scholarly journals Antibody microinjection reveals an essential role for human polo-like kinase 1 (Plk1) in the functional maturation of mitotic centrosomes.

1996 ◽  
Vol 135 (6) ◽  
pp. 1701-1713 ◽  
Author(s):  
H A Lane ◽  
E A Nigg

Mammalian polo-like kinase 1 (Plk1) is structurally related to the polo gene product of Drosophila melanogaster, Cdc5p of Saccharomyces cerevisiae, and plo1+ of Schizosaccharomyces pombe, a newly emerging family of serine-threonine kinases implicated in cell cycle regulation. Based on data obtained for its putative homologues in invertebrates and yeasts, human Plk1 is suspected to regulate some fundamental aspect(s) of mitosis, but no direct experimental evidence in support of this hypothesis has previously been reported. In this study, we have used a cell duplication, microinjection assay to investigate the in vivo function of Plk1 in both immortalized (HeLa) and nonimmortalized (Hs68) human cells. Injection of anti-Plk1 antibodies (Plk1+) at various stages of the cell cycle had no effect on the kinetics of DNA replication but severely impaired the ability of cells to divide. Analysis of Plk1(+)-injected, mitotically arrested HeLa cells by fluorescence microscopy revealed abnormal distributions of condensed chromatin and monoastral microtubule arrays that were nucleated from duplicated but unseparated centrosomes. Most strikingly, centrosomes in Plk1(+)-injected cells were drastically reduced in size, and the accumulation of both gamma-tubulin and MPM-2 immunoreactivity was impaired. These data indicate that Plk1 activity is necessary for the functional maturation of centrosomes in late G2/early prophase and, consequently, for the establishment of a bipolar spindle. Additional roles for Plk1 at later stages of mitosis are not excluded, although injection of Plk1+ after the completion of spindle formation did not interfere with cytokinesis. Injection of Plk1+ into nonimmortalized Hs68 cells produced qualitatively similar phenotypes, but the vast majority of the injected Hs68 cells arrested as single, mononucleated cells in G2. This latter observation hints at the existence, in nonimmortalized cells, of a centrosome-maturation checkpoint sensitive to the impairment of Plk1 function.

Science ◽  
1996 ◽  
Vol 271 (5255) ◽  
pp. 1595-1597 ◽  
Author(s):  
J. Zwicker ◽  
N. Liu ◽  
K. Engeland ◽  
F. C. Lucibello ◽  
R. Muller

2009 ◽  
Vol 21 (1) ◽  
pp. 194
Author(s):  
N. Mtango ◽  
K. Latham

After fertilization, cell division is required for development during the transition from a zygote to an embryo. Degradation of oocyte transcripts, transcriptional activation of the nucleus, and chromatin remodeling occur during early cleavage divisions. Defects in cell cycle regulation decrease the ability of embryo to grow and can be detrimental. In the rhesus monkey, embryos derived by fertilization of oocytes from prepubertal females or oocytes collected during the non-breeding season undergo cleavage arrest (Schramm and Bavister 1994; Zheng et al. 2001). We employed the Primate Embryo Gene Expression Resource (PREGER; www.Preger.org) to examine the expression pattern of 70 mRNAs involved in cell cycle regulation in rhesus monkey oocytes and embryos derived from different stimulation protocols (non-stimulated, FSH stimulated-in vitro matured, and FSH and hCG stimulated-in vivo matured; Mtango and Latham 2007, 2008; Zheng et al. 2005). The resource encompasses a large, biologically rich set of more than 170 samples with 1 to 4 oocytes or embryos which were constructed using the quantitative amplification and dot blotting method. This method entails the direct lysis of small numbers of oocytes or embryos in a reverse transcription buffer supplemented with nonionic detergent, thereby avoiding RNA losses associated with organic extractions (Brady and Iscove 1993). We find that aberrant regulation of cell cycle regulatory gene mRNAs is a prominent feature of oocytes and embryos of compromised developmental potential (FSH stimulated-moderate reduced potential and NS-severely compromised potential). Of the 56 mRNAs for which expression was detected, there was significant aberrations related to oocyte and embryo quality in the expression of more than half (n = 30), P < 0.05), 26 of 30 display significant differences in metaphase II stage oocytes, 20 being altered in FSH stimulated females and 24 of 30 being altered in NS females. The comparison between monkey and previously reported mouse array expression data (Zeng et al. 2004) revealed striking differences between 2 species. These data provide novel information about disruptions in the expression of genes controlling the cell cycle in oocytes and embryos of compromised developmental potential. We thank Bela Patel, Malgorzata McMenamin, and Ann Marie Paprocki for their technical assistance. We also thank R. Dee Schramm for his contribution to the development of the PREGER resource. This work was supported by National Centers for Research Resources Grant RR-15253.


Blood ◽  
2007 ◽  
Vol 110 (11) ◽  
pp. 4790-4790
Author(s):  
Paola Neri ◽  
Teresa Calimeri ◽  
Mariateresa Di Martino ◽  
Marco Rossi ◽  
Orietta Eramo ◽  
...  

Abstract Valproic acid (VPA) is a well-tolerated anticonvulsant drug that has been recently recognized as powerful histone deacetylase (HDCA) inhibitor. VPA induces hyperacetylation of histone H3 and H4 and inhibits both class I and II HDCACs. Recently it has been shown that VPA exerts in vitro and in vivo anti-tumor activity against solid cancers and its in vitro anti-Multiple Myeloma (MM) activity has been previously reported. However, the molecular mechanisms are still unclear. Here we have investigated molecular changes induced by VPA as well as its in vivo activity in murine models of MM. We first studied the in vitro activity of VPA against IL-6 independent as well as IL-6 dependent MM cells. A time- and dose-dependent decrease in proliferation and survival of MM cell lines was observed (IC50 in the range of 1–3 mM). Gene expression profile following treatment with VPA at 2 and 5 mM showed down-regulation of genes involved in cell cycle regulation, DNA replication and transcription as well as up-regulation of genes implicated in apoptosis and chemokine pathways. The signaling pathway analysis performed by Ingenuity Systems Software identified the cell growth, cell cycle, cell death as well as DNA replication and repair as the most important networks modulated by VPA treatment. We next evaluated the in vivo activity of VPA using two xenograft models of human MM. A cohort of SCID mice bearing subcutaneous MM1s or OPM1 were treated i.p. daily with VPA (200 mg/kg, and 300 mg/kg, n=5 mice, respectively), or vehicle alone (n=5 mice) for 16 consecutive days. Tumors were measured every 2 days, and survival was calculated using the Kaplan Mayer method. Following VPA treatment, we found a significant (p=0.006) inhibition of tumor growth in mice bearing subcutaneous MM-1s cells treated with VPA at 200 mg/kg compared to control group, which translated into a significant (p= 0.002) survival advantage in the VPA treated animals. Similar results were obtained in animals bearing subcutaneous OPM1 cells. Flow cytometry analysis performed on retrieved tumor tissues from animals showed reduction of G2-M and S phase in tumor specimens following VPA treatment, versus untreated tumors, strongly suggesting in vivo effects of VPA on cell cycle regulation. Taken together, our data demonstrate the in vitro and in vivo anti-tumor activity of VPA, delineate potential molecular targets triggered by this agent and provide a preclinical rationale for its clinical evaluation, both as a single agent or in combination, to improve patient outcome in MM.


1993 ◽  
Vol 13 (6) ◽  
pp. 3792-3801 ◽  
Author(s):  
R Foster ◽  
G E Mikesell ◽  
L Breeden

The Saccharomyces cerevisiae SWI4 gene encodes an essential transcription factor which controls gene expression at the G1/S transition of the cell cycle. SWI4 transcription itself is cell cycle regulated, and this periodicity is crucial for the normal cell cycle regulation of HO and at least two of the G1 cyclins. Since the regulation of SWI4 is required for normal cell cycle progression, we have characterized cis- and trans-acting regulators of SWI4 transcription. Deletion analysis of the SWI4 promoter has defined a 140-bp region which is absolutely required for transcription and can function as a cell cycle-regulated upstream activating sequence (UAS). The SWI4 UAS contains three potential MluI cell cycle boxes (MCBs), which are known cell cycle-regulated promoter elements. Deletion of all three MCBs in the SWI4 UAS decreases the level of SWI4 mRNA 10-fold in asynchronous cultures but does not abolish periodicity. These data suggest that MCBs are involved in SWI4 UAS activity, but at least one other periodically regulated element must be present. Since SWI6 is known to bind to MCBs and regulate their activity, the role of SWI6 in SWI4 expression was analyzed. Although the MCBs cannot account for the full cell cycle regulation of SWI4, mutations in SWI6 eliminate the normal periodicity of SWI4 transcription. This suggests that the novel cell cycle-regulated element within the SWI4 promoter is also SWI6 dependent. The constitutive transcription of SWI4 in SWI6 mutant cells occurs at an intermediate level, which indicates that SWI6 is required for the full activation and repression of SWI4 transcription through the cell cycle. It also suggests that there is another pathway which can activate SWI4 transcription in the absence of SWI6. The second activator may also target MCB elements, since SWI4 transcription drops dramatically when they are deleted.


Open Biology ◽  
2013 ◽  
Vol 3 (10) ◽  
pp. 130131 ◽  
Author(s):  
David E. Nelson ◽  
Suzanne J. Randle ◽  
Heike Laman

F-box proteins (FBPs) are substrate-recruiting subunits of Skp1-cullin1-FBP (SCF)-type E3 ubiquitin ligases. To date, 69 FBPs have been identified in humans, but ubiquitinated substrates have only been identified for a few, with the majority of FBPs remaining ‘orphans’. In recent years, a growing body of work has identified non-canonical, SCF-independent roles for about 12% of the human FBPs. These atypical FBPs affect processes as diverse as transcription, cell cycle regulation, mitochondrial dynamics and intracellular trafficking. Here, we provide a general review of FBPs, with a particular emphasis on these expanded functions. We review Fbxo7 as an exemplar of this special group as it has well-defined roles in both SCF and non-SCF complexes. We review its function as a cell cycle regulator, via its ability to stabilize p27 protein and Cdk6 complexes, and as a proteasome regulator, owing to its high affinity binding to PI31. We also highlight recent advances in our understanding of Fbxo7 function in Parkinson's disease, where it functions in the regulation of mitophagy with PINK1 and Parkin. We postulate that a few extraordinary FBPs act as platforms that seamlessly segue their canonical and non-canonical functions to integrate different cellular pathways and link their regulation.


1993 ◽  
Vol 13 (6) ◽  
pp. 3792-3801
Author(s):  
R Foster ◽  
G E Mikesell ◽  
L Breeden

The Saccharomyces cerevisiae SWI4 gene encodes an essential transcription factor which controls gene expression at the G1/S transition of the cell cycle. SWI4 transcription itself is cell cycle regulated, and this periodicity is crucial for the normal cell cycle regulation of HO and at least two of the G1 cyclins. Since the regulation of SWI4 is required for normal cell cycle progression, we have characterized cis- and trans-acting regulators of SWI4 transcription. Deletion analysis of the SWI4 promoter has defined a 140-bp region which is absolutely required for transcription and can function as a cell cycle-regulated upstream activating sequence (UAS). The SWI4 UAS contains three potential MluI cell cycle boxes (MCBs), which are known cell cycle-regulated promoter elements. Deletion of all three MCBs in the SWI4 UAS decreases the level of SWI4 mRNA 10-fold in asynchronous cultures but does not abolish periodicity. These data suggest that MCBs are involved in SWI4 UAS activity, but at least one other periodically regulated element must be present. Since SWI6 is known to bind to MCBs and regulate their activity, the role of SWI6 in SWI4 expression was analyzed. Although the MCBs cannot account for the full cell cycle regulation of SWI4, mutations in SWI6 eliminate the normal periodicity of SWI4 transcription. This suggests that the novel cell cycle-regulated element within the SWI4 promoter is also SWI6 dependent. The constitutive transcription of SWI4 in SWI6 mutant cells occurs at an intermediate level, which indicates that SWI6 is required for the full activation and repression of SWI4 transcription through the cell cycle. It also suggests that there is another pathway which can activate SWI4 transcription in the absence of SWI6. The second activator may also target MCB elements, since SWI4 transcription drops dramatically when they are deleted.


Blood ◽  
2005 ◽  
Vol 106 (11) ◽  
pp. 1349-1349
Author(s):  
Emmanuelle Passegue ◽  
Amy J. Wagers ◽  
Sylvie Giuriato ◽  
Wade C. Anderson ◽  
Irving L. Weissman

Abstract The blood is a perpetually renewing tissue seeded by a rare population of adult bone marrow hematopoietic stem cells (HSC). During steady-state hematopoiesis, the HSC population is relatively quiescent but constantly maintains a low numbers of cycling cells that differentiate to produce the various lineage of mature blood cells. However, in response to hematological stress, the entire HSC population can be recruited into cycle to self-renew and regenerate the blood-forming system. HSC proliferation is therefore highly adaptative and requires appropriate regulation of cell cycle progression to drive both differentiation-associated and self-renewal-associated proliferation, without depletion of the stem cell pool. Although the molecular events controlling HSC proliferation are still poorly understood, they are likely determined, at least in part, by regulated expression and/or function of components and regulators of the cell cycle machinery. Here, we demonstrate that the long-term self-renewing HSC (defined as Lin−/c-Kit+/Sca-1+/Thy1.1int/Flk2−) exists in two distinct states that are both equally important for their in vivo functions as stem cells: a numerically dominant quiescent state, which is critical for HSC function in hematopoietic reconstitution; and a proliferative state, which represents almost a fourth of this population and is essential for HSC functions in differentiation and self-renewal. We show that when HSC exit quiescence and enter G1 as a prelude to cell division, at least two critical events occur: first, during the G1 and subsequent S-G2/M phases, they temporarily lose efficient in vivo engraftment activity, while retaining in vitro differentiation potential; and second, they select the particular cell cycle proteins that are associated with specific developmental outcomes (self-renewal vs. differentiation) and developmental fates (myeloid vs. lymphoid). Together, these findings provide a direct link between HSC proliferation, cell cycle regulation and cell fate decisions that have critical implications for both the therapeutic use of HSC and the understanding of leukemic transformation.


1995 ◽  
Vol 15 (6) ◽  
pp. 3129-3137 ◽  
Author(s):  
M Maher ◽  
F Cong ◽  
D Kindelberger ◽  
K Nasmyth ◽  
S Dalton

Clb2 is the major B-type mitotic cyclin required for entry into mitosis in the budding yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae. We showed that accumulation of CLB2 transcripts in G2 cells is controlled at the transcriptional level and identified a 55-bp upstream activating sequence (UAS) containing an Mcm1 binding site as being necessary and sufficient for cell cycle regulation. Sequences within the cell cycle-regulated UAS were shown to bind Mcm1 in vitro, and mutation which abolished Mcm1-dependent DNA binding activity eliminated cell cycle-regulated transcription in vivo. A second protein with no autonomous DNA binding activity was also recruited into Mcm1-UAS complexes, generating a ternary complex. A point mutation in the CLB2 UAS which blocked ternary complex formation, but still allowed Mcm1 to bind, resulted in loss of cell cycle regulation in vivo, suggesting that the ternary complex factor is also important in control of CLB2 transcription. We discuss the possibility that the CLB2 gene is coregulated with other genes known to be regulated with the same periodicity and suggest that Mcm1 and the ternary complex factor may coordinately regulate several other G2-regulated transcripts.


2007 ◽  
Vol 27 (13) ◽  
pp. 4825-4843 ◽  
Author(s):  
Kelly A. McClellan ◽  
Vladimir A. Ruzhynsky ◽  
David N. Douda ◽  
Jacqueline L. Vanderluit ◽  
Kerry L. Ferguson ◽  
...  

ABSTRACT The cell cycle regulatory retinoblastoma (Rb) protein is a key regulator of neural precursor proliferation; however, its role has been expanded to include a novel cell-autonomous role in mediating neuronal migration. We sought to determine the Rb-interacting factors that mediate both the cell cycle and migration defects. E2F1 and E2F3 are likely Rb-interacting candidates that we have shown to be deregulated in the absence of Rb. Using mice with compound null mutations of Rb and E2F1 or E2F3, we asked to what extent either E2F1 or E2F3 interacts with Rb in neurogenesis. Here, we report that E2F1 and E2F3 are both functionally relevant targets in neural precursor proliferation, cell cycle exit, and laminar patterning. Each also partially mediates the Rb requirement for neuronal survival. Neuronal migration, however, is specifically mediated through E2F3, beyond its role in cell cycle regulation. This study not only outlines overlapping and distinct functions for E2Fs in neurogenesis but also is the first to establish a physiologically relevant role for the Rb/E2F pathway beyond cell cycle regulation in vivo.


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