Genetic Analysis of the Drosophila αPS2 Integrin Subunit Reveals Discrete Adhesive, Morphogenetic and Sarcomeric Functions

Genetics ◽  
1998 ◽  
Vol 148 (3) ◽  
pp. 1127-1142 ◽  
Author(s):  
James W Bloor ◽  
Nicholas H Brown
Keyword(s):  
Genetic Analysis ◽  
Good Evidence ◽  
Integrin Subunit ◽  
Surface Receptors ◽  
Intracellular Signals ◽  
Cell Substrate ◽  
Interallelic Complementation ◽  
Cell To Cell Adhesion ◽  
Integrin Family

AbstractThe integrin family of cell surface receptors mediates cell-substrate and cell-to-cell adhesion and transmits intracellular signals. In Drosophila there is good evidence for an adhesive role of integrins, but evidence for integrin signalling has remained elusive. Each integrin is an αβ heterodimer, and the Drosophila βPS subunit forms at least two integrins by association with different α subunits: αPS1βPS (PS1) and αPS2βPS (PS2). The complex pattern of PS2 integrin expression includes, but is more extensive than, the sites where PS2 has a known requirement. In order to investigate whether PS2 integrin is required at these additional sites and/or has functions besides mediating adhesion, a comprehensive genetic analysis of inflated, the gene that encodes αPS2, was performed. We isolated 35 new inflated alleles, and obtained 10 alleles from our colleagues. The majority of alleles are amorphs (36/45) or hypomorphs (4/45), but five alleles that affect specific developmental processes were identified. Interallelic complementation between these alleles suggests that some may affect distinct functional domains of the αPS2 protein, which specify particular interactions that promote adhesion or signalling. One new allele reveals that the PS2 integrin is required for the development of the adult halteres and legs as well as the wing.

scholarly journals Cellular and molecular actors of myeloid cell fusion: podosomes and tunneling nanotubes call the tune

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ophélie Dufrançais ◽  
Rémi Mascarau ◽  
Renaud Poincloux ◽  
Isabelle Maridonneau-Parini ◽  
Brigitte Raynaud-Messina ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Cell Fusion ◽  
Myeloid Cell ◽  
Giant Cells ◽  
Current Status ◽  
Bone Homeostasis ◽  
Cellular Mechanisms ◽  
Tunneling Nanotubes ◽  
Surface Receptors ◽  
Cell To Cell Adhesion

AbstractDifferent types of multinucleated giant cells (MGCs) of myeloid origin have been described; osteoclasts are the most extensively studied because of their importance in bone homeostasis. MGCs are formed by cell-to-cell fusion, and most types have been observed in pathological conditions, especially in infectious and non-infectious chronic inflammatory contexts. The precise role of the different MGCs and the mechanisms that govern their formation remain poorly understood, likely due to their heterogeneity. First, we will introduce the main populations of MGCs derived from the monocyte/macrophage lineage. We will then discuss the known molecular actors mediating the early stages of fusion, focusing on cell-surface receptors involved in the cell-to-cell adhesion steps that ultimately lead to multinucleation. Given that cell-to-cell fusion is a complex and well-coordinated process, we will also describe what is currently known about the evolution of F-actin-based structures involved in macrophage fusion, i.e., podosomes, zipper-like structures, and tunneling nanotubes (TNT). Finally, the localization and potential role of the key fusion mediators related to the formation of these F-actin structures will be discussed. This review intends to present the current status of knowledge of the molecular and cellular mechanisms supporting multinucleation of myeloid cells, highlighting the gaps still existing, and contributing to the proposition of potential disease-specific MGC markers and/or therapeutic targets.

Extracellular matrix: the gatekeeper of tumor angiogenesis

2019 ◽  
Vol 47 (5) ◽  
pp. 1543-1555 ◽  
Author(s):  
Maurizio Mongiat ◽  
Simone Buraschi ◽  
Eva Andreuzzi ◽  
Thomas Neill ◽  
Renato V. Iozzo
Keyword(s):  
Extracellular Matrix ◽  
Tumor Angiogenesis ◽  
Signaling Cascades ◽  
Cancer Growth ◽  
Cell Behavior ◽  
Metastatic Progression ◽  
Surface Receptors ◽  
The Matrix ◽  
Multiple Signaling

Abstract The extracellular matrix is a network of secreted macromolecules that provides a harmonious meshwork for the growth and homeostatic development of organisms. It conveys multiple signaling cascades affecting specific surface receptors that impact cell behavior. During cancer growth, this bioactive meshwork is remodeled and enriched in newly formed blood vessels, which provide nutrients and oxygen to the growing tumor cells. Remodeling of the tumor microenvironment leads to the formation of bioactive fragments that may have a distinct function from their parent molecules, and the balance among these factors directly influence cell viability and metastatic progression. Indeed, the matrix acts as a gatekeeper by regulating the access of cancer cells to nutrients. Here, we will critically evaluate the role of selected matrix constituents in regulating tumor angiogenesis and provide up-to-date information concerning their primary mechanisms of action.

scholarly journals Ca2+ Microdomains, Calcineurin and the Regulation of Gene Transcription

Cells ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 10 (4) ◽  
pp. 875
Author(s):  
Gerald Thiel ◽  
Tobias Schmidt ◽  
Oliver G. Rössler
Keyword(s):  
Transcription Factors ◽  
Protein Kinase ◽  
Protein Kinases ◽  
Gene Transcription ◽  
Intracellular Signaling ◽  
Second Messengers ◽  
Major Function ◽  
Surface Receptors ◽  
Dependent Protein

Ca2+ ions function as second messengers regulating many intracellular events, including neurotransmitter release, exocytosis, muscle contraction, metabolism and gene transcription. Cells of a multicellular organism express a variety of cell-surface receptors and channels that trigger an increase of the intracellular Ca2+ concentration upon stimulation. The elevated Ca2+ concentration is not uniformly distributed within the cytoplasm but is organized in subcellular microdomains with high and low concentrations of Ca2+ at different locations in the cell. Ca2+ ions are stored and released by intracellular organelles that change the concentration and distribution of Ca2+ ions. A major function of the rise in intracellular Ca2+ is the change of the genetic expression pattern of the cell via the activation of Ca2+-responsive transcription factors. It has been proposed that Ca2+-responsive transcription factors are differently affected by a rise in cytoplasmic versus nuclear Ca2+. Moreover, it has been suggested that the mode of entry determines whether an influx of Ca2+ leads to the stimulation of gene transcription. A rise in cytoplasmic Ca2+ induces an intracellular signaling cascade, involving the activation of the Ca2+/calmodulin-dependent protein phosphatase calcineurin and various protein kinases (protein kinase C, extracellular signal-regulated protein kinase, Ca2+/calmodulin-dependent protein kinases). In this review article, we discuss the concept of gene regulation via elevated Ca2+ concentration in the cytoplasm and the nucleus, the role of Ca2+ entry and the role of enzymes as signal transducers. We give particular emphasis to the regulation of gene transcription by calcineurin, linking protein dephosphorylation with Ca2+ signaling and gene expression.

scholarly journals Steroid Sulphatase and Its Inhibitors: Past, Present and Future

Molecules ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 26 (10) ◽  
pp. 2852
Author(s):  
Paul A. Foster
Keyword(s):  
Good Evidence ◽  
The Past ◽  
Steroid Sulphatase ◽  
University Of Oxford ◽  
Therapeutic Value ◽  
Breast And Prostate Cancer ◽  
The University ◽  
Further Development ◽  
Hydrolysis Of

Steroid sulphatase (STS), involved in the hydrolysis of steroid sulphates, plays an important role in the formation of both active oestrogens and androgens. Since these steroids significantly impact the proliferation of both oestrogen- and androgen-dependent cancers, many research groups over the past 30 years have designed and developed STS inhibitors. One of the main contributors to this field has been Prof. Barry Potter, previously at the University of Bath and now at the University of Oxford. Upon Prof. Potter’s imminent retirement, this review takes a look back at the work on STS inhibitors and their contribution to our understanding of sulphate biology and as potential therapeutic agents in hormone-dependent disease. A number of potent STS inhibitors have now been developed, one of which, Irosustat (STX64, 667Coumate, BN83495), remains the only one to have completed phase I/II clinical trials against numerous indications (breast, prostate, endometrial). These studies have provided new insights into the origins of androgens and oestrogens in women and men. In addition to the therapeutic role of STS inhibition in breast and prostate cancer, there is now good evidence to suggest they may also provide benefits in patients with colorectal and ovarian cancer, and in treating endometriosis. To explore the potential of STS inhibitors further, a number of second- and third-generation inhibitors have been developed, together with single molecules that possess aromatase–STS inhibitory properties. The further development of potent STS inhibitors will allow their potential therapeutic value to be explored in a variety of hormone-dependent cancers and possibly other non-oncological conditions.

scholarly journals Peroxiredoxins as Potential Targets for Cardiovascular Disease

Antioxidants ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 10 (8) ◽  
pp. 1244
Author(s):  
Se-Jin Jeong ◽  
Jong-Gil Park ◽  
Goo Taeg Oh
Keyword(s):  
Cardiovascular Disease ◽  
Intracellular Signaling ◽  
Toxic Substance ◽  
Regulatory Proteins ◽  
The Past ◽  
Glutathione Peroxidases ◽  
Intracellular Signals ◽  
Common Etiology ◽  
Cardiovascular Cells

Increased oxidative stress (OS) is considered a common etiology in the pathogenesis of cardiovascular disease (CVD). Therefore, the precise regulation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) in cardiovascular cells is essential to maintain normal physiological functions. Numerous regulators of cellular homeostasis are reportedly influenced by ROS. Hydrogen peroxide (H2O2), as an endogenous ROS in aerobic cells, is a toxic substance that can induce OS. However, many studies conducted over the past two decades have provided substantial evidence that H2O2 acts as a diffusible intracellular signaling messenger. Antioxidant enzymes, including superoxide dismutases, catalase, glutathione peroxidases, and peroxiredoxins (Prdxs), maintain the balance of ROS levels against augmentation of ROS production during the pathogenesis of CVD. Especially, Prdxs are regulatory sensors of transduced intracellular signals. The intracellular abundance of Prdxs that specifically react with H2O2 act as regulatory proteins. In this review, we focus on the role of Prdxs in the regulation of ROS-induced pathological changes in the development of CVD.

scholarly journals The (Patho)Biology of SRC Kinase in Platelets and Megakaryocytes

Medicina ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 56 (12) ◽  
pp. 633
Author(s):  
Lore De Kock ◽  
Kathleen Freson
Keyword(s):  
Platelet Activation ◽  
Knockout Mice ◽  
Missense Variant ◽  
Surface Receptors ◽  
Src Signaling ◽  
Normal Platelet ◽  
Fibrinogen Binding ◽  
Cellular Environment ◽  
Proplatelet Formation

Proto-oncogene tyrosine-protein kinase SRC (SRC), as other members of the SRC family kinases (SFK), plays an important role in regulating signal transduction by different cell surface receptors after changes in the cellular environment. Here, we reviewed the role of SRC in platelets and megakaryocytes (MK). In platelets, inactive closed SRC is coupled to the β subunit of integrin αIIbβ3 while upon fibrinogen binding during platelet activation, αIIbβ3-mediated outside-in signaling is initiated by activation of SRC. Active open SRC now further stimulates many downstream effectors via tyrosine phosphorylation of enzymes, adaptors, and especially cytoskeletal components. Functional platelet studies using SRC knockout mice or broad spectrum SFK inhibitors pointed out that SRC mediates their spreading on fibrinogen. On the other hand, an activating pathological SRC missense variant E527K in humans that causes bleeding inhibits collagen-induced platelet activation while stimulating platelet spreading. The role of SRC in megakaryopoiesis is much less studied. SRC knockout mice have a normal platelet count though studies with SFK inhibitors point out that SRC could interfere with MK polyploidization and proplatelet formation but these inhibitors are not specific. Patients with the SRC E527K variant have thrombocytopenia due to hyperactive SRC that inhibits proplatelet formation after increased spreading of MK on fibrinogen and enhanced formation of podosomes. Studies in humans have contributed significantly to our understanding of SRC signaling in platelets and MK.

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