1
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Sanchez C, Ramirez A, Hodgson L. Unravelling molecular dynamics in living cells: Fluorescent protein biosensors for cell biology. J Microsc 2024. [PMID: 38357769 DOI: 10.1111/jmi.13270] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/16/2023] [Revised: 01/11/2024] [Accepted: 01/22/2024] [Indexed: 02/16/2024]
Abstract
Genetically encoded, fluorescent protein (FP)-based Förster resonance energy transfer (FRET) biosensors are microscopy imaging tools tailored for the precise monitoring and detection of molecular dynamics within subcellular microenvironments. They are characterised by their ability to provide an outstanding combination of spatial and temporal resolutions in live-cell microscopy. In this review, we begin by tracing back on the historical development of genetically encoded FP labelling for detection in live cells, which lead us to the development of early biosensors and finally to the engineering of single-chain FRET-based biosensors that have become the state-of-the-art today. Ultimately, this review delves into the fundamental principles of FRET and the design strategies underpinning FRET-based biosensors, discusses their diverse applications and addresses the distinct challenges associated with their implementation. We place particular emphasis on single-chain FRET biosensors for the Rho family of guanosine triphosphate hydrolases (GTPases), pointing to their historical role in driving our understanding of the molecular dynamics of this important class of signalling proteins and revealing the intricate relationships and regulatory mechanisms that comprise Rho GTPase biology in living cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Colline Sanchez
- Gruss-Lipper Biophotonics Center, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, New York, USA
- Department of Molecular Pharmacology, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, New York, USA
| | - Andrea Ramirez
- Gruss-Lipper Biophotonics Center, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, New York, USA
- Department of Molecular Pharmacology, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, New York, USA
| | - Louis Hodgson
- Gruss-Lipper Biophotonics Center, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, New York, USA
- Department of Molecular Pharmacology, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, New York, USA
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2
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Lee RM, Eisenman LR, Khuon S, Aaron JS, Chew TL. Believing is seeing - the deceptive influence of bias in quantitative microscopy. J Cell Sci 2024; 137:jcs261567. [PMID: 38197776 DOI: 10.1242/jcs.261567] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/11/2024] Open
Abstract
The visual allure of microscopy makes it an intuitively powerful research tool. Intuition, however, can easily obscure or distort the reality of the information contained in an image. Common cognitive biases, combined with institutional pressures that reward positive research results, can quickly skew a microscopy project towards upholding, rather than rigorously challenging, a hypothesis. The impact of these biases on a variety of research topics is well known. What might be less appreciated are the many forms in which bias can permeate a microscopy experiment. Even well-intentioned researchers are susceptible to bias, which must therefore be actively recognized to be mitigated. Importantly, although image quantification has increasingly become an expectation, ostensibly to confront subtle biases, it is not a guarantee against bias and cannot alone shield an experiment from cognitive distortions. Here, we provide illustrative examples of the insidiously pervasive nature of bias in microscopy experiments - from initial experimental design to image acquisition, analysis and data interpretation. We then provide suggestions that can serve as guard rails against bias.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rachel M Lee
- Advanced Imaging Center, Howard Hughes Medical Institute Janelia Research Campus, Ashburn, VA 20147, USA
| | - Leanna R Eisenman
- Advanced Imaging Center, Howard Hughes Medical Institute Janelia Research Campus, Ashburn, VA 20147, USA
| | - Satya Khuon
- Advanced Imaging Center, Howard Hughes Medical Institute Janelia Research Campus, Ashburn, VA 20147, USA
| | - Jesse S Aaron
- Advanced Imaging Center, Howard Hughes Medical Institute Janelia Research Campus, Ashburn, VA 20147, USA
| | - Teng-Leong Chew
- Advanced Imaging Center, Howard Hughes Medical Institute Janelia Research Campus, Ashburn, VA 20147, USA
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3
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Biosensors for the detection of protein kinases: Recent progress and challenges. Microchem J 2022. [DOI: 10.1016/j.microc.2022.107961] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
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4
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Ghauri MA, Raza A, Hayat U, Atif N, Iqbal HMN, Bilal M. Mechanistic insights expatiating the biological role and regulatory implications of estrogen and HER2 in breast cancer metastasis. Biochim Biophys Acta Gen Subj 2022; 1866:130113. [PMID: 35202768 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbagen.2022.130113] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/13/2022] [Revised: 02/16/2022] [Accepted: 02/17/2022] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
Breast cancer (BCa) has become the leading cause of death in women worldwide. Irrespective of advancement in cancer treatments, e.g., surgery, radiation, chemotherapy, hormonal therapy, immunotherapy, and targeted therapy, recurrence leading to metastasis poses the greatest threat in BCa management. BCa receptors estrogen (ER), progesterone (PR), and human epidermal growth factor receptor-2 (HER2) hold significant reputations as prognostic and predictive biomarkers in therapeutic decision-making. Under normal physiological conditions, these receptors modulate critical biological functions, e.g., cell migration, proliferation, and apoptosis events, etc. However, aberrant expression causes deviations, triggering signaling course to adapt permanent switching "ON" mode. The later events induce rapid and unrestrained proliferation leading to cancer. As conventional ways of cancer management ultimately lead to resistance; therefore, recently targeted therapies have been extensively studied to conquer resistance. Targeting various small molecules in downstream signaling has become an area of interest in scientific society. The severity of cancer converts many folds soon after it takes on a migratory approach that eventually commences metastasis. Cancer migration comprises protrusion of cytoplasm at the leading edge of the migration forward-facing, establishing adhesions with the basic cell-matrix, disassembly of the adhesions at the back end of the cell, and actin-myosin fiber contractions to pull the bulk of the cytoplasm forward. On the other hand, metastatic progression comprises a cascade of events, including invasion, migration, and establishment of tumor microenvironment. The progression of BCa from early stage to metastatic development causes remarkable heterogeneity. Interference at any explicit level could hamper the process, and it has thus become an area of interest for scientists. Metastasis is the ultimate cause of spreading tumor cells to invade distant organs. Recently small molecule inhibitors of protein tyrosine kinases, which can cross the blood-brain barrier, have become a center point of research for investigators in developing novel treatment strategies against BCa management.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mohsin Ahmad Ghauri
- School of Pharmacy, Health Science Center, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, Shaanxi Province 710061, PR China
| | - Ali Raza
- School of Biomedical Engineering, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, 800 Dongchuan Road, Shanghai 200240, China
| | - Uzma Hayat
- School of Biomedical Engineering, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, 800 Dongchuan Road, Shanghai 200240, China
| | - Naveel Atif
- School of Pharmacy, Health Science Center, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, Shaanxi Province 710061, PR China
| | - Hafiz M N Iqbal
- Tecnologico de Monterrey, School of Engineering and Sciences, Monterrey 64849, Mexico
| | - Muhammad Bilal
- School of Life Science and Food Engineering, Huaiyin Institute of Technology, Huaian 223003, China.
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5
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Liu L, He F, Yu Y, Wang Y. Application of FRET Biosensors in Mechanobiology and Mechanopharmacological Screening. Front Bioeng Biotechnol 2020; 8:595497. [PMID: 33240867 PMCID: PMC7680962 DOI: 10.3389/fbioe.2020.595497] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/16/2020] [Accepted: 10/19/2020] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Extensive studies have shown that cells can sense and modulate the biomechanical properties of the ECM within their resident microenvironment. Thus, targeting the mechanotransduction signaling pathways provides a promising way for disease intervention. However, how cells perceive these mechanical cues of the microenvironment and transduce them into biochemical signals remains to be answered. Förster or fluorescence resonance energy transfer (FRET) based biosensors are a powerful tool that can be used in live-cell mechanotransduction imaging and mechanopharmacological drug screening. In this review, we will first introduce FRET principle and FRET biosensors, and then, recent advances on the integration of FRET biosensors and mechanobiology in normal and pathophysiological conditions will be discussed. Furthermore, we will summarize the current applications and limitations of FRET biosensors in high-throughput drug screening and the future improvement of FRET biosensors. In summary, FRET biosensors have provided a powerful tool for mechanobiology studies to advance our understanding of how cells and matrices interact, and the mechanopharmacological screening for disease intervention.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Yingxiao Wang
- Department of Bioengineering, Institute of Engineering in Medicine, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA, United States
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6
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Pruitt HC, Lewis D, Ciccaglione M, Connor S, Smith Q, Hickey JW, Schneck JP, Gerecht S. Collagen fiber structure guides 3D motility of cytotoxic T lymphocytes. Matrix Biol 2020; 85-86:147-159. [PMID: 30776427 PMCID: PMC6697628 DOI: 10.1016/j.matbio.2019.02.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/28/2018] [Revised: 02/05/2019] [Accepted: 02/12/2019] [Indexed: 02/01/2023]
Abstract
Lymphocyte motility is governed by a complex array of mechanisms, and highly dependent on external microenvironmental cues. Tertiary lymphoid sites in particular have unique physical structure such as collagen fiber alignment, due to matrix deposition and remodeling. Three dimensional studies of human lymphocytes in such environments are lacking. We hypothesized that aligned collagenous environment modulates CD8+ T cells motility. We encapsulated activated CD8+ T cells in collagen hydrogels of distinct fiber alignment, a characteristic of tumor microenvironments. We found that human CD8+ T cells move faster and more persistently in aligned collagen fibers compared with nonaligned collagen fibers. Moreover, CD8+ T cells move along the axis of collagen alignment. We showed that myosin light chain kinase (MLCK) inhibition could nullify the effect of aligned collagen on CD8+ T cell motility patterns by decreasing T cell turning in unaligned collagen fiber gels. Finally, as an example of a tertiary lymphoid site, we found that xenograft prostate tumors exhibit highly aligned collagen fibers. We observed CD8+ T cells alongside aligned collagen fibers, and found that they are mostly concentrated in the periphery of tumors. Overall, using an in vitro controlled hydrogel system, we show that collagen fiber organization modulates CD8+ T cells movement via MLCK activation thus providing basis for future studies into relevant therapeutics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hawley C Pruitt
- Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, USA; Institute for NanoBioTechnology, The Physical Sciences-Oncology Center, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Daniel Lewis
- Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, USA; Institute for NanoBioTechnology, The Physical Sciences-Oncology Center, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Mark Ciccaglione
- Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, USA; Institute for NanoBioTechnology, The Physical Sciences-Oncology Center, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Sydney Connor
- Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, USA; Institute for NanoBioTechnology, The Physical Sciences-Oncology Center, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Quinton Smith
- Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, USA; Institute for NanoBioTechnology, The Physical Sciences-Oncology Center, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - John W Hickey
- Institute for NanoBioTechnology, The Physical Sciences-Oncology Center, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, USA; Department of Biomedical Engineering, School of Medicine, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, USA; Institute for Cell Engineering, School of Medicine, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, USA; Department of Pathology, School of Medicine, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, USA; Department of Immunology, School of Medicine, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Jonathan P Schneck
- Institute for NanoBioTechnology, The Physical Sciences-Oncology Center, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, USA; Department of Biomedical Engineering, School of Medicine, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, USA; Institute for Cell Engineering, School of Medicine, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, USA; Department of Pathology, School of Medicine, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, USA; Department of Immunology, School of Medicine, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Sharon Gerecht
- Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, USA; Institute for NanoBioTechnology, The Physical Sciences-Oncology Center, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, USA; Department of Biomedical Engineering, School of Medicine, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, USA; Department of Materials Sciecne and Engineering, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, USA; Department of Oncology, School of Johns Hof Medicine, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, USA.
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7
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Samson SC, Elliott A, Mueller BD, Kim Y, Carney KR, Bergman JP, Blenis J, Mendoza MC. p90 ribosomal S6 kinase (RSK) phosphorylates myosin phosphatase and thereby controls edge dynamics during cell migration. J Biol Chem 2019; 294:10846-10862. [PMID: 31138649 PMCID: PMC6635457 DOI: 10.1074/jbc.ra119.007431] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/07/2019] [Revised: 05/08/2019] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Cell migration is essential to embryonic development, wound healing, and cancer cell dissemination. Cells move via leading-edge protrusion, substrate adhesion, and retraction of the cell's rear. The molecular mechanisms by which extracellular cues signal to the actomyosin cytoskeleton to control these motility mechanics are poorly understood. The growth factor-responsive and oncogenically activated protein extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK) promotes motility by signaling in actin polymerization-mediated edge protrusion. Using a combination of immunoblotting, co-immunoprecipitation, and myosin-binding experiments and cell migration assays, we show here that ERK also signals to the contractile machinery through its substrate, p90 ribosomal S6 kinase (RSK). We probed the signaling and migration dynamics of multiple mammalian cell lines and found that RSK phosphorylates myosin phosphatase–targeting subunit 1 (MYPT1) at Ser-507, which promotes an interaction of Rho kinase (ROCK) with MYPT1 and inhibits myosin targeting. We find that by inhibiting the myosin phosphatase, ERK and RSK promote myosin II–mediated tension for lamella expansion and optimal edge dynamics for cell migration. These findings suggest that ERK activity can coordinately amplify both protrusive and contractile forces for optimal cell motility.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shiela C Samson
- Department of Oncological Sciences, Huntsman Cancer Institute, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, Utah 84112 and
| | - Andrew Elliott
- Department of Oncological Sciences, Huntsman Cancer Institute, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, Utah 84112 and
| | - Brian D Mueller
- Department of Oncological Sciences, Huntsman Cancer Institute, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, Utah 84112 and
| | - Yung Kim
- Department of Oncological Sciences, Huntsman Cancer Institute, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, Utah 84112 and
| | - Keith R Carney
- Department of Oncological Sciences, Huntsman Cancer Institute, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, Utah 84112 and
| | - Jared P Bergman
- Department of Oncological Sciences, Huntsman Cancer Institute, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, Utah 84112 and
| | - John Blenis
- Department of Cell Biology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts 02115
| | - Michelle C Mendoza
- Department of Oncological Sciences, Huntsman Cancer Institute, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, Utah 84112 and; Department of Cell Biology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts 02115.
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8
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Matsui TS, Deguchi S. Spatially selective myosin regulatory light chain regulation is absent in dedifferentiated vascular smooth muscle cells but is partially induced by fibronectin and Klf4. Am J Physiol Cell Physiol 2019; 316:C509-C521. [DOI: 10.1152/ajpcell.00251.2017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
The phosphorylation state of myosin regulatory light chain (MRLC) is central to the regulation of contractility that impacts cellular homeostasis and fate decisions. Rho-kinase (ROCK) and myosin light chain kinase (MLCK) are major kinases for MRLC documented to selectively regulate MRLC in a subcellular position-specific manner; specifically, MLCK in some nonmuscle cell types works in the cell periphery to promote migration, while ROCK does so at the central region to sustain contractility. However, it remains unclear whether or not the spatially selective regulation of the MRLC kinases is universally present in other cell types, including dedifferentiated vascular smooth muscle cells (SMCs). Here, we demonstrate the absence of the spatial regulation in dedifferentiated SMCs using both cell lines and primary cells. Thus, our work is distinct from previous reports on cells with migratory potential. We also observed that the spatial regulation is partly induced upon fibronectin stimulation and Krüppel-like factor 4 overexpression. To find clues to the mechanism, we reveal how the phosphorylation state of MRLC is determined within dedifferentiated A7r5 SMCs under the enzymatic competition among three major regulators ROCK, MLCK, and MRLC phosphatase (MLCP). We show that ROCK, but not MLCK, predominantly regulates the MRLC phosphorylation in a manner distinct from previous in vitro-based and in silico-based reports. In this ROCK-dominating cellular system, the contractility at physiological conditions was regulated at the level of MRLC diphosphorylation, because its monophosphorylation is already saturated. Thus, the present study provides insights into the molecular basis underlying the absence of spatial MRLC regulation in dedifferentiated SMCs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tsubasa S. Matsui
- Division of Bioengineering, Graduate School of Engineering Science, Osaka University, Osaka, Japan
| | - Shinji Deguchi
- Division of Bioengineering, Graduate School of Engineering Science, Osaka University, Osaka, Japan
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9
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Greenwald EC, Mehta S, Zhang J. Genetically Encoded Fluorescent Biosensors Illuminate the Spatiotemporal Regulation of Signaling Networks. Chem Rev 2018; 118:11707-11794. [PMID: 30550275 DOI: 10.1021/acs.chemrev.8b00333] [Citation(s) in RCA: 295] [Impact Index Per Article: 49.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Cellular signaling networks are the foundation which determines the fate and function of cells as they respond to various cues and stimuli. The discovery of fluorescent proteins over 25 years ago enabled the development of a diverse array of genetically encodable fluorescent biosensors that are capable of measuring the spatiotemporal dynamics of signal transduction pathways in live cells. In an effort to encapsulate the breadth over which fluorescent biosensors have expanded, we endeavored to assemble a comprehensive list of published engineered biosensors, and we discuss many of the molecular designs utilized in their development. Then, we review how the high temporal and spatial resolution afforded by fluorescent biosensors has aided our understanding of the spatiotemporal regulation of signaling networks at the cellular and subcellular level. Finally, we highlight some emerging areas of research in both biosensor design and applications that are on the forefront of biosensor development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eric C Greenwald
- University of California , San Diego, 9500 Gilman Drive, BRFII , La Jolla , CA 92093-0702 , United States
| | - Sohum Mehta
- University of California , San Diego, 9500 Gilman Drive, BRFII , La Jolla , CA 92093-0702 , United States
| | - Jin Zhang
- University of California , San Diego, 9500 Gilman Drive, BRFII , La Jolla , CA 92093-0702 , United States
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10
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Dexter JP, Biddle JW, Gunawardena J. Model discrimination for Ca 2+ -dependent regulation of myosin light chain kinase in smooth muscle contraction. FEBS Lett 2018; 592:2811-2821. [PMID: 30066333 DOI: 10.1002/1873-3468.13207] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/06/2018] [Revised: 07/05/2018] [Accepted: 07/11/2018] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
Abstract
Excitation-contraction coupling in smooth muscle is mediated by the Ca2+ - and calmodulin-dependent regulation of myosin light chain kinase. The precise mechanism of this regulation remains controversial, and several mathematical models have been proposed for the interaction of the three species. These models have previously been analyzed at steady state primarily by numerical simulation of differential equations, for which parameter values must be estimated from data. Here, we use the linear framework for timescale separation to demonstrate that models of this general kind can be solved analytically for an equilibrium steady state, without having to determine parameter values. This analysis leads to parameter-independent methods for discriminating between the models, for which we propose experiments that could be performed with existing methods.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joseph P Dexter
- Department of Systems Biology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - John W Biddle
- Department of Systems Biology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
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11
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Markwardt ML, Snell NE, Guo M, Wu Y, Christensen R, Liu H, Shroff H, Rizzo MA. A Genetically Encoded Biosensor Strategy for Quantifying Non-muscle Myosin II Phosphorylation Dynamics in Living Cells and Organisms. Cell Rep 2018; 24:1060-1070.e4. [PMID: 30044973 PMCID: PMC6117825 DOI: 10.1016/j.celrep.2018.06.088] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/21/2017] [Revised: 05/25/2018] [Accepted: 06/20/2018] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Complex cell behaviors require dynamic control over non-muscle myosin II (NMMII) regulatory light chain (RLC) phosphorylation. Here, we report that RLC phosphorylation can be tracked in living cells and organisms using a homotransfer fluorescence resonance energy transfer (FRET) approach. Fluorescent protein-tagged RLCs exhibit FRET in the dephosphorylated conformation, permitting identification and quantification of RLC phosphorylation in living cells. This approach is versatile and can accommodate several different fluorescent protein colors, thus enabling multiplexed imaging with complementary biosensors. In fibroblasts, dynamic myosin phosphorylation was observed at the leading edge of migrating cells and retracting structures where it persistently colocalized with activated myosin light chain kinase. Changes in myosin phosphorylation during C. elegans embryonic development were tracked using polarization inverted selective-plane illumination microscopy (piSPIM), revealing a shift in phosphorylated myosin localization to a longitudinal orientation following the onset of twitching. Quantitative analyses further suggested that RLC phosphorylation dynamics occur independently from changes in protein expression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michele L Markwardt
- Department of Physiology, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21201, USA
| | - Nicole E Snell
- Department of Physiology, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21201, USA
| | - Min Guo
- Section on High Resolution Optical Imaging, National Institute of Biomedical Imaging and Bioengineering, US NIH, Bethesda, MD 20814, USA
| | - Yicong Wu
- Section on High Resolution Optical Imaging, National Institute of Biomedical Imaging and Bioengineering, US NIH, Bethesda, MD 20814, USA
| | - Ryan Christensen
- Section on High Resolution Optical Imaging, National Institute of Biomedical Imaging and Bioengineering, US NIH, Bethesda, MD 20814, USA
| | - Huafeng Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Modern Optical Instrumentation, College of Optical Science and Engineering, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310027, China
| | - Hari Shroff
- Section on High Resolution Optical Imaging, National Institute of Biomedical Imaging and Bioengineering, US NIH, Bethesda, MD 20814, USA
| | - M A Rizzo
- Department of Physiology, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21201, USA.
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12
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Dissection of Protein Kinase Pathways in Live Cells Using Photoluminescent Probes: Surveillance or Interrogation? CHEMOSENSORS 2018. [DOI: 10.3390/chemosensors6020019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
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13
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Kelley CA, Wirshing ACE, Zaidel-Bar R, Cram EJ. The myosin light-chain kinase MLCK-1 relocalizes during Caenorhabditis elegans ovulation to promote actomyosin bundle assembly and drive contraction. Mol Biol Cell 2018; 29:1975-1991. [PMID: 30088798 PMCID: PMC6232974 DOI: 10.1091/mbc.e18-01-0056] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/14/2023] Open
Abstract
We identify the Caenorhabditis elegans myosin light-chain kinase, MLCK-1, required for contraction of spermathecae. During contraction, MLCK-1 moves from the apical cell boundaries to the basal actomyosin bundles, where it stabilizes myosin downstream of calcium signaling. MLCK and ROCK act in distinct subsets of cells to coordinate the timing of contraction.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Ronen Zaidel-Bar
- Department of Cell and Developmental Biology, Sackler School of Medicine, Tel-Aviv University, Tel-Aviv 69978, Israel
| | - Erin J Cram
- Department of Biology, Northeastern University, Boston, MA 02115
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14
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Maryu G, Miura H, Uda Y, Komatsubara AT, Matsuda M, Aoki K. Live-cell Imaging with Genetically Encoded Protein Kinase Activity Reporters. Cell Struct Funct 2018; 43:61-74. [DOI: 10.1247/csf.18003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/11/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Gembu Maryu
- Laboratory of Bioimaging and Cell Signaling, Graduate School of Biostudies, Kyoto University
- Division of Quantitative Biology, Okazaki Institute for Integrative Bioscience, National Institute for Basic Biology, National Institutes of Natural Sciences
| | - Haruko Miura
- Laboratory of Bioimaging and Cell Signaling, Graduate School of Biostudies, Kyoto University
- Division of Quantitative Biology, Okazaki Institute for Integrative Bioscience, National Institute for Basic Biology, National Institutes of Natural Sciences
| | - Youichi Uda
- Division of Quantitative Biology, Okazaki Institute for Integrative Bioscience, National Institute for Basic Biology, National Institutes of Natural Sciences
- Department of Pathology and Biology of Diseases, Graduate School of Medicine, Kyoto University
| | - Akira T. Komatsubara
- Laboratory of Bioimaging and Cell Signaling, Graduate School of Biostudies, Kyoto University
- Division of Quantitative Biology, Okazaki Institute for Integrative Bioscience, National Institute for Basic Biology, National Institutes of Natural Sciences
| | - Michiyuki Matsuda
- Laboratory of Bioimaging and Cell Signaling, Graduate School of Biostudies, Kyoto University
- Department of Pathology and Biology of Diseases, Graduate School of Medicine, Kyoto University
- Imaging Platform for Spatio-Temporal Information, Graduate School of Medicine, Kyoto University
| | - Kazuhiro Aoki
- Division of Quantitative Biology, Okazaki Institute for Integrative Bioscience, National Institute for Basic Biology, National Institutes of Natural Sciences
- Department of Basic Biology, Faculty of Life Science, SOKENDAI (Graduate University for Advanced Studies)
- Imaging Platform for Spatio-Temporal Information, Graduate School of Medicine, Kyoto University
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15
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Huang X, Jin M, Chen YX, Wang J, Zhai K, Chang Y, Yuan Q, Yao KT, Ji G. ERP44 inhibits human lung cancer cell migration mainly via IP3R2. Aging (Albany NY) 2017; 8:1276-86. [PMID: 27347718 PMCID: PMC4931832 DOI: 10.18632/aging.100984] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/15/2015] [Accepted: 06/10/2016] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
Cancer cell migration is involved in tumour metastasis. However, the relationship between calcium signalling and cancer migration is not well elucidated. In this study, we used the human lung adenocarcinoma A549 cell line to examine the role of endoplasmic reticulum protein 44 (ERP44), which has been reported to regulate calcium release inside of the endoplasmic reticulum (ER), in cell migration. We found that the inositol 1,4,5-trisphosphate receptors (IP3Rs/ITPRs) inhibitor 2-APB significantly inhibited A549 cell migration by inhibiting cell polarization and pseudopodium protrusion, which suggests that Ca2+ is necessary for A549 cell migration. Similarly, the overexpression of ERP44 reduced intracellular Ca2+ release via IP3Rs, altered cell morphology and significantly inhibited the migration of A549 cells. These phenomena were primarily dependent on IP3R2 because wound healing in A549 cells with IP3R2 rather than IP3R1 or IP3R3 siRNA was markedly inhibited. Moreover, the overexpression of ERP44 did not affect the migration of the human neuroblastoma cell line SH-SY5Y, which mainly expresses IP3R1. Based on the above observations, we conclude that ERP44 regulates A549 cell migration mainly via an IP3R2-dependent pathway.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xue Huang
- Cancer Research Institute of Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Meng Jin
- National Laboratory of Biomacromolecules, Institute of Biophysics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Ying-Xiao Chen
- National Laboratory of Biomacromolecules, Institute of Biophysics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China.,Current address: Department of Molecular and Medical Genetics, Oregon Health and Science University, Portland, OR 97239, USA
| | - Jun Wang
- National Laboratory of Biomacromolecules, Institute of Biophysics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Kui Zhai
- National Laboratory of Biomacromolecules, Institute of Biophysics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Yan Chang
- National Laboratory of Biomacromolecules, Institute of Biophysics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Qi Yuan
- National Laboratory of Biomacromolecules, Institute of Biophysics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Kai-Tai Yao
- Cancer Research Institute of Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Guangju Ji
- National Laboratory of Biomacromolecules, Institute of Biophysics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
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16
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Goradel NH, Asghari MH, Moloudizargari M, Negahdari B, Haghi-Aminjan H, Abdollahi M. Melatonin as an angiogenesis inhibitor to combat cancer: Mechanistic evidence. Toxicol Appl Pharmacol 2017; 335:56-63. [DOI: 10.1016/j.taap.2017.09.022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 56] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/16/2017] [Revised: 09/13/2017] [Accepted: 09/28/2017] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
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17
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Tanimura S, Takeda K. ERK signalling as a regulator of cell motility. J Biochem 2017; 162:145-154. [PMID: 28903547 DOI: 10.1093/jb/mvx048] [Citation(s) in RCA: 118] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/12/2017] [Accepted: 05/17/2017] [Indexed: 01/21/2023] Open
Abstract
Cell motility is regulated by multiple processes, including cell protrusion, cell retraction, cell-matrix adhesion, polarized exocytosis and polarized vesicle trafficking, each of which is spatiotemporally controlled by various intracellular signalling pathways. Dysregulation of cell motility leads to pathological conditions, such as tumour invasion and metastasis. Accumulating evidence has revealed that extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK) signalling is one of the critical regulators of cell motility, although it is classically known as an important regulator of cell proliferation, differentiation and survival through regulation of gene expression. ERK and its downstream kinase, p90 ribosomal S6 kinase (RSK), dynamically regulate cell motility mainly through direct phosphorylation of various molecules that are not necessarily involved in the regulation of gene transcription and translation. In this review, we summarize how ERK signalling regulates cell motility by focusing on the components of the cell motility machinery that are directly regulated by ERK or RSK.
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Affiliation(s)
- Susumu Tanimura
- Department of Cell Regulation, Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, Nagasaki University, 1-14 Bunkyo-machi, Nagasaki 852-8521, Japan
| | - Kohsuke Takeda
- Department of Cell Regulation, Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, Nagasaki University, 1-14 Bunkyo-machi, Nagasaki 852-8521, Japan
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18
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Simkin D, Robin G, Giuliano S, Vukolic A, Moceri P, Guy N, Wagner KD, Lacampagne A, Allard B, Bendahhou S. Andersen's syndrome mutants produce a knockdown of inwardly rectifying K + channel in mouse skeletal muscle in vivo. Cell Tissue Res 2017; 371:309-323. [PMID: 29018970 DOI: 10.1007/s00441-017-2696-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/03/2017] [Accepted: 09/05/2017] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
Andersen's syndrome (AS) is a rare autosomal disorder that has been defined by the triad of periodic paralysis, cardiac arrhythmia, and developmental anomalies. AS has been directly linked to over 40 different autosomal dominant negative loss-of-function mutations in the KCNJ2 gene, encoding for the tetrameric strong inward rectifying K+ channel KIR2.1. While KIR2.1 channels have been suggested to contribute to setting the resting membrane potential (RMP) and to control the duration of the action potential (AP) in skeletal and cardiac muscle, the mechanism by which AS mutations produce such complex pathophysiological symptoms is poorly understood. Thus, we use an adenoviral transduction strategy to study in vivo subcellular distribution of wild-type (WT) and AS-associated mutant KIR2.1 channels in mouse skeletal muscle. We determined that WT and D71V AS mutant KIR2.1 channels are localized to the sarcolemma and the transverse tubules (T-tubules) of skeletal muscle fibers, while the ∆314-315 AS KIR2.1 mutation prevents proper trafficking of the homo- or hetero-meric channel complexes. Whole-cell voltage-clamp recordings in individual skeletal muscle fibers confirmed the reduction of inwardly rectifying K+ current (IK1) after transduction with ∆314-315 KIR2.1 as compared to WT channels. Analysis of skeletal muscle function revealed reduced force generation during isometric contraction as well as reduced resistance to muscle fatigue in extensor digitorum longus muscles transduced with AS mutant KIR2.1. Together, these results suggest that KIR2.1 channels may be involved in the excitation-contraction coupling process required for proper skeletal muscle function. Our findings provide clues to mechanisms associated with periodic paralysis in AS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dina Simkin
- UMR 7370 CNRS, LP2M, Laboratoire d'Excellence - ICST, Université Côte d'Azur, Faculté de Médecine, 06107, Nice, France.,Department of Pharmacology, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL, 60611, USA
| | - Gaëlle Robin
- UMR CNRS 5534, Université Claude Bernard Lyon 1, 69622, Lyon, France
| | - Serena Giuliano
- UMR 7370 CNRS, LP2M, Laboratoire d'Excellence - ICST, Université Côte d'Azur, Faculté de Médecine, 06107, Nice, France
| | - Ana Vukolic
- Institute for Molecular Health Science, ETH Zurich, 8093, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Pamela Moceri
- UMR 7370 CNRS, LP2M, Laboratoire d'Excellence - ICST, Université Côte d'Azur, Faculté de Médecine, 06107, Nice, France.,Service de Cardiologie, Pasteur Hospital, CHU de Nice, 06107, Nice, France
| | - Nicolas Guy
- UMR 7275 CNRS, IPMC, Université Côte d'Azur, 06560, Valbonne, France
| | - Kay-Dietrich Wagner
- UMR 7284 CNRS, INSERM, IBV, Université Côte d'Azur, Faculté de Médecine, 06107, Nice, France
| | - Alain Lacampagne
- INSERM U1046, UMR CNRS 9214, Université de Montpellier, CHRU de Montpellier, 34295, Montpellier, France
| | - Bruno Allard
- UMR CNRS 5534, Université Claude Bernard Lyon 1, 69622, Lyon, France
| | - Saïd Bendahhou
- UMR 7370 CNRS, LP2M, Laboratoire d'Excellence - ICST, Université Côte d'Azur, Faculté de Médecine, 06107, Nice, France.
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19
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Taylor AB, Ioannou MS, Watanabe T, Hahn K, Chew TL. Perceptually accurate display of two greyscale images as a single colour image. J Microsc 2017; 268:73-83. [PMID: 28556922 DOI: 10.1111/jmi.12588] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/20/2016] [Revised: 03/13/2017] [Accepted: 05/02/2017] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
Life scientists often desire to display the signal from two different molecular probes as a single colour image, so as to convey information about the probes' relative concentrations as well as their spatial corelationship. Traditionally, such colour images are created through a merge display, where each greyscale signal is assigned to different channels of an RGB colour image. However, human perception of colour and greyscale intensity is not equivalent. Thus, a merged image display conveys to the typical viewer only a subset of the absolute and relative intensity information present in and between two greyscale images. The Commission Internationale de l'Eclairage L*a*b* colour space (CIELAB) has been designed to specify colours according to the perceptually defined quantities of hue (perceived colour) and luminosity (perceived brightness). Here, we use the CIELAB colour space to encode two dimensions of information about two greyscale images within these two perceptual dimensions of a single colour image. We term our method a Perceptually Uniform Projection display and show using biological image examples how these displays convey more information about two greyscale signals than comparable RGB colour space-based techniques.
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Affiliation(s)
- A B Taylor
- Advanced Imaging Center, Howard Hughes Medical Institute Janelia Research Campus, Ashburn, Virginia, U.S.A
| | - M S Ioannou
- Advanced Imaging Center, Howard Hughes Medical Institute Janelia Research Campus, Ashburn, Virginia, U.S.A
| | - T Watanabe
- Department of Pharmacology, UNC-Chapel Hill School of Medicine, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, U.S.A
| | - K Hahn
- Department of Pharmacology, UNC-Chapel Hill School of Medicine, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, U.S.A
| | - T-L Chew
- Advanced Imaging Center, Howard Hughes Medical Institute Janelia Research Campus, Ashburn, Virginia, U.S.A
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20
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Ávila-Rodríguez D, Solano Agama C, González-Pozos S, Vicente Méndez-Méndez J, Ortiz Plata A, Arreola-Mendoza L, Mendoza-Garrido ME. The shift in GH3 cell shape and cell motility is dependent on MLCK and ROCK. Exp Cell Res 2017; 354:1-17. [PMID: 28300565 DOI: 10.1016/j.yexcr.2017.03.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/15/2016] [Revised: 03/02/2017] [Accepted: 03/09/2017] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
Cytoskeletal organization, actin-myosin contractility and the cell membrane together regulate cell morphology in response to the cell environment, wherein the extracellular matrix (ECM) is an indispensable component. Plasticity in cell shape enables cells to adapt their migration mode to their surroundings. GH3 endocrine cells respond to different ECM proteins, acquiring different morphologies: a rounded on collagen I-III (C I-III) and an elongated on collagen IV (C IV). However, the identities of the molecules that participate in these responses remain unknown. Considering that actin-myosin contractility is crucial to maintaining cell shape, we analyzed the participation of MLCK and ROCK in the acquisition of cell shape, the generation of cellular tension and the cell motility mode. We found that a rounded shape with high cortical tension depends on MLCK and ROCK, whereas in cells with an elongated shape, MLCK is the primary protein responsible for cell spreading. Further, in cells with a slow and directionally persistent motility, MLCK predominates, while rapid and erratic movement is ROCK-dependent. This behavior also correlates with GTPase activation. Cells on C I-III exhibited higher Rho-GTPase activity than cells on C IV and vice versa with Rac-GTPase activity, showing a plastic response of GH3 cells to their environment, leading to the generation of different cytoskeleton and membrane organizations and resulting in two movement strategies, rounded and fibroblastoid-like.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dulce Ávila-Rodríguez
- Department of Physiology, Biophysics and Neuroscience, Center for Research and Advanced Studies (CINVESTAV), Mexico City, Mexico
| | - Carmen Solano Agama
- Department of Physiology, Biophysics and Neuroscience, Center for Research and Advanced Studies (CINVESTAV), Mexico City, Mexico
| | - Sirenia González-Pozos
- Central Laboratories, Center for Research and Advanced Studies (CINVESTAV), Mexico City, Mexico
| | - Juan Vicente Méndez-Méndez
- Center of Nanosciences and Micro and Nanotechnology (CNMN), National Polytechnic Institute, Mexico City, Mexico
| | - Alma Ortiz Plata
- Laboratory of Experimental Neuropathology, National Institute of Neurology and Neurosurgery, Manuel Velasco Suarez, Mexico City, Mexico
| | - Laura Arreola-Mendoza
- Department of Biosciences and Engineering, Center for Interdisciplinary Research and Studies on Environment and Development (CIIEMAD), National Polytechnic Institute, Mexico City, Mexico
| | - María E Mendoza-Garrido
- Department of Physiology, Biophysics and Neuroscience, Center for Research and Advanced Studies (CINVESTAV), Mexico City, Mexico.
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21
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Actin dynamics and competition for myosin monomer govern the sequential amplification of myosin filaments. Nat Cell Biol 2017; 19:85-93. [PMID: 28114272 PMCID: PMC5308804 DOI: 10.1038/ncb3463] [Citation(s) in RCA: 77] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/06/2016] [Accepted: 12/14/2016] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
The cellular mechanisms governing non-muscle myosin II (NM2) filament assembly are largely unknown. Using EGFP-NM2A knock-in fibroblasts and multiple super-resolution imaging modalities, we characterized and quantified the sequential amplification of NM2 filaments within lamellae, wherein filaments emanating from single nucleation events continuously partition, forming filament clusters that populate large-scale actomyosin structures deeper in the cell. Individual partitioning events coincide spatially and temporally with the movements of diverging actin fibres, suppression of which inhibits partitioning. These and other data indicate that NM2A filaments are partitioned by the dynamic movements of actin fibres to which they are bound. Finally, we showed that partition frequency and filament growth rate in the lamella depend on MLCK, and that MLCK is competing with centrally active ROCK for a limiting pool of monomer with which to drive lamellar filament assembly. Together, our results provide new insights into the mechanism and spatio-temporal regulation of NM2 filament assembly in cells.
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22
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Yang X, Zou D, Tang S, Fan T, Su H, Hu R, Zhou Q, Gui S, Zuo L, Wang Y. Ameliorative effect of melatonin against increased intestinal permeability in diabetic rats: possible involvement of MLCK-dependent MLC phosphorylation. Mol Cell Biochem 2016; 416:23-32. [DOI: 10.1007/s11010-016-2691-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/15/2015] [Accepted: 03/12/2016] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
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23
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Noren DP, Chou WH, Lee SH, Qutub AA, Warmflash A, Wagner DS, Popel AS, Levchenko A. Endothelial cells decode VEGF-mediated Ca2+ signaling patterns to produce distinct functional responses. Sci Signal 2016; 9:ra20. [PMID: 26905425 PMCID: PMC5301990 DOI: 10.1126/scisignal.aad3188] [Citation(s) in RCA: 68] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/12/2023]
Abstract
A single extracellular stimulus can promote diverse behaviors among isogenic cells by differentially regulated signaling networks. We examined Ca(2+) signaling in response to VEGF (vascular endothelial growth factor), a growth factor that can stimulate different behaviors in endothelial cells. We found that altering the amount of VEGF signaling in endothelial cells by stimulating them with different VEGF concentrations triggered distinct and mutually exclusive dynamic Ca(2+) signaling responses that correlated with different cellular behaviors. These behaviors were cell proliferation involving the transcription factor NFAT (nuclear factor of activated T cells) and cell migration involving MLCK (myosin light chain kinase). Further analysis suggested that this signal decoding was robust to the noisy nature of the signal input. Using probabilistic modeling, we captured both the stochastic and deterministic aspects of Ca(2+) signal decoding and accurately predicted cell responses in VEGF gradients, which we used to simulate different amounts of VEGF signaling. Ca(2+) signaling patterns associated with proliferation and migration were detected during angiogenesis in developing zebrafish.
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Affiliation(s)
- David P Noren
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, 720 Rutland Avenue, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA. Department of Bioengineering, Rice University, 6100 Main Street, Houston, TX 77005, USA
| | - Wesley H Chou
- Department of Biosciences, Rice University, Houston, TX 77005, USA
| | - Sung Hoon Lee
- Yale Systems Biology Institute and Department of Biomedical Engineering, Yale University, 850 West Campus Drive, West Haven, CT 06516, USA
| | - Amina A Qutub
- Department of Bioengineering, Rice University, 6100 Main Street, Houston, TX 77005, USA
| | - Aryeh Warmflash
- Department of Bioengineering, Rice University, 6100 Main Street, Houston, TX 77005, USA. Department of Biosciences, Rice University, Houston, TX 77005, USA
| | - Daniel S Wagner
- Department of Biosciences, Rice University, Houston, TX 77005, USA
| | - Aleksander S Popel
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, 720 Rutland Avenue, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA.
| | - Andre Levchenko
- Yale Systems Biology Institute and Department of Biomedical Engineering, Yale University, 850 West Campus Drive, West Haven, CT 06516, USA.
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24
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González-Vera JA, Morris MC. Fluorescent Reporters and Biosensors for Probing the Dynamic Behavior of Protein Kinases. Proteomes 2015; 3:369-410. [PMID: 28248276 PMCID: PMC5217393 DOI: 10.3390/proteomes3040369] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/17/2015] [Revised: 09/30/2015] [Accepted: 10/23/2015] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Probing the dynamic activities of protein kinases in real-time in living cells constitutes a major challenge that requires specific and sensitive tools tailored to meet the particular demands associated with cellular imaging. The development of genetically-encoded and synthetic fluorescent biosensors has provided means of monitoring protein kinase activities in a non-invasive fashion in their native cellular environment with high spatial and temporal resolution. Here, we review existing technologies to probe different dynamic features of protein kinases and discuss limitations where new developments are required to implement more performant tools, in particular with respect to infrared and near-infrared fluorescent probes and strategies which enable improved signal-to-noise ratio and controlled activation of probes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Juan A González-Vera
- Cell Cycle Biosensors & Inhibitors, Department of Amino Acids, Peptides and Proteins, Institute of Biomolecules Max Mousseron (IBMM) CNRS-UMR 5247, 15 Avenue Charles Flahault, Montpellier 34093, France.
| | - May C Morris
- Cell Cycle Biosensors & Inhibitors, Department of Amino Acids, Peptides and Proteins, Institute of Biomolecules Max Mousseron (IBMM) CNRS-UMR 5247, 15 Avenue Charles Flahault, Montpellier 34093, France.
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25
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Zou DB, Wei X, Hu RL, Yang XP, Zuo L, Zhang SM, Zhu HQ, Zhou Q, Gui SY, Wang Y. Melatonin inhibits the Migration of Colon Cancer RKO cells by Down-regulating Myosin Light Chain Kinase Expression through Cross-talk with p38 MAPK. Asian Pac J Cancer Prev 2015; 16:5835-42. [DOI: 10.7314/apjcp.2015.16.14.5835] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
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26
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Lou SS, Diz-Muñoz A, Weiner OD, Fletcher DA, Theriot JA. Myosin light chain kinase regulates cell polarization independently of membrane tension or Rho kinase. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2015; 209:275-88. [PMID: 25918227 PMCID: PMC4411279 DOI: 10.1083/jcb.201409001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/13/2023]
Abstract
Use of embryonic zebrafish keratocytes as a model system shows that increased myosin light chain kinase (MLCK) activity promotes the formation of multiple protrusions independently of ROCK by increasing myosin accumulation in lamellipodia. Cells polarize to a single front and rear to achieve rapid actin-based motility, but the mechanisms preventing the formation of multiple fronts are unclear. We developed embryonic zebrafish keratocytes as a model system for investigating establishment of a single axis. We observed that, although keratocytes from 2 d postfertilization (dpf) embryos resembled canonical fan-shaped keratocytes, keratocytes from 4 dpf embryos often formed multiple protrusions despite unchanged membrane tension. Using genomic, genetic, and pharmacological approaches, we determined that the multiple-protrusion phenotype was primarily due to increased myosin light chain kinase (MLCK) expression. MLCK activity influences cell polarity by increasing myosin accumulation in lamellipodia, which locally decreases protrusion lifetime, limiting lamellipodial size and allowing for multiple protrusions to coexist within the context of membrane tension limiting protrusion globally. In contrast, Rho kinase (ROCK) regulates myosin accumulation at the cell rear and does not determine protrusion size. These results suggest a novel MLCK-specific mechanism for controlling cell polarity via regulation of myosin activity in protrusions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sunny S Lou
- Department of Chemical and Systems Biology, Department of Biochemistry, and Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA 94305
| | - Alba Diz-Muñoz
- Department of Bioengineering and Biophysics Program, University of California, Berkeley, Berkeley, CA 94720 Department of Bioengineering and Biophysics Program, University of California, Berkeley, Berkeley, CA 94720 Cardiovascular Research Institute and Department of Biochemistry, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA 94158 Cardiovascular Research Institute and Department of Biochemistry, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA 94158
| | - Orion D Weiner
- Cardiovascular Research Institute and Department of Biochemistry, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA 94158 Cardiovascular Research Institute and Department of Biochemistry, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA 94158
| | - Daniel A Fletcher
- Department of Bioengineering and Biophysics Program, University of California, Berkeley, Berkeley, CA 94720 Department of Bioengineering and Biophysics Program, University of California, Berkeley, Berkeley, CA 94720 Physical Biosciences Division, Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory, Berkeley, CA 94720
| | - Julie A Theriot
- Department of Chemical and Systems Biology, Department of Biochemistry, and Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA 94305 Department of Chemical and Systems Biology, Department of Biochemistry, and Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA 94305
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27
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Fan TT, Cheng Y, Wang YF, Gui SY, Chen FH, Zhou Q, Wang Y. A novel all-trans retinoid acid derivative N-(3-trifluoromethyl- phenyl)- retinamide inhibits lung adenocarcinoma A549 cell migration through down-regulating expression of myosin light chain kinase. Asian Pac J Cancer Prev 2015; 15:7687-92. [PMID: 25292047 DOI: 10.7314/apjcp.2014.15.18.7687] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
AIM To observe the effects of a novel all-trans retinoid acid (ATRA) derivative, N-(3-trifluoromethyl-phenyl)- retinamide (ATPR), on lung adenocarcinoma A549 cells and to explore the potential mechanism of ATPR inhibiting of A549 cell migration. MATERIALS AND METHODS The cytotoxicity of ATRA and ATPR on A549 cells was assessed using MTT assay. Wound healing assays were used to analyze the influences of ATRA, ATPR, ML-7 (a highly selective inhibitor of myosin light chain kinase (MLCK)), PMA (an activator of MAPKs) and PD98059 (a selective inhibitor of ERK1/2) on the migration of A549 cells. Expression of MLCK and phosphorylation of myosin light chain (MLC) were assessed by Western blotting. RESULTS ATRA and ATPR inhibited the proliferation of A549 cells in a dose- and time-dependent manner, and the effect of ATPR was much more remarkable compared with ATRA. Relative migration rate and migration distance of A549 cells both decreased significantly after treatment with ATPR or ML-7. The effect on cell migration of PD98059 combining ATPR treatment was more notable than that of ATPR alone. Moreover, compared with control groups, the expression levels of MLCK and phosphorylated MLC in A549 cells were both clearly reduced in ATRA and ATPR groups. CONCLUSIONS ATPR could suppress the migration and invasion of A549 cells, and the mechanism might be concerned with down- regulating the expression of MLCK in the ERK-MAPK signaling pathway, pointing to therapeutic prospects in lung cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ting-Ting Fan
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, the First Affiliated Hospital, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, Anhui, China E-mail : ,
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28
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Schaefer A, Hordijk PL. Cell-stiffness-induced mechanosignaling - a key driver of leukocyte transendothelial migration. J Cell Sci 2015; 128:2221-30. [PMID: 26092932 DOI: 10.1242/jcs.163055] [Citation(s) in RCA: 71] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
The breaching of cellular and structural barriers by migrating cells is a driving factor in development, inflammation and tumor cell metastasis. One of the most extensively studied examples is the extravasation of activated leukocytes across the vascular endothelium, the inner lining of blood vessels. Each step of this leukocyte transendothelial migration (TEM) process is regulated by distinct endothelial adhesion receptors such as the intercellular adhesion molecule 1 (ICAM1). Adherent leukocytes exert force on these receptors, which sense mechanical cues and transform them into localized mechanosignaling in endothelial cells. In turn, the function of the mechanoreceptors is controlled by the stiffness of the endothelial cells and of the underlying substrate representing a positive-feedback loop. In this Commentary, we focus on the mechanotransduction in leukocytes and endothelial cells, which is induced in response to variations in substrate stiffness. Recent studies have described the first key proteins involved in these mechanosensitive events, allowing us to identify common regulatory mechanisms in both cell types. Finally, we discuss how endothelial cell stiffness controls the individual steps in the leukocyte TEM process. We identify endothelial cell stiffness as an important component, in addition to locally presented chemokines and adhesion receptors, which guides leukocytes to sites that permit TEM.
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Affiliation(s)
- Antje Schaefer
- Department of Molecular Cell Biology, Sanquin Research and Landsteiner Laboratory, Academic Medical Center, Swammerdam Institute of Life Sciences, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam 1066 CX, The Netherlands
| | - Peter L Hordijk
- Department of Molecular Cell Biology, Sanquin Research and Landsteiner Laboratory, Academic Medical Center, Swammerdam Institute of Life Sciences, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam 1066 CX, The Netherlands
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29
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Wang H, Gui SY, Chen FH, Zhou Q, Wang Y. New insights into 4-amino-2-tri-fluoromethyl-phenyl ester inhibition of cell growth and migration in the A549 lung adenocarcinoma cell line. Asian Pac J Cancer Prev 2015; 14:7265-70. [PMID: 24460286 DOI: 10.7314/apjcp.2013.14.12.7265] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE The present study was designed to investigate the probable mechanisms of synthetic retinoid 4-amino-2-tri-fluoromethyl-phenyl ester (ATPR) inhibition of the proliferation and migration of A549 human lung carcinoma cells. MATERIALS AND METHODS After the A549 cells were treated with different concentrations of ATPR or all-trans retinoic acid (ATRA) for 72 h, scratch-wound assays were performed to assess migration. Immunofluorescence was used to determine the distribution of CAV1 and RXRα, while expression of CAV1, MLCK, MLC, P38, and phosphorylation of MLC and P38 were detected by Western blotting. RESULTS ATPR could block the migration of A549 cells. The relative migration rate of ML-7 group had significantly decreased compared with control group. In addition, ATPR decreased the expression of a migration related proteins, MLCK, and phosphorylation of MLC and P38. ATPR could also influence the expression of RARs or RXRs. At the same time, CAV1 accumulated at cell membranes, and RXRα relocated to the nucleus after ATPR treatment. CONCLUSIONS Caveolae may be implicate in the transport of ATPR to the nucleus. Change in the expression and distribution of RXRα may be implicated in ATPR inhibition of A549 cell proliferation. The mechanisms of ATPR reduction in A549 cell migration may be associated with expression of MLCK and phosphorylation of MLC and P38.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hao Wang
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, the First Affiliated Hospital, Hefei, Anhui, China E-mail : ,
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30
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Lin CY, Zu CH, Yang CC, Tsai PJ, Shyu JF, Chen CP, Weng ZC, Chen TH, Wang HS. IL-1β-Induced Mesenchymal Stem Cell Migration Involves MLCK Activation via PKC Signaling. Cell Transplant 2014; 24:2011-28. [PMID: 25333338 DOI: 10.3727/096368914x685258] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/16/2023] Open
Abstract
Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) migrate via the bloodstream to sites of injury, possibly attracted by inflammatory cytokines. Although many cytokines can induce stem cell migration, the underlying mechanism is not fully understood. We found that tail vein-injected MSCs migrate to the pancreas in nonobese diabetic (NOD) mice. An ELISA assay revealed that hyperglycemic NOD mice have higher pancreatic levels of interleukin-1β (IL-1β) than normal NOD mice and that IL-1β stimulates MSC migration in a Transwell assay and electric cell-substrate impedance sensing system. Microarray analysis showed that myosin light chain kinase (MLCK) is involved in IL-1β-induced MSC migration, while Western blots showed that IL-1β stimulates MLCK expression and activation and that MLCK-siRNA transfection reduces MSC migration. Kinase inhibitors, chromatin immunoprecipitation, and a knockdown study revealed that IL-1β-induced MLCK expression is regulated by the PKCδ/NF-κB signaling pathway, and a kinase inhibitor study revealed that IL-1β-induced MLCK activation occurs via the PKCα/MEK/ERK signaling pathway. These results show that IL-1β released from the pancreas of hyperglycemic NOD mice induces MSC migration and that this is dependent on MLCK expression via the PKCδ/NF-κB pathway and on MLCK activation via the PKCα/MEK/ERK signaling cascade. This study increases our understanding of the mechanisms by which MSCs home to injury sites.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cheng-Yu Lin
- Institute of Anatomy and Cell Biology, School of Medicine, National Yang Ming University, Taipei, Taiwan
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Chen C, Tao T, Wen C, He WQ, Qiao YN, Gao YQ, Chen X, Wang P, Chen CP, Zhao W, Chen HQ, Ye AP, Peng YJ, Zhu MS. Myosin light chain kinase (MLCK) regulates cell migration in a myosin regulatory light chain phosphorylation-independent mechanism. J Biol Chem 2014; 289:28478-88. [PMID: 25122766 DOI: 10.1074/jbc.m114.567446] [Citation(s) in RCA: 43] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Myosin light chain kinase (MLCK) has long been implicated in the myosin phosphorylation and force generation required for cell migration. Here, we surprisingly found that the deletion of MLCK resulted in fast cell migration, enhanced protrusion formation, and no alteration of myosin light chain phosphorylation. The mutant cells showed reduced membrane tether force and fewer membrane F-actin filaments. This phenotype was rescued by either kinase-dead MLCK or five-DFRXXL motif, a MLCK fragment with potent F-actin-binding activity. Pull-down and co-immunoprecipitation assays showed that the absence of MLCK led to attenuated formation of transmembrane complexes, including myosin II, integrins and fibronectin. We suggest that MLCK is not required for myosin phosphorylation in a migrating cell. A critical role of MLCK in cell migration involves regulating the cell membrane tension and protrusion necessary for migration, thereby stabilizing the membrane skeleton through F-actin-binding activity. This finding sheds light on a novel regulatory mechanism of protrusion during cell migration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chen Chen
- From the Model Animal Research Center, Key Laboratory of Model Animal for Disease Study of Ministry of Education, Nanjing University, Nanjing 210061, P.R. China
| | - Tao Tao
- From the Model Animal Research Center, Key Laboratory of Model Animal for Disease Study of Ministry of Education, Nanjing University, Nanjing 210061, P.R. China
| | - Cheng Wen
- School of Electronics Engineering and Computer Science, Key Laboratory for the Physics & Chemistry of Nanodevices of Ministry of Education, Peking University, Beijing 100871, P.R. China, and
| | - Wei-Qi He
- From the Model Animal Research Center, Key Laboratory of Model Animal for Disease Study of Ministry of Education, Nanjing University, Nanjing 210061, P.R. China
| | - Yan-Ning Qiao
- From the Model Animal Research Center, Key Laboratory of Model Animal for Disease Study of Ministry of Education, Nanjing University, Nanjing 210061, P.R. China
| | - Yun-Qian Gao
- From the Model Animal Research Center, Key Laboratory of Model Animal for Disease Study of Ministry of Education, Nanjing University, Nanjing 210061, P.R. China
| | - Xin Chen
- From the Model Animal Research Center, Key Laboratory of Model Animal for Disease Study of Ministry of Education, Nanjing University, Nanjing 210061, P.R. China
| | - Pei Wang
- From the Model Animal Research Center, Key Laboratory of Model Animal for Disease Study of Ministry of Education, Nanjing University, Nanjing 210061, P.R. China
| | - Cai-Ping Chen
- From the Model Animal Research Center, Key Laboratory of Model Animal for Disease Study of Ministry of Education, Nanjing University, Nanjing 210061, P.R. China
| | - Wei Zhao
- From the Model Animal Research Center, Key Laboratory of Model Animal for Disease Study of Ministry of Education, Nanjing University, Nanjing 210061, P.R. China
| | - Hua-Qun Chen
- School of Life Science, Nanjing Normal University, Nanjing 210009, P.R. China
| | - An-Pei Ye
- School of Electronics Engineering and Computer Science, Key Laboratory for the Physics & Chemistry of Nanodevices of Ministry of Education, Peking University, Beijing 100871, P.R. China, and
| | - Ya-Jing Peng
- From the Model Animal Research Center, Key Laboratory of Model Animal for Disease Study of Ministry of Education, Nanjing University, Nanjing 210061, P.R. China,
| | - Min-Sheng Zhu
- From the Model Animal Research Center, Key Laboratory of Model Animal for Disease Study of Ministry of Education, Nanjing University, Nanjing 210061, P.R. China, School of Life Science, Nanjing Normal University, Nanjing 210009, P.R. China
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Zhou Q, Gui S, Zhou Q, Wang Y. Melatonin inhibits the migration of human lung adenocarcinoma A549 cell lines involving JNK/MAPK pathway. PLoS One 2014; 9:e101132. [PMID: 24992189 PMCID: PMC4084631 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0101132] [Citation(s) in RCA: 54] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/07/2014] [Accepted: 06/03/2014] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Objective Melatonin, an indolamine produced and secreted predominately by the pineal gland, exhibits a variety of physiological functions, possesses antioxidant and antitumor properties. But, the mechanisms for the anti-cancer effects are unknown. The present study explored the effects of melatonin on the migration of human lung adenocarcinoma A549 cells and its mechanism. Methods MTT assay was employed to measure the viability of A549 cells treated with different concentrations of melatonin. The effect of melatonin on the migration of A549 cells was analyzed by wound healing assay. Occludin location was observed by immunofluorescence. The expression of occludin, osteopontin (OPN), myosin light chain kinase (MLCK) and phosphorylation of myosin light chain (MLC), JNK were detected by western blots. Results After A549 cells were treated with melatonin, the viability and migration of the cells were inhibited significantly. The relative migration rate of A549 cells treated with melatonin was only about 20% at 24 h. The expression level of OPN, MLCK and phosphorylation of MLC of A549 cells were reduced, while the expression of occludin was conversely elevated, and occludin located on the cell surface was obviously increased. The phosphorylation status of JNK in A549 cells was also reduced when cells were treated by melatonin. Conclusions Melatonin significantly inhibits the migration of A549 cells, and this may be associated with the down-regulation of the expression of OPN, MLCK, phosphorylation of MLC, and up-regulation of the expression of occludin involving JNK/MAPK pathway.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qiaoyun Zhou
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, the First Affiliated Hospital, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, Anhui, China
| | - Shuyu Gui
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, the First Affiliated Hospital, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, Anhui, China
- Key Laboratory of Gene Research of Anhui Province, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, Anhui, China
- * E-mail: (SG); (YW)
| | - Qing Zhou
- Laboratory of Molecular Biology and Department of Biochemistry, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, Anhui, China
- Key Laboratory of Gene Research of Anhui Province, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, Anhui, China
| | - Yuan Wang
- Laboratory of Molecular Biology and Department of Biochemistry, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, Anhui, China
- Key Laboratory of Gene Research of Anhui Province, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, Anhui, China
- * E-mail: (SG); (YW)
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Mierke CT. The fundamental role of mechanical properties in the progression of cancer disease and inflammation. REPORTS ON PROGRESS IN PHYSICS. PHYSICAL SOCIETY (GREAT BRITAIN) 2014; 77:076602. [PMID: 25006689 DOI: 10.1088/0034-4885/77/7/076602] [Citation(s) in RCA: 84] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/08/2023]
Abstract
The role of mechanical properties in cancer disease and inflammation is still underinvestigated and even ignored in many oncological and immunological reviews. In particular, eight classical hallmarks of cancer have been proposed, but they still ignore the mechanics behind the processes that facilitate cancer progression. To define the malignant transformation of neoplasms and finally reveal the functional pathway that enables cancer cells to promote cancer progression, these classical hallmarks of cancer require the inclusion of specific mechanical properties of cancer cells and their microenvironment such as the extracellular matrix as well as embedded cells such as fibroblasts, macrophages or endothelial cells. Thus, this review will present current cancer research from a biophysical point of view and will therefore focus on novel physical aspects and biophysical methods to investigate the aggressiveness of cancer cells and the process of inflammation. As cancer or immune cells are embedded in a certain microenvironment such as the extracellular matrix, the mechanical properties of this microenvironment cannot be neglected, and alterations of the microenvironment may have an impact on the mechanical properties of the cancer or immune cells. Here, it is highlighted how biophysical approaches, both experimental and theoretical, have an impact on the classical hallmarks of cancer and inflammation. It is even pointed out how these biophysical approaches contribute to the understanding of the regulation of cancer disease and inflammatory responses after tissue injury through physical microenvironmental property sensing mechanisms. The recognized physical signals are transduced into biochemical signaling events that guide cellular responses, such as malignant tumor progression, after the transition of cancer cells from an epithelial to a mesenchymal phenotype or an inflammatory response due to tissue injury. Moreover, cell adaptation to mechanical alterations, in particular the understanding of mechano-coupling and mechano-regulating functions in cell invasion, appears as an important step in cancer progression and inflammatory response to injuries. This may lead to novel insights into cancer disease and inflammatory diseases and will overcome classical views on cancer and inflammation. In addition, this review will discuss how the physics of cancer and inflammation can help to reveal whether cancer cells will invade connective tissue and metastasize or how leukocytes extravasate and migrate through the tissue. In this review, the physical concepts of cancer progression, including the tissue basement membrane a cancer cell is crossing, its invasion and transendothelial migration as well as the basic physical concepts of inflammatory processes and the cellular responses to the mechanical stress of the microenvironment such as external forces and matrix stiffness, are presented and discussed. In conclusion, this review will finally show how physical measurements can improve classical approaches that investigate cancer and inflammatory diseases, and how these physical insights can be integrated into classical tumor biological approaches.
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Affiliation(s)
- Claudia Tanja Mierke
- Faculty of Physics and Earth Science, Institute of Experimental Physics I, Biological Physics Division, University of Leipzig, Linnéstr. 5, 04103 Leipzig, Germany
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Ueda Y, Kwok S, Hayashi Y. Application of FRET probes in the analysis of neuronal plasticity. Front Neural Circuits 2013; 7:163. [PMID: 24133415 PMCID: PMC3794420 DOI: 10.3389/fncir.2013.00163] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/30/2013] [Accepted: 09/23/2013] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Breakthroughs in imaging techniques and optical probes in recent years have revolutionized the field of life sciences in ways that traditional methods could never match. The spatial and temporal regulation of molecular events can now be studied with great precision. There have been several key discoveries that have made this possible. Since green fluorescent protein (GFP) was cloned in 1992, it has become the dominant tracer of proteins in living cells. Then the evolution of color variants of GFP opened the door to the application of Förster resonance energy transfer (FRET), which is now widely recognized as a powerful tool to study complicated signal transduction events and interactions between molecules. Employment of fluorescent lifetime imaging microscopy (FLIM) allows the precise detection of FRET in small subcellular structures such as dendritic spines. In this review, we provide an overview of the basic and practical aspects of FRET imaging and discuss how different FRET probes have revealed insights into the molecular mechanisms of synaptic plasticity and enabled visualization of neuronal network activity both in vitro and in vivo.
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Abstract
RhoA is one of the more extensively studied members of the Rho family of small GTPase where it is most readily recognized for its contributions to actin-myosin contractility and stress fiber formation. Accordingly, RhoA function during cell migration has been relegated to the rear of the cell where it mediates retraction of the trailing edge. However, RhoA can also mediate membrane ruffling, lamellae formation and membrane blebbing, thus suggesting an active role in membrane protrusions at the leading edge. With the advent of fluorescence resonance energy transfer (FRET)-based Rho activity reporters, RhoA has been shown to be active at the leading edge of migrating cells where it precedes Rac and Cdc42 activation. These observations demonstrate a remarkable versatility to RhoA signaling, but how RhoA function can switch between contraction and protrusion has remained an enigma. This review highlights recent advances regarding how the cooperation of Rho effector Rhotekin and S100A4 suppresses stress fiber generation to permit RhoA-mediated lamellae formation.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Min Chen
- University of Kentucky; Lexington, KY
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36
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Wang B, Yan Y, Zhou J, Zhou Q, Gui S, Wang Y. A novel all-trans retinoid acid derivatives inhibits the migration of breast cancer cell lines MDA-MB-231 via myosin light chain kinase involving p38-MAPK pathway. Biomed Pharmacother 2013; 67:357-62. [PMID: 23602051 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopha.2013.03.016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/29/2013] [Accepted: 03/04/2013] [Indexed: 10/27/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To explore the effect and its probable mechanism of a synthetic retinoid 4-amino-2-tri-fluoromethyl-phenyl ester (ATPR) on the migration of human breast cancer MDA-MB-231 cells. METHODS MTT assay was performed to measure the proliferation of MDA-MB-231 cells treated with different concentrations of all-trans retinoic acid (ATRA) and ATPR. The effect of ATPR and ML-7, a selective inhibitor of myosin light chain kinase (MLCK), and SB203580, an inhibitor of p38, on the migration of MDA-MB-231 cells were analyzed by wound healing assay. The expression of MLCK and phosphorylation of myosin light chain (MLC), ERK, JNK, p38 proteins were detected by western blot RESULTS After the cells were treated by ATRA and ATPR, the proliferation and migration of breast cancer MDA-MB-231 cells were inhibited significantly. The IC 50 of ATRA and ATPR is 34.08 μmol/l and 18.06 μmol/l respectively. The relative migration rate of MDA-MB-231 cells treated with ATPR reached 50% at 48 h while the ATRA group is over 90%. The relative migration rate of ML-7 group and SB group had significant decrease compared with control group. The expression level of MLCK and phosphorylation of MLC of breast cancer cells was reduced when the cells were treated by ATPR with 48 h, the phosphorylation of ERK, JNK and p38 in breast cancer also reduced when cells were treated by ATPR with 2 h. In addition, ML-7 (50 μmol/l) could inhibit the phosphorylation of p38 and SB (50 μmol/l) could inhibit the expression of MLCK and phosphorylation of MLC. CONCLUSIONS ATPR had a better inhibition on the proliferation and the migration of breast cancer MDA-MB-231 cells than ATRA, and its probable mechanism was associated with the down regulation of expression of MLCK and phosphorylation of MLC protein involving p38-MAPK pathway.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bei Wang
- Laboratory of Molecular Biology and Department of Biochemistry, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, 230032 Anhui, PR China
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Physical break-down of the classical view on cancer cell invasion and metastasis. Eur J Cell Biol 2013; 92:89-104. [PMID: 23391781 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejcb.2012.12.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/12/2012] [Revised: 12/12/2012] [Accepted: 12/23/2012] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Eight classical hallmarks of cancer have been proposed and are well-defined by using biochemical or molecular genetic methods, but are not yet precisely defined by cellular biophysical processes. To define the malignant transformation of neoplasms and finally reveal the functional pathway, which enables cancer cells to promote cancer progression, these classical hallmarks of cancer require the inclusion of specific biomechanical properties of cancer cells and their microenvironment such as the extracellular matrix and embedded cells such as fibroblasts, macrophages or endothelial cells. Nonetheless a main novel ninth hallmark of cancer is still elusive in classical tumor biological reviews, which is the aspect of physics in cancer disease by the natural selection of an aggressive (highly invasive) subtype of cancer cells. The physical aspects can be analyzed by using state-of-the-art biophysical methods. Thus, this review will present current cancer research in a different light and will focus on novel physical methods to investigate the aggressiveness of cancer cells from a biophysicist's point of view. This may lead to novel insights into cancer disease and will overcome classical views on cancer. In addition, this review will discuss how physics of cancer can help to reveal whether cancer cells will invade connective tissue and metastasize. In particular, this review will point out how physics can improve, break-down or support classical approaches to examine tumor growth even across primary tumor boundaries, the invasion of single or collective cancer cells, transendothelial migration of cancer cells and metastasis in targeted organs. Finally, this review will show how physical measurements can be integrated into classical tumor biological analysis approaches. The insights into physical interactions between cancer cells, the primary tumor and the microenvironment may help to solve some "old" questions in cancer disease progression and may finally lead to novel approaches for development and improvement of cancer diagnostics and therapies.
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Nhu Ngoc Van T, Morris MC. Fluorescent Sensors of Protein Kinases. PROGRESS IN MOLECULAR BIOLOGY AND TRANSLATIONAL SCIENCE 2013; 113:217-74. [DOI: 10.1016/b978-0-12-386932-6.00006-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
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Abstract
This review focuses on basic principles of motility in different cell types, formation of the specific cell structures that enable directed migration, and how external signals are transduced into cells and coupled to the motile machinery. Feedback mechanisms and their potential role in maintenance of internal chemotactic gradients and persistence of directed migration are highlighted.
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Affiliation(s)
- A V Vorotnikov
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Medicine, Lomonosov Moscow State University, Moscow, Russia.
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40
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Heissler SM, Manstein DJ. Nonmuscle myosin-2: mix and match. Cell Mol Life Sci 2012; 70:1-21. [PMID: 22565821 PMCID: PMC3535348 DOI: 10.1007/s00018-012-1002-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 165] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/26/2012] [Revised: 04/16/2012] [Accepted: 04/17/2012] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
Members of the nonmuscle myosin-2 (NM-2) family of actin-based molecular motors catalyze the conversion of chemical energy into directed movement and force thereby acting as central regulatory components of the eukaryotic cytoskeleton. By cyclically interacting with adenosine triphosphate and F-actin, NM-2 isoforms promote cytoskeletal force generation in established cellular processes like cell migration, shape changes, adhesion dynamics, endo- and exo-cytosis, and cytokinesis. Novel functions of the NM-2 family members in autophagy and viral infection are emerging, making NM-2 isoforms regulators of nearly all cellular processes that require the spatiotemporal organization of cytoskeletal scaffolding. Here, we assess current views about the role of NM-2 isoforms in these activities including the tight regulation of NM-2 assembly and activation through phosphorylation and how NM-2-mediated changes in cytoskeletal dynamics and mechanics affect cell physiological functions in health and disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sarah M. Heissler
- Institute for Biophysical Chemistry, Hannover Medical School, Carl-Neuberg-Str. 1, 30625 Hannover, Germany
| | - Dietmar J. Manstein
- Institute for Biophysical Chemistry, Hannover Medical School, Carl-Neuberg-Str. 1, 30625 Hannover, Germany
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Bohnert KA, Gould KL. On the cutting edge: post-translational modifications in cytokinesis. Trends Cell Biol 2011; 21:283-92. [PMID: 21349716 DOI: 10.1016/j.tcb.2011.01.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/15/2010] [Revised: 01/25/2011] [Accepted: 01/26/2011] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
Cytokinesis represents the final stage in the cell cycle, in which two daughter cells, each with their complement of the duplicated genome, physically separate. At the core of this process sits highly conserved machinery responsible for specifying the plane of division, building a contractile apparatus and ultimately cleaving cells in two. Although the 'parts list' of contributing proteins has been well described, mechanisms by which these parts are spatially and temporally regulated are only beginning to be understood. With advancements in biochemical and proteomic analyses, recent work has uncovered multiple new roles for post-translational modifications in the regulation of cytokinesis. Here, we review these latest findings and interpret our current understanding of cytokinesis in light of relevant modifications.
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Affiliation(s)
- K Adam Bohnert
- Howard Hughes Medical Institute and Department of Cell and Developmental Biology, Vanderbilt University School of Medicine, Nashville, TN 37232, USA
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42
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Pathak A, Kumar S. Biophysical regulation of tumor cell invasion: moving beyond matrix stiffness. Integr Biol (Camb) 2011; 3:267-78. [DOI: 10.1039/c0ib00095g] [Citation(s) in RCA: 161] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
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Rieder F, Georgieva M, Schirbel A, Artinger M, Zügner A, Blank M, Brenmoehl J, Schölmerich J, Rogler G. Prostaglandin E2 inhibits migration of colonic lamina propria fibroblasts. Inflamm Bowel Dis 2010; 16:1505-13. [PMID: 20803697 DOI: 10.1002/ibd.21255] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Migration of colonic lamina propria fibroblasts (CLPF) is an important mechanism during wound healing in inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). The concentration of prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) is increased in the intestinal mucosa of IBD patients. We therefore investigated the role of PGE2 in CLPF migration. METHODS Primary cultures of CLPF were isolated from healthy controls and Crohn's disease patients. Migration assays were performed in the Boyden chamber and scratch assays. EP receptors, PGE2, intracellular cyclic adenosine monophosphate (cAMP), expression and distribution of F-actin, alpha-smooth muscle actin (SMA), and myosin light chain (MLC) were determined by immunoblotting, immunocytochemistry, and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). RESULTS All four EP receptor subtypes were present on CLPF. PGE2 and agonists to the EP2 and EP4 receptor reduced the migration of CLPF. Blockade of the EP2 and the EP4 receptor inhibited the effect of PGE2 on CLPF migration. An increase in intracellular cAMP reduced CLPF migration. PGE2 increased the concentrations of cAMP in CLPF, with abrogation after addition of EP2 and EP4 receptor antagonists. PGE2 and forskolin decreased the expression of alpha-SMA and F-actin and reduced cell polarization and lamellipodium formation in a scratch assay. In addition, forskolin reduced the phosphorylation of MLC (pMLC) and led to lack of accumulation of pMLC in the leading edge of CLPF. CONCLUSIONS PGE2 reduced the migration of CLPF via elevation of intracellular cAMP. Potential mechanisms are changes in expression of cytoskeletal proteins, failure of CLPF to polarize, and a decreased amount of pMLC. This might be a possible reason for the impairment of intestinal wound healing in IBD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Florian Rieder
- Department of Internal Medicine I, University of Regensburg, Regensburg, Germany.
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Rong Y, Jin D, Hou C, Hu J, Wu W, Ni X, Wang D, Lou W. Proteomics analysis of serum protein profiling in pancreatic cancer patients by DIGE: up-regulation of mannose-binding lectin 2 and myosin light chain kinase 2. BMC Gastroenterol 2010; 10:68. [PMID: 20587030 PMCID: PMC2906412 DOI: 10.1186/1471-230x-10-68] [Citation(s) in RCA: 46] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/11/2009] [Accepted: 06/29/2010] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Pancreatic cancer has significant morbidity and mortality worldwide. Good prognosis relies on an early diagnosis. The purpose of this study was to develop techniques for identifying cancer biomarkers in the serum of patients with pancreatic cancer. Methods Serum samples from five individuals with pancreatic cancer and five individuals without cancer were compared. Highly abundant serum proteins were depleted by immuno-affinity column. Differential protein analysis was performed using 2-dimensional differential in-gel electrophoresis (2D-DIGE). Results Among these protein spots, we found that 16 protein spots were differently expressed between the two mixtures; 8 of these were up-regulated and 8 were down-regulated in cancer. Mass spectrometry and database searching allowed the identification of the proteins corresponding to the gel spots. Up-regulation of mannose-binding lectin 2 and myosin light chain kinase 2, which have not previously been implicated in pancreatic cancer, were observed. In an independent series of serum samples from 16 patients with pancreatic cancer and 16 non-cancer-bearing controls, increased levels of mannose-binding lectin 2 and myosin light chain kinase 2 were confirmed by western blot. Conclusions These results suggest that affinity column enrichment and DIGE can be used to identify proteins differentially expressed in serum from pancreatic cancer patients. These two proteins 'mannose-binding lectin 2 and myosin light chain kinase 2' might be potential biomarkers for the diagnosis of the pancreatic cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yefei Rong
- Pancreatic Cancer Group, Department of General Surgery, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
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Johnsson AK, Karlsson R. Microtubule-dependent localization of profilin I mRNA to actin polymerization sites in serum-stimulated cells. Eur J Cell Biol 2010; 89:394-401. [PMID: 20129697 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejcb.2009.10.020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/17/2009] [Revised: 10/29/2009] [Accepted: 10/29/2009] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Specific localization of messenger RNA (mRNA) appears to be a general mechanism to accumulate certain proteins to subcellular compartments for participation in local processes, thereby maintaining cell polarity under strict spatiotemporal control. Transportation of mRNA with associated protein components (RNP granules) by the actin microfilament or the microtubule systems is one important mechanism to achieve this locally distributed protein production. Here we provide evidence for a microtubule-dependent localization of mRNA encoding the actin regulatory protein profilin to sites in mouse embryonic fibroblasts, which express enhanced actin polymerization.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna-Karin Johnsson
- Department of Cell Biology, WGI, Stockholm University, SE-106 91 Stockholm, Sweden
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Khuon S, Liang L, Dettman RW, Sporn PHS, Wysolmerski RB, Chew TL. Myosin light chain kinase mediates transcellular intravasation of breast cancer cells through the underlying endothelial cells: a three-dimensional FRET study. J Cell Sci 2010; 123:431-40. [PMID: 20067998 DOI: 10.1242/jcs.053793] [Citation(s) in RCA: 92] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/21/2023] Open
Abstract
The transient and localized signaling events between invasive breast cancer cells and the underlying endothelial cells have remained poorly characterized. We report a novel approach integrating vascular engineering with three-dimensional time-lapse fluorescence resonance energy transfer (FRET) imaging to dissect how endothelial myosin light chain kinase (MLCK) is modulated during tumor intravasation. We show that tumor transendothelial migration occurs via both paracellular (i.e. through cell-cell junctions) and transcellular (i.e. through individual endothelial cells) routes. Endothelial MLCK is activated at the invasion site, leading to regional diphosphorylation of myosin-II regulatory light chain (RLC) and myosin contraction. Blocking endothelial RLC diphosphorylation blunts tumor transcellular, but not paracellular, invasion. Our results implicate an important role for endothelial myosin-II function in tumor intravasation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Satya Khuon
- Cell Imaging Facility, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL 60611, USA
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Abstract
Cytokinesis is the final step in cell division. The process begins during chromosome segregation, when the ingressing cleavage furrow begins to partition the cytoplasm between the nascent daughter cells. The process is not completed until much later, however, when the final cytoplasmic bridge connecting the two daughter cells is severed. Cytokinesis is a highly ordered process, requiring an intricate interplay between cytoskeletal, chromosomal and cell cycle regulatory pathways. A surprisingly broad range of additional cellular processes are also important for cytokinesis, including protein and membrane trafficking, lipid metabolism, protein synthesis and signaling pathways. As a highly regulated, complex process, it is not surprising that cytokinesis can sometimes fail. Cytokinesis failure leads to both centrosome amplification and production of tetraploid cells, which may set the stage for the development of tumor cells. However, tetraploid cells are abundant components of some normal tissues including liver and heart, indicating that cytokinesis is physiologically regulated. In this chapter, we summarize our current understanding of the mechanisms of cytokinesis, emphasizing steps in the pathway that may be regulated or prone to failure. Our discussion emphasizes findings in vertebrate cells although we have attempted to highlight important contributions from other model systems.
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Chemical Fluxes in Cellular Steady States Measured by Fluorescence Correlation Spectroscopy. SINGLE MOLECULE SPECTROSCOPY IN CHEMISTRY, PHYSICS AND BIOLOGY 2010. [DOI: 10.1007/978-3-642-02597-6_6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/19/2023]
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Carlin LM, Makrogianneli K, Keppler M, Fruhwirth GO, Ng T. Visualisation of signalling in immune cells. Methods Mol Biol 2010; 616:97-113. [PMID: 20379871 DOI: 10.1007/978-1-60761-461-6_7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/20/2023]
Abstract
Currently, a great number of approaches are employed in investigation of the immune system. These range from experiments in live animals and biochemical techniques to investigate whole organs or cell populations down to single cell and molecular techniques to look at dynamics in specific cell-cell interactions. It is the latter approach that this chapter focusses on. The use of Förster resonance energy transfer (FRET) techniques to probe protein-protein interactions that are involved in receptor signalling to the cytoskeleton in intact cells is now well established. Various FRET biosensors are available to visualise several critical cell processes, giving information about activity and the location of key signalling molecules. As a specific set of examples in this chapter, we have generated variants of the original Rho, Rac and Cdc42 "Raichu" probes and improved their fluorophore combination to make them suitable for FLIM. These were employed in a number of assays to determine signal dynamics in T and NK cells. Specific protocols of how to use these probes and technical notes are described.
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Affiliation(s)
- Leo M Carlin
- Cancer Studies Division/Randall Division of Cellular and Molecular Biophysics, Richard Dimbleby Department of Cancer Research, Guy's Medical School Campus, King's College London, London, UK
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Mo R, Chew TL, Maher MT, Bellipanni G, Weinberg ES, Gottardi CJ. The terminal region of beta-catenin promotes stability by shielding the Armadillo repeats from the axin-scaffold destruction complex. J Biol Chem 2009; 284:28222-28231. [PMID: 19706613 DOI: 10.1074/jbc.m109.045039] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
Post-translational stabilization of beta-catenin is a key step in Wnt signaling, but the features of beta-catenin required for stabilization are incompletely understood. We show that forms of beta-catenin lacking the unstructured C-terminal domain (CTD) show faster turnover than full-length or minimally truncated beta-catenins. Mutants that exhibit faster turnover show enhanced association with axin in co-transfected cells, and excess CTD polypeptide can compete binding of the beta-catenin armadillo (arm) repeat domain to axin in vitro, indicating that the CTD may restrict beta-catenin binding to the axin-scaffold complex. Fluorescent resonance energy transmission (FRET) analysis of cyan fluorescent protein (CFP)-arm-CTD-yellow fluorescent protein beta-catenin reveals that the CTD of beta-catenin can become spatially close to the N-terminal arm repeat region of beta-catenin. FRET activity is strongly diminished by the coexpression of beta-catenin binding partners, indicating that an unliganded groove is absolutely required for an orientation that allows FRET. Amino acids 733-759 are critical for beta-catenin FRET activity and stability. These data indicate that an N-terminal orientation of the CTD is required for beta-catenin stabilization and suggest a model where the CTD extends toward the N-terminal arm repeats, shielding these repeats from the beta-catenin destruction complex.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rigen Mo
- Department of Medicine, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, Illinois 60611
| | - Teng-Leong Chew
- Cellular and Molecular Biology, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, Illinois 60611
| | - Meghan T Maher
- Department of Medicine, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, Illinois 60611; Integrated Graduate Program in the Life Sciences, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, Illinois 60611
| | | | - Eric S Weinberg
- Department of Biology, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19106
| | - Cara J Gottardi
- Department of Medicine, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, Illinois 60611; Robert Lurie Cancer Center, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, Illinois 60611.
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