1
|
Gao Q, Vermeulen BJA, Würtz M, Shin H, Erdogdu D, Zheng A, Hofer FW, Neuner A, Pfeffer S, Schiebel E. The structure of the γ-TuRC at the microtubule minus end - not just one solution. Bioessays 2024:e2400117. [PMID: 39044599 DOI: 10.1002/bies.202400117] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/20/2024] [Revised: 07/09/2024] [Accepted: 07/11/2024] [Indexed: 07/25/2024]
Abstract
In cells, microtubules (MTs) assemble from α/β-tubulin subunits at nucleation sites containing the γ-tubulin ring complex (γ-TuRC). Within the γ-TuRC, exposed γ-tubulin molecules act as templates for MT assembly by interacting with α/β-tubulin. The vertebrate γ-TuRC is scaffolded by γ-tubulin-interacting proteins GCP2-6 arranged in a specific order. Interestingly, the γ-tubulin molecules in the γ-TuRC deviate from the cylindrical geometry of MTs, raising the question of how the γ-TuRC structure changes during MT nucleation. Recent studies on the structure of the vertebrate γ-TuRC attached to the end of MTs came to varying conclusions. In vitro assembly of MTs, facilitated by an α-tubulin mutant, resulted in a closed, cylindrical γ-TuRC showing canonical interactions between all γ-tubulin molecules and α/β-tubulin subunits. Conversely, native MTs formed in a frog extract were capped by a partially closed γ-TuRC, with some γ-tubulin molecules failing to align with α/β-tubulin. This review discusses these outcomes, along with the broader implications.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Qi Gao
- Zentrum für Molekulare Biologie der Universität Heidelberg (ZMBH), Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Bram J A Vermeulen
- Zentrum für Molekulare Biologie der Universität Heidelberg (ZMBH), Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Martin Würtz
- Zentrum für Molekulare Biologie der Universität Heidelberg (ZMBH), Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Hyesu Shin
- Zentrum für Molekulare Biologie der Universität Heidelberg (ZMBH), Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Dilara Erdogdu
- Zentrum für Molekulare Biologie der Universität Heidelberg (ZMBH), Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Anjun Zheng
- Zentrum für Molekulare Biologie der Universität Heidelberg (ZMBH), Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Florian W Hofer
- Zentrum für Molekulare Biologie der Universität Heidelberg (ZMBH), Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Annett Neuner
- Zentrum für Molekulare Biologie der Universität Heidelberg (ZMBH), Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Stefan Pfeffer
- Zentrum für Molekulare Biologie der Universität Heidelberg (ZMBH), Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Elmar Schiebel
- Zentrum für Molekulare Biologie der Universität Heidelberg (ZMBH), Heidelberg, Germany
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Zhu H, Bao Y, Dou X, Zuo X, Ye J, Ma H, Bu Y, Wang Y, Zhu J. KIF2C is a critical regulator for malignant progression of head and neck squamous cell carcinoma. Am J Cancer Res 2024; 14:2538-2554. [PMID: 38859848 PMCID: PMC11162673 DOI: 10.62347/cibm2965] [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: 01/21/2024] [Accepted: 05/08/2024] [Indexed: 06/12/2024] Open
Abstract
Head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) is a significant cause of mortality, while the underlying mechanism remains unclear. Our studies have revealed that KIF2C plays a crucial role in tumor proliferation and metastasis in HNSCC. The results demonstrate that KIF2C is highly expressed at both the mRNA and protein levels and is closely associated with lymph node metastasis. The gene ontology and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes pathway analyses indicate that the differentially expressed genes are enriched in processes or pathways related to cell adhesion and cell mitosis in HNSCC. Moreover, the established protein-protein interaction network identifies KIF2C as a potential hub gene in HNSCC. Knockdown of KIF2C has been demonstrated to significantly reduce cell migration and invasion ability, leading to cell cycle arrest, a high proportion of abnormal cell apoptosis, and cell chromosome division mismatches in the HNSCC cell line. Downstream genes such as PDGFA, EGFR, TP63, SNAI2, KRT5, and KRT14 were found to be down-regulated, and multiple critical pathways, including mTOR, ERK, and PI3K-AKT pathways, were inactivated as a result of KIF2C knockdown. These findings provide strong evidence for the crucial role of KIF2C in HNSCC and suggest that targeting KIF2C may be a promising therapeutic strategy for this disease. Knockdown of KIF2C has been shown to significantly inhibit tumor proliferation in nude mice, demonstrating the potential therapeutic role of KIF2C in HNSCC treatment.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Haiyue Zhu
- Department of Otolaryngology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing Medical UniversityChongqing 400016, P. R. China
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, College of Basic Medical Sciences, Chongqing Medical UniversityChongqing 400016, P. R. China
- Molecular Medicine and Cancer Research Center, Chongqing Medical UniversityChongqing 400016, P. R. China
| | - Yuxin Bao
- Department of Otolaryngology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing Medical UniversityChongqing 400016, P. R. China
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, College of Basic Medical Sciences, Chongqing Medical UniversityChongqing 400016, P. R. China
- Molecular Medicine and Cancer Research Center, Chongqing Medical UniversityChongqing 400016, P. R. China
| | - Xuanqi Dou
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, College of Basic Medical Sciences, Chongqing Medical UniversityChongqing 400016, P. R. China
- Molecular Medicine and Cancer Research Center, Chongqing Medical UniversityChongqing 400016, P. R. China
| | - Xiaofeng Zuo
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, College of Basic Medical Sciences, Chongqing Medical UniversityChongqing 400016, P. R. China
- Molecular Medicine and Cancer Research Center, Chongqing Medical UniversityChongqing 400016, P. R. China
| | - Junhong Ye
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, College of Basic Medical Sciences, Chongqing Medical UniversityChongqing 400016, P. R. China
- Molecular Medicine and Cancer Research Center, Chongqing Medical UniversityChongqing 400016, P. R. China
| | - Haiyu Ma
- Department of Otolaryngology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing Medical UniversityChongqing 400016, P. R. China
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, College of Basic Medical Sciences, Chongqing Medical UniversityChongqing 400016, P. R. China
- Molecular Medicine and Cancer Research Center, Chongqing Medical UniversityChongqing 400016, P. R. China
| | - Youquan Bu
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, College of Basic Medical Sciences, Chongqing Medical UniversityChongqing 400016, P. R. China
- Molecular Medicine and Cancer Research Center, Chongqing Medical UniversityChongqing 400016, P. R. China
| | - Yitao Wang
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, College of Basic Medical Sciences, Chongqing Medical UniversityChongqing 400016, P. R. China
- Molecular Medicine and Cancer Research Center, Chongqing Medical UniversityChongqing 400016, P. R. China
| | - Jiang Zhu
- Department of Otolaryngology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing Medical UniversityChongqing 400016, P. R. China
- Molecular Medicine and Cancer Research Center, Chongqing Medical UniversityChongqing 400016, P. R. China
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Yang YH, Wei YL, She ZY. Kinesin-7 CENP-E in tumorigenesis: Chromosome instability, spindle assembly checkpoint, and applications. Front Mol Biosci 2024; 11:1366113. [PMID: 38560520 PMCID: PMC10978661 DOI: 10.3389/fmolb.2024.1366113] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/05/2024] [Accepted: 03/04/2024] [Indexed: 04/04/2024] Open
Abstract
Kinesin motors are a large family of molecular motors that walk along microtubules to fulfill many roles in intracellular transport, microtubule organization, and chromosome alignment. Kinesin-7 CENP-E (Centromere protein E) is a chromosome scaffold-associated protein that is located in the corona layer of centromeres, which participates in kinetochore-microtubule attachment, chromosome alignment, and spindle assembly checkpoint. Over the past 3 decades, CENP-E has attracted great interest as a promising new mitotic target for cancer therapy and drug development. In this review, we describe expression patterns of CENP-E in multiple tumors and highlight the functions of CENP-E in cancer cell proliferation. We summarize recent advances in structural domains, roles, and functions of CENP-E in cell division. Notably, we describe the dual functions of CENP-E in inhibiting and promoting tumorigenesis. We summarize the mechanisms by which CENP-E affects tumorigenesis through chromosome instability and spindle assembly checkpoints. Finally, we overview and summarize the CENP-E-specific inhibitors, mechanisms of drug resistances and their applications.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yu-Hao Yang
- Department of Cell Biology and Genetics, The School of Basic Medical Sciences, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, China
- Key Laboratory of Stem Cell Engineering and Regenerative Medicine, Fujian Province University, Fuzhou, China
| | - Ya-Lan Wei
- Medical Research Center, Fujian Maternity and Child Health Hospital, Fuzhou, China
- College of Clinical Medicine for Obstetrics and Gynecology and Pediatrics, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, China
| | - Zhen-Yu She
- Department of Cell Biology and Genetics, The School of Basic Medical Sciences, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, China
- Key Laboratory of Stem Cell Engineering and Regenerative Medicine, Fujian Province University, Fuzhou, China
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Zimyanin V, Redemann S. Microtubule length correlates with spindle length in C. elegans meiosis. Cytoskeleton (Hoboken) 2024. [PMID: 38450962 DOI: 10.1002/cm.21849] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/23/2023] [Revised: 01/24/2024] [Accepted: 02/21/2024] [Indexed: 03/08/2024]
Abstract
The accurate segregation of chromosomes during female meiosis relies on the precise assembly and function of the meiotic spindle, a dynamic structure primarily composed of microtubules. Despite the crucial role of microtubule dynamics in this process, the relationship between microtubule length and spindle size remains elusive. Leveraging Caenorhabditis elegans as a model system, we combined electron tomography and live imaging to investigate this correlation. Our analysis revealed significant changes in spindle length throughout meiosis, coupled with alterations in microtubule length. Surprisingly, while spindle size decreases during the initial stages of anaphase, the size of antiparallel microtubule overlap decreased as well. Detailed electron tomography shows a positive correlation between microtubule length and spindle size, indicating a role of microtubule length in determining spindle dimensions. Notably, microtubule numbers displayed no significant association with spindle length, highlighting the dominance of microtubule length regulation in spindle size determination. Depletion of the microtubule depolymerase KLP-7 led to elongated metaphase spindles with increased microtubule length, supporting the link between microtubule length and spindle size. These findings underscore the pivotal role of regulating microtubule dynamics, and thus microtubule length, in governing spindle rearrangements during meiotic division, shedding light on fundamental mechanisms dictating spindle architecture.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Vitaly Zimyanin
- Department of Molecular Physiology and Biological Physics, University of Virginia School of Medicine, Charlottesville, Virginia, USA
- Center for Membrane and Cell Physiology, University of Virginia School of Medicine, Charlottesville, Virginia, USA
| | - Stefanie Redemann
- Department of Molecular Physiology and Biological Physics, University of Virginia School of Medicine, Charlottesville, Virginia, USA
- Center for Membrane and Cell Physiology, University of Virginia School of Medicine, Charlottesville, Virginia, USA
- Department of Cell Biology, University of Virginia School of Medicine, Charlottesville, Virginia, USA
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Gliech CR, Yeow ZY, Tapias-Gomez D, Yang Y, Huang Z, Tijhuis AE, Spierings DC, Foijer F, Chung G, Tamayo N, Bahrami-Nejad Z, Collins P, Nguyen TT, Plata Stapper A, Hughes PE, Payton M, Holland AJ. Weakened APC/C activity at mitotic exit drives cancer vulnerability to KIF18A inhibition. EMBO J 2024; 43:666-694. [PMID: 38279026 PMCID: PMC10907621 DOI: 10.1038/s44318-024-00031-6] [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: 05/01/2023] [Revised: 12/23/2023] [Accepted: 01/02/2024] [Indexed: 01/28/2024] Open
Abstract
The efficacy of current antimitotic cancer drugs is limited by toxicity in highly proliferative healthy tissues. A cancer-specific dependency on the microtubule motor protein KIF18A therefore makes it an attractive therapeutic target. Not all cancers require KIF18A, however, and the determinants underlying this distinction remain unclear. Here, we show that KIF18A inhibition drives a modest and widespread increase in spindle assembly checkpoint (SAC) signaling from kinetochores which can result in lethal mitotic delays. Whether cells arrest in mitosis depends on the robustness of the metaphase-to-anaphase transition, and cells predisposed with weak basal anaphase-promoting complex/cyclosome (APC/C) activity and/or persistent SAC signaling through metaphase are uniquely sensitive to KIF18A inhibition. KIF18A-dependent cancer cells exhibit hallmarks of this SAC:APC/C imbalance, including a long metaphase-to-anaphase transition, and slow mitosis overall. Together, our data reveal vulnerabilities in the cell division apparatus of cancer cells that can be exploited for therapeutic benefit.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Colin R Gliech
- Department of Molecular Biology and Genetics, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, 21205, USA
| | - Zhong Y Yeow
- Department of Molecular Biology and Genetics, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, 21205, USA
| | - Daniel Tapias-Gomez
- Department of Molecular Biology and Genetics, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, 21205, USA
| | - Yuchen Yang
- Department of Molecular Biology and Genetics, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, 21205, USA
| | - Zhaoyu Huang
- Department of Molecular Biology and Genetics, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, 21205, USA
| | - Andréa E Tijhuis
- European Research Institute for the Biology of Ageing, University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, Groningen, AV, 9713, The Netherlands
| | - Diana Cj Spierings
- European Research Institute for the Biology of Ageing, University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, Groningen, AV, 9713, The Netherlands
| | - Floris Foijer
- European Research Institute for the Biology of Ageing, University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, Groningen, AV, 9713, The Netherlands
| | - Grace Chung
- Oncology Research, Amgen Research, Thousand Oaks, CA, 91320, USA
| | - Nuria Tamayo
- Medicinal Chemistry, Amgen Research, Thousand Oaks, CA, 91320, USA
| | | | - Patrick Collins
- Genome Analysis Unit, Amgen Research, South San Francisco, CA, 94084, USA
| | - Thong T Nguyen
- Genome Analysis Unit, Amgen Research, South San Francisco, CA, 94084, USA
| | - Andres Plata Stapper
- Center for Research Acceleration by Digital Innovation, Amgen Research, South San Francisco, CA, 94084, USA
| | - Paul E Hughes
- Oncology Research, Amgen Research, Thousand Oaks, CA, 91320, USA
| | - Marc Payton
- Oncology Research, Amgen Research, Thousand Oaks, CA, 91320, USA
| | - Andrew J Holland
- Department of Molecular Biology and Genetics, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, 21205, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Wang Y, Liu YR, Wang PY, Xie P. Computational Studies Reveal How Passive Cross-Linkers Regulate Anaphase Spindle Elongation. J Phys Chem B 2024; 128:1194-1204. [PMID: 38287918 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jpcb.3c07655] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/31/2024]
Abstract
In eukaryotic cell division, a series of events are organized to produce two daughter cells. The spindle elongation in anaphase B is essential for providing enough space to maintain cell size and distribute sister chromatids properly, which is associated with microtubules and microtubule-associated proteins such as kinesin-5 Eg5 and the Ase1-related protein, PRC1. The available experimental data indicated that after the start of anaphase B more PRC1 proteins can bind to the antiparallel microtubule pairs in the spindle but the excess amount of PRC1 proteins can lead to the failure of cell division, indicating that PRC1 proteins can regulate the spindle elongation in a concentration-dependent manner. However, the underlying mechanism of the PRC1 proteins regulating the spindle elongation has not been explained up to now. Here, we use a simplified model, where only the two important participants (kinesin-5 Eg5 motors and PRC1 proteins) are considered, to study the spindle elongation during anaphase B. We first show that only in the appropriate range of the PRC1 concentration can the spindle elongation complete properly. Furthermore, we explore the underlying mechanism of PRC1 as a regulator for spindle elongation.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yao Wang
- Key Laboratory of Soft Matter Physics, Institute of Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100190, China
- School of Physical Sciences, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Yu-Ru Liu
- Key Laboratory of Soft Matter Physics, Institute of Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100190, China
- School of Physical Sciences, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Peng-Ye Wang
- Key Laboratory of Soft Matter Physics, Institute of Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100190, China
- School of Physical Sciences, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Ping Xie
- Key Laboratory of Soft Matter Physics, Institute of Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100190, China
- School of Physical Sciences, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Sun M, Wang Y, Xin G, Yang B, Jiang Q, Zhang C. NuSAP regulates microtubule flux and Kif2A localization to ensure accurate chromosome congression. J Cell Biol 2024; 223:e202108070. [PMID: 38117947 PMCID: PMC10733630 DOI: 10.1083/jcb.202108070] [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: 08/13/2021] [Revised: 10/10/2023] [Accepted: 11/26/2023] [Indexed: 12/22/2023] Open
Abstract
Precise chromosome congression and segregation requires the proper assembly of a steady-state metaphase spindle, which is dynamic and maintained by continuous microtubule flux. NuSAP is a microtubule-stabilizing and -bundling protein that promotes chromosome-dependent spindle assembly. However, its function in spindle dynamics remains unclear. Here, we demonstrate that NuSAP regulates the metaphase spindle length control. Mechanistically, NuSAP facilitates kinetochore capture and spindle assembly by promoting Eg5 binding to microtubules. It also prevents excessive microtubule depolymerization through interaction with Kif2A, which reduces Kif2A spindle-pole localization. NuSAP is phosphorylated by Aurora A at Ser-240 during mitosis, and this phosphorylation promotes its interaction with Kif2A on the spindle body and reduces its localization with the spindle poles, thus maintaining proper spindle microtubule flux. NuSAP knockout resulted in the formation of shorter spindles with faster microtubule flux and chromosome misalignment. Taken together, we uncover that NuSAP participates in spindle assembly, dynamics, and metaphase spindle length control through the regulation of microtubule flux and Kif2A localization.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Mengjie Sun
- The Academy for Cell and Life Health, Faculty of Life Science and Technology, Kunming University of Science and Technology, Kunming, China
- The Key Laboratory of Cell Proliferation and Differentiation of the Ministry of Education, College of Life Sciences, Peking University, Beijing, China
| | - Yao Wang
- The Key Laboratory of Cell Proliferation and Differentiation of the Ministry of Education, College of Life Sciences, Peking University, Beijing, China
| | - Guangwei Xin
- The Key Laboratory of Cell Proliferation and Differentiation of the Ministry of Education, College of Life Sciences, Peking University, Beijing, China
| | - Biying Yang
- The Key Laboratory of Cell Proliferation and Differentiation of the Ministry of Education, College of Life Sciences, Peking University, Beijing, China
| | - Qing Jiang
- The Key Laboratory of Cell Proliferation and Differentiation of the Ministry of Education, College of Life Sciences, Peking University, Beijing, China
| | - Chuanmao Zhang
- The Academy for Cell and Life Health, Faculty of Life Science and Technology, Kunming University of Science and Technology, Kunming, China
- The Key Laboratory of Cell Proliferation and Differentiation of the Ministry of Education, College of Life Sciences, Peking University, Beijing, China
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
LaFountain JR, Seaman CE, Cohan CS, Oldenbourg R. Sliding of antiparallel microtubules drives bipolarization of monoastral spindles. Cytoskeleton (Hoboken) 2024; 81:167-183. [PMID: 37812128 PMCID: PMC11172411 DOI: 10.1002/cm.21800] [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: 08/02/2023] [Revised: 09/21/2023] [Accepted: 09/23/2023] [Indexed: 10/10/2023]
Abstract
Time-lapse imaging with liquid crystal polarized light (LC-PolScope) and fluorescent speckle microscopy (FSM) enabled this study of spindle microtubules in monoastral spindles that were produced in crane-fly spermatocytes through flattening-induced centrosome displacement. Monoastral spindles are found in several other contexts: after laser ablation of one of a cell's two centrosomes (in the work of Khodjakov et al.), in Drosophila "urchin" mutants (in the works of Heck et al. and of Wilson et al.), in Sciara males (in the works of Fuge and of Metz), and in RNAi variants of Drosophila S2 cells (in the work of Goshima et al.). In all cases, just one pole has a centrosome (the astral pole); the other lacks a centrosome (the anastral pole). Thus, the question: How is the anastral half-spindle, lacking a centrosome, constructed? We learned that monoastral spindles are assembled in two phases: Phase I assembles the astral half-spindle composed of centrosomal microtubules, and Phase II assembles microtubules of the anastral half through extension of new microtubule polymerization outward from the spindle's equatorial mid-zone. That process uses plus ends of existing centrosomal microtubules as guiding templates to assemble anastral microtubules of opposite polarity. Anastral microtubules slide outward with their minus ends leading, thereby establishing proper bipolarity just like in normal biastral spindles that have two centrosomes.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- James R LaFountain
- Department of Biological Sciences, University at Buffalo, Buffalo, New York, USA
| | - Catherine E Seaman
- Department of Biological Sciences, University at Buffalo, Buffalo, New York, USA
| | - Christopher S Cohan
- Department of Pathology and Anatomy, University at Buffalo, Buffalo, New York, USA
| | - Rudolf Oldenbourg
- Eugene Bell Center, Marine Biological Laboratory, Woods Hole, Massachusetts, USA
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Rajendraprasad G, Rodriguez-Calado S, Barisic M. SiR-DNA/SiR-Hoechst-induced chromosome entanglement generates severe anaphase bridges and DNA damage. Life Sci Alliance 2023; 6:e202302260. [PMID: 37726128 PMCID: PMC10509460 DOI: 10.26508/lsa.202302260] [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: 07/08/2023] [Revised: 09/07/2023] [Accepted: 09/07/2023] [Indexed: 09/21/2023] Open
Abstract
SiR-DNA/SiR-Hoechst is a far-red fluorescent DNA probe that is routinely used for live-cell imaging of cell nuclei in interphase and chromosomes during mitosis. Despite being reported to induce DNA damage, SiR-DNA has been used in more than 300 research articles, covering topics like mitosis, chromatin biology, cancer research, cytoskeletal research, and DNA damage response. Here, we used live-cell imaging to perform a comprehensive analysis of the effects of SiR-DNA on mitosis of four human cell lines (RPE-1, DLD-1, HeLa, and U2OS). We report a dose-, time-, and light-dependent effect of SiR-DNA on chromosome segregation. We found that, upon the exposure to light during imaging, nanomolar concentrations of SiR-DNA induce non-centromeric chromosome entanglement that severely impairs sister chromatid segregation and spindle elongation during anaphase. This causes DNA damage that is passed forward to the following cell cycle, thereby having a detrimental effect on genome integrity. Our findings highlight the drawbacks in using SiR-DNA for investigation of late mitotic events and DNA damage-related topics and urge the use of alternative labeling strategies to study these processes.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Marin Barisic
- Cell Division and Cytoskeleton, Danish Cancer Institute, Copenhagen, Denmark
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Medicine, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
Gluszek‐Kustusz A, Craske B, Legal T, McHugh T, Welburn JPI. Phosphorylation controls spatial and temporal activities of motor-PRC1 complexes to complete mitosis. EMBO J 2023; 42:e113647. [PMID: 37592895 PMCID: PMC10620760 DOI: 10.15252/embj.2023113647] [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: 01/31/2023] [Revised: 06/30/2023] [Accepted: 07/25/2023] [Indexed: 08/19/2023] Open
Abstract
During mitosis, spindle architecture alters as chromosomes segregate into daughter cells. The microtubule crosslinker protein regulator of cytokinesis 1 (PRC1) is essential for spindle stability, chromosome segregation and completion of cytokinesis, but how it recruits motors to the central spindle to coordinate the segregation of chromosomes is unknown. Here, we combine structural and cell biology approaches to show that the human CENP-E motor, which is essential for chromosome capture and alignment by microtubules, binds to PRC1 through a conserved hydrophobic motif. This binding mechanism is also used by Kinesin-4 Kif4A:PRC1. Using in vitro reconstitution, we demonstrate that CENP-E slides antiparallel PRC1-crosslinked microtubules. We find that the regulation of CENP-E -PRC1 interaction is spatially and temporally coupled with relocalization to overlapping microtubules in anaphase. Finally, we demonstrate that the PRC1-microtubule motor interaction is essential in anaphase to control chromosome partitioning, retain central spindle integrity and ensure cytokinesis. Taken together our findings reveal the molecular basis for the cell cycle regulation of motor-PRC1 complexes to couple chromosome segregation and cytokinesis.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Agata Gluszek‐Kustusz
- Wellcome Centre for Cell Biology, School of Biological SciencesUniversity of EdinburghEdinburghUK
| | - Benjamin Craske
- Wellcome Centre for Cell Biology, School of Biological SciencesUniversity of EdinburghEdinburghUK
| | - Thibault Legal
- Wellcome Centre for Cell Biology, School of Biological SciencesUniversity of EdinburghEdinburghUK
- McGill UniversityMontrealQCCanada
| | - Toni McHugh
- Wellcome Centre for Cell Biology, School of Biological SciencesUniversity of EdinburghEdinburghUK
| | - Julie PI Welburn
- Wellcome Centre for Cell Biology, School of Biological SciencesUniversity of EdinburghEdinburghUK
| |
Collapse
|
11
|
Henkin G, Brito C, Thomas C, Surrey T. The minus-end depolymerase KIF2A drives flux-like treadmilling of γTuRC-uncapped microtubules. J Cell Biol 2023; 222:e202304020. [PMID: 37615667 PMCID: PMC10450741 DOI: 10.1083/jcb.202304020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/05/2023] [Revised: 07/27/2023] [Accepted: 08/04/2023] [Indexed: 08/25/2023] Open
Abstract
During mitosis, microtubules in the spindle turn over continuously. At spindle poles, where microtubule minus ends are concentrated, microtubule nucleation and depolymerization, the latter required for poleward microtubule flux, happen side by side. How these seemingly antagonistic processes of nucleation and depolymerization are coordinated is not understood. Here, we reconstitute this coordination in vitro combining different pole-localized activities. We find that the spindle pole-localized kinesin-13 KIF2A is a microtubule minus-end depolymerase, in contrast to its paralog MCAK. Due to its asymmetric activity, KIF2A still allows microtubule nucleation from the γ-tubulin ring complex (γTuRC), which serves as a protective cap shielding the minus end against KIF2A binding. Efficient γTuRC uncapping requires the combined action of KIF2A and a microtubule severing enzyme, leading to treadmilling of the uncapped microtubule driven by KIF2A. Together, these results provide insight into the molecular mechanisms by which a minimal protein module coordinates microtubule nucleation and depolymerization at spindle poles consistent with their role in poleward microtubule flux.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Gil Henkin
- Centre for Genomic Regulation(CRG), Barcelona Institute of Science and Technology (BIST), Barcelona, Spain
| | - Cláudia Brito
- Centre for Genomic Regulation(CRG), Barcelona Institute of Science and Technology (BIST), Barcelona, Spain
| | | | - Thomas Surrey
- Centre for Genomic Regulation(CRG), Barcelona Institute of Science and Technology (BIST), Barcelona, Spain
- Universitat Pompeu Fabra (UPF), Barcelona, Spain
- ICREA, Barcelona, Spain
| |
Collapse
|
12
|
Eibes S, Rajendraprasad G, Guasch-Boldu C, Kubat M, Steblyanko Y, Barisic M. CENP-E activation by Aurora A and B controls kinetochore fibrous corona disassembly. Nat Commun 2023; 14:5317. [PMID: 37658044 PMCID: PMC10474297 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-023-41091-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/22/2022] [Accepted: 08/22/2023] [Indexed: 09/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Accurate chromosome segregation in mitosis depends on multiprotein structures called kinetochores that are built on the centromeric region of sister chromatids and serve to capture mitotic spindle microtubules. In early mitosis, unattached kinetochores expand a crescent-shaped structure called fibrous corona whose function is to facilitate initial kinetochore-microtubule attachments and chromosome transport by microtubules. Subsequently, the fibrous corona must be timely disassembled to prevent segregation errors. Although recent studies provided new insights on the molecular content and mechanism of fibrous corona assembly, it remains unknown what triggers the disassembly of the outermost and dynamic layer of the kinetochore. Here, we show that Aurora A and B kinases phosphorylate CENP-E to release it from an autoinhibited state. At kinetochores, Aurora B phosphorylates CENP-E to prevent its premature removal together with other corona proteins by dynein. At the spindle poles, Aurora A phosphorylates CENP-E to promote chromosome congression and prevent accumulation of corona proteins at the centrosomes, allowing for their intracellular redistribution. Thus, we propose the Aurora A/B-CENP-E axis as a critical element of the long-sought-for mechanism of fibrous corona disassembly that is essential for accurate chromosome segregation.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Susana Eibes
- Cell Division and Cytoskeleton, Danish Cancer Institute, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | | | | | - Mirela Kubat
- Cell Division and Cytoskeleton, Danish Cancer Institute, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Yulia Steblyanko
- Cell Division and Cytoskeleton, Danish Cancer Institute, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Marin Barisic
- Cell Division and Cytoskeleton, Danish Cancer Institute, Copenhagen, Denmark.
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Medicine, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark.
| |
Collapse
|
13
|
do Rosário CF, Zhang Y, Stadnicki J, Ross JL, Wadsworth P. Lateral and longitudinal compaction of PRC1 overlap zones drives stabilization of interzonal microtubules. Mol Biol Cell 2023; 34:ar100. [PMID: 37467037 PMCID: PMC10551706 DOI: 10.1091/mbc.e23-02-0049] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/07/2023] [Revised: 06/20/2023] [Accepted: 07/04/2023] [Indexed: 07/20/2023] Open
Abstract
During anaphase, antiparallel-overlapping midzone microtubules elongate and form bundles, contributing to chromosome segregation and the location of contractile ring formation. Midzone microtubules are dynamic in early but not late anaphase; however, the kinetics and mechanisms of stabilization are incompletely understood. Using photoactivation of cells expressing PA-EGFP-α-tubulin we find that immediately after anaphase onset, a single highly dynamic population of midzone microtubules is present; as anaphase progresses, both dynamic and stable populations of midzone microtubules coexist. By mid-cytokinesis, only static, non-dynamic microtubules are detected. The velocity of microtubule sliding also decreases as anaphase progresses, becoming undetectable by late anaphase. Following depletion of PRC1, midzone microtubules remain highly dynamic in anaphase and fail to form static arrays in telophase despite furrowing. Cells depleted of Kif4a contain elongated PRC1 overlap zones and fail to form static arrays in telophase. Cells blocked in cytokinesis form short PRC1 overlap zones that do not coalesce laterally; these cells also fail to form static arrays in telophase. Together, our results demonstrate that dynamic turnover and sliding of midzone microtubules is gradually reduced during anaphase and that the final transition to a static array in telophase requires both lateral and longitudinal compaction of PRC1 containing overlap zones.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Carline Fermino do Rosário
- Department of Biology, University of Massachusetts Amherst, Amherst MA 01003
- Program in Molecular and Cellular Biology, University of Massachusetts Amherst, Amherst MA 01003
| | - Ying Zhang
- Department of Biology, University of Massachusetts Amherst, Amherst MA 01003
| | - Jennifer Stadnicki
- Department of Biology, University of Massachusetts Amherst, Amherst MA 01003
- Program in Molecular and Cellular Biology, University of Massachusetts Amherst, Amherst MA 01003
| | | | - Patricia Wadsworth
- Department of Biology, University of Massachusetts Amherst, Amherst MA 01003
- Program in Molecular and Cellular Biology, University of Massachusetts Amherst, Amherst MA 01003
| |
Collapse
|
14
|
Valdez VA, Neahring L, Petry S, Dumont S. Mechanisms underlying spindle assembly and robustness. Nat Rev Mol Cell Biol 2023; 24:523-542. [PMID: 36977834 PMCID: PMC10642710 DOI: 10.1038/s41580-023-00584-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 01/30/2023] [Indexed: 03/30/2023]
Abstract
The microtubule-based spindle orchestrates chromosome segregation during cell division. Following more than a century of study, many components and pathways contributing to spindle assembly have been described, but how the spindle robustly assembles remains incompletely understood. This process involves the self-organization of a large number of molecular parts - up to hundreds of thousands in vertebrate cells - whose local interactions give rise to a cellular-scale structure with emergent architecture, mechanics and function. In this Review, we discuss key concepts in our understanding of spindle assembly, focusing on recent advances and the new approaches that enabled them. We describe the pathways that generate the microtubule framework of the spindle by driving microtubule nucleation in a spatially controlled fashion and present recent insights regarding the organization of individual microtubules into structural modules. Finally, we discuss the emergent properties of the spindle that enable robust chromosome segregation.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - Lila Neahring
- Department of Bioengineering & Therapeutic Sciences, UCSF, San Francisco, CA, USA
- Developmental & Stem Cell Biology Graduate Program, UCSF, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Sabine Petry
- Molecular Biology, Princeton University, Princeton, NJ, USA.
| | - Sophie Dumont
- Department of Bioengineering & Therapeutic Sciences, UCSF, San Francisco, CA, USA.
- Developmental & Stem Cell Biology Graduate Program, UCSF, San Francisco, CA, USA.
- Department of Biochemistry & Biophysics, UCSF, San Francisco, CA, USA.
- Chan Zuckerberg Biohub, San Francisco, CA, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
15
|
Lopes D, Seabra AL, Orr B, Maiato H. α-Tubulin detyrosination links the suppression of MCAK activity with taxol cytotoxicity. J Cell Biol 2023; 222:213730. [PMID: 36459065 PMCID: PMC9723805 DOI: 10.1083/jcb.202205092] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/18/2022] [Revised: 10/24/2022] [Accepted: 11/09/2022] [Indexed: 12/03/2022] Open
Abstract
α/β-Tubulin posttranslational modifications (PTMs) generate microtubule diversity, but whether they account for cancer cell resistance to microtubule-targeting drugs remains unknown. Here, we performed a pilot dissection of the "cancer tubulin code" using the NCI-60 cancer cell panel. We found that acetylated, detyrosinated, and ∆2-α-tubulin that typically accumulate on stable microtubules were uncoupled in many cancer cells. Acetylated α-tubulin did not affect microtubule dynamics, whereas its levels correlated with, but were not required for, taxol-induced cytotoxicity. In contrast, experimental increase of α-tubulin detyrosination, and/or depletion of the detyrosination-sensitive microtubule-depolymerizing enzyme MCAK, enhanced taxol-induced cytotoxicity by promoting cell death in mitosis and the subsequent interphase, without causing a cumulative effect. Interestingly, only increased detyrosinated α-tubulin aggravated taxol-induced spindle multipolarity. Overall, we identified high α-tubulin acetylation as a potential biomarker for cancer cell response to taxol and uncovered a mechanistic link between α-tubulin detyrosination and the suppression of MCAK activity in taxol-induced cytotoxicity, likely by promoting chromosome missegregation, regardless of spindle defects.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Danilo Lopes
- Chromosome Instability & Dynamics Group, i3S-Instituto de Investigação e Inovação em Saúde, Universidade do Porto, Porto, Portugal.,Instituto de Biologia Molecular e Celular, Universidade do Porto, Porto, Portugal
| | - Alexandre L Seabra
- Chromosome Instability & Dynamics Group, i3S-Instituto de Investigação e Inovação em Saúde, Universidade do Porto, Porto, Portugal.,Instituto de Biologia Molecular e Celular, Universidade do Porto, Porto, Portugal
| | - Bernardo Orr
- Chromosome Instability & Dynamics Group, i3S-Instituto de Investigação e Inovação em Saúde, Universidade do Porto, Porto, Portugal.,Instituto de Biologia Molecular e Celular, Universidade do Porto, Porto, Portugal
| | - Helder Maiato
- Chromosome Instability & Dynamics Group, i3S-Instituto de Investigação e Inovação em Saúde, Universidade do Porto, Porto, Portugal.,Instituto de Biologia Molecular e Celular, Universidade do Porto, Porto, Portugal.,Cell Division Group, Department of Biomedicine, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade do Porto, Porto, Portugal
| |
Collapse
|
16
|
Laguillo-Diego A, Kiewisz R, Martí-Gómez C, Baum D, Müller-Reichert T, Vernos I. MCRS1 modulates the heterogeneity of microtubule minus-end morphologies in mitotic spindles. Mol Biol Cell 2022; 34:ar1. [PMID: 36350698 PMCID: PMC9816640 DOI: 10.1091/mbc.e22-08-0306-t] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
Faithful chromosome segregation requires the assembly of a bipolar spindle, consisting of two antiparallel microtubule (MT) arrays having most of their minus ends focused at the spindle poles and their plus ends overlapping in the spindle midzone. Spindle assembly, chromosome alignment, and segregation require highly dynamic MTs. The plus ends of MTs have been extensively investigated but their minus-end structure remains poorly characterized. Here, we used large-scale electron tomography to study the morphology of the MT minus ends in three dimensionally reconstructed metaphase spindles in HeLa cells. In contrast to the homogeneous open morphology of the MT plus ends at the kinetochores, we found that MT minus ends are heterogeneous, showing either open or closed morphologies. Silencing the minus end-specific stabilizer, MCRS1 increased the proportion of open MT minus ends. Altogether, these data suggest a correlation between the morphology and the dynamic state of the MT ends. Taking this heterogeneity of the MT minus-end morphologies into account, our work indicates an unsynchronized behavior of MTs at the spindle poles, thus laying the groundwork for further studies on the complexity of MT dynamics regulation.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Alejandra Laguillo-Diego
- Centre for Genomic Regulation, The Barcelona Institute of Science and Technology, Barcelona 08003, Spain
| | - Robert Kiewisz
- Experimental Center, Faculty of Medicine Carl Gustav Carus, Technische Universität Dresden, 01307 Dresden, Germany
| | - Carlos Martí-Gómez
- Simons Center for Quantitative Biology, Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory, Cold Spring Harbor, NY 11724
| | - Daniel Baum
- Department of Visual and Data-Centric Computing, Zuse Institute Berlin, 14195 Berlin, Germany
| | - Thomas Müller-Reichert
- Experimental Center, Faculty of Medicine Carl Gustav Carus, Technische Universität Dresden, 01307 Dresden, Germany
| | - Isabelle Vernos
- Centre for Genomic Regulation, The Barcelona Institute of Science and Technology, Barcelona 08003, Spain,Universitat Pompeu Fabra, Barcelona 08003, Spain,ICREA, Barcelona 08010, Spain,*Address correspondence to: Isabelle Vernos ()
| |
Collapse
|
17
|
Matković J, Ghosh S, Ćosić M, Eibes S, Barišić M, Pavin N, Tolić IM. Kinetochore- and chromosome-driven transition of microtubules into bundles promotes spindle assembly. Nat Commun 2022; 13:7307. [PMID: 36435852 PMCID: PMC9701229 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-022-34957-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/28/2022] [Accepted: 11/11/2022] [Indexed: 11/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Mitotic spindle assembly is crucial for chromosome segregation and relies on bundles of microtubules that extend from the poles and overlap in the middle. However, how these structures form remains poorly understood. Here we show that overlap bundles arise through a network-to-bundles transition driven by kinetochores and chromosomes. STED super-resolution microscopy reveals that PRC1-crosslinked microtubules initially form loose arrays, which become rearranged into bundles. Kinetochores promote microtubule bundling by lateral binding via CENP-E/kinesin-7 in an Aurora B-regulated manner. Steric interactions between the bundle-associated chromosomes at the spindle midplane drive bundle separation and spindle widening. In agreement with experiments, theoretical modeling suggests that bundles arise through competing attractive and repulsive mechanisms. Finally, perturbation of overlap bundles leads to inefficient correction of erroneous kinetochore-microtubule attachments. Thus, kinetochores and chromosomes drive coarsening of a uniform microtubule array into overlap bundles, which promote not only spindle formation but also chromosome segregation fidelity.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jurica Matković
- grid.4905.80000 0004 0635 7705Division of Molecular Biology, Ruđer Bošković Institute, Zagreb, Croatia
| | - Subhadip Ghosh
- grid.4808.40000 0001 0657 4636Department of Physics, Faculty of Science, University of Zagreb, Zagreb, Croatia
| | - Mateja Ćosić
- grid.4905.80000 0004 0635 7705Division of Molecular Biology, Ruđer Bošković Institute, Zagreb, Croatia
| | - Susana Eibes
- grid.417390.80000 0001 2175 6024Cell Division and Cytoskeleton, Danish Cancer Society Research Center, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Marin Barišić
- grid.417390.80000 0001 2175 6024Cell Division and Cytoskeleton, Danish Cancer Society Research Center, Copenhagen, Denmark ,grid.5254.60000 0001 0674 042XDepartment of Cellular and Molecular Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Nenad Pavin
- grid.4808.40000 0001 0657 4636Department of Physics, Faculty of Science, University of Zagreb, Zagreb, Croatia
| | - Iva M. Tolić
- grid.4905.80000 0004 0635 7705Division of Molecular Biology, Ruđer Bošković Institute, Zagreb, Croatia
| |
Collapse
|
18
|
Chromosome segregation fidelity requires microtubule polyglutamylation by the cancer downregulated enzyme TTLL11. Nat Commun 2022; 13:7147. [PMID: 36414642 PMCID: PMC9681853 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-022-34909-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/22/2021] [Accepted: 11/11/2022] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Regulation of microtubule (MT) dynamics is key for mitotic spindle assembly and faithful chromosome segregation. Here we show that polyglutamylation, a still understudied post-translational modification of spindle MTs, is essential to define their dynamics within the range required for error-free chromosome segregation. We identify TTLL11 as an enzyme driving MT polyglutamylation in mitosis and show that reducing TTLL11 levels in human cells or zebrafish embryos compromises chromosome segregation fidelity and impairs early embryonic development. Our data reveal a mechanism to ensure genome stability in normal cells that is compromised in cancer cells that systematically downregulate TTLL11. Our data suggest a direct link between MT dynamics regulation, MT polyglutamylation and two salient features of tumour cells, aneuploidy and chromosome instability (CIN).
Collapse
|
19
|
Štimac V, Koprivec I, Manenica M, Simunić J, Tolić IM. Augmin prevents merotelic attachments by promoting proper arrangement of bridging and kinetochore fibers. eLife 2022; 11:83287. [PMID: 36269126 PMCID: PMC9640188 DOI: 10.7554/elife.83287] [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: 09/07/2022] [Accepted: 09/26/2022] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
The human mitotic spindle is made of microtubules nucleated at centrosomes, at kinetochores, and from pre-existing microtubules by the augmin complex. However, it is unknown how the augmin-mediated nucleation affects distinct microtubule classes and thereby mitotic fidelity. Here, we use superresolution microscopy to analyze the previously indistinguishable microtubule arrangements within the crowded metaphase plate area and demonstrate that augmin is vital for the formation of uniformly arranged parallel units consisting of sister kinetochore fibers connected by a bridging fiber. This ordered geometry helps both prevent and resolve merotelic attachments. Whereas augmin-nucleated bridging fibers prevent merotelic attachments by creating a nearly parallel and highly bundled microtubule arrangement unfavorable for creating additional attachments, augmin-nucleated k-fibers produce robust force required to resolve errors during anaphase. STED microscopy revealed that bridging fibers were impaired twice as much as k-fibers following augmin depletion. The complete absence of bridging fibers from a significant portion of kinetochore pairs, especially in the inner part of the spindle, resulted in the specific reduction of the interkinetochore distance. Taken together, we propose a model where augmin promotes mitotic fidelity by generating assemblies consisting of bridging and kinetochore fibers that align sister kinetochores to face opposite poles, thereby preventing erroneous attachments.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Valentina Štimac
- Division of Molecular Biology, Ruđer Bošković Institute, Zagreb, Croatia
| | - Isabella Koprivec
- Division of Molecular Biology, Ruđer Bošković Institute, Zagreb, Croatia
| | - Martina Manenica
- Division of Molecular Biology, Ruđer Bošković Institute, Zagreb, Croatia
| | - Juraj Simunić
- Division of Molecular Biology, Ruđer Bošković Institute, Zagreb, Croatia
| | - Iva M Tolić
- Division of Molecular Biology, Ruđer Bošković Institute, Zagreb, Croatia
| |
Collapse
|
20
|
Johann to Berens P, Schivre G, Theune M, Peter J, Sall SO, Mutterer J, Barneche F, Bourbousse C, Molinier J. Advanced Image Analysis Methods for Automated Segmentation of Subnuclear Chromatin Domains. EPIGENOMES 2022; 6:epigenomes6040034. [PMID: 36278680 PMCID: PMC9624336 DOI: 10.3390/epigenomes6040034] [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: 06/28/2022] [Revised: 09/19/2022] [Accepted: 10/01/2022] [Indexed: 11/07/2022] Open
Abstract
The combination of ever-increasing microscopy resolution with cytogenetical tools allows for detailed analyses of nuclear functional partitioning. However, the need for reliable qualitative and quantitative methodologies to detect and interpret chromatin sub-nuclear organization dynamics is crucial to decipher the underlying molecular processes. Having access to properly automated tools for accurate and fast recognition of complex nuclear structures remains an important issue. Cognitive biases associated with human-based curation or decisions for object segmentation tend to introduce variability and noise into image analysis. Here, we report the development of two complementary segmentation methods, one semi-automated (iCRAQ) and one based on deep learning (Nucl.Eye.D), and their evaluation using a collection of A. thaliana nuclei with contrasted or poorly defined chromatin compartmentalization. Both methods allow for fast, robust and sensitive detection as well as for quantification of subtle nucleus features. Based on these developments, we highlight advantages of semi-automated and deep learning-based analyses applied to plant cytogenetics.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - Geoffrey Schivre
- Institut de Biologie de l’Ecole Normale Supérieure (IBENS), Ecole Normale Supérieure, Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique, Inserm, Université PSL, 75230 Paris, France
- Université Paris-Saclay, 91190 Orsay, France
| | - Marius Theune
- FB 10 / Molekulare Pflanzenphysiologie, Bioenergetik in Photoautotrophen, Universität Kassel, 34127 Kassel, Germany
| | - Jackson Peter
- Institut de Biologie Moléculaire des Plantes du CNRS, 67000 Strasbourg, France
| | | | - Jérôme Mutterer
- Institut de Biologie Moléculaire des Plantes du CNRS, 67000 Strasbourg, France
| | - Fredy Barneche
- Institut de Biologie de l’Ecole Normale Supérieure (IBENS), Ecole Normale Supérieure, Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique, Inserm, Université PSL, 75230 Paris, France
| | - Clara Bourbousse
- Institut de Biologie de l’Ecole Normale Supérieure (IBENS), Ecole Normale Supérieure, Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique, Inserm, Université PSL, 75230 Paris, France
- Correspondence: (C.B.); (J.M.)
| | - Jean Molinier
- Institut de Biologie Moléculaire des Plantes du CNRS, 67000 Strasbourg, France
- Correspondence: (C.B.); (J.M.)
| |
Collapse
|
21
|
She ZY, Xu MF, Jiang SY, Wei YL. Kinesin-7 CENP-E is essential for chromosome alignment and spindle assembly of mouse spermatocytes. BIOCHIMICA ET BIOPHYSICA ACTA. MOLECULAR CELL RESEARCH 2022; 1869:119306. [PMID: 35680098 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbamcr.2022.119306] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/14/2022] [Revised: 05/28/2022] [Accepted: 05/31/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
Genome stability depends on chromosome congression and alignment during cell division. Kinesin-7 CENP-E is critical for kinetochore-microtubule attachment and chromosome alignment, which contribute to genome stability in mitosis. However, the functions and mechanisms of CENP-E in the meiotic division of male spermatocytes remain largely unknown. In this study, by combining the use of chemical inhibitors, siRNA-mediated gene knockdown, immunohistochemistry, and high-resolution microscopy, we have found that CENP-E inhibition results in chromosome misalignment and metaphase arrest in dividing spermatocyte during meiosis. Strikingly, we have revealed that CENP-E regulates spindle organization in metaphase I spermatocytes and cultured GC-2 spd cells. CENP-E depletion leads to spindle elongation, chromosome misalignment, and chromosome instability in spermatocytes. Together, these findings indicate that CENP-E mediates the kinetochore recruitment of BubR1, spindle assembly checkpoint and chromosome alignment in dividing spermatocytes, which finally contribute to faithful chromosome segregation and chromosome stability in the male meiotic division.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Zhen-Yu She
- Department of Cell Biology and Genetics, The School of Basic Medical Sciences, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, Fujian 350122, China; Key Laboratory of Stem Cell Engineering and Regenerative Medicine, Fujian Province University, Fuzhou, Fujian 350122, China.
| | - Meng-Fei Xu
- Department of Cell Biology and Genetics, The School of Basic Medical Sciences, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, Fujian 350122, China; Key Laboratory of Stem Cell Engineering and Regenerative Medicine, Fujian Province University, Fuzhou, Fujian 350122, China
| | - Sun-Ying Jiang
- Department of Cell Biology and Genetics, The School of Basic Medical Sciences, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, Fujian 350122, China; Key Laboratory of Stem Cell Engineering and Regenerative Medicine, Fujian Province University, Fuzhou, Fujian 350122, China
| | - Ya-Lan Wei
- Fujian Obstetrics and Gynecology Hospital, Fuzhou, Fujian 350011, China; Medical Research Center, Fujian Maternity and Child Health Hospital, Affiliated Hospital of Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, Fujian 350001, China
| |
Collapse
|
22
|
Risteski P, Božan D, Jagrić M, Bosilj A, Pavin N, Tolić IM. Length-dependent poleward flux of sister kinetochore fibers promotes chromosome alignment. Cell Rep 2022; 40:111169. [PMID: 35926461 PMCID: PMC9364240 DOI: 10.1016/j.celrep.2022.111169] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/15/2021] [Revised: 04/20/2022] [Accepted: 07/14/2022] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Chromosome alignment at the spindle equator promotes proper chromosome segregation and depends on pulling forces exerted at kinetochore fiber tips together with polar ejection forces. However, kinetochore fibers are also subjected to forces driving their poleward flux. Here we introduce a flux-driven centering model that relies on flux generated by forces within the overlaps of bridging and kinetochore fibers. This centering mechanism works so that the longer kinetochore fiber fluxes faster than the shorter one, moving the kinetochores toward the center. We develop speckle microscopy in human spindles and confirm the key prediction that kinetochore fiber flux is length dependent. Kinetochores are better centered when overlaps are shorter and the kinetochore fiber flux slower than the bridging fiber flux. We identify Kif18A and Kif4A as overlap and flux regulators and NuMA as a fiber coupler. Thus, length-dependent sliding forces exerted by the bridging fiber onto kinetochore fibers support chromosome alignment. A flux-driven centering model explains chromosome alignment at the spindle equator Kinetochore fiber poleward flux is driven by overlap microtubules Kinetochore centering requires faster flux of the longer sister kinetochore fiber Chromosome alignment depends on the overlap length of bridging microtubules
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Patrik Risteski
- Division of Molecular Biology, Ruđer Bošković Institute, Bijenička cesta 54, 10000 Zagreb, Croatia
| | - Domagoj Božan
- Department of Physics, Faculty of Science, University of Zagreb, Bijenička cesta 32, 10000 Zagreb, Croatia
| | - Mihaela Jagrić
- Division of Molecular Biology, Ruđer Bošković Institute, Bijenička cesta 54, 10000 Zagreb, Croatia
| | - Agneza Bosilj
- Department of Physics, Faculty of Science, University of Zagreb, Bijenička cesta 32, 10000 Zagreb, Croatia
| | - Nenad Pavin
- Department of Physics, Faculty of Science, University of Zagreb, Bijenička cesta 32, 10000 Zagreb, Croatia.
| | - Iva M Tolić
- Division of Molecular Biology, Ruđer Bošković Institute, Bijenička cesta 54, 10000 Zagreb, Croatia.
| |
Collapse
|
23
|
Conway W, Kiewisz R, Fabig G, Kelleher CP, Wu HY, Anjur-Dietrich M, Müller-Reichert T, Needleman DJ. Self-organization of kinetochore-fibers in human mitotic spindles. eLife 2022; 11:75458. [PMID: 35876665 PMCID: PMC9398449 DOI: 10.7554/elife.75458] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/10/2021] [Accepted: 07/24/2022] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
During eukaryotic cell division, chromosomes are linked to microtubules (MTs) in the spindle by a macromolecular complex called the kinetochore. The bound kinetochore microtubules (KMTs) are crucial to ensuring accurate chromosome segregation. Recent reconstructions by electron tomography (Kiewisz et al., 2022) captured the positions and configurations of every MT in human mitotic spindles, revealing that roughly half the KMTs in these spindles do not reach the pole. Here, we investigate the processes that give rise to this distribution of KMTs using a combination of analysis of large-scale electron tomography, photoconversion experiments, quantitative polarized light microscopy, and biophysical modeling. Our results indicate that in metaphase, KMTs grow away from the kinetochores along well-defined trajectories, with the speed of the KMT minus ends continually decreasing as the minus ends approach the pole, implying that longer KMTs grow more slowly than shorter KMTs. The locations of KMT minus ends, and the turnover and movements of tubulin in KMTs, are consistent with models in which KMTs predominately nucleate de novo at kinetochores in metaphase and are inconsistent with substantial numbers of non-KMTs being recruited to the kinetochore in metaphase. Taken together, this work leads to a mathematical model of the self-organization of kinetochore-fibers in human mitotic spindles.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- William Conway
- Department of Physics, Harvard University, Cambridge, United States
| | - Robert Kiewisz
- Experimental Center, Faculty of Medicine Carl Gustav Carus, Technische Universität Dresden, Dresden, Germany
| | - Gunar Fabig
- Experimental Center, Faculty of Medicine Carl Gustav Carus, Technische Universität Dresden, Dresden, Germany
| | - Colm P Kelleher
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology, Harvard University, Cambridge, United States
| | - Hai-Yin Wu
- Department of Physics, Harvard University, Cambridge, United States
| | - Maya Anjur-Dietrich
- John A Paulson School of Engineering and Applied Sciences, Harvard University, Cambridge, United States
| | - Thomas Müller-Reichert
- Experimental Center, Faculty of Medicine Carl Gustav Carus, Technische Universität Dresden, Dresden, Germany
| | - Daniel J Needleman
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology, Harvard University, Cambridge, United States
| |
Collapse
|
24
|
Vit G, Duro J, Rajendraprasad G, Hertz EPT, Holland LKK, Weisser MB, McEwan BC, Lopez‐Mendez B, Sotelo‐Parrilla P, Jeyaprakash AA, Montoya G, Mailand N, Maeda K, Kettenbach A, Barisic M, Nilsson J. Chemogenetic profiling reveals PP2A-independent cytotoxicity of proposed PP2A activators iHAP1 and DT-061. EMBO J 2022; 41:e110611. [PMID: 35695070 PMCID: PMC9289710 DOI: 10.15252/embj.2022110611] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/07/2022] [Revised: 05/18/2022] [Accepted: 05/19/2022] [Indexed: 01/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Protein phosphatase 2A (PP2A) is an abundant phosphoprotein phosphatase that acts as a tumor suppressor. For this reason, compounds able to activate PP2A are attractive anticancer agents. The compounds iHAP1 and DT-061 have recently been reported to selectively stabilize specific PP2A-B56 complexes to mediate cell killing. We were unable to detect direct effects of iHAP1 and DT-061 on PP2A-B56 activity in biochemical assays and composition of holoenzymes. Therefore, we undertook genome-wide CRISPR-Cas9 synthetic lethality screens to uncover biological pathways affected by these compounds. We found that knockout of mitotic regulators is synthetic lethal with iHAP1 while knockout of endoplasmic reticulum (ER) and Golgi components is synthetic lethal with DT-061. Indeed we showed that iHAP1 directly blocks microtubule assembly both in vitro and in vivo and thus acts as a microtubule poison. In contrast, DT-061 disrupts both the Golgi apparatus and the ER and lipid synthesis associated with these structures. Our work provides insight into the biological pathways perturbed by iHAP1 and DT-061 causing cellular toxicity and argues that these compounds cannot be used for dissecting PP2A-B56 biology.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Gianmatteo Vit
- Novo Nordisk Foundation Center for Protein ResearchFaculty of Health and Medical SciencesUniversity of CopenhagenCopenhagenDenmark
| | - Joana Duro
- Novo Nordisk Foundation Center for Protein ResearchFaculty of Health and Medical SciencesUniversity of CopenhagenCopenhagenDenmark
| | - Girish Rajendraprasad
- Cell Division and CytoskeletonDanish Cancer Society Research CenterCopenhagenDenmark
| | - Emil P T Hertz
- Novo Nordisk Foundation Center for Protein ResearchFaculty of Health and Medical SciencesUniversity of CopenhagenCopenhagenDenmark
| | - Lya Katrine Kauffeldt Holland
- Cell Death and Metabolism UnitCenter for Autophagy, Recycling and Disease (CARD)Danish Cancer Society Research Center (DCRC)CopenhagenDenmark
| | - Melanie Bianca Weisser
- Novo Nordisk Foundation Center for Protein ResearchFaculty of Health and Medical SciencesUniversity of CopenhagenCopenhagenDenmark
| | - Brennan C McEwan
- Department of Biochemistry and Cell BiologyGeisel School of Medicine at Dartmouth CollegeHanoverNHUSA,Norris Cotton Cancer CenterLebanonNHUSA
| | - Blanca Lopez‐Mendez
- Novo Nordisk Foundation Center for Protein ResearchFaculty of Health and Medical SciencesUniversity of CopenhagenCopenhagenDenmark
| | | | | | - Guillermo Montoya
- Novo Nordisk Foundation Center for Protein ResearchFaculty of Health and Medical SciencesUniversity of CopenhagenCopenhagenDenmark
| | - Niels Mailand
- Novo Nordisk Foundation Center for Protein ResearchFaculty of Health and Medical SciencesUniversity of CopenhagenCopenhagenDenmark
| | - Kenji Maeda
- Cell Death and Metabolism UnitCenter for Autophagy, Recycling and Disease (CARD)Danish Cancer Society Research Center (DCRC)CopenhagenDenmark
| | - Arminja Kettenbach
- Department of Biochemistry and Cell BiologyGeisel School of Medicine at Dartmouth CollegeHanoverNHUSA
| | - Marin Barisic
- Cell Division and CytoskeletonDanish Cancer Society Research CenterCopenhagenDenmark,Department of Cellular and Molecular MedicineFaculty of Health SciencesUniversity of CopenhagenCopenhagenDenmark
| | - Jakob Nilsson
- Novo Nordisk Foundation Center for Protein ResearchFaculty of Health and Medical SciencesUniversity of CopenhagenCopenhagenDenmark
| |
Collapse
|
25
|
Craske B, Legal T, Welburn JPI. Reconstitution of an active human CENP-E motor. Open Biol 2022; 12:210389. [PMID: 35259950 PMCID: PMC8905165 DOI: 10.1098/rsob.210389] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/22/2021] [Accepted: 02/15/2022] [Indexed: 01/07/2023] Open
Abstract
CENP-E is a large kinesin motor protein which plays pivotal roles in mitosis by facilitating chromosome capture and alignment, and promoting microtubule flux in the spindle. So far, it has not been possible to obtain active human CENP-E to study its molecular properties. Xenopus CENP-E motor has been characterized in vitro and is used as a model motor; however, its protein sequence differs significantly from human CENP-E. Here, we characterize human CENP-E motility in vitro. Full-length CENP-E exhibits an increase in run length and longer residency times on microtubules when compared to CENP-E motor truncations, indicating that the C-terminal microtubule-binding site enhances the processivity when the full-length motor is active. In contrast with constitutively active human CENP-E truncations, full-length human CENP-E has a reduced microtubule landing rate in vitro, suggesting that the non-motor coiled-coil regions self-regulate motor activity. Together, we demonstrate that human CENP-E is a processive motor, providing a useful tool to study the mechanistic basis for how human CENP-E drives chromosome congression and spindle organization during human cell division.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Benjamin Craske
- Wellcome Trust Centre for Cell Biology, School of Biological Sciences, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, Scotland EH9 3BF, UK
| | - Thibault Legal
- Wellcome Trust Centre for Cell Biology, School of Biological Sciences, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, Scotland EH9 3BF, UK
| | - Julie P. I. Welburn
- Wellcome Trust Centre for Cell Biology, School of Biological Sciences, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, Scotland EH9 3BF, UK
| |
Collapse
|
26
|
Sun M, Jia M, Ren H, Yang B, Chi W, Xin G, Jiang Q, Zhang C. NuMA regulates mitotic spindle assembly, structural dynamics and function via phase separation. Nat Commun 2021; 12:7157. [PMID: 34887424 PMCID: PMC8660824 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-021-27528-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/22/2021] [Accepted: 11/23/2021] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
A functional mitotic spindle is essential for accurate chromosome congression and segregation during cell proliferation; however, the underlying mechanisms of its assembly remain unclear. Here we show that NuMA regulates this assembly process via phase separation regulated by Aurora A. NuMA undergoes liquid-liquid phase separation during mitotic entry and KifC1 facilitates NuMA condensates concentrating on spindle poles. Phase separation of NuMA is mediated by its C-terminus, whereas its dynein-dynactin binding motif also facilitates this process. Phase-separated NuMA droplets concentrate tubulins, bind microtubules, and enrich crucial regulators, including Kif2A, at the spindle poles, which then depolymerizes spindle microtubules and promotes poleward spindle microtubule flux for spindle assembly and structural dynamics. In this work, we show that NuMA orchestrates mitotic spindle assembly, structural dynamics and function via liquid-liquid phase separation regulated by Aurora A phosphorylation.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Mengjie Sun
- Key Laboratory of Cell Proliferation and Differentiation of the Ministry of Education, College of Life Sciences, Peking University, 100871, Beijing, China
| | - Mingkang Jia
- Key Laboratory of Cell Proliferation and Differentiation of the Ministry of Education, College of Life Sciences, Peking University, 100871, Beijing, China
| | - He Ren
- Key Laboratory of Cell Proliferation and Differentiation of the Ministry of Education, College of Life Sciences, Peking University, 100871, Beijing, China
| | - Biying Yang
- Key Laboratory of Cell Proliferation and Differentiation of the Ministry of Education, College of Life Sciences, Peking University, 100871, Beijing, China
| | - Wangfei Chi
- Key Laboratory of Cell Proliferation and Differentiation of the Ministry of Education, College of Life Sciences, Peking University, 100871, Beijing, China
| | - Guangwei Xin
- Key Laboratory of Cell Proliferation and Differentiation of the Ministry of Education, College of Life Sciences, Peking University, 100871, Beijing, China
| | - Qing Jiang
- Key Laboratory of Cell Proliferation and Differentiation of the Ministry of Education, College of Life Sciences, Peking University, 100871, Beijing, China
| | - Chuanmao Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Cell Proliferation and Differentiation of the Ministry of Education, College of Life Sciences, Peking University, 100871, Beijing, China.
| |
Collapse
|
27
|
Rajendraprasad G, Eibes S, Boldú CG, Barisic M. TH588 and Low-Dose Nocodazole Impair Chromosome Congression by Suppressing Microtubule Turnover within the Mitotic Spindle. Cancers (Basel) 2021; 13:cancers13235995. [PMID: 34885104 PMCID: PMC8657032 DOI: 10.3390/cancers13235995] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/01/2021] [Revised: 11/23/2021] [Accepted: 11/25/2021] [Indexed: 01/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary A promising anti-cancer compound TH588 has been recently identified as a microtubule-targeting agent that inhibits tubulin polymerization in vitro and interferes with microtubule dynamics in interphase cells. Although it was shown to arrest cells in mitosis, its effect on microtubule dynamics in dividing cells remained unknown. By analyzing microtubule dynamics in living cells treated with either TH588 or low-dose nocodazole, we revealed that both of these drugs stabilize microtubules within the mitotic spindle, leading to premature formation of kinetochore-microtubule end-on attachments on uncongressed chromosomes. This causes mitotic arrest, ultimately resulting in cell death or cell division with uncongressed chromosomes. Both of these cell fates could contribute to the selective effect associated with the activity of TH588 in cancer cells. Abstract Microtubule-targeting agents (MTAs) have been used for decades to treat different hematologic and solid cancers. The mode of action of these drugs mainly relies on their ability to bind tubulin subunits and/or microtubules and interfere with microtubule dynamics. In addition to its MTH1-inhibiting activity, TH588 has been recently identified as an MTA, whose anticancer properties were shown to largely depend on its microtubule-targeting ability. Although TH588 inhibited tubulin polymerization in vitro and reduced microtubule plus-end mobility in interphase cells, its effect on microtubule dynamics within the mitotic spindle of dividing cells remained unknown. Here, we performed an in-depth analysis of the impact of TH588 on spindle-associated microtubules and compared it to the effect of low-dose nocodazole. We show that both treatments reduce microtubule turnover within the mitotic spindle. This microtubule-stabilizing effect leads to premature formation of kinetochore-microtubule end-on attachments on uncongressed chromosomes, which consequently cannot be transported to the cell equator, thereby delaying cell division and leading to cell death or division with uncongressed chromosomes.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Girish Rajendraprasad
- Cell Division and Cytoskeleton, Danish Cancer Society Research Center, 2100 Copenhagen, Denmark; (G.R.); (S.E.); (C.G.B.)
| | - Susana Eibes
- Cell Division and Cytoskeleton, Danish Cancer Society Research Center, 2100 Copenhagen, Denmark; (G.R.); (S.E.); (C.G.B.)
| | - Claudia Guasch Boldú
- Cell Division and Cytoskeleton, Danish Cancer Society Research Center, 2100 Copenhagen, Denmark; (G.R.); (S.E.); (C.G.B.)
| | - Marin Barisic
- Cell Division and Cytoskeleton, Danish Cancer Society Research Center, 2100 Copenhagen, Denmark; (G.R.); (S.E.); (C.G.B.)
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Copenhagen, 2200 Copenhagen, Denmark
- Correspondence:
| |
Collapse
|
28
|
Moon HH, Kreis NN, Friemel A, Roth S, Schulte D, Solbach C, Louwen F, Yuan J, Ritter A. Mitotic Centromere-Associated Kinesin (MCAK/KIF2C) Regulates Cell Migration and Invasion by Modulating Microtubule Dynamics and Focal Adhesion Turnover. Cancers (Basel) 2021; 13:5673. [PMID: 34830827 PMCID: PMC8616312 DOI: 10.3390/cancers13225673] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/25/2021] [Revised: 11/08/2021] [Accepted: 11/10/2021] [Indexed: 01/16/2023] Open
Abstract
The microtubule (MT) cytoskeleton is crucial for cell motility and migration by regulating multiple cellular activities such as transport and endocytosis of key components of focal adhesions (FA). The kinesin-13 family is important in the regulation of MT dynamics and the best characterized member of this family is the mitotic centromere-associated kinesin (MCAK/KIF2C). Interestingly, its overexpression has been reported to be related to increased metastasis in various tumor entities. Moreover, MCAK is involved in the migration and invasion behavior of various cell types. However, the precise molecular mechanisms were not completely clarified. To address these issues, we generated CRISPR/dCas9 HeLa and retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) cell lines overexpressing or downregulating MCAK. Both up- or downregulation of MCAK led to reduced cell motility and poor migration in malignant as well as benign cells. Specifically, it's up- or downregulation impaired FA protein composition and phosphorylation status, interfered with a proper spindle and chromosome segregation, disturbed the assembly and disassembly rate of FA, delayed cell adhesion, and compromised the plus-tip dynamics of MTs. In conclusion, our data suggest MCAK act as an important regulator for cell motility and migration by affecting the actin-MT cytoskeleton dynamics and the FA turnover, providing molecular mechanisms by which deregulated MCAK could promote malignant progression and metastasis of tumor cells.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ha Hyung Moon
- Obstetrics and Prenatal Medicine, Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, University Hospital Frankfurt, J. W. Goethe-University Frankfurt, Theodor-Stern-Kai 7, D-60590 Frankfurt, Germany; (H.H.M.); (N.-N.K.); (A.F.); (S.R.); (C.S.); (F.L.); (J.Y.)
| | - Nina-Naomi Kreis
- Obstetrics and Prenatal Medicine, Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, University Hospital Frankfurt, J. W. Goethe-University Frankfurt, Theodor-Stern-Kai 7, D-60590 Frankfurt, Germany; (H.H.M.); (N.-N.K.); (A.F.); (S.R.); (C.S.); (F.L.); (J.Y.)
| | - Alexandra Friemel
- Obstetrics and Prenatal Medicine, Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, University Hospital Frankfurt, J. W. Goethe-University Frankfurt, Theodor-Stern-Kai 7, D-60590 Frankfurt, Germany; (H.H.M.); (N.-N.K.); (A.F.); (S.R.); (C.S.); (F.L.); (J.Y.)
| | - Susanne Roth
- Obstetrics and Prenatal Medicine, Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, University Hospital Frankfurt, J. W. Goethe-University Frankfurt, Theodor-Stern-Kai 7, D-60590 Frankfurt, Germany; (H.H.M.); (N.-N.K.); (A.F.); (S.R.); (C.S.); (F.L.); (J.Y.)
| | - Dorothea Schulte
- Institute of Neurology (Edinger Institute), University Hospital Frankfurt, J. W. Goethe University, D-60528 Frankfurt, Germany;
| | - Christine Solbach
- Obstetrics and Prenatal Medicine, Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, University Hospital Frankfurt, J. W. Goethe-University Frankfurt, Theodor-Stern-Kai 7, D-60590 Frankfurt, Germany; (H.H.M.); (N.-N.K.); (A.F.); (S.R.); (C.S.); (F.L.); (J.Y.)
| | - Frank Louwen
- Obstetrics and Prenatal Medicine, Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, University Hospital Frankfurt, J. W. Goethe-University Frankfurt, Theodor-Stern-Kai 7, D-60590 Frankfurt, Germany; (H.H.M.); (N.-N.K.); (A.F.); (S.R.); (C.S.); (F.L.); (J.Y.)
| | - Juping Yuan
- Obstetrics and Prenatal Medicine, Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, University Hospital Frankfurt, J. W. Goethe-University Frankfurt, Theodor-Stern-Kai 7, D-60590 Frankfurt, Germany; (H.H.M.); (N.-N.K.); (A.F.); (S.R.); (C.S.); (F.L.); (J.Y.)
| | - Andreas Ritter
- Obstetrics and Prenatal Medicine, Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, University Hospital Frankfurt, J. W. Goethe-University Frankfurt, Theodor-Stern-Kai 7, D-60590 Frankfurt, Germany; (H.H.M.); (N.-N.K.); (A.F.); (S.R.); (C.S.); (F.L.); (J.Y.)
| |
Collapse
|
29
|
Neahring L, Cho NH, Dumont S. Opposing motors provide mechanical and functional robustness in the human spindle. Dev Cell 2021; 56:3006-3018.e5. [PMID: 34614397 DOI: 10.1016/j.devcel.2021.09.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/04/2021] [Revised: 07/27/2021] [Accepted: 09/13/2021] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
At each cell division, the spindle self-organizes from microtubules and motors. In human spindles, the motors dynein and Eg5 generate contractile and extensile stress, respectively. Inhibiting dynein or its targeting factor NuMA leads to unfocused, turbulent spindles, and inhibiting Eg5 leads to monopoles; yet, bipolar spindles form when both are inhibited together. What, then, are the roles of these opposing motors? Here, we generate NuMA/dynein- and Eg5-doubly inhibited spindles that not only attain a typical metaphase shape and size but also undergo anaphase. However, these spindles have reduced microtubule dynamics and are mechanically fragile, fracturing under force. Furthermore, they exhibit lagging chromosomes and a dramatic left-handed twist at anaphase. Thus, although these opposing motors are not required for spindle shape, they are essential to its mechanical and functional robustness. This work suggests a design principle whereby opposing active stresses provide robustness to force-generating cellular structures.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Lila Neahring
- Department of Bioengineering & Therapeutic Sciences, UCSF, San Francisco, CA 94158, USA; Developmental & Stem Cell Biology Graduate Program, UCSF, San Francisco, CA 94143, USA.
| | - Nathan H Cho
- Department of Bioengineering & Therapeutic Sciences, UCSF, San Francisco, CA 94158, USA; Tetrad Graduate Program, UCSF, San Francisco, CA 94158, USA
| | - Sophie Dumont
- Department of Bioengineering & Therapeutic Sciences, UCSF, San Francisco, CA 94158, USA; Developmental & Stem Cell Biology Graduate Program, UCSF, San Francisco, CA 94143, USA; Tetrad Graduate Program, UCSF, San Francisco, CA 94158, USA; Department of Biochemistry & Biophysics, UCSF, San Francisco, CA 94158, USA; Chan Zuckerberg Biohub, San Francisco, CA 94158, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
30
|
Iemura K, Yoshizaki Y, Kuniyasu K, Tanaka K. Attenuated Chromosome Oscillation as a Cause of Chromosomal Instability in Cancer Cells. Cancers (Basel) 2021; 13:cancers13184531. [PMID: 34572757 PMCID: PMC8470601 DOI: 10.3390/cancers13184531] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/02/2021] [Revised: 09/01/2021] [Accepted: 09/07/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary Chromosomal instability (CIN), a condition in which chromosome missegregation occurs at high rates, is widely seen in cancer cells. Causes of CIN in cancer cells are not fully understood. A recent report suggests that chromosome oscillation, an iterative chromosome motion typically seen in metaphase around the spindle equator, is attenuated in cancer cells, and is associated with CIN. Chromosome oscillation promotes the correction of erroneous kinetochore-microtubule attachments through phosphorylation of Hec1, a kinetochore protein that binds to microtubules, by Aurora A kinase residing on the spindle. In this review, we focused on this unappreciated link between chromosome oscillation and CIN. Abstract Chromosomal instability (CIN) is commonly seen in cancer cells, and related to tumor progression and poor prognosis. Among the causes of CIN, insufficient correction of erroneous kinetochore (KT)-microtubule (MT) attachments plays pivotal roles in various situations. In this review, we focused on the previously unappreciated role of chromosome oscillation in the correction of erroneous KT-MT attachments, and its relevance to the etiology of CIN. First, we provided an overview of the error correction mechanisms for KT-MT attachments, especially the role of Aurora kinases in error correction by phosphorylating Hec1, which connects MT to KT. Next, we explained chromosome oscillation and its underlying mechanisms. Then we introduced how chromosome oscillation is involved in the error correction of KT-MT attachments, based on recent findings. Chromosome oscillation has been shown to promote Hec1 phosphorylation by Aurora A which localizes to the spindle. Finally, we discussed the link between attenuated chromosome oscillation and CIN in cancer cells. This link underscores the role of chromosome dynamics in mitotic fidelity, and the mutual relationship between defective chromosome dynamics and CIN in cancer cells that can be a target for cancer therapy.
Collapse
|
31
|
Vukušić K, Tolić IM. Anaphase B: Long-standing models meet new concepts. Semin Cell Dev Biol 2021; 117:127-139. [PMID: 33849764 PMCID: PMC8406420 DOI: 10.1016/j.semcdb.2021.03.023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/03/2021] [Revised: 03/26/2021] [Accepted: 03/28/2021] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
Mitotic cell divisions ensure stable transmission of genetic information from a mother to daughter cells in a series of generations. To ensure this crucial task is accomplished, the cell forms a bipolar structure called the mitotic spindle that divides sister chromatids to the opposite sides of the dividing mother cell. After successful establishment of stable attachments of microtubules to chromosomes and inspection of connections between them, at the heart of mitosis, the cell starts the process of segregation. This spectacular moment in the life of a cell is termed anaphase, and it involves two distinct processes: depolymerization of microtubules bound to chromosomes, which is also known as anaphase A, and elongation of the spindle or anaphase B. Both processes ensure physical separation of disjointed sister chromatids. In this chapter, we review the mechanisms of anaphase B spindle elongation primarily in mammalian systems, combining different pioneering ideas and concepts with more recent findings that shed new light on the force generation and regulation of biochemical modules operating during spindle elongation. Finally, we present a comprehensive model of spindle elongation that includes structural, biophysical, and molecular aspects of anaphase B.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Kruno Vukušić
- Division of Molecular Biology, Ruđer Bošković Institute, Bijenička cesta 54, 10000 Zagreb, Croatia.
| | - Iva M Tolić
- Division of Molecular Biology, Ruđer Bošković Institute, Bijenička cesta 54, 10000 Zagreb, Croatia.
| |
Collapse
|
32
|
Rasamizafy SF, Delsert C, Rabeharivelo G, Cau J, Morin N, van Dijk J. Mitotic Acetylation of Microtubules Promotes Centrosomal PLK1 Recruitment and Is Required to Maintain Bipolar Spindle Homeostasis. Cells 2021; 10:1859. [PMID: 34440628 PMCID: PMC8394630 DOI: 10.3390/cells10081859] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/06/2021] [Revised: 07/18/2021] [Accepted: 07/19/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Tubulin post-translational modifications regulate microtubule properties and functions. Mitotic spindle microtubules are highly modified. While tubulin detyrosination promotes proper mitotic progression by recruiting specific microtubule-associated proteins motors, tubulin acetylation that occurs on specific microtubule subsets during mitosis is less well understood. Here, we show that siRNA-mediated depletion of the tubulin acetyltransferase ATAT1 in epithelial cells leads to a prolonged prometaphase arrest and the formation of monopolar spindles. This results from collapse of bipolar spindles, as previously described in cells deficient for the mitotic kinase PLK1. ATAT1-depleted mitotic cells have defective recruitment of PLK1 to centrosomes, defects in centrosome maturation and thus microtubule nucleation, as well as labile microtubule-kinetochore attachments. Spindle bipolarity could be restored, in the absence of ATAT1, by stabilizing microtubule plus-ends or by increasing PLK1 activity at centrosomes, demonstrating that the phenotype is not just a consequence of lack of K-fiber stability. We propose that microtubule acetylation of K-fibers is required for a recently evidenced cross talk between centrosomes and kinetochores.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Sylvia Fenosoa Rasamizafy
- Université de Montpellier, 34293 Montpellier, France; (S.F.R.); (C.D.); (G.R.); (J.C.)
- Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique (CNRS) UMR5237, 1919 Route de Mende, 34293 Montpellier, France
| | - Claude Delsert
- Université de Montpellier, 34293 Montpellier, France; (S.F.R.); (C.D.); (G.R.); (J.C.)
- Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique (CNRS) UMR5237, 1919 Route de Mende, 34293 Montpellier, France
- Institut Français de Recherche pour l’Exploitation de la mer, L3AS, 34250 Palavas-les-Flots, France
| | - Gabriel Rabeharivelo
- Université de Montpellier, 34293 Montpellier, France; (S.F.R.); (C.D.); (G.R.); (J.C.)
- Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique (CNRS) UMR5237, 1919 Route de Mende, 34293 Montpellier, France
| | - Julien Cau
- Université de Montpellier, 34293 Montpellier, France; (S.F.R.); (C.D.); (G.R.); (J.C.)
- IGH, CNRS UMR 9002, 141, rue de la Cardonille, 34396 Montpellier, France
- Montpellier Rio Imaging, 34293 Montpellier, France
| | - Nathalie Morin
- Université de Montpellier, 34293 Montpellier, France; (S.F.R.); (C.D.); (G.R.); (J.C.)
- Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique (CNRS) UMR5237, 1919 Route de Mende, 34293 Montpellier, France
| | - Juliette van Dijk
- Université de Montpellier, 34293 Montpellier, France; (S.F.R.); (C.D.); (G.R.); (J.C.)
- Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique (CNRS) UMR5237, 1919 Route de Mende, 34293 Montpellier, France
| |
Collapse
|
33
|
Maiato H. Mitosis under the macroscope. Semin Cell Dev Biol 2021; 117:1-5. [PMID: 34172396 DOI: 10.1016/j.semcdb.2021.06.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Helder Maiato
- Chromosome Instability & Dynamics Group, i3S - Instituto de Investigação e Inovação em Saúde, Universidade do Porto, Rua Alfredo Allen 208, 4200-135 Porto, Portugal; Instituto de Biologia Molecular e Celular, Universidade do Porto, Rua Alfredo Allen 208, 4200-135 Porto, Portugal; Cell Division Group, Experimental Biology Unit, Department of Biomedicine, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade do Porto, Alameda Prof. Hernâni Monteiro, 4200-319 Porto, Portugal.
| |
Collapse
|
34
|
Guerreiro A, De Sousa F, Liaudet N, Ivanova D, Eskat A, Meraldi P. WDR62 localizes katanin at spindle poles to ensure synchronous chromosome segregation. J Cell Biol 2021; 220:212394. [PMID: 34137788 PMCID: PMC8240857 DOI: 10.1083/jcb.202007171] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/27/2020] [Revised: 04/12/2021] [Accepted: 05/18/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Mutations in the WDR62 gene cause primary microcephaly, a pathological condition often associated with defective cell division that results in severe brain developmental defects. The precise function and localization of WDR62 within the mitotic spindle is, however, still under debate, as it has been proposed to act either at centrosomes or on the mitotic spindle. Here we explored the cellular functions of WDR62 in human epithelial cell lines using both short-term siRNA protein depletions and long-term CRISPR/Cas9 gene knockouts. We demonstrate that WDR62 localizes at spindle poles, promoting the recruitment of the microtubule-severing enzyme katanin. Depletion or loss of WDR62 stabilizes spindle microtubules due to insufficient microtubule minus-end depolymerization but does not affect plus-end microtubule dynamics. During chromosome segregation, WDR62 and katanin promote efficient poleward microtubule flux and favor the synchronicity of poleward movements in anaphase to prevent lagging chromosomes. We speculate that these lagging chromosomes might be linked to developmental defects in primary microcephaly.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Amanda Guerreiro
- Department of Cell Physiology and Metabolism, Faculty of Medicine, University of Geneva, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Filipe De Sousa
- Department of Cell Physiology and Metabolism, Faculty of Medicine, University of Geneva, Geneva, Switzerland.,Radiation Oncology Division, Geneva University Hospitals, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Nicolas Liaudet
- Bioimaging Facility, Faculty of Medicine, University of Geneva, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Daria Ivanova
- Department of Cell Physiology and Metabolism, Faculty of Medicine, University of Geneva, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Anja Eskat
- Department of Cell Physiology and Metabolism, Faculty of Medicine, University of Geneva, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Patrick Meraldi
- Department of Cell Physiology and Metabolism, Faculty of Medicine, University of Geneva, Geneva, Switzerland.,Translational Research Centre in Onco-hematology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Geneva, Geneva, Switzerland
| |
Collapse
|
35
|
Barisic M, Rajendraprasad G. Mitotic poleward flux: Finding balance between microtubule dynamics and sliding. Bioessays 2021; 43:e2100079. [PMID: 34085708 DOI: 10.1002/bies.202100079] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/18/2021] [Revised: 05/13/2021] [Accepted: 05/21/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Continuous poleward motion of microtubules in metazoan mitotic spindles has been fascinating generations of cell biologists over the last several decades. In human cells, this so-called poleward flux was recently shown to be driven by the coordinated action of four mitotic kinesins. The sliding activities of kinesin-5/EG5 and kinesin-12/KIF15 are sequentially supported by kinesin-7/CENP-E at kinetochores and kinesin-4/KIF4A on chromosome arms, with the individual contributions peaking during prometaphase and metaphase, respectively. Although recent data elucidate the molecular mechanism underlying this cellular phenomenon, the functional roles of microtubule poleward flux during cell division remain largely elusive. Here, we discuss potential contribution of microtubule flux engine to various essential processes at different stages of mitosis.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Marin Barisic
- Cell Division and Cytoskeleton, Danish Cancer Society Research Center (DCRC), Copenhagen, Denmark.,Department of Cellular and Molecular Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Girish Rajendraprasad
- Cell Division and Cytoskeleton, Danish Cancer Society Research Center (DCRC), Copenhagen, Denmark
| |
Collapse
|
36
|
Barisic M, Rajendraprasad G, Steblyanko Y. The metaphase spindle at steady state - Mechanism and functions of microtubule poleward flux. Semin Cell Dev Biol 2021; 117:99-117. [PMID: 34053864 DOI: 10.1016/j.semcdb.2021.05.016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/18/2021] [Revised: 05/13/2021] [Accepted: 05/13/2021] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
The mitotic spindle is a bipolar cellular structure, built from tubulin polymers, called microtubules, and interacting proteins. This macromolecular machine orchestrates chromosome segregation, thereby ensuring accurate distribution of genetic material into the two daughter cells during cell division. Powered by GTP hydrolysis upon tubulin polymerization, the microtubule ends exhibit a metastable behavior known as the dynamic instability, during which they stochastically switch between the growth and shrinkage phases. In the context of the mitotic spindle, dynamic instability is furthermore regulated by microtubule-associated proteins and motor proteins, which enables the spindle to undergo profound changes during mitosis. This highly dynamic behavior is essential for chromosome capture and congression in prometaphase, as well as for chromosome alignment to the spindle equator in metaphase and their segregation in anaphase. In this review we focus on the mechanisms underlying microtubule dynamics and sliding and their importance for the maintenance of shape, structure and dynamics of the metaphase spindle. We discuss how these spindle properties are related to the phenomenon of microtubule poleward flux, highlighting its highly cooperative molecular basis and role in keeping the metaphase spindle at a steady state.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Marin Barisic
- Cell Division and Cytoskeleton, Danish Cancer Society Research Center (DCRC), Strandboulevarden 49, 2100 Copenhagen, Denmark; Department of Cellular and Molecular Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Blegdamsvej 3B, 2200 Copenhagen, Denmark.
| | - Girish Rajendraprasad
- Cell Division and Cytoskeleton, Danish Cancer Society Research Center (DCRC), Strandboulevarden 49, 2100 Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Yulia Steblyanko
- Cell Division and Cytoskeleton, Danish Cancer Society Research Center (DCRC), Strandboulevarden 49, 2100 Copenhagen, Denmark
| |
Collapse
|
37
|
Risteski P, Jagrić M, Pavin N, Tolić IM. Biomechanics of chromosome alignment at the spindle midplane. Curr Biol 2021; 31:R574-R585. [PMID: 34033791 DOI: 10.1016/j.cub.2021.03.082] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
During metaphase, chromosomes are aligned in a lineup at the equatorial plane of the spindle to ensure synchronous poleward movement of chromatids in anaphase and proper nuclear reformation at the end of mitosis. Chromosome alignment relies on microtubules, several types of motor protein and numerous other microtubule-associated and regulatory proteins. Because of the multitude of players involved, the mechanisms of chromosome alignment are still under debate. Here, we discuss the current models of alignment based on poleward pulling forces exerted onto sister kinetochores by kinetochore microtubules, which show length-dependent dynamics and undergo poleward flux, and polar ejection forces that push the chromosome arms away from the pole. We link these models with the recent ideas based on mechanical coupling between bridging and kinetochore microtubules, where sliding of bridging microtubules promotes overlap length-dependent sliding of kinetochore fibers and thus the alignment of sister kinetochores at the spindle equator. Finally, we discuss theoretical models of forces acting on chromosomes during metaphase.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Patrik Risteski
- Division of Molecular Biology, Ruđer Bošković Institute, Bijenička cesta 54, 10000 Zagreb, Croatia
| | - Mihaela Jagrić
- Division of Molecular Biology, Ruđer Bošković Institute, Bijenička cesta 54, 10000 Zagreb, Croatia
| | - Nenad Pavin
- Department of Physics, Faculty of Science, University of Zagreb, Bijenička cesta 32, 10000 Zagreb, Croatia
| | - Iva M Tolić
- Division of Molecular Biology, Ruđer Bošković Institute, Bijenička cesta 54, 10000 Zagreb, Croatia.
| |
Collapse
|
38
|
Vukušić K, Ponjavić I, Buđa R, Risteski P, Tolić IM. Microtubule-sliding modules based on kinesins EG5 and PRC1-dependent KIF4A drive human spindle elongation. Dev Cell 2021; 56:1253-1267.e10. [PMID: 33910056 PMCID: PMC8098747 DOI: 10.1016/j.devcel.2021.04.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/02/2020] [Revised: 01/03/2021] [Accepted: 04/05/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Proper chromosome segregation into two future daughter cells requires the mitotic spindle to elongate in anaphase. However, although some candidate proteins are implicated in this process, the molecular mechanism that drives spindle elongation in human cells is unknown. Using combined depletion and inactivation assays together with CRISPR technology to explore redundancy between multiple targets, we discovered that the force-generating mechanism of spindle elongation consists of EG5/kinesin-5 together with the PRC1-dependent motor KIF4A/kinesin-4, with contribution from kinesin-6 and kinesin-8. Disruption of EG5 and KIF4A leads to total failure of chromosome segregation due to blocked spindle elongation, despite poleward chromosome motion. Tubulin photoactivation, stimulated emission depletion (STED), and expansion microscopy show that perturbation of both proteins impairs midzone microtubule sliding without affecting microtubule stability. Thus, two mechanistically distinct sliding modules, one based on a self-sustained and the other on a crosslinker-assisted motor, power the mechanism that drives spindle elongation in human cells.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Kruno Vukušić
- Division of Molecular Biology, Ruđer Bošković Institute, Bijenička cesta 54, 10000 Zagreb, Croatia
| | - Ivana Ponjavić
- Division of Molecular Biology, Ruđer Bošković Institute, Bijenička cesta 54, 10000 Zagreb, Croatia
| | - Renata Buđa
- Division of Molecular Biology, Ruđer Bošković Institute, Bijenička cesta 54, 10000 Zagreb, Croatia
| | - Patrik Risteski
- Division of Molecular Biology, Ruđer Bošković Institute, Bijenička cesta 54, 10000 Zagreb, Croatia
| | - Iva M Tolić
- Division of Molecular Biology, Ruđer Bošković Institute, Bijenička cesta 54, 10000 Zagreb, Croatia.
| |
Collapse
|
39
|
Jiang Z, Zhang S, Lee YM, Teng X, Yang Q, Toyama Y, Liou YC. Hyaluronan-Mediated Motility Receptor Governs Chromosome Segregation by Regulating Microtubules Sliding Within the Bridging Fiber. Adv Biol (Weinh) 2021; 5:e2000493. [PMID: 33788418 DOI: 10.1002/adbi.202000493] [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: 11/02/2020] [Revised: 02/20/2021] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Abstract
Accurate segregation of chromosomes during anaphase relies on the central spindle and its regulators. A newly raised concept of the central spindle, the bridging fiber, shows that sliding of antiparallel microtubules (MTs) within the bridging fiber promotes chromosome segregation. However, the regulators of the bridging fiber and its regulatory mechanism on MTs sliding remain largely unknown. In this study, the non-motor microtubule-associated protein, hyaluronan-mediated motility receptor (HMMR), is identified as a novel regulator of the bridging fiber. It then identifies that HMMR regulates MTs sliding within the bridging fiber by cooperating with its binding partner HSET. By utilizing a laser-based cell ablation system and photoactivation approach, the study's results reveal that depletion of HMMR causes an inhibitory effect on MTs sliding within the bridging fiber and disrupts the forced uniformity on the kinetochore-attached microtubules-formed fibers (k-fibers). These are created by suppressing the dynamics of HSET, which functions in transiting the force from sliding of bridging MTs to the k-fiber. This study sheds new light on the novel regulatory mechanism of MTs sliding within the bridging fiber by HMMR and HSET and uncovers the role of HMMR in chromosome segregation during anaphase.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Zemin Jiang
- Laboratory of Precision Cancer Medicine, Genome Institute of Singapore (GIS), Agency for Science, Technology and Research (A*STAR), 60 Biopolis Street, #02-01 Genome, Singapore, 138672, Singapore.,Department of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Science, National University of Singapore, Singapore, 117543, Singapore
| | - Shiyu Zhang
- Department of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Science, National University of Singapore, Singapore, 117543, Singapore
| | - Yew Mun Lee
- Department of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Science, National University of Singapore, Singapore, 117543, Singapore
| | - Xiang Teng
- Mechanobiology Institute, National University of Singapore, 5A Engineering Drive 1, Singapore, 117411, Singapore
| | - Qiaoyun Yang
- Department of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Science, National University of Singapore, Singapore, 117543, Singapore
| | - Yusuke Toyama
- Department of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Science, National University of Singapore, Singapore, 117543, Singapore.,Mechanobiology Institute, National University of Singapore, 5A Engineering Drive 1, Singapore, 117411, Singapore
| | - Yih-Cherng Liou
- Department of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Science, National University of Singapore, Singapore, 117543, Singapore.,Graduate School for Integrative Sciences and Engineering, National University of Singapore, Singapore, 117573, Singapore
| |
Collapse
|
40
|
Lopes D, Maiato H. The Tubulin Code in Mitosis and Cancer. Cells 2020; 9:cells9112356. [PMID: 33114575 PMCID: PMC7692294 DOI: 10.3390/cells9112356] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/28/2020] [Revised: 10/20/2020] [Accepted: 10/24/2020] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
The “tubulin code” combines different α/β-tubulin isotypes with several post-translational modifications (PTMs) to generate microtubule diversity in cells. During cell division, specific microtubule populations in the mitotic spindle are differentially modified, but only recently, the functional significance of the tubulin code, with particular emphasis on the role specified by tubulin PTMs, started to be elucidated. This is the case of α-tubulin detyrosination, which was shown to guide chromosomes during congression to the metaphase plate and allow the discrimination of mitotic errors, whose correction is required to prevent chromosomal instability—a hallmark of human cancers implicated in tumor evolution and metastasis. Although alterations in the expression of certain tubulin isotypes and associated PTMs have been reported in human cancers, it remains unclear whether and how the tubulin code has any functional implications for cancer cell properties. Here, we review the role of the tubulin code in chromosome segregation during mitosis and how it impacts cancer cell properties. In this context, we discuss the existence of an emerging “cancer tubulin code” and the respective implications for diagnostic, prognostic and therapeutic purposes.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Danilo Lopes
- Chromosome Instability & Dynamics Group, i3S—Instituto de Investigação e Inovação em Saúde, Universidade do Porto, Rua Alfredo Allen 208, 4200-135 Porto, Portugal;
- Instituto de Biologia Molecular e Celular, Universidade do Porto, Rua Alfredo Allen 208, 4200-135 Porto, Portugal
| | - Helder Maiato
- Chromosome Instability & Dynamics Group, i3S—Instituto de Investigação e Inovação em Saúde, Universidade do Porto, Rua Alfredo Allen 208, 4200-135 Porto, Portugal;
- Instituto de Biologia Molecular e Celular, Universidade do Porto, Rua Alfredo Allen 208, 4200-135 Porto, Portugal
- Cell Division Group, Experimental Biology Unit, Department of Biomedicine, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade do Porto, Alameda Prof. Hernâni Monteiro, 4200-319 Porto, Portugal
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +351-22-040-8800
| |
Collapse
|