scholarly journals Serum Response Factor (SRF)-cofilin-actin signaling axis modulates mitochondrial dynamics

2012 ◽  
Vol 109 (38) ◽  
pp. E2523-E2532 ◽  
Author(s):  
Henning Beck ◽  
Kevin Flynn ◽  
Katrin S. Lindenberg ◽  
Heinz Schwarz ◽  
Frank Bradke ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Mitochondrial Function ◽  
Serum Response Factor ◽  
Mitochondrial Dynamics ◽  
Actin Dynamics ◽  
Response Factor ◽  
Signaling Axis ◽  
Mitochondrial Number ◽  
Mitochondrial Networks ◽  
The Impact ◽  
Serum Response

Aberrant mitochondrial function, morphology, and transport are main features of neurodegenerative diseases. To date, mitochondrial transport within neurons is thought to rely mainly on microtubules, whereas actin might mediate short-range movements and mitochondrial anchoring. Here, we analyzed the impact of actin on neuronal mitochondrial size and localization. F-actin enhanced mitochondrial size and mitochondrial number in neurites and growth cones. In contrast, raising G-actin resulted in mitochondrial fragmentation and decreased mitochondrial abundance. Cellular F-actin/G-actin levels also regulate serum response factor (SRF)-mediated gene regulation, suggesting a possible link between SRF and mitochondrial dynamics. Indeed, SRF-deficient neurons display neurodegenerative hallmarks of mitochondria, including disrupted morphology, fragmentation, and impaired mitochondrial motility, as well as ATP energy metabolism. Conversely, constitutively active SRF-VP16 induced formation of mitochondrial networks and rescued huntingtin (HTT)-impaired mitochondrial dynamics. Finally, SRF and actin dynamics are connected via the actin severing protein cofilin and its slingshot phosphatase to modulate neuronal mitochondrial dynamics. In summary, our data suggest that the SRF-cofilin-actin signaling axis modulates neuronal mitochondrial function.

scholarly journals The Cytoskeleton-associated PDZ-LIM Protein, ALP, Acts on Serum Response Factor Activity to Regulate Muscle Differentiation

2007 ◽  
Vol 18 (5) ◽  
pp. 1723-1733 ◽  
Author(s):  
Pascal Pomiès ◽  
Mohammad Pashmforoush ◽  
Cristina Vegezzi ◽  
Kenneth R. Chien ◽  
Charles Auffray ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Serum Response Factor ◽  
Critical Role ◽  
Muscle Differentiation ◽  
Actin Dynamics ◽  
Response Factor ◽  
Cytoskeletal Regulation ◽  
Expression Construct ◽  
Filament Bundles ◽  
Serum Response

In this report, an antisense RNA strategy has allowed us to show that disruption of ALP expression affects the expression of the muscle transcription factors myogenin and MyoD, resulting in the inhibition of muscle differentiation. Introduction of a MyoD expression construct into ALP-antisense cells is sufficient to restore the capacity of the cells to differentiate, illustrating that ALP function occurs upstream of MyoD. It is known that MyoD is under the control of serum response factor (SRF), a transcriptional regulator whose activity is modulated by actin dynamics. A dramatic reduction of actin filament bundles is observed in ALP-antisense cells and treatment of these cells with the actin-stabilizing drug jasplakinolide stimulates SRF activity and restores the capacity of the cells to differentiate. Furthermore, we show that modulation of ALP expression influences SRF activity, the level of its coactivator, MAL, and muscle differentiation. Collectively, these results suggest a critical role of ALP on muscle differentiation, likely via cytoskeletal regulation of SRF.

scholarly journals Signal-Regulated Activation of Serum Response Factor Is Mediated by Changes in Actin Dynamics

Cell ◽  
1999 ◽  
Vol 98 (2) ◽  
pp. 159-169 ◽  
Author(s):  
Athanassia Sotiropoulos ◽  
Dziugas Gineitis ◽  
John Copeland ◽  
Richard Treisman
Keyword(s):  
Serum Response Factor ◽  
Actin Dynamics ◽  
Response Factor ◽  
Serum Response

Actin-mediated gene expression in neurons: the MRTF-SRF connection

2010 ◽  
Vol 391 (6) ◽  
Author(s):  
Bernd Knöll
Keyword(s):  
Gene Expression ◽  
Nervous System ◽  
Serum Response Factor ◽  
Actin Dynamics ◽  
Response Factor ◽  
Related Transcription Factor ◽  
Gene Regulatory ◽  
Regulatory Loop ◽  
Serum Response ◽  
Prime Target

Abstract The traditional view of cellular actin is a rather autarkic cytoskeletal framework function confined to the cytoplasm. However, there is now evidence that alterations in actin dynamics are sensed by the nucleus and subsequently modulate gene expression. In communicating with the nucleus, cytoplasmic, and most likely also nucleus-resident actin, provides a further (gene) regulatory loop to cell motility. A transcription module composed of MRTF (myocardin-related transcription factor) and SRF (serum response factor) emerges as prime target of such actin signaling. Here, I focus on the nervous system, where the actin-MRTF-SRF entity governs multiple aspects of neuronal motility.

scholarly journals Interaction of Serum Response Factor (SRF) with the Elk-1 B Box Inhibits RhoA-Actin Signaling to SRF and Potentiates Transcriptional Activation by Elk-1

2002 ◽  
Vol 22 (20) ◽  
pp. 7083-7092 ◽  
Author(s):  
Kasumi Murai ◽  
Richard Treisman
Keyword(s):  
Binding Site ◽  
Transcriptional Activation ◽  
Rho Gtpases ◽  
Target Genes ◽  
Serum Response Factor ◽  
Relative Sensitivity ◽  
Actin Dynamics ◽  
Physical Interaction ◽  
Response Factor ◽  
Serum Response

ABSTRACT Serum response factor (SRF) is a transcription factor which regulates many immediate-early genes. Rho GTPases regulate SRF activity through changes in actin dynamics, but some SRF target genes, such as c-fos, are insensitive to this pathway. At the c-fos promoter, SRF recruits members of the ternary complex factor (TCF) family of Ets domain proteins through interactions with the TCF B-box region. Analysis of c-fos promoter mutations demonstrates that the TCF and ATF/AP1 sites adjoining the SRF binding site inhibit activation of the promoter by RhoA-actin signaling. The presence of the TCF binding site is sufficient for inhibition, and experiments with an altered-specificity Elk-1 derivative demonstrate that inhibition can be mediated by the Elk-1 TCF. Using Elk-1 fusion proteins that can bind DNA autonomously, we show that inhibition of RhoA-actin signaling requires physical interaction between the Elk-1 B box and SRF. These results account for the insensitivity of c-fos to RhoA-actin signaling. Interaction of the B box with SRF also potentiates transcriptional activation by the Elk-1 C-terminal activation domain. Combinatorial interactions between SRF and TCF proteins are thus likely to play an important role in determining the relative sensitivity of SRF target genes to Ras- and Rho-controlled signal transduction pathways.

Serum response factor: master regulator of the actin cytoskeleton and contractile apparatus

2007 ◽  
Vol 292 (1) ◽  
pp. C70-C81 ◽  
Author(s):  
Joseph M. Miano ◽  
Xiaochun Long ◽  
Keigi Fujiwara
Keyword(s):  
Transcription Factor ◽  
Actin Cytoskeleton ◽  
Target Genes ◽  
Serum Response Factor ◽  
Cellular Growth ◽  
Cellular Migration ◽  
Actin Dynamics ◽  
Response Factor ◽  
Master Regulator ◽  
Serum Response

Serum response factor (SRF) is a highly conserved and widely expressed, single copy transcription factor that theoretically binds up to 1,216 permutations of a 10-base pair cis element known as the CArG box. SRF-binding sites were defined initially in growth-related genes. Gene inactivation or knockdown studies in species ranging from unicellular eukaryotes to mice have consistently shown loss of SRF to be incompatible with life. However, rather than being critical for proliferation and growth, these genetic studies point to a crucial role for SRF in cellular migration and normal actin cytoskeleton and contractile biology. In fact, recent genomic studies reveal nearly half of the >200 SRF target genes encoding proteins with functions related to actin dynamics, lamellipodial/filopodial formation, integrin-cytoskeletal coupling, myofibrillogenesis, and muscle contraction. SRF has therefore emerged as a dispensable transcription factor for cellular growth but an absolutely essential orchestrator of actin cytoskeleton and contractile homeostasis. This review summarizes the recent genomic and genetic analyses of CArG-SRF that support its role as an ancient, master regulator of the actin cytoskeleton and contractile machinery.

scholarly journals LIM kinase and Diaphanous cooperate to regulate serum response factor and actin dynamics

2002 ◽  
Vol 157 (5) ◽  
pp. 831-838 ◽  
Author(s):  
Olivier Geneste ◽  
John W. Copeland ◽  
Richard Treisman
Keyword(s):  
Actin Polymerization ◽  
Serum Response Factor ◽  
Rho Kinase ◽  
Small Gtpase ◽  
Actin Dynamics ◽  
Response Factor ◽  
Lim Kinase ◽  
Serum Stimulation ◽  
Effector Pathways ◽  
Serum Response

The small GTPase RhoA controls activity of serum response factor (SRF) by inducing changes in actin dynamics. We show that in PC12 cells, activation of SRF after serum stimulation is RhoA dependent, requiring both actin polymerization and the Rho kinase (ROCK)–LIM kinase (LIMK)–cofilin signaling pathway, previously shown to control F-actin turnover. Activation of SRF by overexpression of wild-type LIMK or ROCK-insensitive LIMK mutants also requires functional RhoA, indicating that a second RhoA-dependent signal is involved. This is provided by the RhoA effector mDia: dominant interfering mDia1 derivatives inhibit both serum- and LIMK-induced SRF activation and reduce the ability of LIMK to induce F-actin accumulation. These results demonstrate a role for LIMK in SRF activation, and functional cooperation between RhoA-controlled LIMK and mDia effector pathways.

scholarly journals Mutant Actins Demonstrate a Role for Unpolymerized Actin in Control of Transcription by Serum Response Factor

2002 ◽  
Vol 13 (12) ◽  
pp. 4167-4178 ◽  
Author(s):  
Guido Posern ◽  
Athanassia Sotiropoulos ◽  
Richard Treisman
Keyword(s):  
Nuclear Export ◽  
Serum Response Factor ◽  
Ectopic Expression ◽  
Actin Dynamics ◽  
Physical Interaction ◽  
Response Factor ◽  
Cell Fractionation ◽  
Direct Role ◽  
Serum Response ◽  
Two Hybrid

Signal-induced activation of the transcription factor serum response factor (SRF) requires alterations in actin dynamics. SRF activity can be inhibited by ectopic expression of β-actin, either because actin itself participates in SRF regulation or as a consequence of cytoskeletal perturbations. To distinguish between these possibilities, we studied actin mutants. Three mutant actins, G13R, R62D, and a C-terminal VP16 fusion protein, were shown not to polymerize in vivo, as judged by two-hybrid, immunofluorescence, and cell fractionation studies. These actins effectively inhibited SRF activation, as did wild-type actin, which increased the G-actin level without altering the F:G-actin ratio. Physical interaction between SRF and actin was not detectable by mammalian or yeast two-hybrid assays, suggesting that SRF regulation involves an unidentified cofactor. SRF activity was not blocked upon inhibition of CRM1-mediated nuclear export by leptomycin B. Two actin mutants were identified, V159N and S14C, whose expression favored F-actin formation and which strongly activated SRF in the absence of external signals. These mutants seemed unable to inhibit SRF activity, because their expression did not reduce the absolute level of G-actin as assessed by DNase I binding. Taken together, these results provide strong evidence that G-actin, or a subpopulation of it, plays a direct role in signal transduction to SRF.

scholarly journals Myopathy-causing actin mutations promote defects in serum-response factor signalling

2010 ◽  
Vol 427 (1) ◽  
pp. 41-48 ◽  
Author(s):  
Balázs Visegrády ◽  
Laura M. Machesky
Keyword(s):  
Muscle Development ◽  
Serum Response Factor ◽  
Cultured Cells ◽  
Transcriptional Response ◽  
Nemaline Myopathy ◽  
Response Factor ◽  
Gene Encoding ◽  
The Impact ◽  
Serum Response ◽  
Altered Serum

Mutations in the gene encoding skeletal muscle α-actin (ACTA1) account for approx. 20% of patients with the muscular disorder nemaline myopathy. Nemaline myopathy is a muscular wasting disease similar to muscular dystrophy, but distinguished by deposits of actin and actin-associated proteins near the z-line of the sarcomere. Approx. one-third of the over 140 myopathy actin mutations have been characterized either biochemically or in cultured cells to determine their effects on the actin cytoskeleton. However, the actin defects causing myopathy are likely to be heterogeneous, with only a few common trends observed among the actin mutants, such as reduced polymerization capacity or an inability to fold properly. Notably, the transcriptional programme regulated by serum-response factor, which is instrumental in muscle development and maintenance, is directly controlled by the balance of actin assembly and disassembly in cells. In the present study, we explored the impact of myopathy mutations in actin on the control of the transcriptional response by serum-response factor and found that the majority of mutants examined have altered serum-response factor signalling. We propose that altered serum-response factor signalling could be a major factor in actin-based nemaline myopathy, and that this area could be exploited to develop therapies for sufferers.

scholarly journals Serum response factor: positive and negative regulation of an epithelial gene expression network in the destrin mutant cornea

2014 ◽  
Vol 46 (8) ◽  
pp. 277-289 ◽  
Author(s):  
Sharolyn V. Kawakami-Schulz ◽  
Angela M. Verdoni ◽  
Shannon G. Sattler ◽  
Erik Jessen ◽  
Winston W.-Y. Kao ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Gene Expression ◽  
Gene Networks ◽  
Serum Response Factor ◽  
Conditional Knockout ◽  
Cell Junctions ◽  
Actin Dynamics ◽  
Response Factor ◽  
In Vivo Models ◽  
Serum Response

Increased angiogenesis, inflammation, and proliferation are hallmarks of diseased tissues, and in vivo models of these disease phenotypes can provide insight into disease pathology. Dstn corn1 mice, deficient for the actin depolymerizing factor destrin (DSTN), display an increase of serum response factor (SRF) that results in epithelial hyperproliferation, inflammation, and neovascularization in the cornea. Previous work demonstrated that conditional ablation of Srf from the corneal epithelium of Dstn corn1 mice returns the cornea to a wild-type (WT) like state. This result implicated SRF as a major regulator of genes that contributes to abnormal phenotypes in Dstn corn1 cornea. The purpose of this study is to identify gene networks that are affected by increased expression of Srf in the Dstn corn1 cornea. Microarray analysis led to characterization of gene expression changes that occur when conditional knockout of Srf rescues mutant phenotypes in the cornea of Dstn corn1 mice. Comparison of gene expression values from WT, Dstn corn1 mutant, and Dstn corn1 rescued cornea identified >400 differentially expressed genes that are downstream from SRF. Srf ablation had a significant effect on genes associated with epithelial cell-cell junctions and regulation of actin dynamics. The majority of genes affected by SRF are downregulated in the Dstn corn1 mutant cornea, suggesting that increased SRF negatively affects transcription of SRF gene targets. ChIP-seq analysis on Dstn corn1 mutant and WT tissue revealed that, despite being present in higher abundance, SRF binding is significantly decreased in the Dstn corn1 mutant cornea. This study uses a unique model combining genetic and genomic approaches to identify genes that are regulated by SRF. These findings expand current understanding of the role of SRF in both normal and abnormal tissue homeostasis.

scholarly journals Muscle-Specific Signaling Mechanism That Links Actin Dynamics to Serum Response Factor

2005 ◽  
Vol 25 (8) ◽  
pp. 3173-3181 ◽  
Author(s):  
Koichiro Kuwahara ◽  
Tomasa Barrientos ◽  
G. C. Teg Pipes ◽  
Shijie Li ◽  
Eric N. Olson
Keyword(s):  
Actin Polymerization ◽  
Serum Response Factor ◽  
Striated Muscle ◽  
Nuclear Translocation ◽  
Actin Dynamics ◽  
Actin Binding ◽  
Response Factor ◽  
Signaling Mechanism ◽  
Muscle Gene Expression ◽  
Serum Response

ABSTRACT Myocardin and the myocardin-related transcription factors (MRTFs) MRTF-A and MRTF-B are coactivators for serum response factor (SRF), which regulates genes involved in cell proliferation, migration, cytoskeletal dynamics, and myogenesis. MRTF-A has been shown to translocate to the nucleus and activate SRF in response to Rho signaling and actin polymerization. Previously, we described a muscle-specific actin-binding protein named striated muscle activator of Rho signaling (STARS) that also activates SRF through a Rho-dependent mechanism. Here we show that STARS activates SRF by inducing the nuclear translocation of MRTFs. The STARS-dependent nuclear import of MRTFs requires RhoA and actin polymerization, and the actin-binding domain of STARS is necessary and sufficient for this activity. A knockdown of endogenous STARS expression by using small interfering RNA significantly reduced SRF activity in differentiated C2C12 skeletal muscle cells and cardiac myocytes. The ability of STARS to promote the nuclear localization of MRTFs and SRF-mediated transcription provides a potential muscle-specific mechanism for linking changes in actin dynamics and sarcomere structure with striated muscle gene expression.

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