin-free barbed ends. The cells also showed increased expression of the contractile genes and proteins, vinculin and α-smooth muscle actin, and increased ability to contract collagen gels. These are all features of dedifferentiation. These effects were due to adseverin as adseverin overexpression following transfection of the green fluorescent protein-adseverin plasmid partially reversed all of these changes in P2 chondrocytes. Furthermore, sox9 and aggrecan chondrogenic gene expression was upregulated, and collagen type I genes expression was downregulated with adseverin overexpression. The change in aggrecan mRNA expression had functional consequence as these cells exhibited increased total proteoglycan synthesis. These findings demonstrate that adseverin regulates features indicative of redifferentiation in passaged articular chondrocytes through modulation of the actin cytoskeleton status and potentially may regulate the maintenance of phenotype in primary chondrocytes.

Multiple Mechanisms Driving F-actin-Dependent Transport of Organelles to and From Secretory Sites in Bovine Chromaffin Cells

Neuroendocrine chromaffin cells represent an excellent model to study the molecular mechanisms associated with the exo-endocytotic cycle of neurotransmitter release. In this study, EGFP-Lifeact and confocal microscopy has been used to analyze the re-organization of the cortical F-actin cytoskeleton associated to organelle transport during secretion with unprecedented detail. In these cells secretory events accumulate in temperature-sensitive and myosin II-dependent F-actin expansions and retractions affecting specific regions of the sub-membrane space. Interestingly, not only vesicles but also mitochondria are transported toward the plasmalemma during these expansions. Simultaneously, we found F-actin cytoskeletal retraction withdraws vesicles from the sub-plasmalemmal space, forming novel empty internal spaces into which organelles can be transported. In addition to these well-coordinated, F-actin-myosin II dependent processes that drive the transport of the majority of vesicles, fast transport of chromaffin vesicles was observed, albeit less frequently, which used F-actin comet tails nucleated from the granular membrane. Thus, upon cell stimulation F-actin structures use diverse mechanisms to transport organelles to and from the membrane during the exo-endocytotic cycle taking place in specific areas of cell periphery.

IL1β and TNFα promote RANKL-dependent adseverin expression and osteoclastogenesis

Adseverin is an actin-binding protein involved in osteoclastogenesis, but its role in inflammation-induced bone loss is not well-defined. Here, we examined whether IL1β and TNFα regulate adseverin expression to control osteoclastogenesis in mouse primary monocytes and RAW264.7 cells. Adseverin was colocalized with subcortical actin filaments and was enriched in the fusopods of fusing cells. In precursor cells, adseverin overexpression boosted the formation of RANKL-induced multinucleated cells. Both IL1β and TNFα enhanced RANKL-dependent TRAcP activity by 1.6-fold and multinucleated cell formation (cells with ≥3 nuclei) by 2.6- and 3.3-fold, respectively. However, IL1β and TNFα did not enhance osteoclast formation in adseverin-knockdown cells. RANKL-dependent adseverin expression in bone marrow cells was increased by both IL1β (5.4-fold) and TNFα (3.3-fold). Luciferase assays demonstrated that this expression involved transcriptional regulation of the adseverin promoter. Activation of the promoter was restricted to a 1118 bp sequence containing an NF-κB binding site, upstream of the transcription start site. TNFα also promoted RANKL-induced osteoclast precursor cell migration. We conclude that IL1β and TNFα enhance RANKL-dependent expression of adseverin, which contributes to fusion processes in osteoclastogenesis.

Scinderin is a novel transcriptional target of BRMS1 involved in regulation of hepatocellular carcinoma cell apoptosis

Tumor metastasis suppressor factor BRMS1 can regulate the metastasis of breast cancer and other tumors. Here we report scinderin (SCIN) as a novel transcriptional target of BRMS1. SCIN protein belongs to the cytoskeletal gelsolin protein superfamily and its involvement in tumorigenesis remains largely illusive. An inverse correlation between the expression levels of BRMS1 and SCIN was observed in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) cells and tissues. On the molecular level, BRMS1 binds to SCIN promoter and exerts a suppressive role in regulating SCIN transcription. FACS analysis and caspase 9 immunoblot reveal that knockdown of SCIN expression can sensitize HCC cells to chemotherapeutic drugs, leading to suppression of tumor growth in vivo. Consistently, overexpression of SCIN protects cells from apoptotic death, contributing to increased xenografted HCC cell growth. In summary, our study reveals SCIN as a functional apoptosis regulator as well as a novel target of BRMS1 during HCC tumorigenesis. Inhibition of SCIN might bring a potential cancer therapy approach.

ENA/VASP proteins regulate exocytosis by mediating myosin VI-dependent recruitment of secretory granules to the cortical actin network

In neurosecretory cells, myosin VI associated with secretory granules (SGs) mediates their activity-dependent recruitment to the cortical actin network and is necessary to sustain exocytosis. The mechanism by which myosin VI interacts with SGs is unknown. Using a myosin VI pull-down assay and mass spectrometry we identified Mena, a member of the ENA/VASP family, as a myosin VI binding partner in PC12 cells, and confirmed that Mena colocalized with myosin VI on SGs. Using a knock-sideways approach to inactivate the ENA/VASP family members by mitochondrial relocation, we revealed a concomitant redistribution of myosin VI. This was ensued by a reduction in the association of myosin VI with SGs, a decreased SG mobility and density in proximity to the plasma membrane as well as decreased evoked exocytosis. These data demonstrate that ENA/VASP proteins regulate SG exocytosis through modulating the activity of myosin VI.

MRTF-A signaling regulates the acquisition of the contractile phenotype in dedifferentiated chondrocytes

Chondrocyte culture as a monolayer for cell number expansion results in dedifferentiation whereby expanded cells acquire contractile features and increased actin polymerization status. This study determined whether the actin polymerization based signaling pathway, myocardin-related transcription factor-a (MRTF-A) is involved in regulating this contractile phenotype. Serial passaging of chondrocytes in monolayer culture to passage 2 resulted in increased gene and protein expression of the contractile molecules alpha-smooth muscle actin, transgelin and vinculin compared to non-passaged, primary cells. This resulted in a functional change as passaged 2, but not primary, chondrocytes were capable of contracting type I collagen gels in a stress-relaxed contraction assay. These changes were associated with increased actin polymerization and MRTF-A nuclear localization. The involvement of actin was demonstrated by latrunculin B depolymerization of actin which reversed these changes. Alternatively cytochalasin D which activates MRTF-A increased gene and protein expression of α-smooth muscle actin, transgelin and vinculin, whereas CCG1423 which deactivates MRTF-A decreased these molecules. The involvement of MRTF-A signaling was confirmed by gene silencing of MRTF or its co-factor serum response factor. Knockdown experiments revealed downregulation of α-smooth muscle actin and transgelin gene and protein expression, and inhibition of gel contraction. These findings demonstrate that passaged chondrocytes acquire a contractile phenotype and that this change is modulated by the actin-MRTF-A-serum response factor signaling pathway.

Phospholipase Cη2 Activation Redirects Vesicle Trafficking by Regulating F-actin

PI(4,5)P2 localizes to sites of dense core vesicle exocytosis in neuroendocrine cells and is required for Ca(2+)-triggered vesicle exocytosis, but the impact of local PI(4,5)P2 hydrolysis on exocytosis is poorly understood. Previously, we reported that Ca(2+)-dependent activation of phospholipase Cη2 (PLCη2) catalyzes PI(4,5)P2 hydrolysis, which affected vesicle exocytosis by regulating the activities of the lipid-dependent priming factors CAPS (also known as CADPS) and ubiquitous Munc13-2 in PC12 cells. Here we describe an additional role for PLCη2 in vesicle exocytosis as a Ca(2+)-dependent regulator of the actin cytoskeleton. Depolarization of neuroendocrine PC12 cells with 56 or 95 mm KCl buffers increased peak Ca(2+) levels to ~400 or ~800 nm, respectively, but elicited similar numbers of vesicle exocytic events. However, 56 mm K(+) preferentially elicited the exocytosis of plasma membrane-resident vesicles, whereas 95 mm K(+) preferentially elicited the exocytosis of cytoplasmic vesicles arriving during stimulation. Depolarization with 95 mm K(+) but not with 56 mm K(+) activated PLCη2 to catalyze PI(4,5)P2 hydrolysis. The decrease in PI(4,5)P2 promoted F-actin disassembly, which increased exocytosis of newly arriving vesicles. Consistent with its role as a Ca(2+)-dependent regulator of the cortical actin cytoskeleton, PLCη2 localized with F-actin filaments. The results highlight the importance of PI(4,5)P2 for coordinating cytoskeletal dynamics with vesicle exocytosis and reveal a new role for PLCη2 as a Ca(2+)-dependent regulator of F-actin dynamics and vesicle trafficking.

Calcium-controlled conformational choreography in the N-terminal half of adseverin

Adseverin is a member of the calcium-regulated gelsolin superfamily of actin-binding proteins. Here we report the crystal structure of the calcium-free N-terminal half of adseverin (iA1-A3) and the Ca(2+)-bound structure of A3, which reveal structural similarities and differences with gelsolin. Solution small-angle X-ray scattering combined with ensemble optimization revealed a dynamic Ca(2+)-dependent equilibrium between inactive, intermediate and active conformations. Increasing calcium concentrations progressively shift this equilibrium from a main population of inactive conformation to the active form. Molecular dynamics simulations of iA1-A3 provided insights into Ca(2+)-induced destabilization, implicating a critical role for the A2 type II calcium-binding site and the A2A3 linker in the activation process. Finally, mutations that disrupt the A1/A3 interface increase Ca(2+)-independent F-actin severing by A1-A3, albeit at a lower efficiency than observed for gelsolin domains G1-G3. Together, these data address the calcium dependency of A1-A3 activity in relation to the calcium-independent activity of G1-G3.

Adseverin plays a role in osteoclast differentiation and periodontal disease-mediated bone loss

Osteoclast differentiation and function are highly dependent on the assembly and turnover of actin filaments, but little is known about the roles of actin binding proteins in these processes. Adseverin (Ads), a member of the gelsolin superfamily of actin capping and severing proteins, regulates actin filament turnover and can regulate the turnover of cortical actin filaments of chromaffin cells during exocytosis. Using a conditional Ads knockout mouse model, we confirmed our previous finding in cultured cells that Ads plays a role in osteoclastogenesis (OCG) and actin cytoskeletal organization in osteoclasts. Here we show that Ads is required for osteoclast formation and that when alveolar bone resorption is experimentally induced in mice, genetic deletion of Ads prevents osteoclast-mediated bone loss. Further, when Ads-null osteoclasts are cultured, they exhibit defective OCG, disorganized podosome-based actin filament superstructures, and decreased bone resorption. Reintroduction of Ads into Ads-null osteoclast precursor cells restored these osteoclast defects. Collectively, these data demonstrate a unique and osteoclast-specific role for Ads in OCG and osteoclast function.

The mitochondrial voltage-dependent anion channel 1 in tumor cells

VDAC1 is found at the crossroads of metabolic and survival pathways. VDAC1 controls metabolic cross-talk between mitochondria and the rest of the cell by allowing the influx and efflux of metabolites, ions, nucleotides, Ca2+ and more. The location of VDAC1 at the outer mitochondrial membrane also enables its interaction with proteins that mediate and regulate the integration of mitochondrial functions with cellular activities. As a transporter of metabolites, VDAC1 contributes to the metabolic phenotype of cancer cells. Indeed, this protein is over-expressed in many cancer types, and silencing of VDAC1 expression induces an inhibition of tumor development. At the same time, along with regulating cellular energy production and metabolism, VDAC1 is involved in the process of mitochondria-mediated apoptosis by mediating the release of apoptotic proteins and interacting with anti-apoptotic proteins. The engagement of VDAC1 in the release of apoptotic proteins located in the inter-membranal space involves VDAC1 oligomerization that mediates the release of cytochrome c and AIF to the cytosol, subsequently leading to apoptotic cell death. Apoptosis can also be regulated by VDAC1, serving as an anchor point for mitochondria-interacting proteins, such as hexokinase (HK), Bcl2 and Bcl-xL, some of which are also highly expressed in many cancers. By binding to VDAC1, HK provides both a metabolic benefit and apoptosis-suppressive capacity that offer the cell a proliferative advantage and increase its resistance to chemotherapy. Thus, these and other functions point to VDAC1 as an excellent target for impairing the re-programed metabolism of cancer cells and their ability to evade apoptosis. Here, we review current evidence pointing to the function of VDAC1 in cell life and death, and highlight these functions in relation to both cancer development and therapy. In addressing the recently solved 3D structures of VDAC1, this review will point to structure-function relationships of VDAC as critical for deciphering how this channel can perform such a variety of roles, all of which are important for cell life and death. Finally, this review will also provide insight into VDAC function in Ca2+ homeostasis, protection against oxidative stress, regulation of apoptosis and involvement in several diseases, as well as its role in the action of different drugs. We will discuss the use of VDAC1-based strategies to attack the altered metabolism and apoptosis of cancer cells. These strategies include specific siRNA able to impair energy and metabolic homeostasis, leading to arrested cancer cell growth and tumor development, as well VDAC1-based peptides that interact with anti-apoptotic proteins to induce apoptosis, thereby overcoming the resistance of cancer cell to chemotherapy. Finally, small molecules targeting VDAC1 can induce apoptosis. VDAC1 can thus be considered as standing at the crossroads between mitochondrial metabolite transport and apoptosis and hence represents an emerging cancer drug target. This article is part of a Special Issue entitled: Membrane channels and transporters in cancers.

Adseverin knockdown inhibits osteoclastogenesis in RAW264.7 cells

Osteoclastogenesis is a complex process that is highly dependent on the dynamic regulation of the actin cytoskeleton. Adseverin (Ads), a member of the gelsolin superfamily of actin-binding proteins, regulates actin remodeling by severing and capping actin filaments. The objective of the present study was to characterize the role of Ads during osteoclastogenesis by assessing Ads expression and using a knockdown strategy. Immunoblot analyses were used to examine Ads expression during osteoclastogenesis. A stable Ads knockdown macrophage cell line was generated using a retroviral shRNA construct. Osteoclast differentiation was morphologically examined via cell staining with osteoclast specific markers and light microscopy. The results showed that Ads expression was significantly increased in response to receptor activator of nuclear factor-κB ligand during osteoclastogenesis, and Ads was highly expressed in mature osteoclasts. Ads-knockdown macrophages showed major osteoclastogenesis defects, most likely caused by a pre-osteoclast fusion defect. These results indicate that Ads deficiency in monocytes inhibits osteoclastogenesis. Thus, in future studies it could be noteworthy to investigate the function of Ads in bone marrow monocytes during osteoclastogenesis.

The actin binding protein adseverin regulates osteoclastogenesis

Adseverin (Ads), a member of the Gelsolin superfamily of actin binding proteins, regulates the actin cytoskeleton architecture by severing and capping existing filamentous actin (F-actin) strands and nucleating the assembly of new F-actin filaments. Ads has been implicated in cellular secretion, exocytosis and has also been shown to regulate chondrogenesis and megakaryoblastic leukemia cell differentiation. Here we report for the first time that Ads is involved in regulating osteoclastogenesis (OCG). Ads is induced during OCG downstream of RANK-ligand (RANKL) stimulation and is highly expressed in mature osteoclasts. The D5 isoform of Ads is not involved in regulating OCG, as its expression is not induced in response to RANKL. Three clonal Ads knockdown RAW264.7 (RAW) macrophage cell lines with varying degrees of Ads expression and OCG deficiency were generated. The most drastic OCG defect was noted in the clonal cell line with the greatest degree of Ads knockdown as indicated by a lack of TRAcP staining and multinucleation. RNAi mediated knockdown of Ads in osteoclast precursors resulted in distinct morphological changes characterized by altered F-actin distribution and increased filopodia formation. Ads knockdown precursor cells experienced enhanced migration while fusion of knockdown precursors cells was limited. Transient reintroduction of de novo Ads back into the knockdown system was capable of rescuing TRAcP expression but not osteoclast multinucleation most likely due to the transient nature of Ads expression. This preliminary study allows us to conclude that Ads is a RANKL induced early regulator of OCG with a potential role in pre-osteoclast differentiation and fusion.

Actin cytoskeleton reorganization correlates with polarization of secretory vesicle and cell morphology in the degranulation of mast cell subtypes in human colon tissues

Mast cells play a central role in the intestinal immune response. To investigate the relationship between degranulation, cell polarization and the reorganization of actin cytoskeleton of mast cells, we used fluorescence or gold labeling methods to identify different mast cell subtypes in human colon. The reorganization of filamentous actin was visualized and then the polarization of secretory vesicles, as well as cell surfaces, was analyzed by fluorescence microscopy and electron microscopy. Our results first showed a diversity of filamentous actin assembly or disassembly within the contacting cell membrane of different mast cell subtypes. The polarization and degranulation of secretory vesicles was not only accompanied with the assembly and disassembly of filamentous actin at the cell periphery, but also with changes of cell surface polarization. Our study provides an insight into the local membranous structures and suggested correlations of cytoskeleton arrangement with the polarization of secretory vesicles and cell surface configuration during mast cell degranulation.

Secretagogue stimulation of neurosecretory cells elicits filopodial extensions uncovering new functional release sites

Regulated exocytosis in neurosecretory cells relies on the timely fusion of secretory granules (SGs) with the plasma membrane. Secretagogue stimulation leads to an enlargement of the cell footprint (surface area in contact with the coverslip), an effect previously attributed to exocytic fusion of SGs with the plasma membrane. Using total internal reflection fluorescence microscopy, we reveal the formation of filopodia-like structures in bovine chromaffin and PC12 cells driving the footprint expansion, suggesting the involvement of cortical actin network remodeling in this process. Using exocytosis-incompetent PC12 cells, we demonstrate that footprint enlargement is largely independent of SG fusion, suggesting that vesicular exocytic fusion plays a relatively minor role in filopodial expansion. The footprint periphery, including filopodia, undergoes extensive F-actin remodeling, an effect abolished by the actomyosin inhibitors cytochalasin D and blebbistatin. Imaging of both Lifeact-GFP and the SG marker protein neuropeptide Y-mCherry reveals that SGs actively translocate along newly forming actin tracks before undergoing fusion. Together, these data demonstrate that neurosecretory cells regulate the number of SGs undergoing exocytosis during sustained stimulation by controlling vesicular mobilization and translocation to the plasma membrane through actin remodeling. Such remodeling facilitates the de novo formation of fusion sites.

Measurement of dynamic F-actin changes during exocytosis

Exocytosis requires the fusion of vesicle membrane to the cell membrane. It is tightly regulated and orchestrated in space and time by diverse cellular mechanisms. It has long been recognized that one of these mechanisms is an essential role played by the cytoskeleton. In particular, accumulating evidence shows that the F-actin network is engaged during the final stages of vesicle interactions with the cell membrane. Using a combination of methods it is now possible to gain insights into F-actin dynamics and reveal its role during exocytosis. Here, we describe the use of two-photon and confocal microscopy to visualize F-actin changes at the cell membrane during exocytosis.

The cortical acto-Myosin network: from diffusion barrier to functional gateway in the transport of neurosecretory vesicles to the plasma membrane

Dysregulation of regulated exocytosis is linked to an array of pathological conditions, including neurodegenerative disorders, asthma, and diabetes. Understanding the molecular mechanisms underpinning neuroexocytosis including the processes that allow neurosecretory vesicles to access and fuse with the plasma membrane and to recycle post-fusion, is therefore critical to the design of future therapeutic drugs that will efficiently tackle these diseases. Despite considerable efforts to determine the principles of vesicular fusion, the mechanisms controlling the approach of vesicles to the plasma membrane in order to undergo tethering, docking, priming, and fusion remain poorly understood. All these steps involve the cortical actin network, a dense mesh of actin filaments localized beneath the plasma membrane. Recent work overturned the long-held belief that the cortical actin network only plays a passive constraining role in neuroexocytosis functioning as a physical barrier that partly breaks down upon entry of Ca(2+) to allow secretory vesicles to reach the plasma membrane. A multitude of new roles for the cortical actin network in regulated exocytosis have now emerged and point to highly dynamic novel functions of key myosin molecular motors. Myosins are not only believed to help bring about dynamic changes in the actin cytoskeleton, tethering and guiding vesicles to their fusion sites, but they also regulate the size and duration of the fusion pore, thereby directly contributing to the release of neurotransmitters and hormones. Here we discuss the functions of the cortical actin network, myosins, and their effectors in controlling the processes that lead to tethering, directed transport, docking, and fusion of exocytotic vesicles in regulated exocytosis.

Signaling mechanisms of glucose-induced F-actin remodeling in pancreatic islet β cells

The maintenance of whole-body glucose homeostasis is critical for survival, and is controlled by the coordination of multiple organs and endocrine systems. Pancreatic islet β cells secrete insulin in response to nutrient stimuli, and insulin then travels through the circulation promoting glucose uptake into insulin-responsive tissues such as liver, skeletal muscle and adipose. Many of the genes identified in human genome-wide association studies of diabetic individuals are directly associated with β cell survival and function, giving credence to the idea that β-cell dysfunction is central to the development of type 2 diabetes. As such, investigations into the mechanisms by which β cells sense glucose and secrete insulin in a regulated manner are a major focus of current diabetes research. In particular, recent discoveries of the detailed role and requirements for reorganization/remodeling of filamentous actin (F-actin) in the regulation of insulin release from the β cell have appeared at the forefront of islet function research, having lapsed in prior years due to technical limitations. Recent advances in live-cell imaging and specialized reagents have revealed localized F-actin remodeling to be a requisite for the normal biphasic pattern of nutrient-stimulated insulin secretion. This review will provide an historical look at the emergent focus on the role of the actin cytoskeleton and its regulation of insulin secretion, leading up to the cutting-edge research in progress in the field today.

Role of calcineurin and actin dynamics in regulated secretion of microneme proteins in Plasmodium falciparum merozoites during erythrocyte invasion

Plasmodium falciparum invades host erythrocytes by multiple invasion pathways. The invasion of erythrocytes by P. falciparum merozoites is a complex process that requires multiple interactions between host receptors and parasite ligands. A number of parasite proteins that mediate interaction with host receptors during invasion are localized to membrane-bound apical organelles referred to as micronemes and rhoptries. The timely release of these proteins to the merozoite surface is crucial for receptor engagement and invasion. It has been demonstrated previously that exposure of merozoites to a low potassium (K(+)) ionic environment as found in blood plasma leads to a rise in cytosolic calcium (Ca(2+)), which triggers microneme secretion. The signalling pathways that regulate microneme discharge in response to rise in cytosolic Ca(2+) are not completely understood. Here, we show that a P. falciparum Ca(2+)-dependent protein phosphatase, calcineurin (PfCN), is an essential regulator of Ca(2+)-dependent microneme exocytosis. An increase in PfCN activity was observed in merozoites following exposure to a low K(+) environment. Treatment of merozoites with calcineurin inhibitors such as FK506 and cyclosporin A prior to transfer to a low K(+) environment resulted in inhibition of secretion of microneme protein apical merozoite antigen-1 (PfAMA-1). Inhibition of PfCN was shown to result in reduced dephosphorylation and depolymerization of apical actin, which appears to be criticalfor microneme secretion. PfCN thus serves as an effector of Ca(2+)-dependent microneme exocytosis by regulating depolymerization of apical actin. Inhibitors that target PfCN block microneme exocytosis and limit growth of P. falciparum blood-stage parasites providing a novel approach towards development of new therapeutic strategies against malaria.

Myosin VI small insert isoform maintains exocytosis by tethering secretory granules to the cortical actin

Before undergoing neuroexocytosis, secretory granules (SGs) are mobilized and tethered to the cortical actin network by an unknown mechanism. Using an SG pull-down assay and mass spectrometry, we found that myosin VI was recruited to SGs in a Ca(2+)-dependent manner. Interfering with myosin VI function in PC12 cells reduced the density of SGs near the plasma membrane without affecting their biogenesis. Myosin VI knockdown selectively impaired a late phase of exocytosis, consistent with a replenishment defect. This exocytic defect was selectively rescued by expression of the myosin VI small insert (SI) isoform, which efficiently tethered SGs to the cortical actin network. These myosin VI SI-specific effects were prevented by deletion of a c-Src kinase phosphorylation DYD motif, identified in silico. Myosin VI SI thus recruits SGs to the cortical actin network, potentially via c-Src phosphorylation, thereby maintaining an active pool of SGs near the plasma membrane.

The reorganization of actin filaments is required for vacuolar fusion of guard cells during stomatal opening in Arabidopsis

The reorganization of actin filaments (AFs) and vacuoles in guard cells is involved in the regulation of stomatal movement. However, it remains unclear whether there is any interaction between the reorganization of AFs and vacuolar changes during stomatal movement. Here, we report the relationship between the reorganization of AFs and vacuolar fusion revealed in pharmacological experiments, and characterizing stomatal opening in actin-related protein 2 (arp2) and arp3 mutants. Our results show that cytochalasin-D-induced depolymerization or phalloidin-induced stabilization of AFs leads to an increase in small unfused vacuoles during stomatal opening in wild-type (WT) Arabidopsis plants. Light-induced stomatal opening is retarded and vacuolar fusion in guard cells is impaired in the mutants, in which the reorganization and the dynamic parameters of AFs are aberrant compared with those of the WT. In WT, AFs tightly surround the small separated vacuoles, forming a ring that encircles the boundary membranes of vacuoles partly fused during stomatal opening. In contrast, in the mutants, most AFs and actin patches accumulate abnormally around the nuclei of the guard cells, which probably further impair vacuolar fusion and retard stomatal opening. Our results suggest that the reorganization of AFs regulates vacuolar fusion in guard cells during stomatal opening.

Multiple roles for the actin cytoskeleton during regulated exocytosis

Regulated exocytosis is the main mechanism utilized by specialized secretory cells to deliver molecules to the cell surface by virtue of membranous containers (i.e., secretory vesicles). The process involves a series of highly coordinated and sequential steps, which include the biogenesis of the vesicles, their delivery to the cell periphery, their fusion with the plasma membrane, and the release of their content into the extracellular space. Each of these steps is regulated by the actin cytoskeleton. In this review, we summarize the current knowledge regarding the involvement of actin and its associated molecules during each of the exocytic steps in vertebrates, and suggest that the overall role of the actin cytoskeleton during regulated exocytosis is linked to the architecture and the physiology of the secretory cells under examination. Specifically, in neurons, neuroendocrine, endocrine, and hematopoietic cells, which contain small secretory vesicles that undergo rapid exocytosis (on the order of milliseconds), the actin cytoskeleton plays a role in pre-fusion events, where it acts primarily as a functional barrier and facilitates docking. In exocrine and other secretory cells, which contain large secretory vesicles that undergo slow exocytosis (seconds to minutes), the actin cytoskeleton plays a role in post-fusion events, where it regulates the dynamics of the fusion pore, facilitates the integration of the vesicles into the plasma membrane, provides structural support, and promotes the expulsion of large cargo molecules.

Genetic mapping of habitual substance use, obesity-related traits, responses to mental and physical stress, and heart rate and blood pressure measurements reveals shared genes that are overrepresented in the neural synapse

Links between substance use habits, obesity, stress and the related cardiovascular outcomes can be, in part, because of loci with pleiotropic effects. To investigate this hypothesis, we performed genome-wide mapping in 119 multigenerational families from a population in the Saguenay-Lac-St-Jean region with a known founder effect using 58 000 single-nucleotide polymorphisms and 437 microsatellite markers to identify genetic components of the following factors: habitual alcohol, tobacco and coffee use; response to mental and physical stress; obesity-related traits; and heart rate (HR) and blood pressure (BP) measures. Habitual alcohol and/or tobacco users had attenuated HR responses to mental stress compared with non-users, whereas hypertensive individuals had stronger HR and systolic BP responses to mental stress and a higher obesity index than normotensives. Genetic mappings uncovered numerous shared genes among substance use, stress response, obesity and hemodynamic traits, including CAMK4, CNTN4, DLG2, FHIT, GRID2, ITPR2, NOVA1 and PRKCE, forming network of interacting proteins, sharing synaptic function and display higher and patterned expression profiles in brain-related tissues; moreover, pathway analysis of shared genes pointed to long-term potentiation. Subgroup genetic mappings uncovered additional shared synaptic genes, including CAMK4, CNTN5 and DNM3 (hypertension-specific); CNTN4, DNM3, FHIT and ITPR1 (sex-specific), having protein interactions with genes driven from general analysis. In summary, consistent with the observed phenotypic correlations, we found substantial overlap among genomic determinants of these traits in synapse, which supports the notion that the neural synapse may be a shared interface behind substance use, stress, obesity, HR, BP as well as the observed sex- and hypertension-specific genetic differences.

New insights into the role of the cortical cytoskeleton in exocytosis from neuroendocrine cells

The cortical cytoskeleton is a dense network of filamentous actin (F-actin) that participates in the events associated with secretion from neuroendocrine cells. This filamentous web traps secretory vesicles, acting as a retention system that blocks the access of vesicles to secretory sites during the resting state, and it mediates their active directional transport during stimulation. The changes in the cortical cytoskeleton that drive this functional transformation have been well documented, particularly in cultured chromaffin cells. At the biochemical level, alterations in F-actin are governed by the activity of molecular motors like myosins II and V and by other calcium-dependent proteins that influence the polymerization and cross-linking of F-actin structures. In addition to modulating vesicle transport, the F-actin cortical network and its associated motor proteins also influence the late phases of the secretory process, including membrane fusion and the release of active substances through the exocytotic fusion pore. Here, we discuss the potential interactions between the F-actin cortical web and proteins such as SNAREs during secretion. We also discuss the role of the cytoskeleton in organizing the molecular elements required to sustain regulated exocytosis, forming a molecular structure that foments the efficient release of neurotransmitters and hormones.

Myosin VI in PC12 cells plays important roles in cell migration and proliferation but not in catecholamine secretion

Myosin VI (MVI) is the only known myosin walking towards minus end of actin filaments and is believed to play distinct role(s) than other myosins. We addressed a role of this unique motor in secretory PC12 cells, derived from rat adrenal medulla pheochromocytoma using cell lines with reduced MVI synthesis (produced by means of siRNA). Decrease of MVI expression caused severe changes in cell size and morphology, and profound defects in actin cytoskeleton organization and Golgi structure. Also, significant inhibition of cell migration as well as cell proliferation was observed. Flow cytometric analysis revealed that MVI-deficient cells were arrested in G0/G1 phase of the cell cycle but did not undergo increased senescence as compared with control cells. Also, neither polyploidy nor aneuploidy were detected. Surprisingly, no significant effect on noradrenaline secretion was observed. These data indicate that in PC12 cells MVI is involved in cell migration and proliferation but is not crucial for stimulation-dependent catecholamine release.

β2-Syntrophin is a Cdk5 substrate that restrains the motility of insulin secretory granules

The molecular basis for the interaction of insulin granules with the cortical cytoskeleton of pancreatic β-cells remains unknown. We have proposed that binding of the granule protein ICA512 to the PDZ domain of β2-syntrophin anchors granules to actin filaments and that the phosphorylation/dephosphorylation of β2-syntrophin regulates this association. Here we tested this hypothesis by analyzing INS-1 cells expressing GFP-β2-syntrophin through the combined use of biochemical approaches, imaging studies by confocal and total internal reflection fluorescence microscopy as well as electron microscopy. Our results support the notion that β2-syntrophin restrains the mobility of cortical granules in insulinoma INS-1 cells, thereby reducing insulin secretion and increasing insulin stores in resting cells, while increasing insulin release upon stimulation. Using mass spectrometry, in vitro phosphorylation assays and β2-syntrophin phosphomutants we found that phosphorylation of β2-syntrophin on S75 near the PDZ domain decreases its binding to ICA512 and correlates with increased granule motility, while phosphorylation of S90 has opposite effects. We further show that Cdk5, which regulates insulin secretion, phosphorylates S75. These findings provide mechanistic insight into how stimulation displaces insulin granules from cortical actin, thus promoting their motility and exocytosis.

The platelet actin cytoskeleton associates with SNAREs and participates in alpha-granule secretion

Following platelet activation, platelets undergo a dramatic shape change mediated by the actin cytoskeleton and accompanied by secretion of granule contents. While the actin cytoskeleton is thought to influence platelet granule secretion, the mechanism for this putative regulation is not known. We found that disruption of the actin cytoskeleton by latrunculin A inhibited alpha-granule secretion induced by several different platelet agonists without significantly affecting activation-induced platelet aggregation. In a cell-free secretory system, platelet cytosol was required for alpha-granule secretion. Inhibition of actin polymerization prevented alpha-granule secretion in this system, and purified platelet actin could substitute for platelet cytosol to support alpha-granule secretion. To determine whether SNAREs physically associate with the actin cytoskeleton, we isolated the Triton X-100 insoluble actin cytoskeleton from platelets. VAMP-8 and syntaxin-2 associated only with actin cytoskeletons of activated platelets. Syntaxin-4 and SNAP-23 associated with cytoskeletons isolated from either resting or activated platelets. When syntaxin-4 and SNAP-23 were tested for actin binding in a purified protein system, only syntaxin-4 associated directly with polymerized platelet actin. These data show that the platelet cytoskeleton interacts with select SNAREs and that actin polymerization facilitates alpha-granule release.

An emerging role for IQGAP1 in regulating protein traffic

IQGAP1, an effector of CDC42p GTPase, is a widely conserved, multifunctional protein that bundles F-actin through its N-terminus and binds microtubules through its C-terminus to modulate the cell architecture. It has emerged as a potential oncogene associated with diverse human cancers. Therefore, IQGAP1 has been heavily investigated; regardless, its precise cellular function remains unclear. Work from yeast suggests that IQGAP1 plays an important role in directed cell growth, which is a conserved feature crucial to morphogenesis, division axis, and body plan determination. New evidence suggests a conserved role for IQGAP1 in protein synthesis and membrane traffic, which may help to explain the diversity of its cellular functions. Membrane traffic mediates infections by intracellular pathogens and a range of degenerative human diseases arise from dysfunctions in intracellular traffic; thus, elucidating the mechanisms of cellular traffic will be important in order to understand the basis of a wide range of inherited and acquired human diseases. Recent evidence suggests that IQGAP1 plays its role in cell growth through regulating the conserved mTOR pathway. The mTOR signaling cascade has been implicated in membrane traffic and is activated in nearly all human cancers, but clinical response to the mTOR-specific inhibitor rapamycin has been disappointing. Thus, understanding the regulators of this pathway will be crucial in order to identify predictors of rapamycin sensitivity. In this review, I discuss emerging evidence that supports a potential role of IQGAP1 in regulating membrane traffic via regulating the mTOR pathway.

PKC epsilon facilitates recovery of exocytosis after an exhausting stimulation

It has been well documented that protein kinase Cs (PKCs) play multifaceted roles in regulating exocytosis of neurotransmitters and hormones. But the isoform-specific PKC effects are still poorly elucidated mainly because of the large variety of PKC isoforms and the dubious specificity of the commonly used pharmacological agents. In the present study, based on overexpression of wild-type or dominant negative PKC epsilon, we demonstrate in neuroendocrine PC12 cells that PKC epsilon, but not PKC alpha, facilitates recovery of exocytosis after an exhausting stimulation. Specifically, PKC epsilon mediates fast recovery of the extent of exocytosis in a phosphatidylinositol biphosphate-dependent manner, likely through enhancing the rate of vesicle delivery and reorganization of cortical actin network. In addition, PKC epsilon promotes fast recovery of vesicle release kinetics that is slowed after a strong stimulation. These experimental results may suggest a PKC-dependent mechanism relevant to the short-term plasticity of exocytosis in both neurons and neuroendocrine cells.

Cortical F-actin, the exocytic mode, and neuropeptide release in mouse chromaffin cells is regulated by myristoylated alanine-rich C-kinase substrate and myosin II

Adrenal medullary chromaffin cells are innervated by the sympathetic splanchnic nerve and translate graded sympathetic firing into a differential hormonal exocytosis. Basal sympathetic firing elicits a transient kiss-and-run mode of exocytosis and modest catecholamine release, whereas elevated firing under the sympathetic stress response results in full granule collapse to release catecholamine and peptide transmitters into the circulation. Previous studies have shown that rearrangement of the cell actin cortex regulates the mode of exocytosis. An intact cortex favors kiss-and-run exocytosis, whereas disrupting the cortex favors the full granule collapse mode. Here, we investigate the specific roles of two actin-associated proteins, myosin II and myristoylated alanine-rich C-kinase substrate (MARCKS) in this process. Our data demonstrate that MARCKS phosphorylation under elevated cell firing is required for cortical actin disruption but is not sufficient to elicit peptide transmitter exocytosis. Our data also demonstrate that myosin II is phospho-activated under high stimulation conditions. Inhibiting myosin II activity prevented disruption of the actin cortex, full granule collapse, and peptide transmitter release. These results suggest that phosphorylation of both MARCKS and myosin II lead to disruption of the actin cortex. However, myosin II, but not MARCKS, is required for the activity-dependent exocytosis of the peptide transmitters.

Myosin II activation and actin reorganization regulate the mode of quantal exocytosis in mouse adrenal chromaffin cells

Chromaffin cells of the adrenal medulla are innervated by the sympathetic nervous system. Stimulation causes chromaffin cells to fire action potentials, leading to the exocytosis of various classes of transmitters into the circulation. Low-frequency electrical stimulation (action potentials delivered at 0.5 Hz) causes adrenal chromaffin cells to selectively release catecholamines through a kiss-and-run fusion event. Elevated electrical stimulation (action potentials at 15 Hz) evokes fusion pore dilation, full granule collapse, and additional release of the neuropeptide-containing proteinaceous granule core. Here we apply single-cell electrophysiological, electrochemical, and fluorescence measurements to investigate the cellular mechanism for this shift in exocytic behavior. We show that at low-frequency stimulation, a filamentous-actin cell cortex plays a key role in stabilizing the kiss-and-run fusion event. Increased stimulation disrupts the actin cortex, driving full granule collapse. We show that pharmacological perturbation of the actin cortex supersedes stimulus frequency in controlling exocytic mode. Finally, we show that nonmuscle myosin II activation contributes to the cytoskeleton-dependent control of the fusion event. Inhibition of myosin II or myosin light chain kinase under elevated stimulation frequencies inhibits fusion pore dilation and maintains the granule in a kiss-and-run mode of exocytosis. These results demonstrate an essential role for activity-evoked cytoskeletal rearrangement and the action of myosin II in the regulation of catecholamine and neuropeptide exocytosis and represent an essential element of the sympathetic stress response.

Myosin II contributes to fusion pore expansion during exocytosis

During exocytosis, the fusion pore expands to allow release of neurotransmitters and hormones to the extracellular space. To understand the process of synaptic transmission, it is of outstanding importance to know the properties of the fusion pore and how these properties affect the release process. Many proteins have been implicated in vesicle fusion; however, there is little evidence for proteins involved in fusion pore expansion. Myosin II has been shown to participate in the transport of vesicles and, surprisingly, in the final phases of exocytosis, affecting the kinetics of catecholamine release in adrenal chromaffin cells as measured by amperometry. Here, we have studied single vesicle exocytosis in chromaffin cells overexpressing an unphosphorylatable form (T18AS19A RLC-GFP) of myosin II that produces an inactive protein by patch amperometry. This method allows direct determination of fusion pore expansion by measuring its conductance, whereas the release of catecholamines is recorded simultaneously by amperometry. Here we demonstrated that the fusion pore is of critical importance to control the release of catecholamines during single vesicle secretion in chromaffin cells. We proved that myosin II acts as a molecular motor on the fusion pore expansion by hindering its dilation when it lacks the phosphorylation sites.

Multiple roles of the furrow deepening Ca2+ transient during cytokinesis in zebrafish embryos

The generation of a required series of localized Ca(2+) transients during cytokinesis in zebrafish embryos suggests that Ca(2+) plays a necessary role in regulating this process. Here, we report that cortical actin remodeling, characterized by the reorganization of the contractile band and the formation during furrow deepening of pericleavage F-actin enrichments (PAEs), requires a localized increase in intracellular Ca(2+), which is released from IP(3)-sensitive stores. We demonstrate that VAMP-2 vesicle fusion at the deepening furrow also requires Ca(2+) released via IP(3) receptors, as well as the presence of PAEs and the action of calpains. Finally, by expressing a dominant-negative form of the kinesin-like protein, kif23, we demonstrate that its recruitment to the furrow region is required for VAMP-2 vesicle transport; and via FRAP analysis, that kif23 localization is also Ca(2+)-dependent. Collectively, our data demonstrate that a localized increase in intracellular Ca(2+) is involved in regulating several key events during furrow deepening and subsequent apposition.

Cytoskeletal control of vesicle transport and exocytosis in chromaffin cells

Chromaffin cell exocytosis is a fascinating interplay between secretory vesicles and cellular components. One of these components is the cytoskeleton and its associated regulatory proteins. Transport of chromaffin secretory granules from their site of biosynthesis towards the active site of exocytosis requires both F-actin fine remodelling as well as microtubule trails. At least two molecular motors, myosins II and V, seem to play a crucial role in the control of F-actin dynamics and vectorial vesicle displacement respectively. Vesicle movement experiences spatial restrictions as they approach the cell cortical region, where the F-actin meshwork constitutes a barrier-limiting vesicle access to the plasmalemma. During secretion, cortical F-actin is locally disrupted providing access of vesicles to release sites on the plasmalemma. Removal of the stimulus restores cortical F-actin. Two pathways (Ca2+-scinderin and PKC-MARCKS) control F-actin changes during the secretory cycle . Furthermore, GTPases such as RhoA, that controls F-actin network integrity, and Cdc42 signalling which induces the formation of local actin filaments at active sites, provide additional evidence on the importance of F-actin as a key element in vesicle transport and in the exocytotic machinery of chromaffin cells.

Chronic ethanol exposure inhibits dopamine release via effects on the presynaptic actin cytoskeleton in PC12 cells

An increase in nucleus accumbens dopamine release appears to mediate the "rewarding" properties of drugs of abuse. Using PC12 cells, it has been shown that chronic ethanol exposure can significantly reduce nicotine-stimulated dopamine release. Here, a novel mechanism of ethanol in regulating presynaptic dopamine release is demonstrated. In neuronal cells, a layer of filamentous actin beneath the cell surface regulates the movement and release of synaptic vesicles. Upon stimulation, there is a protein kinase C (PKC)-dependent breakdown of this actin cytoskeleton, allowing vesicles to move near the nerve terminal membrane for release. Chronic ethanol alters PKC signaling, thus the hypothesis that chronic ethanol inhibits presynaptic actin cytoskeleton breakdown in response to stimulation was tested. PC12 cells were chronically exposed to ethanol and then acutely exposed to multiple forms of stimulation (nicotine, sucrose, potassium, and ionophore). In ethanol-treated cells, dopamine release was inhibited following stimulation by forms of release shown to be PKC-dependent (nicotine, sucrose, and potassium). In contrast, dopamine release was not altered following stimulation by PKC-independent forms of release (ionophore). Actin cytoskeleton breakdown was also inhibited following stimulation with PKC-dependent forms of stimulated release but not by PKC-independent (ionophore) forms. Further, cytochalasin B, an agent which depolymerizes actin, reversed the effects of chronic ethanol on both actin depolymerization and dopamine release. These data suggest that chronic ethanol inhibits presynaptic actin breakdown, likely resulting in decreased neurotransmitter release.

Duplicated gelsolin family genes in zebrafish: a novel scinderin-like gene (scinla) encodes the major corneal crystallin

We have previously identified a gelsolin-like protein (C/L-gelsolin) as a corneal crystallin in zebrafish. Here we show by phylogenetic analysis that there are at least six genes encoding gelsolin-like proteins based on their gelsolin domains in zebrafish: gsna and gsnb group with the vertebrate gelsolin gene, scina and scinb group with the scinderin (adseverin) gene, and scinla (C/L-gelsolin) and scinlb are novel scinderin-like genes. RT-PCR showed that scinla, scinlb, and gsnb are preferentially expressed in the adult cornea whereas gsna is expressed to a similar extent in cornea, lens, brain, and heart; scina and scinb expression were detectable only in whole zebrafish and not in these adult tissues. Quantitative RT-PCR and 2-dimensional polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis followed by MALDI/TOF mass spectroscopy confirmed high expression of beta-actin and scinla, moderate expression of scinlb, and very low expression of gsna and gsnb in the cornea. Finally, transgenic zebrafish carrying a green fluorescent protein reporter transgene driven by a 4 kb scinla promoter fragment showed expression in the cornea, snout, dorsal fin, and tail fin of 3-day-old zebrafish larvae. Our data suggest that scinla and scinlb are diverged paralogs of the vertebrate scinderin gene and show that scinla encodes the zebrafish corneal crystallin previously called C/L-gelsolin.

'Should I stay or should I go?': myosin V function in organelle trafficking

Actin- and microtubule-based motors can propel different cargos along filaments. Within cells, they control the distribution of membrane-bound compartments by performing complementary tasks. Organelles make long journeys along microtubules, with class V myosins ensuring their capture and their dispersal in actin-rich regions. Myosin Va is recruited on to diverse organelles, such as melanosomes and secretory vesicles, by a mechanism involving Rab GTPases. The role of myosin Va in the recruitment of secretory vesicles at the plasma membrane reveals that the cortical actin network cannot merely be seen as a physical barrier hindering vesicle access to release sites. In neurons, myosin Va controls the targeting of IP(3) (inositol 1,4,5-trisphosphate)-sensitive Ca(2+) stores to dendritic spines and the transport of mRNAs. These defects probably account for the severe neurological symptoms observed in Griscelli syndrome due to mutations in the MYO5A gene.

The role of the actin cytoskeleton in oxytocin and vasopressin release from rat supraoptic nucleus neurons

Magnocellular neurons of the supraoptic nucleus (SON) can differentially control peptide release from the somato/dendritic and axon terminal compartment. Dendritic release can be selectively regulated through activation of intracellular calcium stores by calcium mobilizers such as thapsigargin (TG), resulting in preparation (priming) of somato/dendritic peptide pools for subsequent activity-dependent release. As dynamic modulation of the actin cytoskeleton is implicated in secretion from synaptic terminals and from several types of neuroendocrine cells, we studied its involvement in oxytocin and vasopressin release from SON neurons. Confocal image analysis of the somata revealed that the normally continuous cortical band of F-actin is disrupted after high potassium (K(+), 50 mm) or TG (200 nm) stimulation. The functional importance of actin remodelling was studied using cell-permeable actin polymerizing (jasplakinolide, 2 microm) or depolymerizing agents (latrunculin B, 5 microm) to treat SON and neural lobe (NL) explants in vitro and measure high K(+)-induced oxytocin and vasopressin release. Latrunculin significantly enhanced, and jasplakinolide inhibited, high-K(+)-evoked somato/dendritic peptide release, while release from axon terminals was not altered, suggesting that high-K(+)-evoked release in the SON, but not the NL, requires depolymerization of the actin cytoskeleton. TG-induced priming of somato/dendritic release was also blocked by jasplakinolide and latrunculin, suggesting that priming involves changes in actin remodelling.

Heat shock protein 27 regulates neutrophil chemotaxis and exocytosis through two independent mechanisms

The targets of the p38 MAPK pathway responsible for regulation of neutrophil chemotaxis and exocytosis are unknown. One target of this pathway is the actin-binding protein, heat shock protein 27 (Hsp27). Therefore, we tested the hypothesis that Hsp27 mediates p38 MAPK-dependent chemotaxis and exocytosis in human neutrophils through regulation of actin reorganization. Sequestration of Hsp27 by introduction of anti-Hsp27 Ab, but not an isotype Ab, inhibited fMLP-stimulated chemotaxis, increased cortical F-actin in the absence of fMLP stimulation, and inhibited fMLP-stimulated exocytosis. Pretreatment with latrunculin A prevented actin reorganization and the changes in fMLP-stimulated exocytosis induced by Hsp27 sequestration. To determine the role of Hsp27 phosphorylation, wild-type, phosphorylation-resistant, or phosphorylation-mimicking recombinant Hsp27 was introduced into neutrophils by electroporation. The phosphorylation-resistant mutant significantly reduced migration toward fMLP, whereas none of the Hsp27 proteins affected fMLP-stimulated or TNF-alpha-stimulated exocytosis or actin polymerization. Endogenous Hsp27 colocalized with F-actin in unstimulated and fMLP-stimulated neutrophils, whereas phosphorylated Hsp27 showed cytosolic localization in addition to colocalization with F-actin. Our results suggest that Hsp27 regulates neutrophil chemotaxis and exocytosis in an actin-dependent, phosphorylation-independent manner. Phosphorylation of Hsp27 regulates chemotaxis, but not exocytosis, independent of regulation of actin reorganization.