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Tang T, Wu M, Yang L, Liu F, Zhang F. Muscle LIM protein of Macrobrachium nipponense (MnMLP) involved in immune and stress response. FISH & SHELLFISH IMMUNOLOGY 2024; 153:109809. [PMID: 39122098 DOI: 10.1016/j.fsi.2024.109809] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/24/2024] [Revised: 07/31/2024] [Accepted: 08/04/2024] [Indexed: 08/12/2024]
Abstract
The muscle LIM protein (MLP) is a member of the cysteine and glycine-rich protein (CSRP) family, composed of CSRP1, CSRP2 and CSRP3/MLP. MLP is involved in a multitude of functional roles, including cytoskeletal organization, transcriptional regulation, and signal transduction. However, the molecular mechanisms underlying its involvement in immune and stress responses remain to be elucidated. This study identified an MnMLP in the freshwater crustacean Macrobrachium nipponense. The isothermal titration calorimetry assay demonstrated that recombinant MnMLP was capable of coordinating with Zn2+. Upon challenge by Aeromonas veronii or WSSV, and exposure to CdCl2, up-regulation was recorded in the muscle and intestinal tissues, suggesting its involvement in immune and anti-stress responses. MnMLP protein was predominantly expressed in the cytoplasm of the transfected HEK-293T cells, but after treatment with LPS, Cd2+ or H2O2, the MnMLP was observed to be transferred into the nucleus. The comet assay demonstrated that the overexpression of MnMLP could mitigate the DNA damage induced by H2O2 in HEK-293T cells, suggesting the potential involvement of MnMLP in the DNA repair process. These findings suggest that DNA repair may represent a possible mechanism by which MnMLP may be involved in the host's defense against pathogens and stress.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ting Tang
- Key Laboratory of Zoological Systematics and Application, College of Life Sciences, Hebei University, Baoding, 071002, China
| | - Mengjia Wu
- Key Laboratory of Zoological Systematics and Application, College of Life Sciences, Hebei University, Baoding, 071002, China
| | - Likun Yang
- Key Laboratory of Zoological Systematics and Application, College of Life Sciences, Hebei University, Baoding, 071002, China
| | - Fengsong Liu
- Key Laboratory of Zoological Systematics and Application, College of Life Sciences, Hebei University, Baoding, 071002, China; Hebei Basic Science Center for Biotic Interaction, Hebei University, Baoding, 071002, China; Engineering Research Center of Ecological Safety and Conservation in Beijing-Tianjin-Hebei (Xiong'an New Area) of MOE, Baoding, 071002, China.
| | - Feng Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Zoological Systematics and Application, College of Life Sciences, Hebei University, Baoding, 071002, China; Hebei Basic Science Center for Biotic Interaction, Hebei University, Baoding, 071002, China.
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Wishard R, Jayaram M, Ramesh SR, Nongthomba U. Spatial and temporal requirement of Mlp60A isoforms during muscle development and function in Drosophila melanogaster. Exp Cell Res 2023; 422:113430. [PMID: 36423661 DOI: 10.1016/j.yexcr.2022.113430] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/23/2022] [Revised: 11/18/2022] [Accepted: 11/19/2022] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
Many myofibrillar proteins undergo isoform switching in a spatio-temporal manner during muscle development. The biological significance of the variants of several of these myofibrillar proteins remains elusive. One such myofibrillar protein, the Muscle LIM Protein (MLP), is a vital component of the Z-discs. In this paper, we show that one of the Drosophila MLP encoding genes, Mlp60A, gives rise to two isoforms: a short (279 bp, 10 kDa) and a long (1461 bp, 54 kDa) one. The short isoform is expressed throughout development, but the long isoform is adult-specific, being the dominant of the two isoforms in the indirect flight muscles (IFMs). A concomitant, muscle-specific knockdown of both isoforms leads to partial developmental lethality, with most of the surviving flies being flight defective. A global loss of both isoforms in a Mlp60A-null background also leads to developmental lethality, with muscle defects in the individuals that survive to the third instar larval stage. This lethality could be rescued partially by a muscle-specific overexpression of the short isoform. Genetic perturbation of only the long isoform, through a P-element insertion in the long isoform-specific coding sequence, leads to defective flight, in around 90% of the flies. This phenotype was completely rescued when the P-element insertion was precisely excised from the locus. Hence, our data show that the two Mlp60A isoforms are functionally specialized: the short isoform being essential for normal embryonic muscle development and the long isoform being necessary for normal adult flight muscle function.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rohan Wishard
- Department of Molecular Reproduction, Development and Genetics; Indian Institute of Science, Bengaluru, 560012, India.
| | - Mohan Jayaram
- Department of Molecular Reproduction, Development and Genetics; Indian Institute of Science, Bengaluru, 560012, India; Department of Studies in Zoology, University of Mysore, Manasgangotri, Mysuru, 570006, India
| | - Saraf R Ramesh
- Department of Studies in Zoology, University of Mysore, Manasgangotri, Mysuru, 570006, India; Department of Life Sciences, Pooja Bhagvat Memorial Mahajana Education Center, K. R. S. Road, Mysuru, 570016, India
| | - Upendra Nongthomba
- Department of Molecular Reproduction, Development and Genetics; Indian Institute of Science, Bengaluru, 560012, India.
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She M, Zhang J, Jiang T, Zhang Y, Liu Y, Tang M, Zeng Q. The function of Lmpt in Drosophila heart tissue. Biochem Biophys Res Commun 2022; 612:15-21. [DOI: 10.1016/j.bbrc.2022.04.098] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/11/2022] [Revised: 04/19/2022] [Accepted: 04/21/2022] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
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Zeng F, Yi C, Zhang W, Cheng S, Sun C, Luo F, Feng Z, Hu W. A new ferritin SjFer0 affecting the growth and development of Schistosoma japonicum. Parasit Vectors 2022; 15:177. [PMID: 35610663 PMCID: PMC9128280 DOI: 10.1186/s13071-022-05247-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/08/2021] [Accepted: 03/21/2022] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Schistosomiasis, an acute and chronic parasitic disease, causes substantial morbidity and mortality in tropical and subtropical regions of the world. Iron is an essential constituent of numerous macromolecules involving in important cellular reactions in virtually all organisms. Trematodes of the genus Schistosoma live in iron-rich blood, feed on red blood cells and store abundant iron in vitelline cells. Ferritins are multi-meric proteins that store iron inside cells. Three ferritin isoforms in Schistosoma japonicum are known, namely SjFer0, SjFer1 and SjFer2; however, their impact on the growth and development of the parasites is still unknown. In this study we report on and characterize the ferritins in S. japonicum. METHODS A phylogenetic tree of the SjFer0, SjFer1 and SjFer2 genes was constructed to show the evolutionary relationship among species of genus Schistosoma. RNA interference in vivo was used to investigate the impact of SjFer0 on schistosome growth and development. Immunofluorescence assay was applied to localize the expression of the ferritins. RNA-sequencing was performed to characterize the iron transport profile after RNA interference. RESULTS SjFer0 was found to have low similarity with SjFer1 and SjFer2 and contain an additional signal peptide sequence. Phylogenetic analysis revealed that SjFer0 can only cluster with some ferritins of other trematodes and tapeworms, suggesting that this ferritin branch might be unique to these parasites. RNA interference in vivo showed that SjFer0 significantly affected the growth and development of schistosomula but did not affect egg production of adult female worms. SjFer1 and SjFer2 had no significant impact on growth and development. The immunofluorescence study showed that SjFer0 was widely expressed in the somatic cells and vitelline glands but not in the testicle or ovary. RNA-sequencing indicated that, in female, the ion transport process and calcium ion binding function were downregulated after SjFer0 RNA interference. Among the differentially downregulated genes, Sj-cpi-2, annexin and insulin-like growth factor-binding protein may be accounted for the suppression of schistosome growth and development. CONCLUSIONS The results indicate that SjFer0 affects the growth and development of schistosomula but does not affect egg production of adult female worms. SjFer0 can rescue the growth of the fet3fet4 double mutant Saccharomyces cerevisiae (strain DEY1453), suggesting being able to promote iron absorption. The RNA interference of SjFer0 inferred that the suppression of worm growth and development may via down-regulating Sj-cpi-2, annexin, and IGFBP.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fanyuan Zeng
- State Key Laboratory of Genetic Engineering, Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Contemporary Anthropology, Collaborative Innovation Center for Genetics and Development, School of Life Sciences, Fudan University, 2005 Song Hu Road, Shanghai, 200438, People's Republic of China
| | - Cun Yi
- State Key Laboratory of Genetic Engineering, Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Contemporary Anthropology, Collaborative Innovation Center for Genetics and Development, School of Life Sciences, Fudan University, 2005 Song Hu Road, Shanghai, 200438, People's Republic of China
| | - Wei Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Genetic Engineering, Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Contemporary Anthropology, Collaborative Innovation Center for Genetics and Development, School of Life Sciences, Fudan University, 2005 Song Hu Road, Shanghai, 200438, People's Republic of China
| | - Shaoyun Cheng
- State Key Laboratory of Genetic Engineering, Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Contemporary Anthropology, Collaborative Innovation Center for Genetics and Development, School of Life Sciences, Fudan University, 2005 Song Hu Road, Shanghai, 200438, People's Republic of China
| | - Chengsong Sun
- State Key Laboratory of Genetic Engineering, Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Contemporary Anthropology, Collaborative Innovation Center for Genetics and Development, School of Life Sciences, Fudan University, 2005 Song Hu Road, Shanghai, 200438, People's Republic of China
| | - Fang Luo
- State Key Laboratory of Genetic Engineering, Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Contemporary Anthropology, Collaborative Innovation Center for Genetics and Development, School of Life Sciences, Fudan University, 2005 Song Hu Road, Shanghai, 200438, People's Republic of China
| | - Zheng Feng
- Key Laboratory of Parasite and Vector Biology of the Chinese Ministry of Health, WHO Collaborating Center for Tropical Diseases, Joint Research Laboratory of Genetics and Ecology on Parasite-Host Interaction, National Institute of Parasitic Diseases, Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Shanghai, 200025, People's Republic of China
| | - Wei Hu
- State Key Laboratory of Genetic Engineering, Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Contemporary Anthropology, Collaborative Innovation Center for Genetics and Development, School of Life Sciences, Fudan University, 2005 Song Hu Road, Shanghai, 200438, People's Republic of China.
- Key Laboratory of Parasite and Vector Biology of the Chinese Ministry of Health, WHO Collaborating Center for Tropical Diseases, Joint Research Laboratory of Genetics and Ecology on Parasite-Host Interaction, National Institute of Parasitic Diseases, Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Shanghai, 200025, People's Republic of China.
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Regulation and Breeding of Grassland Livestock, School of Life Sciences, Inner Monglia University, Hohhot, 010030, People's Republic of China.
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Liang S, Luo J, Alariqi M, Xu Z, Wang A, Zafar MN, Ren J, Wang F, Liu X, Xin Y, Xu H, Guo W, Wang Y, Ma W, Chen L, Lindsey K, Zhang X, Jin S. Silencing of a LIM gene in cotton exhibits enhanced resistance against Apolygus lucorum. J Cell Physiol 2021; 236:5921-5936. [PMID: 33481281 DOI: 10.1002/jcp.30281] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/13/2020] [Revised: 12/06/2020] [Accepted: 12/26/2020] [Indexed: 01/18/2023]
Abstract
Plant bugs (Miridae species) have become major agricultural pests that cause increasing and severe economic damage. Plant-mediated RNA interference (RNAi) is emerging as an eco-friendly, efficient, and reliable strategy for pest management. In this study, we isolated and characterized a lethal gene of Apolygus lucorum and named it Apolygus lucorum LIM (AlLIM), which produced A. lucorum mortality rates ranging from 38% to 81%. Downregulation of the AlLIM gene expression in A. lucorum by injection of a double-stranded RNA (dsRNA) led to muscle structural disorganization that resulted in metamorphosis deficiency and increased mortality. Then we constructed a plant expression vector that enabled transgenic cotton to highly and stably express dsRNA of AlLIM (dsAlLIM) by Agrobacterium-mediated genetic transformation. In the field bioassay, dsAlLIM transgenic cotton was protected from A. lucorum damage with high efficiency, with almost no detectable yield loss. Therefore, our study successfully provides a promising genetically modified strategy to overpower A. lucorum attack.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sijia Liang
- National Key Laboratory of Crop Genetic Improvement, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, Hubei, China.,State Key Laboratory of Biocatalysis and Enzyme Engineering, School of Life Sciences, Hubei University, Wuhan, China.,Academy of Industry innovation and Development, Huanghuai University, Zhumadian, Henan, China
| | - Jing Luo
- State Key Laboratory of Biocatalysis and Enzyme Engineering, School of Life Sciences, Hubei University, Wuhan, China
| | - Muna Alariqi
- National Key Laboratory of Crop Genetic Improvement, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, Hubei, China
| | - Zhongping Xu
- National Key Laboratory of Crop Genetic Improvement, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, Hubei, China
| | - Aoli Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Biocatalysis and Enzyme Engineering, School of Life Sciences, Hubei University, Wuhan, China
| | - Muhammad Naeem Zafar
- National Key Laboratory of Crop Genetic Improvement, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, Hubei, China
| | - Jun Ren
- Hubei Insect Resources Utilization and Sustainable Pest Management Key Laboratory, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, Hubei, China
| | - Fuqiu Wang
- National Key Laboratory of Crop Genetic Improvement, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, Hubei, China
| | - Xuefei Liu
- National Key Laboratory of Crop Genetic Improvement, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, Hubei, China
| | - Yanfeng Xin
- National Key Laboratory of Crop Genetic Improvement, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, Hubei, China
| | - Haonan Xu
- Hubei Insect Resources Utilization and Sustainable Pest Management Key Laboratory, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, Hubei, China
| | - Weifeng Guo
- Xinjiang Production and Construction Corps Key Laboratory of Protection and Utilization of Biological Resources in Tarim Basin, Tarim University, Alaer, Xinjiang, China
| | - Yanqin Wang
- Xinjiang Production and Construction Corps Key Laboratory of Protection and Utilization of Biological Resources in Tarim Basin, Tarim University, Alaer, Xinjiang, China
| | - Weihua Ma
- National Key Laboratory of Crop Genetic Improvement, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, Hubei, China
| | - Lizhen Chen
- Hubei Insect Resources Utilization and Sustainable Pest Management Key Laboratory, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, Hubei, China
| | - Keith Lindsey
- Department of Biosciences, Durham University, Durham, UK
| | - Xianlong Zhang
- National Key Laboratory of Crop Genetic Improvement, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, Hubei, China
| | - Shuangxia Jin
- National Key Laboratory of Crop Genetic Improvement, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, Hubei, China
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Characterization of an aphid-specific, cysteine-rich protein enriched in salivary glands. Biophys Chem 2014; 189:25-32. [DOI: 10.1016/j.bpc.2014.03.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/05/2014] [Revised: 03/22/2014] [Accepted: 03/25/2014] [Indexed: 01/05/2023]
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Clark KA, Kadrmas JL. Drosophila melanogaster muscle LIM protein and alpha-actinin function together to stabilize muscle cytoarchitecture: a potential role for Mlp84B in actin-crosslinking. Cytoskeleton (Hoboken) 2013; 70:304-16. [PMID: 23606669 PMCID: PMC3716849 DOI: 10.1002/cm.21106] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/14/2013] [Revised: 03/04/2013] [Accepted: 03/06/2013] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Stabilization of tissue architecture during development and growth is essential to maintain structural integrity. Because of its contractile nature, muscle is especially susceptible to physiological stresses, and has multiple mechanisms to maintain structural integrity. The Drosophila melanogaster Muscle LIM Protein (MLP), Mlp84B, participates in muscle maintenance, yet its precise mechanism of action is still controversial. Through a candidate approach, we identified α-actinin as a protein that functions with Mlp84B to ensure muscle integrity. α-actinin RNAi animals die primarily as pupae, and Mlp84B RNAi animals are adult viable. RNAi knockdown of Mlp84B and α-actinin together produces synergistic early larval lethality and destabilization of Z-line structures. We recapitulated these phenotypes using combinations of traditional loss-of-function alleles and single-gene RNAi. We observe that Mlp84B induces the formation of actin loops in muscle cell nuclei in the absence of nuclear α-actinin, suggesting Mlp84B has intrinsic actin cross-linking activity, which may complement α-actinin cross-linking activity at sites of actin filament anchorage. These results reveal a molecular mechanism for MLP stabilization of muscle and implicate reduced actin crosslinking as the primary destabilizing defect in MLP-associated cardiomyopathies. Our data support a model in which α-actinin and Mlp84B have important and overlapping functions at sites of actin filament anchorage to preserve muscle structure and function.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kathleen A. Clark
- Huntsman Cancer Institute, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT 84112
- Department of Biology, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT 84112
- Department of Oncological Sciences, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT 84112
| | - Julie L. Kadrmas
- Huntsman Cancer Institute, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT 84112
- Department of Oncological Sciences, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT 84112
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He H, Liu XL, Zhang HL, Yang J, Niu FB, Li ZX, Liu Y, Chen L. SNV and haplotype analysis reveals new CSRP1 variants associated with growth and carcass traits. Gene 2013; 522:206-13. [PMID: 23537997 DOI: 10.1016/j.gene.2013.03.030] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/22/2013] [Accepted: 03/08/2013] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
The cysteine and glycine-rich protein 1 and 2 genes (CSRP1 and CSRP2) are an effective growth factor in promoting skeletal muscle growth in vitro and vivo. However, in cattle, the information on the CSRP1 and CSRP2 genes is very limited. The aim of this study was to examine the association of the CSRP1 and CSRP2 variants with growth and carcass traits in cattle breeds. Three single nucleotide variants (SNVs) were identified within the bovine CSRP1 gene, whereas CSRP2 gene has not detected any SNVs, using DNA pooled sequencing, PCR-RFLP, and forced PCR-RFLP methods. These SNVs include g. 801T>C (Intron 2), g. 46T>C (Exon 3) and g. 99C>G (Intron 3). Besides, we also investigated haplotype frequencies and linkage disequilibrium (LD) coefficients for three SNVs in all study populations. LD and haplotype structure of CSRP1 were different between breeds. The result of haplotype analysis demonstrated eight haplotype present in QC (Qinchuan) and one haplotype in CH (Chinese Holstein). Only haplotype 1 (TTC), shared by all two populations, comprised 10.74% and 100.00%, of all haplotypes observed in QC and CH, respectively. Haplotype 5 (CTC) had the highest haplotype frequencies in QC (30.98%) and haplotype 1 had the highest haplotype frequencies in CH (100.00%). The statistical analyses indicated that one single SNV and 19 combined haplotypes were significantly or highly significantly associated with growth and carcass traits in the QC cattle population (P<0.05 or P<0.01). Quantitative real-time PCR (qRT-PCR) analyses showed that the bovine CSRP1 and CSRP2 genes were widely expressed in many tissues. The results of this study suggest that the CSRP1 gene possibly is a strong candidate gene that affects growth and carcass traits in the Chinese beef cattle breeding.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hua He
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Northwest A&F University, Shaanxi Key Laboratory of Molecular Biology for Agriculture, Yangling, Shaanxi 712100, China.
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Green SA, Norris RP, Terasaki M, Lowe CJ. FGF signaling induces mesoderm in the hemichordate Saccoglossus kowalevskii. Development 2013; 140:1024-33. [PMID: 23344709 DOI: 10.1242/dev.083790] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/04/2023]
Abstract
FGFs act in vertebrate mesoderm induction and also play key roles in early mesoderm formation in ascidians and amphioxus. However, in sea urchins initial characterizations of FGF function do not support a role in early mesoderm induction, making the ancestral roles of FGF signaling and mechanisms of mesoderm specification in deuterostomes unclear. In order to better characterize the evolution of mesoderm formation, we have examined the role of FGF signaling during mesoderm development in Saccoglossus kowalevskii, an experimentally tractable representative of hemichordates. We report the expression of an FGF ligand, fgf8/17/18, in ectoderm overlying sites of mesoderm specification within the archenteron endomesoderm. Embryological experiments demonstrate that mesoderm induction in the archenteron requires contact with ectoderm, and loss-of-function experiments indicate that both FGF ligand and receptor are necessary for mesoderm specification. fgf8/17/18 gain-of-function experiments establish that FGF8/17/18 is sufficient to induce mesoderm in adjacent endomesoderm. These experiments suggest that FGF signaling is necessary from the earliest stages of mesoderm specification and is required for all mesoderm development. Furthermore, they suggest that the archenteron is competent to form mesoderm or endoderm, and that FGF signaling from the ectoderm defines the location and amount of mesoderm. When considered in a comparative context, these data support a phylogenetically broad requirement for FGF8/17/18 signaling in mesoderm specification and suggest that FGF signaling played an ancestral role in deuterostome mesoderm formation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stephen A Green
- Department of Organismal Biology and Anatomy, University of Chicago, Chicago, IL 60637, USA.
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Storey KB, Storey JM. Insect cold hardiness: metabolic, gene, and protein adaptation1This review is part of a virtual symposium on recent advances in understanding a variety of complex regulatory processes in insect physiology and endocrinology, including development, metabolism, cold hardiness, food intake and digestion, and diuresis, through the use of omics technologies in the postgenomic era. CAN J ZOOL 2012. [DOI: 10.1139/z2012-011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 156] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Winter survival for thousands of species of insects relies on adaptive strategies for cold hardiness. Two basic mechanisms are widely used (freeze avoidance by deep supercooling and freeze tolerance where insects endure ice formation in extracellular fluid spaces), whereas additional strategies (cryoprotective dehydration, vitrification) are also used by some polar species in extreme environments. This review assesses recent research on the biochemical adaptations that support insect cold hardiness. We examine new information about the regulation of cryoprotectant biosynthesis, mechanisms of metabolic rate depression, role of aquaporins in water and glycerol movement, and cell preservation strategies (chaperones, antioxidant defenses and metal binding proteins, mitochondrial suppression) for survival over the winter. We also review the new information coming from the use of genomic and proteomic screening methods that are greatly widening the scope for discovery of genes and proteins that support winter survival.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kenneth B. Storey
- Institute of Biochemistry, Carleton University, 1125 Colonel By Drive, Ottawa, ON K1S 5B6, Canada
| | - Janet M. Storey
- Institute of Biochemistry, Carleton University, 1125 Colonel By Drive, Ottawa, ON K1S 5B6, Canada
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Nir R, Grossman R, Paroush Z, Volk T. Phosphorylation of the Drosophila melanogaster RNA-binding protein HOW by MAPK/ERK enhances its dimerization and activity. PLoS Genet 2012; 8:e1002632. [PMID: 22479211 PMCID: PMC3315481 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pgen.1002632] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/24/2011] [Accepted: 02/20/2012] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Drosophila melanogaster Held Out Wings (HOW) is a conserved RNA-binding protein (RBP) belonging to the STAR family, whose closest mammalian ortholog Quaking (QKI) has been implicated in embryonic development and nervous system myelination. The HOW RBP modulates a variety of developmental processes by controlling mRNA levels and the splicing profile of multiple key regulatory genes; however, mechanisms regulating its activity in tissues have yet to be elucidated. Here, we link receptor tyrosine kinase (RTK) signaling to the regulation of QKI subfamily of STAR proteins, by showing that HOW undergoes phosphorylation by MAPK/ERK. Importantly, we show that this modification facilitates HOW dimerization and potentiates its ability to bind RNA and regulate its levels. Employing an antibody that specifically recognizes phosphorylated HOW, we show that HOW is phosphorylated in embryonic muscles and heart cardioblasts in vivo, thus documenting for the first time Serine/Threonine (Ser/Thr) phosphorylation of a STAR protein in the context of an intact organism. We also identify the sallimus/D-titin (sls) gene as a novel muscle target of HOW-mediated negative regulation and further show that this regulation is phosphorylation-dependent, underscoring the physiological relevance of this modification. Importantly, we demonstrate that HOW Thr phosphorylation is reduced following muscle-specific knock down of Drosophila MAPK rolled and that, correspondingly, Sls is elevated in these muscles, similarly to the HOW RNAi effect. Taken together, our results provide a coherent mechanism of differential HOW activation; MAPK/ERK-dependent phosphorylation of HOW promotes the formation of HOW dimers and thus enhances its activity in controlling mRNA levels of key muscle-specific genes. Hence, our findings bridge between MAPK/ERK signaling and RNA regulation in developing muscles.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ronit Nir
- Department of Molecular Genetics, Weizmann Institute of Science, Rehovot, Israel
| | - Rona Grossman
- Department of Developmental Biology and Cancer Research, Institute for Medical Research Israel-Canada (IMRIC), Faculty of Medicine, The Hebrew University, Jerusalem, Israel
| | - Ze'ev Paroush
- Department of Developmental Biology and Cancer Research, Institute for Medical Research Israel-Canada (IMRIC), Faculty of Medicine, The Hebrew University, Jerusalem, Israel
| | - Talila Volk
- Department of Molecular Genetics, Weizmann Institute of Science, Rehovot, Israel
- * E-mail:
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Ye J, Xu M. Actin bundler PLIM2s are involved in the regulation of pollen development and tube growth in Arabidopsis. JOURNAL OF PLANT PHYSIOLOGY 2012; 169:516-22. [PMID: 22209219 DOI: 10.1016/j.jplph.2011.11.015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/15/2011] [Revised: 11/23/2011] [Accepted: 11/23/2011] [Indexed: 05/21/2023]
Abstract
Microspores develop inside the anther, where they are surrounded by nourishing tapetal cells. However, many cellular processes occurring during microspore development in the locule are poorly characterized. The actin cytoskeleton is known to play a crucial role in various aspects of the plant developmental process. During pollen tube tip growth, actin cytoskeleton serves as an efficient molecular transportation track, although how it functions in pollen development is unknown. The plant actin bundler PLIM2s have been shown to regulate actin bundling in different cells. Here, we investigate the biological function of three Arabidopsis pollen-specific LIM proteins, PLIM2a, PLIM2b, and PLIM2c (collectively, PLIM2s), in pollen development and tube growth. Variable degrees of suppressed expression of the PLIM2s by RNA interference resulted in aberrant phenotypes. Complete suppression of the PLIM2s totally disrupted pollen development, producing abortive pollen grains and rendering the transgenic plants sterile. Partial suppression of the PLIM2s arrested pollen tube growth to a lesser extent, resulting in short and swollen pollen tubes. Finally, the PLIM2c promoter initiated expression in pollen during stamen filament elongation, and the PLIM2c protein was located on particle structures in the developing pollen grains in Arabidopsis. These suggest that the actin bundler, PLIM2s, are an important factor for Arabidopsis pollen development and tube growth.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jianrong Ye
- National Maize Improvement Center of China, China Agricultural University, 2 West Yuanmingyuan Road, Beijing 100193, PR China.
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Schönbauer C, Distler J, Jährling N, Radolf M, Dodt HU, Frasch M, Schnorrer F. Spalt mediates an evolutionarily conserved switch to fibrillar muscle fate in insects. Nature 2011; 479:406-9. [PMID: 22094701 DOI: 10.1038/nature10559] [Citation(s) in RCA: 85] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/26/2011] [Accepted: 09/13/2011] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
Flying insects oscillate their wings at high frequencies of up to 1,000 Hz and produce large mechanical forces of 80 W per kilogram of muscle. They utilize a pair of perpendicularly oriented indirect flight muscles that contain fibrillar, stretch-activated myofibres. In contrast, all other, more slowly contracting, insect body muscles have a tubular muscle morphology. Here we identify the transcription factor Spalt major (Salm) as a master regulator of fibrillar flight muscle fate in Drosophila. salm is necessary and sufficient to induce fibrillar muscle fate. salm switches the entire transcriptional program from tubular to fibrillar fate by regulating the expression and splicing of key sarcomeric components specific to each muscle type. Spalt function is conserved in insects evolutionarily separated by 280 million years. We propose that Spalt proteins switch myofibres from tubular to fibrillar fate during development, a function potentially conserved in the vertebrate heart--a stretch-activated muscle sharing features with insect flight muscle.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cornelia Schönbauer
- Max-Planck-Institute of Biochemistry, Am Klopferspitz 18, 82152 Martinsried, Germany
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14
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Clark KA, Lesage-Horton H, Zhao C, Beckerle MC, Swank DM. Deletion of Drosophila muscle LIM protein decreases flight muscle stiffness and power generation. Am J Physiol Cell Physiol 2011; 301:C373-82. [PMID: 21562304 DOI: 10.1152/ajpcell.00206.2010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
Muscle LIM protein (MLP) can be found at the Z-disk of sarcomeres where it is hypothesized to be involved in sensing muscle stretch. Loss of murine MLP results in dilated cardiomyopathy, and mutations in human MLP lead to cardiac hypertrophy, indicating a critical role for MLP in maintaining normal cardiac function. Loss of MLP in Drosophila (mlp84B) also leads to muscle dysfunction, providing a model system to examine MLP's mechanism of action. Mlp84B-null flies that survive to adulthood are not able to fly or beat their wings. Transgenic expression of the mlp84B gene in the Mlp84B-null background rescues flight ability and restores wing beating ability. Mechanical analysis of skinned flight muscle fibers showed a 30% decrease in oscillatory power production and a slight increase in the frequency at which maximum power is generated for fibers lacking Mlp84B compared with rescued fibers. Mlp84B-null muscle fibers displayed a 25% decrease in passive, active, and rigor stiffness compared with rescued fibers, but no significant decrease in isometric tension generation was observed. Muscle ultrastructure of Mlp84B-null muscle fibers is grossly normal; however, the null fibers have a slight decrease, 11%, in thick filament number per unit cross-sectional area. Our data indicate that MLP contributes to muscle stiffness and is necessary for maximum work and power generation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kathleen A Clark
- Department of Biology and Center for Biotechnology and Interdisciplinary Studies, Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute,, Troy, NY 12180, USA
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15
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Postel U, Thompson F, Barker G, Viney M, Morris S. Migration-related changes in gene expression in leg muscle of the Christmas Island red crab Gecarcoidea natalis: seasonal preparation for long-distance walking. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2010; 213:1740-50. [PMID: 20435825 DOI: 10.1242/jeb.033829] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
During their annual breeding migration the Christmas Island land crab Gecarcoidea natalis sustains locomotion aerobically for up to 12 h per day compared with just 10 min during the dry season when their muscles quickly become anaerobic. A seasonal transition to an endurance-muscle phenotype would thus seem essential for migrating crabs. The current study employed a gene discovery approach comparing two expressed sequence tag (EST) libraries, one each for leg muscle from dry (non-migrating) and wet season (migrating) crabs. The 14 most abundant transcripts differed in their representation between the two libraries. The abundances of transcripts of genes predicted to code for different proteins forming contractile muscle components, including actin, troponin and tropomyosin, were significantly different between seasons and thus between physiological states. The shift in the isoform composition of the contractile elements provided evidence for a switch from slow phasic (S1) to slow tonic (S2) fatigue-resistant muscle fibres. A tropomyosin (tm) transcript aligned with a tm isoform of lobster (tmS2), and semi-quantitative RT-PCR confirmed this isoform to be more abundant in the migrating crab muscle. Two LIM protein coding genes, a paxillin-like transcript (pax) and a muscle LIM protein (mlp), were relatively up-regulated in muscle of wet season crabs. These proteins have a fundamental role in muscle development and reconstruction, and their comparative up-regulation is consistent with a remodelling of leg muscle for migration in the wet season. Such a transition would result in an increased representation of aerobic endurance-type fibres concomitant with the greater aerobic exercise capacity of the migrating red crabs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ute Postel
- School of Biological Sciences, University of Bristol, Woodland Road, Bristol, BS8 1UG, UK
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16
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Jani K, Schöck F. Molecular mechanisms of mechanosensing in muscle development. Dev Dyn 2009; 238:1526-34. [DOI: 10.1002/dvdy.21972] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
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17
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Gao X, Sun JY, Cao ZY, Lin Y, Zha DJ, Wang F, Xue T, Qiao L, Lu LJ, Qiu JH. Polyclonal antibodies to LIM proteins CRP2 and CRIP2 reveal their subcellular localizations in olfactory precursor cells. BIOCHEMISTRY (MOSCOW) 2009; 74:336-41. [PMID: 19364329 DOI: 10.1134/s0006297909030134] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
In this study, we describe the presence of CRP2 (cysteine- and glycine-rich protein 2) and CRIP2 (cysteine-rich intestinal protein 2), which are members of group 2 LIM proteins, in rat olfactory precursor cells by reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction. We have developed polyclonal antibodies against CRP2 and CRIP2 individually. Specificity of the antibodies was demonstrated by Western blot analysis, using CRP2 and CRIP2 transfected cells. No cross-reactivity was observed between the antibodies. Furthermore, we used the antibodies to determine the expression and localization of CRP2 and CRIP2 in olfactory precursor cells by Western blot analysis and immunofluorescence staining. Our results demonstrated that in undifferentiated olfactory precursor cells CRP2 was distributed both in the nucleus and the cytoplasm, whereas CRIP2 was predominantly localized in the cytoplasm. While the olfactory precursor cells differentiated into end cells, only the expression of CRIP2 would be detected. The function of these LIM proteins in olfactory precursor cells warrants further study.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xue Gao
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, Xijing Hospital, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, Shaanxi 710032, P. R. China
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18
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Kapelnikov A, Rivlin PK, Hoy RR, Heifetz Y. Tissue remodeling: a mating-induced differentiation program for the Drosophila oviduct. BMC DEVELOPMENTAL BIOLOGY 2008; 8:114. [PMID: 19063748 PMCID: PMC2636784 DOI: 10.1186/1471-213x-8-114] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/24/2008] [Accepted: 12/08/2008] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND In both vertebrates and invertebrates, the oviduct is an epithelial tube surrounded by visceral muscles that serves as a conduit for gamete transport between the ovary and uterus. While Drosophila is a model system for tubular organ development, few studies have addressed the development of the fly's oviduct. Recent studies in Drosophila have identified mating-responsive genes and proteins whose levels in the oviduct are altered by mating. Since many of these molecules (e.g. Muscle LIM protein 84B, Coracle, Neuroglian) have known roles in the differentiation of muscle and epithelia of other organs, mating may trigger similar differentiation events in the oviduct. This led us to hypothesize that mating mediates the last stages of oviduct differentiation in which organ-specific specializations arise. RESULTS Using electron- and confocal-microscopy we identified tissue-wide post-mating changes in the oviduct including differentiation of cellular junctions, remodeling of extracellular matrix, increased myofibril formation, and increased innervation. Analysis of once- and twice-mated females reveals that some mating-responsive proteins respond only to the first mating, while others respond to both matings. CONCLUSION We uncovered ultrastructural changes in the mated oviduct that are consistent with the roles that mating-responsive proteins play in muscle and epithelial differentiation elsewhere. This suggests that mating triggers the late differentiation of the oviduct. Furthermore, we suggest that mating-responsive proteins that respond only to the first mating are involved in the final maturation of the oviduct while proteins that remain responsive to later matings are also involved in maintenance and ongoing function of the oviduct. Taken together, our results establish the oviduct as an attractive system to address mechanisms that regulate the late stages of differentiation and maintenance of a tubular organ.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anat Kapelnikov
- Department of Entomology, The Hebrew University, Rehovot, Israel.
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19
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Xun Z, Kaufman TC, Clemmer DE. Proteome response to the panneural expression of human wild-type alpha-synuclein: a Drosophila model of Parkinson's disease. J Proteome Res 2008; 7:3911-21. [PMID: 18683964 DOI: 10.1021/pr800207h] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
The alpha-synuclein protein is associated with several neurodegenarative diseases, including Parkinson's disease (PD). In humans, only mutated forms of alpha-synuclein are linked to PD; however, panneural expression of human wild-type (WT) alpha-synuclein induces Parkinson's like-symptoms in Drosophila. Here, we report a quantitative proteomic analysis of WT alpha-synuclein transgenic flies with age-matched controls at the presymptomatic stage utilizing a global isotopic labeling strategy combined with multidimensional liquid chromatographies and tandem mass spectrometry. The analysis includes two biological replicates, in which samples are isotopically labeled in forward and reverse directions. In total, 229 proteins were quantified from assignments of at least two peptide sequences. Of these, 188 (82%) proteins were detected in both forward and reverse labeling measurements. Twelve proteins were found to be differentially expressed in response to the expression of human WT alpha-synuclein; down-regulations of larval serum protein 2 and fat body protein 1 levels were confirmed by Western blot analysis. Gene Ontology analysis indicates that the dysregulated proteins are primarily associated with cellular metabolism and signaling, suggesting potential contributions of perturbed metabolic and signaling pathways to PD. An increased level of the iron (III)-binding protein, ferritin, typically found in the brains of PD patients, is also observed in presymptomatic WT alpha-synuclein expressing animals. The observed alterations in both pathology-associated and novel proteins may shed light on the pathological roles of alpha-synuclein that may lead to the development of diagnostic strategies at the presymptomatic stage.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhiyin Xun
- Department of Chemistry, Indiana University, Bloomington, Indiana 47405, USA
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20
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How insects survive the cold: molecular mechanisms—a review. J Comp Physiol B 2008; 178:917-33. [DOI: 10.1007/s00360-008-0286-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 167] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/27/2008] [Revised: 05/12/2008] [Accepted: 06/10/2008] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
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21
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Pechanova O, Stone WD, Monroe W, Nebeker TE, Klepzig KD, Yuceer C. Global and comparative protein profiles of the pronotum of the southern pine beetle, Dendroctonus frontalis. INSECT MOLECULAR BIOLOGY 2008; 17:261-277. [PMID: 18477241 DOI: 10.1111/j.1365-2583.2008.00801.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/26/2023]
Abstract
The southern pine beetle (Dendroctonus frontalis Zimmermann) kills all pines within its range and is among the most important forest pest species in the US. Using a specialized mycangium surrounded by gland cells in the pronotum, adult females culture, transport, and inoculate two fungi into beetle galleries during oviposition. These fungal symbionts, to varying degrees, exclude antagonistic fungi and provide nutrients to larvae. However, the mechanisms (e.g. secreted antibiotic chemicals or nutrients, proteins or pathways) by which this relationship is maintained are not known. Here we present the first global and differential proteome profile of the southern pine beetle pronotum. Two-dimensional polyacrylamide electrophoresis, tandem mass spectrometry, and database searches revealed that the majority of pronotal proteins were related to energy-yielding metabolism, contractile apparati, cell structure, and defence. The identified proteins provide important insights into the molecular and biochemical processes of, and candidates for functional genomics to understand mycangia and pronotum functions in, the southern pine beetle.
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Affiliation(s)
- O Pechanova
- Department of Forestry, Mississippi State University, Mississippi State, MS 39762, USA
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22
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Thomas C, Dieterle M, Gatti S, Hoffmann C, Moreau F, Papuga J, Steinmetz A. Actin bundling via LIM domains. PLANT SIGNALING & BEHAVIOR 2008; 3:320-1. [PMID: 19841658 PMCID: PMC2634270 DOI: 10.4161/psb.3.5.5310] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/14/2007] [Accepted: 11/19/2007] [Indexed: 05/21/2023]
Abstract
The LIM domain is defined as a protein-protein interaction module involved in the regulation of diverse cellular processes including gene expression and cytoskeleton organization. We have recently shown that the tobacco WLIM1, a two LIM domain-containing protein, is able to bind to, stabilize and bundle actin filaments, suggesting that it participates to the regulation of actin cytoskeleton structure and dynamics. In the December issue of the Journal of Biological Chemistry we report a domain analysis that specifically ascribes the actin-related activities of WLIM1 to its two LIM domains. Results suggest that LIM domains function synergistically in the full-length protein to achieve optimal activities. Here we briefly summarize relevant data regarding the actin-related properties/functions of two LIM domain-containing proteins in plants and animals. In addition, we provide further evidence of cooperative effects between LIM domains by transiently expressing a chimeric multicopy WLIM1 protein in BY2 cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Clément Thomas
- Centre de Recherche Public-Santé; Val Fleuri 84; L-1526; Luxembourg
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23
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Xun Z, Sowell RA, Kaufman TC, Clemmer DE. Quantitative proteomics of a presymptomatic A53T alpha-synuclein Drosophila model of Parkinson disease. Mol Cell Proteomics 2008; 7:1191-203. [PMID: 18353766 DOI: 10.1074/mcp.m700467-mcp200] [Citation(s) in RCA: 50] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/15/2023] Open
Abstract
A global isotopic labeling strategy combined with multidimensional liquid chromatographies and tandem mass spectrometry was used for quantitative proteome analysis of a presymptomatic A53T alpha-synuclein Drosophila model of Parkinson disease (PD). Multiple internal standard proteins at different concentration ratios were spiked into samples from PD-like and control animals to assess quantification accuracy. Two biological replicates isotopically labeled in forward and reverse directions were analyzed. A total of 253 proteins were quantified with a minimum of two identified peptide sequences (for each protein); 180 ( approximately 71%) proteins were detected in both forward and reverse labeling measurements. Twenty-four proteins were differentially expressed in A53T alpha-synuclein Drosophila; up-regulation of troponin T and down-regulation of fat body protein 1 were confirmed by Western blot analysis. Elevated expressions of heat shock protein 70 cognate 3 and ATP synthase are known to be directly involved in A53T alpha-synuclein-mediated toxicity and PD; three up-regulated proteins (muscle LIM protein at 60A, manganese-superoxide dismutase, and troponin T) and two down-regulated proteins (chaoptin and retinal degeneration A) have literature-supported associations with cellular malfunctions. That these variations were observed in presymptomatic animals may shed light on the etiology of PD. Protein interaction network analysis indicated that seven proteins belong to a single network, which may provide insight into molecular pathways underlying PD. Gene Ontology analysis indicated that the dysregulated proteins are primarily associated with membrane, endoplasmic reticulum, actin cytoskeleton, mitochondria, and ribosome. These associations support prior findings in studies of the A30P alpha-synuclein Drosophila model (Xun, Z. Y., Sowell, R. A., Kaufman, T. C., and Clemmer, D. E. (2007) Protein expression in a Drosophila model of Parkinson's disease. J. Proteome Res. 6, 348-357; Xun, Z. Y., Sowell, R. A., Kaufman, T. C., and Clemmer, D. E. (2007) Lifetime proteomic profiling of an A30P alpha-synuclein Drosophila model of Parkinson's disease. J. Proteome Res. 6, 3729-3738) that defects in cellular components such as actin cytoskeleton and mitochondria may contribute to the development of later symptoms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhiyin Xun
- Department of Chemistry, Indiana University, Bloomington, Indiana 47405-7102, USA
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24
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Mery A, Taghli-Lamallem O, Clark KA, Beckerle MC, Wu X, Ocorr K, Bodmer R. The Drosophila muscle LIM protein, Mlp84B, is essential for cardiac function. J Exp Biol 2008; 211:15-23. [DOI: 10.1242/jeb.012435] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
SUMMARY
Muscle LIM protein (MLP) is a cytoskeletal protein located at the Z-disc of sarcomeres. Mutations in the human MLP gene are associated with hypertrophic and dilated cardiomyopathy. MLP has been proposed to be a key player in the stretch-sensing response, but the molecular mechanisms underlying its function in normal and diseased cardiac muscle have not been established. A Drosophila homolog, Mlp84B, displays a similar subcellular localization at the Z-disc of sarcomeres throughout development and in the adult, suggesting Drosophila as a model to study MLP function. Here we employed genetic ablation and cardiac-specific RNA interference (RNAi) knockdown of mlp84B to investigate its role in heart function. We found that Mlp84B-deficient or heart-specific RNAi knockdown flies exhibit diastolic interval prolongation, heart rhythm abnormalities and a reduced lifespan, while showing no obvious structural phenotype. Our data demonstrate that Mlp84B is essential for normal cardiac function and establish the Drosophila model for the investigation of the mechanisms connecting defective cardiac Z-disc components to the development of cardiomyopathy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Annabelle Mery
- Development and Aging Program, Neuroscience, Aging and Stem Cell Research Center, Burnham Institute for Medical Research, 10901 North Torrey Pines Road,La Jolla, CA 92037, USA
| | - Ouarda Taghli-Lamallem
- Development and Aging Program, Neuroscience, Aging and Stem Cell Research Center, Burnham Institute for Medical Research, 10901 North Torrey Pines Road,La Jolla, CA 92037, USA
| | - Kathleen A. Clark
- Hunstman Cancer Institute, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT 84112,USA
| | - Mary C. Beckerle
- Hunstman Cancer Institute, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT 84112,USA
| | - Xiushan Wu
- Center for Heart Development, College of Life Science, Hunan Normal University, Changsha 410081, Hunan Province, People's Republic of China
| | - Karen Ocorr
- Development and Aging Program, Neuroscience, Aging and Stem Cell Research Center, Burnham Institute for Medical Research, 10901 North Torrey Pines Road,La Jolla, CA 92037, USA
| | - Rolf Bodmer
- Development and Aging Program, Neuroscience, Aging and Stem Cell Research Center, Burnham Institute for Medical Research, 10901 North Torrey Pines Road,La Jolla, CA 92037, USA
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25
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Clark KA, Bland JM, Beckerle MC. The Drosophila muscle LIM protein, Mlp84B, cooperates with D-titin to maintain muscle structural integrity. J Cell Sci 2007; 120:2066-77. [PMID: 17535853 DOI: 10.1242/jcs.000695] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Muscle LIM protein (MLP) is a cytoskeletal LIM-only protein expressed in striated muscle. Mutations in human MLP are associated with cardiomyopathy; however, the molecular mechanism by which MLP functions is not established. A Drosophila MLP homolog, mlp84B, displays many of the same features as the vertebrate protein, illustrating the utility of the fly for the study of MLP function. Animals lacking Mlp84B develop into larvae with a morphologically intact musculature, but the mutants arrest during pupation with impaired muscle function. Mlp84B displays muscle-specific expression and is a component of the Z-disc and nucleus. Preventing nuclear retention of Mlp84B does not affect its function, indicating that Mlp84B site of action is likely to be at the Z-disc. Within the Z-disc, Mlp84B is colocalized with the N-terminus of D-titin, a protein crucial for sarcomere organization and stretch mechanics. The mlp84B mutants phenotypically resemble weak D-titin mutants. Furthermore, reducing D-titin activity in the mlp84B background leads to pronounced enhancement of the mlp84B muscle defects and loss of muscle structural integrity. The genetic interactions between mlp84B and D-titin reveal a role for Mlp84B in maintaining muscle structural integrity that was not obvious from analysis of the mlp84B mutants themselves, and suggest Mlp84B and D-titin cooperate to stabilize muscle sarcomeres.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kathleen A Clark
- Huntsman Cancer Institute, Department of Biology, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT 84112, USA.
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26
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Thomas C, Hoffmann C, Dieterle M, Van Troys M, Ampe C, Steinmetz A. Tobacco WLIM1 is a novel F-actin binding protein involved in actin cytoskeleton remodeling. THE PLANT CELL 2006; 18:2194-206. [PMID: 16905656 PMCID: PMC1560925 DOI: 10.1105/tpc.106.040956] [Citation(s) in RCA: 72] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/13/2006] [Revised: 06/22/2006] [Accepted: 07/13/2006] [Indexed: 05/05/2023]
Abstract
We used confocal microscopy and in vitro analyses to show that Nicotiana tabacum WLIM1, a LIM domain protein related to animal Cys-rich proteins, is a novel actin binding protein in plants. Green fluorescent protein (GFP)-tagged WLIM1 protein accumulated in the nucleus and cytoplasm of tobacco BY2 cells. It associated predominantly with actin cytoskeleton, as demonstrated by colabeling and treatment with actin-depolymerizing latrunculin B. High-speed cosedimentation assays revealed the ability of WLIM1 to bind directly to actin filaments with high affinity. Fluorescence recovery after photobleaching and fluorescence loss in photobleaching showed a highly dynamic in vivo interaction of WLIM1-GFP with actin filaments. Expression of WLIM1-GFP in BY2 cells significantly delayed depolymerization of the actin cytoskeleton induced by latrunculin B treatment. WLIM1 also stabilized actin filaments in vitro. Importantly, expression of WLIM1-GFP in Nicotiana benthamiana leaves induces significant changes in actin cytoskeleton organization, specifically, fewer and thicker actin bundles than in control cells, suggesting that WLIM1 functions as an actin bundling protein. This hypothesis was confirmed by low-speed cosedimentation assays and direct observation of F-actin bundles that formed in vitro in the presence of WLIM1. Taken together, these data identify WLIM1 as a novel actin binding protein that increases actin cytoskeleton stability by promoting bundling of actin filaments.
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27
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Montana ES, Littleton JT. Expression profiling of a hypercontraction-induced myopathy in Drosophila suggests a compensatory cytoskeletal remodeling response. J Biol Chem 2006; 281:8100-9. [PMID: 16415344 DOI: 10.1074/jbc.m512468200] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
Mutations that alter muscle contraction lead to a large array of diseases, including muscular dystrophies and cardiomyopathies. Although the molecular lesions underlying many hereditary muscle diseases are known, the downstream pathways that contribute to disease pathogenesis and compensatory muscle remodeling are poorly defined. We have recently identified and characterized mutations in Myosin Heavy Chain (Mhc) that lead to hypercontraction and subsequent degeneration of flight muscles in Drosophila. To characterize the genomic response to hypercontraction-induced myopathy, we performed expression analysis using Affymetrix high density oligonucleotide microarrays in Drosophila Mhc hypercontraction alleles. The altered transcriptional profile of dystrophic Mhc muscles suggests an actin-dependent remodeling of the muscle cytoskeleton. Specifically, a subset of the highly up-regulated transcripts is involved in actin regulation and structural support for the contractile machinery. In addition, we identified previously uncharacterized proteins with putative actin-interaction domains that are up-regulated in Mhc mutants and differentially expressed in muscles. Several of the up-regulated proteins, including the dystrophin-related protein, MSP-300, and the homolog of the neuronal activity-regulated protein, ARC, localize to specific subcellular muscle structures that may provide key structural sites for cytoskeletal remodeling in dystrophic muscles. Defining the genome-wide transcriptional response to muscle hypercontraction in Drosophila has revealed candidate loci that may participate in the pathogenesis of muscular dystrophy and in compensatory muscle repair pathways through modulation of the actin cytoskeleton.
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Affiliation(s)
- Enrico S Montana
- Department of Biology, The Picower Institute for Learning and Memory, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge 02139, USA
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28
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Weber K, Johnson N, Champlin D, Patty A. Many P-element insertions affect wing shape in Drosophila melanogaster. Genetics 2004; 169:1461-75. [PMID: 15545659 PMCID: PMC1449561 DOI: 10.1534/genetics.104.027748] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
A screen of random, autosomal, homozygous-viable P-element insertions in D. melanogaster found small effects on wing shape in 11 of 50 lines. The effects were due to single insertions and remained stable and significant for over 5 years, in repeated, high-resolution measurements. All 11 insertions were within or near protein-coding transcription units, none of which were previously known to affect wing shape. Many sites in the genome can affect wing shape.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kenneth Weber
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Southern Maine, Portland, 04104-9300, USA.
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29
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Perrin L, Dura JM. Molecular genetics of the Alhambra ( Drosophila AF10) complex locus of Drosophila. Mol Genet Genomics 2004; 272:156-61. [PMID: 15258852 DOI: 10.1007/s00438-004-1042-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/31/2004] [Accepted: 06/29/2004] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
The Alhambra (Alh) gene is the Drosophila homologue of the human AF10 gene. AF10 has been identified as a fusion partner of MLL, a human homologue of the fly gene trithorax, in infant leukemias. The endogenous function of human AF10 is not known, but may be vital to its role in acute leukemia. This prompted us to analyse Alh function. We describe here the genetic organisation of the Alh locus in D. melanogaster. We show that an independent lethal complementation group encoding a muscle protein (Mlp84B) is located within an Alh intron. We have already shown that the leucine zipper (LZ) domain of ALH activates several Polycomb group-responsive elements. We further demonstrate that the LZ domain on its own bears the Alh vital function, since it is necessary and sufficient for rescue of Alh mutant lethality. Finally, we demonstrate that, in contrast to a previous report, Alh does not affect position-effect variegation.
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Affiliation(s)
- L Perrin
- Institut de Génétique Humaine, CNRS UPR 1142, 141 Rue de la Cardonille, 34396, Montpellier Cedex 5, France
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30
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Martindale MQ, Pang K, Finnerty JR. Investigating the origins of triploblasty: `mesodermal' gene expression in a diploblastic animal, the sea anemone Nematostella vectensis(phylum, Cnidaria; class, Anthozoa). Development 2004; 131:2463-74. [PMID: 15128674 DOI: 10.1242/dev.01119] [Citation(s) in RCA: 321] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
Mesoderm played a crucial role in the radiation of the triploblastic Bilateria, permitting the evolution of larger and more complex body plans than in the diploblastic, non-bilaterian animals. The sea anemone Nematostella is a non-bilaterian animal, a member of the phylum Cnidaria. The phylum Cnidaria (sea anemones, corals, hydras and jellyfish) is the likely sister group of the triploblastic Bilateria. Cnidarians are generally regarded as diploblastic animals, possessing endoderm and ectoderm,but lacking mesoderm. To investigate the origin of triploblasty, we studied the developmental expression of seven genes from Nematostella whose bilaterian homologs are implicated in mesodermal specification and the differentiation of mesodermal cell types (twist, snailA, snailB, forkhead,mef2, a GATA transcription factor and a LIMtranscription factor). Except for mef2, the expression of these genes is largely restricted to the endodermal layer, the gastrodermis. mef2is restricted to the ectoderm. The temporal and spatial expression of these`mesoderm' genes suggests that they may play a role in germ layer specification. Furthermore, the predominantly endodermal expression of these genes reinforces the hypothesis that the mesoderm and endoderm of triploblastic animals could be derived from the endoderm of a diploblastic ancestor. Alternatively, we consider the possibility that the diploblastic condition of cnidarians is a secondary simplification, derived from an ancestral condition of triploblasty.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mark Q Martindale
- Kewalo Marine Laboratory, Pacific Biomedical Research Center, University of Hawaii, 41 Ahui Street, Honolulu, HI 96813, USA.
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31
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Chang YF, Wei J, Liu X, Chen YH, Layne MD, Yet SF. Identification of a CArG-independent region of the cysteine-rich protein 2 promoter that directs expression in the developing vasculature. Am J Physiol Heart Circ Physiol 2003; 285:H1675-83. [PMID: 12791591 DOI: 10.1152/ajpheart.00165.2003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/24/2023]
Abstract
Cysteine-rich protein (CRP)2 is a member of the LIM-only CRP family that is expressed in vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMC). To gain insight into the transcription of CSRP2 (gene name for CRP2) in VSMC, we analyzed the 5'-flanking sequence of the CSRP2 gene. We showed previously that 4,855 bp of the 5'-flanking sequence of the CSRP2 gene directed lacZ reporter gene expression, primarily in the VSMC of transgenic mice. To further define the regulatory sequences important for CSRP2 expression in VSMC, a series of promoter constructs containing deletions of the 5'-flanking sequence upstream of a nuclear-localized lacZ reporter gene were generated and analyzed. Similar to that observed in the -4855CSRP2-lacZ mice, beta-galactosidase reporter activity was detected in the developing great vessels, aorta, intersegmental arteries, umbilical vessels, endocardial cushions, and neural tube in the -3513-, -2663-, -795-, and -664CSRP2-lacZ lines. However, an internal deletion of bp -573 to -550 abolished the vascular, but not the neural tube, staining. Interestingly, no CArG box [CC(A/T)6GG] was present in the -795-bp fragment. Cotransfection experiments showed that dominant-negative serum response factor (SRF) did not repress CSRP2 promoter activity, which was different from the repressive effect of dominant-negative SRF on the SM22 alpha promoter. Our data suggest the presence of a VSMC-specific element(s) within bp -573 to -550 of the CSRP2 5'-flanking sequence; however, in contrast to many other smooth muscle genes, transcriptional regulation of the CSRP2 gene is not dependent on SRF.
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MESH Headings
- Aging/metabolism
- Animals
- Base Sequence/genetics
- Blood Vessels/embryology
- Blood Vessels/growth & development
- Blood Vessels/metabolism
- Cell Cycle Proteins
- Cells, Cultured
- DNA-Binding Proteins/physiology
- Embryo, Mammalian/metabolism
- Embryonic and Fetal Development
- Gene Expression
- Heterogeneous-Nuclear Ribonucleoprotein Group A-B
- Male
- Mice
- Mice, Transgenic
- Muscle, Smooth, Vascular/cytology
- Muscle, Smooth, Vascular/metabolism
- Myocytes, Smooth Muscle/metabolism
- Nuclear Proteins/genetics
- Nuclear Proteins/metabolism
- Promoter Regions, Genetic/genetics
- Promoter Regions, Genetic/physiology
- Protein Structure, Tertiary/genetics
- Proteins
- Rats
- Rats, Sprague-Dawley
- Repressor Proteins/physiology
- Ribonucleoproteins
- Transcription Factors
- Transgenes
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Affiliation(s)
- Yung-Fu Chang
- Pulmonary and Critical Care Division, Department of Medicine, Brigham and Women's Hospital and Harvard Medical School, 75 Francis St., Boston, MA 02115, USA
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32
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Scharf ME, Wu-Scharf D, Pittendrigh BR, Bennett GW. Caste- and development-associated gene expression in a lower termite. Genome Biol 2003; 4:R62. [PMID: 14519197 PMCID: PMC328451 DOI: 10.1186/gb-2003-4-10-r62] [Citation(s) in RCA: 104] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/18/2003] [Revised: 07/16/2003] [Accepted: 08/26/2003] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
Social insects such as termites express dramatic polyphenism (the occurrence of multiple forms in a species on the basis of differential gene expression) both in association with caste differentiation and between castes after differentiation. We have used cDNA macroarrays to compare gene expression between polyphenic castes and intermediary developmental stages of the termite Reticulitermes flavipes. Background Social insects such as termites express dramatic polyphenism (the occurrence of multiple forms in a species on the basis of differential gene expression) both in association with caste differentiation and between castes after differentiation. We have used cDNA macroarrays to compare gene expression between polyphenic castes and intermediary developmental stages of the termite Reticulitermes flavipes. Results We identified differentially expressed genes from nine ontogenic categories. Quantitative PCR was used to quantify precise differences in gene expression between castes and between intermediary developmental stages. We found worker and nymph-biased expression of transcripts encoding termite and endosymbiont cellulases; presoldier-biased expression of transcripts encoding the storage/hormone-binding protein vitellogenin; and soldier-biased expression of gene transcripts encoding two transcription/translation factors, two signal transduction factors and four cytoskeletal/muscle proteins. The two transcription/translation factors showed significant homology to the bicaudal and bric-a-brac developmental genes of Drosophila. Conclusions Our results show differential expression of regulatory, structural and enzyme-coding genes in association with termite castes and their developmental precursor stages. They also provide the first glimpse into how insect endosymbiont cellulase gene expression can vary in association with the caste of a host. These findings shed light on molecular processes associated with termite biology, polyphenism, caste differentiation and development and highlight potentially interesting variations in developmental themes between termites, other insects, and higher animals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael E Scharf
- Department of Entomology, Purdue University, 901 W State Street, West Lafayette, IN 47907-2089, USA.
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33
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Clark KA, McGrail M, Beckerle MC. Analysis of PINCH function in Drosophila demonstrates its requirement in integrin-dependent cellular processes. Development 2003; 130:2611-21. [PMID: 12736206 DOI: 10.1242/dev.00492] [Citation(s) in RCA: 96] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/29/2023]
Abstract
Integrins play a crucial role in cell motility, cell proliferation and cell survival. The evolutionarily conserved LIM protein PINCH is postulated to act as part of an integrin-dependent signaling complex. In order to evaluate the role of PINCH in integrin-mediated cellular events, we have tested directly the in vivo function of PINCH in Drosophila melanogaster. We demonstrate that the steamer duck (stck) alleles that were first identified in a screen for potential integrin effectors represent mutations in Drosophila pinch. stck mutants die during embryogenesis, revealing a key role for PINCH in development. Muscle cells within embryos that have compromised PINCH function display disturbed actin organization and cell-substratum adhesion. Mutation of stck also causes failure of integrin-dependent epithelial cell adhesion in the wing. Consistent with the idea that PINCH could contribute to integrin function, PINCH protein colocalizes with betaPS integrin at sites of actin filament anchorage in both muscle and wing epithelial cells. Furthermore, we show that integrins are required for proper localization of PINCH at the myotendinous junction. The integrin-linked kinase, ILK, is also essential for integrin function. We demonstrate that Drosophila PINCH and ILK are complexed in vivo and are coincident at the integrin-rich muscle-attachment sites in embryonic muscle. Interestingly, ILK localizes appropriately in stck mutant embryos, therefore the phenotypes exhibited by the stck mutants are not attributable to mislocalization of ILK. Our results provide direct genetic evidence that PINCH is essential for Drosophila development and is required for integrin-dependent cell adhesion.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kathleen A Clark
- Department of Biology, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT 84112, USA
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Clark KA, McElhinny AS, Beckerle MC, Gregorio CC. Striated muscle cytoarchitecture: an intricate web of form and function. Annu Rev Cell Dev Biol 2003; 18:637-706. [PMID: 12142273 DOI: 10.1146/annurev.cellbio.18.012502.105840] [Citation(s) in RCA: 472] [Impact Index Per Article: 22.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
Striated muscle is an intricate, efficient, and precise machine that contains complex interconnected cytoskeletal networks critical for its contractile activity. The individual units of the sarcomere, the basic contractile unit of myofibrils, include the thin, thick, titin, and nebulin filaments. These filament systems have been investigated intensely for some time, but the details of their functions, as well as how they are connected to other cytoskeletal elements, are just beginning to be elucidated. These investigations have advanced significantly in recent years through the identification of novel sarcomeric and sarcomeric-associated proteins and their subsequent functional analyses in model systems. Mutations in these cytoskeletal components account for a large percentage of human myopathies, and thus insight into the normal functions of these proteins has provided a much needed mechanistic understanding of these disorders. In this review, we highlight the components of striated muscle cytoarchitecture with respect to their interactions, dynamics, links to signaling pathways, and functions. The exciting conclusion is that the striated muscle cytoskeleton, an exquisitely tuned, dynamic molecular machine, is capable of responding to subtle changes in cellular physiology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kathleen A Clark
- Department of Cell Biology, University of Arizona, Tucson 85724, USA
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35
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Renfranz PJ, Siegrist SE, Stronach BE, Macalma T, Beckerle MC. Molecular and phylogenetic characterization of Zyx102, a Drosophila orthologue of the zyxin family that interacts with Drosophila Enabled. Gene 2003; 305:13-26. [PMID: 12594038 DOI: 10.1016/s0378-1119(02)01173-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
Adherens junctions, which are cadherin-mediated junctions between cells, and focal adhesions, which are integrin-mediated junctions between cells and the extracellular matrix, are protein complexes that link the actin cytoskeleton to the plasma membrane and, in turn, to the extracellular environment. Zyxin is a LIM domain protein that is found in vertebrate adherens junctions and focal adhesions. Zyxin's molecular architecture and binding partner repertoire suggest roles in actin assembly and dynamics, cell motility, and nuclear-cytoplasmic communication. In order to study the function of zyxin in development, we have identified a zyxin orthologue in Drosophila melanogaster that we have termed Zyx102. Like its vertebrate counterparts, Zyx102 displays three carboxy-terminal LIM domains, a potential nuclear export signal, and three proline-rich motifs, one of which matches the consensus for mediating an interaction with Ena/VASP (Drosophila Enabled/Vasodilator-stimulated phosphoprotein) proteins. Here we show that Zyx102 and Enabled (Ena), the Drosophila member of the Ena/VASP family, can interact specifically in vitro and that this interaction does not occur when a particular mutant form of Ena, encoded by the lethal ena210 allele, is used. Lastly, we show that the zyx102 gene and Drosophila Ena are co-expressed during oogenesis and early embryogenesis, indicating that the two proteins may be able to interact during the development of the Drosophila egg chamber and early embryo.
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MESH Headings
- Alternative Splicing
- Amino Acid Sequence
- Animals
- Base Sequence
- Chromosome Mapping
- Cloning, Molecular
- DNA, Complementary/chemistry
- DNA, Complementary/genetics
- DNA-Binding Proteins/genetics
- DNA-Binding Proteins/metabolism
- Drosophila Proteins
- Drosophila melanogaster/embryology
- Drosophila melanogaster/genetics
- Drosophila melanogaster/metabolism
- Embryo, Nonmammalian/metabolism
- Embryonic Development
- Gene Expression Regulation, Developmental
- Homeodomain Proteins/genetics
- Homeodomain Proteins/metabolism
- In Situ Hybridization
- Molecular Sequence Data
- Mutation
- Phylogeny
- Protein Binding
- RNA, Messenger/genetics
- RNA, Messenger/metabolism
- Sequence Analysis, DNA
- Sequence Homology, Amino Acid
- Sequence Homology, Nucleic Acid
- Zyxin
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Affiliation(s)
- Patricia J Renfranz
- Department of Biology, Huntsman Cancer Institute, University of Utah, 2000 E. Circle of Hope, Salt Lake City, UT 84112-5550, USA
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36
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Stronach B, Perrimon N. Activation of the JNK pathway during dorsal closure in Drosophila requires the mixed lineage kinase, slipper. Genes Dev 2002; 16:377-87. [PMID: 11825878 PMCID: PMC155330 DOI: 10.1101/gad.953002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 95] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/11/2001] [Accepted: 12/05/2001] [Indexed: 01/09/2023]
Abstract
The Jun kinase (JNK) pathway has been characterized for its role in stimulating AP-1 activity and for modulating the balance between cell growth and death during development, inflammation, and cancer. Six families of mammalian kinases acting at the level of JNKKK have emerged as upstream regulators of JNK activity (MLK, LZK, TAK, ASK, MEKK, and TPL); however, the specificity underlying which kinase is utilized for transducing a distinct signal is poorly understood. In Drosophila, JNK signaling plays a central role in dorsal closure, controlling cell fate and cell sheet morphogenesis during embryogenesis. Notably, in the fly genome, there are single homologs of each of the mammalian JNKKK families. Here, we identify mutations in one of those, a mixed lineage kinase, named slipper (slpr), and show that it is required for JNK activation during dorsal closure. Furthermore, our results show that other putative JNKKKs cannot compensate for the loss of slpr function and, thus, may regulate other JNK or MAPK-dependent processes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Beth Stronach
- Department of Genetics, Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts 02115, USA
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37
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Ng EKO, Chan KK, Wong CH, Tsui SKW, Ngai SM, Lee SMY, Kotaka M, Lee CY, Waye MMY, Fung KP. Interaction of the heart-specific LIM domain protein, FHL2, with DNA-binding nuclear protein, hNP220. J Cell Biochem 2002. [DOI: 10.1002/jcb.10041] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
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38
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Yagi R, Ishimaru S, Yano H, Gaul U, Hanafusa H, Sabe H. A novel muscle LIM-only protein is generated from the paxillin gene locus in Drosophila. EMBO Rep 2001; 2:814-20. [PMID: 11520860 PMCID: PMC1084033 DOI: 10.1093/embo-reports/kve178] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Paxillin is a protein containing four LIM domains, and functions in integrin signaling. We report here that two transcripts are generated from the paxillin gene locus in Drosophila; one encodes a protein homolog of the vertebrate Paxillin (DPxn37), and the other a protein with only three LIM domains, partly encoded by its own specific exon (PDLP). At the myotendinous junctions of Drosophila embryos where integrins play important roles, both DPxn37 and PDLP are highly expressed with different patterns; DPxn37 is predominantly concentrated at the center of the junctions, whereas PDLP is highly enriched at neighboring sides of the junction centers, primarily expressed in the mesodermal myotubes. Northern blot analysis revealed that DPxn37 is ubiquitously expressed throughout the life cycle, whereas PDLP expression exhibits a biphasic pattern during development, largely concomitant with muscle generation and remodeling. Our results collectively reveal that a unique system exists in Drosophila for the generation of a novel type of LIM-only protein, highly expressed in the embryonic musculature, largely utilizing the Paxillin LIM domains.
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Affiliation(s)
- R Yagi
- Department of Molecular Biology, Osaka Bioscience Institute, Suita, Osaka 565-0874, Japan
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Nix DA, Fradelizi J, Bockholt S, Menichi B, Louvard D, Friederich E, Beckerle MC. Targeting of zyxin to sites of actin membrane interaction and to the nucleus. J Biol Chem 2001; 276:34759-67. [PMID: 11395501 DOI: 10.1074/jbc.m102820200] [Citation(s) in RCA: 122] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
The localization of proteins to particular intracellular compartments often regulates their functions. Zyxin is a LIM protein found prominently at sites of cell adhesion, faintly in leading lamellipodia, and transiently in cell nuclei. Here we have performed a domain analysis to identify regions in zyxin that are responsible for targeting it to different subcellular locations. The N-terminal proline-rich region of zyxin, which harbors binding sites for alpha-actinin and members of the Ena/VASP family, concentrates in lamellipodial extensions and weakly in focal adhesions. The LIM region of zyxin displays robust targeting to focal adhesions. When overexpressed in cells, the LIM region of zyxin causes displacement of endogenous zyxin from focal adhesions. Upon mislocalization of full-length zyxin, at least one member of the Ena/VASP family is also displaced, and the organization of the actin cytoskeleton is perturbed. Zyxin also has the capacity to shuttle between the nucleus and focal adhesion sites. When nuclear export is inhibited, zyxin accumulates in cell nuclei. The nuclear accumulation of zyxin occurs asynchronously with approximately half of the cells exhibiting nuclear localization of zyxin within 2.3 h of initiating leptomycin B treatment. Our results provide insight into the functions of different zyxin domains.
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Affiliation(s)
- D A Nix
- Huntsman Cancer Institute and Department of Biology, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, Utah 84112, USA
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40
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Bilgen T, English TE, McMullen DC, Storey KB. EsMlp, a muscle-LIM protein gene, is up-regulated during cold exposure in the freeze-avoiding larvae of Epiblema scudderiana. Cryobiology 2001; 43:11-20. [PMID: 11812047 DOI: 10.1006/cryo.2001.2331] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
Screening of a cDNA library identified transcripts that were up-regulated by cold (4 or -20 degrees C) exposure in larvae of the freeze-avoiding goldenrod gall moth, Epiblema scudderiana. One clone contained a full-length open reading frame encoding a protein of 94 amino acids. The gene product, with 79.1% of residues identical with the Drosophila LIM protein Mlp60A, was named EsMlp and contained a single LIM domain and consensus sequences characteristic of a LIM protein. Transcript levels rose approx twofold when larvae were shifted from 4 to -20 degrees C and approx threefold over the midwinter months compared with larvae sampled in October or April. EsMlp expression was high in larval head (possibly due to expression in pharyngeal muscles) and body wall but was not detected in fat body. Immunoblotting revealed a three- to fourfold increase in EsMlp protein in midwinter larvae (January-February) compared with November-collected animals and a further rise to eightfold higher than November values in larvae collected in April. Cold up-regulation of EsMlp and the pattern of EsMlp levels in the larvae suggest possible roles for the protein, such as in muscle maintenance over the winter or as a preparative function that could facilitate the rapid resumption of development and metamorphosis when environmental temperatures rise in the spring.
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Affiliation(s)
- T Bilgen
- Department of Biology, Carleton University, 1125 Colonel By Drive, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada K1S 5B6
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41
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Stronach BE, Perrimon N. Investigation of leading edge formation at the interface of amnioserosa and dorsal ectoderm in theDrosophilaembryo. Development 2001; 128:2905-13. [PMID: 11532914 DOI: 10.1242/dev.128.15.2905] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
The leading edge (LE) is a single row of cells in the Drosophila embryonic epidermis that marks the boundary between two fields of cells: the amnioserosa and the dorsal ectoderm. LE cells play a crucial role in the morphogenetic process of dorsal closure and eventually form the dorsal midline of the embryo. Mutations that block LE differentiation result in a failure of dorsal closure and embryonic lethality. How LE cells are specified remains unclear. To explore whether LE cells are specified in response to early dorsoventral patterning information or whether they arise secondarily, we have altered the extent of amnioserosa and dorsal ectoderm genetically, and assayed LE cell fate. We did not observe an expansion of LE fate in dorsalized or ventralized mutants. Furthermore, we observed that the LE fate arises as a single row of cells, wherever amnioserosa tissue and dorsal epidermis are physically juxtaposed. Taken together our data indicate that LE formation is a secondary consequence of early zygotic dorsal patterning signals. In particular, proper LE specification requires the function of genes such as u-shaped and hindsight, which are direct transcriptional targets of the early Decapentaplegic/Screw patterning gradient, to establish a competency zone from which LE arises. We propose that subsequent inductive signaling between amnioserosa and dorsal ectoderm restricts the formation of LE to a single row of cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- B E Stronach
- Department of Genetics, Harvard Medical School, 200 Longwood Avenue, Boston, MA 02115, USA
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Walker CS, Shetty RP, Clark K, Kazuko SG, Letsou A, Olivera BM, Bandyopadhyay PK. On a potential global role for vitamin K-dependent gamma-carboxylation in animal systems. Evidence for a gamma-glutamyl carboxylase in Drosophila. J Biol Chem 2001; 276:7769-74. [PMID: 11110799 DOI: 10.1074/jbc.m009576200] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
The vitamin K-dependent gamma-carboxylation of glutamate to gamma-carboxyglutamate was originally well characterized in the mammalian blood clotting cascade. gamma-Carboxyglutamate has also been found in a number of other mammalian proteins and in neuropeptides from the venoms of marine snails belonging to the genus Conus, suggesting wider prevalence of gamma-carboxylation. We demonstrate that an open reading frame from a Drosophila melanogaster cDNA clone encodes a protein with vitamin K-dependent gamma-carboxylase activity. The open reading frame, 670 amino acids in length, is truncated at the C-terminal end compared with mammalian gamma-carboxylase, which is 758 amino acids. The mammalian gene has 14 introns; in Drosophila there are two much shorter introns but in positions precisely homologous to two of the mammalian introns. In addition, a deletion of 6 nucleotides is observed when cDNA and genomic sequences are compared. In situ hybridization to fixed embryos indicated ubiquitous presence of carboxylase mRNA throughout embryogenesis. Northern blot analysis revealed increased mRNA levels in 12-24-h embryos. The continued presence of carboxylase mRNA suggests that it plays an important role during embryogenesis. Although the model substrate FLEEL is carboxylated by the enzyme, a substrate containing the propeptide of a Conus carboxylase substrate, conantokin G, is poorly carboxylated. Its occurrence in vertebrates, molluscan systems (i.e. Conus), and Drosophila and the apparently strong homology between the three systems suggest that this is a highly conserved and widely distributed post-translational modification in biological systems.
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Affiliation(s)
- C S Walker
- Department of Biology, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, Utah 84112-0840, USA
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43
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Harper BD, Beckerle MC, Pomiès P. Fine mapping of the alpha-actinin binding site within cysteine-rich protein. Biochem J 2000; 350 Pt 1:269-74. [PMID: 10926853 PMCID: PMC1221251] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/17/2023]
Abstract
The cysteine-rich proteins (CRPs) are a family of highly conserved LIM (an acronym derived from the three gene products lin-11, isl-1 and mec-3) domain proteins that have been implicated in muscle differentiation. All CRP family members characterized so far have been shown to interact with the filamentous actin cross-linker alpha-actinin. The region of CRP required for this interaction has previously been broadly mapped to the molecule's N-terminal half. Here we report that the alpha-actinin-binding region of CRP, which we have mapped by using a combination of blot overlay and Western immunoblot techniques, is confined to an 18-residue sequence occurring within the protein's N-terminal glycine-rich repeat. A site-directed mutagenesis analysis of the binding region has revealed the critical importance of a single lysine residue (lysine 65 in human CRP1). Alterations at this site lead to a 10-fold decrease in alpha-actinin binding in comparison with wild-type CRP. The critical lysine residue localizes within a short alpha-helix, raising the possibility that mutagenesis-induced alterations in alpha-actinin-binding capacity might be attributed to the disruption of a key structural element.
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Affiliation(s)
- B D Harper
- Department of Biology and Huntsman Cancer Institute, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT 84112-5550, USA
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44
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Chan KK, Tsui SK, Ngai SM, Lee SM, Kotaka M, Waye MM, Lee CY, Fung KP. Protein-protein interaction of FHL2, a LIM domain protein preferentially expressed in human heart, with hCDC47. J Cell Biochem 2000. [DOI: 10.1002/(sici)1097-4644(20000301)76:3<499::aid-jcb16>3.0.co;2-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/10/2022]
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45
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Stronach BE, Renfranz PJ, Lilly B, Beckerle MC. Muscle LIM proteins are associated with muscle sarcomeres and require dMEF2 for their expression during Drosophila myogenesis. Mol Biol Cell 1999; 10:2329-42. [PMID: 10397768 PMCID: PMC25449 DOI: 10.1091/mbc.10.7.2329] [Citation(s) in RCA: 51] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/11/2022] Open
Abstract
A genetic hierarchy of interactions, involving myogenic regulatory factors of the MyoD and myocyte enhancer-binding 2 (MEF2) families, serves to elaborate and maintain the differentiated muscle phenotype through transcriptional regulation of muscle-specific target genes. Much work suggests that members of the cysteine-rich protein (CRP) family of LIM domain proteins also play a role in muscle differentiation; however, the specific functions of CRPs in this process remain undefined. Previously, we characterized two members of the Drosophila CRP family, the muscle LIM proteins Mlp60A and Mlp84B, which show restricted expression in differentiating muscle lineages. To extend our analysis of Drosophila Mlps, we characterized the expression of Mlps in mutant backgrounds that disrupt specific aspects of muscle development. We show a genetic requirement for the transcription factor dMEF2 in regulating Mlp expression and an ability of dMEF2 to bind, in vitro, to consensus MEF2 sites derived from those present in Mlp genomic sequences. These data suggest that the Mlp genes may be direct targets of dMEF2 within the genetic hierarchy controlling muscle differentiation. Mutations that disrupt myoblast fusion fail to affect Mlp expression. In later stages of myogenic differentiation, which are dedicated primarily to assembly of the contractile apparatus, we analyzed the subcellular distribution of Mlp84B in detail. Immunofluorescent studies revealed the localization of Mlp84B to muscle attachment sites and the periphery of Z-bands of striated muscle. Analysis of mutations that affect expression of integrins and alpha-actinin, key components of these structures, also failed to perturb Mlp84B distribution. In conclusion, we have used molecular epistasis analysis to position Mlp function downstream of events involving mesoderm specification and patterning and concomitant with terminal muscle differentiation. Furthermore, our results are consistent with a structural role for Mlps as components of muscle cytoarchitecture.
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Affiliation(s)
- B E Stronach
- Department of Biology, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, Utah 84112, USA
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Yao X, Pérez-Alvarado GC, Louis HA, Pomiès P, Hatt C, Summers MF, Beckerle MC. Solution structure of the chicken cysteine-rich protein, CRP1, a double-LIM protein implicated in muscle differentiation. Biochemistry 1999; 38:5701-13. [PMID: 10231520 DOI: 10.1021/bi982036y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
The mechanism by which the contractile machinery of muscle is assembled and maintained is not well-understood. Members of the cysteine-rich protein (CRP) family have been implicated in these processes. Three vertebrate CRPs (CRP1-3) that exhibit developmentally regulated muscle-specific expression have been identified. All three proteins are associated with the actin cytoskeleton, and one has been shown to be required for striated muscle structure and function. The vertebrate CRPs identified to date display a similar molecular architecture; each protein is comprised of two tandemly arrayed LIM domains, protein-binding motifs found in a number of proteins with roles in cell differentiation. Each LIM domain coordinates two Zn(II) ions that are bound independently in CCHC (C=Cys, H=His) and CCCC modules. Here we describe the solution structure of chicken CRP1 determined by homonuclear and 1H-15N heteronuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy. Comparison of the structures of the two LIM domains of CRP1 reveals a high degree of similarity in their tertiary folds. In addition, the two component LIM domains represent two completely independent folding units and exhibit no apparent interactions with each other. The structural independence and spatial separation of the two LIM domains of CRP1 are compatible with an adapter or linker role for the protein.
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Affiliation(s)
- X Yao
- Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of Maryland Baltimore County 21250, USA
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Hobert O, Moerman DG, Clark KA, Beckerle MC, Ruvkun G. A conserved LIM protein that affects muscular adherens junction integrity and mechanosensory function in Caenorhabditis elegans. J Cell Biol 1999; 144:45-57. [PMID: 9885243 PMCID: PMC2148118 DOI: 10.1083/jcb.144.1.45] [Citation(s) in RCA: 174] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/25/1998] [Revised: 10/27/1998] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
We describe here the molecular and functional characterization of the Caenorhabditis elegans unc-97 gene, whose gene product constitutes a novel component of muscular adherens junctions. UNC-97 and homologues from several other species define the PINCH family, a family of LIM proteins whose modular composition of five LIM domains implicates them as potential adapter molecules. unc-97 expression is restricted to tissue types that attach to the hypodermis, specifically body wall muscles, vulval muscles, and mechanosensory neurons. In body wall muscles, the UNC-97 protein colocalizes with the beta-integrin PAT-3 to the focal adhesion-like attachment sites of muscles. Partial and complete loss-of-function studies demonstrate that UNC-97 affects the structural integrity of the integrin containing muscle adherens junctions and contributes to the mechanosensory functions of touch neurons. The expression of a Drosophila homologue of unc-97 in two integrin containing cell types, muscles, and muscle-attached epidermal cells, suggests that unc-97 function in adherens junction assembly and stability has been conserved across phylogeny. In addition to its localization to adherens junctions UNC-97 can also be detected in the nucleus, suggesting multiple functions for this LIM domain protein.
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Affiliation(s)
- O Hobert
- Department of Molecular Biology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Department of Genetics, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts 02114,
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Nguyen HT, Xu X. Drosophila mef2 expression during mesoderm development is controlled by a complex array of cis-acting regulatory modules. Dev Biol 1998; 204:550-66. [PMID: 9882489 DOI: 10.1006/dbio.1998.9081] [Citation(s) in RCA: 65] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
The function of the Drosophila mef2 gene, a member of the MADS box supergene family of transcription factors, is critical for terminal differentiation of the three major muscle cell types, namely somatic, visceral, and cardiac. During embryogenesis, mef2 undergoes multiple phases of expression, which are characterized by initial broad mesodermal expression, followed by restricted expression in the dorsal mesoderm, specific expression in muscle progenitors, and sustained expression in the differentiated musculatures. In this study, evidence is presented that temporally and spatially specific mef2 expression is controlled by a complex array of cis-acting regulatory modules that are responsive to different genetic signals. Functional testing of approximately 12 kb of 5' flanking region of the mef2 gene showed that the initial widespread mesodermal expression is achieved through a 280-bp twist-dependent enhancer. The subsequent dorsal mesoderm-restricted mef2 expression is mediated through a 460-bp dpp-responsive regulatory module, which involves the function of the Smad4 homolog Medea and contains several binding sites for Medea and Mad. The analysis also showed that regulated mef2 expression in the caudal and trunk visceral mesoderm, which give rise to longitudinal and circular gut musculatures, respectively, is under the control of distinct enhancer elements. In addition, mef2 expression in the cardioblasts of the heart is dependent upon at least two distinct enhancers, which are active at different periods during embryogenesis. Moreover, multiple regulatory elements are differentially activated for specific expression in presumptive muscle founders, prefusion myoblasts, and differentiated muscle fibers. Taken together, the presented data suggest that specific expression of the mef2 gene in myogenic lineages in the Drosophila embryo is the result of multiple genetic inputs that act in an additive manner upon distinct enhancers in the 5' flanking region.
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Affiliation(s)
- H T Nguyen
- Department of Medicine, Division of Cardiology, Forchheimer G42, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, 1300 Morris Park Avenue, Bronx, New York, 10461, USA.
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Shoresh M, Orgad S, Shmueli O, Werczberger R, Gelbaum D, Abiri S, Segal D. Overexpression Beadex mutations and loss-of-function heldup-a mutations in Drosophila affect the 3' regulatory and coding components, respectively, of the Dlmo gene. Genetics 1998; 150:283-99. [PMID: 9725847 PMCID: PMC1460330 DOI: 10.1093/genetics/150.1.283] [Citation(s) in RCA: 52] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
LIM domains function as bridging modules between different members of multiprotein complexes. We report the cloning of a LIM-containing gene from Drosophila, termed Dlmo, which is highly homologous to the vertebrate LIM-only (LMO) genes. The 3' untranslated (UTR) of Dlmo contains multiple motifs implicated in negative post-transcriptional regulation, including AT-rich elements and Brd-like boxes. Dlmo resides in polytene band 17C1-2, where Beadex (Bx) and heldup-a (hdp-a) mutations map. We demonstrate that Bx mutations disrupt the 3'UTR of Dlmo, and thereby abrogate the putative negative control elements. This results in overexpression of Dlmo, which causes the wing scalloping that is typical of Bx mutants. We show that the erect wing phenotype of hdp-a results from disruption of the coding region of Dlmo. This provides molecular grounds for the suppression of the Bx phenotype by hdp-a mutations. Finally, we demonstrate phenotypic interaction between the LMO gene Dlmo, the LIM homeodomain gene apterous, and the Chip gene, which encodes a homolog of the vertebrate LIM-interacting protein NLI/Ldb1. We propose that in analogy to their vertebrate counterparts, these proteins form a DNA-binding complex that regulates wing development.
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Affiliation(s)
- M Shoresh
- Department of Molecular Microbiology and Biotechnology, Tel-Aviv University, Tel-Aviv 69978, Israel
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Delalande JM, Rescan PY. Expression of a cysteine-rich protein (CRP) encoding gene during early development of the trout. Mech Dev 1998; 76:179-83. [PMID: 9867350 DOI: 10.1016/s0925-4773(98)00127-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
Abstract
Members of the cysteine-rich protein (CRP) define a subclass of LIM-only proteins implicated mainly in muscle differentiation. Until now, very little is known concerning the expression of CRP encoding genes during vertebrate development. We describe here the isolation of a trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss) gene encoding a cysteine-rich protein (TCRP) and the pattern of its mRNA accumulation during embryogenesis, focusing on somitogenesis. TCRP encodes a putative protein with two LIM domains linked to a short glycine-rich region that displays 86%, 76%, 67% identity with chicken CRP2, CRP1 and MLP/CRP3 proteins, respectively. Whole-mount in situ hybridisation showed that TCRP transcript is first detected just before somitogenesis in the paraxial mesoderm, while it is absent in the axial structures. During somitogenesis, the expression of TCRP was observed caudally in the elongating presomitic mesoderm and in the last formed somites. The labelling for TCRP was found to fade as the somites mature. At the end of the somitogenesis, TCRP transcripts accumulation was restricted to pronephros and bronchial arches.
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Affiliation(s)
- J M Delalande
- Laboratoire de physiologie des poissons, INRA, Campus de Beaulieu, 35042 Rennes, France
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