scholarly journals Utrophin Binds Laterally along Actin Filaments and Can Couple Costameric Actin with Sarcolemma When Overexpressed in Dystrophin-deficient Muscle

2002 ◽  
Vol 13 (5) ◽  
pp. 1512-1521 ◽  
Author(s):  
Inna N. Rybakova ◽  
Jitandrakumar R. Patel ◽  
Kay E. Davies ◽  
Peter D. Yurchenco ◽  
James M. Ervasti
Keyword(s):  
Molecular Weight ◽  
Actin Filaments ◽  
Binding Proteins ◽  
Full Length ◽  
Actin Binding ◽  
Lateral Association ◽  
Cortical Cytoskeleton ◽  
Molecular Dimensions ◽  
Native Molecular Weight

Dystrophin is widely thought to mechanically link the cortical cytoskeleton with the muscle sarcolemma. Although the dystrophin homolog utrophin can functionally compensate for dystrophin in mice, recent studies question whether utrophin can bind laterally along actin filaments and anchor filaments to the sarcolemma. Herein, we have expressed full-length recombinant utrophin and show that the purified protein is fully soluble with a native molecular weight and molecular dimensions indicative of monomers. We demonstrate that like dystrophin, utrophin can form an extensive lateral association with actin filaments and protect actin filaments from depolymerization in vitro. However, utrophin binds laterally along actin filaments through contribution of acidic spectrin-like repeats rather than the cluster of basic repeats used by dystrophin. We also show that the defective linkage between costameric actin filaments and the sarcolemma in dystrophin-deficientmdx muscle is rescued by overexpression of utrophin. Our results demonstrate that utrophin and dystrophin are functionally interchangeable actin binding proteins, but that the molecular epitopes important for filament binding differ between the two proteins. More generally, our results raise the possibility that spectrin-like repeats may enable some members of the plakin family of cytolinkers to laterally bind and stabilize actin filaments.

scholarly journals Biased localization of actin binding proteins by actin filament conformation

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Andrew R Harris ◽  
Pamela Jreij ◽  
Brian Belardi ◽  
Andreas Bausch ◽  
Daniel A Fletcher
Keyword(s):  
Actin Filament ◽  
Single Molecule ◽  
Conformational Changes ◽  
Actin Filaments ◽  
Binding Proteins ◽  
Critical Role ◽  
Actin Binding ◽  
Cell Physiology ◽  
Physical Constraints

ABSTRACTThe assembly of actin filaments into distinct cytoskeletal structures plays a critical role in cell physiology, but how proteins localize differentially to these structures within a shared cytoplasm remains unclear. Here, we show that the actin-binding domains of accessory proteins can be sensitive to filament conformational changes. Using a combination of live cell imaging and in vitro single molecule binding measurements, we show that tandem calponin homology domains (CH1-CH2) can be mutated to preferentially bind actin networks at the front or rear of motile cells, and we demonstrate that the affinity of CH1-CH2 domain mutants varies as actin filament conformation is altered by perturbations that include stabilizing drugs, physical constraints, and other binding proteins. These findings suggest that conformational heterogeneity of actin filaments in cells could help to direct accessory binding proteins to different actin cytoskeletal structures through a biophysical feedback loop.

scholarly journals Biased localization of actin binding proteins by actin filament conformation

2020 ◽  
Vol 11 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Andrew R. Harris ◽  
Pamela Jreij ◽  
Brian Belardi ◽  
Aaron M. Joffe ◽  
Andreas R. Bausch ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Actin Filament ◽  
Single Molecule ◽  
Conformational Changes ◽  
Actin Filaments ◽  
Binding Proteins ◽  
Critical Role ◽  
Actin Binding ◽  
Cell Physiology ◽  
Binding Domains

AbstractThe assembly of actin filaments into distinct cytoskeletal structures plays a critical role in cell physiology, but how proteins localize differentially to these structures within a shared cytoplasm remains unclear. Here, we show that the actin-binding domains of accessory proteins can be sensitive to filament conformational changes. Using a combination of live cell imaging and in vitro single molecule binding measurements, we show that tandem calponin homology domains (CH1–CH2) can be mutated to preferentially bind actin networks at the front or rear of motile cells. We demonstrate that the binding kinetics of CH1–CH2 domain mutants varies as actin filament conformation is altered by perturbations that include stabilizing drugs and other binding proteins. These findings suggest that conformational changes of actin filaments in cells could help to direct accessory binding proteins to different actin cytoskeletal structures through a biophysical feedback loop.

scholarly journals Actin filaments in yeast are unstable in the absence of capping protein or fimbrin.

1995 ◽  
Vol 131 (6) ◽  
pp. 1483-1493 ◽  
Author(s):  
T S Karpova ◽  
K Tatchell ◽  
J A Cooper
Keyword(s):  
Saccharomyces Cerevisiae ◽  
Actin Filament ◽  
Actin Filaments ◽  
Binding Proteins ◽  
Actin Binding ◽  
Actin Binding Proteins ◽  
Capping Protein ◽  
Filament Assembly

Many actin-binding proteins affect filament assembly in vitro and localize with actin in vivo, but how their molecular actions contribute to filament assembly in vivo is not understood well. We report here that capping protein (CP) and fimbrin are both important for actin filament assembly in vivo in Saccharomyces cerevisiae, based on finding decreased actin filament assembly in CP and fimbrin mutants. We have also identified mutations in actin that enhance the CP phenotype and find that those mutants also have decreased actin filament assembly in vivo. In vitro, actin purified from some of these mutants is defective in polymerization or binding fimbrin. These findings support the conclusion that CP acts to stabilize actin filaments in vivo. This conclusion is particularly remarkable because it is the opposite of the conclusion drawn from recent studies in Dictyostelium (Hug, C., P.Y. Jay, I. Reddy, J.G. McNally, P.C. Bridgman, E.L. Elson, and J.A. Cooper. 1995. Cell. 81:591-600). In addition, we find that the unpolymerized pool of actin in yeast is very small relative to that found in higher cells, which suggests that actin filament assembly is less dynamic in yeast than higher cells.

scholarly journals SCP1 encodes an actin-bundling protein in yeast

2003 ◽  
Vol 375 (2) ◽  
pp. 287-295 ◽  
Author(s):  
Steven J. WINDER ◽  
Thomas JESS ◽  
Kathryn R. AYSCOUGH
Keyword(s):  
Actin Filaments ◽  
Binding Proteins ◽  
Actin Binding ◽  
Filamentous Actin ◽  
Actin Bundles ◽  
Latrunculin A ◽  
The Stability ◽  
Order Structures

The association of F-actin (filamentous actin) with a large number of binding proteins is essential for cellular function. Actin-binding proteins control the dynamics of actin filaments, nucleate new filaments and facilitate formation of higher-order structures such as actin bundles. The yeast gene SCP1 encodes a small protein with significant homology to mammalian SM22/transgelin. We have investigated the role of Scp1p in budding yeast to probe the fundamental role of this family of proteins. Here, we demonstrate that Scp1p binds to F-actin and induces the formation of tight F-actin bundles in vitro. Deletion of SCP1 in yeast lacking the actin-bundling protein, fimbrin (Sac6p), exacerbates the disrupted actin phenotype and enhances latrunculin-A sensitivity. Furthermore, Scp1p co-localizes with actin in cortical patches and its localization is lost in the presence of latrunculin-A. Our data support a role for Scp1p in bundling actin filaments and, in concert with Sac6p, acting as a second actin-bundling activity crucial to the stability of the yeast actin cytoskeleton.

scholarly journals Microtubule Actin Cross-Linking Factor (Macf)

1999 ◽  
Vol 147 (6) ◽  
pp. 1275-1286 ◽  
Author(s):  
Conrad L. Leung ◽  
Dongming Sun ◽  
Min Zheng ◽  
David R. Knowles ◽  
Ronald K.H. Liem
Keyword(s):  
Calcium Binding ◽  
Coiled Coil ◽  
Specific Protein ◽  
Binding Domain ◽  
Full Length ◽  
Actin Binding ◽  
Cross Linking ◽  
Actin Binding Domain

We cloned and characterized a full-length cDNA of mouse actin cross-linking family 7 (mACF7) by sequential rapid amplification of cDNA ends–PCR. The completed mACF7 cDNA is 17 kb and codes for a 608-kD protein. The closest relative of mACF7 is the Drosophila protein Kakapo, which shares similar architecture with mACF7. mACF7 contains a putative actin-binding domain and a plakin-like domain that are highly homologous to dystonin (BPAG1-n) at its NH2 terminus. However, unlike dystonin, mACF7 does not contain a coiled–coil rod domain; instead, the rod domain of mACF7 is made up of 23 dystrophin-like spectrin repeats. At its COOH terminus, mACF7 contains two putative EF-hand calcium-binding motifs and a segment homologous to the growth arrest–specific protein, Gas2. In this paper, we demonstrate that the NH2-terminal actin-binding domain of mACF7 is functional both in vivo and in vitro. More importantly, we found that the COOH-terminal domain of mACF7 interacts with and stabilizes microtubules. In transfected cells full-length mACF7 can associate not only with actin but also with microtubules. Hence, we suggest a modified name: MACF (microtubule actin cross-linking factor). The properties of MACF are consistent with the observation that mutations in kakapo cause disorganization of microtubules in epidermal muscle attachment cells and some sensory neurons.

scholarly journals Ultrastructure of the yeast actin cytoskeleton and its association with the plasma membrane.

1994 ◽  
Vol 125 (2) ◽  
pp. 381-391 ◽  
Author(s):  
J Mulholland ◽  
D Preuss ◽  
A Moon ◽  
A Wong ◽  
D Drubin ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Plasma Membrane ◽  
Actin Cytoskeleton ◽  
Binding Proteins ◽  
Ultrastructural Level ◽  
Actin Binding ◽  
Cortical Actin ◽  
Actin Binding Proteins ◽  
Double Labeling ◽  
Wall Growth ◽  
Cortical Cytoskeleton

We characterized the yeast actin cytoskeleton at the ultrastructural level using immunoelectron microscopy. Anti-actin antibodies primarily labeled dense, patchlike cortical structures and cytoplasmic cables. This localization recapitulates results obtained with immunofluorescence light microscopy, but at much higher resolution. Immuno-EM double-labeling experiments were conducted with antibodies to actin together with antibodies to the actin binding proteins Abp1p and cofilin. As expected from immunofluorescence experiments, Abp1p, cofilin, and actin colocalized in immuno-EM to the dense patchlike structures but not to the cables. In this way, we can unambiguously identify the patches as the cortical actin cytoskeleton. The cortical actin patches were observed to be associated with the cell surface via an invagination of plasma membrane. This novel cortical cytoskeleton-plasma membrane interface appears to consist of a fingerlike invagination of plasma membrane around which actin filaments and actin binding proteins are organized. We propose a possible role for this unique cortical structure in wall growth and osmotic regulation.

In Vitro Biochemical Characterization of Cytokinesis Actin-Binding Proteins

2016 ◽  
pp. 151-179 ◽  
Author(s):  
Dennis Zimmermann ◽  
Alisha N. Morganthaler ◽  
David R. Kovar ◽  
Cristian Suarez
Keyword(s):  
Binding Proteins ◽  
Biochemical Characterization ◽  
Actin Binding ◽  
Actin Binding Proteins

scholarly journals Myosin and gelsolin cooperate in actin filament severing and actomyosin motor activity

2020 ◽  
pp. jbc.RA120.015863
Author(s):  
Venukumar Vemula ◽  
Tamás Huber ◽  
Marko Ušaj ◽  
Beáta Bugyi ◽  
Alf Mansson
Keyword(s):  
Motor Activity ◽  
Actin Filament ◽  
Single Molecule ◽  
Actin Filaments ◽  
Actin Binding ◽  
In Vitro Motility Assay ◽  
Cooperative Effects ◽  
Myosin Motor ◽  
Filament Dynamics

Actin is a major intracellular protein with key functions in cellular motility, signaling and structural rearrangements. Its dynamic behavior, such as polymerisation and depolymerisation of actin filaments in response to intra- and extracellular cues, is regulated by an abundance of actin binding proteins. Out of these, gelsolin is one of the most potent for filament severing. However, myosin motor activity also fragments actin filaments through motor induced forces, suggesting that these two proteins could cooperate to regulate filament dynamics and motility. To test this idea, we used an in vitro motility assay, where actin filaments are propelled by surface-adsorbed heavy meromyosin (HMM) motor fragments. This allows studies of both motility and filament dynamics using isolated proteins. Gelsolin, at both nanomolar and micromolar Ca2+ concentration, appreciably enhanced actin filament severing caused by HMM-induced forces at 1 mM MgATP, an effect that was increased at higher HMM motor density. This finding is consistent with cooperativity between actin filament severing by myosin-induced forces and by gelsolin. We also observed reduced sliding velocity of the HMM-propelled filaments in the presence of gelsolin, providing further support of myosin-gelsolin cooperativity. Total internal reflection fluorescence microscopy based single molecule studies corroborated that the velocity reduction was a direct effect of gelsolin-binding to the filament and revealed different filament severing pattern of stationary and HMM propelled filaments. Overall, the results corroborate cooperative effects between gelsolin-induced alterations in the actin filaments and changes due to myosin motor activity leading to enhanced F-actin severing of possible physiological relevance.

scholarly journals First person – Julien Pernier

2020 ◽  
Vol 133 (18) ◽  
pp. jcs253930
Keyword(s):  
Actin Filaments ◽  
Binding Proteins ◽  
Network Dynamics ◽  
Early Career ◽  
Actin Binding ◽  
First Person ◽  
Integrative Biology ◽  
Actin Network ◽  
Early Career Researchers ◽  
Selection Of

ABSTRACTFirst Person is a series of interviews with the first authors of a selection of papers published in Journal of Cell Science, helping early-career researchers promote themselves alongside their papers. Julien Pernier is first author on ‘Myosin 1b flattens and prunes branched actin filaments’, published in JCS. Julien conducted the research described in this article while a postdoc in Patricia Bassereau's lab at the Institut Curie, Paris, France. He is now a postdoc in the lab of Christophe Le Clainche at the Institute for Integrative Biology of the Cell (I2BC), Gif-sur-Yvette, France, investigating the roles of actin-binding proteins in actin network dynamics and organization.

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