scholarly journals The Mad2 partial unfolding model: regulating mitosis through Mad2 conformational switching

2008 ◽  
Vol 183 (5) ◽  
pp. 761-768 ◽  
Author(s):  
John J. Skinner ◽  
Stacey Wood ◽  
James Shorter ◽  
S. Walter Englander ◽  
Ben E. Black
Keyword(s):  
Cell Division ◽  
Time Scale ◽  
Structural Rearrangement ◽  
Conformational Switching ◽  
Unfolding Model ◽  
Large Pool ◽  
Chromosome Attachment ◽  
Partial Unfolding ◽  
Spindle Microtubules ◽  
Partially Unfolded

The metamorphic Mad2 protein acts as a molecular switch in the checkpoint mechanism that monitors proper chromosome attachment to spindle microtubules during cell division. The remarkably slow spontaneous rate of Mad2 switching between its checkpoint inactive and active forms is catalyzed onto a physiologically relevant time scale by a self–self interaction between its two forms, culminating in a large pool of active Mad2. Recent structural, biochemical, and cell biological advances suggest that the catalyzed conversion of Mad2 requires a major structural rearrangement that transits through a partially unfolded intermediate.

scholarly journals The pseudo GTPase CENP-M drives human kinetochore assembly

eLife ◽  
2014 ◽  
Vol 3 ◽  
Author(s):  
Federica Basilico ◽  
Stefano Maffini ◽  
John R Weir ◽  
Daniel Prumbaum ◽  
Ana M Rojas ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Cell Division ◽  
Small Gtpases ◽  
Conformational Switching ◽  
Point Mutant ◽  
Kinetochore Assembly ◽  
Gtp Binding ◽  
Chromosome Alignment ◽  
Spindle Microtubules ◽  
And Function

Kinetochores, multi-subunit complexes that assemble at the interface with centromeres, bind spindle microtubules to ensure faithful delivery of chromosomes during cell division. The configuration and function of the kinetochore–centromere interface is poorly understood. We report that a protein at this interface, CENP-M, is structurally and evolutionarily related to small GTPases but is incapable of GTP-binding and conformational switching. We show that CENP-M is crucially required for the assembly and stability of a tetramer also comprising CENP-I, CENP-H, and CENP-K, the HIKM complex, which we extensively characterize through a combination of structural, biochemical, and cell biological approaches. A point mutant affecting the CENP-M/CENP-I interaction hampers kinetochore assembly and chromosome alignment and prevents kinetochore recruitment of the CENP-T/W complex, questioning a role of CENP-T/W as founder of an independent axis of kinetochore assembly. Our studies identify a single pathway having CENP-C as founder, and CENP-H/I/K/M and CENP-T/W as CENP-C-dependent followers.

scholarly journals A new piece in the kinetochore jigsaw puzzle

2014 ◽  
Vol 206 (4) ◽  
pp. 457-459
Author(s):  
Kevin D. Corbett ◽  
Arshad Desai
Keyword(s):  
Cell Division ◽  
Signaling Pathways ◽  
Chromosome Segregation ◽  
Budding Yeast ◽  
Eukaryotic Cell ◽  
Jigsaw Puzzle ◽  
New Model ◽  
Cell Biol ◽  
Chromosome Attachment ◽  
Spindle Microtubules

In eukaryotic cell division, the kinetochore mediates chromosome attachment to spindle microtubules and acts as a scaffold for signaling pathways, ensuring the accuracy of chromosome segregation. The architecture of the kinetochore underlies its function in mitosis. In this issue, Hornung et al. (2014. J. Cell Biol. http://dx.doi.org/201403081) identify an unexpected linkage between the inner and outer regions of the kinetochore in budding yeast that suggests a new model for the construction of this interface.

scholarly journals Paired arrangement of kinetochores together with microtubule pivoting and dynamics drive kinetochore capture in meiosis I

2016 ◽  
Vol 6 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Gheorghe Cojoc ◽  
Ana-Maria Florescu ◽  
Alexander Krull ◽  
Anna H. Klemm ◽  
Nenad Pavin ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Cell Division ◽  
Fission Yeast ◽  
General Feature ◽  
Protein Complexes ◽  
Spindle Pole ◽  
Single Object ◽  
Homologous Chromosomes ◽  
Angular Movement ◽  
Spindle Microtubules ◽  
Meiosis I

Abstract Kinetochores are protein complexes on the chromosomes, whose function as linkers between spindle microtubules and chromosomes is crucial for proper cell division. The mechanisms that facilitate kinetochore capture by microtubules are still unclear. In the present study, we combine experiments and theory to explore the mechanisms of kinetochore capture at the onset of meiosis I in fission yeast. We show that kinetochores on homologous chromosomes move together, microtubules are dynamic and pivot around the spindle pole, and the average capture time is 3–4 minutes. Our theory describes paired kinetochores on homologous chromosomes as a single object, as well as angular movement of microtubules and their dynamics. For the experimentally measured parameters, the model reproduces the measured capture kinetics and shows that the paired configuration of kinetochores accelerates capture, whereas microtubule pivoting and dynamics have a smaller contribution. Kinetochore pairing may be a general feature that increases capture efficiency in meiotic cells.

Abstract 434: A Novel 5-Step Model for the Mechanism of ABCA1-Mediated Nascent HDL Biogenesis

2012 ◽  
Vol 32 (suppl_1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Shuhui Wang ◽  
Gregory Brubaker ◽  
Kailash Gulshan ◽  
Jonathan D Smith
Keyword(s):  
Plasma Membrane ◽  
Membrane Lipids ◽  
Sodium Taurocholate ◽  
Hek293 Cells ◽  
Membrane Remodeling ◽  
Fluorescent Indicators ◽  
Step Model ◽  
Partial Unfolding ◽  
Cell Membrane Protein ◽  
Partially Unfolded

Objective— Lipid-poor apoA-I acts as an acceptor for cell cholesterol and phospholipids via the cell membrane protein ABCA1, generating nascent HDL. However, the mechanism of this process is not understood at the molecular level. Methods and Results— We propose a novel five-step model of nascent HDL biogenesis: ABCA1 remodeling of the plasma membrane lipids exposing phosphatidylserine and apoA-I binding to ABCA1 are the first two independent steps; third, ABCA1 facilitates apoA-I partial unfolding; forth, partially unfolded apoA-I inserts into the modified plasma membrane resulting in apoA-I lipidation; and fifth, nascent HDL is released from the cell. We created fluorescent apoA-I indicators that can monitor apoA-I unfolding and lipidation states. In cell free assays of reconstituted HDL (rHDL) generation from apoAI and DMPC liposomes, the fluorescent indicators demonstrated apoA-I unfolding and lipidation concurrent with rHDL formation. Next, HEK293 cells were stably transfected with different ABCA1 vectors encoding wild type (WT) and W590S and C1477R Tangier disease mutation isoforms. WT ABCA1 mediated cholesterol efflux to apoA-I (requires all steps) and sodium taurocholate (NaTC, requires only the membrane remodeling step,). Although neither mutant could efflux cholesterol efficiently to apoA-I, they were blocked at different steps. The W590S mutant bound apoAI but could not efflux cholesterol to NaTC, thus it was blocked at the membrane remodeling step. However, the C1477R mutant could not bind apoAI but could efflux cholesterol to NaTC, thus its activity was blocked at the apoAI binding step. When the lipidation indicator apoA-I was incubated with stably transfected HEK cells, we observed cell associated lipidated apoA-I in cells expressing WT ABCA1, but mostly unlipidated apoA-I was associated with the cells expressing W590S ABCA1. Conclusion— Our results support a novel five-step model for nascent HDL biogenesis: 1, 2) ABCA1 remodeling of the plasma membrane and apoA-I binding to ABCA1, which facilitate 3) apoA-I partial unfolding and 4) and lipidation by the remodeled membrane, followed by 5) the release of nascent HDL.

scholarly journals The human Mis12 complex is required for kinetochore assembly and proper chromosome segregation

2006 ◽  
Vol 173 (1) ◽  
pp. 9-17 ◽  
Author(s):  
Susan L. Kline ◽  
Iain M. Cheeseman ◽  
Tetsuya Hori ◽  
Tatsuo Fukagawa ◽  
Arshad Desai
Keyword(s):  
Cell Division ◽  
Chromosome Segregation ◽  
Essential Role ◽  
Stable Complex ◽  
Wild Type ◽  
Outer Plate ◽  
Checkpoint Protein ◽  
Kinetochore Assembly ◽  
Attachment Sites ◽  
Spindle Microtubules

During cell division, kinetochores form the primary chromosomal attachment sites for spindle microtubules. We previously identified a network of 10 interacting kinetochore proteins conserved between Caenorhabditis elegans and humans. In this study, we investigate three proteins in the human network (hDsn1Q9H410, hNnf1PMF1, and hNsl1DC31). Using coexpression in bacteria and fractionation of mitotic extracts, we demonstrate that these proteins form a stable complex with the conserved kinetochore component hMis12. Human or chicken cells depleted of Mis12 complex subunits are delayed in mitosis with misaligned chromosomes and defects in chromosome biorientation. Aligned chromosomes exhibited reduced centromere stretch and diminished kinetochore microtubule bundles. Consistent with this, localization of the outer plate constituent Ndc80HEC1 was severely reduced. The checkpoint protein BubR1, the fibrous corona component centromere protein (CENP) E, and the inner kinetochore proteins CENP-A and CENP-H also failed to accumulate to wild-type levels in depleted cells. These results indicate that a four-subunit Mis12 complex plays an essential role in chromosome segregation in vertebrates and contributes to mitotic kinetochore assembly.

scholarly journals MICROTUBULE BIOGENESIS AND CELL SHAPE IN OCHROMONAS

1973 ◽  
Vol 56 (2) ◽  
pp. 340-359 ◽  
Author(s):  
G. Benjamin Bouck ◽  
David L. Brown
Keyword(s):  
Cell Division ◽  
Cell Shape ◽  
Spindle Pole ◽  
Vegetative Cells ◽  
External Wall ◽  
Cell Form ◽  
Attachment Sites ◽  
Spindle Microtubules ◽  
Mitotic Cells

In the first of two companion papers which attempt to correlate microtubules and their nucleating sites with developmental and cell division patterns in the unicellular flagellate, Ochromonas, the distribution of cytoplasmic and mitotic microtubules and various kinetosome-related fibers are detailed. Of the five kinetosome-related fibers, which have been found in Ochromonas, two, the kineto-beak fibers and the rhizoplast fibers are utilized as attachment sites for distinct groups of microtubules. The set of microtubules attached to the kineto-beak fibers apparently shape the anterior beak region of the cell whereas the rhizoplast microtubules appear to extend into and shape the tail in vegetative cells. In mitotic cells a rhizoplast is found at each spindle pole apparently serving as foci for the spindle microtubules. These findings are discussed in relation to the less well defined attachment sites for vegetative and mitotic microtubules in other kinds of cells. It is noted that the effects of depolymerizing microtubules in vivo might be easily quantitated in whole populations since no external wall or pellicle contributes to the maintenance or the biogenesis of the characteristic cell form of Ochromonas.

Evidence that the spindle assembly checkpoint does not regulate APCFzy activity in Drosophila female meiosis

Genome ◽  
2012 ◽  
Vol 55 (1) ◽  
pp. 63-67 ◽  
Author(s):  
Osamah Batiha ◽  
Andrew Swan
Keyword(s):  
Chromosome Segregation ◽  
Spindle Assembly Checkpoint ◽  
Spindle Assembly ◽  
Cyclin B ◽  
Meiotic Spindle ◽  
Loss Of Function ◽  
Female Meiosis ◽  
Chromosome Attachment ◽  
Spindle Microtubules ◽  
Made In

The spindle assembly checkpoint (SAC) plays an important role in mitotic cells to sense improper chromosome attachment to spindle microtubules and to inhibit APCFzy-dependent destruction of cyclin B and Securin; consequent initiation of anaphase until correct attachments are made. In Drosophila , SAC genes have been found to play a role in ensuring proper chromosome segregation in meiosis, possibly reflecting a similar role for the SAC in APCFzy inhibition during meiosis. We found that loss of function mutations in SAC genes, Mad2, zwilch, and mps1, do not lead to the predicted rise in APCFzy-dependent degradation of cyclin B either globally throughout the egg or locally on the meiotic spindle. Further, the SAC is not responsible for the inability of APCFzy to target cyclin B and promote anaphase in metaphase II arrested eggs from cort mutant females. Our findings support the argument that SAC proteins play checkpoint independent roles in Drosophila female meiosis and that other mechanisms must function to control APC activity.

scholarly journals Relative Stability of the Scleroglucan Triple-Helix and Single Strand: an Insight from Computational and Experimental Techniques

2016 ◽  
Vol 230 (9) ◽  
Author(s):  
Gianfranco Bocchinfuso ◽  
Claudia Mazzuca ◽  
Paolo Conflitti ◽  
Davide Cori ◽  
Tommasina Coviello ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Relative Stability ◽  
Triple Helix ◽  
Hydrophobic Interactions ◽  
Single Strand ◽  
Single Chain ◽  
Ph Values ◽  
Partial Unfolding ◽  
Triplex Structure ◽  
Partially Unfolded ◽  
The Stability

AbstractScleroglucan (Sclg) is a polysaccharide that exhibits a triple helix conformation (triplex), both in aqueous solution and in the solid state, which is lost in DMSO solution, at high temperature and at high pH values. The triplex conformation is characterized by a high rigidity, responsible of Sclg peculiar properties. Although the relative stability of triplex and single strand has already been investigated, different structural details are still missing.In the present study, we analyse the structural properties and the factors stabilizing the single chain and the triple helix of Sclg in different conditions. To this end, we simulated both systems in water and in DMSO. The triple helix has been also simulated in the presence of chemical damages on one of the three strands (to reproduce in silico the effect of sonication) or by inducing a partial unfolding of the triplex structure. The computational results have been compared with experimental evidences in which the triplex denaturation, at alkaline pH values, has been followed by monitoring the UV and CD spectra of Congo red, used as a probe molecule. Our results indicate that sonication breaks the Sclg chains without appreciably changing the stability of the other tracts of triple helix. The simulated perturbed or partially unfolded triplexes show a clear tendency to form less ordered aggregates. Finally, our simulations put in evidence an important role of the hydrophobic interactions both in the triplex stability and in the aggregation processes observed after induced denaturation.

Function of spindle microtubules in directing cortical movement and actin filament organization in dividing cultured cells

1996 ◽  
Vol 109 (8) ◽  
pp. 2041-2051 ◽  
Author(s):  
D.J. Fishkind ◽  
J.D. Silverman ◽  
Y.L. Wang
Keyword(s):  
Cell Division ◽  
Actin Filaments ◽  
Cultured Cells ◽  
Three Dimensional ◽  
Linear Dichroism ◽  
Single Particle Tracking ◽  
Contractile Apparatus ◽  
Cortical Actin ◽  
Surface Receptors ◽  
Spindle Microtubules

The mitotic spindle has long been recognized to play an essential role in determining the position of the cleavage furrow during cell division, however little is known about the mechanisms involved in this process. One attractive hypothesis is that signals from the spindle may function to induce reorganization of cortical structures and transport of actin filaments to the equator during cytokinesis. While an important idea, few experiments have directly tested this model. In the present study, we have used a variety of experimental approaches to identify microtubule-dependent effects on key cortical events during normal cell cleavage, including cortical flow, reorientation of actin filaments, and formation of the contractile apparatus. Single-particle tracking experiments showed that the microtubule disrupting drug nocodazole induces an inhibition of the movements of cell surface receptors following anaphase onset, while the microtubule stabilizing drug taxol causes profound changes in the overall pattern of receptor movements. These effects were accompanied by a related set of changes in the organization of the actin cytoskeleton. In nocodazole-treated cells, the three-dimensional organization of cortical actin filaments appeared less ordered than in controls. Measurements with fluorescence-detected linear dichroism indicated a decrease in the alignment of filaments along the spindle axis. In contrast, actin filaments in taxol-treated cells showed an increased alignment along the equator on both the ventral and dorsal cortical surfaces, mirroring the redistribution pattern of surface receptors. Together, these experiments show that spindle microtubules are involved in directing bipolar flow of surface receptors and reorganization of actin filaments during cell division, thus acting as a stimulus for positioning cortical cytoskeletal components and organizing the contractile apparatus of dividing tissue culture cells.

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