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Zhang J, Tang T, Zhang R, Wen L, Deng X, Xu X, Yang W, Jin F, Cao Y, Lu Y, Yu XQ. Maintaining Toll signaling in Drosophila brain is required to sustain autophagy for dopamine neuron survival. iScience 2024; 27:108795. [PMID: 38292423 PMCID: PMC10825691 DOI: 10.1016/j.isci.2024.108795] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/04/2023] [Revised: 10/19/2023] [Accepted: 01/02/2024] [Indexed: 02/01/2024] Open
Abstract
Macroautophagy/autophagy is a conserved process in eukaryotic cells to degrade and recycle damaged intracellular components. Higher level of autophagy in the brain has been observed, and autophagy dysfunction has an impact on neuronal health, but the molecular mechanism is unclear. In this study, we showed that overexpression of Toll-1 and Toll-7 receptors, as well as active Spätzle proteins in Drosophila S2 cells enhanced autophagy, and Toll-1/Toll-7 activated autophagy was dependent on Tube-Pelle-PP2A. Interestingly, Toll-1 but not Toll-7 mediated autophagy was dMyd88 dependent. Importantly, we observed that loss of functions in Toll-1 and Toll-7 receptors and PP2A activity in flies decreased autophagy level, resulting in the loss of dopamine (DA) neurons and reduced fly motion. Our results indicated that proper activation of Toll-1 and Toll-7 pathways and PP2A activity in the brain are necessary to sustain autophagy level for DA neuron survival.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jie Zhang
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Insect Developmental Biology and Applied Technology, Guangzhou Key Laboratory of Insect Development Regulation and Application Research, Institute of Insect Science and Technology, School of Life Sciences, South China Normal University, Guangzhou 510631, China
- Key Laboratory of Bio-Pesticide Innovation and Application of Guangdong Province, College of Plant Protection, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou 510642, Guangdong, China
| | - Ting Tang
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Insect Developmental Biology and Applied Technology, Guangzhou Key Laboratory of Insect Development Regulation and Application Research, Institute of Insect Science and Technology, School of Life Sciences, South China Normal University, Guangzhou 510631, China
| | - Ruonan Zhang
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Insect Developmental Biology and Applied Technology, Guangzhou Key Laboratory of Insect Development Regulation and Application Research, Institute of Insect Science and Technology, School of Life Sciences, South China Normal University, Guangzhou 510631, China
- Key Laboratory of Bio-Pesticide Innovation and Application of Guangdong Province, College of Plant Protection, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou 510642, Guangdong, China
| | - Liang Wen
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Insect Developmental Biology and Applied Technology, Guangzhou Key Laboratory of Insect Development Regulation and Application Research, Institute of Insect Science and Technology, School of Life Sciences, South China Normal University, Guangzhou 510631, China
| | - Xiaojuan Deng
- Guangdong Laboratory for Lingnan Modern Agriculture, Laboratory of Insect Molecular Biology and Biotechnology, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Agro-animal Genomics and Molecular Breeding, College of Animal Science, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou 510642, China
| | - Xiaoxia Xu
- Key Laboratory of Bio-Pesticide Innovation and Application of Guangdong Province, College of Plant Protection, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou 510642, Guangdong, China
| | - Wanying Yang
- Guangdong Laboratory for Lingnan Modern Agriculture, Laboratory of Insect Molecular Biology and Biotechnology, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Agro-animal Genomics and Molecular Breeding, College of Animal Science, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou 510642, China
| | - Fengliang Jin
- Key Laboratory of Bio-Pesticide Innovation and Application of Guangdong Province, College of Plant Protection, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou 510642, Guangdong, China
| | - Yang Cao
- Guangdong Laboratory for Lingnan Modern Agriculture, Laboratory of Insect Molecular Biology and Biotechnology, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Agro-animal Genomics and Molecular Breeding, College of Animal Science, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou 510642, China
| | - Yuzhen Lu
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Insect Developmental Biology and Applied Technology, Guangzhou Key Laboratory of Insect Development Regulation and Application Research, Institute of Insect Science and Technology, School of Life Sciences, South China Normal University, Guangzhou 510631, China
| | - Xiao-Qiang Yu
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Insect Developmental Biology and Applied Technology, Guangzhou Key Laboratory of Insect Development Regulation and Application Research, Institute of Insect Science and Technology, School of Life Sciences, South China Normal University, Guangzhou 510631, China
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2
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Deng Q, Wang C, Koe CT, Heinen JP, Tan YS, Li S, Gonzalez C, Sung WK, Wang H. Parafibromin governs cell polarity and centrosome assembly in Drosophila neural stem cells. PLoS Biol 2022; 20:e3001834. [PMID: 36223339 PMCID: PMC9555638 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pbio.3001834] [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: 05/04/2022] [Accepted: 09/16/2022] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
Neural stem cells (NSCs) divide asymmetrically to balance their self-renewal and differentiation, an imbalance in which can lead to NSC overgrowth and tumor formation. The functions of Parafibromin, a conserved tumor suppressor, in the nervous system are not established. Here, we demonstrate that Drosophila Parafibromin/Hyrax (Hyx) inhibits ectopic NSC formation by governing cell polarity. Hyx is essential for the asymmetric distribution and/or maintenance of polarity proteins. hyx depletion results in the symmetric division of NSCs, leading to the formation of supernumerary NSCs in the larval brain. Importantly, we show that human Parafibromin rescues the ectopic NSC phenotype in Drosophila hyx mutant brains. We have also discovered that Hyx is required for the proper formation of interphase microtubule-organizing center and mitotic spindles in NSCs. Moreover, Hyx is required for the proper localization of 2 key centrosomal proteins, Polo and AurA, and the microtubule-binding proteins Msps and D-TACC in dividing NSCs. Furthermore, Hyx directly regulates the polo and aurA expression in vitro. Finally, overexpression of polo and aurA could significantly suppress ectopic NSC formation and NSC polarity defects caused by hyx depletion. Our data support a model in which Hyx promotes the expression of polo and aurA in NSCs and, in turn, regulates cell polarity and centrosome/microtubule assembly. This new paradigm may be relevant to future studies on Parafibromin/HRPT2-associated cancers. This study shows that the conserved tumor suppressor Parafibromin plays an important role in Drosophila neural stem cell function, regulating the expression of the centrosomal proteins Polo and AurA, modulating centrosome and microtubule assembly, and ultimately influencing neural stem cell polarity during cell division.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qiannan Deng
- Neuroscience & Behavioral Disorders Programme, Duke-NUS Medical School, Singapore
| | - Cheng Wang
- Neuroscience & Behavioral Disorders Programme, Duke-NUS Medical School, Singapore
| | - Chwee Tat Koe
- Neuroscience & Behavioral Disorders Programme, Duke-NUS Medical School, Singapore
| | - Jan Peter Heinen
- Institute for Research in Biomedicine, The Barcelona Institute of Science and Technology, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Ye Sing Tan
- Neuroscience & Behavioral Disorders Programme, Duke-NUS Medical School, Singapore
| | - Song Li
- Neuroscience & Behavioral Disorders Programme, Duke-NUS Medical School, Singapore
| | - Cayetano Gonzalez
- Institute for Research in Biomedicine, The Barcelona Institute of Science and Technology, Barcelona, Spain
- Institució Catalana de Recerca i Estudis Avançats, ICREA, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Wing-Kin Sung
- Genome Institute of Singapore, Genome, Singapore
- Department of Computer Science, National University of Singapore, Singapore
| | - Hongyan Wang
- Neuroscience & Behavioral Disorders Programme, Duke-NUS Medical School, Singapore
- Dept. of Physiology, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore
- NUS Graduate School—Integrative Sciences and Engineering Programme (ISEP), National University of Singapore, Singapore
- * E-mail:
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3
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Deng Q, Wang H. Re-visiting the principles of apicobasal polarity in Drosophila neural stem cells. Dev Biol 2022; 484:57-62. [PMID: 35181298 DOI: 10.1016/j.ydbio.2022.02.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/23/2021] [Revised: 01/19/2022] [Accepted: 02/13/2022] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
The ability of stem cells to divide asymmetrically is crucial for cell-type diversity and tissue homeostasis. Drosophila neural stem cells, also knowns as neuroblasts, utilize asymmetric cell division to self-renew and give rise to differentiated daughter cells. Drosophila neuroblasts relies on the polarized protein complexes on the apical and basal cortex to govern cell polarity and asymmetry. Here, we review recent advances in our understanding of the neuroblast polarity focusing on how actin cytoskeleton, phosphoinositide lipids and liquid-liquid phase separation regulate the asymmetric cell division of Drosophila neuroblasts.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qiannan Deng
- Neuroscience & Behavioral Disorders Programme, Duke-NUS Medical School, 8 College Road, 169857, Singapore
| | - Hongyan Wang
- Neuroscience & Behavioral Disorders Programme, Duke-NUS Medical School, 8 College Road, 169857, Singapore; Dept. of Physiology, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, 117597, Singapore; Integrative Sciences and Engineering Programme, National University of Singapore, 28 Medical Drive, 117456, Singapore.
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Cancer stem cell phosphatases. Biochem J 2021; 478:2899-2920. [PMID: 34319405 DOI: 10.1042/bcj20210254] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/08/2021] [Revised: 07/05/2021] [Accepted: 07/07/2021] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Cancer stem cells (CSCs) are involved in the initiation and progression of human malignancies by enabling cancer tissue self-renewal capacity and constituting the therapy-resistant population of tumor cells. However, despite the exhausting characterization of CSC genetics, epigenetics, and kinase signaling, eradication of CSCs remains an unattainable goal in most human malignancies. While phosphatases contribute equally with kinases to cellular phosphoregulation, our understanding of phosphatases in CSCs lags severely behind our knowledge about other CSC signaling mechanisms. Many cancer-relevant phosphatases have recently become druggable, indicating that further understanding of the CSC phosphatases might provide novel therapeutic opportunities. This review summarizes the current knowledge about fundamental, but yet poorly understood involvement of phosphatases in the regulation of major CSC signaling pathways. We also review the functional roles of phosphatases in CSC self-renewal, cancer progression, and therapy resistance; focusing particularly on hematological cancers and glioblastoma. We further discuss the small molecule targeting of CSC phosphatases and their therapeutic potential in cancer combination therapies.
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5
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Perfecting DNA double-strand break repair on transcribed chromatin. Essays Biochem 2021; 64:705-719. [PMID: 32309851 DOI: 10.1042/ebc20190094] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/24/2020] [Revised: 03/29/2020] [Accepted: 04/01/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Timely repair of DNA double-strand break (DSB) entails coordination with the local higher order chromatin structure and its transaction activities, including transcription. Recent studies are uncovering how DSBs trigger transient suppression of nearby transcription to permit faithful DNA repair, failing of which leads to elevated chromosomal aberrations and cell hypersensitivity to DNA damage. Here, we summarize the molecular bases for transcriptional control during DSB metabolism, and discuss how the exquisite coordination between the two DNA-templated processes may underlie maintenance of genome stability and cell homeostasis.
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6
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Abstract
AbstractIn the developing Drosophila CNS, two pools of neural stem cells, the symmetrically dividing progenitors in the neuroepithelium (NE) and the asymmetrically dividing neuroblasts (NBs) generate the majority of the neurons that make up the adult central nervous system (CNS). The generation of a correct sized brain depends on maintaining the fine balance between neural stem cell self-renewal and differentiation, which are regulated by cell-intrinsic and cell-extrinsic cues. In this review, we will discuss our current understanding of how self-renewal and differentiation are regulated in the two neural stem cell pools, and the consequences of the deregulation of these processes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Francesca Froldi
- Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre, East Melbourne, Victoria, 3002, Australia
- Sir Peter MacCallum Department of Oncology, University of Melbourne, Victoria, 3010, Australia
| | - Milán Szuperák
- Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre, East Melbourne, Victoria, 3002, Australia
- Sir Peter MacCallum Department of Oncology, University of Melbourne, Victoria, 3010, Australia
| | - Louise Y. Cheng
- Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre, East Melbourne, Victoria, 3002, Australia
- Sir Peter MacCallum Department of Oncology, University of Melbourne, Victoria, 3010, Australia
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7
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Gil-Ranedo J, Gonzaga E, Jaworek KJ, Berger C, Bossing T, Barros CS. STRIPAK Members Orchestrate Hippo and Insulin Receptor Signaling to Promote Neural Stem Cell Reactivation. Cell Rep 2020; 27:2921-2933.e5. [PMID: 31167138 PMCID: PMC6581792 DOI: 10.1016/j.celrep.2019.05.023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/13/2018] [Revised: 04/14/2019] [Accepted: 05/03/2019] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Adult stem cells reactivate from quiescence to maintain tissue homeostasis and in response to injury. How the underlying regulatory signals are integrated is largely unknown. Drosophila neural stem cells (NSCs) also leave quiescence to generate adult neurons and glia, a process that is dependent on Hippo signaling inhibition and activation of the insulin-like receptor (InR)/PI3K/Akt cascade. We performed a transcriptome analysis of individual quiescent and reactivating NSCs harvested directly from Drosophila brains and identified the conserved STRIPAK complex members mob4, cka, and PP2A (microtubule star, mts). We show that PP2A/Mts phosphatase, with its regulatory subunit Widerborst, maintains NSC quiescence, preventing premature activation of InR/PI3K/Akt signaling. Conversely, an increase in Mob4 and Cka levels promotes NSC reactivation. Mob4 and Cka are essential to recruit PP2A/Mts into a complex with Hippo kinase, resulting in Hippo pathway inhibition. We propose that Mob4/Cka/Mts functions as an intrinsic molecular switch coordinating Hippo and InR/PI3K/Akt pathways and enabling NSC reactivation. Transcriptional profiling of reactivating versus quiescent NSCs identifies STRIPAK members PP2A/Mts phosphatase inhibits Akt activation, maintaining NSC quiescence Mob4 and Cka target Mts to Hippo to inhibit its activity and promote NSC reactivation Mob4/Cka/Mts coordinate Hippo and InR/PI3K/Akt signaling in NSCs
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Affiliation(s)
- Jon Gil-Ranedo
- Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry, University of Plymouth, PL6 8BU Plymouth, UK
| | - Eleanor Gonzaga
- Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry, University of Plymouth, PL6 8BU Plymouth, UK
| | - Karolina J Jaworek
- Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry, University of Plymouth, PL6 8BU Plymouth, UK
| | - Christian Berger
- Institute of Genetics, Johannes Gutenberg University, 55099 Mainz, Germany
| | - Torsten Bossing
- Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry, University of Plymouth, PL6 8BU Plymouth, UK
| | - Claudia S Barros
- Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry, University of Plymouth, PL6 8BU Plymouth, UK.
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The Integrator Complex Prevents Dedifferentiation of Intermediate Neural Progenitors back into Neural Stem Cells. Cell Rep 2020; 27:987-996.e3. [PMID: 31018143 DOI: 10.1016/j.celrep.2019.03.089] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/20/2018] [Revised: 01/31/2019] [Accepted: 03/24/2019] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Mutations of the Integrator subunits are associated with neurodevelopmental disorders and cancers. However, their role during neural development is poorly understood. Here, we demonstrate that the Drosophila Integrator complex prevents dedifferentiation of intermediate neural progenitors (INPs) during neural stem cell (neuroblast) lineage development. Loss of intS5, intS8, and intS1 generated ectopic type II neuroblasts. INP-specific knockdown of intS8, intS1, and intS2 resulted in the formation of excess type II neuroblasts, indicating that Integrator prevents INP dedifferentiation. Cell-type-specific DamID analysis identified 1413 IntS5-binding sites in INPs, including zinc-finger transcription factor earmuff (erm). Furthermore, erm expression is lost in intS5 and intS8 mutant neuroblast lineages, and intS8 genetically interacts with erm to suppress the formation of ectopic neuroblasts. Taken together, our data demonstrate that the Drosophila Integrator complex plays a critical role in preventing INP dedifferentiation primarily by regulating a key transcription factor Erm that also suppresses INP dedifferentiation.
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Rui M, Ng KS, Tang Q, Bu S, Yu F. Protein phosphatase PP2A regulates microtubule orientation and dendrite pruning in Drosophila. EMBO Rep 2020; 21:e48843. [PMID: 32187821 DOI: 10.15252/embr.201948843] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/12/2019] [Revised: 02/20/2020] [Accepted: 03/04/2020] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Abstract
Pruning that selectively eliminates inappropriate projections is crucial for sculpting neural circuits during development. During Drosophila metamorphosis, ddaC sensory neurons undergo dendrite-specific pruning in response to the steroid hormone ecdysone. However, the understanding of the molecular mechanisms underlying dendrite pruning remains incomplete. Here, we show that protein phosphatase 2A (PP2A) is required for dendrite pruning. The catalytic (Microtubule star/Mts), scaffolding (PP2A-29B), and two regulatory subunits (Widerborst/Wdb and Twins/Tws) play important roles in dendrite pruning. Functional analyses indicate that PP2A, via Wdb, facilitates the expression of Sox14 and Mical prior to dendrite pruning. Furthermore, PP2A, via Tws, governs the minus-end-out orientation of microtubules (MTs) in the dendrites. Moreover, the levels of Klp10A, a MT depolymerase, increase when PP2A is compromised. Attenuation of Klp10A fully rescues the MT orientation defects in mts or pp2a-29b RNAi ddaC neurons, suggesting that PP2A governs dendritic MT orientation by suppressing Klp10A levels and/or function. Taken together, this study sheds light on a novel function of PP2A in regulating dendrite pruning and dendritic MT polarity in sensory neurons.
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Affiliation(s)
- Menglong Rui
- Temasek Life Sciences Laboratory, National University of Singapore, Singapore City, Singapore
| | - Kay Siong Ng
- Temasek Life Sciences Laboratory, National University of Singapore, Singapore City, Singapore
| | - Quan Tang
- Temasek Life Sciences Laboratory, National University of Singapore, Singapore City, Singapore.,Department of Biological Sciences, National University of Singapore, Singapore City, Singapore
| | - Shufeng Bu
- Temasek Life Sciences Laboratory, National University of Singapore, Singapore City, Singapore.,Department of Biological Sciences, National University of Singapore, Singapore City, Singapore
| | - Fengwei Yu
- Temasek Life Sciences Laboratory, National University of Singapore, Singapore City, Singapore.,Department of Biological Sciences, National University of Singapore, Singapore City, Singapore.,NUS Graduate School for Integrative Sciences and Engineering, Centre for Life Sciences, Singapore City, Singapore.,Neuroscience and Behavioral Disorder Program, Duke-NUS Medical School Singapore, Singapore City, Singapore
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10
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Link N, Chung H, Jolly A, Withers M, Tepe B, Arenkiel BR, Shah PS, Krogan NJ, Aydin H, Geckinli BB, Tos T, Isikay S, Tuysuz B, Mochida GH, Thomas AX, Clark RD, Mirzaa GM, Lupski JR, Bellen HJ. Mutations in ANKLE2, a ZIKA Virus Target, Disrupt an Asymmetric Cell Division Pathway in Drosophila Neuroblasts to Cause Microcephaly. Dev Cell 2019; 51:713-729.e6. [PMID: 31735666 DOI: 10.1016/j.devcel.2019.10.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 50] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/13/2019] [Revised: 08/19/2019] [Accepted: 10/14/2019] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
The apical Par complex, which contains atypical protein kinase C (aPKC), Bazooka (Par-3), and Par-6, is required for establishing polarity during asymmetric division of neuroblasts in Drosophila, and its activity depends on L(2)gl. We show that loss of Ankle2, a protein associated with microcephaly in humans and known to interact with Zika protein NS4A, reduces brain volume in flies and impacts the function of the Par complex. Reducing Ankle2 levels disrupts endoplasmic reticulum (ER) and nuclear envelope morphology, releasing the kinase Ballchen-VRK1 into the cytosol. These defects are associated with reduced phosphorylation of aPKC, disruption of Par-complex localization, and spindle alignment defects. Importantly, removal of one copy of ballchen or l(2)gl suppresses Ankle2 mutant phenotypes and restores viability and brain size. Human mutational studies implicate the above-mentioned genes in microcephaly and motor neuron disease. We suggest that NS4A, ANKLE2, VRK1, and LLGL1 define a pathway impinging on asymmetric determinants of neural stem cell division.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nichole Link
- Howard Hughes Medical Institute, BCM, Houston, TX 77030, USA; Department of Molecular and Human Genetics, BCM, Houston, TX 77030, USA; Neurological Research Institute, Texas Children's Hospital, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Hyunglok Chung
- Howard Hughes Medical Institute, BCM, Houston, TX 77030, USA; Department of Molecular and Human Genetics, BCM, Houston, TX 77030, USA; Neurological Research Institute, Texas Children's Hospital, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Angad Jolly
- Department of Molecular and Human Genetics, BCM, Houston, TX 77030, USA; MD/PhD Medical Scientist Training Program and MHG Graduate program, BCM, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Marjorie Withers
- Department of Molecular and Human Genetics, BCM, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Burak Tepe
- Department of Molecular and Human Genetics, BCM, Houston, TX 77030, USA; Neurological Research Institute, Texas Children's Hospital, Houston, TX 77030, USA; Program in Developmental Biology, BCM, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Benjamin R Arenkiel
- Department of Molecular and Human Genetics, BCM, Houston, TX 77030, USA; Neurological Research Institute, Texas Children's Hospital, Houston, TX 77030, USA; Program in Developmental Biology, BCM, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Priya S Shah
- Department of Chemical Engineering and Department of Microbiology and Molecular Genetics, University of California, Davis, Davis, CA 95616, USA
| | - Nevan J Krogan
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Pharmacology, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA 94158, USA; California Institute for Quantitative Biosciences, QB3, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA 94158, USA
| | - Hatip Aydin
- Center of Genetics Diagnosis, Zeynep Kamil Maternity and Children's Training and Research Hospital, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Bilgen B Geckinli
- Department of Medical Genetics, Marmara University School of Medicine, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Tulay Tos
- Department of Medical Genetics, Dr. Sami Ulus Research and Training Hospital of Women's and Children's Health and Diseases, Ankara, Turkey
| | - Sedat Isikay
- Department of Physiotherapy and Rehabilitation, Hasan Kalyoncu University, School of Health Sciences, Gaziantep, Turkey
| | - Beyhan Tuysuz
- Department of Pediatrics, Istanbul University-Cerrahpasa, Medical Faculty, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Ganesh H Mochida
- Division of Genetics and Genomics, Department of Pediatrics and Manton Center for Orphan Disease Research, Boston Children's Hospital, Boston, MA 02115, USA; Department of Pediatrics, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA; Pediatric Neurology Unit, Department of Neurology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA 02114, USA
| | - Ajay X Thomas
- Department of Pediatrics, Section of Neurology and Developmental Neuroscience, BCM, Houston, TX 77030, USA; Section of Child Neurology, Texas Children's Hospital, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Robin D Clark
- Division of Medical Genetics, Department of Pediatrics, Loma Linda University Medical Center, Loma Linda, CA 92354, USA
| | - Ghayda M Mirzaa
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98195, USA; Center for Integrative Brain Research, Seattle Children's Research Institute, Seattle, WA 98105, USA
| | - James R Lupski
- Department of Molecular and Human Genetics, BCM, Houston, TX 77030, USA; Department of Pediatrics, BCM, Houston, TX 77030, USA; Texas Children's Hospital, Houston, TX 77030, USA; Human Genome Sequencing Center, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Hugo J Bellen
- Howard Hughes Medical Institute, BCM, Houston, TX 77030, USA; Department of Molecular and Human Genetics, BCM, Houston, TX 77030, USA; Neurological Research Institute, Texas Children's Hospital, Houston, TX 77030, USA; MD/PhD Medical Scientist Training Program and MHG Graduate program, BCM, Houston, TX 77030, USA; Program in Developmental Biology, BCM, Houston, TX 77030, USA.
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11
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Villegas SN, Ferres-Marco D, Domínguez M. Using Drosophila Models and Tools to Understand the Mechanisms of Novel Human Cancer Driver Gene Function. ADVANCES IN EXPERIMENTAL MEDICINE AND BIOLOGY 2019; 1167:15-35. [PMID: 31520347 DOI: 10.1007/978-3-030-23629-8_2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/23/2023]
Abstract
The formation, overgrowth and metastasis of tumors comprise a complex series of cellular and molecular events resulting from the combined effects of a variety of aberrant signaling pathways, mutations, and epigenetic alterations. Modeling this complexity in vivo requires multiple genes to be manipulated simultaneously, which is technically challenging. Here, we analyze how Drosophila research can further contribute to identifying pathways and elucidating mechanisms underlying novel cancer driver (risk) genes associated with tumor growth and metastasis in humans.
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Affiliation(s)
- Santiago Nahuel Villegas
- Instituto de Neurociencias, Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Cientificas (CSIC) and Universidad Miguel Hernández (UMH), Alicante, Spain.
| | - Dolors Ferres-Marco
- Instituto de Neurociencias, Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Cientificas (CSIC) and Universidad Miguel Hernández (UMH), Alicante, Spain.
| | - María Domínguez
- Instituto de Neurociencias, Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Cientificas (CSIC) and Universidad Miguel Hernández (UMH), Alicante, Spain
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12
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Álvarez JA, Díaz-Benjumea FJ. Origin and specification of type II neuroblasts in the Drosophila embryo. Development 2018; 145:dev.158394. [PMID: 29567672 DOI: 10.1242/dev.158394] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/10/2017] [Accepted: 03/12/2018] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
In Drosophila, neural stem cells or neuroblasts (NBs) acquire different identities according to their site of origin in the embryonic neuroectoderm. Their identity determines the number of times they will divide and the types of daughter cells they will generate. All NBs divide asymmetrically, with type I NBs undergoing self-renewal and generating another cell that will divide only once more. By contrast, a small set of NBs in the larval brain, type II NBs, divides differently, undergoing self-renewal and generating an intermediate neural progenitor (INP) that continues to divide asymmetrically several more times, generating larger lineages. In this study, we have analysed the origin of type II NBs and how they are specified. Our results indicate that these cells originate in three distinct clusters in the dorsal protocerebrum during stage 12 of embryonic development. Moreover, it appears that their specification requires the combined action of EGFR signalling and the activity of the related genes buttonhead and Drosophila Sp1 In addition, we also show that the INPs generated in the embryo enter quiescence at the end of embryogenesis, resuming proliferation during the larval stage.
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Affiliation(s)
- José-Andrés Álvarez
- Centro de Biología Molecular-Severo Ochoa (CSIC-UAM), c/ Nicolas Cabrera 1, Universidad Autónoma, 28049 Madrid, Spain
| | - Fernando J Díaz-Benjumea
- Centro de Biología Molecular-Severo Ochoa (CSIC-UAM), c/ Nicolas Cabrera 1, Universidad Autónoma, 28049 Madrid, Spain
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Koe CT, Tan YS, Lönnfors M, Hur SK, Low CSL, Zhang Y, Kanchanawong P, Bankaitis VA, Wang H. Vibrator and PI4KIIIα govern neuroblast polarity by anchoring non-muscle myosin II. eLife 2018; 7:33555. [PMID: 29482721 PMCID: PMC5828666 DOI: 10.7554/elife.33555] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/14/2017] [Accepted: 01/26/2018] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
A central feature of most stem cells is the ability to self-renew and undergo differentiation via asymmetric division. However, during asymmetric division the role of phosphatidylinositol (PI) lipids and their regulators is not well established. Here, we show that the sole type I PI transfer protein, Vibrator, controls asymmetric division of Drosophilaneural stem cells (NSCs) by physically anchoring myosin II regulatory light chain, Sqh, to the NSC cortex. Depletion of vib or disruption of its lipid binding and transfer activities disrupts NSC polarity. We propose that Vib stimulates PI4KIIIα to promote synthesis of a plasma membrane pool of phosphatidylinositol 4-phosphate [PI(4)P] that, in turn, binds and anchors myosin to the NSC cortex. Remarkably, Sqh also binds to PI(4)P in vitro and both Vib and Sqh mediate plasma membrane localization of PI(4)P in NSCs. Thus, reciprocal regulation between Myosin and PI(4)P likely governs asymmetric division of NSCs. Stem cells are cells that can both make copies of themselves and make new cells of various types. They can either divide symmetrically to produce two identical new cells, or they can divide asymmetrically to produce two different cells. Asymmetric division happens because the two new cells contain different molecules. Stem cells drive asymmetric division by moving key molecules to one end of the cell before they divide. Asymmetric division is key to how neural stem cells produce new brain cells. Many studies have used the developing brain of the fruit fly Drosophila melanogaster to understand this process. Errors in asymmetric division can lead to too many stem cells or not enough brain cells. This can contribute to brain tumors and other neurological disorders. Fat molecules called phosphatidylinositol lipids are some of chemicals that cause asymmetry in neural stem cells. Yet, it is not clear how these lipid molecules affect cell behavior to turn stem cells into brain cells. The production of phosphatidylinositol lipids involves proteins called Vibrator and PI4KIIIα. Koe et al. examined the role of these two proteins in asymmetric cell division of neural stem cells in fruit flies. The results show that Vibrator activates PI4KIIIα, which leads to high levels of a phosphatidylinositol lipid called PI(4)P within the cell. These lipids act as an anchor for a group of proteins called myosin, part of the machinery that physically divides the cell. Hence, myosin and phosphatidylinositol lipids together control asymmetric division of neural stem cells. Further experiments used mouse proteins to compensate for defects in the equivalent fly proteins. The results suggest that the same mechanisms are likely to hold true in mammalian brains, although this still needs to be proven. Nevertheless, given that human equivalents of Vibrator and PI4KIIIα are associated with neurodegenerative disorders, schizophrenia or cancers, these new findings are likely to help scientists better to understand several human diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chwee Tat Koe
- Neuroscience and Behavioral Disorders Programme, Duke-NUS Medical School, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Ye Sing Tan
- Neuroscience and Behavioral Disorders Programme, Duke-NUS Medical School, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Max Lönnfors
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Medicine, Texas A&M University Health Science Center, College Station, United States
| | - Seong Kwon Hur
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Medicine, Texas A&M University Health Science Center, College Station, United States
| | | | - Yingjie Zhang
- Neuroscience and Behavioral Disorders Programme, Duke-NUS Medical School, Singapore, Singapore.,NUS Graduate School for Integrative Sciences and Engineering, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Pakorn Kanchanawong
- Mechanobiology Institute, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore.,Department of Biomedical Engineering, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Vytas A Bankaitis
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Medicine, Texas A&M University Health Science Center, College Station, United States
| | - Hongyan Wang
- Neuroscience and Behavioral Disorders Programme, Duke-NUS Medical School, Singapore, Singapore.,NUS Graduate School for Integrative Sciences and Engineering, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore.,Department of Physiology, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore
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14
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Protein Phosphatase 2A in the Regulation of Wnt Signaling, Stem Cells, and Cancer. Genes (Basel) 2018; 9:genes9030121. [PMID: 29495399 PMCID: PMC5867842 DOI: 10.3390/genes9030121] [Citation(s) in RCA: 45] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/18/2018] [Revised: 02/16/2018] [Accepted: 02/21/2018] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Protein phosphorylation is a ubiquitous cellular process that allows for the nuanced and reversible regulation of protein activity. Protein phosphatase 2A (PP2A) is a heterotrimeric serine-threonine phosphatase—composed of a structural, regulatory, and catalytic subunit—that controls a variety of cellular events via protein dephosphorylation. While much is known about PP2A and its basic biochemistry, the diversity of its components—especially the multitude of regulatory subunits—has impeded the determination of PP2A function. As a consequence of this complexity, PP2A has been shown to both positively and negatively regulate signaling networks such as the Wnt pathway. Wnt signaling modulates major developmental processes, and is a dominant mediator of stem cell self-renewal, cell fate, and cancer stem cells. Because PP2A affects Wnt signaling both positively and negatively and at multiple levels, further understanding of this complex dynamic may ultimately provide insight into stem cell biology and how to better treat cancers that result from alterations in Wnt signaling. This review will summarize literature that implicates PP2A as a tumor suppressor, explore PP2A mutations identified in human malignancy, and focus on PP2A in the regulation of Wnt signaling and stem cells so as to better understand how aberrancy in this pathway can contribute to tumorigenesis.
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15
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Neisch AL, Neufeld TP, Hays TS. A STRIPAK complex mediates axonal transport of autophagosomes and dense core vesicles through PP2A regulation. J Cell Biol 2017; 216:441-461. [PMID: 28100687 PMCID: PMC5294782 DOI: 10.1083/jcb.201606082] [Citation(s) in RCA: 62] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/17/2016] [Revised: 11/09/2016] [Accepted: 12/27/2016] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Autophagy plays an essential role in the cellular homeostasis of neurons, facilitating the clearance of cellular debris. This clearance process is orchestrated through the assembly, transport, and fusion of autophagosomes with lysosomes for degradation. The motor protein dynein drives autophagosome motility from distal sites of assembly to sites of lysosomal fusion. In this study, we identify the scaffold protein CKA (connector of kinase to AP-1) as essential for autophagosome transport in neurons. Together with other core components of the striatin-interacting phosphatase and kinase (STRIPAK) complex, we show that CKA associates with dynein and directly binds Atg8a, an autophagosomal protein. CKA is a regulatory subunit of PP2A, a component of the STRIPAK complex. We propose that the STRIPAK complex modulates dynein activity. Consistent with this hypothesis, we provide evidence that CKA facilitates axonal transport of dense core vesicles and autophagosomes in a PP2A-dependent fashion. In addition, CKA-deficient flies exhibit PP2A-dependent motor coordination defects. CKA function within the STRIPAK complex is crucial to prevent transport defects that may contribute to neurodegeneration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amanda L Neisch
- Department of Genetics, Cell Biology, and Development, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN 55455
| | - Thomas P Neufeld
- Department of Genetics, Cell Biology, and Development, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN 55455
| | - Thomas S Hays
- Department of Genetics, Cell Biology, and Development, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN 55455
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16
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Luo Y, Ran J, Xie S, Yang Y, Chen J, Li S, Shui W, Li D, Liu M, Zhou J. ASK1 controls spindle orientation and positioning by phosphorylating EB1 and stabilizing astral microtubules. Cell Discov 2016; 2:16033. [PMID: 27721984 PMCID: PMC5048754 DOI: 10.1038/celldisc.2016.33] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/06/2016] [Accepted: 08/04/2016] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Orientation and positioning of the mitotic spindle are involved in dictating cell division axis and cleavage site, and play important roles in cell fate determination and tissue morphogenesis. However, how spindle movement is controlled to achieve a defined alignment within the dividing cell is not fully understood. Here, we describe an unexpected role for apoptosis signal-regulating kinase 1 (ASK1) in regulating spindle behavior. We find that ASK1 is required for proper mitotic progression and daughter cell adhesion to the substratum. ASK1 interacts with end-binding protein 1 (EB1) and phosphorylates EB1 at serine 40, threonine 154 and threonine 206, enhancing its binding to the plus ends of astral microtubules. Consequently, astral microtubules are stabilized and therefore capable of mediating spindle interaction with the cell cortex, a requirement for spindle movement. These findings reveal a previously undiscovered function of ASK1 in cell division by regulating spindle orientation and positioning, and point to the importance of protein phosphorylation in the regulation of spindle behavior.
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Affiliation(s)
- Youguang Luo
- Institute of Biomedical Sciences, College of Life Sciences, Key Laboratory of Animal Resistance Biology of Shandong Province, Key Laboratory of Molecular and Nano Probes of the Ministry of Education, Shandong Normal University, Jinan, China; State Key Laboratory of Medicinal Chemical Biology, Key Laboratory of Protein Science of Tianjin, Key Laboratory of Bioactive Materials of the Ministry of Education, Department of Genetics and Cell Biology, College of Life Sciences, Nankai University, Tianjin, China
| | - Jie Ran
- Institute of Biomedical Sciences, College of Life Sciences, Key Laboratory of Animal Resistance Biology of Shandong Province, Key Laboratory of Molecular and Nano Probes of the Ministry of Education, Shandong Normal University , Jinan, China
| | - Songbo Xie
- Institute of Biomedical Sciences, College of Life Sciences, Key Laboratory of Animal Resistance Biology of Shandong Province, Key Laboratory of Molecular and Nano Probes of the Ministry of Education, Shandong Normal University , Jinan, China
| | - Yunfan Yang
- State Key Laboratory of Medicinal Chemical Biology, Key Laboratory of Protein Science of Tianjin, Key Laboratory of Bioactive Materials of the Ministry of Education, Department of Genetics and Cell Biology, College of Life Sciences, Nankai University , Tianjin, China
| | - Jie Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Medicinal Chemical Biology, Key Laboratory of Protein Science of Tianjin, Key Laboratory of Bioactive Materials of the Ministry of Education, Department of Genetics and Cell Biology, College of Life Sciences, Nankai University , Tianjin, China
| | - Shanshan Li
- State Key Laboratory of Medicinal Chemical Biology, Key Laboratory of Protein Science of Tianjin, Key Laboratory of Bioactive Materials of the Ministry of Education, Department of Genetics and Cell Biology, College of Life Sciences, Nankai University , Tianjin, China
| | - Wenqing Shui
- State Key Laboratory of Medicinal Chemical Biology, Key Laboratory of Protein Science of Tianjin, Key Laboratory of Bioactive Materials of the Ministry of Education, Department of Genetics and Cell Biology, College of Life Sciences, Nankai University , Tianjin, China
| | - Dengwen Li
- State Key Laboratory of Medicinal Chemical Biology, Key Laboratory of Protein Science of Tianjin, Key Laboratory of Bioactive Materials of the Ministry of Education, Department of Genetics and Cell Biology, College of Life Sciences, Nankai University , Tianjin, China
| | - Min Liu
- Institute of Biomedical Sciences, College of Life Sciences, Key Laboratory of Animal Resistance Biology of Shandong Province, Key Laboratory of Molecular and Nano Probes of the Ministry of Education, Shandong Normal University , Jinan, China
| | - Jun Zhou
- Institute of Biomedical Sciences, College of Life Sciences, Key Laboratory of Animal Resistance Biology of Shandong Province, Key Laboratory of Molecular and Nano Probes of the Ministry of Education, Shandong Normal University, Jinan, China; State Key Laboratory of Medicinal Chemical Biology, Key Laboratory of Protein Science of Tianjin, Key Laboratory of Bioactive Materials of the Ministry of Education, Department of Genetics and Cell Biology, College of Life Sciences, Nankai University, Tianjin, China
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17
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Chen K, Koe CT, Xing ZB, Tian X, Rossi F, Wang C, Tang Q, Zong W, Hong WJ, Taneja R, Yu F, Gonzalez C, Wu C, Endow S, Wang H. Arl2- and Msps-dependent microtubule growth governs asymmetric division. J Cell Biol 2016; 212:661-76. [PMID: 26953351 PMCID: PMC4792071 DOI: 10.1083/jcb.201503047] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/10/2015] [Accepted: 02/10/2016] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Drosophila Arl2 governs neuroblast asymmetric cell division through regulation of microtubule growth and localization of Msps to centrosomes. Asymmetric division of neural stem cells is a fundamental strategy to balance their self-renewal and differentiation. It is long thought that microtubules are not essential for cell polarity in asymmetrically dividing Drosophila melanogaster neuroblasts (NBs; neural stem cells). Here, we show that Drosophila ADP ribosylation factor like-2 (Arl2) and Msps, a known microtubule-binding protein, control cell polarity and spindle orientation of NBs. Upon arl2 RNA intereference, Arl2-GDP expression, or arl2 deletions, microtubule abnormalities and asymmetric division defects were observed. Conversely, overactivation of Arl2 leads to microtubule overgrowth and depletion of NBs. Arl2 regulates microtubule growth and asymmetric division through localizing Msps to the centrosomes in NBs. Moreover, Arl2 regulates dynein function and in turn centrosomal localization of D-TACC and Msps. Arl2 physically associates with tubulin cofactors C, D, and E. Arl2 functions together with tubulin-binding cofactor D to control microtubule growth, Msps localization, and NB self-renewal. Therefore, Arl2- and Msps-dependent microtubule growth is a new paradigm regulating asymmetric division of neural stem cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Keng Chen
- Neuroscience and Behavioral Disorders Program, Duke-National University of Singapore Graduate Medical School, Singapore 169857 National University of Singapore Graduate School for Integrative Sciences and Engineering, National University of Singapore, Singapore 117456
| | - Chwee Tat Koe
- Neuroscience and Behavioral Disorders Program, Duke-National University of Singapore Graduate Medical School, Singapore 169857 National University of Singapore Graduate School for Integrative Sciences and Engineering, National University of Singapore, Singapore 117456
| | - Zhanyuan Benny Xing
- Department of Cell Biology, Duke University, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC 27710
| | - Xiaolin Tian
- Neuroscience Center of Excellence, Department of Cell Biology and Anatomy, Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center, New Orleans, LA 70112
| | - Fabrizio Rossi
- Institute for Research in Biomedicine Barcelona, 08028 Barcelona, Spain
| | - Cheng Wang
- Neuroscience and Behavioral Disorders Program, Duke-National University of Singapore Graduate Medical School, Singapore 169857
| | - Quan Tang
- Temasek Life Sciences Laboratory, National University of Singapore, Singapore 117604 Department of Biological Sciences, National University of Singapore, Singapore 117604
| | - Wenhui Zong
- Temasek Life Sciences Laboratory, National University of Singapore, Singapore 117604 Department of Biological Sciences, National University of Singapore, Singapore 117604
| | - Wan Jin Hong
- Institute of Molecular and Cell Biology, Singapore 138673
| | - Reshma Taneja
- National University of Singapore Graduate School for Integrative Sciences and Engineering, National University of Singapore, Singapore 117456 Department of Physiology, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore 117597
| | - Fengwei Yu
- Neuroscience and Behavioral Disorders Program, Duke-National University of Singapore Graduate Medical School, Singapore 169857 National University of Singapore Graduate School for Integrative Sciences and Engineering, National University of Singapore, Singapore 117456 Temasek Life Sciences Laboratory, National University of Singapore, Singapore 117604 Department of Biological Sciences, National University of Singapore, Singapore 117604
| | - Cayetano Gonzalez
- Institute for Research in Biomedicine Barcelona, 08028 Barcelona, Spain Institució Catalana de Recerca i Estudis Avançats, 08010 Barcelona, Spain
| | - Chunlai Wu
- Neuroscience Center of Excellence, Department of Cell Biology and Anatomy, Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center, New Orleans, LA 70112
| | - Sharyn Endow
- Neuroscience and Behavioral Disorders Program, Duke-National University of Singapore Graduate Medical School, Singapore 169857 Department of Cell Biology, Duke University, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC 27710
| | - Hongyan Wang
- Neuroscience and Behavioral Disorders Program, Duke-National University of Singapore Graduate Medical School, Singapore 169857 National University of Singapore Graduate School for Integrative Sciences and Engineering, National University of Singapore, Singapore 117456 Department of Physiology, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore 117597
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18
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Sun D, Buttitta L. Protein phosphatase 2A promotes the transition to G0 during terminal differentiation in Drosophila. Development 2015; 142:3033-45. [PMID: 26253406 DOI: 10.1242/dev.120824] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/08/2014] [Accepted: 07/28/2015] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
Protein phosphatase type 2A complex (PP2A) has been known as a tumor suppressor for over two decades, but it remains unclear exactly how it suppresses tumor growth. Here, we provide data indicating a novel role for PP2A in promoting the transition to quiescence upon terminal differentiation in vivo. Using Drosophila eyes and wings as a model, we find that compromising PP2A activity during the final cell cycle prior to a developmentally controlled cell cycle exit leads to extra cell divisions and delays entry into quiescence. By systematically testing the regulatory subunits of Drosophila PP2A, we find that the B56 family member widerborst (wdb) is required for the role of PP2A in promoting the transition to quiescence. Cells in differentiating tissues with compromised PP2A retain high Cdk2 activity when they should be quiescent, and genetic epistasis tests demonstrate that ectopic Cyclin E/Cdk2 activity is responsible for the extra cell cycles caused by PP2A inhibition. The loss of wdb/PP2A function cooperates with aberrantly high Cyclin E protein levels, allowing cells to bypass a robust G0 late in development. This provides an example of how loss of PP2A can cooperate with oncogenic mutations in cancer. We propose that the PP2A complex plays a novel role in differentiating tissues to promote developmentally controlled quiescence through the regulation of Cyclin E/Cdk2 activity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dan Sun
- University of Michigan, Department of Molecular, Cellular and Developmental Biology, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA
| | - Laura Buttitta
- University of Michigan, Department of Molecular, Cellular and Developmental Biology, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA
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19
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Genome-wide RNAi screen identifies networks involved in intestinal stem cell regulation in Drosophila. Cell Rep 2015; 10:1226-38. [PMID: 25704823 DOI: 10.1016/j.celrep.2015.01.051] [Citation(s) in RCA: 81] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/03/2014] [Revised: 11/06/2014] [Accepted: 01/16/2015] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
The intestinal epithelium is the most rapidly self-renewing tissue in adult animals and maintained by intestinal stem cells (ISCs) in both Drosophila and mammals. To comprehensively identify genes and pathways that regulate ISC fates, we performed a genome-wide transgenic RNAi screen in adult Drosophila intestine and identified 405 genes that regulate ISC maintenance and lineage-specific differentiation. By integrating these genes into publicly available interaction databases, we further developed functional networks that regulate ISC self-renewal, ISC proliferation, ISC maintenance of diploid status, ISC survival, ISC-to-enterocyte (EC) lineage differentiation, and ISC-to-enteroendocrine (EE) lineage differentiation. By comparing regulators among ISCs, female germline stem cells, and neural stem cells, we found that factors related to basic stem cell cellular processes are commonly required in all stem cells, and stem-cell-specific, niche-related signals are required only in the unique stem cell type. Our findings provide valuable insights into stem cell maintenance and lineage-specific differentiation.
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20
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Zhang F, Huang ZX, Bao H, Cong F, Wang H, Chai PC, Xi Y, Ge W, Somers WG, Yang Y, Cai Y, Yang X. Phosphotyrosyl phosphatase activator facilitates Miranda localization through dephosphorylation in dividing neuroblasts. Development 2015. [DOI: 10.1242/dev.127233] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 08/30/2023]
Abstract
The mechanism for the basal targeting of the Miranda (Mira) complex during the asymmetric division of Drosophila neuroblasts (NBs) is yet to be fully understood. We have identified conserved Phosphotyrosyl Phosphatase Activator (PTPA) as a novel mediator for the basal localization of the Mira complex in larval brain NBs. In ptpa NBs, Mira remains cytoplasmic during early mitosis where its basal localization is delayed until anaphase. Detailed analyses indicate that PTPA acts independently of, and prior to, aPKC activity to localize Mira. Mechanistically, our data show that the phosphorylation status of the Thr591 (T591) residue determines the subcellular localization of Mira and that PTPA facilitates the dephosphorylation of T591. Furthermore, PTPA associates with the Protein Phosphatase 4 complex to mediate Mira localization. Based on these results, a two-step process for Mira basal localization during NB division is revealed where PTPA/PP4-mediated cortical association followed by apical aPKC-mediated basal restriction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fan Zhang
- College of Life Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Zhen-Xing Huang
- Institute of Molecular and Cell Biology, ASTAR, Singapore
- Temasek Life Sciences Laboratory, Singapore
| | - Hongcun Bao
- College of Life Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Fei Cong
- College of Life Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
| | | | | | - Yongmei Xi
- Institute of Genetics, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Zhejiang, China
| | - Wanzhong Ge
- Institute of Genetics, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Zhejiang, China
| | - W. Gregory Somers
- Department of Genetics, La Trobe Institute for Molecular Science (LIMS), La Trobe University, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Ying Yang
- Temasek Life Sciences Laboratory, Singapore
- Department of Biological Sciences, National University of Singapore, Singapore
| | - Yu Cai
- Temasek Life Sciences Laboratory, Singapore
- Department of Biological Sciences, National University of Singapore, Singapore
| | - Xiaohang Yang
- College of Life Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
- Institute of Genetics, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Zhejiang, China
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21
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Drosophila neuroblasts as a new model for the study of stem cell self-renewal and tumour formation. Biosci Rep 2014; 34:BSR20140008. [PMID: 24965943 PMCID: PMC4114065 DOI: 10.1042/bsr20140008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Drosophila larval brain stem cells (neuroblasts) have emerged as an important model for the study of stem cell asymmetric division and the mechanisms underlying the transformation of neural stem cells into tumour-forming cancer stem cells. Each Drosophila neuroblast divides asymmetrically to produce a larger daughter cell that retains neuroblast identity, and a smaller daughter cell that is committed to undergo differentiation. Neuroblast self-renewal and differentiation are tightly controlled by a set of intrinsic factors that regulate ACD (asymmetric cell division). Any disruption of these two processes may deleteriously affect the delicate balance between neuroblast self-renewal and progenitor cell fate specification and differentiation, causing neuroblast overgrowth and ultimately lead to tumour formation in the fly. In this review, we discuss the mechanisms underlying Drosophila neural stem cell self-renewal and differentiation. Furthermore, we highlight emerging evidence in support of the notion that defects in ACD in mammalian systems, which may play significant roles in the series of pathogenic events leading to the development of brain cancers.
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22
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Koe CT, Li S, Rossi F, Wong JJL, Wang Y, Zhang Z, Chen K, Aw SS, Richardson HE, Robson P, Sung WK, Yu F, Gonzalez C, Wang H. The Brm-HDAC3-Erm repressor complex suppresses dedifferentiation in Drosophila type II neuroblast lineages. eLife 2014; 3:e01906. [PMID: 24618901 PMCID: PMC3944433 DOI: 10.7554/elife.01906] [Citation(s) in RCA: 48] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
The control of self-renewal and differentiation of neural stem and progenitor cells is a crucial issue in stem cell and cancer biology. Drosophila type II neuroblast lineages are prone to developing impaired neuroblast homeostasis if the limited self-renewing potential of intermediate neural progenitors (INPs) is unrestrained. Here, we demonstrate that Drosophila SWI/SNF chromatin remodeling Brahma (Brm) complex functions cooperatively with another chromatin remodeling factor, Histone deacetylase 3 (HDAC3) to suppress the formation of ectopic type II neuroblasts. We show that multiple components of the Brm complex and HDAC3 physically associate with Earmuff (Erm), a type II-specific transcription factor that prevents dedifferentiation of INPs into neuroblasts. Consistently, the predicted Erm-binding motif is present in most of known binding loci of Brm. Furthermore, brm and hdac3 genetically interact with erm to prevent type II neuroblast overgrowth. Thus, the Brm-HDAC3-Erm repressor complex suppresses dedifferentiation of INPs back into type II neuroblasts. DOI:http://dx.doi.org/10.7554/eLife.01906.001 Stem cells show great promise for repairing damaged tissue, and maybe even generating new organs, but stem cell therapies will only be successful if researchers can understand and control the behaviour of stem cells in the lab. Neural stem cells or ‘neuroblasts’ from the brains of larval fruit flies have become a popular model for studying these processes, and one type of neuroblast—known as a ‘type II’ neuroblast—is similar to mammalian neural stem cells in many ways. When type II neuroblasts divide, they generate another neuroblast and a second cell called an intermediate neural progenitor (INP) cell. This progenitor cell then matures and undergoes a limited number of divisions to generate more INP cells and cells called ganglion mother cells. The process by which stem cells and INP cells become specific types of cells is known as differentiation. However, under certain circumstances, the INP cells can undergo the opposite process, which is called dedifferentiation, and become ‘ectopic neuroblasts’. This can give rise to tumors, so cells must employ a mechanism to prevent dedifferentiation. Researchers have known that a protein specifically expressed in INP cells called Earmuff is involved in this process, but many of the details have remained hidden. Now, Koe et al. have discovered that a multi-protein complex containing Earmuff and a number of other proteins—Brahma and HDAC3—have important roles in preventing dedifferentiation. All three proteins are involved in different aspects of gene expression: Earmuff is a transcription factor that controls the process by which the genes in DNA are transcribed to make molecules of messenger RNA; Brahma and HDAC3 are both involved in a process called chromatin remodeling. The DNA inside cells is packaged into a compact structure known as chromatin, and chromatin remodeling involves partially unpacking this structure so that transcription factors and other proteins can have access to the DNA. Koe et al. also showed that Earmuff, Brahma and HDAC3 combine to form a complex that prevents dedifferentiation. An immediate priority is to identify those genes whose expression is regulated by this complex in order to prevent dedifferentiation. DOI:http://dx.doi.org/10.7554/eLife.01906.002
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Affiliation(s)
- Chwee Tat Koe
- Neuroscience and Behavioral Disorders Program, Duke-NUS Graduate Medical School Singapore, Singapore, Singapore
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23
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Kamarul T. Advances in stem cells technologies and their commercialization potential. Expert Rev Clin Pharmacol 2014; 6:363-5. [DOI: 10.1586/17512433.2013.811804] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/22/2023]
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24
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Lyu J, Kim HR, Yamamoto V, Choi SH, Wei Z, Joo CK, Lu W. Protein phosphatase 4 and Smek complex negatively regulate Par3 and promote neuronal differentiation of neural stem/progenitor cells. Cell Rep 2013; 5:593-600. [PMID: 24209749 PMCID: PMC3855259 DOI: 10.1016/j.celrep.2013.09.034] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/14/2013] [Revised: 08/22/2013] [Accepted: 09/23/2013] [Indexed: 01/24/2023] Open
Abstract
Neural progenitor cells (NPCs) are multipotent cells that can self-renew and differentiate into neurons and glial cells. However, mechanisms that control their fate decisions are poorly understood. Here, we show that Smek1, a regulatory subunit of the serine/threonine protein phosphatase PP4, promotes neuronal differentiation and suppresses the proliferative capacity of NPCs. We identify the cell polarity protein Par3, a negative regulator of neuronal differentiation, as a Smek1 substrate and demonstrate that Smek1 suppresses its activity. We also show that Smek1, which is predominantly nuclear in NPCs, is excluded from the nucleus during mitosis, allowing it to interact with cortical/cytoplasmic Par3 and mediate its dephosphorylation by the catalytic subunit PP4c. These results identify the PP4/Smek1 complex as a key regulator of neurogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jungmook Lyu
- Catholic Institute for Visual Science, Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Science, College of Medicine, The Catholic University of Korea, Seoul, Korea
- The Eli and Edythe Broad Center for Regenerative Medicine and Stem Cell Research, Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Southern California, Keck School of Medicine, Los Angeles, California 90042, USA
| | - Hee-Ryang Kim
- Catholic Institute for Visual Science, Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Science, College of Medicine, The Catholic University of Korea, Seoul, Korea
| | - Vicky Yamamoto
- The Eli and Edythe Broad Center for Regenerative Medicine and Stem Cell Research, Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Southern California, Keck School of Medicine, Los Angeles, California 90042, USA
| | - Si Ho Choi
- The Eli and Edythe Broad Center for Regenerative Medicine and Stem Cell Research, Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Southern California, Keck School of Medicine, Los Angeles, California 90042, USA
| | - Zong Wei
- The Eli and Edythe Broad Center for Regenerative Medicine and Stem Cell Research, Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Southern California, Keck School of Medicine, Los Angeles, California 90042, USA
| | - Choun-Ki Joo
- Catholic Institute for Visual Science, Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Science, College of Medicine, The Catholic University of Korea, Seoul, Korea
| | - Wange Lu
- The Eli and Edythe Broad Center for Regenerative Medicine and Stem Cell Research, Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Southern California, Keck School of Medicine, Los Angeles, California 90042, USA
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25
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Asymmetric cell division of stem and progenitor cells during homeostasis and cancer. Cell Mol Life Sci 2013; 71:575-97. [PMID: 23771628 PMCID: PMC3901929 DOI: 10.1007/s00018-013-1386-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 105] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/29/2013] [Revised: 05/21/2013] [Accepted: 05/24/2013] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Stem and progenitor cells are characterized by their ability to self-renew and produce differentiated progeny. A fine balance between these processes is achieved through controlled asymmetric divisions and is necessary to generate cellular diversity during development and to maintain adult tissue homeostasis. Disruption of this balance may result in premature depletion of the stem/progenitor cell pool, or abnormal growth. In many tissues, including the brain, dysregulated asymmetric divisions are associated with cancer. Whether there is a causal relationship between asymmetric cell division defects and cancer initiation is as yet not known. Here, we review the cellular and molecular mechanisms that regulate asymmetric cell divisions in the neural lineage and discuss the potential connections between this regulatory machinery and cancer.
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26
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Ramasamy S, Narayanan G, Sankaran S, Yu YH, Ahmed S. Neural stem cell survival factors. Arch Biochem Biophys 2013; 534:71-87. [PMID: 23470250 DOI: 10.1016/j.abb.2013.02.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/04/2012] [Revised: 02/06/2013] [Accepted: 02/11/2013] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
Neural stem and progenitor cells (NSCs and NPs) give rise to the central nervous system (CNS) during embryonic development. NSCs and NPs differentiate into three main cell-types of the CNS; astrocytes, oligodendrocytes, and neurons. NSCs are present in the adult CNS and are important in maintenance and repair. Adult NSCs hold great promise for endogenous or self-repair of the CNS. Intriguingly, NSCs have been implicated as the cells that give rise to brain tumors. Thus, the balance between survival, growth and differentiation is a critical aspect of NSC biology, during development, in the adult, and in disease processes. In this review, we survey what is known about survival factors that control both embryonic and adult NSCs. We discuss the neurosphere culture system as this is widely used to measure NSC activity and behavior in vitro and emphasize the importance of clonality. We define here NSC survival factors in their broadest sense to include any factor that influences survival and proliferation of NSCs and NPs. NSC survival factors identified to date include growth factors, morphogens, proteoglycans, cytokines, hormones, and neurotransmitters. Understanding NSC and NP interaction in response to these survival factors will provide insight to CNS development, disease and repair.
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Affiliation(s)
- Srinivas Ramasamy
- Neural Stem Cell Laboratory, Institute of Medical Biology, Singapore
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27
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Hartenstein V, Wodarz A. Initial neurogenesis in Drosophila. WILEY INTERDISCIPLINARY REVIEWS-DEVELOPMENTAL BIOLOGY 2013; 2:701-21. [PMID: 24014455 DOI: 10.1002/wdev.111] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/10/2022]
Abstract
Early neurogenesis comprises the phase of nervous system development during which neural progenitor cells are born. In early development, the embryonic ectoderm is subdivided by a conserved signaling mechanism into two main domains, the epidermal ectoderm and the neurectoderm. Subsequently, cells of the neurectoderm are internalized and form a cell layer of proliferating neural progenitors. In vertebrates, the entire neurectoderm folds into the embryo to give rise to the neural tube. In Drosophila and many other invertebrates, a subset of neurectodermal cells, called neuroblasts (NBs), delaminates and forms the neural primordium inside the embryo where they divide in an asymmetric, stem cell-like mode. The remainder of the neurectodermal cells that stay behind at the surface loose their neurogenic potential and later give rise to the ventral part of the epidermis. The genetic and molecular analysis of the mechanisms controlling specification and proliferation of NBs in the Drosophila embryo, which played a significant part in pioneering the field of modern developmental neurobiology, represents the topic of this review.
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Affiliation(s)
- Volker Hartenstein
- Department of Molecular, Cell and Developmental Biology, University of California, Los Angeles, CA, USA
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28
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Sousa-Nunes R, Somers WG. Mechanisms of asymmetric progenitor divisions in the Drosophila central nervous system. ADVANCES IN EXPERIMENTAL MEDICINE AND BIOLOGY 2013; 786:79-102. [PMID: 23696353 DOI: 10.1007/978-94-007-6621-1_6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
The Drosophila central nervous system develops from polarised asymmetric divisions of precursor cells, called neuroblasts. Decades of research on neuroblasts have resulted in a substantial understanding of the factors and molecular events responsible for fate decisions of neuroblasts and their progeny. Furthermore, the cell-cycle dependent mechanisms responsible for asymmetric cortical protein localisation, resulting in the unequal partitioning between daughters, are beginning to be exposed. Disruption to the appropriate partitioning of proteins between neuroblasts and differentiation-committed daughters can lead to supernumerary neuroblast-like cells and the formation of tumours. Many of the factors responsible for regulating asymmetric division of Drosophila neuroblasts are evolutionarily conserved and, in many cases, have been shown to play a functionally conserved role in mammalian neurogenesis. Recent genome-wide studies coupled with advancements in live-imaging technologies have opened further avenues of research into neuroblast biology. We review our current understanding of the molecular mechanisms regulating neuroblast divisions, a powerful system to model mammalian neurogenesis and tumourigenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rita Sousa-Nunes
- MRC Centre for Developmental Neurobiology, King's College London, New Hunt's House, London, SE1 1UL, UK.
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29
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Abstract
Glioma is a heterogeneous disease process with differential histology and treatment response. It was previously thought that the histological features of glial tumors indicated their cell of origin. However, the discovery of continuous neuro-gliogenesis in the normal adult brain and the identification of brain tumor stem cells within glioma have led to the hypothesis that these brain tumors originate from multipotent neural stem or progenitor cells, which primarily divide asymmetrically during the postnatal period. Asymmetric cell division allows these cell types to concurrently self-renew whilst also producing cells for the differentiation pathway. It has recently been shown that increased symmetrical cell division, favoring the self-renewal pathway, leads to oligodendroglioma formation from oligodendrocyte progenitor cells. In contrast, there is some evidence that asymmetric cell division maintenance in tumor stem-like cells within astrocytoma may lead to acquisition of treatment resistance. Therefore cell division mode in normal brain stem and progenitor cells may play a role in setting tumorigenic potential and the type of tumor formed. Moreover, heterogeneous tumor cell populations and their respective cell division mode may confer differential sensitivity to therapy. This review aims to shed light on the controllers of cell division mode which may be therapeutically targeted to prevent glioma formation and improve treatment response.
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Martin L, Latypova X, Wilson CM, Magnaudeix A, Perrin ML, Terro F. Tau protein phosphatases in Alzheimer's disease: the leading role of PP2A. Ageing Res Rev 2013; 12:39-49. [PMID: 22771380 DOI: 10.1016/j.arr.2012.06.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 160] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/22/2012] [Accepted: 06/28/2012] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
Tau phosphorylation is regulated by a balance between tau kinase and phosphatase activities. Disruption of this equilibrium was suggested to be at the origin of abnormal tau phosphorylation and thereby that might contributes to tau aggregation. Thus, understanding the regulation modes of tau dephosphorylation is of high interest in determining the possible causes at the origin of the formation of tau aggregates and to elaborate protection strategies to cope with these lesions in AD. Among the possible and relatively specific interventions that reverse tau phosphorylation is the stimulation of certain tau phosphatases. Here, we reviewed tau protein phosphatases, their physiological roles and regulation, their involvement in tau phosphorylation and the relevance to AD. We also reviewed the most common compounds acting on each tau phosphatase including PP2A.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ludovic Martin
- Groupe de Neurobiologie Cellulaire, Homéostasie cellulaire et pathologies, Faculté de Médecine, Limoges, France.
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31
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Kelsom C, Lu W. Uncovering the link between malfunctions in Drosophila neuroblast asymmetric cell division and tumorigenesis. Cell Biosci 2012; 2:38. [PMID: 23151376 PMCID: PMC3524031 DOI: 10.1186/2045-3701-2-38] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/02/2012] [Accepted: 11/05/2012] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Asymmetric cell division is a developmental process utilized by several organisms. On the most basic level, an asymmetric division produces two daughter cells, each possessing a different identity or fate. Drosophila melanogaster progenitor cells, referred to as neuroblasts, undergo asymmetric division to produce a daughter neuroblast and another cell known as a ganglion mother cell (GMC). There are several features of asymmetric division in Drosophila that make it a very complex process, and these aspects will be discussed at length. The cell fate determinants that play a role in specifying daughter cell fate, as well as the mechanisms behind setting up cortical polarity within neuroblasts, have proved to be essential to ensuring that neurogenesis occurs properly. The role that mitotic spindle orientation plays in coordinating asymmetric division, as well as how cell cycle regulators influence asymmetric division machinery, will also be addressed. Most significantly, malfunctions during asymmetric cell division have shown to be causally linked with neoplastic growth and tumor formation. Therefore, it is imperative that the developmental repercussions as a result of asymmetric cell division gone awry be understood.
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Affiliation(s)
- Corey Kelsom
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Eli and Edythe Broad Center for Regenerative Medicine and Stem Cell Research, University of Southern California, 1425 San Pablo Street, Los Angeles, CA, 90033, USA.
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32
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Mishra M, Heese K. P60TRP interferes with the GPCR/secretase pathway to mediate neuronal survival and synaptogenesis. J Cell Mol Med 2012; 15:2462-77. [PMID: 21199326 PMCID: PMC3822957 DOI: 10.1111/j.1582-4934.2010.01248.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
In the present study, we show that overexpression of the G-protein-coupled receptor (GPCR)-associated sorting protein p60TRP (transcription regulator protein) in neural stem cells (NSCs) and in a transgenic mouse model modulates the phosphorylation and proteolytic processing of amyloid precursor protein (App), N-cadherin (Cdh2), presenilin (Psen) and τ protein (Mapt). Our results suggest that p60TRP is an inhibitor of Bace1 (β-site App cleaving enzyme) and Psen. We performed several apoptosis assays [Annexin-V, TdT-mediated dUTP Nick-End Labeling (TUNEL), caspase-3/7] using NSCs and PC12 cells (overexpressing p60TRP and knockdown of p60TRP) to substantiate the neuroprotective role of p60TRP. Functional analyses, both in vitro and in vivo, revealed that p60TRP promotes neurosynaptogenesis. Characterization of the cognitive function of p60TRP transgenic mice using the radial arm water maze test demonstrated that p60TRP improved memory and learning abilities. The improved cognitive functions could be attributed to increased synaptic connections and plasticity, which was confirmed by the modulation of the γ-aminobutyric acid receptor system and the elevated expression of microtubule-associated protein 2, synaptophysin and Slc17a7 (vesicle glutamate transporter, Vglut1), as well as by the inhibition of Cdh2 cleavage. In conclusion, interference with the p60TRP/ GPCR/secretase signalling pathway might be a new therapeutic target for the treatment of Alzheimer's disease (AD).
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Affiliation(s)
- Manisha Mishra
- Department of Molecular and Cell Biology, School of Biological Sciences, College of Science, Nanyang Technological University, Singapore
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33
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Chang KC, Wang C, Wang H. Balancing self-renewal and differentiation by asymmetric division: insights from brain tumor suppressors in Drosophila neural stem cells. Bioessays 2012; 34:301-10. [PMID: 22287225 DOI: 10.1002/bies.201100090] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Abstract
Balancing self-renewal and differentiation of stem cells is an important issue in stem cell and cancer biology. Recently, the Drosophila neuroblast (NB), neural stem cell has emerged as an excellent model for stem cell self-renewal and tumorigenesis. It is of great interest to understand how defects in the asymmetric division of neural stem cells lead to tumor formation. Here, we review recent advances in asymmetric division and the self-renewal control of Drosophila NBs. We summarize molecular mechanisms of asymmetric cell division and discuss how the defects in asymmetric division lead to tumor formation. Gain-of-function or loss-of-function of various proteins in the asymmetric machinery can drive NB overgrowth and tumor formation. These proteins control either the asymmetric protein localization or mitotic spindle orientation of NBs. We also discuss other mechanisms of brain tumor suppression that are beyond the control of asymmetric division.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kai Chen Chang
- Neuroscience & Behavioral Disorder Program, Duke-NUS Graduate Medical School Singapore, Singapore, Singapore
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34
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PP2A-twins is antagonized by greatwall and collaborates with polo for cell cycle progression and centrosome attachment to nuclei in drosophila embryos. PLoS Genet 2011; 7:e1002227. [PMID: 21852958 PMCID: PMC3154958 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pgen.1002227] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/08/2011] [Accepted: 05/10/2011] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Cell division and development are regulated by networks of kinases and phosphatases. In early Drosophila embryogenesis, 13 rapid nuclear divisions take place in a syncytium, requiring fine coordination between cell cycle regulators. The Polo kinase is a conserved, crucial regulator of M-phase. We have recently reported an antagonism between Polo and Greatwall (Gwl), another mitotic kinase, in Drosophila embryos. However, the nature of the pathways linking them remained elusive. We have conducted a comprehensive screen for additional genes functioning with polo and gwl. We uncovered a strong interdependence between Polo and Protein Phosphatase 2A (PP2A) with its B-type subunit Twins (Tws). Reducing the maternal contribution of Polo and PP2A-Tws together is embryonic lethal. We found that Polo and PP2A-Tws collaborate to ensure centrosome attachment to nuclei. While a reduction in Polo activity leads to centrosome detachments observable mostly around prophase, a reduction in PP2A-Tws activity leads to centrosome detachments at mitotic exit, and a reduction in both Polo and PP2A-Tws enhances the frequency of detachments at all stages. Moreover, we show that Gwl antagonizes PP2A-Tws function in both meiosis and mitosis. Our study highlights how proper coordination of mitotic entry and exit is required during embryonic cell cycles and defines important roles for Polo and the Gwl-PP2A-Tws pathway in this process. The development and survival of all living organisms relies on the fine regulation of cell division at the molecular level. This coordination depends on kinases and phosphatases, enzymes that catalyze the addition and removal of phosphate groups on specific target proteins. The genes encoding these enzymes have been largely conserved between species during evolution. In a previous paper published in PLoS Genetics, we found an antagonism between the Polo and Greatwall mitotic kinases in the fruit fly model. In this study, we have used fly genetics to identify additional genes that function with polo and greatwall during early embryogenesis. We have found a specific form of the Protein Phosphatase 2A (PP2A-Tws) that collaborates with the Polo kinase at a stage when multiple nuclei rapidly divide in a large, single-cell early embryo. We found that Polo and PP2A-Tws are both required for the proper cohesion between nuclei and the centrosomes, which are essential structures for mitosis and embryonic development. We also found that the Greatwall kinase antagonizes the PP2A-Tws phosphatase to promote mitosis and meiosis. Our genetic study sheds new light on cell cycle regulation and is consistent with recent results from biochemical studies using frog cell extracts.
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35
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Ouyang Y, Petritsch C, Wen H, Jan L, Jan YN, Lu B. Dronc caspase exerts a non-apoptotic function to restrain phospho-Numb-induced ectopic neuroblast formation in Drosophila. Development 2011; 138:2185-96. [PMID: 21558368 DOI: 10.1242/dev.058347] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
Abstract
Drosophila neuroblasts have served as a model to understand how the balance of stem cell self-renewal versus differentiation is achieved. Drosophila Numb protein regulates this process through its preferential segregation into the differentiating daughter cell. How Numb restricts the proliferation and self-renewal potentials of the recipient cell remains enigmatic. Here, we show that phosphorylation at conserved sites regulates the tumor suppressor activity of Numb. Enforced expression of a phospho-mimetic form of Numb (Numb-TS4D) or genetic manipulation that boosts phospho-Numb levels, attenuates endogenous Numb activity and causes ectopic neuroblast formation (ENF). This effect on neuroblast homeostasis occurs only in the type II neuroblast lineage. We identify Dronc caspase as a novel binding partner of Numb, and demonstrate that overexpression of Dronc suppresses the effects of Numb-TS4D in a non-apoptotic and possibly non-catalytic manner. Reduction of Dronc activity facilitates ENF induced by phospho-Numb. Our findings uncover a molecular mechanism that regulates Numb activity and suggest a novel role for Dronc caspase in regulating neural stem cell homeostasis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yingshi Ouyang
- Department of Pathology, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA 94305, USA
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36
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Sousa-Nunes R, Somers WG. Phosphorylation and dephosphorylation events allow for rapid segregation of fate determinants during Drosophila neuroblast asymmetric divisions. Commun Integr Biol 2011; 3:46-9. [PMID: 20539782 DOI: 10.4161/cib.3.1.9635] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/24/2009] [Accepted: 07/24/2009] [Indexed: 01/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Drosophila neuroblasts display remarkable asymmetry throughout mitosis. The most prominent asymmetry is the size difference between daughter cells at cytokinesis. The larger cell retains stem cell identity, i.e., remains a neuroblast while the smaller cell, called a ganglion mother cell (GMC), will generate differentiated neural and glial progeny. Preceding this size difference, several protein complexes localize to opposite sides of the neuroblast cortex (apical and basal in the embryo and, by analogy, referred to as such in larval neuroblasts although their asymmetry no longer correlates with such axis). The plane of division is coordinated with this molecular asymmetry such that apical and basal complexes are unequally partitioned between the two daughter cells: apical complexes are inherited by the self-renewing neuroblast while basal complexes are inherited by the GMC. This unequal segregation has been extensively shown to be functionally significant. Apical complexes contain factors required for cellular selfrenewal and basal complexes contain factors required for the differentiation of the GMC progeny. Curiously, however, some "basal" neuroblast proteins such as the scaffold protein Miranda (Mira) and its associated fate determinant Prospero (Pros), are initially apically localized prior to translocating to the opposite side of the cell cortex by the onset of mitosis. This is because mira mRNA is apically enriched, where it remains throughout the cell cycle, suggesting that Mira protein is translated within the apical environment.1,2 The transition from apical to basal enrichment of Mira and Pros takes place within minutes.2 Here, we summarize the known phosphorylation events and roles during neuroblast asymmetric divisions, as well as very recent work, including our own, identifying the first protein phosphatases implicated in this process. We then discuss models previously proposed, as well as a new model, for apical-to-basal transition of the Mira complex in light of our new results.
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El-Hashash AHK, Turcatel G, Al Alam D, Buckley S, Tokumitsu H, Bellusci S, Warburton D. Eya1 controls cell polarity, spindle orientation, cell fate and Notch signaling in distal embryonic lung epithelium. Development 2011; 138:1395-407. [PMID: 21385765 DOI: 10.1242/dev.058479] [Citation(s) in RCA: 43] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
Cell polarity, mitotic spindle orientation and asymmetric division play a crucial role in the self-renewal/differentiation of epithelial cells, yet little is known about these processes and the molecular programs that control them in embryonic lung distal epithelium. Herein, we provide the first evidence that embryonic lung distal epithelium is polarized with characteristic perpendicular cell divisions. Consistent with these findings, spindle orientation-regulatory proteins Insc, LGN (Gpsm2) and NuMA, and the cell fate determinant Numb are asymmetrically localized in embryonic lung distal epithelium. Interfering with the function of these proteins in vitro randomizes spindle orientation and changes cell fate. We further show that Eya1 protein regulates cell polarity, spindle orientation and the localization of Numb, which inhibits Notch signaling. Hence, Eya1 promotes both perpendicular division as well as Numb asymmetric segregation to one daughter in mitotic distal lung epithelium, probably by controlling aPKCζ phosphorylation. Thus, epithelial cell polarity and mitotic spindle orientation are defective after interfering with Eya1 function in vivo or in vitro. In addition, in Eya1(-/-) lungs, perpendicular division is not maintained and Numb is segregated to both daughter cells in mitotic epithelial cells, leading to inactivation of Notch signaling. As Notch signaling promotes progenitor cell identity at the expense of differentiated cell phenotypes, we test whether genetic activation of Notch could rescue the Eya1(-/-) lung phenotype, which is characterized by loss of epithelial progenitors, increased epithelial differentiation but reduced branching. Indeed, genetic activation of Notch partially rescues Eya1(-/-) lung epithelial defects. These findings uncover novel functions for Eya1 as a crucial regulator of the complex behavior of distal embryonic lung epithelium.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ahmed H K El-Hashash
- Developmental Biology and Regenerative Medicine Program, Saban Research Institute, Childrens Hospital Los Angeles, Keck School of Medicine of University of Southern California, 4661 Sunset Boulevard, Los Angeles, CA 90027, USA.
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38
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Pece S, Confalonieri S, R Romano P, Di Fiore PP. NUMB-ing down cancer by more than just a NOTCH. BIOCHIMICA ET BIOPHYSICA ACTA 2011; 1815:26-43. [PMID: 20940030 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbcan.2010.10.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 87] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/09/2010] [Revised: 09/30/2010] [Accepted: 10/02/2010] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
The protein Numb does not live up to its name. This passive-sounding protein is anything but spent. Originally identified as a cell-fate determinant in Drosophila development, Numb received a good deal of attention as an inhibitor of the Notch receptor signaling pathway. It turns out, however, that Numb does a lot more than simply regulate Notch. It has been implicated in a variety of biochemical pathways connected with signaling (it regulates Notch-, Hedgehog- and TP53-activated pathways), endocytosis (it is involved in cargo internalization and recycling), determination of polarity (it interacts with the PAR complex, and regulates adherens and tight junctions), and ubiquitination (it exploits this mechanism to regulate protein function and stability). This complex biochemical network lies at the heart of Numb's involvement in diverse cellular phenotypes, including cell fate developmental decisions, maintenance of stem cell compartments, regulation of cell polarity and adhesion, and migration. Considering its multifaceted role in cellular homeostasis, it is not surprising that Numb has been implicated in cancer as a tumor suppressor. Our major goal here is to explain the cancer-related role of Numb based on our understanding of its role in cell physiology. We will attempt to do this by reviewing the present knowledge of Numb at the biochemical and functional level, and by integrating its apparently heterogeneous functions into a unifying scenario, based on our recently proposed concept of the "endocytic matrix". Finally, we will discuss the role of Numb in the maintenance of the normal stem cell compartment, as a starting point to interpret the tumor suppressor function of Numb in the context of the cancer stem cell hypothesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Salvatore Pece
- Fondazione Istituto FIRC di Oncologia Molecolare, Via Adamello 16, 20139, Milan, Italy
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39
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Chang KC, Garcia-Alvarez G, Somers G, Sousa-Nunes R, Rossi F, Lee YY, Soon SB, Gonzalez C, Chia W, Wang H. Interplay between the transcription factor Zif and aPKC regulates neuroblast polarity and self-renewal. Dev Cell 2010; 19:778-85. [PMID: 21074726 DOI: 10.1016/j.devcel.2010.10.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/06/2010] [Revised: 08/17/2010] [Accepted: 09/14/2010] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
How a cell decides to self-renew or differentiate is a critical issue in stem cell and cancer biology. Atypical protein kinase C (aPKC) promotes self-renewal of Drosophila larval brain neural stem cells, neuroblasts. However, it is unclear how aPKC cortical polarity and protein levels are regulated. Here, we have identified a zinc-finger protein, Zif, which is required for the expression and asymmetric localization of aPKC. aPKC displays ectopic cortical localization with upregulated protein levels in dividing zif mutant neuroblasts, leading to neuroblast overproliferation. We show that Zif is a transcription factor that directly represses aPKC transcription. We further show that Zif is phosphorylated by aPKC both in vitro and in vivo. Phosphorylation of Zif by aPKC excludes it from the nucleus, leading to Zif inactivation in neuroblasts. Thus, reciprocal repression between Zif and aPKC act as a critical regulatory mechanism for establishing cell polarity and controlling neuroblast self-renewal.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kai Chen Chang
- Temasek Life Sciences Laboratory, 1 Research Link, Singapore 117604
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40
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Lin S, Lai SL, Yu HH, Chihara T, Luo L, Lee T. Lineage-specific effects of Notch/Numb signaling in post-embryonic development of the Drosophila brain. Development 2010; 137:43-51. [PMID: 20023159 DOI: 10.1242/dev.041699] [Citation(s) in RCA: 59] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
Numb can antagonize Notch signaling to diversify the fates of sister cells. We report here that paired sister cells acquire different fates in all three Drosophila neuronal lineages that make diverse types of antennal lobe projection neurons (PNs). Only one in each pair of postmitotic neurons survives into the adult stage in both anterodorsal (ad) and ventral (v) PN lineages. Notably, Notch signaling specifies the PN fate in the vPN lineage but promotes programmed cell death in the missing siblings in the adPN lineage. In addition, Notch/Numb-mediated binary sibling fates underlie the production of PNs and local interneurons from common precursors in the lAL lineage. Furthermore, Numb is needed in the lateral but not adPN or vPN lineages to prevent the appearance of ectopic neuroblasts and to ensure proper self-renewal of neural progenitors. These lineage-specific outputs of Notch/Numb signaling show that a universal mechanism of binary fate decision can be utilized to govern diverse neural sibling differentiations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Suewei Lin
- Department of Neurobiology, University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester, MA 01605, USA
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41
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Warburton D, El-Hashash A, Carraro G, Tiozzo C, Sala F, Rogers O, De Langhe S, Kemp PJ, Riccardi D, Torday J, Bellusci S, Shi W, Lubkin SR, Jesudason E. Lung organogenesis. Curr Top Dev Biol 2010; 90:73-158. [PMID: 20691848 DOI: 10.1016/s0070-2153(10)90003-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 290] [Impact Index Per Article: 20.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Developmental lung biology is a field that has the potential for significant human impact: lung disease at the extremes of age continues to cause major morbidity and mortality worldwide. Understanding how the lung develops holds the promise that investigators can use this knowledge to aid lung repair and regeneration. In the decade since the "molecular embryology" of the lung was first comprehensively reviewed, new challenges have emerged-and it is on these that we focus the current review. Firstly, there is a critical need to understand the progenitor cell biology of the lung in order to exploit the potential of stem cells for the treatment of lung disease. Secondly, the current familiar descriptions of lung morphogenesis governed by growth and transcription factors need to be elaborated upon with the reinclusion and reconsideration of other factors, such as mechanics, in lung growth. Thirdly, efforts to parse the finer detail of lung bud signaling may need to be combined with broader consideration of overarching mechanisms that may be therapeutically easier to target: in this arena, we advance the proposal that looking at the lung in general (and branching in particular) in terms of clocks may yield unexpected benefits.
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Affiliation(s)
- David Warburton
- The Saban Research Institute, Childrens Hospital Los Angeles, Los Angeles, California, USA
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Neumüller RA, Knoblich JA. Dividing cellular asymmetry: asymmetric cell division and its implications for stem cells and cancer. Genes Dev 2009; 23:2675-99. [PMID: 19952104 DOI: 10.1101/gad.1850809] [Citation(s) in RCA: 297] [Impact Index Per Article: 19.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Cell division is commonly thought to involve the equal distribution of cellular components into the two daughter cells. During many cell divisions, however, proteins, membrane compartments, organelles, or even DNA are asymmetrically distributed between the two daughter cells. Here, we review the various types of asymmetries that have been described in yeast and in animal cells. Asymmetric segregation of protein determinants is particularly relevant for stem cell biology. We summarize the relevance of asymmetric cell divisions in various stem cell systems and discuss why defects in asymmetric cell division can lead to the formation of tumors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ralph A Neumüller
- Institute of Molecular Biotechnology of the Austrian Academy of Sciences (IMBA), 1030 Vienna, Austria
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Kadoyama K, Funakoshi H, Ohya-Shimada W, Nakamura T, Matsumoto K, Matsuyama S, Nakamura T. Disease-dependent reciprocal phosphorylation of serine and tyrosine residues of c-Met/HGF receptor contributes disease retardation of a transgenic mouse model of ALS. Neurosci Res 2009; 65:194-200. [PMID: 19595710 DOI: 10.1016/j.neures.2009.06.016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/19/2009] [Revised: 06/30/2009] [Accepted: 06/30/2009] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a fatal disease characterized by progressive degeneration of motoneurons. We have demonstrated that hepatocyte growth factor (HGF) attenuates loss of both spinal and brainstem motoneurons of ALS model mice expressing mutated human SOD1(G93A) (G93A). This study was designed to assess disease-dependent regulatory mechanisms of c-Met/HGF receptor (c-Met) activation in the facial motoneurons of G93A mice. Using double transgenic mice expressing HGF and mutated SOD1(G93A) (G93A/HGF), we showed that phosphorylation of c-Met tyrosine residues at positions 1230, 1234 and 1235 (phospho-Tyr), and thereby its activation, was slightly evident in G93A and highly obvious in G93A/HGF mice (but absent in WT and HGF-Tg mice). Phosphorylation of the c-Met serine residue at position 985 (phospho-Ser), a residue involved in the negative regulation of its activation, was evident in WT and HGF-Tg mice. Protein phosphatase 2A (PP2A), which is capable of dephosphorylating c-Met phospho-serine, is upregulated in the facial motoneurons of G93A and G93A/HGF mice compared with WT and HGF-Tg mice. Thus, c-Met activation is reciprocally regulated by phosphorylation between c-Met serine and tyrosine residues through PP2A induction in the presence or absence of mutant SOD1 expression, and HGF functions more efficiently in ALS and ALS-related diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Keiichi Kadoyama
- Division of Molecular Regenerative Medicine, Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Osaka University Graduate School of Medicine, Osaka 565-0871, Japan
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