Cyclin A and Nek2A: APC/C–Cdc20 substrates invisible to the mitotic spindle checkpoint

2010 ◽  
Vol 38 (1) ◽  
pp. 72-77 ◽  
Author(s):  
Wouter van Zon ◽  
Rob M.F. Wolthuis
Keyword(s):  
Nuclear Envelope ◽  
Spindle Checkpoint ◽  
Cyclin A ◽  
Cyclin B1 ◽  
Cyclin Dependent Kinase ◽  
Anaphase Promoting Complex ◽  
Nuclear Envelope Breakdown ◽  
Anaphase Onset ◽  
Sister Chromatids ◽  
Spindle Microtubules

Active cyclin B1–Cdk1 (cyclin-dependent kinase 1) keeps cells in mitosis, allowing time for spindle microtubules to capture the chromosomes and for incorrect chromosome-spindle attachments to be repaired. Meanwhile, securin, an inhibitor of separase, secures cohesion between sister chromatids, preventing anaphase onset. The spindle checkpoint is a signalling pathway emerging from improperly attached chromosomes that inhibits Cdc20, the mitotic activator of the APC/C (anaphase-promoting complex/cyclosome) ubiquitin ligase. Blocking Cdc20 stabilizes cyclin B1 and securin to delay mitotic exit and anaphase until all chromosomes reach bipolar spindle attachments. Cells entering mitosis in the absence of a functional spindle checkpoint degrade cyclin B1 and securin right after nuclear-envelope breakdown, in prometaphase. Interestingly, two APC/C substrates, cyclin A and Nek2A, are normally degraded at nuclear-envelope breakdown, even when the spindle checkpoint is active. This indicates that the APC/C is activated early in mitosis, whereas cyclin B1 and securin are protected as long as the spindle checkpoint inhibits Cdc20. Remarkably, destruction of cyclin A and Nek2A also depends on Cdc20. The paradox of Cdc20 being both active and inhibited in prometaphase could be explained if cyclin A and Nek2A are either exceptionally efficient Cdc20 substrates, or if they are equipped with ‘stealth’ mechanisms to effectively escape detection by the spindle checkpoint. In the present paper, we discuss recently emerging models for spindle-checkpoint-independent APC/C–Cdc20 activity, which might even have implications for cancer therapy.

scholarly journals Role of spindle microtubules in the control of cell cycle timing.

1979 ◽  
Vol 80 (3) ◽  
pp. 674-691 ◽  
Author(s):  
G Sluder
Keyword(s):  
Cell Cycle ◽  
Nuclear Envelope ◽  
Sea Urchin ◽  
Control Cell ◽  
Microtubule Assembly ◽  
Nuclear Envelope Breakdown ◽  
Anaphase Onset ◽  
Spindle Cells ◽  
Spindle Microtubules

Sea urchin eggs are used to investigate the involvement of spindle microtubules in the mechanisms that control the timing of cell cycle events. Eggs are treated for 4 min with Colcemid at prophase of the first mitosis. No microtubules are assembled for at least 3 h, and the eggs do not divide. These eggs show repeated cycles of nuclear envelope breakdown (NEB) and nuclear envelope reformation (NER). Mitosis (NEB to NER) is twice as long in Colcemid-treated eggs as in the untreated controls. Interphase (NER to NEB) is the same in both. Thus, each cycle is prolonged entirely in mitosis. The chromosomes of treated eggs condense and eventually split into separate chromatids which do not move apart. This "canaphase" splitting is substantially delayed relative to anaphase onset in the control eggs. Treated eggs are irradiated after NEB with 366-nm light to inactivate the Colcemid. This allows the eggs to assemble normal spindles and divide. Up to 14 min after NEB, delays in the start of microtubule assembly give equal delays in anaphase onset, cleavage, and the events of the following cell cycle. Regardless of the delay, anaphase follows irradiation by the normal prometaphase duration. The quantity of spindle microtubules also influences the timing of mitotic events. Short Colcemid treatments administered in prophase of second division cause eggs to assemble small spindles. One blastomere is irradiated after NEB to provide a control cell with a normal-sized spindle. Cells with diminished spindles always initiate anaphase later than their controls. Telophase events are correspondingly delayed. This work demonstrates that spindle microtubules are involved in the mechanisms that control the time when the cell will initiate anaphase, finish mitosis, and start the next cell cycle.

scholarly journals The APC/C recruits cyclin B1–Cdk1–Cks in prometaphase before D box recognition to control mitotic exit

2010 ◽  
Vol 190 (4) ◽  
pp. 587-602 ◽  
Author(s):  
Wouter van Zon ◽  
Janneke Ogink ◽  
Bas ter Riet ◽  
René H. Medema ◽  
Hein te Riele ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Ubiquitin Ligase ◽  
Spindle Checkpoint ◽  
Cyclin A ◽  
Cyclin B1 ◽  
Mitotic Exit ◽  
Dependent Manner ◽  
Anaphase Promoting Complex ◽  
Checkpoint Control ◽  
N Terminus ◽  
Mitotic Phosphorylation

The ubiquitin ligase anaphase-promoting complex/cyclosome (APC/C) is activated at prometaphase by mitotic phosphorylation and binding of its activator, Cdc20. This initiates cyclin A degradation, whereas cyclin B1 is stabilized by the spindle checkpoint. Upon checkpoint release, the RXXL destruction box (D box) was proposed to direct cyclin B1 to core APC/C or Cdc20. In this study, we report that endogenous cyclin B1–Cdk1 is recruited to checkpoint-inhibited, phosphorylated APC/C in prometaphase independently of Cdc20 or the cyclin B1 D box. Like cyclin A, cyclin B1 binds the APC/C by the Cdk cofactor Cks and the APC3 subunit. Prior binding to APC/CCdc20 makes cyclin B1 a better APC/C substrate in metaphase, driving mitotic exit and cytokinesis. We conclude that in prometaphase, the phosphorylated APC/C can recruit both cyclin A and cyclin B1 in a Cks-dependent manner. This suggests that the spindle checkpoint blocks D box recognition of APC/C-bound cyclin B1, whereas distinctive complexes between the N terminus of cyclin A and Cdc20 evade checkpoint control.

scholarly journals The spindle checkpoint, APC/CCdc20, and APC/CCdh1 play distinct roles in connecting mitosis to S phase

2013 ◽  
Vol 201 (7) ◽  
pp. 1013-1026 ◽  
Author(s):  
Linda Clijsters ◽  
Janneke Ogink ◽  
Rob Wolthuis
Keyword(s):  
Spindle Checkpoint ◽  
Cyclin B1 ◽  
S Phase ◽  
Animal Cells ◽  
Proliferating Cells ◽  
Cell Cycle Entry ◽  
Sister Chromatids ◽  
Mitotic Cyclin ◽  
Bona Fide ◽  
Subsequent Activation

DNA replication depends on a preceding licensing event by Cdt1 and Cdc6. In animal cells, relicensing after S phase but before mitosis is prevented by the Cdt1 inhibitor geminin and mitotic cyclin activity. Here, we show that geminin, like cyclin B1 and securin, is a bona fide target of the spindle checkpoint and APC/CCdc20. Cyclin B1 and geminin are degraded simultaneously during metaphase, which directs Cdt1 accumulation on segregating sister chromatids. Subsequent activation of APC/CCdh1 leads to degradation of Cdc6 well before Cdt1 becomes unstable in a replication-coupled manner. In mitosis, the spindle checkpoint supports Cdt1 accumulation, which promotes S phase onset. We conclude that the spindle checkpoint, APC/CCdc20, and APC/CCdh1 act successively to ensure that the disappearance of licensing inhibitors coincides exactly with a peak of Cdt1 and Cdc6. Whereas cell cycle entry from quiescence requires Cdc6 resynthesis, our results indicate that proliferating cells use a window of time in mitosis, before Cdc6 is degraded, as an earlier opportunity to direct S phase.

Synchronous nuclear-envelope breakdown and anaphase onset in plant multinucleate cells

PROTOPLASMA ◽  
2001 ◽  
Vol 218 (3-4) ◽  
pp. 192-202 ◽  
Author(s):  
J. F. Giménez-Abián ◽  
D. J. Clarke ◽  
M. I. Giménez-Abián ◽  
C. de la Torre ◽  
G. Giménez-Martín
Keyword(s):  
Nuclear Envelope ◽  
Multinucleate Cells ◽  
Nuclear Envelope Breakdown ◽  
Anaphase Onset

scholarly journals The HECT E3 ligase Smurf2 is required for Mad2-dependent spindle assembly checkpoint

2008 ◽  
Vol 183 (2) ◽  
pp. 267-277 ◽  
Author(s):  
Evan C. Osmundson ◽  
Dipankar Ray ◽  
Finola E. Moore ◽  
Qingshen Gao ◽  
Gerald H. Thomsen ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Ubiquitin Ligase ◽  
Spindle Assembly Checkpoint ◽  
Spindle Checkpoint ◽  
E3 Ligase ◽  
Spindle Assembly ◽  
Cyclin B ◽  
Carboxyl Terminus ◽  
Anaphase Promoting Complex ◽  
Mitotic Spindles ◽  
Anaphase Onset

Activation of the anaphase-promoting complex/cyclosome (APC/C) by Cdc20 is critical for the metaphase–anaphase transition. APC/C-Cdc20 is required for polyubiquitination and degradation of securin and cyclin B at anaphase onset. The spindle assembly checkpoint delays APC/C-Cdc20 activation until all kinetochores attach to mitotic spindles. In this study, we demonstrate that a HECT (homologous to the E6-AP carboxyl terminus) ubiquitin ligase, Smurf2, is required for the spindle checkpoint. Smurf2 localizes to the centrosome, mitotic midbody, and centromeres. Smurf2 depletion or the expression of a catalytically inactive Smurf2 results in misaligned and lagging chromosomes, premature anaphase onset, and defective cytokinesis. Smurf2 inactivation prevents nocodazole-treated cells from accumulating cyclin B and securin and prometaphase arrest. The silencing of Cdc20 in Smurf2-depleted cells restores mitotic accumulation of cyclin B and securin. Smurf2 depletion results in enhanced polyubiquitination and degradation of Mad2, a critical checkpoint effector. Mad2 is mislocalized in Smurf2-depleted cells, suggesting that Smurf2 regulates the localization and stability of Mad2. These data indicate that Smurf2 is a novel mitotic regulator.

scholarly journals The spindle and kinetochore–associated (Ska) complex enhances binding of the anaphase-promoting complex/cyclosome (APC/C) to chromosomes and promotes mitotic exit

2014 ◽  
Vol 25 (5) ◽  
pp. 594-605 ◽  
Author(s):  
Sushama Sivakumar ◽  
John R. Daum ◽  
Aaron R. Tipton ◽  
Susannah Rankin ◽  
Gary J. Gorbsky
Keyword(s):  
Cyclin B1 ◽  
Mitotic Exit ◽  
Anaphase Promoting Complex ◽  
Metaphase Arrest ◽  
Microtubule Attachment ◽  
Anaphase Onset ◽  
Chromosome Alignment ◽  
Partial Degradation ◽  
Interfering Rna ◽  
Transient Alignment

The spindle and kinetochore–associated (Ska) protein complex is a heterotrimeric complex required for timely anaphase onset. The major phenotypes seen after small interfering RNA–mediated depletion of Ska are transient alignment defects followed by metaphase arrest that ultimately results in cohesion fatigue. We find that cells depleted of Ska3 arrest at metaphase with only partial degradation of cyclin B1 and securin. In cells arrested with microtubule drugs, Ska3-depleted cells exhibit slower mitotic exit when the spindle checkpoint is silenced by inhibition of the checkpoint kinase, Mps1, or when cells are forced to exit mitosis downstream of checkpoint silencing by inactivation of Cdk1. These results suggest that in addition to a role in fostering kinetochore–microtubule attachment and chromosome alignment, the Ska complex has functions in promoting anaphase onset. We find that both Ska3 and microtubules promote chromosome association of the anaphase-promoting complex/cyclosome (APC/C). Chromosome-bound APC/C shows significantly stronger ubiquitylation activity than cytoplasmic APC/C. Forced localization of Ska complex to kinetochores, independent of microtubules, results in enhanced accumulation of APC/C on chromosomes and accelerated cyclin B1 degradation during induced mitotic exit. We propose that a Ska-microtubule-kinetochore association promotes APC/C localization to chromosomes, thereby enhancing anaphase onset and mitotic exit.

scholarly journals Systematic Analysis in Caenorhabditis elegans Reveals that the Spindle Checkpoint Is Composed of Two Largely Independent Branches

2009 ◽  
Vol 20 (4) ◽  
pp. 1252-1267 ◽  
Author(s):  
Anthony Essex ◽  
Alexander Dammermann ◽  
Lindsay Lewellyn ◽  
Karen Oegema ◽  
Arshad Desai
Keyword(s):  
Caenorhabditis Elegans ◽  
Spindle Checkpoint ◽  
Checkpoint Activation ◽  
Systematic Analysis ◽  
Checkpoint Signaling ◽  
Epistasis Analysis ◽  
Kinetochore Assembly ◽  
Anaphase Onset ◽  
Monopolar Spindle ◽  
Spindle Microtubules

Kinetochores use the spindle checkpoint to delay anaphase onset until all chromosomes have formed bipolar attachments to spindle microtubules. Here, we use controlled monopolar spindle formation to systematically define the requirements for spindle checkpoint signaling in the Caenorhabditis elegans embryo. The results, when interpreted in light of kinetochore assembly epistasis analysis, indicate that checkpoint activation is coordinately directed by the NDC-80 complex, the Rod/Zwilch/Zw10 complex, and BUB-1—three components independently targeted to the outer kinetochore by the scaffold protein KNL-1. These components orchestrate the integration of a core Mad1MDF-1/Mad2MDF-2-based signal, with a largely independent Mad3SAN-1/BUB-3 pathway. Evidence for independence comes from the fact that subtly elevating Mad2MDF-2 levels bypasses the requirement for BUB-3 and Mad3SAN-1 in kinetochore-dependent checkpoint activation. Mad3SAN-1 does not accumulate at unattached kinetochores and BUB-3 kinetochore localization is independent of Mad2MDF-2. We discuss the rationale for a bipartite checkpoint mechanism in which a core Mad1MDF-1/Mad2MDF-2 signal generated at kinetochores is integrated with a separate cytoplasmic Mad3SAN-1/BUB-3–based pathway.

scholarly journals Human securin proteolysis is controlled by the spindle checkpoint and reveals when the APC/C switches from activation by Cdc20 to Cdh1

2002 ◽  
Vol 157 (7) ◽  
pp. 1125-1137 ◽  
Author(s):  
Anja Hagting ◽  
Nicole den Elzen ◽  
Hartmut C. Vodermaier ◽  
Irene C. Waizenegger ◽  
Jan-Michael Peters ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Chromosome Segregation ◽  
Sister Chromatid ◽  
Live Cell Imaging ◽  
Cell Imaging ◽  
Spindle Checkpoint ◽  
Cyclin B1 ◽  
Mutant Form ◽  
Exact Time ◽  
Sister Chromatids ◽  
Sister Chromatid Separation

Progress through mitosis is controlled by the sequential destruction of key regulators including the mitotic cyclins and securin, an inhibitor of anaphase whose destruction is required for sister chromatid separation. Here we have used live cell imaging to determine the exact time when human securin is degraded in mitosis. We show that the timing of securin destruction is set by the spindle checkpoint; securin destruction begins at metaphase once the checkpoint is satisfied. Furthermore, reimposing the checkpoint rapidly inactivates securin destruction. Thus, securin and cyclin B1 destruction have very similar properties. Moreover, we find that both cyclin B1 and securin have to be degraded before sister chromatids can separate. A mutant form of securin that lacks its destruction box (D-box) is still degraded in mitosis, but now this is in anaphase. This destruction requires a KEN box in the NH2 terminus of securin and may indicate the time in mitosis when ubiquitination switches from APCCdc20 to APCCdh1. Lastly, a D-box mutant of securin that cannot be degraded in metaphase inhibits sister chromatid separation, generating a cut phenotype where one cell can inherit both copies of the genome. Thus, defects in securin destruction alter chromosome segregation and may be relevant to the development of aneuploidy in cancer.

scholarly journals Noncatalytic Requirement for Cyclin A-cdk2 in p27 Turnover

2004 ◽  
Vol 24 (13) ◽  
pp. 6058-6066 ◽  
Author(s):  
Xin-Hua Zhu ◽  
Hoang Nguyen ◽  
H. Dorota Halicka ◽  
Frank Traganos ◽  
Andrew Koff
Keyword(s):  
Ubiquitin Ligase ◽  
Cyclin E ◽  
Flow Cytometric Analysis ◽  
E3 Ubiquitin Ligase ◽  
Cyclin A ◽  
Cyclin B1 ◽  
S Phase ◽  
Cyclin Dependent Kinase ◽  
Flow Cytometric

ABSTRACT Ubiquitin-dependent proteolysis makes a major contribution to decreasing the levels of p27. Ubiquitin-dependent proteolysis of p27kip1 is growth and cell cycle regulated in two ways: first, skp2, a component of the E3-ubiquitin ligase, is growth regulated, and second, a kinase must phosphorylate the threonine-187 position on p27 so that it can be recognized by skp2. In vitro, p27 is phosphorylated by cyclin E- and cyclin A-associated cdk2 as well as by cyclin B1-cdk1. Having analyzed the effect of different cyclin-cyclin-dependent kinase complexes on ubiquitination of p27 in a reconstitution assay system, we now report a noncatalytic requirement for cyclin A-cdk2. Multiparameter flow cytometric analysis also indicates that p27 turnover correlates best with the onset of S phase, once the levels of cyclin A become nearly maximal. Finally, increasing the amount of both cyclin E-cdk2 and skp2 was less efficient at promoting p27 ubiquitination than was increasing the amount of cyclin A-cdk2 alone in extracts prepared from cultures of >93%-purified G1 cells. Together these lines of evidence suggest that cyclin A-cdk2 plays an ancillary noncatalytic role in the ubiquitination of p27 by the SCFskp2 complex.

scholarly journals Microtubule dynamics at the G2/M transition: abrupt breakdown of cytoplasmic microtubules at nuclear envelope breakdown and implications for spindle morphogenesis.

1996 ◽  
Vol 135 (1) ◽  
pp. 201-214 ◽  
Author(s):  
Y Zhai ◽  
P J Kronebusch ◽  
P M Simon ◽  
G G Borisy
Keyword(s):  
Nuclear Envelope ◽  
Fluorescence Ratio ◽  
Subsequent Increase ◽  
Abrupt Decrease ◽  
Nuclear Envelope Breakdown ◽  
Anaphase Onset ◽  
Chromosome Attachment ◽  
Direct Fluorescence ◽  
Cytoplasmic Microtubules ◽  
Tubulin Immunofluorescence

We recently developed a direct fluorescence ratio assay (Zhai, Y., and G.G. Borisy. 1994. J. Cell Sci. 107:881-890) to quantify microtubule (MT) polymer in order to determine if net MT depolymerization occurred upon anaphase onset as the spindle was disassembled. Our results showed no net decrease in polymer, indicating that the disassembly of kinetochore MTs was balanced by assembly of midbody and astral MTs. Thus, the mitosis-interphase transition occurs by a redistribution of tubulin among different classes of MTs at essentially constant polymer level. We now examine the reverse process, the interphase-mitosis transition. Specifically, we quantitated both the level of MT polymer and the dynamics of MTs during the G2/M transition using the fluorescence ratio assay and a fluorescence photoactivation approach, respectively. Prophase cells before nuclear envelope breakdown (NEB) had high levels of MT polymer (62%) similar to that previously reported for random interphase populations (68%). However, prophase cells just after NEB had significantly reduced levels (23%) which recovered as MT attachments to chromosomes were made (prometaphase, 47%; metaphase, 56%). The abrupt reorganization of MTs at NEB was corroborated by anti-tubulin immunofluorescence staining using a variety of fixation protocols. Sensitivity to nocodazole also increased at NEB. Photoactivation analyses of MT dynamics showed a similar abrupt change at NEB, basal rates of MT turnover (pre-NEB) increased post-NEB and then became slower later in mitosis. Our results indicate that the interphase-mitosis (G2/M) transition of the MT array does not occur by a simple redistribution of tubulin at constant polymer level as the mitosis-interphase (M/G1) transition. Rather, an abrupt decrease in MT polymer level and increase in MT dynamics occurs tightly correlated with NEB. A subsequent increase in MT polymer level and decrease in MT dynamics occurs correlated with chromosome attachment. These results carry implications for understanding spindle morphogenesis. They indicate that changes in MT dynamics may cause the steady-state MT polymer level in mitotic cells to be lower than in interphase. We propose that tension exerted on the kMTs may lead to their lengthening and thereby lead to an increase in the MT polymer level as chromosomes attach to the spindle.

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