scholarly journals Poleward transport of Eg5 by dynein–dynactin in Xenopus laevis egg extract spindles

2008 ◽  
Vol 182 (4) ◽  
pp. 715-726 ◽  
Author(s):  
Marianne Uteng ◽  
Christian Hentrich ◽  
Kota Miura ◽  
Peter Bieling ◽  
Thomas Surrey
Keyword(s):  
Cell Division ◽  
Xenopus Laevis ◽  
Molecular Motors ◽  
Motor Proteins ◽  
Motor Protein ◽  
Spindle Assembly ◽  
Cross Linking ◽  
Motor Movement ◽  
Spindle Poles ◽  
Egg Extract

Molecular motors are required for spindle assembly and maintenance during cell division. How motors move and interact inside spindles is unknown. Using photoactivation and photobleaching, we measure mitotic motor movement inside a dynamic spindle. We find that dynein–dynactin transports the essential motor Eg5 toward the spindle poles in Xenopus laevis egg extract spindles, revealing a direct interplay between two motors of opposite directionality. This transport occurs throughout the spindle except at the very spindle center and at the spindle poles, where Eg5 remains stationary. The variation of Eg5 dynamics with its position in the spindle is indicative of position-dependent functions of this motor protein. Our results suggest that Eg5 drives microtubule flux by antiparallel microtubule sliding in the spindle center, whereas the dynein-dependent concentration of Eg5 outside the spindle center could contribute to parallel microtubule cross-linking. These results emphasize the importance of spatially differentiated functions of motor proteins and contribute to our understanding of spindle organization.

scholarly journals RanGTP induces an effector gradient of XCTK2 and importin α/β for spindle microtubule cross-linking

2019 ◽  
Author(s):  
Stephanie C. Ems-McClung ◽  
Mackenzie Emch ◽  
Stephanie Zhang ◽  
Serena Mahnoor ◽  
Lesley N. Weaver ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Cancer Cells ◽  
Spindle Assembly ◽  
Cross Linking ◽  
Tail Domain ◽  
Inhibitory Effects ◽  
Cross Link ◽  
Spindle Microtubule ◽  
Spindle Poles ◽  
Importin Α ◽  
Combined Actions

AbstractHigh RanGTP around chromatin is important for governing spindle assembly during meiosis and mitosis by releasing the inhibitory effects of importin α/β. Here we examine how the Ran gradient regulates Kinesin-14 function to control spindle organization. We show that Xenopus Kinesin-14, XCTK2, and importin α/β form an effector gradient, which is highest at the poles that diminishes toward the chromatin and is inverse of the RanGTP gradient. Importin α/β preferentially inhibit XCTK2 anti-parallel microtubule cross-linking and sliding by decreasing the microtubule affinity of the XCTK2 tail domain. This change in microtubule affinity enables RanGTP to target endogenous XCTK2 to the spindle. We propose that these combined actions of the Ran pathway are critical to promote Kinesin-14 parallel microtubule cross-linking at the spindle poles to cluster centrosomes in cancer cells. Furthermore, our work illustrates that RanGTP regulation in the spindle is not simply a switch, but rather generates effector gradients where RanGTP gradually tunes the activities of spindle assembly factors.SummaryEms-McClung et al. visualize a RanGTP effector gradient of association between XCTK2 and importin α/β in the spindle. The importins preferentially inhibit XCTK2-mediate anti-parallel microtubule cross-linking and sliding, which allows XCTK2 to cross-link parallel microtubules and help focus spindle poles.

The Kar3p and Kip2p motors function antagonistically at the spindle poles to influence cytoplasmic microtubule numbers

1998 ◽  
Vol 111 (3) ◽  
pp. 295-301 ◽  
Author(s):  
A. Huyett ◽  
J. Kahana ◽  
P. Silver ◽  
X. Zeng ◽  
W.S. Saunders
Keyword(s):  
Molecular Motors ◽  
Motor Proteins ◽  
Single Gene ◽  
Intermediate Phenotype ◽  
Microtubule Network ◽  
Yeast Saccharomyces Cerevisiae ◽  
Cytoplasmic Microtubule ◽  
Spindle Poles ◽  
Microtubule Motors ◽  
Microtubule Growth

Microtubules provide the substrate for intracellular trafficking by association with molecular motors of the kinesin and dynein superfamilies. Motor proteins are generally thought to function as force generating units for transport of various cargoes along the microtubule polymer. Recent work suggests additional roles for motor proteins in changing the structure of the microtubule network itself. We report here that in the budding yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae microtubule motors have antagonistic effects on microtubule numbers and lengths. As shown previously, loss of the Kar3p motor stimulates cytoplasmic microtubule growth while loss of Kip2p leads to a sharp reduction in cytoplasmic microtubule numbers. Loss of both the Kip2p and Kar3p motors together in the same cell produces an intermediate phenotype, suggesting that these two motors act in opposition to control cytoplasmic microtubule density. A Kip2p-GFP fusion from single gene expression is most concentrated at the spindle poles, as shown previously for an epitope tagged Kar3p-HA, suggesting both of these motors act from the minus ends of the microtubules to influence microtubule numbers.

scholarly journals Kinetochore-mediated outward force promotes spindle pole separation in fission yeast

2019 ◽  
Vol 30 (22) ◽  
pp. 2802-2813 ◽  
Author(s):  
Yutaka Shirasugi ◽  
Masamitsu Sato
Keyword(s):  
Fission Yeast ◽  
Motor Proteins ◽  
Spindle Assembly ◽  
Spindle Pole ◽  
Double Knockout ◽  
Bipolar Spindle ◽  
Spindle Poles ◽  
Bipolar Spindles ◽  
Meiosis I

Bipolar spindles are organized by motor proteins that generate microtubule-­dependent forces to separate the two spindle poles. The fission yeast Cut7 (kinesin-5) is a plus-end-directed motor that generates the outward force to separate the two spindle poles, whereas the minus-end-directed motor Pkl1 (kinesin-14) generates the inward force. Balanced forces by these antagonizing kinesins are essential for bipolar spindle organization in mitosis. Here, we demonstrate that chromosomes generate another outward force that contributes to the bipolar spindle assembly. First, it was noted that the cut7 pkl1 double knockout failed to separate spindle poles in meiosis I, although the mutant is known to succeed it in mitosis. It was assumed that this might be because meiotic kinetochores of bivalent chromosomes joined by cross-overs generate weaker tensions in meiosis I than the strong tensions in mitosis generated by tightly tethered sister kinetochores. In line with this idea, when meiotic mono-oriented kinetochores were artificially converted to a mitotic bioriented layout, the cut7 pkl1 mutant successfully separated spindle poles in meiosis I. Therefore, we propose that spindle pole separation is promoted by outward forces transmitted from kinetochores to spindle poles through microtubules.

scholarly journals RanGTP induces an effector gradient of XCTK2 and importin α/β for spindle microtubule cross-linking

2020 ◽  
Vol 219 (2) ◽  
Author(s):  
Stephanie C. Ems-McClung ◽  
Mackenzie Emch ◽  
Stephanie Zhang ◽  
Serena Mahnoor ◽  
Lesley N. Weaver ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Spindle Assembly ◽  
Cross Linking ◽  
Tail Domain ◽  
Inhibitory Effects ◽  
Spindle Microtubule ◽  
Bipolar Spindle ◽  
Spindle Poles ◽  
Assembly Factors ◽  
Importin Α ◽  
Combined Actions

High RanGTP around chromatin is important for governing spindle assembly during meiosis and mitosis by releasing the inhibitory effects of importin α/β. Here we examine how the Ran gradient regulates Kinesin-14 function to control spindle organization. We show that Xenopus Kinesin-14, XCTK2, and importin α/β form an effector gradient that is highest at the poles and diminishes toward the chromatin, which is opposite the RanGTP gradient. Importin α and β preferentially inhibit XCTK2 antiparallel microtubule cross-linking and sliding by decreasing the microtubule affinity of the XCTK2 tail domain. This change in microtubule affinity enables RanGTP to target endogenous XCTK2 to the spindle. We propose that these combined actions of the Ran pathway are critical to promote Kinesin-14 parallel microtubule cross-linking to help focus spindle poles for efficient bipolar spindle assembly. Furthermore, our work illustrates that RanGTP regulation in the spindle is not simply a switch, but rather generates effector gradients where importins α and β gradually tune the activities of spindle assembly factors.

scholarly journals Microtubules assemble near most kinetochores during early prometaphase in human cells

2018 ◽  
Vol 217 (8) ◽  
pp. 2647-2659 ◽  
Author(s):  
Vitali Sikirzhytski ◽  
Fioranna Renda ◽  
Irina Tikhonenko ◽  
Valentin Magidson ◽  
Bruce F. McEwen ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Electron Microscopy ◽  
Cell Division ◽  
Spindle Assembly ◽  
Human Cells ◽  
Spindle Poles

For proper segregation during cell division, each chromosome must connect to the poles of the spindle via microtubule bundles termed kinetochore fibers (K-fibers). K-fibers form by two distinct mechanisms: (1) capture of astral microtubules nucleated at the centrosome by the chromosomes’ kinetochores or (2) attachment of kinetochores to noncentrosomal microtubules with subsequent transport of the minus ends of these microtubules toward the spindle poles. The relative contributions of these alternative mechanisms to normal spindle assembly remain unknown. In this study, we report that most kinetochores in human cells develop K-fibers via the second mechanism. Correlative light electron microscopy demonstrates that from the onset of spindle assembly, short randomly oriented noncentrosomal microtubules appear in the immediate vicinity of the kinetochores. Initially, these microtubules interact with the kinetochores laterally, but end-on attachments form rapidly in the first 3 min of prometaphase. Conversion from lateral to end-on interactions is impeded upon inhibition of the plus end–directed kinetochore-associated kinesin CenpE.

scholarly journals The kinesin Eg5 drives poleward microtubule flux in Xenopus laevis egg extract spindles

2004 ◽  
Vol 167 (5) ◽  
pp. 813-818 ◽  
Author(s):  
David T. Miyamoto ◽  
Zachary E. Perlman ◽  
Kendra S. Burbank ◽  
Aaron C. Groen ◽  
Timothy J. Mitchison
Keyword(s):  
Xenopus Laevis ◽  
Chromosome Segregation ◽  
Spindle Poles ◽  
Egg Extract ◽  
Constant Rate ◽  
Quantitative Image ◽  
Meiotic Spindles ◽  
Kinesin Eg5 ◽  
Poleward Flux

Although mitotic and meiotic spindles maintain a steady-state length during metaphase, their antiparallel microtubules slide toward spindle poles at a constant rate. This “poleward flux” of microtubules occurs in many organisms and may provide part of the force for chromosome segregation. We use quantitative image analysis to examine the role of the kinesin Eg5 in poleward flux in metaphase Xenopus laevis egg extract spindles. Pharmacological inhibition of Eg5 results in a dose–responsive slowing of flux, and biochemical depletion of Eg5 significantly decreases the flux rate. Our results suggest that ensembles of nonprocessive Eg5 motors drive flux in metaphase Xenopus extract spindles.

scholarly journals Pericentrin is a Kinesin-1 Activator that Drives Centriole Motility

2022 ◽  
Author(s):  
Matthew R Hannaford ◽  
Rong Liu ◽  
Neil Billington ◽  
Zachary T Swider ◽  
Brian J Galletta ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Stem Cell ◽  
Cell Division ◽  
Motor Proteins ◽  
Motor Protein ◽  
Binding Domain ◽  
Microtubule Network ◽  
Age Dependent ◽  
Stem Cell Division ◽  
Dependent Transport

Centrosome positioning is essential for their function. Typically, centrosomes are transported to various cellular locations through the interaction of centrosome nucleated microtubules with motor proteins. However, it remains unknown how centrioles migrate in cellular contexts in which centrioles do not nucleate microtubules. Here, we demonstrate that during interphase inactive centrioles move directly along the noncentrosomal microtubule network as cargo for the motor protein Kinesin-1. We identify Pericentrin-Like-Protein (PLP) as a novel Kinesin-1 interacting molecule essential for centriole motility. PLP directly interacts with the cargo binding domain of Kinesin-1 and they comigrate on microtubules in vitro. Finally, we demonstrate that PLP-Kinesin-1 dependent transport is essential for centrosome asymmetry age dependent centrosome inheritance in asymmetric stem cell division.

Chromokinesins: localization-dependent functions and regulation during cell division

2011 ◽  
Vol 39 (5) ◽  
pp. 1154-1160 ◽  
Author(s):  
David Vanneste ◽  
Vanessa Ferreira ◽  
Isabelle Vernos
Keyword(s):  
Cell Division ◽  
Molecular Motors ◽  
Current Knowledge ◽  
Spindle Assembly ◽  
Dynamic Structure ◽  
Spindle Pole ◽  
Dependent Manner ◽  
Ki 67 ◽  
Balance Of Forces ◽  
Chromosome Movements

The bipolar spindle is a highly dynamic structure that assembles transiently around the chromosomes and provides the mechanical support and the forces required for chromosome segregation. Spindle assembly and chromosome movements rely on the regulation of microtubule dynamics and a fine balance of forces exerted by various molecular motors. Chromosomes are themselves central players in spindle assembly. They generate a RanGTP gradient that triggers microtubule nucleation and stabilization locally and they interact dynamically with the microtubules through motors targeted to the chromatin. We have previously identified and characterized two of these so-called chromokinesins: Xkid (kinesin 10) and Xklp1 (kinesin 4). More recently, we found that Hklp2/kif15 (kinesin 12) is targeted to the chromosomes through an interaction with Ki-67 in human cells and is therefore a novel chromokinesin. Hklp2 also associates with the microtubules specifically during mitosis, in a TPX2 (targeting protein for Xklp2)-dependent manner. We have shown that Hklp2 participates in spindle pole separation and in the maintenance of spindle bipolarity in metaphase. To better understand the function of Hklp2, we have performed a detailed domain analysis. Interestingly, from its positioning on the chromosome arms, Hklp2 seems to restrict spindle pole separation. In the present review, we summarize the current knowledge of the function and regulation of the different kinesins associated with chromosome arms during cell division, including Hklp2 as a novel member of this so-called chromokinesin family.

scholarly journals The myosin regulatory light chain Myl5 localizes to mitotic spindle poles and is required for proper cell division

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ivan Ramirez ◽  
Ankur A. Gholkar ◽  
Erick F. Velasquez ◽  
Xiao Guo ◽  
Jorge Z. Torres
Keyword(s):  
Cell Division ◽  
Molecular Motors ◽  
Mitotic Spindle ◽  
Regulatory Light Chains ◽  
Cellular Processes ◽  
Spindle Poles ◽  
Chromosome Congression ◽  
Mitotic Spindle Assembly ◽  
Spindle Microtubules ◽  
Early Mitosis

ABSTRACTMyosins are ATP-dependent actin-based molecular motors critical for diverse cellular processes like intracellular trafficking, cell motility and cell invasion. During cell division, myosin MYO10 is important for proper mitotic spindle assembly, the anchoring of the spindle to the cortex, and positioning of the spindle to the cell mid-plane, while myosin MYO2 functions in actomyosin ring contraction to promote cytokinesis. However, myosins are regulated by myosin regulatory light chains (RLCs), and whether RLCs are important for cell division has remained unexplored. Here, we have determined that the previously uncharacterized myosin RLC Myl5 associates with the mitotic spindle and is required for cell division. Myl5 localized to the mitotic spindle poles and spindle microtubules during early mitosis, an area overlapping with MYO10 localization. Depletion of Myl5 led to defects in chromosome congression and to a slower progression through mitosis. We propose that Myl5 is a novel myosin RLC that is important for cell division.

scholarly journals Kinesin-related proteins in the mammalian testes: candidate motors for meiosis and morphogenesis.

1996 ◽  
Vol 7 (2) ◽  
pp. 289-305 ◽  
Author(s):  
A O Sperry ◽  
L P Zhao
Keyword(s):  
Cell Division ◽  
Molecular Motors ◽  
Motor Proteins ◽  
Sequence Similarity ◽  
Tail Domain ◽  
Mitotic Apparatus ◽  
New Members ◽  
Mitotic Motors ◽  
Kinesin Superfamily ◽  
Related Proteins

The kinesin superfamily of molecular motors comprises proteins that participate in a wide variety of motile events within the cell. Members of this family share a highly homologous head domain responsible for force generation attached to a divergent tail domain thought to couple the motor domain to its target cargo. Many kinesin-related proteins (KRPs) participate in spindle morphogenesis and chromosome movement in cell division. Genetic analysis of mitotic KRPs in yeast and Drosophila, as well as biochemical experiments in other species, have suggested models for the function of KRPs in cell division, including both mitosis and meiosis. Although many mitotic KRPs have been identified, the relationship between mitotic motors and meiotic function is not clearly understood. We have used sequence similarity between mitotic KRPs to identify candidates for meiotic and/or mitotic motors in a vertebrate. We have identified a group of kinesin-related proteins from rat testes (termed here testes KRP1 through KRP6) that includes new members of the bimC and KIF2 subfamilies as well as proteins that may define new kinesin subfamilies. Five of the six testes KRPs identified are expressed primarily in testes. Three of these are expressed in a region of the seminiferous epithelia (SE) rich in meiotically active cells. Further characterization of one of these KRPs, KRP2, showed it to be a promising candidate for a motor in meiosis: it is localized to a meiotically active region of the SE and is homologous to motor proteins associated with the mitotic apparatus. Testes-specific genes provide the necessary probes to investigate whether the motor proteins that function in mammalian meiosis overlap with those of mitosis and whether motor proteins exist with functions unique to meiosis. Our search for meiotic motors in a vertebrate testes has successfully identified proteins with properties consistent with those of meiotic motors in addition to uncovering proteins that may function in other unique motile events of the SE.

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