scholarly journals Tricellular junction proteins promote disentanglement of daughter and neighbour cells during epithelial cytokinesis

2018 ◽  
Author(s):  
Zhimin Wang ◽  
Floris Bosveld ◽  
Yohanns Bellaïche

AbstractIn epithelial tissue, new cell-cell junctions are formed upon cytokinesis. To understand junction formation during cytokinesis, we explored in Drosophila epithelium, de novo formation of tricellular septate junctions (TCJs). We found that upon midbody formation, the membranes of the two daughter cells and of the neighbouring cells located below the adherens junction (AJ) remain entangled in a 4-cell structure apposed to the midbody. The septate junction protein Discs-Large and components of the TCJ, Gliotactin and Anakonda accumulate in this 4-cell structure. Subsequently, a basal movement of the midbody parallels the detachment of the neighbouring cell membranes from the midbody, the disengagement of the daughter cells from their neighbours and the reorganisation of TCJs between the two daughter cells and their neighbouring cells. While the movement of midbody is independent of the Alix and Shrub abscission regulators, the loss of Gliotactin or Anakonda function impedes both the resolution of the connection between the daughter-neighbour cells and midbody movement. TCJ proteins therefore control an additional step of cytokinesis necessary for the disentanglement of the daughter cells and their neighbours during cytokinesis.


Development ◽  
1993 ◽  
Vol 119 (Supplement) ◽  
pp. 163-176 ◽  
Author(s):  
Mark Peifer ◽  
Sandra Orsulic ◽  
Li-Mei Pai ◽  
Joseph Loureiro

Cells must cooperate and communicate to form a multicellular animal. Information about the molecules required for these processes have come from a variety of sources; the convergence between the studies of particular molecules by vertebrate cell biologists and the genes identified by scientists investigating development in Drosophila has been especially fruitful. We are interested in the connection between cadherin proteins that regulate cell-cell adhesion and the wingless/wnt-1 cell-cell signaling molecules controlling pattern formation during development. The Drosophila segment polarity gene armadillo, homolog of the vertebrate adherens junction protein-catenin, is required for both cell adhesion and wg signaling. We review what is known about wingless signaling in Drosophila, and discuss the role of cell-cell junctions in both cell adhesion and cell communication. We then describe the results of our preliminary structure-function analysis of Armadillo protein in both cell adhesion and wingless signaling. Finally, we discuss evidence supporting a direct role for Armadillo and adherens junction in transduction of wingless signal.



EvoDevo ◽  
2019 ◽  
Vol 10 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Jennyfer M. Mitchell ◽  
Scott A. Nichols

Abstract The integrity and organization of animal tissues depend upon specialized protein complexes that mediate adhesion between cells with each other (cadherin-based adherens junctions), and with the extracellular matrix (integrin-based focal adhesions). Reconstructing how and when these cell junctions evolved is central to understanding early tissue evolution in animals. We examined focal adhesion protein homologs in tissues of the freshwater sponge, Ephydatia muelleri (phylum Porifera; class Demospongiae). Our principal findings are that (1) sponge focal adhesion homologs (integrin, talin, focal adhesion kinase, etc.) co-precipitate as a complex, separate from adherens junction proteins; (2) that actin-based structures resembling focal adhesions form at the cell–substrate interface, and their abundance is dynamically regulated in response to fluid shear; (3) focal adhesion proteins localize to both cell–cell and cell–extracellular matrix adhesions, and; (4) the adherens junction protein β-catenin is co-distributed with focal adhesion proteins at cell–cell junctions everywhere except the choanoderm, and at novel junctions between cells with spicules, and between cells with environmental bacteria. These results clarify the diversity, distribution and molecular composition of cell junctions in tissues of E. muelleri, but raise new questions about their functional properties and ancestry.



2002 ◽  
Vol 277 (51) ◽  
pp. 49976-49981 ◽  
Author(s):  
Doo Yeon Kim ◽  
Laura A. MacKenzie Ingano ◽  
Dora M. Kovacs

Nectin-1 is a member of the immunoglobulin superfamily and a Ca2+-independent adherens junction protein involved in synapse formation. Here we show that nectin-1α undergoes intramembrane proteolytic processing analogous to that of the Alzheimer's disease amyloid precursor protein, mediated by a presenilin (PS)-dependent γ-secretase-like activity. 12-O-tetradecanoylphorbol-13-acetate (TPA) treatment of Chinese hamster ovary cells activated a first proteolytic event, resulting in ectodomain shedding of nectin-1α. Subsequent cleavage of the remaining 26-kDa membrane-anchored C-terminal fragment (CTF) was inhibited independently by three specific γ−secretase inhibitors and by expression of the dominant negative form of PS1. The PS/γ-secretase-like cleavage product was detectedin vivofollowing proteasome inhibitor treatment of cells. Anin vitroγ-secretase assay confirmed the generation of a 24-kDa nectin-1α intracellular domain, peripherally associated with the membrane fraction. We also found nectin-1α to interact with the N-terminal fragment of PS1. Finally, γ-secretase inhibition resulted in β-catenin release from cell junctions, concomitantly with the accumulation of the 26-kDa nectin-1α CTF, suggesting that high levels of nectin-1α CTF interfere with TPA-induced remodeling of cell-cell junctions. Our results are consistent with a previously reported role for PS/γ-secretase in adherens junction function involving cleavage of cadherins. Similar to nectin-1, other members of the immunoglobulin superfamily involved in synapse formation may also serve as substrates for PS/γ-secretase-like intramembrane proteolytic activity.



2020 ◽  
Vol 318 (3) ◽  
pp. C675-C694 ◽  
Author(s):  
Sima Jonusaite ◽  
Klaus W. Beyenbach ◽  
Heiko Meyer ◽  
Achim Paululat ◽  
Yasushi Izumi ◽  
...  

Septate junctions (SJs) are occluding cell-cell junctions that have roles in paracellular permeability and barrier function in the epithelia of invertebrates. Arthropods have two types of SJs, pleated SJs and smooth SJs (sSJs). In Drosophila melanogaster, sSJs are found in the midgut and Malpighian tubules, but the functions of sSJs and their protein components in the tubule epithelium are unknown. Here we examined the role of the previously identified integral sSJ component, Mesh, in the Malpighian tubule. We genetically manipulated mesh specifically in the principal cells of the tubule at different life stages. Tubules of flies with developmental mesh knockdown revealed defects in epithelial architecture, sSJ molecular and structural organization, and lack of urine production in basal and kinin-stimulated conditions, resulting in edema and early adult lethality. Knockdown of mesh during adulthood did not disrupt tubule epithelial and sSJ integrity but decreased the transepithelial potential, diminished transepithelial fluid and ion transport, and decreased paracellular permeability to 4-kDa dextran. Drosophila kinin decreased transepithelial potential and increased chloride permeability, and it stimulated fluid secretion in both control and adult mesh knockdown tubules but had no effect on 4-kDa dextran flux. Together, these data indicate roles for Mesh in the developmental maturation of the Drosophila Malpighian tubule and in ion and macromolecular transport in the adult tubule.



2012 ◽  
Vol 196 (1) ◽  
pp. 115-130 ◽  
Author(s):  
Vivian W. Tang ◽  
William M. Brieher

We have developed an in vitro assay to study actin assembly at cadherin-enriched cell junctions. Using this assay, we demonstrate that cadherin-enriched junctions can polymerize new actin filaments but cannot capture preexisting filaments, suggesting a mechanism involving de novo synthesis. In agreement with this hypothesis, inhibition of Arp2/3-dependent nucleation abolished actin assembly at cell–cell junctions. Reconstitution biochemistry using the in vitro actin assembly assay identified α-actinin-4/focal segmental glomerulosclerosis 1 (FSGS1) as an essential factor. α-Actinin-4 specifically localized to sites of actin incorporation on purified membranes and at apical junctions in Madin–Darby canine kidney cells. Knockdown of α-actinin-4 decreased total junctional actin and inhibited actin assembly at the apical junction. Furthermore, a point mutation of α-actinin-4 (K255E) associated with FSGS failed to support actin assembly and acted as a dominant negative to disrupt actin dynamics at junctional complexes. These findings demonstrate that α-actinin-4 plays an important role in coupling actin nucleation to assembly at cadherin-based cell–cell adhesive contacts.



2012 ◽  
Vol 199 (4) ◽  
pp. 685-698 ◽  
Author(s):  
Arnab Sen ◽  
Zsanett Nagy-Zsvér-Vadas ◽  
Michael P. Krahn

The assembly and consolidation of the adherens junctions (AJs) are key events in the establishment of an intact epithelium. However, AJs are further modified to obtain flexibility for cell migration and morphogenetic movements. Intact AJs in turn are a prerequisite for the establishment and maintenance of apical–basal polarity in epithelial cells. In this study, we report that the conserved PDZ (PSD95, Discs large, ZO-1) domain–containing protein PATJ (Pals1-associated tight junction protein) was not per se crucial for the maintenance of apical–basal polarity in Drosophila melanogaster epithelial cells but rather regulated Myosin localization and phosphorylation. PATJ directly bound to the Myosin-binding subunit of Myosin phosphatase and decreased Myosin dephosphorylation, resulting in activated Myosin. Thereby, PATJ supports the stability of the Zonula Adherens. Notably, weakening of AJ in a PATJ mutant epithelium led first to a loss of Myosin from the AJ, subsequently to a disassembly of the AJ, and finally, to a loss of apical–basal polarity and disruption of the tissue.



2016 ◽  
Vol 28 (6) ◽  
pp. 690 ◽  
Author(s):  
Leopoldina Scotti ◽  
Dalhia Abramovich ◽  
Natalia Pascuali ◽  
Luis Haro Durand ◽  
Griselda Irusta ◽  
...  

Ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome (OHSS) is a complication of ovarian stimulation with gonadotrophins following human chorionic gonadotrophin (hCG) administration. The relationship between hCG and OHSS is partly mediated via the production of angiogenic factors, such as vascular endothelial growth factor A (VEGFA) and angiopoietins (ANGPTs). Here, we investigated the effect of ANGPT1 inhibition on ovarian angiogenesis in follicular fluid (FF) from women at risk of OHSS, using the chorioallantoic membrane (CAM) of quail embryos as an experimental model. We also analysed cytoskeletal changes and endothelial junction protein expression induced by this FF in the presence or absence of an ANGPT1-neutralising antibody in endothelial cell cultures. The presence of this antibody restored the number of vascular branch points and integrin αvβ3 levels in the CAMs to control values. ANGPT1 inhibition in FF from OHSS patients also restored the levels of claudin-5, vascular endothelial cadherin and phosphorylated β-catenin and partially reversed actin redistribution in endothelial cells. Our findings suggest that ANGPT1 increases pathophysiological angiogenesis in patients at risk of OHSS by acting on tight and adherens junction proteins. Elucidating the mechanisms by which ANGPT1 regulates vascular development and cell–cell junctions in OHSS will contribute to identifying new therapeutic targets for the treatment of human diseases with aberrant vascular leakage.



2018 ◽  
Vol 29 (19) ◽  
pp. 2317-2325 ◽  
Author(s):  
Barbara Noethel ◽  
Lena Ramms ◽  
Georg Dreissen ◽  
Marco Hoffmann ◽  
Ronald Springer ◽  
...  

The skin’s epidermis is a multilayered epithelial tissue and the first line of defense against mechanical stress. Its barrier function depends on an integrated assembly and reorganization of cell–matrix and cell–cell junctions in the basal layer and on different intercellular junctions in suprabasal layers. However, how mechanical stress is recognized and which adhesive and cytoskeletal components are involved are poorly understood. Here, we subjected keratinocytes to cyclic stress in the presence or absence of intercellular junctions. Both states not only recognized but also responded to strain by reorienting actin filaments perpendicular to the applied force. Using different keratinocyte mutant strains that altered the mechanical link of the actin cytoskeleton to either cell–matrix or cell–cell junctions, we show that not only focal adhesions but also adherens junctions function as mechanosensitive elements in response to cyclic strain. Loss of paxillin or talin impaired focal adhesion formation and only affected mechanosensitivity in the absence but not presence of intercellular junctions. Further analysis revealed the adherens junction protein α-catenin as a main mechanosensor, with greatest sensitivity conferred on binding to vinculin. Our data reveal a mechanosensitive transition from cell–matrix to cell–cell adhesions on formation of keratinocyte monolayers with vinculin and α-catenin as vital players.



2019 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jennyfer M. Mitchell ◽  
Scott A. Nichols

AbstractThe integrity and organization of animal tissues depends upon specialized protein complexes that mediate adhesion between cells with each other (cadherin-based adherens junctions), and with the extracellular matrix (integrin-based focal adhesions). Reconstructing how and when these cell junctions evolved is central to understanding early tissue evolution in animals. We examined focal adhesion protein homologs in tissues of the freshwater sponge, Ephydatia muelleri (phylum Porifera). We found that sponge homologs of focal adhesion proteins co-precipitate as a complex and localize to cell junctions in sponge tissues. These data support that the adhesion roles of these proteins evolved early, prior to the divergence of sponges and other animals. However, in contrast to the spatially partitioned distribution of cell junctions in epithelia of other animals, focal adhesion proteins were found to be co-distributed with the adherens junction protein Emβ-catenin in sponge tissues; both at certain cell-cell and cell-extracellular matrix (ECM) adhesions. Sponge adhesion structures were found to be unique in other ways, too. The basopinacoderm (substrate-attachment epithelium) lacks typical polarity in that cell-ECM adhesions form on both basal and apical surfaces, and compositionally unique cell junctions form at the interface between cells with spicules (siliceous skeletal elements) and between cells and environmental bacteria. These results clarify the diversity, distribution and molecular composition of cell junctions in tissues of E. muelleri, but raise new questions about their function and homology with cell junctions in other animals.



2010 ◽  
Vol 188 (6) ◽  
pp. 863-876 ◽  
Author(s):  
Robert J. Cain ◽  
Bart Vanhaesebroeck ◽  
Anne J. Ridley

Endothelial cell–cell junctions control efflux of small molecules and leukocyte transendothelial migration (TEM) between blood and tissues. Inhibitors of phosphoinositide 3-kinases (PI3Ks) increase endothelial barrier function, but the roles of different PI3K isoforms have not been addressed. In this study, we determine the contribution of each of the four class I PI3K isoforms (p110α, -β, -γ, and -δ) to endothelial permeability and leukocyte TEM. We find that depletion of p110α but not other p110 isoforms decreases TNF-induced endothelial permeability, Tyr phosphorylation of the adherens junction protein vascular endothelial cadherin (VE-cadherin), and leukocyte TEM. p110α selectively mediates activation of the Tyr kinase Pyk2 and GTPase Rac1 to regulate barrier function. Additionally, p110α mediates the association of VE-cadherin with Pyk2, the Rac guanine nucleotide exchange factor Tiam-1 and the p85 regulatory subunit of PI3K. We propose that p110α regulates endothelial barrier function by inducing the formation of a VE-cadherin–associated protein complex that coordinates changes to adherens junctions with the actin cytoskeleton.



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