1
|
Goins LM, Girard JR, Mondal BC, Buran S, Su CC, Tang R, Biswas T, Kissi JA, Banerjee U. Wnt signaling couples G2 phase control with differentiation during hematopoiesis in Drosophila. Dev Cell 2024:S1534-5807(24)00341-1. [PMID: 38866012 DOI: 10.1016/j.devcel.2024.05.023] [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: 07/20/2023] [Revised: 03/27/2024] [Accepted: 05/17/2024] [Indexed: 06/14/2024]
Abstract
During homeostasis, a critical balance is maintained between myeloid-like progenitors and their differentiated progeny, which function to mitigate stress and innate immune challenges. The molecular mechanisms that help achieve this balance are not fully understood. Using genetic dissection in Drosophila, we show that a Wnt6/EGFR-signaling network simultaneously controls progenitor growth, proliferation, and differentiation. Unlike G1-quiescence of stem cells, hematopoietic progenitors are blocked in G2 phase by a β-catenin-independent (Wnt/STOP) Wnt6 pathway that restricts Cdc25 nuclear entry and promotes cell growth. Canonical β-catenin-dependent Wnt6 signaling is spatially confined to mature progenitors through localized activation of the tyrosine kinases EGFR and Abelson kinase (Abl), which promote nuclear entry of β-catenin and facilitate exit from G2. This strategy combines transcription-dependent and -independent forms of both Wnt6 and EGFR pathways to create a direct link between cell-cycle control and differentiation. This unique combinatorial strategy employing conserved components may underlie homeostatic balance and stress response in mammalian hematopoiesis.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Lauren M Goins
- Department of Developmental Biology, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, USA.
| | - Juliet R Girard
- Department of Biology, University of Massachusetts Boston, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Bama Charan Mondal
- Department of Zoology, Institute of Science, Banaras Hindu University, Varanasi, India
| | - Sausan Buran
- Department of Developmental Biology, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, USA; Department of Molecular, Cell and Developmental Biology, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Chloe C Su
- Department of Molecular, Cell and Developmental Biology, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Ruby Tang
- Department of Molecular, Cell and Developmental Biology, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Titash Biswas
- Department of Molecular, Cell and Developmental Biology, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Jessica A Kissi
- Department of Developmental Biology, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, USA
| | - Utpal Banerjee
- Department of Molecular, Cell and Developmental Biology, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, USA; Molecular Biology Institute, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, USA; Department of Biological Chemistry, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, USA; Eli and Edythe Broad Center of Regenerative Medicine and Stem Cell Research, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Rogers EM, Allred SC, Peifer M. Abelson kinase's intrinsically disordered region plays essential roles in protein function and protein stability. Cell Commun Signal 2021; 19:27. [PMID: 33627133 PMCID: PMC7905622 DOI: 10.1186/s12964-020-00703-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/18/2020] [Accepted: 12/29/2020] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Background The non-receptor tyrosine kinase Abelson (Abl) is a key player in oncogenesis, with kinase inhibitors serving as paradigms of targeted therapy. Abl also is a critical regulator of normal development, playing conserved roles in regulating cell behavior, brain development and morphogenesis. Drosophila offers a superb model for studying Abl’s normal function, because, unlike mammals, there is only a single fly Abl family member. In exploring the mechanism of action of multi-domain scaffolding proteins like Abl, one route is to define the roles of their individual domains. Research into Abl’s diverse roles in embryonic morphogenesis revealed many surprises. For instance, kinase activity, while important, is not crucial for all Abl activities, and the C-terminal F-actin binding domain plays a very modest role. This turned our attention to one of Abl’s least understood features—the long intrinsically-disordered region (IDR) linking Abl’s kinase and F-actin binding domains. The past decade revealed unexpected, important roles for IDRs in diverse cell functions, as sites of posttranslational modifications, mediating multivalent interactions and enabling assembly of biomolecular condensates via phase separation. Previous work deleting conserved regions in Abl’s IDR revealed an important role for a PXXP motif, but did not identify any other essential regions. Methods Here we extend this analysis by deleting the entire IDR, and asking whether Abl∆IDR rescues the diverse roles of Abl in viability and embryonic morphogenesis in Drosophila. Results This revealed that the IDR is essential for embryonic and adult viability, and for cell shape changes and cytoskeletal regulation during embryonic morphogenesis, and, most surprisingly, revealed a role in modulating protein stability. Conclusion Our data provide new insights into the role of the IDR in an important signaling protein, the non-receptor kinase Abl, suggesting that it is essential for all aspects of protein function during embryogenesis, and revealing a role in protein stability. These data will stimulate new explorations of the mechanisms by which the IDR regulates Abl stability and function, both in Drosophila and also in mammals. They also will stimulate further interest in the broader roles IDRs play in diverse signaling proteins. Video Abstract
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Edward M Rogers
- Department of Biology, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, 27599, USA
| | - S Colby Allred
- Department of Biology, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, 27599, USA
| | - Mark Peifer
- Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, 27599, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Al Outa A, Abubaker D, Madi J, Nasr R, Shirinian M. The Leukemic Fly: Promises and Challenges. Cells 2020; 9:E1737. [PMID: 32708107 PMCID: PMC7409271 DOI: 10.3390/cells9071737] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/01/2020] [Revised: 05/22/2020] [Accepted: 05/22/2020] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Leukemia involves different types of blood cancers, which lead to significant mortality and morbidity. Murine models of leukemia have been instrumental in understanding the biology of the disease and identifying therapeutics. However, such models are time consuming and expensive in high throughput genetic and drug screening. Drosophilamelanogaster has emerged as an invaluable in vivo model for studying different diseases, including cancer. Fruit flies possess several hematopoietic processes and compartments that are in close resemblance to their mammalian counterparts. A number of studies succeeded in characterizing the fly's response upon the expression of human leukemogenic proteins in hematopoietic and non-hematopoietic tissues. Moreover, some of these studies showed that these models are amenable to genetic screening. However, none were reported to be tested for drug screening. In this review, we describe the Drosophila hematopoietic system, briefly focusing on leukemic diseases in which fruit flies have been used. We discuss myeloid and lymphoid leukemia fruit fly models and we further highlight their roles for future therapeutic screening. In conclusion, fruit fly leukemia models constitute an interesting area which could speed up the process of integrating new therapeutics when complemented with mammalian models.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Amani Al Outa
- Department of Anatomy, Cell Biology and Physiology, Faculty of Medicine, American University of Beirut, Beirut 1107 2020, Lebanon
| | - Dana Abubaker
- Department of Experimental Pathology, Immunology and Microbiology, Faculty of Medicine, American University of Beirut, Beirut 1107 2020, Lebanon
- Center for Infectious Diseases Research, American University of Beirut Medical Center, Beirut 1107 2020, Lebanon
| | - Joelle Madi
- Department of Experimental Pathology, Immunology and Microbiology, Faculty of Medicine, American University of Beirut, Beirut 1107 2020, Lebanon
- Center for Infectious Diseases Research, American University of Beirut Medical Center, Beirut 1107 2020, Lebanon
| | - Rihab Nasr
- Department of Anatomy, Cell Biology and Physiology, Faculty of Medicine, American University of Beirut, Beirut 1107 2020, Lebanon
| | - Margret Shirinian
- Department of Experimental Pathology, Immunology and Microbiology, Faculty of Medicine, American University of Beirut, Beirut 1107 2020, Lebanon
- Center for Infectious Diseases Research, American University of Beirut Medical Center, Beirut 1107 2020, Lebanon
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Kiehart DP, Crawford JM, Aristotelous A, Venakides S, Edwards GS. Cell Sheet Morphogenesis: Dorsal Closure in Drosophila melanogaster as a Model System. Annu Rev Cell Dev Biol 2018; 33:169-202. [PMID: 28992442 DOI: 10.1146/annurev-cellbio-111315-125357] [Citation(s) in RCA: 58] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/19/2023]
Abstract
Dorsal closure is a key process during Drosophila morphogenesis that models cell sheet movements in chordates, including neural tube closure, palate formation, and wound healing. Closure occurs midway through embryogenesis and entails circumferential elongation of lateral epidermal cell sheets that close a dorsal hole filled with amnioserosa cells. Signaling pathways regulate the function of cellular structures and processes, including Actomyosin and microtubule cytoskeletons, cell-cell/cell-matrix adhesion complexes, and endocytosis/vesicle trafficking. These orchestrate complex shape changes and movements that entail interactions between five distinct cell types. Genetic and laser perturbation studies establish that closure is robust, resilient, and the consequence of redundancy that contributes to four distinct biophysical processes: contraction of the amnioserosa, contraction of supracellular Actomyosin cables, elongation (stretching?) of the lateral epidermis, and zipping together of two converging cell sheets. What triggers closure and what the emergent properties are that give rise to its extraordinary resilience and fidelity remain key, extant questions.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Daniel P Kiehart
- Department of Biology, Duke University, Durham, North Carolina 27708;
| | - Janice M Crawford
- Department of Biology, Duke University, Durham, North Carolina 27708;
| | - Andreas Aristotelous
- Department of Mathematics, West Chester University, West Chester, Pennsylvania 19383
| | | | - Glenn S Edwards
- Physics Department, Duke University, Durham, North Carolina 27708
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
From Drosophila Blood Cells to Human Leukemia. ADVANCES IN EXPERIMENTAL MEDICINE AND BIOLOGY 2018; 1076:195-214. [PMID: 29951821 DOI: 10.1007/978-981-13-0529-0_11] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/02/2023]
Abstract
The hematopoietic system plays a critical role in establishing the proper response against invading pathogens or in removing cancerous cells. Furthermore, deregulations of the hematopoietic differentiation program are at the origin of numerous diseases including leukemia. Importantly, many aspects of blood cell development have been conserved from human to Drosophila. Hence, Drosophila has emerged as a potent genetic model to study blood cell development and leukemia in vivo. In this chapter, we give a brief overview of the Drosophila hematopoietic system, and we provide a protocol for the dissection and the immunostaining of the larval lymph gland, the most studied hematopoietic organ in Drosophila. We then focus on the various paradigms that have been used in fly to investigate how conserved genes implicated in leukemogenesis control blood cell development. Specific examples of Drosophila models for leukemia are presented, with particular attention to the most translational ones. Finally, we discuss some limitations and potential improvements of Drosophila models for studying blood cell cancer.
Collapse
|
6
|
Cheong HSJ, VanBerkum MFA. Long disordered regions of the C-terminal domain of Abelson tyrosine kinase have specific and additive functions in regulation and axon localization. PLoS One 2017; 12:e0189338. [PMID: 29232713 PMCID: PMC5726718 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0189338] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/29/2017] [Accepted: 11/22/2017] [Indexed: 01/28/2023] Open
Abstract
Abelson tyrosine kinase (Abl) is a key regulator of actin-related morphogenetic processes including axon guidance, where it functions downstream of several guidance receptors. While the long C-terminal domain (CTD) of Abl is required for function, its role is poorly understood. Here, a battery of mutants of Drosophila Abl was created that systematically deleted large segments of the CTD from Abl or added them back to the N-terminus alone. The functionality of these Abl transgenes was assessed through rescue of axon guidance defects and adult lethality in Abl loss-of-function, as well as through gain-of-function effects in sensitized slit or frazzled backgrounds that perturb midline guidance in the Drosophila embryonic nerve cord. Two regions of the CTD play important and distinct roles, but additive effects for other regions were also detected. The first quarter of the CTD, including a conserved PxxP motif and its surrounding sequence, regulates Abl function while the third quarter localizes Abl to axons. These regions feature long stretches of intrinsically disordered sequence typically found in hub proteins and are associated with diverse protein-protein interactions. Thus, the CTD of Abl appears to use these disordered regions to establish a variety of different signaling complexes required during formation of axon tracts.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Han S J Cheong
- Department of Biological Sciences, Wayne State University, Detroit, United States of America
| | - Mark F A VanBerkum
- Department of Biological Sciences, Wayne State University, Detroit, United States of America
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Rogers EM, Spracklen AJ, Bilancia CG, Sumigray KD, Allred SC, Nowotarski SH, Schaefer KN, Ritchie BJ, Peifer M. Abelson kinase acts as a robust, multifunctional scaffold in regulating embryonic morphogenesis. Mol Biol Cell 2016; 27:2613-31. [PMID: 27385341 PMCID: PMC4985262 DOI: 10.1091/mbc.e16-05-0292] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/11/2016] [Accepted: 06/20/2016] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
The importance of Abl kinase activity, the F-actin–binding site, and scaffolding ability in Abl’s many cell biological roles during Drosophila morphogenesis is examined. Abl is a robust multidomain scaffold with different protein motifs and activities contributing differentially to diverse cellular behaviors. Abelson family kinases (Abls) are key regulators of cell behavior and the cytoskeleton during development and in leukemia. Abl’s SH3, SH2, and tyrosine kinase domains are joined via a linker to an F-actin–binding domain (FABD). Research on Abl’s roles in cell culture led to several hypotheses for its mechanism of action: 1) Abl phosphorylates other proteins, modulating their activity, 2) Abl directly regulates the cytoskeleton via its cytoskeletal interaction domains, and/or 3) Abl is a scaffold for a signaling complex. The importance of these roles during normal development remains untested. We tested these mechanistic hypotheses during Drosophila morphogenesis using a series of mutants to examine Abl’s many cell biological roles. Strikingly, Abl lacking the FABD fully rescued morphogenesis, cell shape change, actin regulation, and viability, whereas kinase-dead Abl, although reduced in function, retained substantial rescuing ability in some but not all Abl functions. We also tested the function of four conserved motifs in the linker region, revealing a key role for a conserved PXXP motif known to bind Crk and Abi. We propose that Abl acts as a robust multidomain scaffold with different protein motifs and activities contributing differentially to diverse cellular behaviors.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Edward M Rogers
- Department of Biology, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC 27599
| | - Andrew J Spracklen
- Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC 27599
| | - Colleen G Bilancia
- Department of Biology, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC 27599
| | - Kaelyn D Sumigray
- Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC 27599
| | - S Colby Allred
- Department of Biology, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC 27599
| | - Stephanie H Nowotarski
- Department of Biology, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC 27599
| | - Kristina N Schaefer
- Curriculum in Genetics and Molecular Biology, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC 27599
| | - Benjamin J Ritchie
- Department of Biology, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC 27599
| | - Mark Peifer
- Department of Biology, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC 27599 Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC 27599 Curriculum in Genetics and Molecular Biology, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC 27599
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Becker H, Renner S, Technau GM, Berger C. Cell-Autonomous and Non-cell-autonomous Function of Hox Genes Specify Segmental Neuroblast Identity in the Gnathal Region of the Embryonic CNS in Drosophila. PLoS Genet 2016; 12:e1005961. [PMID: 27015425 PMCID: PMC4807829 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pgen.1005961] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/17/2015] [Accepted: 03/04/2016] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
During central nervous system (CNS) development neural stem cells (Neuroblasts, NBs) have to acquire an identity appropriate to their location. In thoracic and abdominal segments of Drosophila, the expression pattern of Bithorax-Complex Hox genes is known to specify the segmental identity of NBs prior to their delamination from the neuroectoderm. Compared to the thoracic, ground state segmental units in the head region are derived to different degrees, and the precise mechanism of segmental specification of NBs in this region is still unclear. We identified and characterized a set of serially homologous NB-lineages in the gnathal segments and used one of them (NB6-4 lineage) as a model to investigate the mechanism conferring segment-specific identities to gnathal NBs. We show that NB6-4 is primarily determined by the cell-autonomous function of the Hox gene Deformed (Dfd). Interestingly, however, it also requires a non-cell-autonomous function of labial and Antennapedia that are expressed in adjacent anterior or posterior compartments. We identify the secreted molecule Amalgam (Ama) as a downstream target of the Antennapedia-Complex Hox genes labial, Dfd, Sex combs reduced and Antennapedia. In conjunction with its receptor Neurotactin (Nrt) and the effector kinase Abelson tyrosine kinase (Abl), Ama is necessary in parallel to the cell-autonomous Dfd pathway for the correct specification of the maxillary identity of NB6-4. Both pathways repress CyclinE (CycE) and loss of function of either of these pathways leads to a partial transformation (40%), whereas simultaneous mutation of both pathways leads to a complete transformation (100%) of NB6-4 segmental identity. Finally, we provide genetic evidences, that the Ama-Nrt-Abl-pathway regulates CycE expression by altering the function of the Hippo effector Yorkie in embryonic NBs. The disclosure of a non-cell-autonomous influence of Hox genes on neural stem cells provides new insight into the process of segmental patterning in the developing CNS. The central nervous system (CNS) needs to be subdivided into functionally specified regions. In the developing CNS of Drosophila, each neural stem cell, called neuroblasts (NB), acquires a unique identity according to its anterior-posterior and dorso-ventral position to generate a specific cell lineage. Along the anterior-posterior body axis, Hox genes of the Bithorax-Complex convey segmental identities to NBs in the trunk segments. In the derived gnathal and brain segments, the mechanisms specifying segmental NB identities are largely unknown. We investigated the role of Hox genes of the Antennapedia-Complex in the gnathal CNS. In addition to cell-autonomous Hox gene function, we unexpectedly uncovered a parallel non-cell-autonomous pathway in mediating segmental specification of embryonic NBs in gnathal segments. Both pathways restrict the expression of the cell cycle gene CyclinE, ensuring the proper specification of a glial cell lineage. Whereas the Hox gene Deformed mediates this cell-autonomously, labial and Antennapedia influence the identity via transcriptional regulation of the secreted molecule Amalgam (and its downstream pathway) in a non-cell-autonomous manner. These findings shed new light on the role of the highly conserved Hox genes during segmental patterning of neural stem cells in the CNS.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Henrike Becker
- Institute of Genetics, University of Mainz, Mainz, Germany
| | - Simone Renner
- Institute of Genetics, University of Mainz, Mainz, Germany
| | - Gerhard M. Technau
- Institute of Genetics, University of Mainz, Mainz, Germany
- * E-mail: (CB); (GMT)
| | - Christian Berger
- Institute of Genetics, University of Mainz, Mainz, Germany
- * E-mail: (CB); (GMT)
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Sterne GR, Kim JH, Ye B. Dysregulated Dscam levels act through Abelson tyrosine kinase to enlarge presynaptic arbors. eLife 2015; 4. [PMID: 25988807 PMCID: PMC4434255 DOI: 10.7554/elife.05196] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/15/2014] [Accepted: 04/15/2015] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Increased expression of Down Syndrome Cell Adhesion Molecule (Dscam) is implicated in the pathogenesis of brain disorders such as Down syndrome (DS) and fragile X syndrome (FXS). Here, we show that the cellular defects caused by dysregulated Dscam levels can be ameliorated by genetic and pharmacological inhibition of Abelson kinase (Abl) both in Dscam-overexpressing neurons and in a Drosophila model of fragile X syndrome. This study offers Abl as a potential therapeutic target for treating brain disorders associated with dysregulated Dscam expression. DOI:http://dx.doi.org/10.7554/eLife.05196.001 Information is transmitted through the brain by cells called neurons, which are connected into specific circuits and networks. As the brain develops, several different signaling molecules control how the connections between neurons develop. If these signals occur at the wrong time or wrong place, or in the wrong amount, the neurons may not connect in the right way; this is the cause of several brain disorders. One of the signaling molecules that helps neural circuits to form in the developing brain is the Dscam protein. Having too much Dscam has been linked to neurons with enlarged presynaptic terminals. Presynaptic terminals are the parts of each neuron that send information on to the next cell, and when they are enlarged it results in the neuron not being able to communicate with other neurons in a targeted way. People with brain disorders including Down syndrome, epilepsy and possibly fragile X syndrome often have excessive amounts of Dscam. It was not known precisely how Dscam signals within neurons. Sterne, Kim and Ye have now investigated this by exploring the effects of Dscam on a group of well-known neurons in the larvae of the fruit fly species Drosophila. The presynaptic terminals of single neurons in this group were labeled in the larvae using a genetic marker. This revealed that the neurons of larvae that had been engineered to produce too much Dscam had larger presynaptic terminals than normal. Further investigation showed that for Dscam to influence how a presynaptic terminal grows, it must interact with another signaling protein called Abelson tyrosine kinase (or Abl for short). Therefore, the larger presynaptic terminals seen in larvae that produce too much Dscam are a result of the Dscam protein activating too much Abl. There are several drugs that are approved for use in humans that suppress the activity of Abl. Sterne, Kim and Ye used two of these to treat fruit fly larvae, and found that they reversed the detrimental effects of extra Dscam on the larvae's neural circuit. Furthermore, the drugs fixed neural defects in a fruit fly model designed to reproduce the symptoms of fragile X syndrome. Overall, the results presented by Sterne, Kim and Ye suggest that suppressing the abnormally high activity of the Abl protein could be a way of treating the brain disorders caused by having excessive amounts of the Dscam protein. The next step is to test whether Dscam and Abl interact in the same way in mammals and whether the proposed treatment is effective in treating mammalian models of disorders that involve dysregulated Dscam signaling. DOI:http://dx.doi.org/10.7554/eLife.05196.002
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Gabriella R Sterne
- Life Sciences Institute, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, United States
| | - Jung Hwan Kim
- Life Sciences Institute, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, United States
| | - Bing Ye
- Life Sciences Institute, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, United States
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
Bernusso VA, Machado-Neto JA, Pericole FV, Vieira KP, Duarte AS, Traina F, Hansen MD, Olalla Saad ST, Barcellos KS. Imatinib restores VASP activity and its interaction with Zyxin in BCR–ABL leukemic cells. BIOCHIMICA ET BIOPHYSICA ACTA-MOLECULAR CELL RESEARCH 2015; 1853:388-95. [DOI: 10.1016/j.bbamcr.2014.11.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/30/2014] [Revised: 10/30/2014] [Accepted: 11/04/2014] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
|
11
|
Liu L, Wu CF. Distinct effects of Abelson kinase mutations on myocytes and neurons in dissociated Drosophila embryonic cultures: mimicking of high temperature. PLoS One 2014; 9:e86438. [PMID: 24466097 PMCID: PMC3897706 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0086438] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/15/2013] [Accepted: 12/07/2013] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Abelson tyrosine kinase (Abl) is known to regulate axon guidance, muscle development, and cell-cell interaction in vivo. The Drosophila primary culture system offers advantages in exploring the cellular mechanisms mediated by Abl with utilizing various experimental manipulations. Here we demonstrate that single-embryo cultures exhibit stage-dependent characteristics of cellular differentiation and developmental progression in neurons and myocytes, as well as nerve-muscle contacts. In particular, muscle development critically depends on the stage of dissociated embryos. In wild-type (WT) cultures derived from embryos before stage 12, muscle cells remained within cell clusters and were rarely detected. Interestingly, abundant myocytes were spotted in Abl mutant cultures, exhibiting enhanced myocyte movement and fusion, as well as neuron-muscle contacts even in cultures dissociated from younger, stage 10 embryos. Notably, Abl myocytes frequently displayed well-expanded lamellipodia. Conversely, Abl neurons were characterized with fewer large veil-like lamellipodia, but instead had increased numbers of filopodia and darker nodes along neurites. These distinct phenotypes were equally evident in both homo- and hetero-zygous cultures (Abl/Abl vs. Abl/+) of different alleles (Abl1 and Abl4) indicating dominant mutational effects. Strikingly, in WT cultures derived from stage 10 embryos, high temperature (HT) incubation promoted muscle migration and fusion, partially mimicking the advanced muscle development typical of Abl cultures. However, HT enhanced neuronal growth with increased numbers of enlarged lamellipodia, distinct from the characteristic Abl neuronal morphology. Intriguingly, HT incubation also promoted Abl lamellipodia expansion, with a much greater effect on nerve cells than muscle. Our results suggest that Abl is an essential regulator for myocyte and neuron development and that high-temperature incubation partially mimics the faster muscle development typical of Abl cultures. Despite the extensive alterations by Abl mutations, we observed myocyte fusion events and nerve-muscle contact formation between WT and Abl cells in mixed WT and Abl cultures derived from labeled embryos.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Lijuan Liu
- Key Laboratory of Developmental Genes and Human Disease, Institute of Life Sciences, Southeast University, Nanjing, China
- Department of Biology, University of Iowa, Iowa City, Iowa, United States of America
- * E-mail:
| | - Chun-Fang Wu
- Key Laboratory of Developmental Genes and Human Disease, Institute of Life Sciences, Southeast University, Nanjing, China
- Department of Biology, University of Iowa, Iowa City, Iowa, United States of America
| |
Collapse
|
12
|
Choi W, Jung KC, Nelson KS, Bhat MA, Beitel GJ, Peifer M, Fanning AS. The single Drosophila ZO-1 protein Polychaetoid regulates embryonic morphogenesis in coordination with Canoe/afadin and Enabled. Mol Biol Cell 2011; 22:2010-30. [PMID: 21508316 PMCID: PMC3113767 DOI: 10.1091/mbc.e10-12-1014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 47] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/24/2023] Open
Abstract
Analysis of the function of the fly ZO-1 homologue Polychaetoid shows that it is not essential for junctional assembly or maintenance but does play an important role in embryonic morphogenesis. The data suggest that it works with Canoe/afadin and the actin regulator Enabled to regulate actin anchoring at junctions. Adherens and tight junctions play key roles in assembling epithelia and maintaining barriers. In cell culture zonula occludens (ZO)–family proteins are important for assembly/maturation of both tight and adherens junctions (AJs). Genetic studies suggest that ZO proteins are important during normal development, but interpretation of mouse and fly studies is limited by genetic redundancy and/or a lack of null alleles. We generated null alleles of the single Drosophila ZO protein Polychaetoid (Pyd). Most embryos lacking Pyd die with striking defects in morphogenesis of embryonic epithelia including the epidermis, segmental grooves, and tracheal system. Pyd loss does not dramatically affect AJ protein localization or initial localization of actin and myosin during dorsal closure. However, Pyd loss does affect several cell behaviors that drive dorsal closure. The defects, which include segmental grooves that fail to retract, a disrupted leading edge actin cable, and reduced zippering as leading edges meet, closely resemble defects in canoe zygotic null mutants and in embryos lacking the actin regulator Enabled (Ena), suggesting that these proteins act together. Canoe (Cno) and Pyd are required for proper Ena localization during dorsal closure, and strong genetic interactions suggest that Cno, Pyd, and Ena act together in regulating or anchoring the actin cytoskeleton during dorsal closure.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Wangsun Choi
- Department of Biology, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, USA
| | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
13
|
Polesello C, Roch F, Gobert V, Haenlin M, Waltzer L. Modeling cancers in Drosophila. PROGRESS IN MOLECULAR BIOLOGY AND TRANSLATIONAL SCIENCE 2011; 100:51-82. [PMID: 21377624 DOI: 10.1016/b978-0-12-384878-9.00002-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Abstract
The basic cellular processes deregulated during carcinogenesis and the vast majority of the genes implicated in cancer appear conserved from humans to flies. This conservation, together with an ever-expanding fly genetic toolbox, has made of Drosophila melanogaster a remarkably profitable model to study many fundamental aspects of carcinogenesis. In particular, Drosophila has played a major role in the identification of genes and pathways implicated in cancer and in disclosing novel functional relationships between cancer genes. It has also proved to be a genetically tractable system where to mimic cancer-like situations and characterize the mode of action of human oncogenes. Here, we outline some advances in the study of cancer, both at the basic and more translational levels, which have benefited from research carried out in flies.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Cédric Polesello
- Université de Toulouse, UPS, CBD, Centre de Biologie du Développement, Bâtiment 4R3, 118 route de Narbonne, F-31062, CNRS, F-31062 Toulouse, France
| | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
14
|
Song JK, Kannan R, Merdes G, Singh J, Mlodzik M, Giniger E. Disabled is a bona fide component of the Abl signaling network. Development 2010; 137:3719-27. [PMID: 20940230 DOI: 10.1242/dev.050948] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
Abl is an essential regulator of cell migration and morphogenesis in both vertebrates and invertebrates. It has long been speculated that the adaptor protein Disabled (Dab), which is a key regulator of neuronal migration in the vertebrate brain, might be a component of this signaling pathway, but this idea has been controversial. We now demonstrate that null mutations of Drosophila Dab result in phenotypes that mimic Abl mutant phenotypes, both in axon guidance and epithelial morphogenesis. The Dab mutant interacts genetically with mutations in Abl, and with mutations in the Abl accessory factors trio and enabled (ena). Genetic epistasis tests show that Dab functions upstream of Abl and ena, and, consistent with this, we show that Dab is required for the subcellular localization of these two proteins. We therefore infer that Dab is a bona fide component of the core Abl signaling pathway in Drosophila.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jeong K Song
- Axon Guidance and Neural Connectivity Unit, Basic Neuroscience Program, National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
| | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
15
|
Abstract
ABL-family proteins comprise one of the best conserved branches of the tyrosine kinases. Each ABL protein contains an SH3-SH2-TK (Src homology 3-Src homology 2-tyrosine kinase) domain cassette, which confers autoregulated kinase activity and is common among nonreceptor tyrosine kinases. This cassette is coupled to an actin-binding and -bundling domain, which makes ABL proteins capable of connecting phosphoregulation with actin-filament reorganization. Two vertebrate paralogs, ABL1 and ABL2, have evolved to perform specialized functions. ABL1 includes nuclear localization signals and a DNA binding domain through which it mediates DNA damage-repair functions, whereas ABL2 has additional binding capacity for actin and for microtubules to enhance its cytoskeletal remodeling functions. Several types of posttranslational modifications control ABL catalytic activity, subcellular localization, and stability, with consequences for both cytoplasmic and nuclear ABL functions. Binding partners provide additional regulation of ABL catalytic activity, substrate specificity, and downstream signaling. Information on ABL regulatory mechanisms is being mined to provide new therapeutic strategies against hematopoietic malignancies caused by BCR-ABL1 and related leukemogenic proteins.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- John Colicelli
- Department of Biological Chemistry, Molecular Biology Institute and Jonsson Comprehensive Cancer Center, David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
16
|
Mitra A, Radha V. F-actin-binding domain of c-Abl regulates localized phosphorylation of C3G: role of C3G in c-Abl-mediated cell death. Oncogene 2010; 29:4528-42. [PMID: 20581864 DOI: 10.1038/onc.2010.113] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/03/2023]
Abstract
The c-Abl tyrosine kinase maintains cellular homeostasis through its ability to regulate apoptosis and actin dynamics. In vivo, c-Abl activity is stringently regulated and mechanisms involved are not fully understood. Here, we identified the Rap1 guanine nucleotide exchange factor, C3G (RapGEF1), as a substrate and an effector of c-Abl-mediated functions. Ectopic expression of c-Abl in mammalian cell lines, known to induce apoptosis, resulted in phosphorylation of endogenous C3G on Y504 coincident with cell detachment and chromatin condensation. Phosphorylation of C3G coincided with restricted c-Abl activation in regions rich in actin, and was dependent on cellular F-actin dynamics. Unlike C3G or c-Abl, p-C3G was resistant to detergent extraction, suggesting its enhanced affinity for the cytoskeleton. Localized C3G phosphorylation and coincidence with cells undergoing cell death was dependent on F-actin-binding domain (FABD) of c-Abl. Activation of endogenous c-Abl by oxidative stress was associated with phosphorylation of cellular C3G on Y504. Inhibition of C3G expression and function using RNAi or dominant-negative approaches inhibited c-Abl-mediated cell death. These findings identify C3G as a novel target of c-Abl and also show that FABD of c-Abl is essential for regulation of its restricted activation to induce apoptosis.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- A Mitra
- Centre for Cellular and Molecular Biology, Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR), Uppal Road, Hyderabad, India
| | | |
Collapse
|
17
|
Singh J, Aaronson SA, Mlodzik M. Drosophila Abelson kinase mediates cell invasion and proliferation through two distinct MAPK pathways. Oncogene 2010; 29:4033-45. [PMID: 20453880 PMCID: PMC2919309 DOI: 10.1038/onc.2010.155] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
The Abelson (Abl) family of non-receptor tyrosine kinases plays important role in cell morphogenesis, motility and proliferation. Although the function of Abl has been extensively studied in leukemia, its role in epithelial cell invasion remains obscure. Using the Drosophila wing epithelium as an in-vivo model system, we demonstrate that overexpression (activation) of Drosophila Abl (dAbl) causes loss of epithelial apical/basal cell polarity and secretion of matrix metalloproteinases, resulting in a cellular invasion and apoptosis. Our in vivo data indicate that dAbl acts downstream of the Src kinases, which are known regulators of cell adhesion and invasion. Downstream of dAbl, Rac GTPases activate two distinct MAPK pathways: JNK signaling (required for cell invasion and apoptosis) and ERK signaling (inducing cell proliferation). Activated Abl also increases the activity of Src members through a positive feedback loop leading to signal amplification. Thus targeting Src-Abl, using available dual inhibitors, could be of therapeutic importance in tumor cell metastasis.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- J Singh
- Department of Developmental and Regenerative Biology, Mount Sinai School of Medicine, New York, NY 10029, USA
| | | | | |
Collapse
|
18
|
Dorsten JN, Varughese BE, Karmo S, Seeger MA, VanBerkum MFA. In the absence of frazzled over-expression of Abelson tyrosine kinase disrupts commissure formation and causes axons to leave the embryonic CNS. PLoS One 2010; 5:e9822. [PMID: 20352105 PMCID: PMC2843715 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0009822] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/27/2010] [Accepted: 02/27/2010] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND In the Drosophila embryonic nerve cord, the formation of commissures require both the chemoattractive Netrin receptor Frazzled (Fra) and the Abelson (Abl) cytoplasmic tyrosine kinase. Abl binds to the cytoplasmic domain of Fra and loss-of-function mutations in abl enhance fra-dependent commissural defects. To further test Abl's role in attractive signaling, we over-expressed Abl in Fra mutants anticipating rescue of commissures. METHODOLOGY/PRINCIPAL FINDINGS The Gal4-UAS system was used to pan-neurally over-express Abl in homozygous fra embryos. Surprisingly, this led to a significant decrease in both posterior and anterior commissure formation and induced some commissural and longitudinal axons to project beyond the CNS/PNS border. Re-expressing wild-type Fra, or Fra mutants with a P-motif deleted, revert both commissural and exiting phenotypes, indicating that Fra is required but not a specific P-motif. This is supported by S2 cell experiments demonstrating that Abl binds to Fra independent of any specific P-motif and that Fra continues to be phosphorylated when individual P-motifs are removed. Decreasing midline repulsion by reducing Robo signaling had no effect on the Abl phenotype and the phenotypes still occur in a Netrin mutant. Pan-neural over-expression of activated Rac or Cdc42 in a fra mutant also induced a significant loss in commissures, but axons did not exit the CNS. CONCLUSION/SIGNIFICANCE Taken together, these data suggest that Fra activity is required to correctly regulate Abl-dependent cytoskeletal dynamics underlying commissure formation. In the absence of Fra, increased Abl activity appears to be incorrectly utilized downstream of other guidance receptors resulting in a loss of commissures and the abnormal projections of some axons beyond the CNS/PNS border.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Joy N. Dorsten
- Department of Biological Sciences, Wayne State University, Detroit, Michigan, United States of America
| | - Bridget E. Varughese
- Department of Biological Sciences, Wayne State University, Detroit, Michigan, United States of America
| | - Stephanie Karmo
- Department of Biological Sciences, Wayne State University, Detroit, Michigan, United States of America
| | - Mark A. Seeger
- Department of Molecular Genetics and Center for Molecular Neurobiology, Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio, United States of America
| | - Mark F. A. VanBerkum
- Department of Biological Sciences, Wayne State University, Detroit, Michigan, United States of America
| |
Collapse
|
19
|
Bradley WD, Koleske AJ. Regulation of cell migration and morphogenesis by Abl-family kinases: emerging mechanisms and physiological contexts. J Cell Sci 2009; 122:3441-54. [PMID: 19759284 DOI: 10.1242/jcs.039859] [Citation(s) in RCA: 139] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
The Abl-family non-receptor tyrosine kinases are essential regulators of the cytoskeleton. They transduce diverse extracellular cues into cytoskeletal rearrangements that have dramatic effects on cell motility and morphogenesis. Recent biochemical and genetic studies have revealed several mechanisms that Abl-family kinases use to mediate these effects. Abl-family kinases stimulate actin polymerization through the activation of cortactin, hematopoietic lineage cell-specific protein (HS1), WASp- and WAVE-family proteins, and Rac1. They also attenuate cell contractility by inhibiting RhoA and altering adhesion dynamics. These pathways impinge on several physiological processes, including development and maintenance of the nervous and immune systems, and epithelial morphogenesis. Elucidating how Abl-family kinases are regulated, and where and when they coordinate cytoskeletal changes, is essential for garnering a better understanding of these complex processes.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- William D Bradley
- Department of Molecular Biophysics and Biochemistry, Yale University, New Haven, CT 06520, USA.
| | | |
Collapse
|
20
|
|
21
|
Harris TJ, Sawyer JK, Peifer M. Chapter 3 How the Cytoskeleton Helps Build the Embryonic Body Plan. Curr Top Dev Biol 2009; 89:55-85. [DOI: 10.1016/s0070-2153(09)89003-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 52] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
|