scholarly journals The negatively charged carboxy-terminal tail of β-tubulin promotes proper chromosome segregation

2016 ◽  
Vol 27 (11) ◽  
pp. 1786-1796 ◽  
Author(s):  
Colby P. Fees ◽  
Jayne Aiken ◽  
Eileen T. O’Toole ◽  
Thomas H. Giddings ◽  
Jeffrey K. Moore
Keyword(s):  
Chromosome Segregation ◽  
Electron Tomography ◽  
Chromosome Loss ◽  
Molecular Features ◽  
Charged Amino Acids ◽  
Spindle Poles ◽  
Underlying Mechanisms ◽  
Carboxy Terminal ◽  
Necessary And Sufficient

Despite the broadly conserved role of microtubules in chromosome segregation, we have a limited understanding of how molecular features of tubulin proteins contribute to the underlying mechanisms. Here we investigate the negatively charged carboxy-terminal tail domains (CTTs) of α- and β-tubulins, using a series of mutants that alter or ablate CTTs in budding yeast. We find that ablating β-CTT causes elevated rates of chromosome loss and cell cycle delay. Complementary live-cell imaging and electron tomography show that β-CTT is necessary to properly position kinetochores and organize microtubules within the assembling spindle. We identify a minimal region of negatively charged amino acids that is necessary and sufficient for proper chromosome segregation and provide evidence that this function may be conserved across species. Our results provide the first in vivo evidence of a specific role for tubulin CTTs in chromosome segregation. We propose that β-CTT promotes the ordered segregation of chromosomes by stabilizing the spindle and contributing to forces that move chromosomes toward the spindle poles.

DBF8, an essential gene required for efficient chromosome segregation in Saccharomyces cerevisiae

1994 ◽  
Vol 14 (9) ◽  
pp. 6350-6360
Author(s):  
F Houman ◽  
C Holm
Keyword(s):  
Saccharomyces Cerevisiae ◽  
Chromosome Segregation ◽  
Mutational Analysis ◽  
Essential Gene ◽  
Chromosome Loss ◽  
Temperature Sensitive ◽  
Restrictive Temperature ◽  
Permissive Temperature ◽  
Nonsense Mutations ◽  
Carboxy Terminal

To investigate chromosome segregation in Saccharomyces cerevisiae, we examined a collection of temperature-sensitive mutants that arrest as large-budded cells at restrictive temperatures (L. H. Johnston and A. P. Thomas, Mol. Gen. Genet. 186:439-444, 1982). We characterized dbf8, a mutation that causes cells to arrest with a 2c DNA content and a short spindle. DBF8 maps to chromosome IX near the centromere, and it encodes a 36-kDa protein that is essential for viability at all temperatures. Mutational analysis reveals that three dbf8 alleles are nonsense mutations affecting the carboxy-terminal third of the encoded protein. Since all of these mutations confer temperature sensitivity, it appears that the carboxyl-terminal third of the protein is essential only at a restrictive temperature. In support of this conclusion, an insertion of URA3 at the same position also confers a temperature-sensitive phenotype. Although they show no evidence of DNA damage, dbf8 mutants exhibit increased rates of chromosome loss and nondisjunction even at a permissive temperature. Taken together, our data suggest that Dbf8p plays an essential role in chromosome segregation.

In vivo analysis of the Saccharomyces cerevisiae centromere CDEIII sequence: requirements for mitotic chromosome segregation

1991 ◽  
Vol 11 (10) ◽  
pp. 5212-5221
Author(s):  
B Jehn ◽  
R Niedenthal ◽  
J H Hegemann
Keyword(s):  
Saccharomyces Cerevisiae ◽  
Chromosome Segregation ◽  
Artificial Chromosome ◽  
Complete Information ◽  
Saturation Mutagenesis ◽  
Chromosome Loss ◽  
Single Mutation ◽  
Yeast Saccharomyces Cerevisiae ◽  
Double Base

In the yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae, the complete information needed in cis to specify a fully functional mitotic and meiotic centromere is contained within 120 bp arranged in the three conserved centromeric (CEN) DNA elements CDEI, -II, and -III. The 25-bp CDEIII is most important for faithful chromosome segregation. We have constructed single- and double-base substitutions in all highly conserved residues and one nonconserved residue of this element and analyzed the mitotic in vivo function of the mutated CEN DNAs, using an artificial chromosome. The effects of the mutations on chromosome segregation vary between wild-type-like activity (chromosome loss rate of 4.8 x 10(-4)) and a complete loss of CEN function. Data obtained by saturation mutagenesis of the palindromic core sequence suggest asymmetric involvement of the palindromic half-sites in mitotic CEN function. The poor CEN activity of certain single mutations could be improved by introducing an additional single mutation. These second-site suppressors can be found at conserved and nonconserved positions in CDEIII. Our suppression data are discussed in the context of natural CDEIII sequence variations found in the CEN sequences of different yeast chromosomes.

scholarly journals Plants-Derived Neuroprotective Agents: Cutting the Cycle of Cell Death through Multiple Mechanisms

2017 ◽  
Vol 2017 ◽  
pp. 1-27 ◽  
Author(s):  
Taiwo Olayemi Elufioye ◽  
Tomayo Ireti Berida ◽  
Solomon Habtemariam
Keyword(s):  
Mechanisms Of Action ◽  
Neuroprotective Agents ◽  
Structural Class ◽  
Molecular Features ◽  
Amyotropic Lateral Sclerosis ◽  
Underlying Mechanisms ◽  
And Function ◽  
Lateral Sclerosis

Neuroprotection is the preservation of the structure and function of neurons from insults arising from cellular injuries induced by a variety of agents or neurodegenerative diseases (NDs). The various NDs including Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s, and Huntington’s diseases as well as amyotropic lateral sclerosis affect millions of people around the world with the main risk factor being advancing age. Each of these diseases affects specific neurons and/or regions in the brain and involves characteristic pathological and molecular features. Hence, several in vitro and in vivo study models specific to each disease have been employed to study NDs with the aim of understanding their underlying mechanisms and identifying new therapeutic strategies. Of the most prevalent drug development efforts employed in the past few decades, mechanisms implicated in the accumulation of protein-based deposits, oxidative stress, neuroinflammation, and certain neurotransmitter deficits such as acetylcholine and dopamine have been scrutinized in great detail. In this review, we presented classical examples of plant-derived neuroprotective agents by highlighting their structural class and specific mechanisms of action. Many of these natural products that have shown therapeutic efficacies appear to be working through the above-mentioned key multiple mechanisms of action.

scholarly journals CenH3-independent kinetochore assembly in Lepidoptera requires CENP-T

2019 ◽  
Author(s):  
N Cortes-Silva ◽  
J Ulmer ◽  
T Kiuchi ◽  
E Hsieh ◽  
G Cornilleau ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Chromosome Segregation ◽  
Gene Editing ◽  
Mitotic Progression ◽  
Critical Function ◽  
Kinetochore Assembly ◽  
Histone H3 Variant ◽  
Essential Function ◽  
Necessary And Sufficient ◽  
Assembly Pathways

AbstractAccurate chromosome segregation requires assembly of the multiprotein kinetochore complex at centromeres. In most eukaryotes, kinetochore assembly is primed by the histone H3 variant CenH3, which physically interacts with components of the inner kinetochore constitutive-centromere-associated-network (CCAN). Unexpected to its critical function, previous work identified that select eukaryotic lineages, including several insects, have lost CenH3, while having retained homologs of the CCAN. These findings imply alternative CCAN assembly pathways in these organisms that function in CenH3-independent manners. Here, we study the composition and assembly of CenH3-deficient kinetochores of Lepidoptera (butterflies and moths). We show that lepidopteran kinetochores consist of previously identified CCAN homologs as well as additional components including a divergent CENP-T homolog, which are required for accurate mitotic progression. Our study focuses on CENP-T that we find both necessary and sufficient to recruit the Mis12 outer kinetochore complex. In addition, CRISPR-mediated gene editing in Bombyx mori establishes an essential function of CENP-T in vivo. Finally, the retention of CENP-T homologs in other independently-derived CenH3-deficient insects indicates a conserved mechanism of kinetochore assembly between these lineages. Our study provides the first functional insights into CCAN-based kinetochore assembly pathways that function independently of CenH3, thus contributing to the emerging picture of an unexpected plasticity to build a kinetochore.

scholarly journals In vivo analysis of the Saccharomyces cerevisiae centromere CDEIII sequence: requirements for mitotic chromosome segregation.

1991 ◽  
Vol 11 (10) ◽  
pp. 5212-5221 ◽  
Author(s):  
B Jehn ◽  
R Niedenthal ◽  
J H Hegemann
Keyword(s):  
Saccharomyces Cerevisiae ◽  
Chromosome Segregation ◽  
Artificial Chromosome ◽  
Complete Information ◽  
Saturation Mutagenesis ◽  
Chromosome Loss ◽  
Single Mutation ◽  
Yeast Saccharomyces Cerevisiae ◽  
Double Base

In the yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae, the complete information needed in cis to specify a fully functional mitotic and meiotic centromere is contained within 120 bp arranged in the three conserved centromeric (CEN) DNA elements CDEI, -II, and -III. The 25-bp CDEIII is most important for faithful chromosome segregation. We have constructed single- and double-base substitutions in all highly conserved residues and one nonconserved residue of this element and analyzed the mitotic in vivo function of the mutated CEN DNAs, using an artificial chromosome. The effects of the mutations on chromosome segregation vary between wild-type-like activity (chromosome loss rate of 4.8 x 10(-4)) and a complete loss of CEN function. Data obtained by saturation mutagenesis of the palindromic core sequence suggest asymmetric involvement of the palindromic half-sites in mitotic CEN function. The poor CEN activity of certain single mutations could be improved by introducing an additional single mutation. These second-site suppressors can be found at conserved and nonconserved positions in CDEIII. Our suppression data are discussed in the context of natural CDEIII sequence variations found in the CEN sequences of different yeast chromosomes.

scholarly journals Tension on kinetochore substrates is insufficient to prevent Aurora-triggered detachment

2018 ◽  
Author(s):  
Anna K. de Regt ◽  
Charles L. Asbury ◽  
Sue Biggins
Keyword(s):  
Chromosome Segregation ◽  
Direct Evidence ◽  
Underlying Mechanism ◽  
Aurora B ◽  
Trial And Error ◽  
Spindle Poles ◽  
Pulling Forces ◽  
Low Tension

Introduction / AbstractChromosome segregation requires large macromolecular structures called kinetochores to attach dynamic microtubules from opposite spindle poles1,2. Attachments are made iteratively, through a trial-and-error process, and proper attachments come under tension from the pulling forces of microtubules3,4. However, if sister kinetochores bind microtubules from the same pole1,2, these defective attachments lack tension and must be destabilized to give another chance for proper attachments to form. This vital error correction process requires Aurora B kinase, which phosphorylates kinetochores lacking tension to reduce their affinity for microtubules5-11. An unresolved question is how Aurora B distinguishes the level of tension on kinetochores. There are conflicting reports on the underlying mechanism12-16, owing in part to the difficulties of manipulating kinetochore tension in vivo and distinguishing kinase from opposing phosphatase activity. To address these issues, we have reconstituted Aurora B-triggered kinetochore detachment in an in vitro optical trapping-based flow assay. Here, we test an outstanding model by determining whether kinetochore tension is sufficient to prevent kinase-triggered detachments. Strikingly, Aurora B detaches kinetochores from microtubules under both high and low tension, providing direct evidence that the kinase does not distinguish correct versus incorrect attachments by recognizing tension-dependent changes in the conformation of its kinetochore substrates.

scholarly journals Measuring Nanometer Scale Gradients in Spindle Microtubule Dynamics Using Model Convolution Microscopy

2006 ◽  
Vol 17 (9) ◽  
pp. 4069-4079 ◽  
Author(s):  
Chad G. Pearson ◽  
Melissa K. Gardner ◽  
Leocadia V. Paliulis ◽  
E. D. Salmon ◽  
David J. Odde ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Chromosome Segregation ◽  
Mitotic Spindle ◽  
Microtubule Dynamics ◽  
Nanometer Scale ◽  
Spatial Gradient ◽  
Chromosome Loss ◽  
Resolution Limit ◽  
Spindle Poles ◽  
Mutant Cells ◽  
Β Tubulin

A computational model for the budding yeast mitotic spindle predicts a spatial gradient in tubulin turnover that is produced by kinetochore-attached microtubule (kMT) plus-end polymerization and depolymerization dynamics. However, kMTs in yeast are often much shorter than the resolution limit of the light microscope, making visualization of this gradient difficult. To overcome this limitation, we combined digital imaging of fluorescence redistribution after photobleaching (FRAP) with model convolution methods to compare computer simulations at nanometer scale resolution to microscopic data. We measured a gradient in microtubule dynamics in yeast spindles at ∼65-nm spatial intervals. Tubulin turnover is greatest near kinetochores and lowest near the spindle poles. A β-tubulin mutant with decreased plus-end dynamics preserves the spatial gradient in tubulin turnover at a slower time scale, increases average kinetochore microtubule length ∼14%, and decreases tension at kinetochores. The β-tubulin mutant cells have an increased frequency of chromosome loss, suggesting that the accuracy of chromosome segregation is linked to robust kMT plus-end dynamics.

scholarly journals DBF8, an essential gene required for efficient chromosome segregation in Saccharomyces cerevisiae.

1994 ◽  
Vol 14 (9) ◽  
pp. 6350-6360 ◽  
Author(s):  
F Houman ◽  
C Holm
Keyword(s):  
Saccharomyces Cerevisiae ◽  
Chromosome Segregation ◽  
Mutational Analysis ◽  
Essential Gene ◽  
Chromosome Loss ◽  
Temperature Sensitive ◽  
Restrictive Temperature ◽  
Permissive Temperature ◽  
Nonsense Mutations ◽  
Carboxy Terminal

To investigate chromosome segregation in Saccharomyces cerevisiae, we examined a collection of temperature-sensitive mutants that arrest as large-budded cells at restrictive temperatures (L. H. Johnston and A. P. Thomas, Mol. Gen. Genet. 186:439-444, 1982). We characterized dbf8, a mutation that causes cells to arrest with a 2c DNA content and a short spindle. DBF8 maps to chromosome IX near the centromere, and it encodes a 36-kDa protein that is essential for viability at all temperatures. Mutational analysis reveals that three dbf8 alleles are nonsense mutations affecting the carboxy-terminal third of the encoded protein. Since all of these mutations confer temperature sensitivity, it appears that the carboxyl-terminal third of the protein is essential only at a restrictive temperature. In support of this conclusion, an insertion of URA3 at the same position also confers a temperature-sensitive phenotype. Although they show no evidence of DNA damage, dbf8 mutants exhibit increased rates of chromosome loss and nondisjunction even at a permissive temperature. Taken together, our data suggest that Dbf8p plays an essential role in chromosome segregation.

scholarly journals Genome-wide haploinsufficiency screen reveals a novel role for γ-TuSC in spindle organization and genome stability

2013 ◽  
Vol 24 (17) ◽  
pp. 2753-2763 ◽  
Author(s):  
John S. Choy ◽  
Eileen O'Toole ◽  
Breanna M. Schuster ◽  
Matthew J. Crisp ◽  
Tatiana S. Karpova ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Chromosome Segregation ◽  
Genome Stability ◽  
Genome Instability ◽  
Electron Tomography ◽  
Gene Dosage ◽  
Microtubule Assembly ◽  
Chromosome Loss ◽  
Genome Wide ◽  
A Genome ◽  
And Function

How subunit dosage contributes to the assembly and function of multimeric complexes is an important question with implications in understanding biochemical, evolutionary, and disease mechanisms. Toward identifying pathways that are susceptible to decreased gene dosage, we performed a genome-wide screen for haploinsufficient (HI) genes that guard against genome instability in Saccharomyces cerevisiae. This led to the identification of all three genes (SPC97, SPC98, and TUB4) encoding the evolutionarily conserved γ-tubulin small complex (γ-TuSC), which nucleates microtubule assembly. We found that hemizygous γ-TuSC mutants exhibit higher rates of chromosome loss and increases in anaphase spindle length and elongation velocities. Fluorescence microscopy, fluorescence recovery after photobleaching, electron tomography, and model convolution simulation of spc98/+ mutants revealed improper regulation of interpolar (iMT) and kinetochore (kMT) microtubules in anaphase. The underlying cause is likely due to reduced levels of Tub4, as overexpression of TUB4 suppressed the spindle and chromosome segregation defects in spc98/+ mutants. We propose that γ-TuSC is crucial for balanced assembly between iMTs and kMTs for spindle organization and accurate chromosome segregation. Taken together, the results show how gene dosage studies provide critical insights into the assembly and function of multisubunit complexes that may not be revealed by using traditional studies with haploid gene deletion or conditional alleles.

Meiotic CENP-C is a shepherd: bridging the space between the centromere and the kinetochore in time and space

2020 ◽  
Vol 64 (2) ◽  
pp. 251-261
Author(s):  
Jessica E. Fellmeth ◽  
Kim S. McKim
Keyword(s):  
Chromosome Segregation ◽  
New Technologies ◽  
Early Prophase ◽  
Unique Role ◽  
Kinetochore Assembly ◽  
M Phase ◽  
In Vivo Analysis ◽  
Meiosis I

Abstract While many of the proteins involved in the mitotic centromere and kinetochore are conserved in meiosis, they often gain a novel function due to the unique needs of homolog segregation during meiosis I (MI). CENP-C is a critical component of the centromere for kinetochore assembly in mitosis. Recent work, however, has highlighted the unique features of meiotic CENP-C. Centromere establishment and stability require CENP-C loading at the centromere for CENP-A function. Pre-meiotic loading of proteins necessary for homolog recombination as well as cohesion also rely on CENP-C, as do the main scaffolding components of the kinetochore. Much of this work relies on new technologies that enable in vivo analysis of meiosis like never before. Here, we strive to highlight the unique role of this highly conserved centromere protein that loads on to centromeres prior to M-phase onset, but continues to perform critical functions through chromosome segregation. CENP-C is not merely a structural link between the centromere and the kinetochore, but also a functional one joining the processes of early prophase homolog synapsis to late metaphase kinetochore assembly and signaling.

Sign in / Sign up

Export Citation Format

Share Document