scholarly journals A molecular mechanism for LINC complex branching by structurally diverse SUN-KASH 6:6 assemblies

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Manickam Gurusaran ◽  
Owen R. Davies
Keyword(s):  
Nuclear Envelope ◽  
Molecular Mechanism ◽  
Meiotic Chromosome ◽  
Current Model ◽  
Force Distribution ◽  
The Sun ◽  
Linc Complex ◽  
Cellular Functions ◽  
Zinc Coordination ◽  
Chromosome Movements

SummaryThe LINC complex mechanically couples cytoskeletal and nuclear components across the nuclear envelope to fulfil a myriad of cellular functions, including nuclear shape and positioning, hearing and meiotic chromosome movements. The canonical model of the LINC complex is of individual linear nucleocytoskeletal linkages provided by 3:3 interactions between SUN and KASH proteins. Here, we provide crystallographic and biophysical evidence that SUN-KASH is a constitutive 6:6 complex in which two SUN trimers interact back-to-back. A common SUN-KASH topology is achieved through structurally diverse 6:6 interaction mechanisms by distinct KASH proteins, including zinc-coordination by Nesprin-4. The SUN-KASH 6:6 complex is incompatible with the current model of a linear LINC complex and instead suggests the formation of a branched LINC complex network. In this model, SUN-KASH 6:6 complexes act as nodes for force distribution and integration between adjacent SUN and KASH molecules, enabling the coordinated transduction of large forces across the nuclear envelope.

scholarly journals A molecular mechanism for LINC complex branching by structurally diverse SUN-KASH 6:6 assemblies

eLife ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 10 ◽  
Author(s):  
Manickam Gurusaran ◽  
Owen Richard Davies
Keyword(s):  
Nuclear Envelope ◽  
Molecular Mechanism ◽  
Complex Network ◽  
Meiotic Chromosome ◽  
Force Distribution ◽  
The Sun ◽  
Linc Complex ◽  
Cellular Functions ◽  
Zinc Coordination ◽  
Chromosome Movements

The Linker of Nucleoskeleton and Cytoskeleton (LINC) complex mechanically couples cytoskeletal and nuclear components across the nuclear envelope to fulfil a myriad of cellular functions, including nuclear shape and positioning, hearing, and meiotic chromosome movements. The canonical model is that 3:3 interactions between SUN and KASH proteins underlie the nucleocytoskeletal linkages provided by the LINC complex. Here, we provide crystallographic and biophysical evidence that SUN-KASH is a constitutive 6:6 complex in which two constituent 3:3 complexes interact head-to-head. A common SUN-KASH topology is achieved through structurally diverse 6:6 interaction mechanisms by distinct KASH proteins, including zinc-coordination by Nesprin-4. The SUN-KASH 6:6 interface provides a molecular mechanism for the establishment of integrative and distributive connections between 3:3 structures within a branched LINC complex network. In this model, SUN-KASH 6:6 complexes act as nodes for force distribution and integration between adjacent SUN and KASH molecules, enabling the coordinated transduction of large forces across the nuclear envelope.

scholarly journals SWR1-independent association of H2A.Z to the LINC complex promotes meiotic chromosome motion

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Sara González-Arranz ◽  
Jennifer M. Gardner ◽  
Zulin Yu ◽  
Neem J. Patel ◽  
Jonna Heldrich ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Nuclear Envelope ◽  
Meiotic Prophase ◽  
Meiotic Chromosome ◽  
Nuclear Periphery ◽  
The Sun ◽  
Chromosome Movement ◽  
Linc Complex ◽  
Associated Factor ◽  
Independent Association ◽  
Chromosome Motion

ABSTRACTThe H2A.Z histone variant is deposited into chromatin by the SWR1 complex affecting multiple aspects of meiosis. Here we describe a SWR1-independent localization of H2A.Z at meiotic telomeres and the centrosome. We demonstrate that H2A.Z colocalizes and interacts with Mps3, the SUN component of the LINC complex that spans the nuclear envelope and links meiotic telomeres to the cytoskeleton promoting meiotic chromosome movement. H2A.Z also interacts with the meiosis-specific Ndj1 protein that anchors telomeres to the nuclear periphery via Mps3. Telomeric localization of H2A.Z depends on Ndj1 and the N-terminal domain of Mps3. Although telomeric attachment to the nuclear envelope is maintained in the absence of H2A.Z, the distribution of Mps3 is altered. The velocity of chromosome movement during meiotic prophase I is reduced in the htz1Δ mutant lacking H2A.Z, but it is unaffected in swr1Δ cells. We reveal that H2A.Z is an additional LINC-associated factor that contributes to promote telomere-driven chromosome motion critical for error-free gametogenesis.

scholarly journals Signal Transduction across the Nuclear Envelope: Role of the LINC Complex in Bidirectional Signaling

Cells ◽  
2019 ◽  
Vol 8 (2) ◽  
pp. 124 ◽  
Author(s):  
Miki Hieda
Keyword(s):  
Signal Transduction ◽  
Plasma Membrane ◽  
Nuclear Envelope ◽  
Cell Cycle Progression ◽  
Structural Integrity ◽  
Short Review ◽  
Linc Complex ◽  
Cellular Functions ◽  
Bidirectional Signaling ◽  
Extracellular Signal

The primary functions of the nuclear envelope are to isolate the nucleoplasm and its contents from the cytoplasm as well as maintain the spatial and structural integrity of the nucleus. The nuclear envelope also plays a role in the transfer of various molecules and signals to and from the nucleus. To reach the nucleus, an extracellular signal must be transmitted across three biological membranes: the plasma membrane, as well as the inner and outer nuclear membranes. While signal transduction across the plasma membrane is well characterized, signal transduction across the nuclear envelope, which is essential for cellular functions such as transcriptional regulation and cell cycle progression, remains poorly understood. As a physical entity, the nuclear envelope, which contains more than 100 proteins, functions as a binding scaffold for both the cytoskeleton and the nucleoskeleton, and acts in mechanotransduction by relaying extracellular signals to the nucleus. Recent results show that the Linker of Nucleoskeleton and Cytoskeleton (LINC) complex, which is a conserved molecular bridge that spans the nuclear envelope and connects the nucleoskeleton and cytoskeleton, is also capable of transmitting information bidirectionally between the nucleus and the cytoplasm. This short review discusses bidirectional signal transduction across the nuclear envelope, with a particular focus on mechanotransduction.

scholarly journals Role of KASH domain lengths in the regulation of LINC complexes

2019 ◽  
Vol 30 (16) ◽  
pp. 2076-2086 ◽  
Author(s):  
Zeinab Jahed ◽  
Hongyan Hao ◽  
Vyom Thakkar ◽  
Uyen T. Vu ◽  
Venecia A. Valdez ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
The Sun ◽  
Linc Complex ◽  
Cellular Functions ◽  
C Elegans ◽  
Physical Forces ◽  
Domain Protein ◽  
Dynamics Simulations ◽  
Sun Domain

The linker of the nucleoskeleton and cytoskeleton (LINC) complex is formed by the conserved interactions between Sad-1 and UNC-84 (SUN) and Klarsicht, ANC-1, SYNE homology (KASH) domain proteins, providing a physical coupling between the nucleoskeleton and cytoskeleton that mediates the transfer of physical forces across the nuclear envelope. The LINC complex can perform distinct cellular functions by pairing various KASH domain proteins with the same SUN domain protein. For example, in Caenorhabditis elegans, SUN protein UNC-84 binds to two KASH proteins UNC-83 and ANC-1 to mediate nuclear migration and anchorage, respectively. In addition to distinct cytoplasmic domains, the luminal KASH domain also varies among KASH domain proteins of distinct functions. In this study, we combined in vivo C. elegans genetics and in silico molecular dynamics simulations to understand the relation between the length and amino acid composition of the luminal KASH domain, and the function of the SUN–KASH complex. We show that longer KASH domains can withstand and transfer higher forces and interact with the membrane through a conserved membrane proximal EEDY domain that is unique to longer KASH domains. In agreement with our models, our in vivo results show that swapping the KASH domains of ANC-1 and UNC-83, or shortening the KASH domain of ANC-1, both result in a nuclear anchorage defect in C. elegans.

scholarly journals Accessorizing and anchoring the LINC complex for multifunctionality

2015 ◽  
Vol 208 (1) ◽  
pp. 11-22 ◽  
Author(s):  
Wakam Chang ◽  
Howard J. Worman ◽  
Gregg G. Gundersen
Keyword(s):  
Nuclear Membrane ◽  
Meiotic Chromosome ◽  
Linc Complex ◽  
Factors Associated ◽  
Ordered Arrays ◽  
Anchoring Proteins ◽  
Core Components ◽  
Chromosome Movements ◽  
Shed Light

The linker of nucleoskeleton and cytoskeleton (LINC) complex, composed of outer and inner nuclear membrane Klarsicht, ANC-1, and Syne homology (KASH) and Sad1 and UNC-84 (SUN) proteins, respectively, connects the nucleus to cytoskeletal filaments and performs diverse functions including nuclear positioning, mechanotransduction, and meiotic chromosome movements. Recent studies have shed light on the source of this diversity by identifying factors associated with the complex that endow specific functions as well as those that differentially anchor the complex within the nucleus. Additional diversity may be provided by accessory factors that reorganize the complex into higher-ordered arrays. As core components of the LINC complex are associated with several diseases, understanding the role of accessory and anchoring proteins could provide insights into pathogenic mechanisms.

scholarly journals The Caenorhabditis elegans SUN protein UNC-84 interacts with lamin to transfer forces from the cytoplasm to the nucleoskeleton during nuclear migration

2014 ◽  
Vol 25 (18) ◽  
pp. 2853-2865 ◽  
Author(s):  
Courtney R. Bone ◽  
Erin C. Tapley ◽  
Mátyás Gorjánácz ◽  
Daniel A. Starr
Keyword(s):  
Caenorhabditis Elegans ◽  
Nuclear Envelope ◽  
Missense Mutation ◽  
Nuclear Membrane ◽  
Nuclear Migration ◽  
Live Imaging ◽  
Mechanical Forces ◽  
The Sun ◽  
Critical Component ◽  
Linc Complex

Nuclear migration is a critical component of many cellular and developmental processes. The nuclear envelope forms a barrier between the cytoplasm, where mechanical forces are generated, and the nucleoskeleton. The LINC complex consists of KASH proteins in the outer nuclear membrane and SUN proteins in the inner nuclear membrane that bridge the nuclear envelope. How forces are transferred from the LINC complex to the nucleoskeleton is poorly understood. The Caenorhabditis elegans lamin, LMN-1, is required for nuclear migration and interacts with the nucleoplasmic domain of the SUN protein UNC-84. This interaction is weakened by the unc-84(P91S) missense mutation. These mutant nuclei have an intermediate nuclear migration defect—live imaging of nuclei or LMN-1::GFP shows that many nuclei migrate normally, others initiate migration before subsequently failing, and others fail to begin migration. At least one other component of the nucleoskeleton, the NET5/Samp1/Ima1 homologue SAMP-1, plays a role in nuclear migration. We propose a nut-and-bolt model to explain how forces are dissipated across the nuclear envelope during nuclear migration. In this model, SUN/KASH bridges serve as bolts through the nuclear envelope, and nucleoskeleton components LMN-1 and SAMP-1 act as both nuts and washers on the inside of the nucleus.

scholarly journals Phosphorylation of luminal region of the SUN-domain protein Mps3 promotes nuclear envelope localization during meiosis

eLife ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 10 ◽  
Author(s):  
Hanumanthu BD Prasada Rao ◽  
Takeshi Sato ◽  
Kiran Challa ◽  
Yurika Fujita ◽  
Miki Shinohara ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Protein Kinase ◽  
Nuclear Envelope ◽  
Meiotic Chromosome ◽  
Linc Complex ◽  
Dependent Protein ◽  
Domain Protein ◽  
Protein Ensembles ◽  
Chromosome Motion ◽  
Sun Domain ◽  
Luminal Region

During meiosis, protein ensembles in the nuclear envelope (NE) containing SUN- and KASH-domain proteins, called linker nucleocytoskeleton and cytoskeleton (LINC) complex, promote the chromosome motion. Yeast SUN-domain protein, Mps3, forms multiple meiosis-specific ensembles on NE, which show dynamic localisation for chromosome motion; however, the mechanism by which these Mps3 ensembles are formed during meiosis remains largely unknown. Here, we showed that the cyclin-dependent protein kinase (CDK) and Dbf4-dependent Cdc7 protein kinase (DDK) regulate meiosis-specific dynamics of Mps3 on NE, particularly by mediating the resolution of Mps3 clusters and telomere clustering. We also found that the luminal region of Mps3 juxtaposed to the inner nuclear membrane is required for meiosis-specific localisation of Mps3 on NE. Negative charges introduced by meiosis-specific phosphorylation in the luminal region of Mps3 alter its interaction with negatively charged lipids by electric repulsion in reconstituted liposomes. Phospho-mimetic substitution in the luminal region suppresses the localisation of Mps3 via the inactivation of CDK or DDK. Our study revealed multi-layered phosphorylation-dependent regulation of the localisation of Mps3 on NE for meiotic chromosome motion and NE remodelling.

scholarly journals Keeping the LINC: the importance of nucleocytoskeletal coupling in intracellular force transmission and cellular function

2011 ◽  
Vol 39 (6) ◽  
pp. 1729-1734 ◽  
Author(s):  
Maria L. Lombardi ◽  
Jan Lammerding
Keyword(s):  
Nuclear Envelope ◽  
Complex Function ◽  
Cell Polarization ◽  
Mechanical Stimuli ◽  
Linc Complex ◽  
Force Transmission ◽  
Cellular Functions ◽  
Nuclear Lamins ◽  
Wide Range ◽  
Filament Networks

Providing a stable physical connection between the nucleus and the cytoskeleton is essential for a wide range of cellular functions and it could also participate in mechanosensing by transmitting intra- and extra-cellular mechanical stimuli via the cytoskeleton to the nucleus. Nesprins and SUN proteins, located at the nuclear envelope, form the LINC (linker of nucleoskeleton and cytoskeleton) complex that connects the nucleus to the cytoskeleton; underlying nuclear lamins contribute to anchoring LINC complex components at the nuclear envelope. Disruption of the LINC complex or loss of lamins can result in disturbed perinuclear actin and intermediate filament networks and causes severe functional defects, including impaired nuclear positioning, cell polarization and cell motility. Recent studies have identified the LINC complex as the major force-transmitting element at the nuclear envelope and suggest that many of the aforementioned defects can be attributed to disturbed force transmission between the nucleus and the cytoskeleton. Thus mutations in nesprins, SUN proteins or lamins, which have been linked to muscular dystrophies and cardiomyopathies, may weaken or completely eliminate LINC complex function at the nuclear envelope and result in impaired intracellular force transmission, thereby disrupting critical cellular functions.

scholarly journals LINCking the Nuclear Envelope to Sperm Architecture

Genes ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 12 (5) ◽  
pp. 658
Author(s):  
Francesco Manfrevola ◽  
Florian Guillou ◽  
Silvia Fasano ◽  
Riccardo Pierantoni ◽  
Rosanna Chianese
Keyword(s):  
Nuclear Envelope ◽  
Male Fertility ◽  
Nuclear Architecture ◽  
Sperm Cells ◽  
Bridge Structure ◽  
Linc Complex ◽  
Head Formation ◽  
Morphological Maturation ◽  
Integral Proteins ◽  
Sun Domain

Nuclear architecture undergoes an extensive remodeling during spermatogenesis, especially at levels of spermatocytes (SPC) and spermatids (SPT). Interestingly, typical events of spermiogenesis, such as nuclear elongation, acrosome biogenesis, and flagellum formation, need a functional cooperation between proteins of the nuclear envelope and acroplaxome/manchette structures. In addition, nuclear envelope plays a key role in chromosome distribution. In this scenario, special attention has been focused on the LINC (linker of nucleoskeleton and cytoskeleton) complex, a nuclear envelope-bridge structure involved in the connection of the nucleoskeleton to the cytoskeleton, governing mechanotransduction. It includes two integral proteins: KASH- and SUN-domain proteins, on the outer (ONM) and inner (INM) nuclear membrane, respectively. The LINC complex is involved in several functions fundamental to the correct development of sperm cells such as head formation and head to tail connection, and, therefore, it seems to be important in determining male fertility. This review provides a global overview of the main LINC complex components, with a special attention to their subcellular localization in sperm cells, their roles in the regulation of sperm morphological maturation, and, lastly, LINC complex alterations associated to male infertility.

scholarly journals Nuclear envelope rupture is induced by actin-based nucleus confinement

2016 ◽  
Vol 215 (1) ◽  
pp. 27-36 ◽  
Author(s):  
Emily M. Hatch ◽  
Martin W. Hetzer
Keyword(s):  
Nuclear Envelope ◽  
Cancer Cells ◽  
Nuclear Membrane ◽  
Nuclear Lamina ◽  
Membrane Stability ◽  
Linc Complex ◽  
Actin Bundles ◽  
In Cells

Repeated rounds of nuclear envelope (NE) rupture and repair have been observed in laminopathy and cancer cells and result in intermittent loss of nucleus compartmentalization. Currently, the causes of NE rupture are unclear. Here, we show that NE rupture in cancer cells relies on the assembly of contractile actin bundles that interact with the nucleus via the linker of nucleoskeleton and cytoskeleton (LINC) complex. We found that the loss of actin bundles or the LINC complex did not rescue nuclear lamina defects, a previously identified determinant of nuclear membrane stability, but did decrease the number and size of chromatin hernias. Finally, NE rupture inhibition could be rescued in cells treated with actin-depolymerizing drugs by mechanically constraining nucleus height. These data suggest a model of NE rupture where weak membrane areas, caused by defects in lamina organization, rupture because of an increase in intranuclear pressure from actin-based nucleus confinement.

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