A specific activation of the mitogen-activated protein kinase kinase 1 (MEK1) is required for Golgi fragmentation during mitosis

Negative Staining Electron Microscopy for Morpho-Functional Characterization of Purified Golgi Membranes from Mammalian Cells

The Golgi apparatus is a highly dynamic organelle that controls lipid and protein sorting in the endocytic and exocytic cellular pathways. Perturbation of the lipid homeostasis or of the molecular machineries that regulate membrane remodeling/trafficking events on the Golgi membranes can dramatically change the morphology and functions of the Golgi apparatus. So far, several approaches have been described to characterize and define the Golgi morphology in intact cells and in vitro. Here, we describe the application of negative staining (NS) electron microscopy (EM) on purified Golgi membranes from HeLa cells. This approach allows to quantify and functionally characterize membrane remodeling events upon specific treatments that alter the Golgi morphology.

In Vitro Methods to Investigate the Disassembly of the Golgi Ribbon During the G2-M Transition of the Cell Cycle

The Golgi complex is the central hub of the secretory pathway. In mammalian cells, it is formed by stacks of flattened cisternae organized in a continuous membrane system, the Golgi ribbon, located near the centrosome. During G2, the Golgi ribbon is disassembled into isolated stacks that, at the onset of mitosis, are further fragmented into small tubular-vesicular clusters that disperse throughout the cytoplasm. Here, we describe a set of methods to study the Golgi complex in different phases of the cell cycle, drawing attention to reproducing the mitotic Golgi fragmentation to gain knowledge and acquire the skills to study the mechanisms that regulate mitotic Golgi reorganization as well as its biological significance. The investigations based on these assays have been instrumental in understanding that Golgi disassembly is not only a consequence of mitosis but is also required for mitotic entry and cell division.

Emerging roles of mitotic autophagy

Lysosomes exert pleiotropic functions to maintain cellular homeostasis and degrade autophagy cargo. Despite the great advances that have boosted our understanding of autophagy and lysosomes in both physiology and pathology, their function in mitosis is still controversial. During mitosis, most organelles are reshaped or repurposed to allow the correct distribution of chromosomes. Mitotic entry is accompanied by a reduction in sites of autophagy initiation, supporting the idea of an inhibition of autophagy to protect the genetic material against harmful degradation. However, there is accumulating evidence revealing the requirement of selective autophagy and functional lysosomes for a faithful chromosome segregation. Degradation is the most-studied lysosomal activity, but recently described alternative functions that operate in mitosis highlight the lysosomes as guardians of mitotic progression. Because the involvement of autophagy in mitosis remains controversial, it is important to consider the specific contribution of signalling cascades, the functions of autophagic proteins and the multiple roles of lysosomes, as three entangled, but independent, factors controlling genomic stability. In this Review, we discuss the latest advances in this area and highlight the therapeutic potential of targeting autophagy for drug development.

The Golgi ribbon: mechanisms of maintenance and disassembly during the cell cycle

The Golgi complex (GC) has an essential role in the processing and sorting of proteins and lipids. The GC of mammalian cells is composed of stacks of cisternae connected by membranous tubules to create a continuous network, the Golgi ribbon, whose maintenance requires several core and accessory proteins. Despite this complex structural organization, the Golgi apparatus is highly dynamic, and this property becomes particularly evident during mitosis, when the ribbon undergoes a multistep disassembly process that allows its correct partitioning and inheritance by the daughter cells. Importantly, alterations of the Golgi structure are associated with a variety of physiological and pathological conditions. Here, we review the core mechanisms and signaling pathways involved in both the maintenance and disassembly of the Golgi ribbon, and we also report on the signaling pathways that connect the disassembly of the Golgi ribbon to mitotic entry and progression.

Organelle Inheritance Control of Mitotic Entry and Progression: Implications for Tissue Homeostasis and Disease

The Golgi complex (GC), in addition to its well-known role in membrane traffic, is also actively involved in the regulation of mitotic entry and progression. In particular, during the G2 phase of the cell cycle, the Golgi ribbon is unlinked into isolated stacks. Importantly, this ribbon cleavage is required for G2/M transition, indicating that a “Golgi mitotic checkpoint” controls the correct segregation of this organelle. Then, during mitosis, the isolated Golgi stacks are disassembled, and this process is required for spindle formation. Moreover, recent evidence indicates that also proper mitotic segregation of other organelles, such as mitochondria, endosomes, and peroxisomes, is required for correct mitotic progression and/or spindle formation. Collectively, these observations imply that in addition to the control of chromosomes segregation, which is required to preserve the genetic information, the cells actively monitor the disassembly and redistribution of subcellular organelles in mitosis. Here, we provide an overview of the major structural reorganization of the GC and other organelles during G2/M transition and of their regulatory mechanisms, focusing on novel findings that have shed light on the basic processes that link organelle inheritance to mitotic progression and spindle formation, and discussing their implications for tissue homeostasis and diseases.

Suppression of autophagy during mitosis via CUL4-RING ubiquitin ligases-mediated WIPI2 polyubiquitination and proteasomal degradation

Macroautophagy/autophagy is a cellular process in which cytosolic contents are degraded by lysosome in response to various stress conditions. Apart from its role in the maintenance of cellular homeostasis, autophagy also involves in regulation of cell cycle progression under nutrient-deprivation conditions. However, whether and how autophagy is regulated by the cell cycle especially during mitosis remains largely undefined. Here we show that WIPI2/ATG18B (WD repeat domain, phosphoinositide interacting 2), an autophagy-related (ATG) protein that plays a critical role in autophagosome biogenesis, is a direct substrate of CUL4-RING ubiquitin ligases (CRL4s). Upon mitosis induction, CRL4s are activated via neddylation, and recruit WIPI2 via DDB1 (damage specific DNA binding protein 1), leading to polyubiquitination and proteasomal degradation of WIPI2 and suppression of autophagy. The WIPI2 protein level and autophagy during mitosis could be rescued by knockdown of CRL4s or treatment with MLN4924/Pevonedistat, a selective inhibitor of CRLs, via suppression of NAE1 (NEDD8 activating enzyme E1 subunit 1). Moreover, restoration of WIPI2 rescues autophagy during mitosis and leads to mitotic slippage and cell senescence. Our study thus discovers a novel function of CRL4s in autophagy by targeting WIPI2 for polyubiquitination and proteasomal degradation during mitosis. Abbreviations: ACTB, actin beta; ATG, autophagy-related; AMPK, AMP-activated protein kinase; AURKB/ARK2, aurora kinase B; BafA1, bafilomycin A₁; CCNB1, cyclin B1; CDK1, cyclin dependent kinase 1; CHX, cycloheximide; CQ, chloroquine; CRL4s, CUL4-RING ubiquitin ligases; DDB1, damage specific DNA binding protein 1; GAPDH, glyceraldehyde-3-phosphate dehydrogenase; GFP, green fluorescent protein; GST, glutathione S-transferase; MAP1LC3B/LC3B, microtubule associated protein 1 light chain 3 beta; STK11/LKB1,serine/threonine kinase 11; MTORC1/MTOR complex 1, mechanistic target of rapamycin kinase complex 1; NAE1, NEDD8 activating enzyme E1 subunit 1; NOC, nocodazole; RING, really interesting new gene; RBX1, ring-box 1; SA-GLB1/β-gal, senescence-associated galactosidase beta 1; TSC2, TSC complex subunit 2; TUBA, tubulin alpha; WIPI2, WD repeat domain, phosphoinositide interacting 2.

The Function of the Golgi Ribbon Structure - An Enduring Mystery Unfolds!

The Golgi apparatus in vertebrate cells consists of individual Golgi stacks fused together in a continuous ribbon structure. The ribbon structure per se is not required to mediate the classical functions of this organelle and the relevance of the "ribbon" structure has been a mystery since first identified ultrastructurally in the 1950s. Recent advances recognize a role for the Golgi apparatus in a range of cellular processes, some mediated by signaling networks which are regulated at the Golgi. Here we review the cellular processes and signaling events regulated by the Golgi apparatus and, in particular, explore an emerging theme that the ribbon structure of the Golgi contributes directly to the regulation of these higher order functions.

Golgi enzymes do not cycle through the endoplasmic reticulum during protein secretion or mitosis

The question of whether the Golgi complex is a stable compartment or is constantly regenerated from the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) is an important issue under debate. Using an ER trapping procedure and Golgi-specific O-linked glycosylation of a resident ER protein, this study demonstrates that Golgi enzymes do not cycle through the ER during secretion and mitosis.

Golgi-specific sialyltransferase (ST) expressed as a chimera with the rapamycin-binding domain of mTOR, FRB, relocates to the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) in cells exposed to rapamycin that also express invariant chain (Ii)-FKBP in the ER. This result has been taken to indicate that Golgi-resident enzymes cycle to the ER constitutively. We show that ST-FRB is trapped in the ER even without Ii-FKBP upon rapamycin addition. This is because ER-Golgi–cycling FKBP proteins contain a C-terminal KDEL-like sequence, bind ST-FRB in the Golgi, and are transported together back to the ER by KDEL receptor–mediated retrograde transport. Moreover, depletion of KDEL receptor prevents trapping of ST-FRB in the ER by rapamycin. Thus ST-FRB cycles artificially by binding to FKBP domain–containing proteins. In addition, Golgi-specific O-linked glycosylation of a resident ER protein occurs only upon artificial fusion of Golgi membranes with ER. Together these findings support the consensus view that there is no appreciable mixing of Golgi-resident enzymes with ER under normal conditions.

Assays to Study the Fragmentation of the Golgi Complex During the G2-M Transition of the Cell Cycle

The Golgi complex of mammalian cells is composed of stacks of flattened cisternae that are connected by tubules to form a continuous membrane system, also known as the Golgi ribbon. At the onset of mitosis, the Golgi ribbon is progressively fragmented into small tubular-vesicular clusters and it is reconstituted before completion of cytokinesis. The investigation of the mechanisms behind this reversible cycle of disassembly and reassembly has led to the identification of structural Golgi proteins and regulators. Moreover, these studies allowed to discover that disassembly of the ribbon is necessary for cell entry into mitosis. Here, we describe an in vitro assay that reproduces the mitotic Golgi fragmentation and that has been successfully employed to identify many important mechanisms and proteins involved in the mitotic Golgi reorganization.

Mitotic Golgi translocation of ERK1c is mediated by a PI4KIIIβ-14-3-3γ shuttling complex

Golgi fragmentation is a highly regulated process that allows division of the Golgi complex between the two daughter cells. The mitotic reorganization of the Golgi is accompanied by a temporary block in Golgi functioning, as protein transport in and out of the Golgi stops. Our group has previously demonstrated the involvement of the alternatively spliced variants ERK1c and MEK1b (ERK1 is also known as MAPK3, and MEK1 as MAP2K1) in mitotic Golgi fragmentation. We had also found that ERK1c translocates to the Golgi at the G2 to M phase transition, but the molecular mechanism underlying this recruitment remains unknown. In this study, we narrowed the translocation timing to prophase and prometaphase, and elucidated its molecular mechanism. We found that CDK1 phosphorylates Ser343 of ERK1c, thereby allowing the binding of phosphorylated ERK1c to a complex that consists of PI4KIIIβ (also known as PI4KB) and the 14-3-3γ dimer (encoded by YWHAB). The stability of the complex is regulated by protein kinase D (PKD)-mediated phosphorylation of PI4KIIIβ. The complex assembly induces the Golgi shuttling of ERK1c, where it is activated by MEK1b, and induces Golgi fragmentation. Our work shows that protein shuttling to the Golgi is not completely abolished at the G2 to M phase transition, thus integrating several independent Golgi-regulating processes into one coherent pathway.

Systems biology of the secretory pathway: what have we learned so far?

Several RNAi screens were performed in search for regulators of the secretory pathway. These screens were performed in different organisms and cell lines and relied on different readouts. Therefore, they have only little overlap among their hits, leading to the question of what we have learned from this approach so far and how these screens contributed towards an integrative understanding of the endomembrane system. The aim of this review is to revisit these screens and discuss their strengths and weaknesses as well as potential reasons for their failure to overlap with each other. As with secretory trafficking, RNAi screens were also performed on other cellular processes such as cell migration and autophagy, both of which were shown to be intimately linked to secretion. Another aim of this review is to compare the outcome of the RNAi screens on secretion, autophagy and cell migration and ask whether the functional genomic approaches have uncovered potential mechanistic insights into the links between these processes.

MEK1 inactivates Myt1 to regulate Golgi membrane fragmentation and mitotic entry in mammalian cells

The pericentriolar stacks of Golgi cisternae are separated from each other in G2 and fragmented extensively during mitosis. MEK1 is required for Golgi fragmentation in G2 and for the entry of cells into mitosis. We now report that Myt1 mediates MEK1's effects on the Golgi complex. Knockdown of Myt1 by siRNA increased the efficiency of Golgi complex fragmentation by mitotic cytosol in permeabilized and intact HeLa cells. Myt1 knockdown eliminated the requirement of MEK1 in Golgi fragmentation and alleviated the delay in mitotic entry due to MEK1 inhibition. The phosphorylation of Myt1 by MEK1 requires another kinase but is independent of RSK, Plk, and CDK1. Altogether our findings reveal that Myt1 is inactivated by MEK1 mediated phosphorylation to fragment the Golgi complex in G2 and for the entry of cells into mitosis. It is known that Myt1 inactivation is required for CDK1 activation. Myt1 therefore is an important link by which MEK1 dependent fragmentation of the Golgi complex in G2 is connected to the CDK1 mediated breakdown of Golgi into tubules and vesicles in mitosis.

Sequential phosphorylation of GRASP65 during mitotic Golgi disassembly

GRASP65 phosphorylation during mitosis and dephosphorylation after mitosis are required for Golgi disassembly and reassembly during the cell cycle. At least eight phosphorylation sites on GRASP65 have been identified, but whether they are modified in a coordinated fashion during mitosis is so far unknown. In this study, we raised phospho-specific antibodies that recognize phosphorylated T220/T224, S277 and S376 residues of GRASP65, respectively. Biochemical analysis showed that cdc2 phosphorylates all three sites, while plk1 enhances the phosphorylation. Microscopic studies using these antibodies for double and triple labeling demonstrate sequential phosphorylation and dephosphorylation during the cell cycle. S277 and S376 are phosphorylated from late G2 phase through metaphase until telophase when the new Golgi is reassembled. T220/224 is not modified until prophase, but is highly modified from prometaphase to anaphase. In metaphase, phospho-T220/224 signal localizes on both Golgi haze and mitotic Golgi clusters that represent dispersed Golgi vesicles and Golgi remnants, respectively, while phospho-S277 and S376 labeling is more concentrated on mitotic Golgi clusters. Expression of a phosphorylation-resistant GRASP65 mutant T220A/T224A inhibited mitotic Golgi fragmentation to a much larger extent than the expression of the S277A and S376A mutants. In cytokinesis, T220/224 dephosphorylation occurs prior to that of S277, but after S376. This study provides evidence that GRASP65 is sequentially phosphorylated and dephosphorylated during mitosis at different sites to orchestrate Golgi disassembly and reassembly during cell division, with phosphorylation of the T220/224 site being most critical in the process.

Golgi complex fragmentation in G2/M transition: An organelle-based cell-cycle checkpoint

In mammalian cells, the Golgi complex is organized into a continuous membranous system known as the Golgi ribbon, which is formed by individual Golgi stacks that are laterally connected by tubular bridges. During mitosis, the Golgi ribbon undergoes extensive fragmentation through a multistage process that is required for its correct partitioning into the daughter cells. Importantly, inhibition of this Golgi disassembly results in cell-cycle arrest at the G2 stage, suggesting that accurate inheritance of the Golgi complex is monitored by a "Golgi mitotic checkpoint." Here, we discuss the mechanisms and regulation of the Golgi ribbon breakdown and briefly comment on how Golgi partitioning may inhibit G2/M transition.

Golgi biogenesis

The Golgi is an essential membrane-bound organelle in the secretary pathway of eukaryotic cells. In mammalian cells, the Golgi stacks are integrated into a continuous perinuclear ribbon, which poses a challenge for the daughter cells to inherit this membrane organelle during cell division. To facilitate proper partitioning, the mammalian Golgi ribbon is disassembled into vesicles in early mitosis. Following segregation into the daughter cells, a functional Golgi is reformed. Here we summarize our current understanding of the molecular mechanisms that control the mitotic Golgi disassembly and postmitotic reassembly cycle in mammalian cells.

Phosphorylation provides a negative mode of regulation for the yeast Rab GTPase Sec4p

The Rab family of Ras-related GTPases are part of a complex signaling circuitry in eukaryotic cells, yet we understand little about the mechanisms that underlie Rab protein participation in such signal transduction networks, or how these networks are integrated at the physiological level. Reversible protein phosphorylation is widely used by cells as a signaling mechanism. Several phospho-Rabs have been identified, however the functional consequences of the modification appear to be diverse and need to be evaluated on an individual basis. In this study we demonstrate a role for phosphorylation as a negative regulatory event for the action of the yeast Rab GTPase Sec4p in regulating polarized growth. Our data suggest that the phosphorylation of the Rab Sec4p prevents interactions with its effector, the exocyst component Sec15p, and that the inhibition may be relieved by a PP2A phosphatase complex containing the regulatory subunit Cdc55p.

GRASP55 and GRASP65 play complementary and essential roles in Golgi cisternal stacking

Two peripheral GRASP membrane proteins work together to keep the Golgi from falling apart.

In vitro studies have suggested that Golgi stack formation involves two homologous peripheral Golgi proteins, GRASP65 and GRASP55, which localize to the cis and medial-trans cisternae, respectively. However, no mechanism has been provided on how these two GRASP proteins work together to stack Golgi cisternae. Here, we show that depletion of either GRASP55 or GRASP65 by siRNA reduces the number of cisternae per Golgi stack, whereas simultaneous knockdown of both GRASP proteins leads to disassembly of the entire stack. GRASP55 stacks Golgi membranes by forming oligomers through its N-terminal GRASP domain. This process is regulated by phosphorylation within the C-terminal serine/proline-rich domain. Expression of nonphosphorylatable GRASP55 mutants enhances Golgi stacking in interphase cells and inhibits Golgi disassembly during mitosis. These results demonstrate that GRASP55 and GRASP65 stack mammalian Golgi cisternae via a common mechanism.

Specific phosphorylation and activation of ERK1c by MEK1b: a unique route in the ERK cascade

Extracellular signal-regulated kinases (ERKs) are key signaling molecules that regulate a large number of cellular processes, including mitosis. We showed previously that ERK1c, an alternatively spliced form of ERK1, facilitates mitotic Golgi fragmentation without the involvement of ERK1 and ERK2. Here we demonstrate that activation of ERK1c is mainly mediated by mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK)/ERK kinase 1b (MEK1b), which is an alternatively spliced form of MEK1 that was previously considered an inactive kinase. MEK1b phosphorylation and activity are preferentially stimulated by nocodazole, to induce its specific activity toward ERK1c. MEK1/2, on the other hand, preferentially target ERK1/2 in response to growth factors, such as EGF. As previously demonstrated for ERK1c, also MEK1b expression and activity are elevated during mitosis, and thereby enhance Golgi fragmentation and mitotic rate. MEK1 activity is also increased during mitosis, but this isoform facilitates mitotic progression without affecting the Golgi architecture. These results illustrate that the ERK cascade is divided into two routes: the classic MEK1/2-ERK1/2 and the splice-variant MEK1b-ERK1c, each of which regulates distinct cellular processes and thus extends the cascade specificity.

A non-canonical MEK/ERK signaling pathway regulates autophagy via regulating Beclin 1

Autophagy-essential proteins are the molecular basis of protective or destructive autophagy machinery. However, little is known about the signaling mechanisms governing these proteins and the opposing consequences of autophagy in mammals. Here we report that a non-canonical MEK/ERK module, which is positioned downstream of AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) and upstream of tuberous sclerosis complex (TSC), regulates autophagy by regulating Beclin 1. Depletion of ERK partially inhibited autophagy, whereas specific inhibition on MEK completely inhibited autophagy. MEK could bypass ERK to promote autophagy. Basal MEK/ERK activity conferred basal Beclin 1 by preventing disassembly of mammalian target of rapamycin complex 1 (mTORC1) and mTORC2. Activation of MEK/ERK by AMPK upon autophagy stimuli disassembled mTORC1 via binding to and activating TSC but disassembled mTORC2 independently of TSC. Inhibition of mTORC1 or mTORC2 by transiently or moderately activated MEK/ERK caused moderately enhanced Beclin 1 resulting in cytoprotective autophagy, whereas inhibition of both mTORC1 and mTORC2 by sustained MEK/ERK activation caused strongly pronounced Beclin 1 leading to cytodestructive autophagy. Our findings thus propose that the AMPK-MEK/ERK-TSC-mTOR pathway regulation of Beclin 1 represents different thresholds responsible for a protective or destructive autophagy.

GRASP55 regulates Golgi ribbon formation

Recent work indicates that mitogen-activated protein kinase kinase (MEK)1 signaling at the G2/M cell cycle transition unlinks the contiguous mammalian Golgi apparatus and that this regulates cell cycle progression. Here, we sought to determine the role in this pathway of Golgi reassembly protein (GRASP)55, a Golgi-localized target of MEK/extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK) phosphorylation at mitosis. In support of the hypothesis that GRASP55 is inhibited in late G2 phase, causing unlinking of the Golgi ribbon, we found that HeLa cells depleted of GRASP55 show a fragmented Golgi similar to control cells arrested in G2 phase. In the absence of GRASP55, Golgi stack length is shortened but Golgi stacking, compartmentalization, and transport seem normal. Absence of GRASP55 was also sufficient to suppress the requirement for MEK1 in the G2/M transition, a requirement that we previously found depends on an intact Golgi ribbon. Furthermore, mimicking mitotic phosphorylation of GRASP55 by using aspartic acid substitutions is sufficient to unlink the Golgi apparatus in a gene replacement assay. Our results implicate MEK1/ERK regulation of GRASP55-mediated Golgi linking as a control point in cell cycle progression.

The role of GRASP55 in Golgi fragmentation and entry of cells into mitosis

GRASP55 is a Golgi-associated protein, but its function at the Golgi remains unclear. Addition of full-length GRASP55, GRASP55-specific peptides, or an anti-GRASP55 antibody inhibited Golgi fragmentation by mitotic extracts in vitro, and entry of cells into mitosis. Phospho-peptide mapping of full-length GRASP55 revealed that threonine 225 and 249 were mitotically phosphorylated. Wild-type peptides containing T225 and T249 inhibited Golgi fragmentation and entry of cells into mitosis. Mutant peptides containing T225E and T249E, in contrast, did not affect Golgi fragmentation and entry into mitosis. These findings reveal a role of GRASP55 in events leading to Golgi fragmentation and the subsequent entry of cell into mitosis. Surprisingly, however, under our experimental conditions, >85% knockdown of GRASP55 did not affect the overall organization of Golgi organization in terms of cisternal stacking and lateral connections between stacks. Based on our findings we suggest that phosphorylation of GRASP55 at T225/T249 releases a bound component, which is phosphorylated and necessary for Golgi fragmentation. Thus, GRASP55 has no role in the organization of Golgi membranes per se, but it controls their fragmentation by regulating the release of a partner, which requires a G2-specific phosphorylation at T225/T249.

Molecular mechanism of mitotic Golgi disassembly and reassembly revealed by a defined reconstitution assay

In mammalian cells, flat Golgi cisternae closely arrange together to form stacks. During mitosis, the stacked structure undergoes a continuous fragmentation process. The generated mitotic Golgi fragments are distributed into the daughter cells, where they are reassembled into new Golgi stacks. In this study, an in vitro assay has been developed using purified proteins and Golgi membranes to reconstitute the Golgi disassembly and reassembly processes. This technique provides a useful tool to delineate the mechanisms underlying the morphological change. There are two processes during Golgi disassembly: unstacking and vesiculation. Unstacking is mediated by two mitotic kinases, cdc2 and plk, which phosphorylate the Golgi stacking protein GRASP65 and thus disrupt the oligomer of this protein. Vesiculation is mediated by the COPI budding machinery ARF1 and the coatomer complex. When treated with a combination of purified kinases, ARF1 and coatomer, the Golgi membranes were completely fragmented into vesicles. After mitosis, there are also two processes in Golgi reassembly: formation of single cisternae by membrane fusion, and restacking. Cisternal membrane fusion requires two AAA ATPases, p97 and NSF (N-ethylmaleimide-sensitive fusion protein), each of which functions together with specific adaptor proteins. Restacking of the newly formed Golgi cisternae requires dephosphorylation of Golgi stacking proteins by the protein phosphatase PP2A. This systematic study revealed the minimal machinery that controls the mitotic Golgi disassembly and reassembly processes.

Inheritance and biogenesis of organelles in the secretory pathway

In eukaryotic cells, cellular functions are compartmentalized into membrane-bound organelles. This has many advantages, as shown by the success of the eukaryotic lineage, but creates many problems for cells, such as the need to build and partition these organelles during cell growth and division. Diverse mechanisms for biogenesis of the endoplasmic reticulum and Golgi apparatus have evolved, ranging from de novo synthesis to the copying of a template organelle. The different mechanisms by which organelles are inherited in yeasts, protozoa and metazoans probably reflect the differences in the structure and copy number of these organelles.

The Golgi mitotic checkpoint is controlled by BARS-dependent fission of the Golgi ribbon into separate stacks in G2

The Golgi ribbon is a complex structure of many stacks interconnected by tubules that undergo fragmentation during mitosis through a multistage process that allows correct Golgi inheritance. The fissioning protein CtBP1-S/BARS (BARS) is essential for this, and is itself required for mitotic entry: a block in Golgi fragmentation results in cell-cycle arrest in G2, defining the 'Golgi mitotic checkpoint'. Here, we clarify the precise stage of Golgi fragmentation required for mitotic entry and the role of BARS in this process. Thus, during G2, the Golgi ribbon is converted into isolated stacks by fission of interstack connecting tubules. This requires BARS and is sufficient for G2/M transition. Cells without a Golgi ribbon are independent of BARS for Golgi fragmentation and mitotic entrance. Remarkably, fibroblasts from BARS-knockout embryos have their Golgi complex divided into isolated stacks at all cell-cycle stages, bypassing the need for BARS for Golgi fragmentation. This identifies the precise stage of Golgi fragmentation and the role of BARS in the Golgi mitotic checkpoint, setting the stage for molecular analysis of this process.

Golgi complex disassembly caused by light-activated calphostin C involves MAPK and PKA

We examined the participation of MAPK and PKA in the Golgi complex disassembly caused by light-activated Calphostin C in HT-29 cells. When these cells were incubated with Calphostin C, fragmentation and dispersal of the Golgi complex was observed as assessed by immunofluorescence microscopy. Electron microscopy analysis showed that clusters of vesicles and large tubule-vesicular membrane structures, resembling the Golgi remnants present in mitotic cells, substituted the Golgi stacks. In addition, Calphostin C treatment caused inhibition of the endocytic route. We confirmed that the Golgi disassembly was not due to PKC inhibition, and suggested, based on the use of specific inhibitors, that other kinases are involved. It was shown that pretreatment with PD98059 and H-89, both inhibitors of MAPK and PKA, respectively, prior to incubation with Calphostin C, caused blockade of the Golgi disassembly, as well as the inhibition of the endocytic pathway caused by this drug. This finding supports the existence of a novel mechanism by which MAPK and PKA may regulate the Golgi breakdown caused by Calphostin C in HT-29 cells.

Trifunctional norrisolide probes for the study of Golgi vesiculation

Inspired by the effect of norrisolide on the Golgi complex, we synthesized norrisolide probes that contain: the perhydroindane core of the parent natural product for Golgi localization, a crosslinking unit (aryl azide or epoxide) for covalent binding to the target, and a tag (biotin or iodine) for subsequent target purification. We found that biotin-containing probes 14, 20 and 24 induced inefficient Golgi vesiculation. However, the iodinated probe 25 induced extensive and irreversible Golgi fragmentation. This probe can be used for the isolation of the cellular target of norrisolide.

Mitogen-activated protein kinase kinase 1-dependent Golgi unlinking occurs in G2 phase and promotes the G2/M cell cycle transition

Two controversies have emerged regarding the signaling pathways that regulate Golgi disassembly at the G(2)/M cell cycle transition. The first controversy concerns the role of mitogen-activated protein kinase activator mitogen-activated protein kinase kinase (MEK)1, and the second controversy concerns the participation of Golgi structure in a novel cell cycle "checkpoint." A potential simultaneous resolution is suggested by the hypothesis that MEK1 triggers Golgi unlinking in late G(2) to control G(2)/M kinetics. Here, we show that inhibition of MEK1 by RNA interference or by using the MEK1/2-specific inhibitor U0126 delayed the passage of synchronized HeLa cells into M phase. The MEK1 requirement for normal mitotic entry was abrogated if Golgi proteins were dispersed before M phase by treatment of cells with brefeldin A or if GRASP65, which links Golgi stacks into a ribbon network, was depleted. Imaging revealed that unlinking of the Golgi apparatus begins before M phase, is independent of cyclin-dependent kinase 1 activation, and requires MEK signaling. Furthermore, expression of the GRASP family member GRASP55 after alanine substitution of its MEK1-dependent mitotic phosphorylation sites inhibited both late G(2) Golgi unlinking and the G(2)/M transition. Thus, MEK1 plays an in vivo role in Golgi reorganization, which regulates cell cycle progression.

Brain-type creatine kinase BB-CK interacts with the Golgi Matrix Protein GM130 in early prophase

Creatine kinase (CK) isoenzymes are essential for storing, buffering and intracellular transport of "energy-rich" phosphate compounds in tissues with fluctuating high energy demand such as muscle, brain and other tissues and cells where CK is expressed. In brain and many non-muscle cells, ubiquitous cytosolic "brain-type" BB-CK and ubiquitous mitochondrial CK (uMtCK) act as components of a phosphocreatine shuttle to maintain cellular energy pools and distribute energy flux. To date, still relatively little is known about direct coupling of functional dimeric BB-CK with other partner proteins or enzymes that are important for cell function. Using a global yeast two-hybrid (Y2H) screen with monomeric B-CK as bait and a representative brain cDNA library to search for interaction partners of B-CK with proteins of the brain, we repeatedly identified the cis-Golgi Matrix protein (GM130) as recurrent interacting partner of B-CK. Since HeLa cells also express both BB-CK and GM130, we subsequently used this cellular model system to verify and characterize the BB-CK-GM130 complex by GST-pulldown experiments, as well as by in vivo co-localization studies with confocal microscopy. Using dividing HeLa cells, we report here for the first time that GM130 and BB-CK co-localize specifically in a transient fashion during early prophase of mitosis, when GM130 plays an important role in Golgi fragmentation that starts also at early prophase. These data may shed new light on BB-CK function for energy provision for Golgi-fragmentation that is initiated by cell signalling cascades in the early phases of mitosis.

Identification of G2/M targets for the MAP kinase pathway by functional proteomics

Although the importance of the extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK) pathway in regulating the transition from G1 to S has been extensively studied, its role during the G2/M transition is less well understood. Previous reports have shown that inhibition of the ERK pathway in mammalian cells delays entry as well as progression through mitosis, suggesting the existence of molecular targets of this pathway in M phase. In this report we employed 2-DE and MS to survey proteins and PTMs in the presence versus absence of MKK1/2 inhibitor. Targets of the ERK pathway in G2/M were identified as elongation factor 2 (EF2) and nuclear matrix protein, 55 kDa (Nmt55). Phosphorylation of each protein increased under conditions of ERK pathway inhibition, suggesting indirect control of these targets; regulation of EF2 was ascribed to phosphorylation and inactivation of upstream EF2 kinase, whereas regulation of Nmt55 was ascribed to a delay in normal mitotic phosphorylation and dephosphorylation. 2-DE Western blots probed using anti-phospho-Thr-Pro antibody demonstrated that the effect of ERK inhibition is not to delay the onset of phosphorylation controlled by cdc2 and other mitotic kinases, but rather to regulate a small subset of targets in M phase in a nonoverlapping manner with cdc2.

The ERK cascade: a prototype of MAPK signaling

Sequential activation of protein kinases within the mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) cascades is a common mechanism of signal transduction in many cellular processes. Four such cascades have been elucidated thus far, and named according to their MAPK tier component as the ERK1/2, JNK, p38MAPK, and ERK5 cascades. These cascades cooperate in transmitting various extracellular signals, and thus control cellular processes such as proliferation, differentiation, development, stress response, and apoptosis. Here we describe the classic ERK1/2 cascade, and concentrate mainly on the properties of MEK1/2 and ERK1/2, including their mode of regulation and their role in various cellular processes and in oncogenesis. This cascade may serve as a prototype of the other MAPK cascades, and the study of this cascade is likely to contribute to the understanding of mitogenic and other processes in many cell lines and tissues.

ERK1c regulates Golgi fragmentation during mitosis

Extracellular signal-regulated kinase 1c (ERK1c) is an alternatively spliced form of ERK1 that is regulated differently than other ERK isoforms. We studied the Golgi functions of ERK1c and found that it plays a role in MEK-induced mitotic Golgi fragmentation. Thus, in late G2 and mitosis of synchronized cells, the expression and activity of ERK1c was increased and it colocalized mainly with Golgi markers. Small interfering RNA of ERK1c significantly attenuated, whereas ERK1c overexpression facilitated, mitotic Golgi fragmentation. These effects were also reflected in mitotic progression, indicating that ERK1c is involved in cell cycle regulation via modulation of Golgi fragmentation. Although ERK1 was activated in mitosis as well, it could not replace ERK1c in regulating Golgi fragmentation. Therefore, MEKs regulate mitosis via all three ERK isoforms, where ERK1c acts specifically in the Golgi, whereas ERK1 and 2 regulate other mitosis-related processes. Thus, ERK1c extends the specificity of the Ras-MEK cascade by activating ERK1/2-independent processes.

Extracellular signal-regulated kinase regulates clathrin-independent endosomal trafficking

Extracellular signal-regulated kinase (Erk) is widely recognized for its central role in cell proliferation and motility. Although previous work has shown that Erk is localized at endosomal compartments, no role for Erk in regulating endosomal trafficking has been demonstrated. Here, we report that Erk signaling regulates trafficking through the clathrin-independent, ADP-ribosylation factor 6 (Arf6) GTPase-regulated endosomal pathway. Inactivation of Erk induced by a variety of methods leads to a dramatic expansion of the Arf6 endosomal recycling compartment, and intracellular accumulation of cargo, such as class I major histocompatibility complex, within the expanded endosome. Treatment of cells with the mitogen-activated protein kinase kinase (MEK) inhibitor U0126 reduces surface expression of MHCI without affecting its rate of endocytosis, suggesting that inactivation of Erk perturbs recycling. Furthermore, under conditions where Erk activity is inhibited, a large cohort of Erk, MEK, and the Erk scaffold kinase suppressor of Ras 1 accumulates at the Arf6 recycling compartment. The requirement for Erk was highly specific for this endocytic pathway, because its inhibition had no effect on trafficking of cargo of the classical clathrin-dependent pathway. These studies reveal a previously unappreciated link of Erk signaling to organelle dynamics and endosomal trafficking.

Cdc2-mediated Inhibition of Epidermal Growth Factor Activation of the Extracellular Signal-regulated Kinase Pathway during Mitosis

Inhibition of general transcription and translation occurs during mitosis to preserve the high energy requirements needed for the dynamic structural changes that are occurring at this time of the cell cycle. Although the mitotic kinase Cdc2 appears to directly phosphorylate and inhibit key proteins directly involved in transcription and translation, the role of Cdc2 in regulating up-stream growth factor receptor-mediated signal transduction pathways is limited. In the present study, we examined mechanisms involved in uncoupling receptor-mediated activation of the extracellular signal-regulated (ERK) signaling pathway in mitotic cells. Treatment with epidermal growth factor (EGF) failed to activate the ERK pathway in mitotic cells, although partial activation of ERK could be achieved in mitotic cells treated with phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate (PMA). The discrepancy between EGF and PMA-mediated ERK activation suggested that multiple events in the ERK pathway were regulated during mitosis. We show that Cdc2 inhibits EGF-mediated ERK activation through direct interaction and phosphorylation of several ERK pathway proteins, including the guanine nucleotide exchange factor, Sos-1, and Raf-1 kinase. Inhibition of Cdc2 activity with roscovitine in mitotic cells restored ERK activation by EGF and PMA. Similarly, mitotic inhibition of ERK activity in cells expressing active mutants of H-Ras and Raf-1 kinase could also be reversed following Cdc2 inhibition. In contrast, ERK activation in cells expressing active MEK1 was not inhibited during mitosis or affected by roscovitine. These data suggest that Cdc2 inhibits growth factor receptor-mediated ERK activation during mitosis by primarily targeting signaling proteins that are upstream of MEK1.

Golgins and GTPases, giving identity and structure to the Golgi apparatus

In this review we will focus on the recent advances in how coiled-coil proteins of the golgin family give identity and structure to the Golgi apparatus in animal cells. A number of recent studies reveal a common theme for the targeting of golgins containing the ARL-binding GRIP domain, and the related ARF-binding GRAB domain. Similarly, other golgins such as the vesicle tethering factor p115 and Bicaudal-D are targeted by the Rab GTPases, Rab1 and Rab6, respectively. Together golgins and their regulatory GTPases form a complex network, commonly known as the Golgi matrix, which organizes Golgi membranes and regulates membrane trafficking.

Localization-independent regulation of homocysteine secretion by phosphatidylethanolamine N-methyltransferase

Genetic ablation of phosphatidylethanolamine N-methyltransferase (PEMT) in mice causes a 50% reduction in plasma homocysteine (Hcy) levels. Because hyperhomocysteinemia is an independent risk factor for cardiovascular disease, resolution of the molecular basis for this reduction is of significant clinical interest. The PEMT pathway is a metabolically channeled process localized to the endoplasmic reticulum (ER). To assess the importance of PEMT localization for Hcy homeostasis, we identified and ablated the minimal ER targeting motif. Mutagenesis of a conserved, C-terminal lysine residue (197) relocalized the enzyme to the Golgi, demonstrating that Lys-197 is essential for targeting PEMT to the ER. To evaluate the functional significance of PEMT localization, hepatoma cell lines were generated that stably expressed either ER- or Golgi-localized PEMT only. Intriguingly, stable expression of PEMT in either the ER or the Golgi caused increased Hcy secretion. Moreover, PEMT-mediated Hcy secretion correlated with the methyltransferase activity of the enzyme, independently of subcellular localization. Thus, our data suggest that Hcy homeostasis is regulated concomitantly with PEMT activity but independently of PEMT localization.

Anthrax toxin: the long and winding road that leads to the kill

The past five years have led to a tremendous increase in our molecular understanding of the mode of action of the anthrax toxin, one of the two main virulence factors produced by Bacillus anthracis. The structures of each of the three components of the toxin--lethal factor (LF), edema factor (EF) and protective antigen (PA)--have been solved not only in their monomeric forms but, depending on the subunit, in a heptameric form, bound to their substrate, co-factor or receptor. The endocytic route followed by the toxin has also been unraveled and the enzymatic mechanisms of EF and LF elucidated.

Protein Phosphatase 2A Activity Associated with Golgi Membranes during the G2/M Phase May Regulate Phosphorylation of ERK2

The extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK) 1 and 2 proteins are mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) members that regulate cell proliferation and differentiation. ERK proteins are activated exclusively by MAPK kinase 1 and 2 phosphorylation of threonine and tyrosine residues located within the conserved TXY MAPK activation motif. Although dual phosphorylation of Thr and Tyr residues confers full activation of ERK, in vitro studies suggest that a single phosphorylation on either Thr or Tyr may yield partial ERK activity. Previously, we have demonstrated that phosphorylation of the tyrosine residue (Tyr(P) ERK) may be involved in regulating the Golgi complex structure during the G2 and M phases of the cell cycle (Cha, H., and Shapiro, P. (2001) J. Cell Biol. 153, 1355-1368). In the present study, we examined mechanisms for generating Tyr(P) ERK by determining cell cycle-dependent changes in localized phosphatase activity. Using fractionated nuclei-free cell lysates, we find increased serine/threonine phosphatase activity associated with Golgi-enriched membranes in cells synchronized in the late G2/early M phase as compared with G1 phase cells. The addition of phosphatase inhibitors in combination with immunodepletion assays identified this activity to be related to protein phosphatase 2A (PP2A). The increased activity was accounted for by elevated PP2A association with mitotic Golgi membranes as well as increased catalytic activity after normalization of PP2A protein levels in the phosphatase assays. These data indicate that localized changes in PP2A activity may be involved in regulating proteins involved in Golgi disassembly as cells enter mitosis.

Plk1 docking to GRASP65 phosphorylated by Cdk1 suggests a mechanism for Golgi checkpoint signalling

GRASP65, a structural protein of the Golgi apparatus, has been linked to the sensing of Golgi structure and the integration of this information with the control of mitotic entry in the form of a Golgi checkpoint. We show that Cdk1-cyclin B is the major kinase phosphorylating GRASP65 in mitosis, and that phosphorylated GRASP65 interacts with the polo box domain of the polo-like kinase Plk1. GRASP65 is phosphorylated in its C-terminal domain at four consensus sites by Cdk1-cyclin B, and mutation of these residues to alanine essentially abolishes both mitotic phosphorylation and Plk1 binding. Expression of the wild-type GRASP65 C-terminus but not the phosphorylation defective mutant in normal rat kidney cells causes a delay but not the block in mitotic entry expected if this were a true cell cycle checkpoint. These findings identify a Plk1-dependent signalling mechanism potentially linking Golgi structure and cell cycle control, but suggest that this may not be a cell cycle checkpoint in the classical sense.

Purification and functional properties of the membrane fissioning protein CtBP3/BARS

The fissioning protein CtBP3/BARS is a member of the CtBP transcription corepressor family of proteins. The characterization of this fissioning activity of CtBP3/BARS in both isolated Golgi membranes and in intact cells has indicated that the CtBP family includes multifunctional proteins that can act both in the nucleus and in the cytoplasm. The fissiogenic activity of CtBP3/BARS has a role in the fragmentation of the Golgi complex during mitosis and during intracellular membrane transport. This was demonstrated using a number of approaches and reagents, which are discussed in the following text, and which include recombinant proteins and mutants, antibodies, protein overexpression, RNA interference, antisense oligonucleotides, cell permeabilization, and electron miscroscopy, together with biochemical assays such as that for ADP-ribosylation.

Nek2A specifies the centrosomal localization of Erk2

Nek2A is a cell-cycle-regulated protein kinase that localizes to the centrosome and kinetochore. Our recent studies provide a link between Nek2A and spindle checkpoint signaling [J. Biol. Chem. 279 (2004) 20049]. Extracellular signal-regulated kinase 2 (Erk2) is an important kinase, which belongs to mitogen activating protein (MAP) kinase family. Here we demonstrated that Nek2A binds specifically to Erk2. Erk2 interacts with Nek2A via a conserved Erk2 docking site located to the C-terminus of Nek2A. Our studies indicate this docking site is essential and sufficient for a direct Nek2A-Erk2 interaction. In addition, our immunocytochemical studies show that Nek2A and Erk2 are co-localized to centrosome. Significantly, elimination of Nek2A by RNA interference delocalized Erk2 from its centrosomal location, while inhibition of Erk2 kinase activity did not affect the localization of Nek2A in centrosome. We propose that Erk2 links extracellular signaling to centrosome dynamics by Nek2A.

Fragmentation of Golgi membranes by norrisolide and designed analogues

The effect of norrisolide (4) and designed analogues on the Golgi membranes is presented. We found that 4 is the first compound known to induce an irreversible vesiculation of these membranes. To investigate the chemical origins of this new effect we synthesized and evaluated a series of norrisolide analogues in which the chemical functionalities present in the parent structure were altered. Such structure/function studies suggest that the perhydroindane core of 4 is critical for binding to the target protein, while the C21 acetate unit is essential for the irreversible vesiculation of the Golgi membranes.

Consequences of NPC1 and NPC2 loss of function in mammalian neurons

Genetic deficiency of NPC1 or NPC2 results in a devastating cholesterol-glycosphingolipidosis of brain and other organs known as Niemann-Pick type C (NPC) disease. While NPC1 is a transmembrane protein believed involved in retroendocytic shuttling of substrate(s) to the Golgi and possibly elsewhere in cells as part of an essential recycling/homeostatic control mechanism, NPC2 is a soluble lysosomal protein known to bind cholesterol. The precise role(s) of NPC1 and NPC2 in endosomal-lysosomal function remain unclear, nor is it known whether the two proteins directly interact as part of this function. The pathologic features of NPC disease, however, are well documented. Brain cells undergo massive intracellular accumulation of glycosphingolipids (lactosylceramide, glucosylceramide, GM2 and GM3 gangliosides) and cholesterol and concomitant distortion of neuron shape (meganeurite formation). In neurons from humans with NPC disease the metabolic defects and storage often lead to extensive growth of new, ectopic dendrites (possibly linked to ganglioside sequestration) as well as formation of neurofibrillary tangles (NFTs) (possibly linked to dysregulation of cholesterol metabolism). Other features of cellular pathology in NPC disease include fragmentation of the Golgi apparatus and neuroaxonal dystrophy, though reasons for these changes remain largely unknown. As the disease progresses, neurodegeneration is also apparent for neurons in some brain regions, particularly Purkinje cells of the cerebellum, but the basis of this selective neuronal vulnerability is unknown. The NPC1 protein is evolutionarily conserved with homologues reported in yeast to humans; NPC2 is reported in C. elegans to humans. While neurons in mammalian models of NPC1 and NPC2 diseases exhibit many changes that are remarkably similar to those in humans (e.g., endosomal/lysosomal storage, Golgi fragmentation, neuroaxonal dystrophy, neurodegeneration), a reduced degree of ectopic dendritogenesis and an absence of NFTs in these species suggest important differences in the way lower mammalian neurons respond to NPC1/NPC2 loss of function.

MEK1 and MEK2, different regulators of the G1/S transition

The ERK cascade is activated by hormones, cytokines, and growth factors that result in either proliferation or growth arrest depending on the duration and intensity of the ERK activation. Here we provide evidence that the MEK1/ERK module preferentially provides proliferative signals, whereas the MEK2/ERK module induces growth arrest at the G1/S boundary. Depletion of either MEK subtype by RNA interference generated a unique phenotype. The MEK1 knock down led to p21cip1 induction and to the appearance of cells with a senescence-like phenotype. Permanent ablation of MEK1 resulted in reduced colony formation potential, indicating the importance of MEK1 for long term proliferation and survival. MEK2 deficiency, in contrast, was accompanied by a massive induction of cyclin D expression and, thus, CDK4/6 activation followed by nucleophosmin hyperphosphorylation and centrosome over-amplification. Our results suggest that the two MEK subtypes have distinct ways to contribute to a regulated ERK activity and cell cycle progression.

Mitotic Golgi partitioning is driven by the membrane-fissioning protein CtBP3/BARS

Organelle inheritance is an essential feature of all eukaryotic cells. As with other organelles, the Golgi complex partitions between daughter cells through the fission of its membranes into numerous tubulovesicular fragments. We found that the protein CtBP3/BARS (BARS) was responsible for driving the fission of Golgi membranes during mitosis in vivo. Moreover, by in vitro analysis, we identified two stages of this Golgi fragmentation process: disassembly of the Golgi stacks into a tubular network, and BARS-dependent fission of these tubules. Finally, this BARS-induced fission of Golgi membranes controlled the G2-to-prophase transition of the cell cycle, and hence cell division.

Cdc2 kinase-dependent disassembly of endoplasmic reticulum (ER) exit sites inhibits ER-to-Golgi vesicular transport during mitosis

We observed the disassembly of endoplasmic reticulum (ER) exit sites (ERES) by confocal microscopy during mitosis in Chinese hamster ovary (CHO) cells by using Yip1A fused to green fluorescence protein (GFP) as a transmembrane marker of ERES. Photobleaching experiments revealed that Yip1A-GFP, which was restricted to the ERES during interphase, diffused throughout the ER network during mitosis. Next, we reconstituted mitotic disassembly of Yip1A-GFP-labeled ERES in streptolysin O-permeabilized CHO cells by using mitotic L5178Y cytosol. Using the ERES disassembly assay and the anterograde transport assay of GFP-tagged VSVGts045, we demonstrated that the phosphorylation of p47 by Cdc2 kinase regulates the disassembly of ERES and results in the specific inhibition of ER-to-Golgi transport during mitosis.

Phosphorylation regulates nucleophosmin targeting to the centrosome during mitosis as detected by cross-reactive phosphorylation-specific MKK1/MKK2 antibodies

Phosphorylation-specific antibodies provide a powerful tool for analysing the regulation and activity of proteins in the MAP (mitogen-activated protein) kinase and other signalling pathways. Using synchronized cells, it was observed that phosphorylation-specific antibodies developed against the active form of MKK1/MKK2 (MAP kinase kinase-1 and -2) reacted with a protein that was approx. 35 kDa during G2/M-phase of the cell cycle. Failure of the 35 kDa protein to react with phosphorylation-independent MKK1/MKK2 antibodies suggested that this protein was not related to MKK1 or MKK2. Thus the 35 kDa protein was isolated by immunoprecipitation with the phospho-MKK1/MKK2 antibody and identified by MS. Peptide sequence analysis revealed matches with NPM (nucleophosmin/B23), a phosphoprotein involved in nucleolar assembly, centrosome duplication and ribosome assembly and transport. Biochemical and immunocytochemistry analyses verified that the phospho-MKK1/MKK2 antibodies cross-reacted with NPM that was phosphorylated at Thr234 and Thr237 during G2/M-phase, which are the same sites that are targeted by Cdc2 (cell division cycle protein-2) during mitosis. Using phosphorylation site mutants, we show that phosphorylation of Thr234 and Thr237 is required for NPM immunoreactivity with the phospho-MKK1/MKK2 antibody. Moreover, phosphorylation of Thr234 and Thr237 was demonstrated to regulate NPM localization to the centrosome after nuclear envelope breakdown in mitotic cells. These findings reveal a new insight into the role of phosphorylation in regulating NPM targeting during mitosis. However, caution should be used when using commercially available phospho-MKK1/MKK2 antibodies to examine the regulation of MKK1/MKK2 during mitotic transitions, owing to their cross-reactivity with phosphorylated NPM at this time of the cell cycle.

MEK1-induced Golgi dynamics during cell cycle progression is partly mediated by Polo-like kinase-3

MEK1, a gene product that regulates cell growth and differentiation, also plays an important role in Golgi breakdown during the cell cycle. We have recently shown that polo-like kinase (Plk3) is Golgi localized and involved in Golgi dynamics during the cell cycle. To study the mode of action of Plk3 in the Golgi fragmentation cascade, we examined functional as well as physical interactions between Plk3 and MEK1/ERKs. In HeLa cells, although a significant amount of Plk3 signals dispersed in a manner similar to those of Golgi during mitosis concentrated Plk3 was detected at spindle poles, which colocalized with phospho-MEKs and phospho-ERKs. Pull-down assays showed that Plk3 physically interacted with MEK1 and ERK2. Nocodazole activated Plk3 and its activation was blocked by MEK-specific inhibitors (PD98059 or U0126). Moreover, transfection of activated MEK1 resulted in an enhanced kinase activity of Plk3; Plk3-induced fragmentation of Golgi stacks was significantly reduced after treatment with MEK inhibitors. Consistently, ectopic expression of activated MEK1, but not kinase-dead MEK1(K97R), stimulated Plk3 to induce Golgi breakdown and the stimulation was not observed in cells expressing Plk3(K52R). Furthermore, PLK3(-/-) murine embryonic fibroblast cells exhibited a significantly less fragmentation of the Golgi complex than that in wild-type cells after exposed to nocodazole. Thus, our studies strongly suggest that Plk3 may be a key protein kinase mediating MEK1 function in the Golgi fragmentation pathway during cell division.

Golgi Inheritance Under a Block of Anterograde and Retrograde Traffic

In mitosis, the Golgi complex is inherited following its dispersion, equal partitioning and reformation in each daughter cell. The state of Golgi membranes during mitosis is controversial, and the role of Golgi-intersecting traffic in Golgi inheritance is unclear. We have used brefeldin A (BFA) to perturb Golgi-intersecting membrane traffic at different stages of the cell cycle and followed by live cell imaging the fate of Golgi membranes in those conditions. We observed that addition of the drug on cells in prometaphase prevents mitotic Golgi dispersion. Under continuous treatment, Golgi fragments persist throughout mitosis and accumulate in a Golgi-like structure at the end of mitosis. This structure localizes at microtubule minus ends and contains all classes of Golgi markers, but is not accessible to cargo from the endoplasmic reticulum or the plasma membrane because of the continuous BFA traffic block. However, it contains preaccumulated cargo, and intermixes with the reforming Golgi upon BFA washout. This structure also forms when BFA is added during metaphase, when the Golgi is not discernible by light microscopy. Together the data indicate that independent Golgi fragments that contain all classes of Golgi markers (and that can be isolated from other organelles by blocking anterograde and retrograde Golgi-intersecting traffic) persist throughout mitosis.

Golgi membranes remain segregated from the endoplasmic reticulum during mitosis in mammalian cells

What happens to organelles during mitosis, and how they are apportioned to each of the daughter cells, is not completely clear. We have devised a procedure to address whether Golgi membranes fuse with the Endoplasmic Reticulum (ER) during mitosis via the detection of interactions between ER and Golgi proteins. This procedure involves coexpressing an FKBP-tagged Golgi enzyme with an ER-retained protein fused to FRAP in COS cells. Since treatment with rapamycin induces a tight association between FKBP and FRAP, one would expect rapamycin to trap the FKBP-fused Golgi protein in the ER if it ever visits the ER during mitosis. However, after the doubly transfected cells progress through mitosis in the presence of rapamycin, we find the Golgi protein in the newly formed Golgi stacks and not in the ER. Based on these results, we conclude that Golgi membranes remain separate from the ER during mitosis in mammalian cells.