scholarly journals A Mutant Defective in Sexual Development Produces Aseptate Ascogonia

2010 ◽  
Vol 9 (12) ◽  
pp. 1856-1866 ◽  
Author(s):  
Sandra Bloemendal ◽  
Kathryn M. Lord ◽  
Christine Rech ◽  
Birgit Hoff ◽  
Ines Engh ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Sexual Development ◽  
Live Cell Imaging ◽  
Cell Imaging ◽  
Sexual Cycle ◽  
Sequence Analyses ◽  
Gene Encoding ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Domain Of Unknown Function ◽  
Sterile Mutant

ABSTRACT The transition from the vegetative to the sexual cycle in filamentous ascomycetes is initiated with the formation of ascogonia. Here, we describe a novel type of sterile mutant from Sordaria macrospora with a defect in ascogonial septum formation. This mutant, named pro22, produces only small, defective protoperithecia and carries a point mutation in a gene encoding a protein that is highly conserved throughout eukaryotes. Sequence analyses revealed three putative transmembrane domains and a C-terminal domain of unknown function. Live-cell imaging showed that PRO22 is predominantly localized in the dynamic tubular and vesicular vacuolar network of the peripheral colony region close to growing hyphal tips and in ascogonia; it is absent from the large spherical vacuoles in the vegetative hyphae of the subperipheral region of the colony. This points to a specific role of PRO22 in the tubular and vesicular vacuolar network, and the loss of intercalary septation in ascogonia suggests that PRO22 functions during the initiation of sexual development.

scholarly journals Latex Clearing Protein—an Oxygenase Cleaving Poly(cis-1,4-Isoprene) Rubber at thecisDouble Bonds

2014 ◽  
Vol 80 (17) ◽  
pp. 5231-5240 ◽  
Author(s):  
Sebastian Hiessl ◽  
Dietrich Böse ◽  
Sylvia Oetermann ◽  
Jessica Eggers ◽  
Jörg Pietruszka ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Exact Role ◽  
Gene Encoding ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Conserved Domain ◽  
Domain Of Unknown Function ◽  
Temperature Optima ◽  
New Protein ◽  
Isoprene Rubber ◽  
Rubber Degradation

ABSTRACTGordonia polyisoprenivoransstrain VH2, a potent rubber-degrading actinomycete, harbors two latex clearing proteins (Lcps), which are known to be essential for the microbial degradation of rubber. However, biochemical information on the exact role of this protein in the degradation of polyisoprene was lacking. In this study, the gene encoding Lcp1VH2was heterologously expressed in strains ofEscherichia coli, the corresponding protein was purified, and its role in rubber degradation was examined by measurement of oxygen consumption as well as by chromatographic and spectroscopic methods. It turned out that active Lcp1VH2is a monomer and is responsible for the oxidative cleavage of poly(cis-1,4-isoprene) in synthetic as well as in natural rubber by the addition of oxygen (O2) to thecisdouble bonds. The resulting oligomers possess repetitive isoprene units with aldehyde (CHO-CH2—) and ketone (—CH2-CO-CH3) functional groups at the termini. Two fractions with average isoprene contents of 18 and 10, respectively, were isolated, thus indicating an endocleavage mechanism. The activity of Lcp1VH2was determined by applying a polarographic assay. Alkenes, acyclic terpenes, or other rubber-like polymers, such as poly(cis-1,4-butadiene) or poly(trans-1,4-isoprene), are not oxidatively cleaved by Lcp1VH2. The pH and temperature optima of the enzyme are at pH 7 and 30°C, respectively. Furthermore, it was demonstrated that active Lcp1VH2is a Cu(II)-containing oxygenase that exhibits a conserved domain of unknown function which cannot be detected in any other hitherto-characterized enzyme. The results presented here indicate that this domain might represent a new protein family of oxygenases.

scholarly journals LRRK2 mediates tubulation and vesicle sorting from membrane damaged lysosomes

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Luis Bonet-Ponce ◽  
Alexandra Beilina ◽  
Chad D. Williamson ◽  
Eric Lindberg ◽  
Jillian H. Kluss ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Live Cell Imaging ◽  
Cell Imaging ◽  
Super Resolution ◽  
Adaptor Protein ◽  
Dependent Manner ◽  
Leucine Rich Repeat ◽  
Biological Functions ◽  
New Process ◽  
Sporadic Parkinson’S Disease

ABSTRACTMutations in the leucine rich repeat kinase 2 (LRRK2) gene are a cause of familial and sporadic Parkinson’s disease (PD). Nonetheless, the biological functions of LRRK2 remain incompletely understood. Here, we observed that LRRK2 is recruited to lysosomes that have a ruptured membrane. Using unbiased proteomics, we observed that LRRK2 is able to recruit the motor adaptor protein JIP4 to permeabilized lysosomes in a kinase-dependent manner through the phosphorylation of RAB35 and RAB10. Super-resolution live cell imaging microscopy and FIB-SEM revealed that once at the lysosomal membrane, JIP4 promotes the formation of LAMP1-negative lysosomal tubules that release membranous content from ruptured lysosomes. Released vesicular structures are able to interact with other lysosomes. Thus, we described a new process that uses lysosomal tubulation to release vesicular structures from permeabilized lysosomes. LRRK2 orchestrates this process that we name LYTL (LYsosomal Tubulation/sorting driven by LRRK2) that, given the central role of the lysosome in PD, is likely to be disease relevant.

scholarly journals Unregulated actin polymerization by WASp causes defects of mitosis and cytokinesis in X-linked neutropenia

2007 ◽  
Vol 204 (9) ◽  
pp. 2213-2224 ◽  
Author(s):  
Dale A. Moulding ◽  
Michael P. Blundell ◽  
David G. Spiller ◽  
Michael R.H. White ◽  
Giles O. Cory ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Live Cell Imaging ◽  
Actin Polymerization ◽  
Cell Imaging ◽  
Human Gene ◽  
Filamentous Actin ◽  
Gene Encoding ◽  
Activating Mutations ◽  
Spindle Midzone ◽  
Underlying Mechanisms ◽  
Syndrome Protein

Specific mutations in the human gene encoding the Wiskott-Aldrich syndrome protein (WASp) that compromise normal auto-inhibition of WASp result in unregulated activation of the actin-related protein 2/3 complex and increased actin polymerizing activity. These activating mutations are associated with an X-linked form of neutropenia with an intrinsic failure of myelopoiesis and an increase in the incidence of cytogenetic abnormalities. To study the underlying mechanisms, active mutant WASpI294T was expressed by gene transfer. This caused enhanced and delocalized actin polymerization throughout the cell, decreased proliferation, and increased apoptosis. Cells became binucleated, suggesting a failure of cytokinesis, and micronuclei were formed, indicative of genomic instability. Live cell imaging demonstrated a delay in mitosis from prometaphase to anaphase and confirmed that multinucleation was a result of aborted cytokinesis. During mitosis, filamentous actin was abnormally localized around the spindle and chromosomes throughout their alignment and separation, and it accumulated within the cleavage furrow around the spindle midzone. These findings reveal a novel mechanism for inhibition of myelopoiesis through defective mitosis and cytokinesis due to hyperactivation and mislocalization of actin polymerization.

scholarly journals Global Gene Expression and Focused Knockout Analysis Reveals Genes Associated with Fungal Fruiting Body Development in Neurospora crassa

2013 ◽  
Vol 13 (1) ◽  
pp. 154-169 ◽  
Author(s):  
Zheng Wang ◽  
Francesc Lopez-Giraldez ◽  
Nina Lehr ◽  
Marta Farré ◽  
Ralph Common ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Gene Expression ◽  
Neurospora Crassa ◽  
Sexual Development ◽  
Fruiting Body ◽  
Rna Silencing ◽  
Global Gene Expression ◽  
Gene Encoding ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Body Development ◽  
Fruiting Body Development

ABSTRACTFungi can serve as highly tractable models for understanding genetic basis of sexual development in multicellular organisms. Applying a reverse-genetic approach to advance such a model, we used random and multitargeted primers to assay gene expression across perithecial development inNeurospora crassa. We found that functionally unclassified proteins accounted for most upregulated genes, whereas downregulated genes were enriched for diverse functions. Moreover, genes associated with developmental traits exhibited stage-specific peaks of expression. Expression increased significantly across sexual development for mating type genemat a-1and format A-1specific pheromone precursorccg-4. In addition, expression of a gene encoding a protein similar to zinc finger,stc1, was highly upregulated early in perithecial development, and a strain with a knockout of this gene exhibited arrest at the same developmental stage. A similar expression pattern was observed for genes in RNA silencing and signaling pathways, and strains with knockouts of these genes were also arrested at stages of perithecial development that paralleled their peak in expression. The observed stage specificity allowed us to correlate expression upregulation and developmental progression and to identify regulators of sexual development. Bayesian networks inferred from our expression data revealed previously known and new putative interactions between RNA silencing genes and pathways. Overall, our analysis provides a fine-scale transcriptomic landscape and novel inferences regarding the control of the multistage development process of sexual crossing and fruiting body development inN. crassa.

scholarly journals EB1 binding restricts STIM1 translocation to ER–PM junctions and regulates store-operated Ca2+ entry

2018 ◽  
Vol 217 (6) ◽  
pp. 2047-2058 ◽  
Author(s):  
Chi-Lun Chang ◽  
Yu-Ju Chen ◽  
Carlo Giovanni Quintanilla ◽  
Ting-Sung Hsieh ◽  
Jen Liou
Keyword(s):  
Endoplasmic Reticulum ◽  
Plasma Membrane ◽  
Live Cell Imaging ◽  
Cell Imaging ◽  
Live Cell ◽  
Cellular Functions ◽  
Binding Ability ◽  
Trapping Mechanism ◽  
Spatiotemporal Regulation

The endoplasmic reticulum (ER) Ca2+ sensor STIM1 forms oligomers and translocates to ER–plasma membrane (PM) junctions to activate store-operated Ca2+ entry (SOCE) after ER Ca2+ depletion. STIM1 also interacts with EB1 and dynamically tracks microtubule (MT) plus ends. Nevertheless, the role of STIM1–EB1 interaction in regulating SOCE remains unresolved. Using live-cell imaging combined with a synthetic construct approach, we found that EB1 binding constitutes a trapping mechanism restricting STIM1 targeting to ER–PM junctions. We further showed that STIM1 oligomers retain EB1 binding ability in ER Ca2+-depleted cells. By trapping STIM1 molecules at dynamic contacts between the ER and MT plus ends, EB1 binding delayed STIM1 translocation to ER–PM junctions during ER Ca2+ depletion and prevented excess SOCE and ER Ca2+ overload. Our study suggests that STIM1–EB1 interaction shapes the kinetics and amplitude of local SOCE in cellular regions with growing MTs and contributes to spatiotemporal regulation of Ca2+ signaling crucial for cellular functions and homeostasis.

scholarly journals The Catabolite Repressor/Activator Cra Is a Bridge Connecting Carbon Metabolism and Host Colonization in the Plant Drought Resistance-Promoting Bacterium Pantoea alhagi LTYR-11Z

2018 ◽  
Vol 84 (13) ◽  
Author(s):  
Lei Zhang ◽  
Muhang Li ◽  
Qiqi Li ◽  
Chaoqiong Chen ◽  
Meng Qu ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Carbon Source ◽  
Carbon Metabolism ◽  
Carbon Sources ◽  
Endophytic Bacterium ◽  
Bacterial Attachment ◽  
Gene Encoding ◽  
Wheat Roots ◽  
Host Colonization ◽  
Content Type

ABSTRACT Efficient root colonization is a prerequisite for application of plant growth-promoting (PGP) bacteria in improving health and yield of agricultural crops. We have recently identified an endophytic bacterium, Pantoea alhagi LTYR-11Z, with multiple PGP properties that effectively colonizes the root system of wheat and improves its growth and drought tolerance. To identify novel regulatory genes required for wheat colonization, we screened an LTYR-11Z transposon (Tn) insertion library and found cra to be a colonization-related gene. By using transcriptome (RNA-seq) analysis, we found that transcriptional levels of an eps operon, the ydiV gene encoding an anti-FlhD 4 C 2 factor, and the yedQ gene encoding an enzyme for synthesis of cyclic dimeric GMP (c-di-GMP) were significantly downregulated in the Δ cra mutant. Further studies demonstrated that Cra directly binds to the promoters of the eps operon, ydiV , and yedQ and activates their expression, thus inhibiting motility and promoting exopolysaccharide (EPS) production and biofilm formation. Consistent with previous findings that Cra plays a role in transcriptional regulation in response to carbon source availability, the activating effects of Cra were much more pronounced when LTYR-11Z was grown within a gluconeogenic environment than when it was grown within a glycolytic environment. We further demonstrate that the ability of LTYR-11Z to colonize wheat roots is modulated by the availability of carbon sources. Altogether, these results uncover a novel strategy utilized by LTYR-11Z to achieve host colonization in response to carbon nutrition in the environment, in which Cra bridges a connection between carbon metabolism and colonization capacity of LTYR-11Z. IMPORTANCE Rapid and appropriate response to environmental signals is crucial for bacteria to adapt to competitive environments and to establish interactions with their hosts. Efficient colonization and persistence within the host are controlled by various regulatory factors that respond to specific environmental cues. The most common is nutrient availability. In this work, we unraveled the pivotal role of Cra in regulation of colonization ability of Pantoea alhagi LTYR-11Z in response to carbon source availability. Moreover, we identified three novel members of the Cra regulon involved in EPS synthesis, regulation of flagellar biosynthesis, and synthesis of c-di-GMP and propose a working model to explain the Cra-mediated regulatory mechanism that links carbon metabolism to host colonization. This study elucidates the regulatory role of Cra in bacterial attachment and colonization of plants, which raises the possibility of extending our studies to other bacteria associated with plant and human health.

scholarly journals F-Actin Dynamics in Neurospora crassa

2010 ◽  
Vol 9 (4) ◽  
pp. 547-557 ◽  
Author(s):  
Adokiye Berepiki ◽  
Alexander Lichius ◽  
Jun-Ya Shoji ◽  
Jens Tilsner ◽  
Nick D. Read
Keyword(s):  
Neurospora Crassa ◽  
Live Cell Imaging ◽  
Cell Imaging ◽  
Fluorescent Protein ◽  
Live Cell ◽  
Actin Dynamics ◽  
Actin Binding ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Actin Cables ◽  
Germ Tubes

ABSTRACT This study demonstrates the utility of Lifeact for the investigation of actin dynamics in Neurospora crassa and also represents the first report of simultaneous live-cell imaging of the actin and microtubule cytoskeletons in filamentous fungi. Lifeact is a 17-amino-acid peptide derived from the nonessential Saccharomyces cerevisiae actin-binding protein Abp140p. Fused to green fluorescent protein (GFP) or red fluorescent protein (TagRFP), Lifeact allowed live-cell imaging of actin patches, cables, and rings in N. crassa without interfering with cellular functions. Actin cables and patches localized to sites of active growth during the establishment and maintenance of cell polarity in germ tubes and conidial anastomosis tubes (CATs). Recurrent phases of formation and retrograde movement of complex arrays of actin cables were observed at growing tips of germ tubes and CATs. Two populations of actin patches exhibiting slow and fast movement were distinguished, and rapid (1.2 μm/s) saltatory transport of patches along cables was observed. Actin cables accumulated and subsequently condensed into actin rings associated with septum formation. F-actin organization was markedly different in the tip regions of mature hyphae and in germ tubes. Only mature hyphae displayed a subapical collar of actin patches and a concentration of F-actin within the core of the Spitzenkörper. Coexpression of Lifeact-TagRFP and β-tubulin–GFP revealed distinct but interrelated localization patterns of F-actin and microtubules during the initiation and maintenance of tip growth.

Lipid order and molecular assemblies in the plasma membrane of eukaryotic cells

2009 ◽  
Vol 37 (5) ◽  
pp. 1056-1060 ◽  
Author(s):  
Marek Cebecauer ◽  
Dylan M. Owen ◽  
Anna Markiewicz ◽  
Anthony I. Magee
Keyword(s):  
Plasma Membrane ◽  
Physical Properties ◽  
Live Cell Imaging ◽  
Cell Imaging ◽  
Live Cell ◽  
Eukaryotic Cells ◽  
Dynamic Nature ◽  
Membrane Components ◽  
Technological Improvements

Multimolecular assemblies on the plasma membrane exhibit dynamic nature and are often generated during the activation of eukaryotic cells. The role of lipids and their physical properties in helping to control the existence of these structures is discussed. Technological improvements for live cell imaging of membrane components are also reviewed.

scholarly journals Live-Cell Imaging of Phosphoinositide Dynamics and Membrane Architecture during Legionella Infection

mBio ◽  
2014 ◽  
Vol 5 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Stephen Weber ◽  
Maria Wagner ◽  
Hubert Hilbi
Keyword(s):  
Host Cell ◽  
Legionella Pneumophila ◽  
Live Cell Imaging ◽  
Cell Imaging ◽  
Effector Proteins ◽  
Host Cells ◽  
Wild Type ◽  
Host Cell Membrane ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Temporal And Spatial

ABSTRACTThe causative agent of Legionnaires’ disease,Legionella pneumophila, replicates in amoebae and macrophages in a distinct membrane-bound compartment, theLegionella-containing vacuole (LCV). LCV formation is governed by the bacterial Icm/Dot type IV secretion system that translocates ~300 different “effector” proteins into host cells. Some of the translocated effectors anchor to the LCV membrane via phosphoinositide (PI) lipids. Here, we use the soil amoebaDictyostelium discoideum, producing fluorescent PI probes, to analyze the LCV PI dynamics by live-cell imaging. Upon uptake of wild-type or Icm/Dot-deficientL. pneumophila, PtdIns(3,4,5)P3transiently accumulated for an average of 40 s on early phagosomes, which acquired PtdIns(3)Pwithin 1 min after uptake. Whereas phagosomes containing ΔicmTmutant bacteria remained decorated with PtdIns(3)P, more than 80% of wild-type LCVs gradually lost this PI within 2 h. The process was accompanied by a major rearrangement of PtdIns(3)P-positive membranes condensing to the cell center. PtdIns(4)Ptransiently localized to early phagosomes harboring wild-type or ΔicmT L. pneumophilaand was cleared within minutes after uptake. During the following 2 h, PtdIns(4)Psteadily accumulated only on wild-type LCVs, which maintained a discrete PtdIns(4)Pidentity spatially separated from calnexin-positive endoplasmic reticulum (ER) for at least 8 h. The separation of PtdIns(4)P-positive and ER membranes was even more pronounced for LCVs harboring ΔsidC-sdcAmutant bacteria defective for ER recruitment, without affecting initial bacterial replication in the pathogen vacuole. These findings elucidate the temporal and spatial dynamics of PI lipids implicated in LCV formation and provide insight into host cell membrane and effector protein interactions.IMPORTANCEThe environmental bacteriumLegionella pneumophilais the causative agent of Legionnaires’ pneumonia. The bacteria form in free-living amoebae and mammalian immune cells a replication-permissive compartment, theLegionella-containing vacuole (LCV). To subvert host cell processes, the bacteria secrete the amazing number of ~300 different proteins into host cells. Some of these proteins bind phosphoinositide (PI) lipids to decorate the LCV. PI lipids are crucial factors involved in host cell membrane dynamics and LCV formation. UsingDictyosteliumamoebae producing one or two distinct fluorescent probes, we elucidated the dynamic LCV PI pattern in high temporal and spatial resolution. Notably, the endocytic PI lipid PtdIns(3)Pwas slowly cleared from LCVs, thus incapacitating the host cell’s digestive machinery, while PtdIns(4)Pgradually accumulated on the LCV, enabling critical interactions with host organelles. The LCV PI pattern underlies the spatiotemporal configuration of bacterial effector proteins and therefore represents a crucial aspect of LCV formation.

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