1
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Hecht M, Alber N, Marhoffer P, Johnsson N, Gronemeyer T. The concerted action of SEPT9 and EPLIN modulates the adhesion and migration of human fibroblasts. Life Sci Alliance 2024; 7:e202201686. [PMID: 38719752 PMCID: PMC11077590 DOI: 10.26508/lsa.202201686] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/23/2022] [Revised: 04/29/2024] [Accepted: 04/29/2024] [Indexed: 05/12/2024] Open
Abstract
Septins are cytoskeletal proteins that participate in cell adhesion, migration, and polarity establishment. The septin subunit SEPT9 directly interacts with the single LIM domain of epithelial protein lost in neoplasm (EPLIN), an actin-bundling protein. Using a human SEPT9 KO fibroblast cell line, we show that cell adhesion and migration are regulated by the interplay between both proteins. The low motility of SEPT9-depleted cells could be partly rescued by increased levels of EPLIN. The normal organization of actin-related filopodia and stress fibers was directly dependent on the expression level of SEPT9 and EPLIN. Increased levels of SEPT9 and EPLIN enhanced the size of focal adhesions in cell protrusions, correlating with stabilization of actin bundles. Conversely, decreased levels had the opposite effect. Our work thus establishes the interaction between SEPT9 and EPLIN as an important link between the septin and the actin cytoskeleton, influencing cell adhesion, motility, and migration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matthias Hecht
- https://ror.org/032000t02 Institute of Molecular Genetics and Cell Biology, James Franck Ring N27, Ulm University, Ulm, Germany
| | - Nane Alber
- https://ror.org/032000t02 Institute of Molecular Genetics and Cell Biology, James Franck Ring N27, Ulm University, Ulm, Germany
| | - Pia Marhoffer
- https://ror.org/032000t02 Institute of Molecular Genetics and Cell Biology, James Franck Ring N27, Ulm University, Ulm, Germany
| | - Nils Johnsson
- https://ror.org/032000t02 Institute of Molecular Genetics and Cell Biology, James Franck Ring N27, Ulm University, Ulm, Germany
| | - Thomas Gronemeyer
- https://ror.org/032000t02 Institute of Molecular Genetics and Cell Biology, James Franck Ring N27, Ulm University, Ulm, Germany
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2
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Varela Salgado M, Adriaans IE, Touati SA, Ibanes S, Lai-Kee-Him J, Ancelin A, Cipelletti L, Picas L, Piatti S. Phosphorylation of the F-BAR protein Hof1 drives septin ring splitting in budding yeast. Nat Commun 2024; 15:3383. [PMID: 38649354 PMCID: PMC11035697 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-024-47709-3] [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: 07/12/2023] [Accepted: 04/09/2024] [Indexed: 04/25/2024] Open
Abstract
A double septin ring accompanies cytokinesis in yeasts and mammalian cells. In budding yeast, reorganisation of the septin collar at the bud neck into a dynamic double ring is essential for actomyosin ring constriction and cytokinesis. Septin reorganisation requires the Mitotic Exit Network (MEN), a kinase cascade essential for cytokinesis. However, the effectors of MEN in this process are unknown. Here we identify the F-BAR protein Hof1 as a critical target of MEN in septin remodelling. Phospho-mimicking HOF1 mutant alleles overcome the inability of MEN mutants to undergo septin reorganisation by decreasing Hof1 binding to septins and facilitating its translocation to the actomyosin ring. Hof1-mediated septin rearrangement requires its F-BAR domain, suggesting that it may involve a local membrane remodelling that leads to septin reorganisation. In vitro Hof1 can induce the formation of intertwined septin bundles, while a phosphomimetic Hof1 protein has impaired septin-bundling activity. Altogether, our data indicate that Hof1 modulates septin architecture in distinct ways depending on its phosphorylation status.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maritzaida Varela Salgado
- CRBM (Centre de Recherche en Biologie cellulaire de Montpellier), University of Montpellier, CNRS UMR 5237, 34293, Montpellier, France
| | - Ingrid E Adriaans
- CRBM (Centre de Recherche en Biologie cellulaire de Montpellier), University of Montpellier, CNRS UMR 5237, 34293, Montpellier, France
| | - Sandra A Touati
- Université Paris Cité, CNRS, Institut Jacques Monod, 75013, Paris, France
| | - Sandy Ibanes
- CRBM (Centre de Recherche en Biologie cellulaire de Montpellier), University of Montpellier, CNRS UMR 5237, 34293, Montpellier, France
| | - Joséphine Lai-Kee-Him
- CBS (Centre de Biologie Structurale), University of Montpellier, CNRS UMR 5048, INSERM U 1054, 34090, Montpellier, France
| | - Aurélie Ancelin
- CBS (Centre de Biologie Structurale), University of Montpellier, CNRS UMR 5048, INSERM U 1054, 34090, Montpellier, France
| | - Luca Cipelletti
- L2C (Laboratoire Charles Coulomb), University of Montpellier, CNRS 34095, Montpellier, France
- IUF (Institut Universitaire de France, 75231, Paris, France
| | - Laura Picas
- IRIM (Institut de Recherche en Infectiologie de Montpellier), University of Montpellier, CNRS UMR 9004, 34293, Montpellier, France
| | - Simonetta Piatti
- CRBM (Centre de Recherche en Biologie cellulaire de Montpellier), University of Montpellier, CNRS UMR 5237, 34293, Montpellier, France.
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3
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Delic S, Shuman B, Lee S, Bahmanyar S, Momany M, Onishi M. The Evolutionary Origins and Ancestral Features of Septins. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2024:2024.03.25.586683. [PMID: 38585751 PMCID: PMC10996617 DOI: 10.1101/2024.03.25.586683] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/09/2024]
Abstract
Septins are a family of membrane-associated cytoskeletal GTPases that play crucial roles in various cellular processes, such as cell division, phagocytosis, and organelle fission. Despite their importance, the evolutionary origins and ancestral function of septins remain unclear. In opisthokonts, septins form five distinct groups of orthologs, with subunits from multiple groups assembling into heteropolymers, thus supporting their diverse molecular functions. Recent studies have revealed that septins are also conserved in algae and protists, indicating an ancient origin from the last eukaryotic common ancestor. However, the phylogenetic relationships among septins across eukaryotes remained unclear. Here, we expanded the list of non-opisthokont septins, including previously unrecognized septins from rhodophyte red algae and glaucophyte algae. Constructing a rooted phylogenetic tree of 254 total septins, we observed a bifurcation between the major non-opisthokont and opisthokont septin clades. Within the non-opisthokont septins, we identified three major subclades: Group 6 representing chlorophyte green algae (6A mostly for species with single septins, 6B for species with multiple septins), Group 7 representing algae in chlorophytes, heterokonts, haptophytes, chrysophytes, and rhodophytes, and Group 8 representing ciliates. Glaucophyte and some ciliate septins formed orphan lineages in-between all other septins and the outgroup. Combining ancestral-sequence reconstruction and AlphaFold predictions, we tracked the structural evolution of septins across eukaryotes. In the GTPase domain, we identified a conserved GAP-like arginine finger within the G-interface of at least one septin in most algal and ciliate species. This residue is required for homodimerization of the single Chlamydomonas septin, and its loss coincided with septin duplication events in various lineages. The loss of the arginine finger is often accompanied by the emergence of the α0 helix, a known NC-interface interaction motif, potentially signifying the diversification of septin-septin interaction mechanisms from homo-dimerization to hetero-oligomerization. Lastly, we found amphipathic helices in all septin groups, suggesting that curvature-sensing is an ancestral trait of septin proteins. Coiled-coil domains were also broadly distributed, while transmembrane domains were found in some septins in Group 6A and 7. In summary, this study advances our understanding of septin distribution and phylogenetic groupings, shedding light on their ancestral features, potential function, and early evolution.
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Affiliation(s)
- Samed Delic
- Department of Biology, Duke University, Durham, North Carolina, USA
| | - Brent Shuman
- Fungal Biology Group and Plant Biology Department, University of Georgia, Athens, Georgia, USA
| | - Shoken Lee
- Department of Molecular Cellular and Developmental Biology, Yale University, New Haven, Connecticut, USA
| | - Shirin Bahmanyar
- Department of Molecular Cellular and Developmental Biology, Yale University, New Haven, Connecticut, USA
| | - Michelle Momany
- Fungal Biology Group and Plant Biology Department, University of Georgia, Athens, Georgia, USA
| | - Masayuki Onishi
- Department of Biology, Duke University, Durham, North Carolina, USA
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4
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Blua F, Monge C, Gastaldi S, Clemente N, Pizzimenti S, Lazzarato L, Senetta R, Vittorio S, Gigliotti CL, Boggio E, Dianzani U, Vistoli G, Altomare AA, Aldini G, Dianzani C, Marini E, Bertinaria M. Discovery of a septin-4 covalent binder with antimetastatic activity in a mouse model of melanoma. Bioorg Chem 2024; 144:107164. [PMID: 38306824 DOI: 10.1016/j.bioorg.2024.107164] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/06/2023] [Revised: 01/23/2024] [Accepted: 01/28/2024] [Indexed: 02/04/2024]
Abstract
Cancer spreading through metastatic processes is one of the major causes of tumour-related mortality. Metastasis is a complex phenomenon which involves multiple pathways ranging from cell metabolic alterations to changes in the biophysical phenotype of cells and tissues. In the search for new effective anti-metastatic agents, we modulated the chemical structure of the lead compound AA6, in order to find the structural determinants of activity, and to identify the cellular target responsible of the downstream anti-metastatic effects observed. New compounds synthesized were able to inhibit in vitro B16-F10 melanoma cell invasiveness, and one selected compound, CM365, showed in vivo anti-metastatic effects in a lung metastasis mouse model of melanoma. Septin-4 was identified as the most likely molecular target responsible for these effects. This study showed that CM365 is a promising molecule for metastasis prevention, remarkably effective alone or co-administered with drugs normally used in cancer therapy, such as paclitaxel.
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Affiliation(s)
- Federica Blua
- Department of Drug Science and Technology, University of Turin, Turin, Italy
| | - Chiara Monge
- Department of Drug Science and Technology, University of Turin, Turin, Italy
| | - Simone Gastaldi
- Department of Drug Science and Technology, University of Turin, Turin, Italy
| | - Nausicaa Clemente
- Settore Centri di Ricerca e Infrastrutture di Ateneo e Laboratori - Polo di NO, University of Piemonte Orientale, Novara, Italy
| | - Stefania Pizzimenti
- Department of Clinical and Biological Science, University of Turin, Torino, Italy
| | - Loretta Lazzarato
- Department of Drug Science and Technology, University of Turin, Turin, Italy
| | - Rebecca Senetta
- Department of Medical Sciences, University of Turin, Turin, Italy
| | - Serena Vittorio
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Milan, Milan, Italy
| | | | - Elena Boggio
- Department of Health Sciences, University of Piemonte Orientale, Novara, Italy
| | - Umberto Dianzani
- Department of Health Sciences, University of Piemonte Orientale, Novara, Italy
| | - Giulio Vistoli
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Milan, Milan, Italy
| | | | - Giancarlo Aldini
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Milan, Milan, Italy
| | - Chiara Dianzani
- Department of Drug Science and Technology, University of Turin, Turin, Italy
| | - Elisabetta Marini
- Department of Drug Science and Technology, University of Turin, Turin, Italy.
| | - Massimo Bertinaria
- Department of Drug Science and Technology, University of Turin, Turin, Italy
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5
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Grupp B, Denkhaus L, Gerhardt S, Vögele M, Johnsson N, Gronemeyer T. The structure of a tetrameric septin complex reveals a hydrophobic element essential for NC-interface integrity. Commun Biol 2024; 7:48. [PMID: 38184752 PMCID: PMC10771490 DOI: 10.1038/s42003-023-05734-w] [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: 07/12/2023] [Accepted: 12/20/2023] [Indexed: 01/08/2024] Open
Abstract
The septins of the yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae assemble into hetero-octameric rods by alternating interactions between neighboring G-domains or N- and C-termini, respectively. These rods polymerize end to end into apolar filaments, forming a ring beneath the prospective new bud that expands during the cell cycle into an hourglass structure. The hourglass finally splits during cytokinesis into a double ring. Understanding these transitions as well as the plasticity of the higher order assemblies requires a detailed knowledge of the underlying structures. Here we present the first X-ray crystal structure of a tetrameric Shs1-Cdc12-Cdc3-Cdc10 complex at a resolution of 3.2 Å. Close inspection of the NC-interfaces of this and other septin structures reveals a conserved contact motif that is essential for NC-interface integrity of yeast and human septins in vivo and in vitro. Using the tetrameric structure in combination with AlphaFold-Multimer allowed us to propose a model of the octameric septin rod.
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Affiliation(s)
- Benjamin Grupp
- Institute of Molecular Genetics and Cell Biology, Ulm University, Ulm, Germany
| | - Lukas Denkhaus
- Institute of Biochemistry, Albert-Ludwigs University, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Stefan Gerhardt
- Institute of Biochemistry, Albert-Ludwigs University, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Matthis Vögele
- Institute of Molecular Genetics and Cell Biology, Ulm University, Ulm, Germany
| | - Nils Johnsson
- Institute of Molecular Genetics and Cell Biology, Ulm University, Ulm, Germany
| | - Thomas Gronemeyer
- Institute of Molecular Genetics and Cell Biology, Ulm University, Ulm, Germany.
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6
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Hussain A, Nguyen VT, Reigan P, McMurray M. Evolutionary degeneration of septins into pseudoGTPases: impacts on a hetero-oligomeric assembly interface. Front Cell Dev Biol 2023; 11:1296657. [PMID: 38125875 PMCID: PMC10731463 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2023.1296657] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/18/2023] [Accepted: 11/17/2023] [Indexed: 12/23/2023] Open
Abstract
The septin family of eukaryotic proteins comprises distinct classes of sequence-related monomers that associate in a defined order into linear hetero-oligomers, which are capable of polymerizing into cytoskeletal filaments. Like actin and ⍺ and β tubulin, most septin monomers require binding of a nucleotide at a monomer-monomer interface (the septin "G" interface) for assembly into higher-order structures. Like ⍺ and β tubulin, where GTP is bound by both subunits but only the GTP at the ⍺-β interface is subject to hydrolysis, the capacity of certain septin monomers to hydrolyze their bound GTP has been lost during evolution. Thus, within septin hetero-oligomers and filaments, certain monomers remain permanently GTP-bound. Unlike tubulins, loss of septin GTPase activity-creating septin "pseudoGTPases"-occurred multiple times in independent evolutionary trajectories, accompanied in some cases by non-conservative substitutions in highly conserved residues in the nucleotide-binding pocket. Here, we used recent septin crystal structures, AlphaFold-generated models, phylogenetics and in silico nucleotide docking to investigate how in some organisms the septin G interface evolved to accommodate changes in nucleotide occupancy. Our analysis suggests that yeast septin monomers expressed only during meiosis and sporulation, when GTP is scarce, are evolving rapidly and might not bind GTP or GDP. Moreover, the G dimerization partners of these sporulation-specific septins appear to carry compensatory changes in residues that form contacts at the G interface to help retain stability despite the absence of bound GDP or GTP in the facing subunit. During septin evolution in nematodes, apparent loss of GTPase activity was also accompanied by changes in predicted G interface contacts. Overall, our observations support the conclusion that the primary function of nucleotide binding and hydrolysis by septins is to ensure formation of G interfaces that impose the proper subunit-subunit order within the hetero-oligomer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alya Hussain
- Program in Structural Biology and Biochemistry, Department of Cell and Developmental Biology, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO, United States
| | - Vu T. Nguyen
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Skaggs School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO, United States
| | - Philip Reigan
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Skaggs School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO, United States
| | - Michael McMurray
- Program in Structural Biology and Biochemistry, Department of Cell and Developmental Biology, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO, United States
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7
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Perry JA, Werner ME, Heck BW, Maddox PS, Maddox AS. Septins throughout phylogeny are predicted to have a transmembrane domain, which in Caenorhabditis elegans is functionally important. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2023:2023.11.20.567915. [PMID: 38045322 PMCID: PMC10690161 DOI: 10.1101/2023.11.20.567915] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/05/2023]
Abstract
Septins, a conserved family of filament-forming proteins, contribute to eukaryotic cell division, polarity, and membrane trafficking. Septins are thought to act in these processes by scaffolding other proteins to the plasma membrane. The mechanisms by which septins associate with the plasma membrane are not well understood but can involve two polybasic domains and/or an amphipathic helix. We discovered that the genomes of organisms throughout phylogeny, but not most commonly used model organisms, encode one or more septins predicted to have transmembrane domains. The nematode Caenorhabditis elegans, which was thought to express only two septin proteins, UNC-59 and UNC-61, translates multiple isoforms of UNC-61, and one isoform, UNC-61a, is predicted to contain a transmembrane domain. UNC-61a localizes specifically to the apical membrane of the C. elegans vulva and is important for maintaining vulval morphology. UNC-61a partially compensates for the loss of the other two UNC-61 isoforms, UNC-61b and UNC-61c. The UNC-61a transmembrane domain is sufficient to localize a fluorophore to membranes in mammalian cells, and its deletion from UNC-61a recapitulates the phenotypes of unc-61a null animals. The localization and loss-of-function phenotypes of UNC-61a and its transmembrane domain suggest roles in cell polarity and secretion and help explain the cellular and tissue biological underpinnings of C. elegans septin null alleles' enigmatically hypomorphic phenotypes. Together, our findings reveal a novel mechanism of septin-membrane association with profound implications for the dynamics and regulation of this association.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jenna A Perry
- Department of Biology, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC
| | - Michael E Werner
- Department of Biology, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC
| | - Bryan W Heck
- Department of Biology, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC
| | - Paul S Maddox
- Department of Biology, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC
| | - Amy Shaub Maddox
- Department of Biology, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC
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8
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Nakazawa K, Chauvin B, Mangenot S, Bertin A. Reconstituted in vitro systems to reveal the roles and functions of septins. J Cell Sci 2023; 136:jcs259448. [PMID: 37815088 DOI: 10.1242/jcs.259448] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/11/2023] Open
Abstract
Septins are essential cytoskeletal proteins involved in key cellular processes and have also been implicated in diseases from cancers to neurodegenerative pathologies. However, they have not been as thoroughly studied as other cytoskeletal proteins. In vivo, septins interact with other cytoskeletal proteins and with the inner plasma membrane. Hence, bottom-up in vitro cell-free assays are well suited to dissect the roles and behavior of septins in a controlled environment. Specifically, in vitro studies have been invaluable in describing the self-assembly of septins into a large diversity of ultrastructures. Given that septins interact specifically with membrane, the details of these septin-membrane interactions have been analyzed using reconstituted lipid systems. In particular, at a membrane, septins are often localized at curvatures of micrometer scale. In that context, in vitro assays have been performed with substrates of varying curvatures (spheres, cylinders or undulated substrates) to probe the sensitivity of septins to membrane curvature. This Review will first present the structural properties of septins in solution and describe the interplay of septins with cytoskeletal partners. We will then discuss how septins interact with biomimetic membranes and induce their reshaping. Finally, we will highlight the curvature sensitivity of septins and how they alter the mechanical properties of membranes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Koyomi Nakazawa
- Physico Chimie Curie , Institut Curie, CNRS UMR 168, Sorbonne Université, 11 Rue Pierre et Paris Curie, 75005 Paris, France
| | - Brieuc Chauvin
- Physico Chimie Curie , Institut Curie, CNRS UMR 168, Sorbonne Université, 11 Rue Pierre et Paris Curie, 75005 Paris, France
| | - Stéphanie Mangenot
- Laboratoire Matière et Systèmes Complexes , Université de Paris Cité, CNRS UMR 7057, 45 Rue des Saint Pères, 75006 Paris, France
| | - Aurélie Bertin
- Physico Chimie Curie , Institut Curie, CNRS UMR 168, Sorbonne Université, 11 Rue Pierre et Paris Curie, 75005 Paris, France
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9
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Marques da Silva R, Christe Dos Reis Saladino G, Antonio Leonardo D, D'Muniz Pereira H, Andréa Sculaccio S, Paula Ulian Araujo A, Charles Garratt R. A key piece of the puzzle: The central tetramer of the Saccharomyces cerevisiae septin protofilament and its implications for self-assembly. J Struct Biol 2023; 215:107983. [PMID: 37315820 DOI: 10.1016/j.jsb.2023.107983] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/25/2023] [Revised: 06/02/2023] [Accepted: 06/10/2023] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
Septins, often described as the fourth component of the cytoskeleton, are structural proteins found in a vast variety of living beings. They are related to small GTPases and thus, generally, present GTPase activity which may play an important (although incompletely understood) role in their organization and function. Septins polymerize into long non-polar filaments, in which each subunit interacts with two others by alternating interfaces, NC and G. In Saccharomyces cerevisiae four septins are organized in the following manner, [Cdc11-Cdc12-Cdc3-Cdc10-Cdc10-Cdc3-Cdc12-Cdc11]n in order to form filaments. Although septins were originally discovered in yeast and much is known regarding their biochemistry and function, only limited structural information about them is currently available. Here we present crystal structures of Cdc3/Cdc10 which provide the first view of the physiological interfaces formed by yeast septins. The G-interface has properties which place it in between that formed by SEPT2/SEPT6 and SEPT7/SEPT3 in human filaments. Switch I from Cdc10 contributes significantly to the interface, whereas in Cdc3 it is largely disorded. However, the significant negative charge density of the latter suggests it may have a unique role. At the NC-interface, we describe an elegant means by which the sidechain of a glutamine from helix α0 imitates a peptide group in order to retain hydrogen-bond continuity at the kink between helices α5 and α6 in the neighbouring subunit, thereby justifying the conservation of the helical distortion. Its absence from Cdc11, along with this structure's other unusual features are critically discussed by comparison with Cdc3 and Cdc10.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rafael Marques da Silva
- Instituto de Física de São Carlos, Universidade de São Paulo, Avenida João Dagnone 1100, São Carlos, SP 13563-723, Brazil
| | | | - Diego Antonio Leonardo
- Instituto de Física de São Carlos, Universidade de São Paulo, Avenida João Dagnone 1100, São Carlos, SP 13563-723, Brazil
| | - Humberto D'Muniz Pereira
- Instituto de Física de São Carlos, Universidade de São Paulo, Avenida João Dagnone 1100, São Carlos, SP 13563-723, Brazil
| | - Susana Andréa Sculaccio
- Instituto de Física de São Carlos, Universidade de São Paulo, Avenida João Dagnone 1100, São Carlos, SP 13563-723, Brazil
| | - Ana Paula Ulian Araujo
- Instituto de Física de São Carlos, Universidade de São Paulo, Avenida João Dagnone 1100, São Carlos, SP 13563-723, Brazil
| | - Richard Charles Garratt
- Instituto de Física de São Carlos, Universidade de São Paulo, Avenida João Dagnone 1100, São Carlos, SP 13563-723, Brazil.
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10
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Martens AK, Erwig M, Patzig J, Fledrich R, Füchtbauer EM, Werner HB. Targeted inactivation of the Septin2 and Septin9 genes in myelinating Schwann cells of mice. Cytoskeleton (Hoboken) 2023; 80:290-302. [PMID: 36378242 DOI: 10.1002/cm.21736] [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: 09/08/2022] [Revised: 11/03/2022] [Accepted: 11/11/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
The formation of axon-enwrapping myelin sheaths by oligodendrocytes in the central nervous system involves the assembly of a scaffolding septin filament comprised of the subunits SEPTIN2, SEPTIN4, SEPTIN7 and SEPTIN8. Conversely, in the peripheral nervous system (PNS), myelin is synthesized by a different cell type termed Schwann cells, and it remained unknown if septins also assemble as a multimer in PNS myelin. According to prior proteome analysis, PNS myelin comprises the subunits SEPTIN2, SEPTIN7, SEPTIN8, SEPTIN9, and SEPTIN11, which localize to the paranodal and abaxonal myelin subcompartments. Here, we use the Cre/loxP-system to delete the Septin9-gene specifically in Schwann cells, causing a markedly reduced abundance of SEPTIN9 in sciatic nerves, implying that Schwann cells are the main cell type expressing SEPTIN9 in the nerve. However, Septin9-deficiency in Schwann cells did not affect the abundance or localization of other septin subunits. In contrast, when deleting the Septin2-gene in Schwann cells the abundance of all relevant septin subunits was markedly reduced, including SEPTIN9. Notably, we did not find evidence that deleting Septin2 or Septin9 in Schwann cells impairs myelin biogenesis, nerve conduction velocity or motor/sensory capabilities, at least at the assessed timepoints. Our data thus show that SEPTIN2 but not SEPTIN9 is required for the formation or stabilization of a septin multimer in PNS myelin in vivo; however, its functional relevance remains to be established.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ann-Kristin Martens
- Department of Neurogenetics, Max Planck Institute for Multidisciplinary Sciences, Göttingen, Germany
| | - Michelle Erwig
- Department of Neurogenetics, Max Planck Institute for Multidisciplinary Sciences, Göttingen, Germany
| | - Julia Patzig
- Department of Neurogenetics, Max Planck Institute for Multidisciplinary Sciences, Göttingen, Germany
| | - Robert Fledrich
- Department of Neurogenetics, Max Planck Institute for Multidisciplinary Sciences, Göttingen, Germany
| | | | - Hauke B Werner
- Department of Neurogenetics, Max Planck Institute for Multidisciplinary Sciences, Göttingen, Germany
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11
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Eisermann I, Garduño‐Rosales M, Talbot NJ. The emerging role of septins in fungal pathogenesis. Cytoskeleton (Hoboken) 2023; 80:242-253. [PMID: 37265147 PMCID: PMC10952683 DOI: 10.1002/cm.21765] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/02/2023] [Revised: 05/13/2023] [Accepted: 05/16/2023] [Indexed: 06/03/2023]
Abstract
Fungal pathogens undergo specific morphogenetic transitions in order to breach the outer surfaces of plants and invade the underlying host tissue. The ability to change cell shape and switch between non-polarised and polarised growth habits is therefore critical to the lifestyle of plant pathogens. Infection-related development involves remodelling of the cytoskeleton, plasma membrane and cell wall at specific points during fungal pathogenesis. Septin GTPases are components of the cytoskeleton that play pivotal roles in actin remodelling, micron-scale plasma membrane curvature sensing and cell polarity. Septin assemblages, such as rings, collars and gauzes, are known to have important roles in cell shape changes and are implicated in formation of specialised infection structures to enter plant cells. Here, we review and compare the reported functions of septins of plant pathogenic fungi, with a special focus on invasive growth. Finally, we discuss septins as potential targets for broad-spectrum antifungal plant protection strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Iris Eisermann
- The Sainsbury LaboratoryUniversity of East AngliaNorwichUK
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12
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Grupp B, Lemkul JA, Gronemeyer T. An in silico approach to determine inter-subunit affinities in human septin complexes. Cytoskeleton (Hoboken) 2023; 80:141-152. [PMID: 36843207 DOI: 10.1002/cm.21749] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/22/2022] [Revised: 02/21/2023] [Accepted: 02/22/2023] [Indexed: 02/28/2023]
Abstract
The septins are a conserved family of filament-forming guanine nucleotide binding proteins, often named the fourth component of the cytoskeleton. Correctly assembled septin structures are required for essential intracellular processes such as cytokinesis, vesicular transport, polarity establishment, and cellular adhesion. Structurally, septins belong to the P-Loop NTPases but they do not mediate signals to effectors through GTP binding and hydrolysis. GTP binding and hydrolysis are believed to contribute to septin complex integrity, but biochemical approaches addressing this topic are hampered by the stability of septin complexes after recombinant expression and the lack of nucleotide-depleted complexes. To overcome this limitation, we used a molecular dynamics-based approach to determine inter-subunit binding free energies in available human septin dimer structures and in their apo forms, which we generated in silico. The nucleotide in the GTPase active subunits SEPT2 and SEPT7, but not in SEPT6, was identified as a stabilizing element in the G interface. Removal of GDP from SEPT2 and SEPT7 results in flipping of a conserved Arg residue and disruption of an extensive hydrogen bond network in the septin unique element, concomitant with a decreased inter-subunit affinity. Based on these findings we propose a singular "lock-hydrolysis" mechanism stabilizing human septin filaments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Benjamin Grupp
- Institute of Molecular Genetics and Cell Biology, James Franck Ring N27, Ulm University, Ulm, Germany
| | - Justin A Lemkul
- Department of Biochemistry, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, Virginia, USA
| | - Thomas Gronemeyer
- Institute of Molecular Genetics and Cell Biology, James Franck Ring N27, Ulm University, Ulm, Germany
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13
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Cannon KS, Vargas-Muniz JM, Billington N, Seim I, Ekena J, Sellers JR, Gladfelter AS. A gene duplication of a septin reveals a developmentally regulated filament length control mechanism. J Cell Biol 2023; 222:e202204063. [PMID: 36786832 PMCID: PMC9960279 DOI: 10.1083/jcb.202204063] [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: 04/19/2022] [Revised: 11/20/2022] [Accepted: 01/19/2023] [Indexed: 02/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Septins are a family of conserved filament-forming proteins that function in multiple cellular processes. The number of septin genes within an organism varies, and higher eukaryotes express many septin isoforms due to alternative splicing. It is unclear if different combinations of septin proteins in complex alter the polymers' biophysical properties. We report that a duplication event within the CDC11 locus in Ashbya gossypii gave rise to two similar but distinct Cdc11 proteins: Cdc11a and Cdc1b. CDC11b transcription is developmentally regulated, producing different amounts of Cdc11a- and Cdc11b-complexes in the lifecycle of Ashbya gossypii. Deletion of either gene results in distinct cell polarity defects, suggesting non-overlapping functions. Cdc11a and Cdc11b complexes have differences in filament length and membrane-binding ability. Thus, septin subunit composition has functional consequences on filament properties and cell morphogenesis. Small sequence differences elicit distinct biophysical properties and cell functions of septins, illuminating how gene duplication could be a driving force for septin gene expansions seen throughout the tree of life.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kevin S. Cannon
- Biology Department, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
- Department of Biochemistry and Biophysics, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
| | - Jose M. Vargas-Muniz
- Microbiology Program, School of Biological Sciences, Southern Illinois University, Carbondale, IL, USA
| | - Neil Billington
- Cell Biology and Physiology Center, National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Ian Seim
- Biology Department, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
- Department of Applied Physical Sciences, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
- Curriculum in Bioinformatics and Computational Biology, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
| | - Joanne Ekena
- Biology Department, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
| | - James R. Sellers
- Cell Biology and Physiology Center, National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Amy. S. Gladfelter
- Biology Department, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
- Marine Biological Laboratory, Woods Hole, MA, USA
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Güler GÖ, Mostowy S. The septin cytoskeleton: Heteromer composition defines filament function. J Cell Biol 2023; 222:e202302010. [PMID: 36821087 PMCID: PMC9998967 DOI: 10.1083/jcb.202302010] [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] [Indexed: 02/24/2023] Open
Abstract
Septins are an evolutionarily conserved protein family whose members form hetero-oligomeric complexes that assemble into filaments and higher-order structures. In this issue, Martins et al. (2022. J. Cell Biol.https://doi.org/10.1083/jcb.202203016) and Cannon et al. (2023. J. Cell Biol.https://doi.org/10.1083/jcb.202204063) report that heteromer composition impacts the physiological role of septin filaments in yeast and human cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gizem Özbaykal Güler
- Department of Infection Biology, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, UK
| | - Serge Mostowy
- Department of Infection Biology, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, UK
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15
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Curvature sensing as an emergent property of multiscale assembly of septins. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2023; 120:e2208253120. [PMID: 36716363 PMCID: PMC9963131 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.2208253120] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/01/2023] Open
Abstract
The ability of cells to sense and communicate their shape is central to many of their functions. Much is known about how cells generate complex shapes, yet how they sense and respond to geometric cues remains poorly understood. Septins are GTP-binding proteins that localize to sites of micrometer-scale membrane curvature. Assembly of septins is a multistep and multiscale process, but it is unknown how these discrete steps lead to curvature sensing. Here, we experimentally examine the time-dependent binding of septins at different curvatures and septin bulk concentrations. These experiments unexpectedly indicated that septins' curvature preference is not absolute but rather is sensitive to the combinations of membrane curvatures present in a reaction, suggesting that there is competition between different curvatures for septin binding. To understand the physical underpinning of this result, we developed a kinetic model that connects septins' self-assembly and curvature-sensing properties. Our experimental and modeling results are consistent with curvature-sensitive assembly being driven by cooperative associations of septin oligomers in solution with the bound septins. When combined, the work indicates that septin curvature sensing is an emergent property of the multistep, multiscale assembly of membrane-bound septins. As a result, curvature preference is not absolute and can be modulated by changing the physicochemical and geometric parameters involved in septin assembly, including bulk concentration, and the available membrane curvatures. While much geometry-sensitive assembly in biology is thought to be guided by intrinsic material properties of molecules, this is an important example of how curvature sensing can arise from multiscale assembly of polymers.
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Grupp B, Gronemeyer T. A biochemical view on the septins, a less known component of the cytoskeleton. Biol Chem 2023; 404:1-13. [PMID: 36423333 DOI: 10.1515/hsz-2022-0263] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/25/2022] [Accepted: 10/30/2022] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
The septins are a conserved family of guanine nucleotide binding proteins, often named the fourth component of the cytoskeleton. They self-assemble into non-polar filaments and further into higher ordered structures. Properly assembled septin structures are required for a wide range of indispensable intracellular processes such as cytokinesis, vesicular transport, polarity establishment and cellular adhesion. Septins belong structurally to the P-Loop NTPases. However, unlike the small GTPases like Ras, septins do not mediate signals to effectors through GTP binding and hydrolysis. The role of nucleotide binding and subsequent GTP hydrolysis by the septins is rather controversially debated. We compile here the structural features from the existing septin crystal- and cryo-EM structures regarding protofilament formation, inter-subunit interface architecture and nucleotide binding and hydrolysis. These findings are supplemented with a summary of available biochemical studies providing information regarding nucleotide binding and hydrolysis of fungal and mammalian septins.
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Affiliation(s)
- Benjamin Grupp
- Institute of Molecular Genetics and Cell Biology, Ulm University, James Franck Ring N27, 89081 Ulm, Germany
| | - Thomas Gronemeyer
- Institute of Molecular Genetics and Cell Biology, Ulm University, James Franck Ring N27, 89081 Ulm, Germany
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17
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Benoit B, Poüs C, Baillet A. Septins as membrane influencers: direct play or in association with other cytoskeleton partners. Front Cell Dev Biol 2023; 11:1112319. [PMID: 36875762 PMCID: PMC9982393 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2023.1112319] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2022] [Accepted: 01/23/2023] [Indexed: 02/19/2023] Open
Abstract
The cytoskeleton comprises three polymerizing structures that have been studied for a long time, actin microfilaments, microtubules and intermediate filaments, plus more recently investigated dynamic assemblies like septins or the endocytic-sorting complex required for transport (ESCRT) complex. These filament-forming proteins control several cell functions through crosstalks with each other and with membranes. In this review, we report recent works that address how septins bind to membranes, and influence their shaping, organization, properties and functions, either by binding to them directly or indirectly through other cytoskeleton elements.
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Affiliation(s)
- Béatrice Benoit
- INSERM UMR-S 1193, UFR de Pharmacie, University Paris-Saclay, Orsay, France
| | - Christian Poüs
- INSERM UMR-S 1193, UFR de Pharmacie, University Paris-Saclay, Orsay, France.,Laboratoire de Biochimie-Hormonologie, Hôpital Antoine Béclère, AP-HP, Hôpitaux Universitaires Paris-Saclay, Clamart, France
| | - Anita Baillet
- INSERM UMR-S 1193, UFR de Pharmacie, University Paris-Saclay, Orsay, France
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Hassell D, Denney A, Singer E, Benson A, Roth A, Ceglowski J, Steingesser M, McMurray M. Chaperone Requirements for De Novo Folding of Saccharomyces cerevisiae Septins. Mol Biol Cell 2022; 33:ar111. [PMID: 35947497 DOI: 10.1091/mbc.e22-07-0262] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Polymers of septin protein complexes play cytoskeletal roles in eukaryotic cells. The specific subunit composition within complexes controls functions and higher-order structural properties. All septins have globular GTPase domains. The other eukaryotic cytoskeletal NTPases strictly require assistance from molecular chaperones of the cytosol, particularly the cage-like chaperonins, to fold into oligomerization-competent conformations. We previously identified cytosolic chaperones that bind septins and influence the oligomerization ability of septins carrying mutations linked to human disease, but it was unknown to what extent wild-type septins require chaperone assistance for their native folding. Here we use a combination of in vivo and in vitro approaches to demonstrate chaperone requirements for de novo folding and complex assembly by budding yeast septins. Individually purified septins adopted non-native conformations and formed non-native homodimers. In chaperonin- or Hsp70-deficient cells, septins folded slower and were unable to assemble post-translationally into native complexes. One septin, Cdc12, was so dependent on co-translational chaperonin assistance that translation failed without it. Our findings point to distinct translation elongation rates for different septins as a possible mechanism to direct a stepwise, co-translational assembly pathway in which general cytosolic chaperones act as key intermediaries.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniel Hassell
- University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO 80045
| | - Ashley Denney
- University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO 80045
| | - Emily Singer
- University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO 80045
| | - Aleyna Benson
- University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO 80045
| | - Andrew Roth
- University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO 80045
| | - Julia Ceglowski
- University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO 80045
| | - Marc Steingesser
- University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO 80045
| | - Michael McMurray
- University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO 80045
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