scholarly journals Template-free 13-protofilament microtubule–MAP assembly visualized at 8 Å resolution

2010 ◽  
Vol 191 (3) ◽  
pp. 463-470 ◽  
Author(s):  
Franck J. Fourniol ◽  
Charles V. Sindelar ◽  
Béatrice Amigues ◽  
Daniel K. Clare ◽  
Geraint Thomas ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Electron Microscopy ◽  
Structural Information ◽  
Binding Mode ◽  
Microtubule Associated Proteins ◽  
Cryo Electron Microscopy ◽  
Associated Proteins ◽  
Template Free ◽  
Map Function ◽  
Insight Into

Microtubule-associated proteins (MAPs) are essential for regulating and organizing cellular microtubules (MTs). However, our mechanistic understanding of MAP function is limited by a lack of detailed structural information. Using cryo-electron microscopy and single particle algorithms, we solved the 8 Å structure of doublecortin (DCX)-stabilized MTs. Because of DCX’s unusual ability to specifically nucleate and stabilize 13-protofilament MTs, our reconstruction provides unprecedented insight into the structure of MTs with an in vivo architecture, and in the absence of a stabilizing drug. DCX specifically recognizes the corner of four tubulin dimers, a binding mode ideally suited to stabilizing both lateral and longitudinal lattice contacts. A striking consequence of this is that DCX does not bind the MT seam. DCX binding on the MT surface indirectly stabilizes conserved tubulin–tubulin lateral contacts in the MT lumen, operating independently of the nucleotide bound to tubulin. DCX’s exquisite binding selectivity uncovers important insights into regulation of cellular MTs.

Structural insight into nucleosome transcription by RNA polymerase II with elongation factors

Science ◽  
2019 ◽  
Vol 363 (6428) ◽  
pp. 744-747 ◽  
Author(s):  
Haruhiko Ehara ◽  
Tomoya Kujirai ◽  
Yuka Fujino ◽  
Mikako Shirouzu ◽  
Hitoshi Kurumizaka ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Electron Microscopy ◽  
Rna Polymerase ◽  
Rna Polymerase Ii ◽  
Transcription Elongation ◽  
Chromosomal Dna ◽  
Elongation Factors ◽  
Cryo Electron Microscopy ◽  
Structural Insight ◽  
Insight Into

RNA polymerase II (RNAPII) transcribes chromosomal DNA that contains multiple nucleosomes. The nucleosome forms transcriptional barriers, and nucleosomal transcription requires several additional factors in vivo. We demonstrate that the transcription elongation factors Elf1 and Spt4/5 cooperatively lower the barriers and increase the RNAPII processivity in the nucleosome. The cryo–electron microscopy structures of the nucleosome-transcribing RNAPII elongation complexes (ECs) reveal that Elf1 and Spt4/5 reshape the EC downstream edge and intervene between RNAPII and the nucleosome. They facilitate RNAPII progression through superhelical location SHL(–1) by adjusting the nucleosome in favor of the forward progression. They suppress pausing at SHL(–5) by preventing the stable RNAPII-nucleosome interaction. Thus, the EC overcomes the nucleosomal barriers while providing a platform for various chromatin functions.

scholarly journals Mars promotes dTACC dephosphorylation on mitotic spindles to ensure spindle stability

2008 ◽  
Vol 182 (1) ◽  
pp. 27-33 ◽  
Author(s):  
Shengjiang Tan ◽  
Ekaterina Lyulcheva ◽  
Jon Dean ◽  
Daimark Bennett
Keyword(s):  
Chromosome Segregation ◽  
Coiled Coil ◽  
Protein Phosphatase 1 ◽  
Mitotic Spindles ◽  
Developmental Context ◽  
Microtubule Associated Proteins ◽  
Associated Proteins ◽  
Spindle Stability ◽  
Map Function

Microtubule-associated proteins (MAPs) ensure the fidelity of chromosome segregation by controlling microtubule (MT) dynamics and mitotic spindle stability. However, many aspects of MAP function and regulation are poorly understood in a developmental context. We show that mars, which encodes a Drosophila melanogaster member of the hepatoma up-regulated protein family of MAPs, is essential for MT stabilization during early embryogenesis. As well as associating with spindle MTs in vivo, Mars binds directly to protein phosphatase 1 (PP1) and coimmunoprecipitates from embryo extracts with minispindles and Drosophila transforming acidic coiled-coil (dTACC), two MAPs that function as spindle assembly factors. Disruption of binding to PP1 or loss of mars function results in elevated levels of phosphorylated dTACC on spindles. A nonphosphorylatable form of dTACC is capable of rescuing the lethality of mars mutants. We propose that Mars mediates spatially controlled dephosphorylation of dTACC, which is critical for spindle stabilization.

scholarly journals Structural Analysis of Jumbo Coliphage phAPEC6

2020 ◽  
Vol 21 (9) ◽  
pp. 3119 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jeroen Wagemans ◽  
Jessica Tsonos ◽  
Dominique Holtappels ◽  
Kiandro Fortuna ◽  
Jean-Pierre Hernalsteens ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Electron Microscopy ◽  
Capsid Protein ◽  
Tem Analysis ◽  
Host Interaction ◽  
Cryo Electron Microscopy ◽  
Transmission Electron ◽  
Tail Sheath ◽  
Associated Proteins ◽  
Contractile Tail ◽  
Phage Capsid

The phAPEC6 genome encodes 551 predicted gene products, with the vast majority (83%) of unknown function. Of these, 62 have been identified as virion-associated proteins by mass spectrometry (ESI-MS/MS), including the major capsid protein (Gp225; present in 1620 copies), which shows a HK97 capsid protein-based fold. Cryo-electron microscopy experiments showed that the 350-kbp DNA molecule of Escherichia coli virus phAPEC6 is packaged in at least 15 concentric layers in the phage capsid. A capsid inner body rod is also present, measuring about 91 nm by 18 nm and oriented along the portal axis. In the phAPEC6 contractile tail, 25 hexameric stacked rings can be distinguished, built of the identified tail sheath protein (Gp277). Cryo-EM reconstruction reveals the base of the unique hairy fibers observed during an initial transmission electron microscopy (TEM) analysis. These very unusual filaments are ordered at three annular positions along the contractile sheath, as well as around the capsid, and may be involved in host interaction.

scholarly journals Stu2p binds tubulin and undergoes an open-to-closed conformational change

2006 ◽  
Vol 172 (7) ◽  
pp. 1009-1022 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jawdat Al-Bassam ◽  
Mark van Breugel ◽  
Stephen C. Harrison ◽  
Anthony Hyman
Keyword(s):  
Conformational Change ◽  
Conformational Transition ◽  
Budding Yeast ◽  
Microtubule Dynamics ◽  
Open Structure ◽  
Microtubule Associated Proteins ◽  
Associated Proteins ◽  
The Common

Stu2p from budding yeast belongs to the conserved Dis1/XMAP215 family of microtubule-associated proteins (MAPs). The common feature of proteins in this family is the presence of HEAT repeat–containing TOG domains near the NH2 terminus. We have investigated the functions of the two TOG domains of Stu2p in vivo and in vitro. Our data suggest that Stu2p regulates microtubule dynamics through two separate activities. First, Stu2p binds to a single free tubulin heterodimer through its first TOG domain. A large conformational transition in homodimeric Stu2p from an open structure to a closed one accompanies the capture of a single free tubulin heterodimer. Second, Stu2p has the capacity to associate directly with microtubule ends, at least in part, through its second TOG domain. These two properties lead to the stabilization of microtubules in vivo, perhaps by the loading of tubulin dimers at microtubule ends. We suggest that this mechanism of microtubule regulation is a conserved feature of the Dis1/XMAP215 family of MAPs.

scholarly journals Marliolide Derivative Induces Melanosome Degradation via Nrf2/p62-Mediated Autophagy

2021 ◽  
Vol 22 (8) ◽  
pp. 3995
Author(s):  
Cheong-Yong Yun ◽  
Nahyun Choi ◽  
Jae Un Lee ◽  
Eun Jung Lee ◽  
Ji Young Kim ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Related Factor ◽  
Melanin Pigmentation ◽  
Microtubule Associated Proteins ◽  
Melanocyte Stimulating Hormone ◽  
Associated Proteins ◽  
Autophagy Pathway ◽  
Nrf2 Activator ◽  
Promising Therapeutic Agent

Nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2), which is linked to autophagy regulation and melanogenesis regulation, is activated by marliolide. In this study, we investigated the effect of a marliolide derivative on melanosome degradation through the autophagy pathway. The effect of the marliolide derivative on melanosome degradation was investigated in α-melanocyte stimulating hormone (α-MSH)-treated melanocytes, melanosome-incorporated keratinocyte, and ultraviolet (UV)B-exposed HRM-2 mice (melanin-possessing hairless mice). The marliolide derivative, 5-methyl-3-tetradecylidene-dihydro-furan-2-one (DMF02), decreased melanin pigmentation by melanosome degradation in α-MSH-treated melanocytes and melanosome-incorporated keratinocytes, evidenced by premelanosome protein (PMEL) expression, but did not affect melanogenesis-associated proteins. The UVB-induced hyperpigmentation in HRM-2 mice was also reduced by a topical application of DMF02. DMF02 activated Nrf2 and induced autophagy in vivo, evidenced by decreased PMEL in microtubule-associated proteins 1A/1B light chain 3B (LC3)-II-expressed areas. DMF02 also induced melanosome degradation via autophagy in vitro, and DMF02-induced melanosome degradation was recovered by chloroquine (CQ), which is a lysosomal inhibitor. In addition, Nrf2 silencing by siRNA attenuated the DMF02-induced melanosome degradation via the suppression of p62. DMF02 induced melanosome degradation in melanocytes and keratinocytes by regulating autophagy via Nrf2-p62 activation. Therefore, Nrf2 activator could be a promising therapeutic agent for reducing hyperpigmentation.

Cryo-EM structure of the human cohesin-NIPBL-DNA complex

Science ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 368 (6498) ◽  
pp. 1454-1459 ◽  
Author(s):  
Zhubing Shi ◽  
Haishan Gao ◽  
Xiao-chen Bai ◽  
Hongtao Yu
Keyword(s):  
Electron Microscopy ◽  
Sister Chromatid ◽  
Base Pair ◽  
Adenosine Triphosphatase ◽  
Cryo Electron Microscopy ◽  
Synergistic Activation ◽  
Medium Resolution ◽  
Chromatid Cohesion ◽  
Dna Complex ◽  
Insight Into

As a ring-shaped adenosine triphosphatase (ATPase) machine, cohesin organizes the eukaryotic genome by extruding DNA loops and mediates sister chromatid cohesion by topologically entrapping DNA. How cohesin executes these fundamental DNA transactions is not understood. Using cryo–electron microscopy (cryo-EM), we determined the structure of human cohesin bound to its loader NIPBL and DNA at medium resolution. Cohesin and NIPBL interact extensively and together form a central tunnel to entrap a 72–base pair DNA. NIPBL and DNA promote the engagement of cohesin’s ATPase head domains and ATP binding. The hinge domains of cohesin adopt an “open washer” conformation and dock onto the STAG1 subunit. Our structure explains the synergistic activation of cohesin by NIPBL and DNA and provides insight into DNA entrapment by cohesin.

scholarly journals A resolution record for cryoEM

2021 ◽  
Vol 10 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jonathan Ashmore ◽  
Bridget Carragher ◽  
Peter B Rosenthal ◽  
William Weis
Keyword(s):  
Electron Microscopy ◽  
Image Analysis ◽  
Structure Determination ◽  
Test Specimen ◽  
Structural Information ◽  
Atomic Resolution ◽  
Fast Growing ◽  
Cryo Electron Microscopy ◽  
New Instrument ◽  
Resolution Structure

Cryo electron microscopy (cryoEM) is a fast-growing technique for structure determination. Two recent papers report the first atomic resolution structure of a protein obtained by averaging images of frozen-hydrated biomolecules. They both describe maps of symmetric apoferritin assemblies, a common test specimen, in unprecedented detail. New instrument improvements, different in the two studies, have contributed better images, and image analysis can extract structural information sufficient to resolve individual atomic positions. While true atomic resolution maps will not be routine for most proteins, the studies suggest structures determined by cryoEM will continue to improve, increasing their impact on biology and medicine.

scholarly journals Structure of the Infective Getah Virus at 2.8 Å-resolution Determined by Cryo-electron Microscopy

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Aojie Wang ◽  
Feng Zhou ◽  
Congcong Liu ◽  
Dongsheng Gao ◽  
Ruxi Qi ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Electron Microscopy ◽  
Immune Evasion ◽  
Cell Invasion ◽  
Structural Information ◽  
Host Cell Invasion ◽  
Hydrophobic Pocket ◽  
Viral Immune Evasion ◽  
Cryo Electron Microscopy ◽  
Reproductive Losses ◽  
Getah Virus

Getah virus (GETV) is a mosquito-borne pathogen that can cause a mild illness and reproductive losses in animals. Although antibodies to GETV have been found in humans, there are no reports of clinical symptom associated with GETV. However, antivirals or vaccine against GETV is still unavailable due to lack of knowledge of the structure of GETV virion. Here, we present the structure of mature GETV at a resolution of 2.8 Å with capsid protein, envelope glycoproteins E1 and E2. Glycosylation and S-acylation sites in E1 and E2 are identified. The surface-exposed glycans demonstrated their impact on the viral immune evasion and host cell invasion. The S-acylation sites strongly stabilize the virion. In addition, a cholesterol and phospholipid molecule are observed in transmembrane hydrophobic pocket, together with two more cholesterols surround the pocket. These structural information are helpful for structure-based antivirals and vaccine design.

scholarly journals Prodigiosin-Emerged PI3K/Beclin-1-Independent Pathway Elicits Autophagic Cell Death in Doxorubicin-Sensitive and -Resistant Lung Cancer

2018 ◽  
Vol 7 (10) ◽  
pp. 321 ◽  
Author(s):  
Wei-Jun Chiu ◽  
Shian-Ren Lin ◽  
Yu-Hsin Chen ◽  
May-Jwan Tsai ◽  
Max Leong ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Lung Cancer ◽  
Cell Death ◽  
Mammalian Target Of Rapamycin ◽  
Underlying Mechanism ◽  
Beclin 1 ◽  
Class Iii ◽  
Microtubule Associated Proteins ◽  
Associated Proteins ◽  
Anti Tumor Activity

Prodigiosin (PG) belongs to a family of prodiginines isolated from gram-negative bacteria. It is a water insoluble red pigment and a potent proapoptotic compound. This study elucidates the anti-tumor activity and underlying mechanism of PG in doxorubicin-sensitive (Dox-S) and doxorubicin-resistant (Dox-R) lung cancer cells. The cytotoxicity and cell death characteristics of PG in two cells were measured by MTT assay, cell cycle analysis, and apoptosis/autophagic marker analysis. Then, the potential mechanism of PG-induced cell death was evaluated through the phosphatidylinositol-4,5-bisphosphate 3-kinase-p85/Protein kinase B /mammalian target of rapamycin (PI3K-p85/Akt/mTOR) and Beclin-1/phosphatidylinositol-4,5-bisphosphate 3-kinase-Class III (Beclin-1/PI3K-Class III) signaling. Finally, in vivo efficacy was examined by intratracheal inoculation and treatment. There was similar cytotoxicity with PG in both Dox-S and Dox-R cells, where the half maximal inhibitory concentrations (IC50) were all in 10 μM. Based on a non-significant increase in the sub-G1 phase with an increase of microtubule-associated proteins 1A/1B light chain 3B-phosphatidylethanolamine conjugate (LC3-II), the cell death of both cells was categorized to achieve autophagy. Interestingly, an increase in cleaved-poly ADP ribose polymerase (cleaved-PARP) also showed the existence of an apoptosis-sensitive subpopulation. In both Dox-S and Dox-R cells, PI3K-p85/Akt/mTOR signaling pathways were reduced, which inhibited autophagy initiation. However, Beclin-1/PI3K-Class III downregulation implicated non-canonical autophagy pathways were involved in PG-induced autophagy. At completion of the PG regimen, tumors accumulated in the mice trachea and were attenuated by PG treatment, which indicated the efficacy of PG for both Dox-S and Dox-R lung cancer. All the above results concluded that PG is a potential chemotherapeutic agent for lung cancer regimens regardless of doxorubicin resistance.

Modulation of microtubule dynamic instability in vivo by brain microtubule associated proteins

1995 ◽  
Vol 108 (4) ◽  
pp. 1679-1689 ◽  
Author(s):  
R. Dhamodharan ◽  
P. Wadsworth
Keyword(s):  
Dynamic Behavior ◽  
Dynamic Instability ◽  
Average Rate ◽  
Stable Maps ◽  
Microtubule Dynamic ◽  
Unit Distance ◽  
Microtubule Associated Proteins ◽  
Heat Stable ◽  
Associated Proteins

Heat-stable brain microtubule associated proteins (MAPs) and purified microtubule associated protein 2 (MAP-2) were microinjected into cultured BSC-1 cells which had been previously injected with rhodamine-labeled tubulin. The dynamic instability behavior of individual microtubules was then examined using low-light-level fluorescence microscopy and quantitative microtubule tracking methods. Both MAP preparations suppressed microtubule dynamics in vivo, by reducing the average rate and extent of both growing and shortening events. The average duration of growing events was not affected. When measured as events/unit time, heat-stable MAPs and MAP-2 did not significantly alter the frequency of rescue; the frequency of catastrophe was decreased approximately two-fold by heat-stable MAPs and MAP-2. When transition frequencies were calculated as events/unit distance, both MAP preparations increased the frequency of rescue, without altering the frequency of catastrophe. The percentage of total time spent in the phases of growth, shrink and pause was determined. Both MAP-2 and heat-stable MAPs decreased the percentage of time spent shortening, increased the percentage of time spent paused, and had no effect on percentage of time spent growing. Heat-stable MAPs increased the average pause duration, decreased the average number of events per minute per microtubule and increased the probability that a paused microtubule would switch to growing rather than shortening. The results demonstrate that addition of MAPs to living cells reduces the dynamic behavior of individual microtubules primarily by suppressing the magnitude of dynamic events and increasing the time spent in pause, where no change in the microtubule length can be detected. The results further suggest that the expression of MAPs directly contributes to cell type-specific microtubule dynamic behavior.

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