scholarly journals Computational model demonstrates that Ndc80-associated proteins strengthen kinetochore-microtubule attachments in metaphase

2019 ◽  
Author(s):  
Samuel Campbell ◽  
Mohammed Abdullahel Amin ◽  
Dileep Varma ◽  
Tamara Carla Bidone
Keyword(s):  
Computational Model ◽  
Chromosome Segregation ◽  
Protein Complexes ◽  
Diffusion Mechanism ◽  
Experimental Studies ◽  
Rupture Force ◽  
Load Bearing ◽  
Associated Proteins ◽  
Biased Diffusion ◽  
Spindle Microtubules

AbstractChromosome segregation is mediated by spindle microtubules that attach to kinetochore via dynamic protein complexes, such as Ndc80, Ska, Cdt1 and ch-TOG during mitotic metaphase. While experimental studies have previously shown that these proteins and protein complexes are all essential for maintaining a stable kinetochore-microtubule interface, their exact roles in this process remains elusive. In this study, we employed experimental and computational methods in order to characterize how these proteins can strengthen kMT attachments in both non load-bearing and load-bearing conditions, typical of prometaphase and metaphase, respectively. Immunofluorescence staining of Hela cells showed that the levels of Ska and Cdt1 significantly increase from prometaphase to metaphase. Our new computational model showed that, by incorporating binding and unbinding of each protein complex, coupled with a biased diffusion mechanism, the displacement of a possible complex formed by Ndc80-Ska-Cdt1 is significantly higher than that formed by Ndc80 alone or Ndc80-Ska. In addition, when we use Ndc80/ch-TOG in the model, rupture force and time of attachment of the kMT interface increases. These results support the hypothesis that Ndc80-associated proteins strengthen kMT attachments and that it is the interplay between kMT protein complexes in metaphase that ensures stable attachments.

scholarly journals MAPping Kinetochore MAP Function Required for Stabilizing Microtubule Attachments to Chromosomes during Metaphase

2019 ◽  
Author(s):  
Dileep Varma ◽  
Mohammed Amin ◽  
Shivangi Agarwal
Keyword(s):  
Chromosome Segregation ◽  
Binding Properties ◽  
Dynamic Interactions ◽  
Binding Interface ◽  
Associated Proteins ◽  
Spindle Microtubules ◽  
Position And Orientation ◽  
Map Function ◽  
And Control ◽  
Standing Question

In mitosis, faithful chromosome segregation is orchestrated by the dynamic interactions between the spindle microtubules (MTs) emanating from the opposite poles and the kinetochores of chromosomes. However, the precise mechanism that coordinates the coupling of kinetochore components to dynamic MTs has been a long-standing question. Microtubule (MT) associated proteins (MAPs) regulate MT nucleation, dynamics, MT-mediated transport and MT cross-linking in cells. Especially during mitosis, MAPs play an essential role not only in determining the spindle length, position and orientation but also in facilitating robust kinetochore-microtubule (kMT) attachments by linking the kinetochores to spindle MTs efficiently. MT-stability imparted by the MAPs is critical to ensure accurate chromosome segregation. This review primarily focuses on the specific function of non-motor kinetochore MAPs, their recruitment to kinetochores and their MT-binding properties. We also attempt to synthesize and strengthen our understanding of how these MAPs work in coordination with the kinetochore-bound Ndc80 complex (the key component of the MT-binding interface in metaphase and anaphase) to establish stable kMT attachments and control accurate chromosome segregation during mitosis.

scholarly journals The unconventional kinetoplastid kinetochore protein KKT4 tracks with dynamic microtubule tips

2017 ◽  
Author(s):  
Aida Llauró ◽  
Hanako Hayashi ◽  
Megan E. Bailey ◽  
Alex Wilson ◽  
Patryk Ludzia ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Chromosome Segregation ◽  
Binding Activity ◽  
Load Bearing ◽  
Kinetochore Protein ◽  
Microtubule Binding ◽  
Binding Domains ◽  
Primary Element ◽  
Microtubule Binding Domain ◽  
Spindle Microtubules

AbstractKinetochores are multiprotein machines that drive chromosome segregation in all eukaryotes by maintaining persistent, load-bearing linkages between the chromosomes and the tips of dynamic spindle microtubules. Kinetochores in commonly studied eukaryotes are assembled from widely conserved components like the Ndc80 complex that directly binds microtubules. However, in evolutionarily-divergent kinetoplastid species such as Trypanosoma brucei, which causes sleeping sickness, the kinetochores assemble from a unique set of proteins lacking homology to any known microtubule-binding domains. Here we show that a kinetochore protein from T. brucei called KKT4 binds directly to microtubules, diffuses along the microtubule lattice, and tracks with disassembling microtubule tips. The protein localizes both to kinetochores and to spindle microtubules in vivo, and its depletion causes defects in chromosome segregation. We define a minimal microtubule-binding domain within KKT4 and identify several charged residues important for its microtubule-binding activity. Laser trapping experiments show that KKT4 can maintain load-bearing attachments to both growing and shortening microtubule tips. Thus, despite its lack of similarity to other known microtubule-binding proteins, KKT4 has key functions required for harnessing microtubule dynamics to drive chromosome segregation. We propose that it represents a primary element of the kinetochore-microtubule interface in kinetoplastids.

scholarly journals Molecular determinants of the Ska-Ndc80 interaction and their influence on microtubule tracking and force-coupling

2019 ◽  
Author(s):  
Pim J. Huis in ’t Veld ◽  
Vladimir A. Volkov ◽  
Isabelle Stender ◽  
Andrea Musacchio ◽  
Marileen Dogterom
Keyword(s):  
Chromosome Segregation ◽  
Structural Transition ◽  
Coupling Efficiency ◽  
Applied Force ◽  
Load Bearing ◽  
Microtubule Binding ◽  
Force Coupling ◽  
Molecular Determinants ◽  
Spindle Microtubules

AbstractErrorless chromosome segregation requires load-bearing attachments of the plus ends of spindle microtubules to chromosome structures named kinetochores. How these end-on kinetochore attachments are established following initial lateral contacts with the microtubule lattice is poorly understood. Two microtubule-binding complexes, the Ndc80 and Ska complexes, are important for efficient end-on coupling and may function as a unit in this process, but precise conditions for their interaction are unknown. Here, we report that the Ska-Ndc80 interaction is phosphorylation-dependent and does not require microtubules, applied force, or several previously identified functional determinants including the Ndc80-loop and the Ndc80-tail. Under force, Ska stabilizes end-on microtubule attachments in parallel with the Ndc80-tail, which we reveal to be essential for end-tracking by Ndc80 multimers. Modulation of force-coupling efficiency demonstrates that the duration of stalled microtubule disassembly predicts whether a microtubule is stabilized and rescued by the kinetochore, likely reflecting a structural transition of the microtubule end.Abstract Figure

scholarly journals Molecular determinants of the Ska-Ndc80 interaction and their influence on microtubule tracking and force-coupling

eLife ◽  
2019 ◽  
Vol 8 ◽  
Author(s):  
Pim J Huis in 't Veld ◽  
Vladimir A Volkov ◽  
Isabelle D Stender ◽  
Andrea Musacchio ◽  
Marileen Dogterom
Keyword(s):  
Chromosome Segregation ◽  
Structural Transition ◽  
Coupling Efficiency ◽  
Applied Force ◽  
Load Bearing ◽  
Microtubule Binding ◽  
Force Coupling ◽  
Molecular Determinants ◽  
Spindle Microtubules

Errorless chromosome segregation requires load-bearing attachments of the plus ends of spindle microtubules to chromosome structures named kinetochores. How these end-on kinetochore attachments are established following initial lateral contacts with the microtubule lattice is poorly understood. Two microtubule-binding complexes, the Ndc80 and Ska complexes, are important for efficient end-on coupling and may function as a unit in this process, but precise conditions for their interaction are unknown. Here, we report that the Ska-Ndc80 interaction is phosphorylation-dependent and does not require microtubules, applied force, or several previously identified functional determinants including the Ndc80-loop and the Ndc80-tail. Both the Ndc80-tail, which we reveal to be essential for microtubule end-tracking, and Ndc80-bound Ska stabilize microtubule ends in a stalled conformation. Modulation of force-coupling efficiency demonstrates that the duration of stalled microtubule disassembly predicts whether a microtubule is stabilized and rescued by the kinetochore, likely reflecting a structural transition of the microtubule end.

Mapping of Protein-Protein Interactions: Web-Based Resources for Revealing Interactomes

2019 ◽  
Vol 26 (21) ◽  
pp. 3890-3910 ◽  
Author(s):  
Branislava Gemovic ◽  
Neven Sumonja ◽  
Radoslav Davidovic ◽  
Vladimir Perovic ◽  
Nevena Veljkovic
Keyword(s):  
Drug Discovery ◽  
Protein Interactions ◽  
Protein Complexes ◽  
Experimental Studies ◽  
Protein Protein Interactions ◽  
Web Based ◽  
Prediction Tools ◽  
Physiological Processes ◽  
Modern Drug ◽  
Ppi Prediction

Background: The significant number of protein-protein interactions (PPIs) discovered by harnessing concomitant advances in the fields of sequencing, crystallography, spectrometry and two-hybrid screening suggests astonishing prospects for remodelling drug discovery. The PPI space which includes up to 650 000 entities is a remarkable reservoir of potential therapeutic targets for every human disease. In order to allow modern drug discovery programs to leverage this, we should be able to discern complete PPI maps associated with a specific disorder and corresponding normal physiology. Objective: Here, we will review community available computational programs for predicting PPIs and web-based resources for storing experimentally annotated interactions. Methods: We compared the capacities of prediction tools: iLoops, Struck2Net, HOMCOS, COTH, PrePPI, InterPreTS and PRISM to predict recently discovered protein interactions. Results: We described sequence-based and structure-based PPI prediction tools and addressed their peculiarities. Additionally, since the usefulness of prediction algorithms critically depends on the quality and quantity of the experimental data they are built on; we extensively discussed community resources for protein interactions. We focused on the active and recently updated primary and secondary PPI databases, repositories specialized to the subject or species, as well as databases that include both experimental and predicted PPIs. Conclusion: PPI complexes are the basis of important physiological processes and therefore, possible targets for cell-penetrating ligands. Reliable computational PPI predictions can speed up new target discoveries through prioritization of therapeutically relevant protein–protein complexes for experimental studies.

scholarly journals Paired arrangement of kinetochores together with microtubule pivoting and dynamics drive kinetochore capture in meiosis I

2016 ◽  
Vol 6 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Gheorghe Cojoc ◽  
Ana-Maria Florescu ◽  
Alexander Krull ◽  
Anna H. Klemm ◽  
Nenad Pavin ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Cell Division ◽  
Fission Yeast ◽  
General Feature ◽  
Protein Complexes ◽  
Spindle Pole ◽  
Single Object ◽  
Homologous Chromosomes ◽  
Angular Movement ◽  
Spindle Microtubules ◽  
Meiosis I

Abstract Kinetochores are protein complexes on the chromosomes, whose function as linkers between spindle microtubules and chromosomes is crucial for proper cell division. The mechanisms that facilitate kinetochore capture by microtubules are still unclear. In the present study, we combine experiments and theory to explore the mechanisms of kinetochore capture at the onset of meiosis I in fission yeast. We show that kinetochores on homologous chromosomes move together, microtubules are dynamic and pivot around the spindle pole, and the average capture time is 3–4 minutes. Our theory describes paired kinetochores on homologous chromosomes as a single object, as well as angular movement of microtubules and their dynamics. For the experimentally measured parameters, the model reproduces the measured capture kinetics and shows that the paired configuration of kinetochores accelerates capture, whereas microtubule pivoting and dynamics have a smaller contribution. Kinetochore pairing may be a general feature that increases capture efficiency in meiotic cells.

scholarly journals Platelet adhesion: Structural and functional diversity of short dystrophin and utrophins in the formation of dystrophinassociated-protein complexes related to actin dynamics

2005 ◽  
Vol 94 (12) ◽  
pp. 1203-1212 ◽  
Author(s):  
Doris Cerecedo ◽  
Dalila Martínez-Rojas ◽  
Oscar Chávez ◽  
Francisco Martínez-Pérez ◽  
Francisco García-Sierra ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Actin Cytoskeleton ◽  
Platelet Adhesion ◽  
Protein Complexes ◽  
Human Platelets ◽  
Actin Dynamics ◽  
Actin Binding ◽  
Dynamic Cell ◽  
Associated Proteins ◽  
Coated Surfaces ◽  
Dynamic Structures

SummaryPlatelets are dynamic cell fragments that modify their shape during activation. Utrophin and dystrophins are minor actin-binding proteins present in muscle and non-muscle cytoskeleton. In the present study, we characterised the pattern of Dp71 isoforms and utrophin gene products by immunoblot in human platelets. Two new dystrophin isoforms were found, Dp71f and Dp71d, as well as the Up71 isoform and the dystrophin-associated proteins, α and β-dystrobrevins. Distribution of Dp71d/Dp71Δ110 m, Up400/Up71 and dystrophin-associated proteins in relation to the actin cytoskeleton was evaluated by confocal microscopy in both resting and platelets adhered on glass. Formation of two dystrophin-associated protein complexes (Dp71d/Dp71Δ110 m ~DAPC and Up400/Up71~DAPC) was demonstrated by co-immunoprecipitation and their distribution in relation to the actin cytoskeleton was characterised during platelet adhesion. The Dp71d/Dp71Δ110 m ~DAPC is maintained mainly at the granulomere and is associated with dynamic structures during activation by adhesion to thrombin-coated surfaces. Participation of both Dp71d/Dp71Δ110 m ~DAPC and Up400/Up71~DAPC in the biological roles of the platelets is discussed.

Sign in / Sign up

Export Citation Format

Share Document