scholarly journals p150Glued, the largest subunit of the dynactin complex, is nonessential in Neurospora but required for nuclear distribution.

1996 ◽  
Vol 7 (5) ◽  
pp. 731-742 ◽  
Author(s):  
J H Tinsley ◽  
P F Minke ◽  
K S Bruno ◽  
M Plamann
Keyword(s):  
Coiled Coil ◽  
Cytoplasmic Dynein ◽  
Structural Features ◽  
Gene Encoding ◽  
Nuclear Distribution ◽  
Transport Vesicles ◽  
Dynactin Complex ◽  
Intermediate Chains

Dynactin is a multisubunit complex that is required for cytoplasmic dynein, a minus-end-directed, microtubule-associated motor, to efficiently transport vesicles along microtubules in vitro. p150Glued, the largest subunit of dynactin, has been identified in vertebrates and Drosophila and recently has been shown to interact with cytoplasmic dynein intermediate chains in vitro. The mechanism by which dynactin facilitates cytoplasmic dynein-dependent vesicle transport is unknown. We have devised a genetic screen for cytoplasmic dynein/dynactin mutants in the filamentous fungus Neurospora crassa. In this paper, we report that one of these mutants, ro-3, defines a gene encoding an apparent homologue of p150Glued, and we provide genetic evidence that cytoplasmic dynein and dynactin interact in vivo. The major structural features of vertebrate and Drosophila p150Glued, a microtubule-binding site at the N-terminus and two large alpha-helical coiled-coil regions contained within the distal two-thirds of the polypeptide, are conserved in Ro3. Drosophila p150Glued is essential for viability; however, ro-3 null mutants are viable, indicating that dynactin is not an essential complex in N. crassa. We show that N. crassa cytoplasmic dynein and dynactin mutants have abnormal nuclear distribution but retain the ability to organize cytoplasmic microtubules and actin in anucleate hyphae.

scholarly journals Cytoplasmic dynein and actin-related protein Arp1 are required for normal nuclear distribution in filamentous fungi.

1994 ◽  
Vol 127 (1) ◽  
pp. 139-149 ◽  
Author(s):  
M Plamann ◽  
P F Minke ◽  
J H Tinsley ◽  
K S Bruno
Keyword(s):  
Cytoplasmic Dynein ◽  
Spindle Pole ◽  
Related Protein ◽  
Nuclear Distribution ◽  
Spindle Pole Bodies ◽  
Fungal Hyphae ◽  
Genes Encoding ◽  
Dynactin Complex

Cytoplasmic dynein is a multisubunit, microtubule-dependent mechanochemical enzyme that has been proposed to function in a variety of intracellular movements, including minus-end-directed transport of organelles. Dynein-mediated vesicle transport is stimulated in vitro by addition of the Glued/dynactin complex raising the possibility that these two complexes interact in vivo. We report here that a class of phenotypically identical mutants of the filamentous fungus Neurospora crassa are defective in genes encoding subunits of either cytoplasmic dynein or the Glued/dynactin complex. These mutants, defined as ropy, have curled hyphae with abnormal nuclear distribution. ro-1 encodes the heavy chain of cytoplasmic dynein, while ro-4 encodes an actin-related protein that is a probable homologue of the actin-related protein Arpl (formerly referred to as actin-RPV or centractin), the major component of the glued/dynactin complex. The phenotypes of ro-1 and ro-4 mutants suggest that cytoplasmic dynein, as well as the Glued/dynactin complex, are required to maintain uniform nuclear distribution in fungal hyphae. We propose that cytoplasmic dynein maintains nuclear distribution through sliding of antiparallel microtubules emanating from neighboring spindle pole bodies.

scholarly journals Dynactin Is Required for Microtubule Anchoring at Centrosomes

1999 ◽  
Vol 147 (2) ◽  
pp. 321-334 ◽  
Author(s):  
N.J. Quintyne ◽  
S.R. Gill ◽  
D.M. Eckley ◽  
C.L. Crego ◽  
D.A. Compton ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Mitotic Cell ◽  
Cytoplasmic Dynein ◽  
Microtubule Organization ◽  
Cultured Fibroblasts ◽  
Cell Extracts ◽  
Dynein Motor ◽  
Mitotic Spindle Assembly ◽  
Dynactin Complex

The multiprotein complex, dynactin, is an integral part of the cytoplasmic dynein motor and is required for dynein-based motility in vitro and in vivo. In living cells, perturbation of the dynein–dynactin interaction profoundly blocks mitotic spindle assembly, and inhibition or depletion of dynein or dynactin from meiotic or mitotic cell extracts prevents microtubules from focusing into spindles. In interphase cells, perturbation of the dynein–dynactin complex is correlated with an inhibition of ER-to-Golgi movement and reorganization of the Golgi apparatus and the endosome–lysosome system, but the effects on microtubule organization have not previously been defined. To explore this question, we overexpressed a variety of dynactin subunits in cultured fibroblasts. Subunits implicated in dynein binding have effects on both microtubule organization and centrosome integrity. Microtubules are reorganized into unfocused arrays. The pericentriolar components, γ tubulin and dynactin, are lost from centrosomes, but pericentrin localization persists. Microtubule nucleation from centrosomes proceeds relatively normally, but microtubules become disorganized soon thereafter. Overexpression of some, but not all, dynactin subunits also affects endomembrane localization. These data indicate that dynein and dynactin play important roles in microtubule organization at centrosomes in fibroblastic cells and provide new insights into dynactin–cargo interactions.

scholarly journals Dynactin, a conserved, ubiquitously expressed component of an activator of vesicle motility mediated by cytoplasmic dynein.

1991 ◽  
Vol 115 (6) ◽  
pp. 1639-1650 ◽  
Author(s):  
S R Gill ◽  
T A Schroer ◽  
I Szilak ◽  
E R Steuer ◽  
M P Sheetz ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Single Gene ◽  
Coiled Coil ◽  
Cytoplasmic Dynein ◽  
Protein Product ◽  
Structural Motif ◽  
Sequence Identity ◽  
Vesicle Movement ◽  
Dynactin Complex ◽  
Activator Complex

Although cytoplasmic dynein is known to attach to microtubules and translocate toward their minus ends, dynein's ability to serve in vitro as a minus end-directed transporter of membranous organelles depends on additional soluble factors. We show here that a approximately 20S polypeptide complex (referred to as Activator I; Schroer, T. A., and M.P. Sheetz. 1991a. J. Cell Biol. 115:1309-1318.) stimulates dynein-mediated vesicle transport. A major component of the activator complex is a doublet of 150-kD polypeptides for which we propose the name dynactin (for dynein activator). The 20S dynactin complex is required for in vitro vesicle motility since depletion of it with a mAb to dynactin eliminates vesicle movement. Cloning of a brain specific isoform of dynactin from chicken reveals a 1,053 amino acid polypeptide composed of two coiled-coil alpha-helical domains interrupted by a spacer. Both this structural motif and the underlying primary sequence are highly conserved in vertebrates with 85% sequence identity within a central 1,000-residue domain of the chicken and rat proteins. As abundant as dynein, dynactin is ubiquitously expressed and appears to be encoded by a single gene that yields at least three alternative isoforms. The probable homologue in Drosophila is the gene Glued, whose protein product shares 50% sequence identity with vertebrate dynactin and whose function is essential for viability of most (and perhaps all) cells in the organism.

scholarly journals The preprophase band-associated kinesin-14 OsKCH2 is a processive minus-end-directed microtubule motor

2017 ◽  
Author(s):  
Kuo-Fu Tseng ◽  
Pan Wang ◽  
Yuh-Ru Julie Lee ◽  
Joel Bowen ◽  
Allison M. Gicking ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Coiled Coil ◽  
Preprophase Band ◽  
Cytoplasmic Dynein ◽  
Coiled Coils ◽  
Land Plants ◽  
Actin Binding ◽  
Actin Binding Domain ◽  
Microtubule Motor

AbstractIn animals and fungi, cytoplasmic dynein is a processive motor that plays dominant roles in various intracellular processes. In contrast, land plants lack cytoplasmic dynein but contain many minus-end-directed kinesin-14s. No plant kinesin-14 is known to produce processive motility as a homodimer. OsKCH2 is a plant-specific kinesin-14 with an N-terminal actin-binding domain and a central motor domain flanked by two predicted coiled-coils (CC1 and CC2). Here, we show that OsKCH2 specifically decorates preprophase band microtubules in vivo and transports actin filaments along microtubules in vitro. Importantly, OsKCH2 exhibits processive minus-end-directed motility on single microtubules as individual homodimers. We find that CC1 but not CC2 forms the coiled-coil for OsKCH2 dimerization. Instead, CC2 functions to enable OsKCH2 processivity by enhancing its binding to microtubules. Collectively, these results show that land plants have evolved unconventional kinesin-14 homodimers with inherent minus-end-directed processivity that may function to compensate for the loss of cytoplasmic dynein.

scholarly journals Evidence for a Role of CLIP-170 in the Establishment of Metaphase Chromosome Alignment

1998 ◽  
Vol 141 (4) ◽  
pp. 849-862 ◽  
Author(s):  
Denis Dujardin ◽  
U. Irene Wacker ◽  
Anne Moreau ◽  
Trina A. Schroer ◽  
Janet E. Rickard ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Metaphase Plate ◽  
Polar Regions ◽  
Static Interaction ◽  
Transport Vesicles ◽  
Vitro Binding ◽  
Chromosome Alignment ◽  
Dynactin Complex

CLIPs (cytoplasmic linker proteins) are a class of proteins believed to mediate the initial, static interaction of organelles with microtubules. CLIP-170, the CLIP best characterized to date, is required for in vitro binding of endocytic transport vesicles to microtubules. We report here that CLIP-170 transiently associates with prometaphase chromosome kinetochores and codistributes with dynein and dynactin at kinetochores, but not polar regions, during mitosis. Like dynein and dynactin, a fraction of the total CLIP-170 pool can be detected on kinetochores of unattached chromosomes but not on those that have become aligned at the metaphase plate. The COOH-terminal domain of CLIP-170, when transiently overexpressed, localizes to kinetochores and causes endogenous full-length CLIP-170 to be lost from the kinetochores, resulting in a delay in prometaphase. Overexpression of the dynactin subunit, dynamitin, strongly reduces the amount of CLIP-170 at kinetochores suggesting that CLIP-170 targeting may involve the dynein/dynactin complex. Thus, CLIP-170 may be a linker for cargo in mitosis as well as interphase. However, dynein and dynactin staining at kinetochores are unaffected by this treatment and further overexpression studies indicate that neither CLIP-170 nor dynein and dynactin are required for the formation of kinetochore fibers. Nevertheless, these results strongly suggest that CLIP-170 contributes in some way to kinetochore function in vivo.

scholarly journals BICD2, dynactin, and LIS1 cooperate in regulating dynein recruitment to cellular structures

2012 ◽  
Vol 23 (21) ◽  
pp. 4226-4241 ◽  
Author(s):  
Daniël Splinter ◽  
David S. Razafsky ◽  
Max A. Schlager ◽  
Andrea Serra-Marques ◽  
Ilya Grigoriev ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Cytoplasmic Dynein ◽  
Cellular Structures ◽  
Live Cells ◽  
Concerted Action ◽  
Membrane Tethering ◽  
Directed Motility ◽  
Cellular Motor ◽  
Dynactin Complex

Cytoplasmic dynein is the major microtubule minus-end–directed cellular motor. Most dynein activities require dynactin, but the mechanisms regulating cargo-dependent dynein–dynactin interaction are poorly understood. In this study, we focus on dynein–dynactin recruitment to cargo by the conserved motor adaptor Bicaudal D2 (BICD2). We show that dynein and dynactin depend on each other for BICD2-mediated targeting to cargo and that BICD2 N-terminus (BICD2-N) strongly promotes stable interaction between dynein and dynactin both in vitro and in vivo. Direct visualization of dynein in live cells indicates that by itself the triple BICD2-N–dynein–dynactin complex is unable to interact with either cargo or microtubules. However, tethering of BICD2-N to different membranes promotes their microtubule minus-end–directed motility. We further show that LIS1 is required for dynein-mediated transport induced by membrane tethering of BICD2-N and that LIS1 contributes to dynein accumulation at microtubule plus ends and BICD2-positive cellular structures. Our results demonstrate that dynein recruitment to cargo requires concerted action of multiple dynein cofactors.

scholarly journals Phasins, Multifaceted Polyhydroxyalkanoate Granule-Associated Proteins

2016 ◽  
Vol 82 (17) ◽  
pp. 5060-5067 ◽  
Author(s):  
Mariela P. Mezzina ◽  
M. Julia Pettinari
Keyword(s):  
Binding Capacity ◽  
Coiled Coil ◽  
Active Role ◽  
Structural Features ◽  
Structural Function ◽  
Associated Proteins ◽  
Α Helix ◽  
Pha Granule

ABSTRACTPhasins are the major polyhydroxyalkanoate (PHA) granule-associated proteins. They promote bacterial growth and PHA synthesis and affect the number, size, and distribution of the granules. These proteins can be classified in 4 families with distinctive characteristics. Low-resolution structural studies andin silicopredictions were performed in order to elucidate the structure of different phasins. Most of these proteins share some common structural features, such as a preponderant α-helix composition, the presence of disordered regions that provide flexibility to the protein, and coiled-coil interacting regions that form oligomerization domains. Due to their amphiphilic nature, these proteins play an important structural function, forming an interphase between the hydrophobic content of PHA granules and the hydrophilic cytoplasm content. Phasins have been observed to affect both PHA accumulation and utilization. Apart from their role as granule structural proteins, phasins have a remarkable variety of additional functions. Different phasins have been determined to (i) activate PHA depolymerization, (ii) increase the expression and activity of PHA synthases, (iii) participate in PHA granule segregation, and (iv) have bothin vivoandin vitrochaperone activities. These properties suggest that phasins might play an active role in PHA-related stress protection and fitness enhancement. Due to their granule binding capacity and structural flexibility, several biotechnological applications have been developed using different phasins, increasing the interest in the study of these remarkable proteins.

scholarly journals Molecular characterization of the 50-kD subunit of dynactin reveals function for the complex in chromosome alignment and spindle organization during mitosis.

1996 ◽  
Vol 132 (4) ◽  
pp. 617-633 ◽  
Author(s):  
C J Echeverri ◽  
B M Paschal ◽  
K T Vaughan ◽  
R B Vallee
Keyword(s):  
Coiled Coil ◽  
Cytoplasmic Dynein ◽  
Living Cells ◽  
Cdna Clones ◽  
Sedimentation Analysis ◽  
Spindle Poles ◽  
Chromosome Alignment ◽  
Dynactin Complex

Dynactin is a multi-subunit complex which has been implicated in cytoplasmic dynein function, though its mechanism of action is unknown. In this study, we have characterized the 50-kD subunit of dynactin, and analyzed the effects of its overexpression on mitosis in living cells. Rat and human cDNA clones revealed p50 to be novel and highly conserved, containing three predicted coiled-coil domains. Immunofluorescence staining of dynactin and cytoplasmic dynein components in cultured vertebrate cells showed that both complexes are recruited to kinetochores during prometaphase, and concentrate near spindle poles thereafter. Overexpression of p50 in COS-7 cells disrupted mitosis, causing cells to accumulate in a prometaphase-like state. Chromosomes were condensed but unaligned, and spindles, while still bipolar, were dramatically distorted. Sedimentation analysis revealed the dynactin complex to be dissociated in the transfected cultures. Furthermore, both dynactin and cytoplasmic dynein staining at prometaphase kinetochores was markedly diminished in cells expressing high levels of p50. These findings represent clear evidence for dynactin and cytoplasmic dynein codistribution within cells, and for the presence of dynactin at kinetochores. The data also provide direct in vivo evidence for a role for vertebrate dynactin in modulating cytoplasmic dynein binding to an organelle, and implicate both dynactin and dynein in chromosome alignment and spindle organization.

Traceable Peptidic Ligands that Target Ghrelin Receptors

2020 ◽  
Vol 21 (10) ◽  
pp. 955-964 ◽  
Author(s):  
Mengjie Liu ◽  
John Wade ◽  
Mohammed Akhter Hossain
Keyword(s):  
In Vivo Imaging ◽  
Peptide Hormone ◽  
Structural Features ◽  
Pharmacological Properties ◽  
Imaging Studies ◽  
Cognate Receptor ◽  
Ghrelin Receptors ◽  
Biochemical Research

: Ghrelin is a 28-amino acid octanoylated peptide hormone that is implicated in many physiological and pathophysiological processes. Specific visualization of ghrelin and its cognate receptor using traceable ligands is crucial in elucidating the localization, functions, and expression pattern of the peptide’s signaling pathway. Here 12 representative radio- and fluorescently-labeled peptide-based ligands are reviewed for in vitro and in vivo imaging studies. In particular, the focus is on their structural features, pharmacological properties, and applications in further biochemical research.

Polyamines and Related Nitrogen Compounds in the Chemotherapy of Neglected Diseases Caused by Kinetoplastids

2018 ◽  
Vol 18 (5) ◽  
pp. 321-368 ◽  
Author(s):  
Juan A. Bisceglia ◽  
Maria C. Mollo ◽  
Nadia Gruber ◽  
Liliana R. Orelli
Keyword(s):  
Drug Targets ◽  
Redox Homeostasis ◽  
Cost Effective ◽  
Structural Features ◽  
Mammalian Host ◽  
Neglected Diseases ◽  
Nitrogen Compounds ◽  
Chemical Structures

Neglected diseases due to the parasitic protozoa Leishmania and Trypanosoma (kinetoplastids) affect millions of people worldwide, and the lack of suitable treatments has promoted an ongoing drug discovery effort to identify novel nontoxic and cost-effective chemotherapies. Polyamines are ubiquitous small organic molecules that play key roles in kinetoplastid parasites metabolism, redox homeostasis and in the normal progression of cell cycles, which differ from those found in the mammalian host. These features make polyamines attractive in terms of antiparasitic drug development. The present work provides a comprehensive insight on the use of polyamine derivatives and related nitrogen compounds in the chemotherapy of kinetoplastid diseases. The amount of literature on this subject is considerable, and a classification considering drug targets and chemical structures were made. Polyamines, aminoalcohols and basic heterocycles designed to target the relevant parasitic enzyme trypanothione reductase are discussed in the first section, followed by compounds directed to less common targets, like parasite SOD and the aminopurine P2 transporter. Finally, the third section comprises nitrogen compounds structurally derived from antimalaric agents. References on the chemical synthesis of the selected compounds are reported together with their in vivo and/or in vitro IC50 values, and structureactivity relationships within each group are analyzed. Some favourable structural features were identified from the SAR analyses comprising protonable sites, hydrophobic groups and optimum distances between them. The importance of certain pharmacophoric groups or amino acid residues in the bioactivity of polyamine derived compounds is also discussed.

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