Distribution of tubulin, kinesin, and dynein in light- and dark-adapted octopus retinas

2000 ◽  
Vol 17 (1) ◽  
pp. 127-138 ◽  
Author(s):  
JUANA M. MARTINEZ ◽  
HASSAN ELFARISSI ◽  
BEGONA De VELASCO ◽  
GINA H. OCHOA ◽  
ARIA M. MILLER ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Confocal Microscopy ◽  
Motor Proteins ◽  
Pigment Granule ◽  
Cytoskeletal Proteins ◽  
Actin Binding ◽  
Microtubule Cytoskeleton ◽  
Transport Pathways ◽  
Transport Vesicles ◽  
Pigment Granule Migration ◽  
Cytoskeletal Rearrangements

Cephalopod retinas exhibit several responses to light and dark adaptation, including rhabdom size changes, photopigment movements, and pigment granule migration. Light- and dark-directed rearrangements of microfilament and microtubule cytoskeletal transport pathways could drive these changes. Recently, we localized actin-binding proteins in light-/dark-adapted octopus rhabdoms and suggested that actin cytoskeletal rearrangements bring about the formation and degradation of rhabdomere microvilli subsets. To determine if the microtubule cytoskeleton and associated motor proteins control the other light/dark changes, we used immunoblotting and immunocytochemical procedures to map the distribution of tubulin, kinesin, and dynein in dorsal and ventral halves of light- and dark-adapted octopus retinas. Immunoblots detected α- and β-tubulin, dynein intermediate chain, and kinesin heavy chain in extracts of whole retinas. Epifluorescence and confocal microscopy showed that the tubulin proteins were distributed throughout the retina with more immunoreactivity in retinas exposed to light. Kinesin localization was heavy in the pigment layer of light- and dark-adapted ventral retinas but was less prominent in the dorsal region. Dynein distribution also varied in dorsal and ventral retinas with more immunoreactivity in light- and dark-adapted ventral retinas and confocal microscopy emphasized the granular nature of this labeling. We suggest that light may regulate the distribution of microtubule cytoskeletal proteins in the octopus retina and that position, dorsal versus ventral, also influences the distribution of motor proteins. The microtubule cytoskeleton is most likely involved in pigment granule migration in the light and dark and with the movement of transport vesicles from the photoreceptor inner segments to the rhabdoms.

scholarly journals Mechanosensing through direct binding of tensed F-actin by LIM domains

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Xiaoyu Sun ◽  
Donovan Y. Z. Phua ◽  
Lucas Axiotakis ◽  
Mark A. Smith ◽  
Elizabeth Blankman ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Actin Cytoskeleton ◽  
Point Mutations ◽  
Cytoskeletal Proteins ◽  
Actin Binding ◽  
General Mechanism ◽  
Protein Protein Interaction ◽  
Cytoplasmic Actin ◽  
Lim Domains ◽  
Lim Proteins

SummaryMechanical signals transmitted through the cytoplasmic actin cytoskeleton must be relayed to the nucleus to control gene expression. LIM domains are protein-protein interaction modules found in cytoskeletal proteins and transcriptional regulators; however, it is unclear if there is a direct link between these two functions. Here we identify three LIM protein families (zyxin, paxillin, and FHL) whose members preferentially localize to the actin cytoskeleton in mechanically-stimulated cells through their tandem LIM domains. A minimal actin-myosin reconstitution system reveals that representatives of all three families directly bind F-actin only in the presence of mechanical force. Point mutations at a site conserved in each LIM domain of these proteins selectively disrupt tensed F-actin binding in vitro and cytoskeletal localization in cells, demonstrating a common, avidity-based mechanism. Finally, we find that binding to tensed F-actin in the cytoplasm excludes the cancer-associated transcriptional co-activator FHL2 from the nucleus in stiff microenvironments. This establishes direct force-activated F-actin binding by FHL2 as a mechanosensing mechanism. Our studies suggest that force-dependent sequestration of LIM proteins on the actin cytoskeleton could be a general mechanism for controlling nuclear localization to effect mechanical signaling.

The flightless I protein colocalizes with actin- and microtubule-based structures in motile Swiss 3T3 fibroblasts: evidence for the involvement of PI 3-kinase and Ras-related small GTPases

2001 ◽  
Vol 114 (3) ◽  
pp. 549-562 ◽  
Author(s):  
D.A. Davy ◽  
H.D. Campbell ◽  
S. Fountain ◽  
D. de Jong ◽  
M.F. Crouch
Keyword(s):  
Specific Inhibitor ◽  
Small Gtpases ◽  
Small Gtpase ◽  
Actin Binding ◽  
Serum Stimulation ◽  
3T3 Fibroblasts ◽  
Swiss 3T3 ◽  
Green Fluorescent ◽  
Cytoskeletal Rearrangements ◽  
Swiss 3T3 Fibroblasts

The flightless I protein contains an actin-binding domain with homology to the gelsolin family and is likely to be involved in actin cytoskeletal rearrangements. It has been suggested that this protein is involved in linking the cytoskeletal network with signal transduction pathways. We have developed antibodies directed toward the leucine rich repeat and gelsolin-like domains of the human and mouse homologues of flightless I that specifically recognize expressed and endogenous forms of the protein. We have also constructed a flightless I-enhanced green fluorescent fusion vector and used this to examine the localization of the expressed protein in Swiss 3T3 fibroblasts. The flightless I protein localizes predominantly to the nucleus and translocates to the cytoplasm following serum stimulation. In cells stimulated to migrate, the flightless I protein colocalizes with beta-tubulin- and actin-based structures. Members of the small GTPase family, also implicated in cytoskeletal control, were found to colocalize with flightless I in migrating Swiss 3T3 fibroblasts. LY294002, a specific inhibitor of PI 3-kinase, inhibits the translocation of flightless I to actin-based structures. Our results suggest that PI 3-kinase and the small GTPases, Ras, RhoA and Cdc42 may be part of a common functional pathway involved in Fliih-mediated cytoskeletal regulation. Functionally, we suggest that flightless I may act to prepare actin filaments or provide factors required for cytoskeletal rearrangements necessary for cell migration and/or adhesion.

EFFECTS OF SOME ORGANIC SOLVENTS ON GP lb AND ACTIN-BINDING PROTEIN IN BLOOD PLATELETS

1987 ◽  
Author(s):  
A M Aakhus ◽  
N O Solum ◽  
I Hagen
Keyword(s):  
Organic Solvents ◽  
Von Willebrand Factor ◽  
Early Stage ◽  
Binding Protein ◽  
Blood Platelets ◽  
Cytoskeletal Proteins ◽  
Actin Binding ◽  
Actin Binding Protein ◽  
Von Willebrand ◽  
Willebrand Factor

Effects on filamentous proteins appear to be a central phenomenon in the neuronal toxic effects of organic solvents. We have therefore compared the effects of some organic solvents (particularly isopropylalcohol, IPA) to the previously observed effects of dibucaine (DBC) on platelet cytoskeletal proteins. Incubation of platelets with 6% IPA at 37° C, like DBC, initiates a degradation of actin-binding protein (ABP) as substrate for a calcium activated protease (CAP), shown by SDS-PAGE. IPA leads to an increase followed by a decrease in bovine von Willebrand factor-induced agglutination. The decrease is accompanied by a release of glycocali-cin from the GP lb α-chain. The process was also studied using CIE of Triton X-100 extracts of platelets against antiserum to glycocalicin. Incubation of platelets with IPA before extraction in the presence of 4.2 mM leupeptin leads to a time-dependent transformation of GP Ib-related immunoprecipitates from that of the slow-migrating peak III complex (probably between ABP and GP lb) to the faster migrating GP Ib-precipitate. Our working hypothesis is that IPA induces an activation of the CAP by mobilizing calcium. This leads to degradation of ABP and liberation of GP lb from the cytoskeleton accompanied by an increased tendency for agglutination. The following decrease is explained by degradation of the glycocalicin part of the GP lb enchain which contains the binding-site for von Willebrand factor. We conclude that IPA has a similar effect on GP lb and ABP as DBC. Preliminary studies with 1% DMSO and 0,005% toluene at 37° C revealed that these organic solvents have some similar effects on platelets as described for IPA. Possibly the described effects are characteristic of certain cells at an early stage in a process ultimately leading to cell lysis.

scholarly journals Cytoskeletal proteins in the cell nucleus: a special nuclear actin perspective

2019 ◽  
Vol 30 (15) ◽  
pp. 1781-1785 ◽  
Author(s):  
Piergiorgio Percipalle ◽  
Maria Vartiainen
Keyword(s):  
Gene Expression ◽  
Cell Nucleus ◽  
Cell Biology ◽  
Genome Stability ◽  
Actin Polymerization ◽  
Nuclear Architecture ◽  
Nuclear Lamina ◽  
Cytoskeletal Proteins ◽  
Actin Binding ◽  
Special Focus

The emerging role of cytoskeletal proteins in the cell nucleus has become a new frontier in cell biology. Actin and actin-binding proteins regulate chromatin and gene expression, but importantly they are beginning to be essential players in genome organization. These actin-based functions contribute to genome stability and integrity while affecting DNA replication and global transcription patterns. This is likely to occur through interactions of actin with nuclear components including nuclear lamina and subnuclear organelles. An exciting future challenge is to understand how these actin-based genome-wide mechanisms may regulate development and differentiation by interfering with the mechanical properties of the cell nucleus and how regulated actin polymerization plays a role in maintaining nuclear architecture. With a special focus on actin, here we summarize how cytoskeletal proteins operate in the nucleus and how they may be important to consolidate nuclear architecture for sustained gene expression or silencing.

Structure of the 34 kDa F-actin-bundling protein ABP34 fromDictyostelium discoideum

2015 ◽  
Vol 71 (9) ◽  
pp. 1835-1849 ◽  
Author(s):  
Min-Kyu Kim ◽  
Ji-Hye Kim ◽  
Ji-Sun Kim ◽  
Sa-Ouk Kang
Keyword(s):  
Domain Structure ◽  
Hydrophobic Interactions ◽  
Convex Surface ◽  
Cytoskeletal Proteins ◽  
Actin Binding ◽  
Helical Structures ◽  
Binding Model ◽  
Conserved Sequence ◽  
Ef Hand

The crystal structure of the 34 kDa F-actin-bundling protein ABP34 fromDictyostelium discoideumwas solved by Ca2+/S-SAD phasing and refined at 1.89 Å resolution. ABP34 is a calcium-regulated actin-binding protein that cross-links actin filaments into bundles. Itsin vitroF-actin-binding and F-actin-bundling activities were confirmed by a co-sedimentation assay and transmission electron microscopy. The co-localization of ABP34 with actin in cells was also verified. ABP34 adopts a two-domain structure with an EF-hand-containing N-domain and an actin-binding C-domain, but has no reported overall structural homologues. The EF-hand is occupied by a calcium ion with a pentagonal bipyramidal coordination as in the canonical EF-hand. The C-domain structure resembles a three-helical bundle and superposes well onto the rod-shaped helical structures of some cytoskeletal proteins. Residues 216–244 in the C-domain form part of the strongest actin-binding sites (193–254) and exhibit a conserved sequence with the actin-binding region of α-actinin and ABP120. Furthermore, the second helical region of the C-domain is kinked by a proline break, offering a convex surface towards the solvent area which is implicated in actin binding. The F-actin-binding model suggests that ABP34 binds to the side of the actin filament and residues 216–244 fit into a pocket between actin subdomains −1 and −2 through hydrophobic interactions. These studies provide insights into the calcium coordination in the EF-hand and F-actin-binding site in the C-domain of ABP34, which are associated through interdomain interactions.

scholarly journals Cortactin: A Major Cellular Target of the Gastric Carcinogen Helicobacter pylori

Cancers ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 12 (1) ◽  
pp. 159 ◽  
Author(s):  
Irshad Sharafutdinov ◽  
Steffen Backert ◽  
Nicole Tegtmeyer
Keyword(s):  
Helicobacter Pylori ◽  
Epithelial Cells ◽  
Cell Movement ◽  
Cell Types ◽  
Eukaryotic Cell ◽  
Actin Binding ◽  
Gastric Diseases ◽  
Cell Functions ◽  
H Pylori ◽  
Cytoskeletal Rearrangements

Cortactin is an actin binding protein and actin nucleation promoting factor regulating cytoskeletal rearrangements in nearly all eukaryotic cell types. From this perspective, cortactin poses an attractive target for pathogens to manipulate a given host cell to their own benefit. One of the pathogens following this strategy is Helicobacter pylori, which can cause a variety of gastric diseases and has been shown to be the major risk factor for the onset of gastric cancer. During infection of gastric epithelial cells, H. pylori hijacks the cellular kinase signaling pathways, leading to the disruption of key cell functions. Specifically, by overruling the phosphorylation status of cortactin, H. pylori alternates the activity of molecular interaction partners of this important protein, thereby manipulating the performance of actin-cytoskeletal rearrangements and cell movement. In addition, H. pylori utilizes a unique mechanism to activate focal adhesion kinase, which subsequently prevents host epithelial cells from extensive lifting from the extracellular matrix in order to achieve chronic infection in the human stomach.

Conditional Knockout-First Gene Disruption of Dematin Causes Precipitous Loss of Erythrocyte Membrane Stability and Severe Hemolytic Anemia

Blood ◽  
2015 ◽  
Vol 126 (23) ◽  
pp. 157-157
Author(s):  
Yunzhe Lu ◽  
Toshihiko Hanada ◽  
Athar H. Chishti
Keyword(s):  
Flow Cytometry ◽  
Plasma Membrane ◽  
Hemolytic Anemia ◽  
Erythrocyte Membrane ◽  
Half Life ◽  
Gene Disruption ◽  
Cytoskeletal Proteins ◽  
Actin Binding ◽  
Wild Type

Abstract Dematin is an actin binding and bundling protein originally identified as a component of the erythrocyte membrane junctional complex. A widely expressed member of the villin-family of adaptor proteins, dematin regulates RhoA activity and cell shape in fibroblasts. Actin binding and bundling activity of dematin is regulated by phosphorylation of its headpiece domain by the cAMP-dependent protein kinase. Despite its extensive biochemical characterization, the physiological function of dematin in mature erythrocytes remains unknown. We used a conditional gene disruption strategy by generating a targeting construct that has the potential for full body gene knockout as well as tissue-specific deletion of dematin gene using the Cre-lox gene deletion system. Wild type, heterozygous, and homozygous progeny were obtained in a typical Mendelian ratio of 1:2:1. Dramatic splenomegaly in 7-week old full length dematin knockout (FLKO) mice was observed with the average spleen weight 10-fold higher than those of the wild type littermates. Flow cytometry showed a ~16-fold increase in reticulocytes (Fig.1A), which was also seen in the blood smear (Fig.1B,C). Severe hemolytic anemia is most likely the cause of relative pallor observed in FLKO mice at day 1 after birth. The adult FLKO mice continue to show relatively smaller body size as compared to wild type and heterozygous mice. These findings are consistent with severe anemia and compensatory erythropoiesis. FLKO mice exhibit typical signs of anisocytosis, microcytosis, macrocytosis, and polychromasia, which are indicative of tremendous variation in RBC cell size and the premature release of reticulocytes from the bone marrow. Moreover, additional RBC abnormalities, including poikilocytosis, acanthocytosis, fragmented RBC, and spherocytes, are consistent with severe hemolytic disease. By scanning EM, the FLKO erythrocytes showed dramatic variation in shape and size. The spherocytes, microcytic vesiculation, and the protruding structures are observed in FKLO mice, as well as extensive intravascular hemolysis (Fig. 1D,E). RBC half-life measurements in vivo by NHS-biotin labeling and flow cytometry showed mutant cells almost immediately cleared from the circulation in FLKO mice. A seven-week chase experiment showed that the half-life of RBCs was reduced from 22 days in wild type and heterozygous mice to less than 3 days in FLKO mice. The hematological phenotype of FLKO mice indicated reduced RBC count, hemoglobin, and hematocrit with increase in the RBC distribution width. Collectively, these findings indicate that the mechanical strength of RBC membrane strictly relies on the presence of full length dematin. We employed membrane fractionation, in vitro protein domain mapping, transmission/scanning electron microscopy, and dynamic deformability measurements to investigate the underlying mechanisms of extreme membrane fragility in FLKO erythrocytes. We also examined the protein profile of RBC ghosts. Surprisingly, the major cytoskeletal proteins remained unchanged in the FLKO ghosts; however, a marked reduction of spectrin, adducin, and actin was observed. When normalized against band 3, these proteins were reduced by 60%, 90%, and 90%, respectively. Since these membrane proteins are essential for RBC stability, our findings suggest a specific role of dematin in recruiting or maintaining a stable association of essential cytoskeletal proteins in the plasma membrane. These results raise the possibility that dematin may directly interact with adducin, and together anchor the spectrin molecules to the plasma membrane. Our findings provide the first in vivo evidence that dematin is essential for the maintenance of erythrocyte shape and membrane mechanical properties by regulating the integrity of the spectrin-actin junctions. Figure 1. Figure 1. Disclosures No relevant conflicts of interest to declare.

scholarly journals The Role of Molecular Microtubule Motors and the Microtubule Cytoskeleton in Stress Granule Dynamics

2011 ◽  
Vol 2011 ◽  
pp. 1-9 ◽  
Author(s):  
Kristen M. Bartoli ◽  
Darryl L. Bishop ◽  
William S. Saunders
Keyword(s):  
Current Literature ◽  
Motor Proteins ◽  
Stress Granules ◽  
Stress Granule ◽  
Microtubule Cytoskeleton ◽  
Microtubule Motors ◽  
Key Players ◽  
Underlying Mechanisms ◽  
Main Components

Stress granules (SGs) are cytoplasmic foci that appear in cells exposed to stress-induced translational inhibition. SGs function as a triage center, where mRNAs are sorted for storage, degradation, and translation reinitiation. The underlying mechanisms of SGs dynamics are still being characterized, although many key players have been identified. The main components of SGs are stalled 48S preinitiation complexes. To date, many other proteins have also been found to localize in SGs and are hypothesized to function in SG dynamics. Most recently, the microtubule cytoskeleton and associated motor proteins have been demonstrated to function in SG dynamics. In this paper, we will discuss current literature examining the function of microtubules and the molecular microtubule motors in SG assembly, coalescence, movement, composition, organization, and disassembly.

Pigment granule migration in crustacean photoreceptors requires calcium

1996 ◽  
Vol 13 (1) ◽  
pp. 43-49 ◽  
Author(s):  
Christina King-Smith ◽  
Thomas W. Cronin
Keyword(s):  
Pigment Granule ◽  
Size And Shape ◽  
Pigment Granules ◽  
Gradual Loss ◽  
Light Stimuli ◽  
Pigment Granule Migration ◽  
Normal Calcium

AbstractWe have investigated the role of calcium in the regulation of pigment granule migration in photoreceptors of the semi-terrestrial crab, Sesarma cinereum. Isolated crab eyes (eyecup plus eyestalk) were maintained in crustacean Ringer either prepared normally or calcium-free plus 50 mM EGTA. Pigment granule movement was indirectly observed by monitoring reflectance from the eye during light stimuli using intracellular optical physiological techniques. Electroretinograms (ERGs) were also measured during light stimuli. EGTA treatment caused gradual loss of centripetal migration of pigment granules (normally leading to pupillary closure), and photoreceptors eventually became locked in the open-pupil, dark-adapted state despite repeated stimuli. In contrast, ERG responses continued throughout EGTA treatment, although the size and shape ofthe response was altered. Normal ERG responses and pigment granule movements returned after replacing EGTA-Ringer with normal-calcium medium. These results suggest that centripetal migration of pigment granules in crustacean photoreceptors requires calcium.

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