scholarly journals Myosin Light Chain–activating Phosphorylation Sites Are Required for Oogenesis in Drosophila

1997 ◽  
Vol 139 (7) ◽  
pp. 1805-1819 ◽  
Author(s):  
Pascale Jordan ◽  
Roger Karess

The Drosophila spaghetti squash (sqh) gene encodes the regulatory myosin light chain (RMLC) of nonmuscle myosin II. Biochemical analysis of vertebrate nonmuscle and smooth muscle myosin II has established that phosphorylation of certain amino acids of the RMLC greatly increases the actin-dependent myosin ATPase and motor activity of myosin in vitro. We have assessed the in vivo importance of these sites, which in Drosophila correspond to serine-21 and threonine-20, by creating a series of transgenes in which these specific amino acids were altered. The phenotypes of the transgenes were examined in an otherwise null mutant background during oocyte development in Drosophila females. Germ line cystoblasts entirely lacking a functional sqh gene show severe defects in proliferation and cytokinesis. The ring canals, cytoplasmic bridges linking the oocyte to the nurse cells in the egg chamber, are abnormal, suggesting a role of myosin II in their establishment or maintenance. In addition, numerous aggregates of myosin heavy chain accumulate in the sqh null cells. Mutant sqh transgene sqh-A20, A21 in which both serine-21 and threonine-20 have been replaced by alanines behaves in most respects identically to the null allele in this system, with the exception that no heavy chain aggregates are found. In contrast, expression of sqh-A21, in which only the primary phosphorylation target serine-21 site is altered, partially restores functionality to germ line myosin II, allowing cystoblast division and oocyte development, albeit with some cytokinesis failure, defects in the rapid cytoplasmic transport from nurse cells to cytoplasm characteristic of late stage oogenesis, and some damaged ring canals. Substituting a glutamate for the serine-21 (mutant sqh-E21) allows oogenesis to be completed with minimal defects, producing eggs that can develop normally to produce fertile adults. Flies expressing sqh-A20, in which only the secondary phosphorylation site is absent, appear to be entirely wild type. Taken together, this genetic evidence argues that phosphorylation at serine-21 is critical to RMLC function in activating myosin II in vivo, but that the function can be partially provided by phosphorylation at threonine-20.

1995 ◽  
Vol 269 (1) ◽  
pp. H86-H95 ◽  
Author(s):  
E. Holder ◽  
B. Mitmaker ◽  
L. Alpert ◽  
L. Chalifour

Transgenic mice expressing polyomavirus large T antigen (PVLT) in cardiomyocytes develop a cardiac hypertrophy in adulthood. Morphometric analysis identified cardiomyocytes enlarged up to ninefold in cross-sectional area in the adult transgenic hearts compared with normal age-matched nontransgenic hearts. Most enlarged cardiomyocytes were found in the subendocardium, whereas normal-sized cardiomyocytes were localized to the midmyocardium. Transgenic hearts did not express detectable skeletal muscle actin mRNA or protein, or skeletal troponin I isoform mRNA. Some, but not all, transgenic hearts expressed an increase in the beta-myosin heavy chain mRNA. All five transgenic mice tested had increased expression of atrial natriuretic factor (ANF) mRNA. Whereas normal hearts expressed three myosin light chain proteins of 19, 16, and 15 kDa, we found that the 19-kDa myosin light chain was not observed in the transgenic hearts. We conclude that adult, PVLT-expressing, transgenic mice developed enlarged cardiomyocytes with an increase in beta-myosin heavy chain and ANF mRNA expression, but a widespread skeletal isoform usage was not present in these transgenic mice. The adult transgenic hearts thus display histological and molecular changes similar to those found in hypertrophy induced by a pressure overload in vivo.


1999 ◽  
Vol 146 (5) ◽  
pp. 981-992 ◽  
Author(s):  
Charles B. Shuster ◽  
David R. Burgess

One model for the timing of cytokinesis is based on findings that p34cdc2 can phosphorylate myosin regulatory light chain (LC20) on inhibitory sites (serines 1 and 2) in vitro (Satterwhite, L.L., M.H. Lohka, K.L. Wilson, T.Y. Scherson, L.J. Cisek, J.L. Corden, and T.D. Pollard. 1992. J. Cell Biol. 118:595–605), and this inhibition is proposed to delay cytokinesis until p34cdc2 activity falls at anaphase. We have characterized previously several kinase activities associated with the isolated cortical cytoskeleton of dividing sea urchin embryos (Walker, G.R., C.B. Shuster, and D.R. Burgess. 1997. J. Cell Sci. 110:1373–1386). Among these kinases and substrates is p34cdc2 and LC20. In comparison with whole cell activity, cortical H1 kinase activity is delayed, with maximum levels in cortices prepared from late anaphase/telophase embryos. To determine whether cortical-associated p34cdc2 influences cortical myosin II activity during cytokinesis, we labeled eggs in vivo with [32P]orthophosphate, prepared cortices, and mapped LC20 phosphorylation through the first cell division. We found no evidence of serine 1,2 phosphorylation at any time during mitosis on LC20 from cortically associated myosin. Instead, we observed a sharp rise in serine 19 phosphorylation during anaphase and telophase, consistent with an activating phosphorylation by myosin light chain kinase. However, serine 1,2 phosphorylation was detected on light chains from detergent-soluble myosin II. Furthermore, cells arrested in mitosis by microinjection of nondegradable cyclin B could be induced to form cleavage furrows if the spindle poles were physically placed in close proximity to the cortex. These results suggest that factors independent of myosin II inactivation, such as the delivery of the cleavage stimulus to the cortex, determine the timing of cytokinesis.


2008 ◽  
Vol 19 (3) ◽  
pp. 1062-1071 ◽  
Author(s):  
Yasuhiko Koga ◽  
Mitsuo Ikebe

Myosin II phosphorylation–dependent cell motile events are regulated by myosin light-chain (MLC) kinase and MLC phosphatase (MLCP). Recent studies have revealed myosin phosphatase targeting subunit (MYPT1), a myosin-binding subunit of MLCP, plays a critical role in MLCP regulation. Here we report the new regulatory mechanism of MLCP via the interaction between 14-3-3 and MYPT1. The binding of 14-3-3β to MYPT1 diminished the direct binding between MYPT1 and myosin II, and 14-3-3β overexpression abolished MYPT1 localization at stress fiber. Furthermore, 14-3-3β inhibited MLCP holoenzyme activity via the interaction with MYPT1. Consistently, 14-3-3β overexpression increased myosin II phosphorylation in cells. We found that MYPT1 phosphorylation at Ser472 was critical for the binding to 14-3-3. Epidermal growth factor (EGF) stimulation increased both Ser472 phosphorylation and the binding of MYPT1-14-3-3. Rho-kinase inhibitor inhibited the EGF-induced Ser472 phosphorylation and the binding of MYPT1-14-3-3. Rho-kinase specific siRNA also decreased EGF-induced Ser472 phosphorylation correlated with the decrease in MLC phosphorylation. The present study revealed a new RhoA/Rho-kinase–dependent regulatory mechanism of myosin II phosphorylation by 14-3-3 that dissociates MLCP from myosin II and attenuates MLCP activity.


Endocrinology ◽  
2007 ◽  
Vol 148 (7) ◽  
pp. 3176-3184 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ivanna Ihnatovych ◽  
WenYang Hu ◽  
Jody L. Martin ◽  
Asgerally T. Fazleabas ◽  
Primal de Lanerolle ◽  
...  

Differentiation of stromal cells into decidual cells, which is critical to successful pregnancy, represents a complex transformation requiring changes in cytoskeletal architecture. We demonstrate that in vitro differentiation of human uterine fibroblasts into decidual cells includes down-regulation of α-smooth muscle actin and β-tubulin, phosphorylation of focal adhesion kinase, and redistribution of vinculin. This is accompanied by varied adhesion to fibronectin and a modified ability to migrate. Cytoskeletal organization is determined primarily by actin-myosin II interactions governed by the phosphorylation of myosin light chain (MLC20). Decidualization induced by cAMP [with estradiol-17β (E) and medroxyprogesterone acetate (P)] results in a 40% decrease in MLC20 phosphorylation and a 55% decline in the long (214 kDa) form of myosin light-chain kinase (MLCK). Destabilization of the cytoskeleton by inhibitors of MLCK (ML-7) or myosin II ATPase (blebbistatin) accelerates decidualization induced by cAMP (with E and P) but inhibits decidualization induced by IL-1β (with E and P). Adenoviral infection of human uterine fibroblast cells with a constitutively active form of MLCK followed by decidualization stimuli leads to a 30% increase in MLC20 phosphorylation and prevents decidualization. These data provide evidence that the regulation of cytoskeletal dynamics by MLC20 phosphorylation is critical for decidualization.


Stroke ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 52 (Suppl_1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Francisco J Gonzalez-Gonzalez ◽  
Perike Srikanth ◽  
Andrielle E Capote ◽  
Alsina Katherina M ◽  
Benjamin Levin ◽  
...  

Atrial fibrillation (AF) is the most common sustained arrhythmia, with an estimated prevalence in the U.S.of 6.1 million. AF increases the risk of a thromboembolic stroke in five-fold. Although atrial hypocontractility contributes to stroke risk in AF, the molecular mechanisms reducing myofilament contractile function in AF remains unknown. We have recently identified protein phosphatase 1 subunit 12c (PPP1R12C) as a key molecule targeting myosin light-chain phosphorylation in AF. Objective: We hypothesize that the overexpression of PPP1R12C causes hypophosphorylation of atrial myosin light-chain 2 (MLC2a), thereby decreasing atrial contractility in AF. Methods and Results: Left and right atrial appendage tissues were isolated from AF patients versus sinus rhythm (SR). To evaluate the role of the PP1c-PPP1R12C interaction in MLC2a de-phosphorylation, we utilized Western blots, co-immunoprecipitation, and phosphorylation assays. In patients with AF, PPP1R12C expression was increased 3.5-fold versus SR controls with an 88% reduction in MLC2a phosphorylation. PPP1R12C-PP1c binding and PPP1R12C-MLC2a binding were significantly increased in AF. In vitro studies of either pharmacologic (BDP5290) or genetic (T560A), PPP1R12C activation demonstrated increased PPP1R12C binding with both PP1c and MLC2a, and dephosphorylation of MLC2a. Additionally, to evaluate the role of PPP1R12C expression in cardiac function, mice with lentiviral cardiac-specific overexpression of PPP1R12C (Lenti-12C) were evaluated for atrial contractility using echocardiography, versus wild-type and Lenti-controls. Lenti-12C mice demonstrated a 150% increase in left atrium size versus controls, with reduced atrial strain and atrial ejection fraction. Also, programmed electrical stimulation was performed to evaluate AF inducibility in vivo. Pacing-induced AF in Lenti-12C mice was significantly higher than controls. Conclusion: The overexpression of PPP1R12C increases PP1c targeting to MLC2a and provokes dephosphorylation, associated with a reduction in atrial contractility and an increase in AF inducibility. All these discoveries suggest that PP1 regulation of sarcomere function at MLC2a is a main regulator of atrial contractility in AF.


2021 ◽  
Vol 129 (Suppl_1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Francisco J Gonzalez-Gonzalez ◽  
Srikanth Perike ◽  
Frederick Damen ◽  
Andrielle Capote ◽  
Katherina M Alsina ◽  
...  

Introduction: Atrial fibrillation (AF), is the most common sustained arrhythmia, with an estimated prevalence in the U.S. of 2.7 million to 6.1 million and is predictive to increase to 12.1 million in 2030. AF increases the chances of a thromboembolic stroke in five-fold. Although atrial hypocontractility contributes to stroke risk in AF, the molecular mechanisms reducing myofilament contractile function in AF remains unknown. Objective: The overexpression of PPP1R12C, causes hypophosphorylation of atrial myosin light chain 2 (MLC2a), decreasing atrial contractility. Methods and Results: Left and right atrial appendage tissues were isolated from AF patients versus sinus rhythm (SR). To evaluated the role of PP1c-PPP1R12C interaction in MLC2a de-phosphorylation we used Western blots, coimmunoprecipitation, and phosphorylation assays. In patients with AF, PPP1R12C expression was increased 3.5-fold versus SR controls with an 88% reduction in MLC2a phosphorylation. PPP1R12C-PP1c binding and PPP1R12C-MLC2a binding were significantly increased in AF. In vitro studies of either pharmacologic (BDP5290) or genetic (T560A) PPP1R12C activation demonstrated increased PPP1R12C binding with both PP1c and MLC2a, and dephosphorylation of MLC2a. Additionally, to evaluate the role of PPP1R12C expression in cardiac function, mice with lentiviral cardiac-specific overexpression of PPP1R12C (Lenti-12C) were evaluated for atrial contractility using echocardiography, versus wild-type and Lenti-controls. Lenti-12C mice demonstrated a 150% increase in left atrium size versus controls, with reduced atrial strain and atrial ejection fraction. Also, programmed electrical stimulation was performed to evaluate AF inducibility in vivo. Pacing-induced AF in Lenti-12C mice was significantly higher than controls. Conclusion: The Overexpression of PPP1R12C increases PP1c targeting to MLC2a and provokes dephosphorylation, that cause a reduction in atrial contractility and increases AF inducibility. All these discoveries advocate that PP1 regulation of sarcomere function at MLC2a is a main regulator of atrial contractility in AF.


1985 ◽  
Vol 5 (11) ◽  
pp. 3168-3182
Author(s):  
E E Strehler ◽  
M Periasamy ◽  
M A Strehler-Page ◽  
B Nadal-Ginard

DNA fragments located 10 kilobases apart in the genome and containing, respectively, the first myosin light chain 1 (MLC1f) and the first myosin light chain 3 (MLC3f) specific exon of the rat myosin light chain 1 and 3 gene, together with several hundred base pairs of upstream flanking sequences, have been shown in runoff in vitro transcription assays to direct initiation of transcription at the cap sites of MLC1f and MLC3f mRNAs used in vivo. These results establish the presence of two separate, functional promoters within that gene. A comparison of the nucleotide sequence of the rat MLC1f/3f gene with the corresponding sequences from mouse and chicken shows that: the MLC1f promoter regions have been highly conserved up to position -150 from the cap site while the MLC3f promoter regions display a very poor degree of homology and even the absence or poor conservation of typical eucaryotic promoter elements such as TATA and CAT boxes; the exon/intron structure of this gene has been completely conserved in the three species; and corresponding exons, except for the regions encoding most of the 5' and 3' untranslated sequences, show greater than 75% homology while corresponding introns are similar in size but considerably divergent in sequence. The above findings indicate that the overall structure of the MLC1f/3f genes has been maintained between avian and mammalian species and that these genes contain two functional and widely spaced promoters. The fact that the structures of the alkali light chain gene from Drosophila melanogaster and of other related genes of the troponin C supergene family resemble a MLC3f gene without an upstream promoter and first exon strongly suggests that the present-day MLC1f/3f genes of higher vertebrates arose from a primordial alkali light chain gene through the addition of a far-upstream MLC1f-specific promoter and first exon. The two promoters have evolved at different rates, with the MLC1f promoter being more conserved than the MLC3f promoter. This discrepant evolutionary rate might reflect different mechanisms of promoter activation for the transcription of MLC1f and MLC3f RNA.


Author(s):  
J. T. Stull ◽  
D. K. Blumenthal ◽  
B. R. Botterman ◽  
G. A. Klug ◽  
D. R. Manning ◽  
...  

2002 ◽  
Vol 282 (3) ◽  
pp. C451-C460 ◽  
Author(s):  
Emily K. Blue ◽  
Zoe M. Goeckeler ◽  
Yijun Jin ◽  
Ling Hou ◽  
Shelley A. Dixon ◽  
...  

To better understand the distinct functional roles of the 220- and 130-kDa forms of myosin light chain kinase (MLCK), expression and intracellular localization were determined during development and in adult mouse tissues. Northern blot, Western blot, and histochemical studies show that the 220-kDa MLCK is widely expressed during development as well as in several adult smooth muscle and nonmuscle tissues. The 130-kDa MLCK is highly expressed in all adult tissues examined and is also detectable during embryonic development. Colocalization studies examining the distribution of 130- and 220-kDa mouse MLCKs revealed that the 130-kDa MLCK colocalizes with nonmuscle myosin IIA but not with myosin IIB or F-actin. In contrast, the 220-kDa MLCK did not colocalize with either nonmuscle myosin II isoform but instead colocalizes with thick interconnected bundles of F-actin. These results suggest that in vivo, the physiological functions of the 220- and 130-kDa MLCKs are likely to be regulated by their intracellular trafficking and distribution.


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