Process elongation of oligodendrocytes is promoted by the Kelch-related actin-binding protein Mayven

KLHL20 and its role in cell homeostasis: A new perspective and therapeutic potential

Ubiquitin ligases are proteins with the ability to trigger non-degradative signaling or proteasomal destruction by attracting substrates and facilitating ubiquitin transfer onto target proteins. Over the years, there has been a continuous discovery of new ubiquitin ligases, and Kelch-like protein 20 (KLHL20) is one of the most recent discoveries that have several biological roles which include its role in ubiquitin ligase activities. KLHL20 binds as a substrate component of ubiquitin ligase Cullin3 (Cul3). Several substrates for ubiquitin ligases (KLHL20 based) have been reported, these include Unc-51 Like Autophagy Activating Kinase 1 (ULK1), promyelocytic leukemia (PML), and Death Associated Protein Kinase 1 (DAPK1). KLHL20 shows multiple cell functions linked to several human diseases through ubiquitination of these substrates. Current literature shows that KLHL20 ubiquitin ligase regulates malignancies in humans and also suggests how important it is to develop regulating agents for tumour-suppressive KLHL20 to prevent tumourigenesis, Recent research has highlighted its potential therapeutic implications in several areas. In oncology, KLHL20's regulatory role in protein degradation pathways suggests that its targeting could offer novel strategies for cancer treatment by modulating the stability of proteins involved in tumour growth and survival. In neurodegenerative diseases, KLHL20's function in maintaining protein homeostasis positions it as a potential target for therapies aimed at managing protein aggregation and cellular stress. Here, we review the functions of KLHL20 during the carcinogenesis process, looking at its role in cancer progression, and regulation of ubiquitination events mediated by KLHL20 in human cancers, as well as its potential therapeutic interventions.

Control of craniofacial and brain development by Cullin3-RING ubiquitin ligases: Lessons from human disease genetics

Metazoan development relies on intricate cell differentiation, communication, and migration pathways, which ensure proper formation of specialized cell types, tissues, and organs. These pathways are crucially controlled by ubiquitylation, a reversible post-translational modification that regulates the stability, activity, localization, or interaction landscape of substrate proteins. Specificity of ubiquitylation is ensured by E3 ligases, which bind substrates and co-operate with E1 and E2 enzymes to mediate ubiquitin transfer. Cullin3-RING ligases (CRL3s) are a large class of multi-subunit E3s that have emerged as important regulators of cell differentiation and development. In particular, recent evidence from human disease genetics, animal models, and mechanistic studies have established their involvement in the control of craniofacial and brain development. Here, we summarize regulatory principles of CRL3 assembly, substrate recruitment, and ubiquitylation that allow this class of E3s to fulfill their manifold functions in development. We further review our current mechanistic understanding of how specific CRL3 complexes orchestrate neuroectodermal differentiation and highlight diseases associated with their dysregulation. Based on evidence from human disease genetics, we propose that other unknown CRL3 complexes must help coordinate craniofacial and brain development and discuss how combining emerging strategies from the field of disease gene discovery with biochemical and human pluripotent stem cell approaches will likely facilitate their identification.

The oligodendrocyte growth cone and its actin cytoskeleton: A fundamental element for progenitor cell migration and CNS myelination

Cells of the oligodendrocyte (OLG) lineage engage in highly motile behaviors that are crucial for effective central nervous system (CNS) myelination. These behaviors include the guided migration of OLG progenitor cells (OPCs), the surveying of local environments by cellular processes extending from differentiating and pre-myelinating OLGs, and during the process of active myelin wrapping, the forward movement of the leading edge of the myelin sheath's inner tongue along the axon. Almost all of these motile behaviors are driven by actin cytoskeletal dynamics initiated within a lamellipodial structure that is located at the tip of cellular OLG/OPC processes and is structurally as well as functionally similar to the neuronal growth cone. Accordingly, coordinated stoichiometries of actin filament (F-actin) assembly and disassembly at these OLG/OPC growth cones have been implicated in directing process outgrowth and guidance, and the initiation of myelination. Nonetheless, the functional importance of the OLG/OPC growth cone still remains to be fully understood, and, as a unique aspect of actin cytoskeletal dynamics, F-actin depolymerization and disassembly start to predominate at the transition from myelination initiation to myelin wrapping. This review provides an overview of the current knowledge about OLG/OPC growth cones, and it proposes a model in which actin cytoskeletal dynamics in OLG/OPC growth cones are a main driver for morphological transformations and motile behaviors. Remarkably, these activities, at least at the later stages of OLG maturation, may be regulated independently from the transcriptional gene expression changes typically associated with CNS myelination.

Ectodermal-Neural Cortex 1 Isoforms Have Contrasting Effects on MC3T3-E1 Osteoblast Mineralization and Gene Expression

The importance of Wnt pathway signaling in development of bone has been well established. Here we investigated the role of a known Wnt target, ENC1 (ectodermal-neural cortex 1; NRP/B), in osteoblast differentiation. Enc1 expression was detected in mouse osteoblasts, chondrocytes, and osteocytes by in situ hybridization, and osteoblastic expression was verified in differentiating primary cultures and MC3T3-E1 pre-osteoblast cells, with 57 kDa and 67 kDa ENC1 protein isoforms detected throughout differentiation. Induced knockdown of both ENC1 isoforms reduced alkaline phosphatase staining and virtually abolished MC3T3-E1 mineralization. At culture confluence, Alpl (alkaline phosphatase liver/bone/kidney) expression was markedly reduced compared with control cells, and there was significant and coordinated alteration of other genes involved in cellular phosphate biochemistry. In contrast, with 67 kDa-selective knockdown mineralized nodule formation was enhanced and there was a two-fold increase in Alpl expression at confluence. There was enhanced expression of Wnt/β-catenin target genes with knockdown of both isoforms at this time-point and a five-fold increase in Frzb (Frizzled related protein) with 67 kDa-selective knockdown at mineralization, indicating possible ENC1 interactions with Wnt signaling in osteoblasts. These results are the first to demonstrate a role for ENC1 in the control of osteoblast differentiation. Additionally, the contrasting mineralization phenotypes and transcriptional patterns seen with coordinate knockdown of both ENC1 isoforms vs selective knockdown of 67 kDa ENC1 suggest opposing roles for the isoforms in regulation of osteoblastic differentiation, through effects on Alpl expression and phosphate cellular biochemistry. This study is the first to report differential roles for the ENC1 isoforms in any cell lineage. J. Cell. Biochem. 118: 2141-2150, 2017. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

Genome-wide analysis of over 106 000 individuals identifies 9 neuroticism-associated loci

Neuroticism is a personality trait of fundamental importance for psychological well-being and public health. It is strongly associated with major depressive disorder (MDD) and several other psychiatric conditions. Although neuroticism is heritable, attempts to identify the alleles involved in previous studies have been limited by relatively small sample sizes. Here we report a combined meta-analysis of genome-wide association study (GWAS) of neuroticism that includes 91 370 participants from the UK Biobank cohort, 6659 participants from the Generation Scotland: Scottish Family Health Study (GS:SFHS) and 8687 participants from a QIMR (Queensland Institute of Medical Research) Berghofer Medical Research Institute (QIMR) cohort. All participants were assessed using the same neuroticism instrument, the Eysenck Personality Questionnaire-Revised (EPQ-R-S) Short Form's Neuroticism scale. We found a single-nucleotide polymorphism-based heritability estimate for neuroticism of ∼15% (s.e.=0.7%). Meta-analysis identified nine novel loci associated with neuroticism. The strongest evidence for association was at a locus on chromosome 8 (P=1.5 × 10(-15)) spanning 4 Mb and containing at least 36 genes. Other associated loci included interesting candidate genes on chromosome 1 (GRIK3 (glutamate receptor ionotropic kainate 3)), chromosome 4 (KLHL2 (Kelch-like protein 2)), chromosome 17 (CRHR1 (corticotropin-releasing hormone receptor 1) and MAPT (microtubule-associated protein Tau)) and on chromosome 18 (CELF4 (CUGBP elav-like family member 4)). We found no evidence for genetic differences in the common allelic architecture of neuroticism by sex. By comparing our findings with those of the Psychiatric Genetics Consortia, we identified a strong genetic correlation between neuroticism and MDD and a less strong but significant genetic correlation with schizophrenia, although not with bipolar disorder. Polygenic risk scores derived from the primary UK Biobank sample captured ∼1% of the variance in neuroticism in the GS:SFHS and QIMR samples, although most of the genome-wide significant alleles identified within a UK Biobank-only GWAS of neuroticism were not independently replicated within these cohorts. The identification of nine novel neuroticism-associated loci will drive forward future work on the neurobiology of neuroticism and related phenotypes.

There is more than one way to model an elephant. Experiment-driven modeling of the actin cytoskeleton

Mathematical modeling has established its value for investigating the interplay of biochemical and mechanical mechanisms underlying actin-based motility. Because of the complex nature of actin dynamics and its regulation, many of these models are phenomenological or conceptual, providing a general understanding of the physics at play. But the wealth of carefully measured kinetic data on the interactions of many of the players in actin biochemistry cries out for the creation of more detailed and accurate models that could permit investigators to dissect interdependent roles of individual molecular components. Moreover, no human mind can assimilate all of the mechanisms underlying complex protein networks; so an additional benefit of a detailed kinetic model is that the numerous binding proteins, signaling mechanisms, and biochemical reactions can be computationally organized in a fully explicit, accessible, visualizable, and reusable structure. In this review, we will focus on how comprehensive and adaptable modeling allows investigators to explain experimental observations and develop testable hypotheses on the intracellular dynamics of the actin cytoskeleton.

KLHL2 interacts with and ubiquitinates WNK kinases

Mutations in the WNK1 and WNK4 genes result in an inherited hypertensive disease, pseudohypoaldosteronism type II (PHAII). Recently, the KLHL3 and Cullin3 genes were also identified as responsible genes for PHAII. Although we have reported that WNK4 is a substrate for the KLHL3-Cullin3 E3 ligase complex, it is not clear whether all of the WNK isoforms are regulated only by KLHL3. To explore the interaction of WNKs and other Kelch-like proteins, we focused on KLHL2 (Mayven), a human homolog of Drosophila Kelch that shares the highest similarity with KLHL3. We found that KLHL2, as well as KLHL3, was co-immunoprecipitated with all four WNK isoforms. The direct interaction of KLHL2 with WNKs was confirmed on fluorescence correlation spectroscopy. Co-expression of KLHL2 and Cullin3 decreased the abundance of WNK1, WNK3 and WNK4 within HEK293T cells, and a significant increase of WNK4 ubiquitination by KLHL2 and Cullin3 was observed both in HEK293T cells and in an in vitro ubiquitination assay. These results suggest that KLHL2-Cullin3 also functions as an E3-ligase for WNK isoforms within the body.

Update on the Kelch-like (KLHL) gene family

The Kelch-like (KLHL) gene family encodes a group of proteins that generally possess a BTB/POZ domain, a BACK domain, and five to six Kelch motifs. BTB domains facilitate protein binding and dimerization. The BACK domain has no known function yet is of functional importance since mutations in this domain are associated with disease. Kelch domains form a tertiary structure of β-propellers that have a role in extracellular functions, morphology, and binding to other proteins. Presently, 42 KLHL genes have been classified by the HUGO Gene Nomenclature Committee (HGNC), and they are found across multiple human chromosomes. The KLHL family is conserved throughout evolution. Phylogenetic analysis of KLHL family members suggests that it can be subdivided into three subgroups with KLHL11 as the oldest member and KLHL9 as the youngest. Several KLHL proteins bind to the E3 ligase cullin 3 and are known to be involved in ubiquitination. KLHL genes are responsible for several Mendelian diseases and have been associated with cancer. Further investigation of this family of proteins will likely provide valuable insights into basic biology and human disease.

From axon-glial signalling to myelination: the integrating role of oligodendroglial Fyn kinase

Central nervous system myelination requires recognition and signalling processes between neuronal axons and oligodendrocytes. Complex cellular rearrangements occur in myelination-competent oligodendrocytes requiring spatio-temporal control mechanisms. Although the molecular repertoire is becoming increasingly transparent, the signalling mechanisms governing myelination initiation are only poorly understood. The non-receptor tyrosine kinase Fyn has been implicated in axon-glial signal transduction and in several cellular processes required for oligodendrocyte maturation and myelination. Here, we review oligodendroglial Fyn signalling and discuss the role of Fyn in axon-glia interaction mediating myelination.

Interaction of an intracellular pentraxin with a BTB-Kelch protein is associated with ubiquitylation, aggregation and neuronal apoptosis

Neuronal pentraxin with chromo domain (NPCD) comprises a group of neuronally expressed pentraxins with both membrane and cytosolic isoforms; the functions of cytosolic NPCD isoforms are not clear. Here, we demonstrate that a cytosolic NPCD isoform selectively interacts with the BTB-Kelch protein Mayven/Kelch-like 2 (KLHL2), an actin-binding protein implicated in process outgrowth in oligodendrocytes. The KLHL2-NPCD interaction was identified by a yeast two-hybrid screen and confirmed through colocalization and co-immunoprecipitation studies. Truncation analysis indicates that the Kelch domains of KLHL2 interact with the pentraxin domain of NPCD. NPCD forms protein inclusion bodies (aggresomes) when overexpressed in tissue culture cells, KLHL2 localizes to these aggresomes, and overexpression of KLHL2 increases NPCD aggresome formation. Since other members of the BTB-Kelch family can act as Cullin-RING type E3 ubiquitin ligases, we tested the potential role of KLHL2 as a ubiquitin ligase for NPCD. We found that KLHL2 interacts selectively with Cullin 3, a key component of BTB-Kelch ubiquitin ligase complexes. Further, overexpression of KLHL2 promotes NPCD ubiquitylation. Together, these results suggest a novel E3 ubiquitin ligase function of KLHL2, with NPCD as a substrate. As the formation of aggresomes is often associated with protein aggregation in neurodegenerative diseases, we tested the effects of NPCD overexpression and KLHL2 coexpression on neuronal viability. Overexpression of NPCD in hippocampal neurons led to cell death and apoptosis; this effect was exacerbated by KLHL2 co-expression. Our findings implicate KLHL2 in ubiquitin ligase activity, and suggest potential roles of NPCD and KLHL2 in neurodegeneration.

Nuclear matrix protein (NRP/B) modulates the nuclear factor (Erythroid-derived 2)-related 2 (NRF2)-dependent oxidative stress response

Reactive molecules have diverse effects on cells and contribute to several pathological conditions. Cells have evolved complex protective systems to neutralize these molecules and restore redox homeostasis. Previously, we showed that association of nuclear factor (NF)-erythroid-derived 2 (E2)-related factor 2 (NRF2) with the nuclear matrix protein NRP/B was essential for the transcriptional activity of NRF2 target genes in tumor cells. The present study demonstrates the molecular mechanism by which NRP/B, via NRF2, modulates the transcriptional activity of antioxidant response element (ARE)-driven genes. NRP/B is localized in the nucleus of primary brain tissue and human neuroblastoma (SH-SY5Y) cells. Treatment with hydrogen peroxide (H(2)O(2)) enhances the nuclear colocalization of NRF2 and NRP/B and induces heme oxygenase 1 (HO1). Treatment of NRP/B or NRF2 knockdowns with H(2)O(2) induced apoptosis. Co-expression of NRF2 with members of the Kelch protein family, NRP/B, MAYVEN, or MAYVEN-related protein 2 (MRP2), revealed that the NRF2-NRP/B complex is important for the transcriptional activity of ARE-driven genes HO1 and NAD(P)H:quinine oxidoreductase 1 (NQO1). NRP/B interaction with Nrf2 was mapped to NRF2 ECH homology 4 (Neh4)/Neh5 regions of NRF2. NRP/B mutations that resulted in low binding affinity to NRF2 were unable to activate NRF2-modulated transcriptional activity of the ARE-driven genes, HO1 and NQO1. Thus, the interaction of NRP/B with the Neh4/Neh5 domains of NRF2 is indispensable for activation of NRF2-mediated ARE-driven antioxidant and detoxifying genes that confer cellular defense against oxidative stress-induced damage.

Subcellular localization of Mayven following expression of wild type and mutant EGFP tagged cDNAs

BACKGROUND

Process formation by glial cells is crucial to their function. Mayven, an actin binding, multi-domain polypeptide, and member of the BTB-BACK-Kelch family have been shown to be important in oligodendrocyte process extension. To assess the role of Mayven in neural cell process extension we have tracked the subcellular distribution of exogenous Mayven following expression of a rat Mayven -EGFP cDNA in a variety of neural cell backgrounds and specifically in OEC tranfectants following drug treatment to disrupt the integrity of the cytoskeleton. A comparison was made between the subcellular localization following transient transfection of OECs with full-length Mayven cDNA and a series of mutant domain constructs.

RESULTS

The subcellular location of Mayven in OEC transfectants showed a characteristic distribution with intense foci of staining towards the process tips corresponding to regions of accumulated Mayven overlapping in part with lammelipodial actin and was absent from the filipodia and the outer membrane. This signature pattern was also observed in Schwann cells, Oli-Neu cells, astrocytes and the neuroblastoma cell line B104 transfectants and resembled the exogenous and endogenous Mayven distribution in oligodendrocytes. This contrasted with the localization pattern in non-neural cells. There was a re-localization of Mayven in OEC transfectants following drug treatment to challenge the integrity of the actin cytoskeleton while breakdown of the microtubular component had no discernible impact on the accumulation of Mayven in the process tips. Deletion of the first three amino acids of the SH3 motif of the putative Fyn Kinase binding domain at the amino terminus significantly compromised this signature pattern as did the removal of the last Kelch repeat unit of six unit Kelch domain comprising the carboxyl terminus. In addition, there was a reduction in process length in mutant transfectants. Co-expression studies with a haemagglutinin (HA) tagged wild type Mayven cDNA and EGFP tagged mutant cDNAs suggested a homomeric interaction mediated by the BTB/POZ domain.

CONCLUSIONS

Exogenous Mayven is transported to the lamellipodia in neural transfectants associating with the actin cytoskeletal network. In addition to the importance of the internal BTB/POZ domain, this subcellular distribution pattern is dependent on the presence of an intact amino and carboxyl terminus.

Role of the oligodendroglial cytoskeleton in differentiation and myelination

Oligodendrocytes, the myelin-forming cells of the central nervous system, are in culture characterized by an elaborate process network, terminating in flat membranous sheets that are rich in myelin-specific proteins and lipids, and spirally wrap axons forming a compact insulating layer in vivo. By analogy with other cell types, maintenance and stability of these processes, as well as the formation of the myelin sheath, likely rely on a pronounced cytoskeleton consisting of microtubules and microfilaments. While the specialized process of wrapping and compaction forming the myelin sheath is not well understood, considerably more is known about how cytoskeletal organization is mediated by extracellular and intracellular signals and other interaction partners during oligodendrocyte differentiation and myelination. Here, we review the current state of knowledge on the role of the oligodendrocyte cytoskeleton in differentiation with an emphasis on signal transduction mechanisms and will attempt to draw out implications for its significance in myelination.

NAC1, a POZ/BTB protein that functions as a corepressor

We now demonstrate that NAC1 acts as a corepressor for other POZ/BTB proteins. NAC1 is a POZ/BTB motif containing transcriptional repressor protein. In a mammalian two hybrid assay in neuronal (N2A) cells and non-neuronal (HEK 293T) cells, VP16 activation domain tagged NAC1 resulted in significant reversal of transcriptional inhibition with the Gal4-ZID, Gal4-BCL6, Gal4-ZF5, and kelch proteins Gal4-MAYVEN and Gal4-NRP/B fusion proteins. We also observed similar results with another corepressor, BCoR Gal4 fusion protein. NAC1 potentiated ZF5 mediated repression in Gal4-DBD fusion transient assays. GST pulldown assays further confirmed protein-protein interactions between these proteins and NAC1. Both the NAC1 isoforms demonstrated selective interaction through the POZ/BTB domain but not with the non-POZ/BTB region. Endogenous NAC1 and BCL6 physically associated in CNS regions. Strikingly, NAC1 did not interact with the pro-myelocytic leukemia zinc finger protein (PLZF), another POZ/BTB protein that is not found in the adult brain. Therefore, we conclude that NAC1 functions as a corepressor for POZ/BTB proteins expressed in the mature CNS.

Krp1 (Sarcosin) promotes lateral fusion of myofibril assembly intermediates in cultured mouse cardiomyocytes

Krp1, also called sarcosin, is a cardiac and skeletal muscle kelch repeat protein hypothesized to promote the assembly of myofibrils, the contractile organelles of striated muscles, through interaction with N-RAP and actin. To elucidate its role, endogenous Krp1 was studied in primary embryonic mouse cardiomyocytes. While immunofluorescence showed punctate Krp1 distribution throughout the cell, detergent extraction revealed a significant pool of Krp1 associated with cytoskeletal elements. Reduction of Krp1 expression with siRNA resulted in specific inhibition of myofibril accumulation with no effect on cell spreading. Immunostaining analysis and electron microscopy revealed that cardiomyocytes lacking Krp1 contained sarcomeric proteins with longitudinal periodicities similar to mature myofibrils, but fibrils remained thin and separated. These thin myofibrils were degraded by a scission mechanism distinct from the myofibril disassembly pathway observed during cell division in the developing heart. The data are consistent with a model in which Krp1 promotes lateral fusion of adjacent thin fibrils into mature, wide myofibrils and contribute insight into mechanisms of myofibrillogenesis and disassembly.

Alteration of transcriptomic networks in adoptive-transfer experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis

Adoptive transfer experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (AT-EAE) is an inflammatory demyelination that recapitulates in mouse spinal cord (SC) the human multiple sclerosis disease. We now analyze previously reported cDNA array data from age-matched young female adult control and passively myelin antigen-sensitized EAE mice with regard to organizational principles of the SC transcriptome in autoimmune demyelination. Although AT-EAE had a large impact on immune response genes, broader functional and chromosomal gene cohorts were neither significantly regulated nor showed significant changes in expression coordination. However, overall transcriptional control was increased in AT-EAE and the proportions of transcript abundances were perturbed within each cohort. Striking likenesses and oppositions were identified in the coordination profiles of genes related to myelination, calcium signaling, and inflammatory response in controls that were substantially altered in AT-EAE. We propose that up- or down-regulation of genes linked to those targeted by the disease could potentially compensate for the pathological transcriptomic changes.

Phosphodiesterase-Ialpha/autotaxin's MORFO domain regulates oligodendroglial process network formation and focal adhesion organization

Development of a complex process network by maturing oligodendrocytes is a critical but currently poorly characterized step toward myelination. Here, we demonstrate that the matricellular oligodendrocyte-derived protein phosphodiesterase-Ialpha/autotaxin (PD-Ialpha/ATX) and especially its MORFO domain are able to promote this developmental step. In particular, the single EF hand-like motif located within PD-Ialpha/ATX's MORFO domain was found to stimulate the outgrowth of higher order branches but not process elongation. This motif was also observed to be critical for the stimulatory effect of PD-Ialpha/ATX's MORFO domain on the reorganization of focal adhesions located at the leading edge of oligodendroglial protrusions. Collectively, our data suggest that PD-Ialpha/ATX promotes oligodendroglial process network formation and expansion via the cooperative action of multiple functional sites located within the MORFO domain and more specifically, a novel signaling pathway mediated by the single EF hand-like motif and regulating the correlated events of process outgrowth and focal adhesion organization.

Sheeppox virus kelch-like gene SPPV-019 affects virus virulence

Sheeppox virus (SPPV), a member of the Capripoxvirus genus of the Poxviridae, is the etiologic agent of a significant disease of sheep in the developing world. Genomic analysis of pathogenic and vaccine capripoxviruses identified genes with potential roles in virulence and host range, including three genes with similarity to kelch-like genes of other poxviruses and eukaryotes. Here, a mutant SPPV with a deletion in the SPPV-019 kelch-like gene, DeltaKLP, was derived from the pathogenic strain SPPV-SA. DeltaKLP exhibited in vitro growth characteristics similar to those of SPPV-SA and revertant virus (RvKLP). DeltaKLP-infected cells exhibited a reduction in Ca(2+)-independent cell adhesion, suggesting that SPPV-019 may modulate cellular adhesion. When inoculated in sheep by the intranasal or intradermal routes, DeltaKLP was markedly attenuated, since all DeltaKLP-infected lambs survived infection. In contrast, SPPV-SA and RvKLP induced mortality approaching 100%. Lambs inoculated with DeltaKLP exhibited marked reduction or delay in fever response, gross lesions, viremia, and virus shedding compared to parental and revertant viruses. Together, these findings indicate that SPPV-019 is a significant SPPV virulence determinant in sheep.

Sirtuin 2, a mammalian homolog of yeast silent information regulator-2 longevity regulator, is an oligodendroglial protein that decelerates cell differentiation through deacetylating alpha-tubulin

Silent information regulator-2 (SIR2) proteins regulate lifespan of diverse organisms, but their distribution and roles in the CNS remain unclear. Here, we show that sirtuin 2 (SIRT2), a mammalian SIR2 homolog, is an oligodendroglial cytoplasmic protein and localized to the outer and juxtanodal loops in the myelin sheath. Among cytoplasmic proteins of OLN-93 oligodendrocytes, alpha-tubulin was the main substrate of SIRT2 deacetylase. In cultured primary oligodendrocyte precursors (OLPs), SIRT2 emergence accompanied elevated alpha-tubulin acetylation and OLP differentiation into the prematurity stage. Small interfering RNA knockdown of SIRT2 increased the alpha-tubulin acetylation, myelin basic protein expression, and cell arbor complexity of OLPs. SIRT2 overexpression had the opposite effects, and counteracted the cell arborization-promoting effect of overexpressed juxtanodin. SIRT2 mutation concomitantly reduced its deacetylase activity and its impeding effect on OLP arborization. These results demonstrated a counterbalancing role of SIRT2 against a facilitatory effect of tubulin acetylation on oligodendroglial differentiation. Selective SIRT2 availability to oligodendroglia may have important implications for myelinogenesis, myelin-axon interaction, and brain aging.

Process elongation of oligodendrocytes is promoted by the Kelch-related protein MRP2/KLHL1

Oligodendrocytes (OLGs) are generated by progenitor cells that are committed to differentiating into myelin-forming cells of the central nervous system. Rearrangement of the cytoskeleton leading to the extension of cellular processes is essential for the myelination of axons by OLGs. Here, we have characterized a new member of the Kelch-related protein family termed MRP2 (for Mayven-related protein 2) that is specifically expressed in brain. MRP2/KLHL1 is expressed in oligodendrocyte precursors and mature OLGs, and its expression is up-regulated during OLG differentiation. MRP2/KLHL1 expression was abundant during the specific stages of oligodendrocyte development, as identified by A2B5-, O4-, and O1-specific oligodendrocyte markers. MRP2/KLHL1 was localized in the cytoplasm and along the cell processes. Moreover, a direct endogenous association of MRP2/KLHL1 with actin was observed, which was significantly increased in differentiated OLGs compared with undifferentiated OLGs. Overexpression of MRP2/KLHL1 resulted in a significant increase in the process extension of rat OLGs, whereas MRP2/KLHL1 antisense reduced the process length of primary rat OLGs. Furthermore, murine OLGs isolated from MRP2/KLHL1 transgenic mice showed a significant increase in the process extension of OLGs compared with control wild-type murine OLGs. These studies provide insights into the role of MRP2/KLHL1, through its interaction with actin, in the process elongation of OLGs.

Actinfilin is a Cul3 substrate adaptor, linking GluR6 kainate receptor subunits to the ubiquitin-proteasome pathway

Kainate receptors have been implicated in excitotoxic neuronal death induced by diseases such as epilepsy and stroke. Actinfilin, a synaptic member of the BTB-Kelch protein family, is known to bind to the actin cytoskeleton. However, little is understood about its function at the synapse. Here, we report that actinfilin is able to bind to GluR6, a kainate-type glutamate receptor subunit, and target GluR6 for degradation. Like many members of its protein family, actinfilin acts as a substrate adaptor, binding Cullin 3 (Cul3) and linking GluR6 to the E3 ubiquitin-ligase complex. We map this interaction to the Kelch repeat domain of actinfilin and the GluR6 C terminus. Co-immunoprecipitation and immunofluorescence studies show that GluR6 is ubiquitinated, and that GluR6 levels are decreased by actinfilin overexpression but increased when actinfilin levels are reduced by specific RNA interference. Furthermore, actinfilin-Cul3 interactions appear to be important for regulating surface GluR6 expression. Synaptic GluR6 levels are elevated in mice with lowered neuronal Cul3 expression and when dominant-negative forms of Cul3 are transfected into hippocampal neurons. Together our data demonstrate that actinfilin acts as a scaffold, linking GluR6 to the Cul3 ubiquitin ligase to provide a novel mechanism for kainate receptor degradation.

Targeted deletion of a single Sca8 ataxia locus allele in mice causes abnormal gait, progressive loss of motor coordination, and Purkinje cell dendritic deficits

Spinocerebellar ataxia type 8 (SCA8) patients typically have a slowly progressive, adult-onset ataxia. SCA8 is dominantly inherited and is caused by large CTG repeat expansions in the untranslated antisense RNA of the Kelch-like 1 gene (KLHL1), but the molecular mechanism through which this expansion leads to disease is still unknown. To more fully characterize the underlying molecular mechanisms involved in SCA8, we developed a mouse model in which Klhl1 is deleted in either all tissues or is deleted specifically in Purkinje cells only. We found that mice that are either homozygous or heterozygous for the Klhl1 deletion have significant gait abnormalities at an early age and develop a significant loss of motor coordination by 24 weeks of age. This loss progresses more rapidly in homozygous knock-outs. Mice with Klhl1 specifically deleted in only Purkinje cells had a loss of motor coordination that was almost identical to the total-tissue deletion mice. Finally, we found significant Purkinje cell dendritic deficits, as measured by the thickness of the molecular layer, in all mice in which Klhl1 was deleted (both total and Purkinje cell-specific deletions) and an intermediate reduction in molecular layer thickness in mice with reduced levels of Klhl1 expression (heterozygous deletions). The results from this mouse model show that even a partial loss of Klhl1 function leads to degeneration of Purkinje cell function and indicates that loss of KLHL1 activity is likely to play a significant part in the underlying pathophysiology of SCA8.

KLHL1/MRP2 mediates neurite outgrowth in a glycogen synthase kinase 3beta-dependent manner

The actin-based cytoskeleton is essential for the generation and maintenance of cell polarity, cellular motility, and the formation of neural cell processes. MRP2 is an actin-binding protein of the kelch-related protein family. While MRP2 has been shown to be expressed specifically in brain, its function is still unknown. Here, we report that in neuronal growth factor (NGF)-induced PC12 cells, MRP2 was expressed along the neurite processes and colocalized with Talin at the growth cones. MRP2 mRNA and protein levels were up-regulated in PC12 cells following NGF stimulation. Moreover, treatment of PC12 cells with interfering RNAs for MRP2 and glycogen synthase kinase 3beta (GSK3beta) resulted in the inhibition of neurite outgrowth. A significant decrease in MRP2 expression levels was observed following GSK3beta inhibition, which was correlated with the inhibited neurite outgrowth, while GSK3beta overexpression was found to increase MRP2 expression levels. MRP2 interacted with GSK3beta through its NH2 terminus containing the BTB domain, and these molecules colocalized along neurite processes and growth cones in differentiated PC12 cells and rat primary hippocampal neurons. Additionally, increased associations of MRP2 with GSK3beta and MRP2 with actin were observed in the NGF-treated PC12 cells. Thus, this study provides, for the first time, insights into the involvement of MRP2 in neurite outgrowth, which occurs in a GSK3beta-dependent manner.

Overexpression of Nd1, a novel Kelch family protein, in the heart of transgenic mice protects against doxorubicin-induced cardiomyopathy

Doxorubicin is one of the most effective drugs available for cancer chemotherapy. However, the clinical use of doxorubicin has been greatly limited because of severe side effects on cardiomyocytes. Since Nd1-L, a novel actin-binding protein, is expressed most abundantly in the heart of adult mice, we examined a role of Nd1-L in doxorubicin-induced cardiomyopathy. When doxorubicin (5 mg/kg x 4 times) was injected into adult mice at a 3-day-interval, approximately 50% of injected mice died within 4 weeks of the first injection. Nd1-L mRNA expression in the heart decreased within 3 weeks after the first injection and many cardiomyocytes of injected mice died by apoptosis. Overexpression of Nd1-L in the heart of transgenic mice protected the cardiomyocytes from apoptosis and improved survival rate after doxorubicin injection. Furthermore, activation of Erk1/2 was observed in cultured cells overexpressing Nd1-L. Thus, Nd1-L plays a critical role in protecting the heart from doxorubicin-induced cardiomyopathy.

Downregulation of two novel genes in Sl/Sld and W(LacZ)/Wv mouse jejunum

Interstitial cells of Cajal (ICC) are the so-called pacemaker cells of the gut. W(LacZ)/Wv and Sl/Sld mice lack ICC surrounding the myenteric plexus (MP) in the jejunum. We compared the gene expression profile of wild type (WT) and W(LacZ)/Wv and Sl/Sld mice using suppression subtractive hybridization (SSH), generating a cDNA library of 1303 clones from which 48 unique sequences were differentially expressed with Southern blot. Among them, we identified heme oxygenase2, TROY, and phospholamban in ICC using immunohistochemistry. Using RT-qPCR, c-Kit and two new transcripts Dithp and prenylcysteine oxidase1 were significantly lower expressed in Sl/Sld and W(LacZ)/Wv versus WT. Prenylcysteine oxidase1 appeared cytotoxic for COS-7 cells and was highly expressed in liver while Dithp was mainly expressed in small intestine. The combination of SSH, Southern blot, RT-qPCR, and immunohistochemistry turned out to be a useful approach to identify rarely expressed genes and genes with small differences in expression.

Vaccinia virus kelch protein A55 is a 64 kDa intracellular factor that affects virus-induced cytopathic effect and the outcome of infection in a murine intradermal model

The vaccinia virus (VACV) protein A55 is a BTB/kelch protein with a broad-complex, tramtrack and bric-a-brac (BTB) domain in the N-terminal region and five kelch repeats in the C-terminal half. The BTB/kelch subgroup of the kelch superfamily of proteins has been associated with a wide variety of functions including regulation of the cytoskeleton. VACV contains three genes predicted to encode BTB/kelch proteins: A55R, F3L and C2L. The A55R gene product has been identified as an intracellular protein of 64 kDa that is expressed late in infection. A VACV strain lacking 93.6 % of the A55R open reading frame (vΔA55) was constructed and found to have an unaltered growth rate in vivo but a different plaque morphology and cytopathic effect, as well as reduced development of VACV-induced Ca2+-independent cell/extracellular matrix adhesion. In a murine intradermal model of VACV infection, a virus lacking the A55R gene induced larger lesions than wild-type and revertant control viruses.

Role of Mayven, a kelch-related protein in oligodendrocyte process formation

Oligodendrocyte function is central to the maintenance of the normal nervous system in health and disease. In particular, process formation and the generation of large sheets of myelin are important components of their biological properties. We have investigated the role of Mayven, a recently identified member of the kelch family of proteins, in process extension in oligodendrocyte-lineage cells. The kelch superfamily consists of a large number of structurally diverse proteins characterized by the presence of a kelch-repeat domain. Other members of this family associate with the actin cytoskeleton and regulate process length. Mayven is expressed predominantly in the CNS, has six kelch repeats, and is an actin-binding protein, associating with actin through its kelch-repeat domain. We have cloned rat Mayven and examined its role in the oligodendrocyte lineage by using RT-PCR, RNA interference, and a truncated, dominant-negative myc-tagged Mayven. Oligodendrocyte precursors treated with siRNA directed to Mayven have reduced process length, but there was no change in migration or expression of differentiation markers. Immunocytochemistry demonstrated that Mayven associated with F-actin at cell tips. Finally, overexpression of truncated Mayven lacking the SH3 ligand binding domain in oligodendrocyte-lineage cells resulted in shorter process formation, which was augmented when the cells were plated on laminin and fibronectin. These data suggest a role for Mayven in oligodendrocyte precursor cell process formation.