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Birnbaum SK, Cohen JD, Belfi A, Murray JI, Adams JRG, Chisholm AD, Sundaram MV. The proprotein convertase BLI-4 promotes collagen secretion prior to assembly of the Caenorhabditis elegans cuticle. PLoS Genet 2023; 19:e1010944. [PMID: 37721936 PMCID: PMC10538796 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pgen.1010944] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/29/2023] [Revised: 09/28/2023] [Accepted: 08/30/2023] [Indexed: 09/20/2023] Open
Abstract
Some types of collagens, including transmembrane MACIT collagens and C. elegans cuticle collagens, are N-terminally cleaved at a dibasic site that resembles the consensus for furin or other proprotein convertases of the subtilisin/kexin (PCSK) family. Such cleavage may release transmembrane collagens from the plasma membrane and affect extracellular matrix assembly or structure. However, the functional consequences of such cleavage are unclear and evidence for the role of specific PCSKs is lacking. Here, we used endogenous collagen fusions to fluorescent proteins to visualize the secretion and assembly of the first collagen-based cuticle in C. elegans and then tested the role of the PCSK BLI-4 in these processes. Unexpectedly, we found that cuticle collagens SQT-3 and DPY-17 are secreted into the extraembryonic space several hours before cuticle matrix assembly. Furthermore, this early secretion depends on BLI-4/PCSK; in bli-4 and cleavage-site mutants, SQT-3 and DPY-17 are not efficiently secreted and instead form large intracellular puncta. Their later assembly into cuticle matrix is reduced but not entirely blocked. These data reveal a role for collagen N-terminal processing in intracellular trafficking and the control of matrix assembly in vivo. Our observations also prompt a revision of the classic model for C. elegans cuticle matrix assembly and the pre-cuticle-to-cuticle transition, suggesting that cuticle layer assembly proceeds via a series of regulated steps and not simply by sequential secretion and deposition.
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Affiliation(s)
- Susanna K. Birnbaum
- Department of Genetics, University of Pennsylvania Perelman School of Medicine, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States of America
| | - Jennifer D. Cohen
- Department of Genetics, University of Pennsylvania Perelman School of Medicine, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States of America
| | - Alexandra Belfi
- Department of Genetics, University of Pennsylvania Perelman School of Medicine, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States of America
| | - John I. Murray
- Department of Genetics, University of Pennsylvania Perelman School of Medicine, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States of America
| | - Jennifer R. G. Adams
- Departments of Neurobiology and Cell and Developmental Biology, School of Biological Sciences, University of California San Diego, San Diego, California, United States of America
| | - Andrew D. Chisholm
- Departments of Neurobiology and Cell and Developmental Biology, School of Biological Sciences, University of California San Diego, San Diego, California, United States of America
| | - Meera V. Sundaram
- Department of Genetics, University of Pennsylvania Perelman School of Medicine, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States of America
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2
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Balasubramaniam B, Topalidou I, Kelley M, Meadows SM, Funk O, Ailion M, Fay DS. Effectors of anterior morphogenesis in C. elegans embryos. Biol Open 2023; 12:bio059982. [PMID: 37345480 PMCID: PMC10339035 DOI: 10.1242/bio.059982] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/23/2023] [Accepted: 06/19/2023] [Indexed: 06/23/2023] Open
Abstract
During embryogenesis the nascent Caenorhabditis elegans epidermis secretes an apical extracellular matrix (aECM) that serves as an external stabilizer, preventing deformation of the epidermis by mechanical forces exerted during morphogenesis. At present, the factors that contribute to aECM function are mostly unknown, including the aECM components themselves, their posttranslational regulators, and the pathways required for their secretion. Here we showed that two proteins previously linked to aECM function, SYM-3/FAM102A and SYM-4/WDR44, colocalize to intracellular and membrane-associated puncta and likely function in a complex. Proteomics experiments also suggested potential roles for SYM-3/FAM102A and SYM-4/WDR44 family proteins in intracellular trafficking. Nonetheless, we found no evidence to support a critical function for SYM-3 or SYM-4 in the apical deposition of two aECM components, NOAH-1 and FBN-1. Moreover, loss of a key splicing regulator of fbn-1, MEC-8/RBPMS2, had surprisingly little effect on the abundance or deposition of FBN-1. Using a focused screening approach, we identified 32 additional proteins that likely contribute to the structure and function of the embryonic aECM. We also characterized morphogenesis defects in embryos lacking mir-51 microRNA family members, which display a similar phenotype to mec-8; sym double mutants. Collectively, these findings add to our knowledge of factors controlling embryonic morphogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Boopathi Balasubramaniam
- Department of Molecular Biology, College of Agriculture, Life Sciences and Natural Resources, University of Wyoming, Laramie 82071-3944, WY, USA
| | - Irini Topalidou
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Washington, Seattle 98195-7350, WA, USA
| | - Melissa Kelley
- Department of Molecular Biology, College of Agriculture, Life Sciences and Natural Resources, University of Wyoming, Laramie 82071-3944, WY, USA
| | - Sarina M. Meadows
- Department of Molecular Biology, College of Agriculture, Life Sciences and Natural Resources, University of Wyoming, Laramie 82071-3944, WY, USA
| | - Owen Funk
- Department of Molecular Biology, College of Agriculture, Life Sciences and Natural Resources, University of Wyoming, Laramie 82071-3944, WY, USA
| | - Michael Ailion
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Washington, Seattle 98195-7350, WA, USA
| | - David S. Fay
- Department of Molecular Biology, College of Agriculture, Life Sciences and Natural Resources, University of Wyoming, Laramie 82071-3944, WY, USA
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Birnbaum SK, Cohen JD, Belfi A, Murray JI, Adams JRG, Chisholm AD, Sundaram MV. The proprotein convertase BLI-4 promotes collagen secretion during assembly of the Caenorhabditis elegans cuticle. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2023:2023.06.06.542650. [PMID: 37333289 PMCID: PMC10274747 DOI: 10.1101/2023.06.06.542650] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/20/2023]
Abstract
Some types of collagens, including transmembrane MACIT collagens and C. elegans cuticle collagens, are N-terminally cleaved at a dibasic site that resembles the consensus for furin or other proprotein convertases of the subtilisin/kexin (PCSK) family. Such cleavage may release transmembrane collagens from the plasma membrane and affect extracellular matrix assembly or structure. However, the functional consequences of such cleavage are unclear and evidence for the role of specific PCSKs is lacking. Here, we used endogenous collagen fusions to fluorescent proteins to visualize the secretion and assembly of the first collagen-based cuticle in C. elegans and then tested the role of the PCSK BLI-4 in these processes. Unexpectedly, we found that cuticle collagens SQT-3 and DPY-17 are secreted into the extraembryonic space several hours before cuticle matrix assembly. Furthermore, this early secretion depends on BLI-4/PCSK; in bli-4 and cleavage-site mutants, SQT-3 and DPY-17 are not efficiently secreted and instead form large intracellular aggregates. Their later assembly into cuticle matrix is reduced but not entirely blocked. These data reveal a role for collagen N-terminal processing in intracellular trafficking and in the spatial and temporal restriction of matrix assembly in vivo . Our observations also prompt a revision of the classic model for C. elegans cuticle matrix assembly and the pre-cuticle-to-cuticle transition, suggesting that cuticle layer assembly proceeds via a series of regulated steps and not simply by sequential secretion and deposition.
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Affiliation(s)
- Susanna K Birnbaum
- Department of Genetics, University of Pennsylvania Perelman School of Medicine, Philadelphia PA
| | - Jennifer D Cohen
- Department of Genetics, University of Pennsylvania Perelman School of Medicine, Philadelphia PA
| | - Alexandra Belfi
- Department of Genetics, University of Pennsylvania Perelman School of Medicine, Philadelphia PA
| | - John I Murray
- Department of Genetics, University of Pennsylvania Perelman School of Medicine, Philadelphia PA
| | - Jennifer R G Adams
- Departments of Neurobiology and Cell and Developmental Biology, School of Biological Sciences, University of California San Diego, San Diego CA
| | - Andrew D Chisholm
- Departments of Neurobiology and Cell and Developmental Biology, School of Biological Sciences, University of California San Diego, San Diego CA
| | - Meera V Sundaram
- Department of Genetics, University of Pennsylvania Perelman School of Medicine, Philadelphia PA
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Boopathi B, Topalidou I, Kelley M, Meadows SM, Funk O, Ailion M, Fay DS. Pathways that affect anterior morphogenesis in C. elegans embryos. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2023:2023.04.23.537986. [PMID: 37163004 PMCID: PMC10168279 DOI: 10.1101/2023.04.23.537986] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/11/2023]
Abstract
During embryogenesis the nascent Caenorhabditis elegans epidermis secretes an apical extracellular matrix (aECM) that serves as an external stabilizer, preventing deformation of the epidermis by mechanical forces exerted during morphogenesis. We showed that two conserved proteins linked to this process, SYM-3/FAM102A and SYM-4/WDR44, colocalize to intracellular and membrane-associated puncta and likely function together in a complex. Proteomics data also suggested potential roles for FAM102A and WDR44 family proteins in intracellular trafficking, consistent with their localization patterns. Nonetheless, we found no evidence to support a clear function for SYM-3 or SYM-4 in the apical deposition of two aECM components, FBN-1 and NOAH. Surprisingly, loss of MEC-8/RBPMS2, a conserved splicing factor and regulator of fbn-1 , had little effect on the abundance or deposition of FBN-1 to the aECM. Using a focused screening approach, we identified 32 additional proteins that likely contribute to the structure and function of the embryonic aECM. Lastly, we examined morphogenesis defects in embryos lacking mir-51 microRNA family members, which display a related embryonic phenotype to mec-8; sym double mutants. Collectively, our findings add to our knowledge of pathways controlling embryonic morphogenesis. SUMMARY STATEMENT We identify new proteins in apical ECM biology in C. elegans and provide evidence that SYM-3/FAM102A and SYM-4/WDR44 function together in trafficking but do not regulate apical ECM protein deposition.
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Affiliation(s)
- Balasubramaniam Boopathi
- Department of Molecular Biology, College of Agriculture, Life Sciences and Natural Resources, University of Wyoming, Laramie, Wyoming, United States of America
| | - Irini Topalidou
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Washington, Seattle, United States of America
| | - Melissa Kelley
- Department of Molecular Biology, College of Agriculture, Life Sciences and Natural Resources, University of Wyoming, Laramie, Wyoming, United States of America
| | - Sarina M Meadows
- Department of Molecular Biology, College of Agriculture, Life Sciences and Natural Resources, University of Wyoming, Laramie, Wyoming, United States of America
| | - Owen Funk
- Department of Molecular Biology, College of Agriculture, Life Sciences and Natural Resources, University of Wyoming, Laramie, Wyoming, United States of America
| | - Michael Ailion
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Washington, Seattle, United States of America
| | - David S Fay
- Department of Molecular Biology, College of Agriculture, Life Sciences and Natural Resources, University of Wyoming, Laramie, Wyoming, United States of America
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Barrera-Velázquez M, Ríos-Barrera LD. Crosstalk between basal extracellular matrix adhesion and building of apical architecture during morphogenesis. Biol Open 2021; 10:bio058760. [PMID: 34842274 PMCID: PMC8649640 DOI: 10.1242/bio.058760] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Tissues build complex structures like lumens and microvilli to carry out their functions. Most of the mechanisms used to build these structures rely on cells remodelling their apical plasma membranes, which ultimately constitute the specialised compartments. In addition to apical remodelling, these shape changes also depend on the proper attachment of the basal plasma membrane to the extracellular matrix (ECM). The ECM provides cues to establish apicobasal polarity, and it also transduces forces that allow apical remodelling. However, physical crosstalk mechanisms between basal ECM attachment and the apical plasma membrane remain understudied, and the ones described so far are very diverse, which highlights the importance of identifying the general principles. Here, we review apicobasal crosstalk of two well-established models of membrane remodelling taking place during Drosophila melanogaster embryogenesis: amnioserosa cell shape oscillations during dorsal closure and subcellular tube formation in tracheal cells. We discuss how anchoring to the basal ECM affects apical architecture and the mechanisms that mediate these interactions. We analyse this knowledge under the scope of other morphogenetic processes and discuss what aspects of apicobasal crosstalk may represent widespread phenomena and which ones are used to build subsets of specialised compartments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mariana Barrera-Velázquez
- Departamento de Biología Celular y Fisiología, Instituto de Investigaciones Biomédicas, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Ciudad Universitaria, Mexico City 04510, Mexico
- Undergraduate Program on Genomic Sciences, Centro de Ciencias Genómicas, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Cuernavaca, Morelos 62210, Mexico
| | - Luis Daniel Ríos-Barrera
- Departamento de Biología Celular y Fisiología, Instituto de Investigaciones Biomédicas, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Ciudad Universitaria, Mexico City 04510, Mexico
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Cohen JD, Cadena del Castillo CE, Serra ND, Kaech A, Spang A, Sundaram MV. The Caenorhabditis elegans Patched domain protein PTR-4 is required for proper organization of the precuticular apical extracellular matrix. Genetics 2021; 219:iyab132. [PMID: 34740248 PMCID: PMC8570789 DOI: 10.1093/genetics/iyab132] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/30/2021] [Accepted: 08/04/2021] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
The Patched-related superfamily of transmembrane proteins can transport lipids or other hydrophobic molecules across cell membranes. While the Hedgehog receptor Patched has been intensively studied, much less is known about the biological roles of other Patched-related family members. Caenorhabditis elegans has a large number of Patched-related proteins, despite lacking a canonical Hedgehog pathway. Here, we show that PTR-4 promotes the assembly of the precuticle apical extracellular matrix, a transient and molecularly distinct matrix that precedes and patterns the later collagenous cuticle or exoskeleton. ptr-4 mutants share many phenotypes with precuticle mutants, including defects in eggshell dissolution, tube shaping, alae (cuticle ridge) structure, molting, and cuticle barrier function. PTR-4 localizes to the apical side of a subset of outward-facing epithelia, in a cyclical manner that peaks when precuticle matrix is present. Finally, PTR-4 is required to limit the accumulation of the lipocalin LPR-3 and to properly localize the Zona Pellucida domain protein LET-653 within the precuticle. We propose that PTR-4 transports lipids or other hydrophobic components that help to organize the precuticle and that the cuticle and molting defects seen in ptr-4 mutants result at least in part from earlier disorganization of the precuticle.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jennifer D Cohen
- Department of Genetics, University of Pennsylvania Perelman School of Medicine, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19104, USA
| | | | - Nicholas D Serra
- Department of Genetics, University of Pennsylvania Perelman School of Medicine, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19104, USA
| | - Andres Kaech
- Center for Microscopy and Image Analysis, University of Zürich, 8006 Zürich, Switzerland
| | - Anne Spang
- Biozentrum, University of Basel, 4001 Basel, Switzerland
| | - Meera V Sundaram
- Department of Genetics, University of Pennsylvania Perelman School of Medicine, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19104, USA
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Cohen JD, Sundaram MV. C. elegans Apical Extracellular Matrices Shape Epithelia. J Dev Biol 2020; 8:E23. [PMID: 33036165 PMCID: PMC7712855 DOI: 10.3390/jdb8040023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/04/2020] [Revised: 08/26/2020] [Accepted: 08/27/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Apical extracellular matrices (aECMs) coat exposed surfaces of epithelia to shape developing tissues and protect them from environmental insults. Despite their widespread importance for human health, aECMs are poorly understood compared to basal and stromal ECMs. The nematode Caenorhabditis elegans contains a variety of distinct aECMs, some of which share many of the same types of components (lipids, lipoproteins, collagens, zona pellucida domain proteins, chondroitin glycosaminoglycans and proteoglycans) with mammalian aECMs. These aECMs include the eggshell, a glycocalyx-like pre-cuticle, both collagenous and chitin-based cuticles, and other understudied aECMs of internal epithelia. C. elegans allows rapid genetic manipulations and live imaging of fluorescently-tagged aECM components, and is therefore providing new insights into aECM structure, trafficking, assembly, and functions in tissue shaping.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Meera V. Sundaram
- Department of Genetics, University of Pennsylvania Perelman School of Medicine 415 Curie Blvd, Philadelphia, PA 19104-6145, USA;
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