LUZP1, a novel regulator of primary cilia and the actin cytoskeleton, is a contributing factor in Townes-Brocks Syndrome

Actin cytoskeletal regulation of ciliogenesis in development and disease

Primary cilia are antenna-like sensory organelles that are evolutionarily conserved in nearly all modern eukaryotes, from the single-celled green alga, Chlamydomonas reinhardtii, to vertebrates and mammals. Cilia are microtubule-based cellular projections that have adapted to perform a broad range of species-specific functions, from cell motility to detection of light and the transduction of extracellular mechanical and chemical signals. These functions render cilia essential for organismal development and survival. The high conservation of cilia has allowed for discoveries in C. reinhardtii to inform our understanding of the basic biology of mammalian primary cilia, and to provide insight into the genetic etiology of ciliopathies. Over the last two decades, a growing number of studies has revealed that multiple aspects of ciliary homeostasis are regulated by the actin cytoskeleton, including centrosome migration and positioning, vesicle transport to the basal body, ectocytosis, and ciliary-mediated signaling. Here, we review actin regulation of ciliary homeostasis, and highlight conserved and divergent mechanisms in C. reinhardtii and mammalian cells. Further, we compare the disease manifestations of patients with ciliopathies to those with mutations in actin and actin-associated genes, and propose that primary cilia defects caused by genetic alteration of the actin cytoskeleton may underlie certain birth defects.

Chemo-phosphoproteomic profiling with ATR inhibitors berzosertib and gartisertib uncovers new biomarkers and DNA damage response regulators

The ATR kinase protects cells against DNA damage and replication stress and represents a promising anti-cancer drug target. The ATR inhibitors (ATRi) berzosertib and gartisertib are both in clinical trials for the treatment of advanced solid tumours as monotherapy or in combination with genotoxic agents. We carried out quantitative phospho-proteomic screening for ATR biomarkers that are highly sensitive to berzosertib and gartisertib, using an optimized mass spectrometry pipeline. Screening identified a range of novel ATR-dependent phosphorylation events, which were grouped into three broad classes: i) targets whose phosphorylation is highly sensitive to ATRi and which could be the next generation of ATR biomarkers; ii) proteins with known genome maintenance roles not previously known to be regulated by ATR; iii) novel targets whose cellular roles are unclear. Class iii targets represent candidate DNA damage response proteins and, with this in mind, proteins in this class were subjected to secondary screening for recruitment to DNA damage sites. We show that one of the proteins recruited, SCAF1, interacts with RNAPII in a phospho-dependent manner and recruitment requires PARP activity and interaction with RNAPII. We also show that SCAF1 deficiency partly rescues RAD51 loading in cells lacking the BRCA1 tumour suppressor. Taken together these data reveal potential new ATR biomarkers and new genome maintenance factors.

LUZP1 regulates the maturation of contractile actomyosin bundles

Contractile actomyosin bundles play crucial roles in various physiological processes, including cell migration, morphogenesis, and muscle contraction. The intricate assembly of actomyosin bundles involves the precise alignment and fusion of myosin II filaments, yet the underlying mechanisms and factors involved in these processes remain elusive. Our study reveals that LUZP1 plays a central role in orchestrating the maturation of thick actomyosin bundles. Loss of LUZP1 caused abnormal cell morphogenesis, migration, and the ability to exert forces on the environment. Importantly, knockout of LUZP1 results in significant defects in the concatenation and persistent association of myosin II filaments, severely impairing the assembly of myosin II stacks. The disruption of these processes in LUZP1 knockout cells provides mechanistic insights into the defective assembly of thick ventral stress fibers and the associated cellular contractility abnormalities. Overall, these results significantly contribute to our understanding of the molecular mechanism involved in actomyosin bundle formation and highlight the essential role of LUZP1 in this process.

A novel heterozygous variant of the SALL1 gene with atypical Townes-Brocks syndrome phenotypes in Chinese family

Townes-Brocks syndrome (TBS) is an autosomal dominant disorder characterised by the triad of anorectal, thumb, and ear malformations. It may also be accompanied by defects in kidney, heart, eyes, hearing, and feet. TBS has been demonstrated to result from heterozygous variants in the SALL1 gene, which encodes zinc finger protein believed to function as a transcriptional repressor. The clinical characteristics of an atypical TBS phenotype patient from a Chinese family are described, with predominant manifestations including external ear dysplasia, unilateral renal hypoplasia with mild renal dysfunction, and hearing impairment. A novel heterozygous variant c.3060T>A (p.Tyr1020*) in exon 2 of the SALL1 gene was identified in this proband. Pyrosequencing of the complementary DNA of the proband revealed that the variant transcript accounted for 48% of the total transcripts in peripheral leukocytes, indicating that this variant transcript has not undergone nonsense-mediated mRNA decay. This variant c.3060T > A is located at the terminal end of exon 2, proximal to the 3' end of the SALL1 gene, and exerts a relatively minor impact on protein function. We suggest that the atypical TBS phenotype observed in the proband may be attributed to the truncated protein retaining partial SALL1 function.

Leucine zipper protein 1 (LUZP1) regulates the constriction velocity of the contractile ring during cytokinesis

There has been a great deal of research on cell division and its mechanisms; however, its processes still have many unknowns. To find novel proteins that regulate cell division, we performed the screening using siRNAs and/or the expression plasmid of the target genes and identified leucine zipper protein 1 (LUZP1). Recent studies have shown that LUZP1 interacts with various proteins and stabilizes the actin cytoskeleton; however, the function of LUZP1 in mitosis is not known. In this study, we found that LUZP1 colocalized with the chromosomal passenger complex (CPC) at the centromere in metaphase and at the central spindle in anaphase and that these LUZP1 localizations were regulated by CPC activity and kinesin family member 20A (KIF20A). Mass spectrometry analysis identified that LUZP1 interacted with death-associated protein kinase 3 (DAPK3), one regulator of the cleavage furrow ingression in cytokinesis. In addition, we found that LUZP1 also interacted with myosin light chain 9 (MYL9), a substrate of DAPK3, and comprehensively inhibited MYL9 phosphorylation by DAPK3. In line with a known role for MYL9 in the actin-myosin contraction, LUZP1 suppression accelerated the constriction velocity at the division plane in our time-lapse analysis. Our study indicates that LUZP1 is a novel regulator for cytokinesis that regulates the constriction velocity of the contractile ring.

Primary cilia and actin regulatory pathways in renal ciliopathies

Ciliopathies are a group of rare genetic disorders caused by defects to the structure or function of the primary cilium. They often affect multiple organs, leading to brain malformations, congenital heart defects, and anomalies of the retina or skeletal system. Kidney abnormalities are among the most frequent ciliopathic phenotypes manifesting as smaller, dysplastic, and cystic kidneys that are often accompanied by renal fibrosis. Many renal ciliopathies cause chronic kidney disease and often progress to end-stage renal disease, necessitating replacing therapies. There are more than 35 known ciliopathies; each is a rare hereditary condition, yet collectively they account for a significant proportion of chronic kidney disease worldwide. The primary cilium is a tiny microtubule-based organelle at the apex of almost all vertebrate cells. It serves as a "cellular antenna" surveying environment outside the cell and transducing this information inside the cell to trigger multiple signaling responses crucial for tissue morphogenesis and homeostasis. Hundreds of proteins and unique cellular mechanisms are involved in cilia formation. Recent evidence suggests that actin remodeling and regulation at the base of the primary cilium strongly impacts ciliogenesis. In this review, we provide an overview of the structure and function of the primary cilium, focusing on the role of actin cytoskeleton and its regulators in ciliogenesis. We then describe the key clinical, genetic, and molecular aspects of renal ciliopathies. We highlight what is known about actin regulation in the pathogenesis of these diseases with the aim to consider these recent molecular findings as potential therapeutic targets for renal ciliopathies.

Functions of actin-binding proteins in cilia structure remodeling and signaling

Cilia are microtubule-based organelles found on the surfaces of many types of cells, including cardiac fibroblasts, vascular endothelial cells, human retinal pigmented epithelial-1 (RPE-1) cells, and alveolar epithelial cells. These organelles can be classified as immotile cilia, referred to as primary cilia in mammalian cells, and motile cilia. Primary cilia are cellular sensors that detect extracellular signals; this is a critical function associated with ciliopathies, which are characterized by the typical clinical features of developmental disorders. Cilia are extensively studied organelles of the microtubule cytoskeleton. However, the ciliary actin cytoskeleton has rarely been studied. Clear evidence has shown that highly regulated actin cytoskeleton dynamics contribute to normal ciliary function. Actin-binding proteins (ABPs) play vital roles in filamentous actin (F-actin) morphology. Here, we discuss recent progress in understanding the roles of ABPs in ciliary structural remodeling and further downstream ciliary signaling with a focus on the molecular mechanisms underlying actin cytoskeleton-related ciliopathies.

Leucine zipper protein 1 prevents doxorubicin-induced cardiotoxicity in mice

OBJECTIVE

Doxorubicin (DOX) is commonly used for chemotherapy; however, its clinical value is extremely dampened because of the fatal cardiotoxicity. Leucine zipper protein 1 (LUZP1) plays critical roles in cardiovascular development, and this study is designed for determining its function and mechanism in DOX-induced cardiotoxicity.

METHODS

Cardiac-specific Luzp1 knockout (cKO) and transgenic (cTG) mice received a single or repeated DOX injections to establish acute and chronic cardiotoxicity. Biomarkers of inflammation, oxidative damage and cell apoptosis were evaluated. Transcriptome and co-immunoprecipitation analysis were used to screen the underlying molecular pathways. Meanwhile, primary cardiomyocytes were applied to confirm the beneficial effects of LUZP1 in depth.

RESULTS

LUZP1 was upregulated in DOX-injured hearts and cardiomyocytes. Cardiac-specific LUZP1 deficiency aggravated, while cardiac-specific LUZP1 overexpression attenuated DOX-associated inflammation, oxidative damage, cell apoptosis and acute cardiac injury. Mechanistic studies revealed that LUZP1 ameliorated DOX-induced cardiotoxicity through activating 5'-AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) pathway, and AMPK deficiency abolished the cardioprotection of LUZP1. Further findings suggested that LUZP1 interacted with protein phosphatase 1 to activate AMPK pathway. Moreover, we determined that cardiac-specific LUZP1 overexpression could also attenuate DOX-associated chronic cardiac injury in mice.

CONCLUSION

LUZP1 attenuates DOX-induced inflammation, oxidative damage, cell apoptosis and ventricular impairment through regulating AMPK pathway, and gene therapy targeting LUZP1 may provide novel therapeutic approached to treat DOX-induced cardiotoxicity.

Maternal and Paternal Dietary Quality and Dietary Inflammation Associations with Offspring DNA Methylation and Epigenetic Biomarkers of Aging in the Lifeways Cross-Generation Study

BACKGROUND

Early-life nutritional exposures may contribute to offspring epigenetic modifications. However, few studies have evaluated parental dietary quality effects on offspring DNA methylation (DNAm).

OBJECTIVES

We aim to fill this gap by elucidating the influence of maternal and paternal whole-diet quality and inflammatory potential on offspring DNAm in the Lifeways Cross-generation cohort.

METHODS

Families (n = 1124) were recruited around 16 weeks of gestation in the Republic of Ireland between 2001 and 2003. Maternal dietary intake during the first trimester and paternal diet during the 12 previous months were assessed with an FFQ. Parental dietary inflammatory potential and quality were determined using the energy-adjusted Dietary Inflammatory Index (E-DII), the Healthy Eating Index-2015 (HEI-2015), and the maternal DASH score. DNAm in the saliva of 246 children at age nine was measured using the Illumina Infinium HumanMethylationEPIC array. DNAm-derived biomarkers of aging, the Pediatric-Buccal-Epigenetic clock and DNAm estimator of telomere length, were calculated. Parental diet associations with the DNAm concentrations of 850K Cytosine-phosphate-guanine sites (CpG sites) and with DNAm-derived biomarkers of aging were examined using an epigenome-wide association study and linear regressions, respectively.

RESULTS

Maternal HEI-2015 scores were inversely associated with DNAm at CpG site (cg21840035) located near the PLEKHM1 gene, whose functions involve regulation of bone development (β = -0.0036, per 1 point increase in the score; P = 5.6 × 10-8). Higher paternal HEI-2015 score was related to lower methylation at CpG site (cg22431767), located near cell signaling gene LUZP1 (β = -0.0022, per 1 point increase in the score, P = 4.1 × 10-8). There were no associations with parental E-DII and DASH scores, and no evidence of major effects on biomarkers of aging.

CONCLUSIONS

Parental dietary quality in the prenatal period, evaluated by the HEI-2015, may influence offspring DNAm during childhood. Further research to improve our understanding of parental nutritional programming is warranted.

Proteome balance in ciliopathies: the OFD1 protein example

The balance of protein synthesis and degradation is finely regulated and influences cellular homeostasis and biological processes (e.g., embryonic development and neuronal plasticity). Recent data demonstrated that centrosomal/ciliary proteins enable proteome control in response to spatial or microenvironmental stimuli. Here, we discuss recent discoveries regarding the role in the balance of the proteome of centrosomal/ciliary proteins associated with genetic disorders known as ciliopathies. In particular, OFD1 was the first example of a ciliopathy protein controlling both protein expression and autophagic/proteasomal degradation. Understanding the role of proteome balance in the pathogenesis of the clinical manifestations of ciliopathies may pave the way to the identification of a wide range of putative novel therapeutic targets for these conditions.

Circular RNA circFIRRE drives osteosarcoma progression and metastasis through tumorigenic-angiogenic coupling

Background

Disappointing clinical efficacy of standard treatment has been proven in refractory metastatic osteosarcoma, and the emerging anti-angiogenic regimens are still in the infantile stage. Thus, there is an urgent need to develop novel therapeutic approach for osteosarcoma lung metastasis.

Methods

circFIRRE was selected from RNA-sequencing of 4 matched osteosarcoma and adjacent samples. The expression of circFIRRE was verified in clinical osteosarcoma samples and cell lines via quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR). The effect of circFIRRE was investigated in cell lines in vitro models, ex vivo models and in vivo xenograft tumor models, including proliferation, invasion, migration, metastasis and angiogenesis. Signaling regulatory mechanism was evaluated by RT-qPCR, Western blot, RNA pull-down and dual-luciferase reporter assays.

Results

In this article, a novel circular RNA, circFIRRE (hsa_circ_0001944) was screened out and identified from RNA-sequencing, and was upregulated in both osteosarcoma cell lines and tissues. Clinically, aberrantly upregulated circFIRRE portended higher metastatic risk and worse prognosis in osteosarcoma patients. Functionally, in vitro, ex vivo and in vivo experiments demonstrated that circFIRRE could drive primary osteosarcoma progression and lung metastasis by inducing both tumor cells and blood vessels, we call as “tumorigenic-angiogenic coupling”. Mechanistically, upregulated circFIRRE was induced by transcription factor YY1, and partially boosted the mRNA and protein level of LUZP1 by sponging miR-486-3p and miR-1225-5p.

Conclusions

We identified circFIRRE as a master regulator in the tumorigenesis and angiogenesis of osteosarcoma, which could be purposed as a novel prognostic biomarker and therapeutic target for refractory osteosarcoma.

Supplementary Information

The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12943-022-01624-7.

Identification of STAU1 as a regulator of HBV replication by TurboID-based proximity labeling

The core promoter (CP) of hepatitis B virus (HBV) is critical for HBV replication by controlling the transcription of pregenomic RNA (pgRNA). Host factors regulating the activity of the CP can be identified by different methods. Biotin-based proximity labeling, a powerful method with the capability to capture weak or dynamic interactions, has not yet been used to map proteins interacting with the CP. Here, we established a strategy, based on the newly evolved promiscuous enzyme TurboID, for interrogating host factors regulating the activity of HBV CP. Using this strategy, we identified STAU1 as an important factor involved in the regulation of HBV CP. Mechanistically, STAU1 indirectly binds to CP mediated by TARDBP, and recruits the SAGA transcription coactivator complex to the CP to upregulate its activity. Moreover, STAU1 binds to HBx and enhances the level of HBx by stabilizing it in a ubiquitin-independent manner.

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HBV core promoter binding factors were interrogated by a proximity labeling method

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STAU1 enhances HBV transcription and replication

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STAU1 indirectly binds to core promoter via TARDBP and recruits SAGA complex

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STAU1 binds to HBx and increases its stability

LUZP1: A new player in the actin-microtubule cross-talk

LUZP1 (leucine zipper protein 1) was first described as being important for embryonic development. Luzp1 null mice present defective neural tube closure and cardiovascular problems, which cause perinatal death. Since then, LUZP1 has also been implicated in the etiology of diseases like the 1p36 and the Townes-Brocks syndromes, and the molecular mechanisms involving this protein started being uncovered. Proteomics studies placed LUZP1 in the interactomes of the centrosome-cilium interface, centriolar satellites, and midbody. Concordantly, LUZP1 is an actin and microtubule-associated protein, which localizes to the centrosome, the basal body of primary cilia, the midbody, actin filaments and cellular junctions. LUZP1, like its interactor EPLIN, is an actin-stabilizing protein and a negative regulator of primary cilia formation. Moreover, through the regulation of actin, LUZP1 has been implicated in the regulation of cell cycle progression, cell migration and epithelial cell apical constriction. This review discusses the latest findings concerning LUZP1 molecular functions and implications in disease development.

Deciphering cilia and ciliopathies using proteomic approaches

Cilia are microtubule-based organelles that protrude from the cell surface and play crucial roles in cellular signaling pathways and extracellular fluid movement. Defects in the ciliary structures and functions are implicated in a set of hereditary disorders, including polycystic kidney disease, nephronophthisis, and Bardet-Biedl syndrome, which are collectively termed as ciliopathies. The application of mass spectrometry-based proteomic approaches to explore ciliary components provides important clues for understanding their physiological and pathological roles. In this review, we focus primarily on proteomic studies involving the identification of proteins in motile cilia and primary cilia, proteomes in ciliopathies, and interactomes of ciliopathy proteins. Collectively, the integration of these data sets will be beneficial for the comprehensive understanding of ciliary structures and exploring potential biomarkers and therapeutic targets for ciliopathies.

Roles of the actin cytoskeleton in ciliogenesis

Primary cilia play a key role in the ability of cells to respond to extracellular stimuli, such as signaling molecules and environmental cues. These sensory organelles are crucial to the development of many organ systems, and defects in primary ciliogenesis lead to multisystemic genetic disorders, known as ciliopathies. Here, we review recent advances in the understanding of several key aspects of the regulation of ciliogenesis. Primary ciliogenesis is thought to take different pathways depending on cell type, and some recent studies shed new light on the cell-type-specific mechanisms regulating ciliogenesis at the apical surface in polarized epithelial cells, which are particularly relevant for many ciliopathies. Furthermore, recent findings have demonstrated the importance of actin cytoskeleton dynamics in positively and negatively regulating multiple stages of ciliogenesis, including the vesicular trafficking of ciliary components and the positioning and docking of the basal body. Finally, studies on the formation of motile cilia in multiciliated epithelial cells have revealed requirements for actin remodeling in this process too, as well as showing evidence of an additional alternative ciliogenesis pathway.

The Circ_0001367/miR-545-3p/LUZP1 Axis Regulates Cell Proliferation, Migration and Invasion in Glioma Cells

Glioma is the most common primary intracranial malignant tumour in adults. It has a high incidence and poses a serious threat to human health. Circular RNA is a hotspot of cancer research. In this study, we aimed to explore the role of circ_0001367 in gliomagenesis and the underlying mechanism. First, qRT-PCR was conducted, which showed that circ_0001367 level was downregulated in glioma tissues and cells. Next, gain-of-function and loss-of-function assays were performed, which indicated that circ_0001367 inhibited the proliferation, migration and invasion of glioma cells. Subsequent bioinformatics analysis, dual-luciferase reporter assays, RNA immunoprecipitation assays and cell function assays demonstrated that circ_0001367 inhibited the proliferation, migration and invasion of glioma cells by absorbing miR-545-3p and thereby regulating the expression of leucine zipper protein (LUZP1). Finally, an in vivo experiment was conducted, which demonstrated that circ_0001367 inhibited glioma growth in vivo by modulating miR-545-3p and LUZP1. Taken together, the results of this study demonstrate that the circ_0001367/miR-545-3p/LUZP1 axis may be a novel target for glioma therapy.

SALL1 Modulates CBX4 Stability, Nuclear Bodies, and Regulation of Target Genes

Development is orchestrated through a complex interplay of multiple transcription factors. The comprehension of this interplay will help us to understand developmental processes. Here we analyze the relationship between two key transcription factors: CBX4, a member of the Polycomb Repressive Complex 1 (PRC1), and SALL1, a member of the Spalt-like family with important roles in embryogenesis and limb development. Both proteins localize to nuclear bodies and are modified by the small ubiquitin-like modifier (SUMO). Our results show that CBX4 and SALL1 interact in the nucleoplasm and that increased SALL1 expression reduces ubiquitination of CBX4, enhancing its stability. This is accompanied by an increase in the number and size of CBX4-containing Polycomb bodies, and by a greater repression of CBX4 target genes. Thus, our findings uncover a new way of SALL1-mediated regulation of Polycomb bodies through modulation of CBX4 stability, with consequences in the regulation of its target genes, which could have an impact in cell differentiation and development.

Chromatin remodeling factor CECR2 forms tissue-specific complexes with CCAR2 and LUZP1

Chromatin remodeling complexes alter chromatin structure to control access to DNA and therefore control cellular processes such as transcription, DNA replication, and DNA repair. CECR2 is a chromatin remodeling factor that plays an important role in neural tube closure and reproduction. Loss-of-function mutations in Cecr2 result primarily in the perinatal lethal neural tube defect exencephaly, with non-penetrant mice that survive to adulthood exhibiting subfertility. CECR2 forms a complex with ISWI proteins SMARCA5 and/or SMARCA1, but further information on the structure and function of the complex is not known. We therefore have identified candidate components of the CECR2-containing remodeling factor (CERF) complex in embryonic stem (ES) cells through mass spectroscopy. Both SMARCA5 and SMARCA1 were confirmed to be present in CERF complexes in ES cells and testis. However, novel proteins CCAR2 and LUZP1 are CERF components in ES cells but not testis. This tissue specificity in mice suggests these complexes may also have functional differences. Furthermore, LUZP1, loss of which is also associated with exencephaly, appears to play a role in stabilizing the CERF complex in ES cells. Keywords: CECR2, LUZP1, CCAR2, Chromatin remodeling factor, Neural tube defects.

Proximity Biotin Labeling Reveals Kaposi's Sarcoma-Associated Herpesvirus Interferon Regulatory Factor Networks

Viral protein interaction with a host protein shows at least two sides: (i) taking host protein functions for its own benefit and (ii) disruption of existing host protein complex formation to inhibit undesirable host responses. Due to the use of affinity precipitation approaches, the majority of studies have focused on how the virus takes advantage of the newly formed protein interactions for its own replication.

Studies on “hit-and-run” effects by viral proteins are difficult when using traditional affinity precipitation-based techniques under dynamic conditions, because only proteins interacting at a specific instance in time can be precipitated by affinity purification. Recent advances in proximity labeling (PL) have enabled identification of both static and dynamic protein-protein interactions. In this study, we applied a PL method by generating recombinant Kaposi’s sarcoma-associated herpesvirus (KSHV). KSHV, a gammaherpesvirus, uniquely encodes four interferon regulatory factors (IRF-1 to -4) that suppress host interferon responses, and we examined KSHV IRF-1 and IRF-4 neighbor proteins to identify cellular proteins involved in innate immune regulation. PL identified 213 and 70 proteins as neighboring proteins of viral IRF-1 (vIRF-1) and vIRF-4 during viral reactivation, and 47 proteins were shared between the two vIRFs; the list also includes three viral proteins, ORF17, thymidine kinase, and vIRF-4. Functional annotation of respective interacting proteins showed highly overlapping biological roles such as mRNA processing and transcriptional regulation by TP53. Innate immune regulation by these commonly interacting 44 cellular proteins was examined with small interfering RNAs (siRNAs), and the splicing factor 3B family proteins were found to be associated with interferon transcription and to act as suppressors of KSHV reactivation. We propose that recombinant mini-TurboID-KSHV is a powerful tool to probe key cellular proteins that play a role in KSHV replication and that selective splicing factors have a function in the regulation of innate immune responses.

IMPORTANCE Viral protein interaction with a host protein shows at least two sides: (i) taking host protein functions for its own benefit and (ii) disruption of existing host protein complex formation to inhibit undesirable host responses. Due to the use of affinity precipitation approaches, the majority of studies have focused on how the virus takes advantage of the newly formed protein interactions for its own replication. Proximity labeling (PL), however, can also highlight transient and negative effects—those interactions which lead to dissociation from the existing protein complex. Here, we highlight the power of PL in combination with recombinant KSHV to study viral host interactions.

LUZP1 Controls Cell Division, Migration and Invasion Through Regulation of the Actin Cytoskeleton

LUZP1 is a centrosomal and actin cytoskeleton-localizing protein that regulates both ciliogenesis and actin filament bundling. As the cytoskeleton and cilia are implicated in metastasis and tumor suppression, we examined roles for LUZP1 in the context of cancer. Here we show that LUZP1 exhibits frequent genomic aberrations in cancer, with a predominance of gene deletions. Furthermore, we demonstrate that CRISPR/Cas9-mediated loss of Luzp1 in mouse fibroblasts promotes cell migration and invasion features, reduces cell viability, and increases cell apoptosis, centriole numbers, and nuclear size while altering the actin cytoskeleton. Loss of Luzp1 also induced changes to ACTR3 (Actin Related Protein 3, also known as ARP3) and phospho-cofilin ratios, suggesting regulatory roles in actin polymerization, beyond its role in filament bundling. Our results point to an unprecedented role for LUZP1 in the regulation of cancer features through the control of actin cytoskeleton.

Limitations and opportunities in the pharmacotherapy of ciliopathies

Ciliopathies are a family of rather diverse conditions, which have been grouped based on the finding of altered or dysfunctional cilia, potentially motile, small cellular antennae extending from the surface of postmitotic cells. Cilia-related disorders include embryonically arising conditions such as Joubert, Usher or Kartagener syndrome, but also afflictions with a postnatal or even adult onset phenotype, i.e. autosomal dominant polycystic kidney disease. The majority of ciliopathies are syndromic rather than affecting only a single organ due to cilia being found on almost any cell in the human body. Overall ciliopathies are considered rare diseases. Despite that, pharmacological research and the strive to help these patients has led to enormous therapeutic advances in the last decade. In this review we discuss new treatment options for certain ciliopathies, give an outlook on promising future therapeutic strategies, but also highlight the limitations in the development of therapeutic approaches of ciliopathies.

Mendelian pathway analysis of laboratory traits reveals distinct roles for ciliary subcompartments in common disease pathogenesis

Rare monogenic disorders of the primary cilium, termed ciliopathies, are characterized by extreme presentations of otherwise common diseases, such as diabetes, hepatic fibrosis, and kidney failure. However, despite a recent revolution in our understanding of the cilium's role in rare disease pathogenesis, the organelle's contribution to common disease remains largely unknown. Hypothesizing that common genetic variants within Mendelian ciliopathy genes might contribute to common complex diseases pathogenesis, we performed association studies of 16,874 common genetic variants across 122 ciliary genes with 12 quantitative laboratory traits characteristic of ciliopathy syndromes in 452,593 individuals in the UK Biobank. We incorporated tissue-specific gene expression analysis, expression quantitative trait loci, and Mendelian disease phenotype information into our analysis and replicated our findings in meta-analysis. 101 statistically significant associations were identified across 42 of the 122 examined ciliary genes (including eight novel replicating associations). These ciliary genes were widely expressed in tissues relevant to the phenotypes being studied, and eQTL analysis revealed strong evidence for correlation between ciliary gene expression levels and laboratory traits. Perhaps most interestingly, our analysis identified different ciliary subcompartments as being specifically associated with distinct sets of phenotypes. Taken together, our data demonstrate the utility of a Mendelian pathway-based approach to genomic association studies, challenge the widely held belief that the cilium is an organelle important mainly in development and in rare syndromic disease pathogenesis, and provide a framework for the continued integration of common and rare disease genetics to provide insight into the pathophysiology of human diseases of immense public health burden.

Whole-exome sequencing identified a novel heterozygous mutation of SALL1 and a new homozygous mutation of PTPRQ in a Chinese family with Townes-Brocks syndrome and hearing loss

Background

Previous studies have revealed that mutations of Spalt Like Transcription Factor 1 (SALL1) are responsible for Townes-Brocks syndrome (TBS), a rare genetic disorder that is characterized by an imperforate anus, dysplastic ears, thumb malformations and other abnormalities, such as hearing loss, foot malformations, renal impairment with or without renal malformations, genitourinary malformations, and congenital heart disease. In addition, the protein tyrosine phosphatase receptor type Q (PTPRQ) gene has been identified in nonsyndromic hearing loss patients with autosomal recessive or autosomal dominant inherited patterns.

Methods

A Chinese family with TBS and hearing loss was enrolled in this study. The proband was a two-month-old girl who suffered from congenital anal atresia with rectal perineal fistula, ventricular septal defect, patent ductus arteriosus, pulmonary hypertension (PH), and finger deformities. The proband’s father also had external ear deformity with deafness, toe deformities and PH, although his anus was normal. Further investigation found that the proband’s mother presented nonsyndromic hearing loss, and the proband’s mother’s parents were consanguine married. Whole-exome sequencing and Sanger sequencing were applied to detect the genetic lesions of TBS and nonsyndromic hearing loss.

Results

Via whole-exome sequencing and Sanger sequencing of the proband and her mother, we identified a novel heterozygous mutation (ENST00000251020: c.1428_1429insT, p. K478QfsX38) of SALL1 in the proband and her father who presented TBS phenotypes, and we also detected a new homozygous mutation [ENST00000266688: c.1057_1057delC, p. L353SfsX8)] of PTPRQ in the proband’s mother and uncle, who suffered from nonsyndromic hearing loss. Both mutations were located in the conserved sites of the respective protein and were predicted to be deleterious by informatics analysis.

Conclusions

This study confirmed the diagnosis of TBS at the molecular level and expanded the spectrum of SALL1 mutations and PTPRQ mutations. Our study may contribute to the clinical management and genetic counselling of TBS and hearing loss.

Primary Cilia, Ciliogenesis and the Actin Cytoskeleton: A Little Less Resorption, A Little More Actin Please

Primary cilia are microtubule-based organelles that extend from the apical surface of most mammalian cells, forming when the basal body (derived from the mother centriole) docks at the apical cell membrane. They act as universal cellular “antennae” in vertebrates that receive and integrate mechanical and chemical signals from the extracellular environment, serving diverse roles in chemo-, mechano- and photo-sensation that control developmental signaling, cell polarity and cell proliferation. Mutations in ciliary genes cause a major group of inherited developmental disorders called ciliopathies. There are very few preventative treatments or new therapeutic interventions that modify disease progression or the long-term outlook of patients with these conditions. Recent work has identified at least four distinct but interrelated cellular processes that regulate cilia formation and maintenance, comprising the cell cycle, cellular proteostasis, signaling pathways and structural influences of the actin cytoskeleton. The actin cytoskeleton is composed of microfilaments that are formed from filamentous (F) polymers of globular G-actin subunits. Actin filaments are organized into bundles and networks, and are attached to the cell membrane, by diverse cross-linking proteins. During cell migration, actin filament bundles form either radially at the leading edge or as axial stress fibers. Early studies demonstrated that loss-of-function mutations in ciliopathy genes increased stress fiber formation and impaired ciliogenesis whereas pharmacological inhibition of actin polymerization promoted ciliogenesis. These studies suggest that polymerization of the actin cytoskeleton, F-actin branching and the formation of stress fibers all inhibit primary cilium formation, whereas depolymerization or depletion of actin enhance ciliogenesis. Here, we review the mechanistic basis for these effects on ciliogenesis, which comprise several cellular processes acting in concert at different timescales. Actin polymerization is both a physical barrier to both cilia-targeted vesicle transport and to the membrane remodeling required for ciliogenesis. In contrast, actin may cause cilia loss by localizing disassembly factors at the ciliary base, and F-actin branching may itself activate the YAP/TAZ pathway to promote cilia disassembly. The fundamental role of actin polymerization in the control of ciliogenesis may present potential new targets for disease-modifying therapeutic approaches in treating ciliopathies.

Charting the complex composite nature of centrosomes, primary cilia and centriolar satellites

The centrosome and its associated structures of the primary cilium and centriolar satellites have been established as central players in a plethora of cellular processes ranging from cell division to cellular signaling. Consequently, defects in the structure or function of these organelles are linked to a diverse range of human diseases, including cancer, microcephaly, ciliopathies, and neurodegeneration. To understand the molecular mechanisms underpinning these diseases, the biology of centrosomes, cilia, and centriolar satellites has to be elucidated. Central to solving this conundrum is the identification, localization, and functional analysis of all the proteins that reside and interact with these organelles. In this review, we discuss the technological breakthroughs that are dissecting the molecular players of these enigmatic organelles with unprecedented spatial and temporal resolution.

A Proximity Mapping Journey into the Biology of the Mammalian Centrosome/Cilium Complex

The mammalian centrosome/cilium complex is composed of the centrosome, the primary cilium and the centriolar satellites, which together regulate cell polarity, signaling, proliferation and motility in cells and thereby development and homeostasis in organisms. Accordingly, deregulation of its structure and functions is implicated in various human diseases including cancer, developmental disorders and neurodegenerative diseases. To better understand these disease connections, the molecular underpinnings of the assembly, maintenance and dynamic adaptations of the centrosome/cilium complex need to be uncovered with exquisite detail. Application of proximity-based labeling methods to the centrosome/cilium complex generated spatial and temporal interaction maps for its components and provided key insights into these questions. In this review, we first describe the structure and cell cycle-linked regulation of the centrosome/cilium complex. Next, we explain the inherent biochemical and temporal limitations in probing the structure and function of the centrosome/cilium complex and describe how proximity-based labeling approaches have addressed them. Finally, we explore current insights into the knowledge we gained from the proximity mapping studies as it pertains to centrosome and cilium biogenesis and systematic characterization of the centrosome, cilium and centriolar satellite interactomes.