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Wevers C, Höhler M, Alcázar-Román AR, Hegemann JH, Fleig U. A Functional Yeast-Based Screen Identifies the Host Microtubule Cytoskeleton as a Target of Numerous Chlamydia pneumoniae Proteins. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:ijms24087618. [PMID: 37108781 PMCID: PMC10142024 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24087618] [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: 03/30/2023] [Revised: 04/13/2023] [Accepted: 04/14/2023] [Indexed: 04/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Bacterial pathogens have evolved intricate ways to manipulate the host to support infection. Here, we systematically assessed the importance of the microtubule cytoskeleton for infection by Chlamydiae, which are obligate intracellular bacteria that are of great importance for human health. The elimination of microtubules in human HEp-2 cells prior to C. pneumoniae infection profoundly attenuated the infection efficiency, demonstrating the need for microtubules for the early infection processes. To identify microtubule-modulating C. pneumoniae proteins, a screen in the model yeast Schizosaccharomyces pombe was performed. Unexpectedly, among 116 selected chlamydial proteins, more than 10%, namely, 13 proteins, massively altered the yeast interphase microtubule cytoskeleton. With two exceptions, these proteins were predicted to be inclusion membrane proteins. As proof of principle, we selected the conserved CPn0443 protein, which caused massive microtubule instability in yeast, for further analysis. CPn0443 bound and bundled microtubules in vitro and co-localized partially with microtubules in vivo in yeast and human cells. Furthermore, CPn0443-transfected U2OS cells had a significantly reduced infection rate by C. pneumoniae EBs. Thus, our yeast screen identified numerous proteins encoded using the highly reduced C. pneumoniae genome that modulated microtubule dynamics. Hijacking of the host microtubule cytoskeleton must be a vital part of chlamydial infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carolin Wevers
- Eukaryotic Microbiology, Institute of Functional Microbial Genomics, Heinrich-Heine-University, 40225 Düsseldorf, Germany
| | - Mona Höhler
- Eukaryotic Microbiology, Institute of Functional Microbial Genomics, Heinrich-Heine-University, 40225 Düsseldorf, Germany
| | - Abel R Alcázar-Román
- Eukaryotic Microbiology, Institute of Functional Microbial Genomics, Heinrich-Heine-University, 40225 Düsseldorf, Germany
| | - Johannes H Hegemann
- Institute of Functional Microbial Genomics, Heinrich-Heine-University, 40225 Düsseldorf, Germany
| | - Ursula Fleig
- Eukaryotic Microbiology, Institute of Functional Microbial Genomics, Heinrich-Heine-University, 40225 Düsseldorf, Germany
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2
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Eastman AE, Guo S. The palette of techniques for cell cycle analysis. FEBS Lett 2020; 594:10.1002/1873-3468.13842. [PMID: 32441778 PMCID: PMC9261528 DOI: 10.1002/1873-3468.13842] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/06/2020] [Revised: 04/20/2020] [Accepted: 05/08/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
The cell division cycle is the generational period of cellular growth and propagation. Cell cycle progression needs to be highly regulated to preserve genomic fidelity while increasing cell number. In multicellular organisms, the cell cycle must also coordinate with cell fate specification during development and tissue homeostasis. Altered cell cycle dynamics play a central role also in a number of pathophysiological processes. Thus, extensive effort has been made to define the biochemical machineries that execute the cell cycle and their regulation, as well as implementing more sensitive and accurate cell cycle measurements. Here, we review the available techniques for cell cycle analysis, revisiting the assumptions behind conventional population-based measurements and discussing new tools to better address cell cycle heterogeneity in the single-cell era. We weigh the strengths, weaknesses, and trade-offs of methods designed to measure temporal aspects of the cell cycle. Finally, we discuss emerging techniques for capturing cell cycle speed at single-cell resolution in live animals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna E Eastman
- Department of Cell Biology and Yale Stem Cell Center, Yale University, New Haven, CT, USA
| | - Shangqin Guo
- Department of Cell Biology and Yale Stem Cell Center, Yale University, New Haven, CT, USA
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3
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van Harten AM, de Boer DV, Martens-de Kemp SR, Buijze M, Ganzevles SH, Hunter KD, Leemans CR, van Beusechem VW, Wolthuis RMF, de Menezes RX, Brakenhoff RH. Chemopreventive targeted treatment of head and neck precancer by Wee1 inhibition. Sci Rep 2020; 10:2330. [PMID: 32047167 PMCID: PMC7012863 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-020-58509-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/20/2019] [Accepted: 10/25/2019] [Indexed: 01/17/2023] Open
Abstract
HPV-negative head and neck squamous cell carcinomas (HNSCCs) develop in precancerous changes in the mucosal lining of the upper-aerodigestive tract. These precancerous cells contain cancer-associated genomic changes and cause primary tumors and local relapses. Therapeutic strategies to eradicate these precancerous cells are very limited. Using functional genomic screens, we identified the therapeutic vulnerabilities of premalignant mucosal cells, which are shared with fully malignant HNSCC cells. We screened 319 previously identified tumor-lethal siRNAs on a panel of cancer and precancerous cell lines as well as primary fibroblasts. In total we identified 147 tumor-essential genes including 34 druggable candidates. Of these 34, 13 were also essential in premalignant cells. We investigated the variable molecular basis of the vulnerabilities in tumor and premalignant cell lines and found indications of collateral lethality. Wee1-like kinase (WEE1) was amongst the most promising targets for both tumor and precancerous cells. All four precancerous cell lines were highly sensitive to Wee1 inhibition by Adavosertib (AZD1775), while primary keratinocytes tolerated this inhibitor. Wee1 inhibition caused induction of DNA damage during S-phase followed by mitotic failure in (pre)cancer cells. In conclusion, we uncovered Wee1 inhibition as a promising chemopreventive strategy for precancerous cells, with comparable responses as fully transformed HNSCC cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anne M van Harten
- Amsterdam UMC, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Otolaryngology/Head and Neck Surgery, section Tumor Biology, Cancer Center Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - D Vicky de Boer
- Amsterdam UMC, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Otolaryngology/Head and Neck Surgery, section Tumor Biology, Cancer Center Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Sanne R Martens-de Kemp
- Amsterdam UMC, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Otolaryngology/Head and Neck Surgery, section Tumor Biology, Cancer Center Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Marijke Buijze
- Amsterdam UMC, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Otolaryngology/Head and Neck Surgery, section Tumor Biology, Cancer Center Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Sonja H Ganzevles
- Amsterdam UMC, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Otolaryngology/Head and Neck Surgery, section Tumor Biology, Cancer Center Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Keith D Hunter
- Academic Unit of Oral and Maxillofacial Medicine, Surgery and Pathology, University of Sheffield, South Yorkshire, England
| | - C René Leemans
- Amsterdam UMC, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Otolaryngology/Head and Neck Surgery, section Tumor Biology, Cancer Center Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Victor W van Beusechem
- Amsterdam UMC, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Medical Oncology, Cancer Center Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Rob M F Wolthuis
- Amsterdam UMC, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Clinical Genetics, section Oncogenetics, Cancer Center Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Renée X de Menezes
- Amsterdam UMC, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Cancer Center Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Ruud H Brakenhoff
- Amsterdam UMC, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Otolaryngology/Head and Neck Surgery, section Tumor Biology, Cancer Center Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands.
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Matthews BJ, Vosshall LB. How to turn an organism into a model organism in 10 'easy' steps. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2020; 223:223/Suppl_1/jeb218198. [PMID: 32034051 DOI: 10.1242/jeb.218198] [Citation(s) in RCA: 58] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/09/2023]
Abstract
Many of the major biological discoveries of the 20th century were made using just six species: Escherichia coli bacteria, Saccharomyces cerevisiae and Schizosaccharomyces pombe yeast, Caenorhabditis elegans nematodes, Drosophila melanogaster flies and Mus musculus mice. Our molecular understanding of the cell division cycle, embryonic development, biological clocks and metabolism were all obtained through genetic analysis using these species. Yet the 'big 6' did not start out as genetic model organisms (hereafter 'model organisms'), so how did they mature into such powerful systems? First, these model organisms are abundant human commensals: they are the bacteria in our gut, the yeast in our beer and bread, the nematodes in our compost pile, the flies in our kitchen and the mice in our walls. Because of this, they are cheaply, easily and rapidly bred in the laboratory and in addition were amenable to genetic analysis. How and why should we add additional species to this roster? We argue that specialist species will reveal new secrets in important areas of biology and that with modern technological innovations like next-generation sequencing and CRISPR-Cas9 genome editing, the time is ripe to move beyond the big 6. In this review, we chart a 10-step path to this goal, using our own experience with the Aedes aegypti mosquito, which we built into a model organism for neurobiology in one decade. Insights into the biology of this deadly disease vector require that we work with the mosquito itself rather than modeling its biology in another species.
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Affiliation(s)
- Benjamin J Matthews
- Department of Zoology, The University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada, V6T 1Z4
| | - Leslie B Vosshall
- Laboratory of Neurogenetics and Behavior, The Rockefeller University, New York, NY 10065, USA.,Howard Hughes Medical Institute, New York, NY 10065, USA.,Kavli Neural Systems Institute, New York, NY 10065, USA
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Di Sante G, Pagé J, Jiao X, Nawab O, Cristofanilli M, Skordalakes E, Pestell RG. Recent advances with cyclin-dependent kinase inhibitors: therapeutic agents for breast cancer and their role in immuno-oncology. Expert Rev Anticancer Ther 2019; 19:569-587. [PMID: 31219365 PMCID: PMC6834352 DOI: 10.1080/14737140.2019.1615889] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/20/2019] [Accepted: 05/03/2019] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
Introduction: Collaborative interactions between several diverse biological processes govern the onset and progression of breast cancer. These processes include alterations in cellular metabolism, anti-tumor immune responses, DNA damage repair, proliferation, anti-apoptotic signals, autophagy, epithelial-mesenchymal transition, components of the non-coding genome or onco-mIRs, cancer stem cells and cellular invasiveness. The last two decades have revealed that each of these processes are also directly regulated by a component of the cell cycle apparatus, cyclin D1. Area covered: The current review is provided to update recent developments in the clinical application of cyclin/CDK inhibitors to breast cancer with a focus on the anti-tumor immune response. Expert opinion: The cyclin D1 gene encodes the regulatory subunit of a proline-directed serine-threonine kinase that phosphorylates several substrates. CDKs possess phosphorylation site selectivity, with the phosphate-acceptor residue preceding a proline. Several important proteins are substrates including all three retinoblastoma proteins, NRF1, GCN5, and FOXM1. Over 280 cyclin D3/CDK6 substrates have b\een identified. Given the diversity of substrates for cyclin/CDKs, and the altered thresholds for substrate phosphorylation that occurs during the cell cycle, it is exciting that small molecular inhibitors targeting cyclin D/CDK activity have encouraging results in specific tumors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gabriele Di Sante
- Pennsylvania Cancer and Regenerative Medicine Research Center, Baruch S. Blumberg Institute, Pennsylvania Biotechnology Center, Wynnewood, PA, USA
| | - Jessica Pagé
- Xavier University School of Medicine, Woodbury, NY, USA
| | - Xuanmao Jiao
- Pennsylvania Cancer and Regenerative Medicine Research Center, Baruch S. Blumberg Institute, Pennsylvania Biotechnology Center, Wynnewood, PA, USA
| | - Omar Nawab
- Pennsylvania Cancer and Regenerative Medicine Research Center, Baruch S. Blumberg Institute, Pennsylvania Biotechnology Center, Wynnewood, PA, USA
- Xavier University School of Medicine, Woodbury, NY, USA
| | - Massimo Cristofanilli
- Department of Medicine-Hematology and Oncology, Robert H Lurie Comprehensive Cancer Center, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL, USA
| | | | - Richard G Pestell
- Pennsylvania Cancer and Regenerative Medicine Research Center, Baruch S. Blumberg Institute, Pennsylvania Biotechnology Center, Wynnewood, PA, USA
- Xavier University School of Medicine, Woodbury, NY, USA
- Lee Kong Chian School of Medicine, Nanyang Technological University, Singapore
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6
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Balasingam N, Brandon HE, Ross JA, Wieden HJ, Thakor N. Cellular roles of the human Obg-like ATPase 1 (hOLA1) and its YchF homologs. Biochem Cell Biol 2019; 98:1-11. [PMID: 30742486 DOI: 10.1139/bcb-2018-0353] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/04/2023] Open
Abstract
P-loop NTPases comprise one of the major superfamilies of nucleotide binding proteins, which mediate a variety of cellular processes, such as mRNA translation, signal transduction, cell motility, and growth regulation. In this review, we discuss the structure and function of two members of the ancient Obg-related family of P-loop GTPases: human Obg-like ATPase 1 (hOLA1), and its bacterial/plant homolog, YchF. After a brief discussion of nucleotide binding proteins in general and the classification of the Obg-related family in particular, we discuss the sequence and structural features of YchF and hOLA1. We then explore the various functional roles of hOLA1 in mammalian cells during stress response and cancer progression, and of YchF in bacterial cells. Finally, we directly compare and contrast the structure and function of hOLA1 with YchF before summarizing the future perspectives of hOLA1 research. This review is timely, given the variety of recent studies aimed at understanding the roles of hOLA1 and YchF in such critical processes as cellular-stress response, oncogenesis, and protein synthesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nirujah Balasingam
- Alberta RNA Research and Training Institute (ARRTI), University of Lethbridge, 4401 University Drive W, Lethbridge, AB T1K 3M4, Canada.,Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of Lethbridge, 4401 University Drive W, Lethbridge, AB T1K 3M4, Canada
| | - Harland E Brandon
- Alberta RNA Research and Training Institute (ARRTI), University of Lethbridge, 4401 University Drive W, Lethbridge, AB T1K 3M4, Canada.,Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of Lethbridge, 4401 University Drive W, Lethbridge, AB T1K 3M4, Canada
| | - Joseph A Ross
- Alberta RNA Research and Training Institute (ARRTI), University of Lethbridge, 4401 University Drive W, Lethbridge, AB T1K 3M4, Canada.,Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of Lethbridge, 4401 University Drive W, Lethbridge, AB T1K 3M4, Canada
| | - Hans-Joachim Wieden
- Alberta RNA Research and Training Institute (ARRTI), University of Lethbridge, 4401 University Drive W, Lethbridge, AB T1K 3M4, Canada.,Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of Lethbridge, 4401 University Drive W, Lethbridge, AB T1K 3M4, Canada
| | - Nehal Thakor
- Alberta RNA Research and Training Institute (ARRTI), University of Lethbridge, 4401 University Drive W, Lethbridge, AB T1K 3M4, Canada.,Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of Lethbridge, 4401 University Drive W, Lethbridge, AB T1K 3M4, Canada.,Canadian Centre for Behavioral Neuroscience (CCBN), Department of Neuroscience, University of Lethbridge, 4401 University Drive W, Lethbridge, AB T1K 3M4, Canada.,Arnie Charbonneau Cancer Institute, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, 3280 Hospital Drive NW, Calgary, AB T2N 4Z6, Canada
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