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Sandhu A, Lyu X, Wan X, Meng X, Tang NH, Gonzalez G, Syed IN, Chen L, Jin Y, Chisholm AD. The microtubule regulator EFA-6 forms cortical foci dependent on its intrinsically disordered region and interactions with tubulins. Cell Rep 2024; 43:114776. [PMID: 39305484 DOI: 10.1016/j.celrep.2024.114776] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/12/2024] [Revised: 08/12/2024] [Accepted: 09/04/2024] [Indexed: 09/25/2024] Open
Abstract
The EFA6 protein family, originally identified as Sec7 guanine nucleotide exchange factors, has also been found to regulate cortical microtubule (MT) dynamics. Here, we find that in the mature C. elegans epidermal epithelium, EFA-6 forms punctate foci in specific regions of the apical cortex, dependent on its intrinsically disordered region (IDR). The EFA-6 IDR can form biomolecular condensates in vitro. In genetic screens for mutants with altered GFP::EFA-6 localization, we identified a gain-of-function (gf) mutation in α-tubulin tba-1 that induces ectopic EFA-6 foci in multiple cell types. Lethality of tba-1(gf) is partially suppressed by loss of function in efa-6. The ability of TBA-1(gf) to trigger ectopic EFA-6 foci requires β-tubulin TBB-2 and the chaperon EVL-20/Arl2. tba-1(gf)-induced EFA-6 foci display slower turnover, contain the MT-associated protein TAC-1/TACC, and require the EFA-6 MT elimination domain (MTED). Our results reveal functionally important crosstalk between cellular tubulins and cortical MT regulators in vivo.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anjali Sandhu
- Department of Neurobiology, School of Biological Sciences, University of California, San Diego, San Diego, CA 92093, USA
| | - Xiaohui Lyu
- Department of Neurobiology, School of Biological Sciences, University of California, San Diego, San Diego, CA 92093, USA
| | - Xinghaoyun Wan
- Department of Neurobiology, School of Biological Sciences, University of California, San Diego, San Diego, CA 92093, USA
| | - Xuefeng Meng
- Department of Neurobiology, School of Biological Sciences, University of California, San Diego, San Diego, CA 92093, USA
| | - Ngang Heok Tang
- Department of Cell and Developmental Biology, School of Biological Sciences, University of California, San Diego, San Diego, CA 92093, USA
| | - Gilberto Gonzalez
- Barshop Institute for Longevity and Aging Studies, Department of Cell Systems and Anatomy, University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio, San Antonio, TX 78229, USA
| | - Ishana N Syed
- Barshop Institute for Longevity and Aging Studies, Department of Cell Systems and Anatomy, University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio, San Antonio, TX 78229, USA
| | - Lizhen Chen
- Barshop Institute for Longevity and Aging Studies, Department of Cell Systems and Anatomy, University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio, San Antonio, TX 78229, USA
| | - Yishi Jin
- Department of Neurobiology, School of Biological Sciences, University of California, San Diego, San Diego, CA 92093, USA
| | - Andrew D Chisholm
- Department of Neurobiology, School of Biological Sciences, University of California, San Diego, San Diego, CA 92093, USA; Department of Cell and Developmental Biology, School of Biological Sciences, University of California, San Diego, San Diego, CA 92093, USA.
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2
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Xu K, Li Z, Mao L, Guo Z, Chen Z, Chai Y, Xie C, Yang X, Na J, Li W, Ou G. AlphaFold2-guided engineering of split-GFP technology enables labeling of endogenous tubulins across species while preserving function. PLoS Biol 2024; 22:e3002615. [PMID: 39159282 PMCID: PMC11361732 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pbio.3002615] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/21/2024] [Revised: 08/29/2024] [Accepted: 07/29/2024] [Indexed: 08/21/2024] Open
Abstract
Dynamic properties are essential for microtubule (MT) physiology. Current techniques for in vivo imaging of MTs present intrinsic limitations in elucidating the isotype-specific nuances of tubulins, which contribute to their versatile functions. Harnessing the power of the AlphaFold2 pipeline, we engineered a strategy for the minimally invasive fluorescence labeling of endogenous tubulin isotypes or those harboring missense mutations. We demonstrated that a specifically designed 16-amino acid linker, coupled with sfGFP11 from the split-sfGFP system and integration into the H1-S2 loop of tubulin, facilitated tubulin labeling without compromising MT dynamics, embryonic development, or ciliogenesis in Caenorhabditis elegans. Extending this technique to human cells and murine oocytes, we visualized MTs with the minimal background fluorescence and a pathogenic tubulin isoform with fidelity. The utility of our approach across biological contexts and species set an additional paradigm for studying tubulin dynamics and functional specificity, with implications for understanding tubulin-related diseases known as tubulinopathies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kaiming Xu
- Tsinghua-Peking Center for Life Sciences, Beijing Frontier Research Center for Biological Structure, McGovern Institute for Brain Research, State Key Laboratory of Membrane Biology, School of Life Sciences and MOE Key Laboratory for Protein Science, Tsinghua University, Beijing, China
| | - Zhiyuan Li
- School of Life Sciences, MOE Key Laboratory of Bioinformatics, Center for Synthetic & Systems Biology, Tsinghua University, Beijing, China
| | - Linfan Mao
- School of Medicine, Tsinghua University, Beijing, China
| | - Zhengyang Guo
- Tsinghua-Peking Center for Life Sciences, Beijing Frontier Research Center for Biological Structure, McGovern Institute for Brain Research, State Key Laboratory of Membrane Biology, School of Life Sciences and MOE Key Laboratory for Protein Science, Tsinghua University, Beijing, China
| | - Zhe Chen
- Tsinghua-Peking Center for Life Sciences, Beijing Frontier Research Center for Biological Structure, McGovern Institute for Brain Research, State Key Laboratory of Membrane Biology, School of Life Sciences and MOE Key Laboratory for Protein Science, Tsinghua University, Beijing, China
| | - Yongping Chai
- Tsinghua-Peking Center for Life Sciences, Beijing Frontier Research Center for Biological Structure, McGovern Institute for Brain Research, State Key Laboratory of Membrane Biology, School of Life Sciences and MOE Key Laboratory for Protein Science, Tsinghua University, Beijing, China
| | - Chao Xie
- Tsinghua-Peking Center for Life Sciences, Beijing Frontier Research Center for Biological Structure, McGovern Institute for Brain Research, State Key Laboratory of Membrane Biology, School of Life Sciences and MOE Key Laboratory for Protein Science, Tsinghua University, Beijing, China
| | - Xuerui Yang
- School of Life Sciences, MOE Key Laboratory of Bioinformatics, Center for Synthetic & Systems Biology, Tsinghua University, Beijing, China
| | - Jie Na
- School of Medicine, Tsinghua University, Beijing, China
| | - Wei Li
- School of Medicine, Tsinghua University, Beijing, China
| | - Guangshuo Ou
- Tsinghua-Peking Center for Life Sciences, Beijing Frontier Research Center for Biological Structure, McGovern Institute for Brain Research, State Key Laboratory of Membrane Biology, School of Life Sciences and MOE Key Laboratory for Protein Science, Tsinghua University, Beijing, China
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3
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Sandhu A, Lyu X, Wan X, Meng X, Tang NH, Gonzalez G, Syed IN, Chen L, Jin Y, Chisholm AD. The microtubule regulator EFA-6 forms spatially restricted cortical foci dependent on its intrinsically disordered region and interactions with tubulins. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2024:2024.04.14.588158. [PMID: 38645057 PMCID: PMC11030407 DOI: 10.1101/2024.04.14.588158] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/23/2024]
Abstract
Microtubules (MTs) are dynamic components of the cytoskeleton and play essential roles in morphogenesis and maintenance of tissue and cell integrity. Despite recent advances in understanding MT ultrastructure, organization, and growth control, how cells regulate MT organization at the cell cortex remains poorly understood. The EFA-6/EFA6 proteins are recently identified membrane-associated proteins that inhibit cortical MT dynamics. Here, combining visualization of endogenously tagged C. elegans EFA-6 with genetic screening, we uncovered tubulin-dependent regulation of EFA-6 patterning. In the mature epidermal epithelium, EFA-6 forms punctate foci in specific regions of the apical cortex, dependent on its intrinsically disordered region (IDR). We further show the EFA-6 IDR is sufficient to form biomolecular condensates in vitro. In screens for mutants with altered GFP::EFA-6 localization, we identified a novel gain-of-function (gf) mutation in an α-tubulin tba-1 that induces ectopic EFA-6 foci in multiple cell types. tba-1(gf) animals exhibit temperature-sensitive embryonic lethality, which is partially suppressed by efa-6(lf), indicating the interaction between tubulins and EFA-6 is important for normal development. TBA-1(gf) shows reduced incorporation into filamentous MTs but has otherwise mild effects on cellular MT organization. The ability of TBA-1(gf) to trigger ectopic EFA-6 foci formation requires β-tubulin TBB-2 and the chaperon EVL-20/Arl2. The tba-1(gf)-induced EFA-6 foci display slower turnover, contain the MT-associated protein TAC-1/TACC, and require the EFA-6 MTED. Our results reveal a novel crosstalk between cellular tubulins and cortical MT regulators in vivo.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anjali Sandhu
- Department of Neurobiology, School of Biological Sciences, University of California San Diego, CA 92093 USA
| | - Xiaohui Lyu
- Department of Neurobiology, School of Biological Sciences, University of California San Diego, CA 92093 USA
| | - Xinghaoyun Wan
- Department of Neurobiology, School of Biological Sciences, University of California San Diego, CA 92093 USA
| | - Xuefeng Meng
- Department of Neurobiology, School of Biological Sciences, University of California San Diego, CA 92093 USA
| | - Ngang Heok Tang
- Department of Cell and Developmental Biology, School of Biological Sciences, University of California San Diego, CA 92093 USA
| | - Gilberto Gonzalez
- Barshop Institute for Longevity and Aging Studies, Department of Cell Systems and Anatomy, University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio, San Antonio, TX 78229, USA
| | - Ishana N. Syed
- Barshop Institute for Longevity and Aging Studies, Department of Cell Systems and Anatomy, University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio, San Antonio, TX 78229, USA
| | - Lizhen Chen
- Barshop Institute for Longevity and Aging Studies, Department of Cell Systems and Anatomy, University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio, San Antonio, TX 78229, USA
| | - Yishi Jin
- Department of Neurobiology, School of Biological Sciences, University of California San Diego, CA 92093 USA
| | - Andrew D. Chisholm
- Department of Neurobiology, School of Biological Sciences, University of California San Diego, CA 92093 USA
- Department of Cell and Developmental Biology, School of Biological Sciences, University of California San Diego, CA 92093 USA
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4
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Beaumale E, Van Hove L, Pintard L, Joly N. Microtubule-binding domains in Katanin p80 subunit are essential for severing activity in C. elegans. J Cell Biol 2024; 223:e202308023. [PMID: 38329452 PMCID: PMC10853069 DOI: 10.1083/jcb.202308023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/03/2023] [Revised: 11/22/2023] [Accepted: 01/09/2024] [Indexed: 02/09/2024] Open
Abstract
Microtubule-severing enzymes (MSEs), such as Katanin, Spastin, and Fidgetin play essential roles in cell division and neurogenesis. They damage the microtubule (MT) lattice, which can either destroy or amplify the MT cytoskeleton, depending on the cellular context. However, little is known about how they interact with their substrates. We have identified the microtubule-binding domains (MTBD) required for Katanin function in C. elegans. Katanin is a heterohexamer of dimers containing a catalytic subunit p60 and a regulatory subunit p80, both of which are essential for female meiotic spindle assembly. Here, we report that p80-like(MEI-2) dictates Katanin binding to MTs via two MTBDs composed of basic patches. Substituting these patches reduces Katanin binding to MTs, compromising its function in female meiotic-spindle assembly. Structural alignments of p80-like(MEI-2) with p80s from different species revealed that the MTBDs are evolutionarily conserved, even if the specific amino acids involved vary. Our findings highlight the critical importance of the regulatory subunit (p80) in providing MT binding to the Katanin complex.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eva Beaumale
- Université Paris Cité, CNRS, Institut Jacques Monod, Paris, France
| | - Lucie Van Hove
- Université Paris Cité, CNRS, Institut Jacques Monod, Paris, France
| | - Lionel Pintard
- Université Paris Cité, CNRS, Institut Jacques Monod, Paris, France
| | - Nicolas Joly
- Université Paris Cité, CNRS, Institut Jacques Monod, Paris, France
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5
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Tran MV, Khuntsariya D, Fetter RD, Ferguson JW, Wang JT, Long AF, Cote LE, Wellard SR, Vázquez-Martínez N, Sallee MD, Genova M, Magiera MM, Eskinazi S, Lee JD, Peel N, Janke C, Stearns T, Shen K, Lansky Z, Magescas J, Feldman JL. MAP9/MAPH-9 supports axonemal microtubule doublets and modulates motor movement. Dev Cell 2024; 59:199-210.e11. [PMID: 38159567 PMCID: PMC11385174 DOI: 10.1016/j.devcel.2023.12.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/09/2023] [Revised: 08/15/2023] [Accepted: 12/04/2023] [Indexed: 01/03/2024]
Abstract
Microtubule doublets (MTDs) comprise an incomplete microtubule (B-tubule) attached to the side of a complete cylindrical microtubule. These compound microtubules are conserved in cilia across the tree of life; however, the mechanisms by which MTDs form and are maintained in vivo remain poorly understood. Here, we identify microtubule-associated protein 9 (MAP9) as an MTD-associated protein. We demonstrate that C. elegans MAPH-9, a MAP9 homolog, is present during MTD assembly and localizes exclusively to MTDs, a preference that is in part mediated by tubulin polyglutamylation. We find that loss of MAPH-9 causes ultrastructural MTD defects, including shortened and/or squashed B-tubules with reduced numbers of protofilaments, dysregulated axonemal motor velocity, and perturbed cilia function. Because we find that the mammalian ortholog MAP9 localizes to axonemes in cultured mammalian cells and mouse tissues, we propose that MAP9/MAPH-9 plays a conserved role in regulating ciliary motors and supporting the structure of axonemal MTDs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael V Tran
- Department of Biology, Stanford University, Stanford, CA 94305, USA
| | - Daria Khuntsariya
- Institute of Biotechnology, Czech Academy of Sciences, BIOCEV, 25250 Vestec, Prague West, Czech Republic
| | - Richard D Fetter
- Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Department of Biology, Stanford University, Stanford, CA 94305, USA
| | - James W Ferguson
- Department of Biology, Stanford University, Stanford, CA 94305, USA
| | - Jennifer T Wang
- Department of Biology, Stanford University, Stanford, CA 94305, USA
| | - Alexandra F Long
- Department of Biology, Stanford University, Stanford, CA 94305, USA
| | - Lauren E Cote
- Department of Biology, Stanford University, Stanford, CA 94305, USA
| | | | | | - Maria D Sallee
- Department of Biology, Stanford University, Stanford, CA 94305, USA
| | - Mariya Genova
- Institut Curie, Université PSL, CNRS UMR3348, Orsay, France; Université Paris-Saclay, CNRS UMR3348, Orsay, France
| | - Maria M Magiera
- Institut Curie, Université PSL, CNRS UMR3348, Orsay, France; Université Paris-Saclay, CNRS UMR3348, Orsay, France
| | - Sani Eskinazi
- Department of Biology, Stanford University, Stanford, CA 94305, USA
| | | | - Nina Peel
- The College of New Jersey, Ewing, NJ 08628, USA
| | - Carsten Janke
- Institut Curie, Université PSL, CNRS UMR3348, Orsay, France; Université Paris-Saclay, CNRS UMR3348, Orsay, France
| | - Tim Stearns
- Department of Biology, Stanford University, Stanford, CA 94305, USA; Department of Genetics, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA 94305, USA
| | - Kang Shen
- Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Department of Biology, Stanford University, Stanford, CA 94305, USA
| | - Zdenek Lansky
- Institute of Biotechnology, Czech Academy of Sciences, BIOCEV, 25250 Vestec, Prague West, Czech Republic
| | - Jérémy Magescas
- Department of Biology, Stanford University, Stanford, CA 94305, USA.
| | - Jessica L Feldman
- Department of Biology, Stanford University, Stanford, CA 94305, USA.
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6
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Tran MV, Ferguson JW, Cote LE, Khuntsariya D, Fetter RD, Wang JT, Wellard SR, Sallee MD, Genova M, Eskinazi S, Magiera MM, Janke C, Stearns T, Lansky Z, Shen K, Magescas J, Feldman JL. MAP9/MAPH-9 supports axonemal microtubule doublets and modulates motor movement. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2023:2023.02.23.529616. [PMID: 36865107 PMCID: PMC9980146 DOI: 10.1101/2023.02.23.529616] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/25/2023]
Abstract
Microtubule doublets (MTDs) are a well conserved compound microtubule structure found primarily in cilia. However, the mechanisms by which MTDs form and are maintained in vivo remain poorly understood. Here, we characterize microtubule-associated protein 9 (MAP9) as a novel MTD-associated protein. We demonstrate that C. elegans MAPH-9, a MAP9 homolog, is present during MTD assembly and localizes exclusively to MTDs, a preference that is in part mediated by tubulin polyglutamylation. Loss of MAPH-9 caused ultrastructural MTD defects, dysregulated axonemal motor velocity, and perturbed cilia function. As we found that the mammalian ortholog MAP9 localized to axonemes in cultured mammalian cells and mouse tissues, we propose that MAP9/MAPH-9 plays a conserved role in supporting the structure of axonemal MTDs and regulating ciliary motors.
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7
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O'Hagan R, Avrutis A, Ramicevic E. Functions of the tubulin code in the C. elegans nervous system. Mol Cell Neurosci 2022; 123:103790. [PMID: 36368428 DOI: 10.1016/j.mcn.2022.103790] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2022] [Revised: 10/27/2022] [Accepted: 11/03/2022] [Indexed: 11/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Due to their elongated and polarized morphology, neurons rely on the microtubule (MT) cytoskeleton for their shape, as well as for efficient intracellular transport that maintains neuronal function, survival, and connectivity. Although all MTs are constructed from α- and β-tubulins that are highly conserved throughout eukaryotes, different MT networks within neurons exhibit different dynamics and functions. For example, molecular motors must be able to differentially recognize the axonal and dendritic MTs to deliver appropriate cargos to sensory endings and synaptic regions. The Tubulin Code hypothesis proposes that MTs can be specialized in form and function by chemical differences in their composition by inclusion of different α- and β-tubulins into the MT lattice, as well as differences in post-translational enzymatic modifications. The chemical differences encode information that allow MTs to regulate interactions with various microtubule-based molecular motors such as kinesins and dyneins as well as with structural microtubule-associated proteins (MAPs), which can, in turn, modify the function or stability of MTs. Here, we review studies involving C. elegans, a model organism with a relatively simple nervous system that is amenable to genetic analysis, that have contributed to our understanding of how the Tubulin Code can specialize neuronal MT networks to establish differences in neuronal morphology and function. Such studies have revealed molecules and mechanisms that are conserved in vertebrates and have the potential to inform our understanding of neurological diseases involving defects in the cytoskeleton and intracellular transport.
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Affiliation(s)
- Robert O'Hagan
- formerly at Biology Dept., Montclair State University, Montclair, NJ 07043, United States of America.
| | - Alexandra Avrutis
- formerly at Biology Dept., Montclair State University, Montclair, NJ 07043, United States of America
| | - Ema Ramicevic
- formerly at Biology Dept., Montclair State University, Montclair, NJ 07043, United States of America
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8
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Bera A, Gupta ML. Microtubules in Microorganisms: How Tubulin Isotypes Contribute to Diverse Cytoskeletal Functions. Front Cell Dev Biol 2022; 10:913809. [PMID: 35865635 PMCID: PMC9294176 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2022.913809] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/06/2022] [Accepted: 06/15/2022] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
The cellular functions of the microtubule (MT) cytoskeleton range from relatively simple to amazingly complex. Assembled from tubulin, a heterodimeric protein with α- and β-tubulin subunits, microtubules are long, hollow cylindrical filaments with inherent polarity. They are intrinsically dynamic polymers that utilize GTP binding by tubulin, and subsequent hydrolysis, to drive spontaneous assembly and disassembly. Early studies indicated that cellular MTs are composed of multiple variants, or isotypes, of α- and β-tubulins, and that these multi-isotype polymers are further diversified by a range of posttranslational modifications (PTMs) to tubulin. These findings support the multi-tubulin hypothesis whereby individual, or combinations of tubulin isotypes possess unique properties needed to support diverse MT structures and/or cellular processes. Beginning 40 years ago researchers have sought to address this hypothesis, and the role of tubulin isotypes, by exploiting experimentally accessible, genetically tractable and functionally conserved model systems. Among these systems, important insights have been gained from eukaryotic microbial models. In this review, we illustrate how using microorganisms yielded among the earliest evidence that tubulin isotypes harbor distinct properties, as well as recent insights as to how they facilitate specific cellular processes. Ongoing and future research in microorganisms will likely continue to reveal basic mechanisms for how tubulin isotypes facilitate MT functions, along with valuable perspectives on how they mediate the range of conserved and diverse processes observed across eukaryotic microbes.
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9
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Pallotto LM, Dilks CM, Park YJ, Smit RB, Lu B, Gopalakrishnan C, Gilleard JS, Andersen EC, Mains PE. Interactions of C. elegans β-tubulins with the microtubule inhibitor and anthelmintic drug albendazole. Genetics 2022; 221:6613138. [PMID: 35731216 DOI: 10.1093/genetics/iyac093] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/25/2022] [Accepted: 06/08/2022] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Parasitic nematodes are major human and agricultural pests, and benzimidazoles are amongst the most important broad spectrum anthelmintic drug class used for their control. Benzimidazole resistance is now widespread in many species of parasitic nematodes in livestock globally and an emerging concern for the sustainable control of human soil transmitted helminths. β-tubulin is the major benzimidazole target, although other genes may influence resistance. Among the six C. elegans β-tubulin genes, loss of ben-1 causes resistance without other apparent defects. Here, we explored the genetics of C. elegans β-tubulin genes in relation to the response to the benzimidazole derivative albendazole. The most highly expressed β-tubulin isotypes, encoded by tbb-1 and tbb-2, were known to be redundant with each other for viability, and their products are predicted not to bind benzimidazoles. We found that tbb-2 mutants, and to a lesser extent tbb-1 mutants, were hypersensitive to albendazole. The double mutant tbb-2 ben-1 is uncoordinated and short, resembling the wild type exposed to albendazole, but the tbb-1 ben-1 double mutant did not show the same phenotypes. These results suggest that tbb-2 is a modifier of ABZ sensitivity. To better understand how BEN-1 mutates to cause benzimidazole resistance, we isolated mutants resistant to albendazole and found that 15 of 16 mutations occurred in the ben-1 coding region. Mutations ranged from likely nulls to hypomorphs, and several corresponded to residues that cause resistance in other organisms. Null alleles of ben-1 are albendazole-resistant and BEN-1 shows high sequence identity with tubulins from other organisms, suggesting that many amino acid changes could cause resistance. However, our results suggest that missense mutations conferring resistance are not evenly distributed across all possible conserved sites. Independent of their roles in benzimidazole resistance, tbb-1 and tbb-2 may have specialized functions as null mutants of tbb-1 or tbb-2 were cold or heat sensitive, respectively.
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Affiliation(s)
- Linda M Pallotto
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta T2N 4N1, Canada
| | - Clayton M Dilks
- Molecular Biosciences, Northwestern University, Evanston, IL, 60208, USA.,Interdisciplinary Biological Sciences Program, Northwestern University, Evanston, IL, 60208, USA
| | - Ye-Jean Park
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta T2N 4N1, Canada
| | - Ryan B Smit
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta T2N 4N1, Canada
| | - Brian Lu
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta T2N 4N1, Canada
| | | | - John S Gilleard
- Department of Comparative Biology and Experimental Medicine, Host-Parasite Interactions (HPI) Program, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Calgary, Alberta, T2N 4N1 Canada
| | - Erik C Andersen
- Molecular Biosciences, Northwestern University, Evanston, IL, 60208, USA
| | - Paul E Mains
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta T2N 4N1, Canada
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10
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Abstract
The microtubule cytoskeleton is assembled from the α- and β-tubulin subunits of the canonical tubulin heterodimer, which polymerizes into microtubules, and a small number of other family members, such as γ-tubulin, with specialized functions. Overall, microtubule function involves the collective action of multiple α- and β-tubulin isotypes. However, despite 40 years of awareness that most eukaryotes harbor multiple tubulin isotypes, their role in the microtubule cytoskeleton has remained relatively unclear. Various model organisms offer specific advantages for gaining insight into the role of tubulin isotypes. Whereas simple unicellular organisms such as yeast provide experimental tractability that can facilitate deeper access to mechanistic details, more complex organisms, such as the fruit fly, nematode and mouse, can be used to discern potential specialized functions of tissue- and structure-specific isotypes. Here, we review the role of α- and β-tubulin isotypes in microtubule function and in associated tubulinopathies with an emphasis on the advances gained using model organisms. Overall, we argue that studying tubulin isotypes in a range of organisms can reveal the fundamental mechanisms by which they mediate microtubule function. It will also provide valuable perspectives on how these mechanisms underlie the functional and biological diversity of the cytoskeleton.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emmanuel T Nsamba
- Genetics, Development, and Cell Biology, Iowa State University, Ames, IA 50011, USA
| | - Mohan L Gupta
- Genetics, Development, and Cell Biology, Iowa State University, Ames, IA 50011, USA
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11
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Lu YM, Zheng C. The Expression and Function of Tubulin Isotypes in Caenorhabditis elegans. Front Cell Dev Biol 2022; 10:860065. [PMID: 35399537 PMCID: PMC8987236 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2022.860065] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/22/2022] [Accepted: 02/28/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Microtubules, made from the polymerization of the highly conserved α/β-tubulin heterodimers, serve as important components of the cytoskeleton in all eukaryotic cells. The existence of multiple tubulin isotypes in metazoan genomes and a dazzling variety of tubulin posttranslational modifications (PTMs) prompted the “tubulin code” hypothesis, which proposed that microtubule structure and functions are determined by the tubulin composition and PTMs. Evidence for the tubulin code has emerged from studies in several organisms with the characterization of specific tubulins for their expression and functions. The studies of tubulin PTMs are accelerated by the discovery of the enzymes that add or remove the PTMs. In tubulin research, the use of simple organisms, such as Caenorhabditis elegans, has been instrumental for understanding the expression and functional specialization of tubulin isotypes and the effects of their PTMs. In this review, we summarize the current understanding of the expression patterns and cellular functions of the nine α-tubulin and six β-tubulin isotypes. Expression studies are greatly facilitated by the CRISPR/Cas9-mediated endogenous GFP knock-in reporters and the organism-wide single cell transcriptomic studies. Meanwhile, functional studies benefit from the ease of genetic manipulation and precise gene replacement in C. elegans. These studies identified both ubiquitously expressed tubulin isotypes and tissue-specific isotypes. The isotypes showed functional redundancy, as well as functional specificity, which is likely caused by the subtle differences in their amino acid sequences. Many of these differences concentrate at the C-terminal tails that are subjected to several PTMs. Indeed, tubulin PTM, such as polyglutamylation, is shown to modulate microtubule organization and properties in both ciliated and non-ciliated neurons. Overall, studies from C. elegans support the distinct expression and function patterns of tubulin isotypes and the importance of their PTMs and offer the promise of cracking the tubulin code at the whole-genome and the whole-organism level.
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