scholarly journals Neurospora crassa NKIN2, a Kinesin-3 Motor, Transports Early Endosomes and Is Required for Polarized Growth

2013 ◽  
Vol 12 (7) ◽  
pp. 1020-1032 ◽  
Author(s):  
Constanze Seidel ◽  
Sergio David Moreno-Velásquez ◽  
Meritxell Riquelme ◽  
Reinhard Fischer

ABSTRACT Biological motors are molecular nanomachines, which convert chemical energy into mechanical forces. The combination of mechanoenzymes with structural components, such as the cytoskeleton, enables eukaryotic cells to overcome entropy, generate molecular gradients, and establish polarity. Hyphae of filamentous fungi are among the most polarized cells, and polarity defects are most obvious. Here, we studied the role of the kinesin-3 motor, NKIN2, in Neurospora crassa . We found that NKIN2 localizes as fast-moving spots in the cytoplasm of mature hyphae. To test whether the spots represented early endosomes, the Rab5 GTPase YPT52 was used as an endosomal marker. NKIN2 colocalized with YPT52. Deletion of nkin2 caused strongly reduced endosomal movement. Combined, these results confirm the involvement of NKIN2 in early endosome transport. Introduction of a rigor mutation into NKIN2 labeled with green fluorescent protein (GFP) resulted in decoration of microtubules. Interestingly, NKIN2 rigor was associated with a subpopulation of microtubules, as had been shown earlier for the Aspergillus nidulans orthologue UncA. Other kinesins did not show this specificity.

2003 ◽  
Vol 14 (7) ◽  
pp. 2728-2743 ◽  
Author(s):  
Laura Aschenbrenner ◽  
TinThu Lee ◽  
Tama Hasson

Immunolocalization studies in epithelial cells revealed myo6 was associated with peripherally located vesicles that contained the transferrin receptor. Pulse-chase experiments after transferrin uptake showed that these vesicles were newly uncoated endocytic vesicles and that myo6 was recruited to these vesicles immediately after uncoating. GIPC, a putative myo6 tail binding protein, was also present. Myo6 was not present on early endosomes, suggesting that myo6 has a transient association with endocytic vesicles and is released upon early endosome fusion. Green fluorescent protein (GFP) fused to myo6 as well as the cargo-binding tail (M6tail) alone targeted to the nascent endocytic vesicles. Overexpression of GFP-M6tail had no effect on a variety of organelle markers; however, GFP-M6tail displaced the endogenous myo6 from nascent vesicles and resulted in a significant delay in transferrin uptake. Pulse-chase experiments revealed that transferrin accumulated in uncoated vesicles within the peripheries of transfected cells and that Rab5 was recruited to the surface of these vesicles. Given sufficient time, the transferrin did traffic to the perinuclear sorting endosome. These data suggest that myo6 is an accessory protein required for the efficient transportation of nascent endocytic vesicles from the actin-rich peripheries of epithelial cells, allowing for timely fusion of endocytic vesicles with the early endosome.


2009 ◽  
Vol 9 (2) ◽  
pp. 288-305 ◽  
Author(s):  
Christina Schilde ◽  
Barbara Schönemann ◽  
Ivonne M. Sehring ◽  
Helmut Plattner

ABSTRACT We have identified new synaptobrevin-like SNAREs and localized the corresponding gene products with green fluorescent protein (GFP)-fusion constructs and specific antibodies at the light and electron microscope (EM) levels. These SNAREs, named Paramecium tetraurelia synaptobrevins 8 to 12 (PtSyb8 to PtSyb12), showed mostly very restricted, specific localization, as they were found predominantly on structures involved in endo- or phagocytosis. In summary, we found PtSyb8 and PtSyb9 associated with the nascent food vacuole, PtSyb10 near the cell surface, at the cytostome, and in close association with ciliary basal bodies, and PtSyb11 on early endosomes and on one side of the cytostome, while PtSyb12 was found in the cytosol. PtSyb4 and PtSyb5 (identified previously) were localized on small vesicles, PtSyb5 probably being engaged in trichocyst (dense core secretory vesicle) processing. PtSyb4 and PtSyb5 are related to each other and are the furthest deviating of all SNAREs identified so far. Because they show no similarity with any other R-SNAREs outside ciliates, they may represent a ciliate-specific adaptation. PtSyb10 forms small domains near ciliary bases, and silencing slows down cell rotation during depolarization-induced ciliary reversal. NSF silencing supports a function of cell surface SNAREs by revealing vesicles along the cell membrane at sites normally devoid of vesicles. The distinct distributions of these SNAREs emphasize the considerable differentiation of membrane trafficking, particularly along the endo-/phagocytic pathway, in this protozoan.


2007 ◽  
Vol 293 (1) ◽  
pp. F68-F77 ◽  
Author(s):  
Clint Perry ◽  
Hong Le ◽  
Irina I. Grichtchenko

We recently reported that ANG II inhibits NBCe1 current and surface expression in Xenopus laevis oocytes (Perry C, Blaine J, Le H, and Grichtchenko II. Am J Physiol Renal Physiol 290: F417–F427, 2006). Here, we investigated mechanisms of ANG II-induced changes in NBCe1 surface expression. We showed that the PKC inhibitor GF109203X blocks and EGTA reduces surface cotransporter loss in ANG II-treated oocytes, suggesting roles for PKC and Ca2+. Using the endosomal marker FM 4-64 and enhanced green fluorescent protein (EGFP)-tagged NBCe1, we showed that ANG II stimulates endocytosis of NBCe1. To eliminate the possibility that ANG II inhibits NBCe1 recycling, we demonstrated that the recycling inhibitor monensin decreases surface expression, accumulates NBCe1-EGFP in endosomes, and inhibits NBCe1 current. Monensin and ANG II applied together produce greater inhibition of NBCe1 current than either did alone. This additive effect of monensin and ANG II suggests that ANG II stimulates internalization of NBCe1. We used the calmodulin (CaM) antagonist W13, which controls recycling by blocking the exit of the endocytosed cargo from early endosomes, to determine the role of CaM in NBCe1 trafficking. We demonstrated that W13 decreases surface expression of NBCe1, accumulates NBCe1-EGFP in endosomal-like formations, and inhibits NBCe1 current. W13 and ANG II applied together produce greater inhibition of NBCe1 current than either does alone, while W13 and monensin applied together do not. The additive effect of ANG II and W13 and lack of additive effect of monensin and W13 suggest that CaM is not involved in ANG II stimulation of internalization but controls recycling of endocytosed NBCe1. The CaM-activated enzyme CaM kinase II (CaMKII) applied with ANG II also gives an additive inhibitory effect, suggesting a role for CaMKII in NBCe1 recycling.


mSphere ◽  
2016 ◽  
Vol 1 (3) ◽  
Author(s):  
Casey M. Gries ◽  
Marat R. Sadykov ◽  
Logan L. Bulock ◽  
Sujata S. Chaudhari ◽  
Vinai C. Thomas ◽  
...  

ABSTRACT Previous studies describing mechanisms for K+ uptake in S. aureus revealed that the Ktr-mediated K+ transport system was required for normal growth under alkaline conditions but not under neutral or acidic conditions. This work focuses on the effect of K+ uptake on S. aureus metabolism, including intracellular pH and carbon flux, and is the first to utilize a pH-dependent green fluorescent protein (GFP) to measure S. aureus cytoplasmic pH. These studies highlight the role of K+ uptake in supporting proton efflux under alkaline conditions and uncover a critical role for K+ uptake in establishing efficient carbon utilization. As a leading cause of community-associated and nosocomial infections, Staphylococcus aureus requires sophisticated mechanisms that function to maintain cellular homeostasis in response to its exposure to changing environmental conditions. The adaptation to stress and maintenance of homeostasis depend largely on membrane activity, including supporting electrochemical gradients and synthesis of ATP. This is largely achieved through potassium (K+) transport, which plays an essential role in maintaining chemiosmotic homeostasis, affects antimicrobial resistance, and contributes to fitness in vivo. Here, we report that S. aureus Ktr-mediated K+ uptake is necessary for maintaining cytoplasmic pH and the establishment of a proton motive force. Metabolite analyses revealed that K+ deficiency affects both metabolic and energy states of S. aureus by impairing oxidative phosphorylation and directing carbon flux toward substrate-level phosphorylation. Taken together, these results underline the importance of K+ uptake in maintaining essential components of S. aureus metabolism. IMPORTANCE Previous studies describing mechanisms for K+ uptake in S. aureus revealed that the Ktr-mediated K+ transport system was required for normal growth under alkaline conditions but not under neutral or acidic conditions. This work focuses on the effect of K+ uptake on S. aureus metabolism, including intracellular pH and carbon flux, and is the first to utilize a pH-dependent green fluorescent protein (GFP) to measure S. aureus cytoplasmic pH. These studies highlight the role of K+ uptake in supporting proton efflux under alkaline conditions and uncover a critical role for K+ uptake in establishing efficient carbon utilization.


2011 ◽  
Vol 79 (7) ◽  
pp. 2519-2534 ◽  
Author(s):  
Christophe J. Queval ◽  
Valérie Nicolas ◽  
Isabelle Beau

ABSTRACTAfa/Dr fimbriae constitute the major virulence factor of diffusely adheringEscherichia coli(Afa/Dr DAEC). After recognizing membrane-bound signaling receptors, they trigger cell responses. One of these receptors is the human decay-accelerating factor (hDAF). It has previously been reported that the binding of Afa/Dr fimbriae to hDAF quickly induces recruitment of hDAF around adhering bacteria. The aim of our study is to analyze the role of Src kinases in the Dr fimbria-induced recruitment of hDAF. Using biochemical methods and confocal microscopy followed by 3-dimensional (3D) analysis, we have shown that the activation and cell membrane targeting of Src kinases are necessary for the recruitment and organization of hDAF around adhering bacteria. We identified c-Src to be the specific kinase involved in this process. Using a set of Src-green fluorescent protein mutants, we showed that the catalytic activity and the Src homology 2 (SH2) and SH3 domains of the Src kinases are necessary for Dr fimbria-induced hDAF mobilization to occur. In addition, using mutated Dr fimbriae and a set of mutated hDAFs in which each of the complement control protein (CCP) domains had successively been deleted, we found that the aspartic acids at position 54 in the Dr fimbriae and in CCP domain 4 of hDAF played pivotal roles in the mobilization of the Src kinases and hDAF, respectively.


2015 ◽  
Vol 83 (4) ◽  
pp. 1458-1464 ◽  
Author(s):  
Job Alves de Souza Filho ◽  
Vicente de Paulo Martins ◽  
Priscila Carneiro Campos ◽  
Juliana Alves-Silva ◽  
Nathalia V. Santos ◽  
...  

Brucellaspecies can cause brucellosis, a zoonotic disease that causes serious livestock economic losses and represents a public health threat. The mechanism of virulence ofBrucellaspp. is not yet fully understood. Therefore, it is crucial to identify new molecules that serve as virulence factors to better understand this host-pathogen interplay. Here, we evaluated the role of theBrucellamembrane fusogenic protein (Mfp) and outer membrane protein 19 (Omp19) in bacterial pathogenesis. In this study, we showed thatB. abortusΔmfp::kanand Δomp19::kandeletion mutant strains have reduced persistencein vivoin C57BL/6 and interferon regulatory factor 1 (IRF-1) knockout (KO) mice. Additionally, 24 h after macrophage infection with a Δmfp::kanor Δomp19::kanstrain expressing green fluorescent protein (GFP) approximately 80% or 65% ofBrucella-containing vacuoles (BCVs) retained the late endosomal/lysosomal marker LAMP-1, respectively, whereas around 60% of BCVs containing wild-type S2308 were found in LAMP-1-negative compartments.B. abortusΔomp19::kanwas attenuatedin vivobut had a residual virulence in C57BL/6 and IRF-1 KO mice, whereas the Δmfp::kanstrain had a lower virulence in these same mouse models. Furthermore, Δmfp::kanand Δomp19::kanstrains were used as live vaccines. Challenge experiments revealed that in C57BL/6 and IRF-1 KO mice, the Δmfp::kanstrain induced greater protection than the vaccine RB51 and protection similar that of vaccine S19. However, a Δomp19::kanstrain induced protection similar to that of RB51. Thus, these results demonstrate thatBrucellaMfp and Omp19 are critical for full bacterial virulence and that the Δmfp::kanmutant may serve as a potential vaccine candidate in future studies.


2020 ◽  
Vol 88 (7) ◽  
Author(s):  
Yoon-Dong Park ◽  
Shu Hui Chen ◽  
Emma Camacho ◽  
Arturo Casadevall ◽  
Peter R. Williamson

ABSTRACT The endosomal sorting complex required for transport (ESCRT) plays a crucial role in the transportation and degradation of proteins. We determined that Vps27, a key protein of the ESCRT-0 complex, is required for the transport of the virulence factor laccase to the cell wall in Cryptococcus neoformans. Laccase activity was perturbed, as was melanin production, in vps27Δ strains. In the absence of VPS27, there was an accumulation of multivesicular bodies with vacuolar fragmentation and mistargeting of the vacuolar carboxypeptidase CPY/Prc1, resulting in an extracellular localization. In addition, deletion of VPS27 resulted in a defect in laccase targeting of a Lac1-green fluorescent protein (GFP) fusion to the cell wall with trapping within intracellular puncta; this deletion was accompanied by reduced virulence in a mouse model. However, the actin cytoskeleton remained intact, suggesting that the trafficking defect is not due to defects in actin-related localization. Extracellular vesicle maturation was also defective in the vps27Δ mutant, which had a larger vesicle size as measured by dynamic light scattering. Our data identify cryptococcal VPS27 as a required gene for laccase trafficking and attenuates virulence of C. neoformans in a mouse intravenous (i.v.) meningitis model.


2011 ◽  
Vol 77 (23) ◽  
pp. 8310-8317 ◽  
Author(s):  
Joshua D. Morris ◽  
Jessica L. Hewitt ◽  
Lawrence G. Wolfe ◽  
Nachiket G. Kamatkar ◽  
Sarah M. Chapman ◽  
...  

ABSTRACTMany bacteria spread over surfaces by “swarming” in groups. A problem for scientists who study swarming is the acquisition of statistically significant data that distinguish two observations or detail the temporal patterns and two-dimensional heterogeneities that occur. It is currently difficult to quantify differences between observed swarm phenotypes. Here, we present a method for acquisition of temporal surface motility data using time-lapse fluorescence and bioluminescence imaging. We specifically demonstrate three applications of our technique with the bacteriumPseudomonas aeruginosa. First, we quantify the temporal distribution ofP. aeruginosacells tagged with green fluorescent protein (GFP) and the surfactant rhamnolipid stained with the lipid dye Nile red. Second, we distinguish swarming ofP. aeruginosaandSalmonella entericaserovar Typhimurium in a coswarming experiment. Lastly, we quantify differences in swarming and rhamnolipid production of severalP. aeruginosastrains. While the best swarming strains produced the most rhamnolipid on surfaces, planktonic culture rhamnolipid production did not correlate with surface growth rhamnolipid production.


2011 ◽  
Vol 55 (5) ◽  
pp. 2438-2441 ◽  
Author(s):  
Zeynep Baharoglu ◽  
Didier Mazel

ABSTRACTAntibiotic resistance development has been linked to the bacterial SOS stress response. InEscherichia coli, fluoroquinolones are known to induce SOS, whereas other antibiotics, such as aminoglycosides, tetracycline, and chloramphenicol, do not. Here we address whether various antibiotics induce SOS inVibrio cholerae. Reporter green fluorescent protein (GFP) fusions were used to measure the response of SOS-regulated promoters to subinhibitory concentrations of antibiotics. We show that unlike the situation withE. coli, all these antibiotics induce SOS inV. cholerae.


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