Subcellular localization of Bic-D::GFP is linked to an asymmetric oocyte nucleus

2000 ◽  
Vol 113 (12) ◽  
pp. 2119-2127 ◽  
Author(s):  
C. Pare ◽  
B. Suter

Bicaudal-D (Bic-D) is essential for the establishment of oocyte fate and subsequently for polarity formation within the developing Drosophila oocyte. To find out where in the germ cells Bic-D performs its various functions we made transgenic flies expressing a chimeric Bic-D::GFP fusion protein. Once Bic-D::GFP preferentially accumulates in the oocyte, it shows an initial anterior localization in germarial region 2. In the subsequent egg chamber stages 1–6 Bic-D::GFP preferentially accumulates between the oocyte nucleus and the posterior cortex in a focus that is consistently aligned with a crater-like indentation in the oocyte nucleus. After stage 6 Bic-D::GFP fluorescent signal is predominantly found between the oocyte nucleus and the dorso-anterior cortex. During the different phases several genes have been found to be required for the establishment of the new Bic-D::GFP distribution patterns. Dynein heavy chain (Dhc), spindle (spn) genes and maelstrom (mael) are required for the re-localization of the Bic-D::GFP focus from its anterior to its posterior oocyte position. Genes predicted to encode proteins that interact with RNA (egalitarian and orb) are required for the normal subcellular distribution of Bic-D::GFP in the germarium, and another potential RNA binding protein, spn-E, is required for proper transport of Bic-D::GFP from the nurse cells to the oocyte in later oogenesis stages. The results indicate that Bic-D requires the activity of mRNA binding proteins and a negative-end directed microtubule motor to localize to the appropriate cellular domains. Asymmetric subcellular accumulation of Bic-D and the polarization of the oocyte nucleus may reflect the function of this localization machinery in vectorial mRNA localization and in tethering of the oocyte nucleus. The subcellular polarity defined by the Bic-D focus and the nuclear polarity marks some of the first steps in antero-posterior and subsequently in dorso-ventral polarity formation.

2018 ◽  
Author(s):  
Simone Heber ◽  
Imre Gáspár ◽  
Jan-Niklas Tants ◽  
Johannes Günther ◽  
Sandra M. Fernandez Moya ◽  
...  

AbstractThroughout metazoans, Staufen (Stau) proteins are core factors of mRNA localization particles. They consist of three to four double-stranded RNA binding domains (dsRBDs) and a C-terminal dsRBD-like domain. Mouse Staufen2 (mStau2) like Drosophila Stau (dmStau) contains four dsRBDs. Existing data suggest that only dsRBDs 3-4 are necessary and sufficient for mRNA binding. Here, we show that dsRBDs 1 and 2 of mStau2 bind RNA with similar affinities and kinetics as dsRBDs 3 and 4. While RNA binding by these tandem domains is transient, all four dsRBDs recognize their target RNAs with high stability. Rescue experiments in Drosophila oocytes demonstrate that mStau2 partially rescues dmStau-dependent mRNA localization. In contrast, a rescue with mStau2 bearing RNA-binding mutations in dsRBD1-2 fails, confirming the physiological relevance of our findings. In summary, our data show that the dsRBDs 1-2 play essential roles in the mRNA recognition and function of Stau- family proteins of different species.


Development ◽  
1998 ◽  
Vol 125 (20) ◽  
pp. 4089-4098 ◽  
Author(s):  
F. Matsuzaki ◽  
T. Ohshiro ◽  
H. Ikeshima-Kataoka ◽  
H. Izumi

When neuroblasts divide, prospero protein and mRNA segregate asymmetrically into the daughter neuroblast and sibling ganglion mother cell. miranda is known to localize prospero protein to the basal cell cortex of neuroblasts while the staufen RNA-binding protein mediates prospero mRNA localization. Here we show that miranda is required for asymmetric staufen localization in neuroblasts. Analyses using miranda mutants reveal that prospero and staufen interact with miranda under the same cell-cycle-dependent control. miranda thus acts to partition both prospero protein and mRNA. Furthermore, miranda localizes prospero and staufen to the basolateral cortex in dividing epithelial cells, which express the three proteins prior to neurogenesis. Our observations suggest that the epithelial cell and neuroblast (both of epithelial origin) share the same molecular machinery for creating cellular asymmetry.


2019 ◽  
Author(s):  
Kathrin Bajak ◽  
Kevin Leiss ◽  
Christine Clayton ◽  
Esteban Erben

AbstractKinetoplastids rely heavily on post-transcriptional mechanisms for control of gene expression, and on RNA-binding proteins that regulate mRNA splicing, translation and decay. Trypanosoma brucei ERBP1 (Tb927.10.14150) and ERBP2 (Tb927.9.9550) were previously identified as mRNA binding proteins that lack canonical RNA-binding domains. We here show that ERBP1 is associated with the endoplasmic reticulum, like ERBP2, and that the two proteins interact in vivo. Loss of ERBP1 from bloodstream-form T. brucei initially resulted in a growth defect but proliferation was restored after more prolonged cultivation. Results from a pull-down of tagged ERBP1 suggest that it preferentially binds to ribosomal protein mRNAs. The ERBP1 sequence resembles that of Saccharomyces cerevisiae Bfr1, which also localises to the endoplasmic reticulum and binds to ribosomal protein mRNAs. However, unlike Bfr1, ERBP1 does not bind to mRNAs encoding secreted proteins, and it is also not recruited to stress granules after starvation.


2021 ◽  
Vol 129 (Suppl_1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Junnan Fang

Centrosomes, functioning as microtubule organizing centers, are composed of a proteinaceous matrix of pericentriolar material (PCM) that surrounds a pair of centrioles. Drosophila Pericentrin (Pcnt)-like protein (PLP) is a key component of the centrosome that serves as a scaffold for PCM assembly. The disruption of plp in Drosophila results in embryonic lethality, while the deregulation of Pcnt in humans is associated with MOPD II and Trisomy 21.We recently found plp mRNA localizes to Drosophila embryonic centrosomes. While RNA is known to associate with centrosomes in diverse cell types, the elements required for plp mRNA localization to centrosomes remains completely unknown. Additionally, how plp translation is regulated to accommodate rapid cell divisions during early embryogenesis is unclear. RNA localization coupled with translational control is a conserved mechanism that functions in diverse cellular processes. Control of mRNA localization and translation is mediated by RNA-binding proteins (RBPs). We find PLP protein expression is specifically promoted by an RNA-binding protein, Orb, during embryogenesis; moreover, plp mRNA interacts with Orb. Importantly, we find overexpression of full-length PLP can rescue cell division defects and embryonic lethality caused by orb depletion. We aim to uncover the mechanisms underlying embryonic plp mRNA localization and function and how Orb regulates plp translation.


2018 ◽  
Vol 217 (10) ◽  
pp. 3497-3511 ◽  
Author(s):  
Wen Lu ◽  
Margot Lakonishok ◽  
Anna S. Serpinskaya ◽  
David Kirchenbüechler ◽  
Shuo-Chien Ling ◽  
...  

The posterior determination of the Drosophila melanogaster embryo is defined by the posterior localization of oskar (osk) mRNA in the oocyte. Defects of its localization result in a lack of germ cells and failure of abdomen specification. A microtubule motor kinesin-1 is essential for osk mRNA posterior localization. Because kinesin-1 is required for two essential functions in the oocyte—transport along microtubules and cytoplasmic streaming—it is unclear how individual kinesin-1 activities contribute to the posterior determination. We examined Staufen, an RNA-binding protein that is colocalized with osk mRNA, as a proxy of posterior determination, and we used mutants that either inhibit kinesin-driven transport along microtubules or cytoplasmic streaming. We demonstrated that late-stage streaming is partially redundant with early-stage transport along microtubules for Staufen posterior localization. Additionally, an actin motor, myosin V, is required for the Staufen anchoring to the actin cortex. We propose a model whereby initial kinesin-driven transport, subsequent kinesin-driven streaming, and myosin V–based cortical retention cooperate in posterior determination.


2007 ◽  
Vol 18 (11) ◽  
pp. 4470-4482 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jui-Ching Wu ◽  
Lesilee S. Rose

The conserved PAR proteins are localized in asymmetric cortical domains and are required for the polarized localization of cell fate determinants in many organisms. In Caenorhabditis elegans embryos, LET-99 and G protein signaling act downstream of the PARs to regulate spindle positioning and ensure asymmetric division. PAR-3 and PAR-2 localize LET-99 to a posterior cortical band through an unknown mechanism. Here we report that LET-99 asymmetry depends on cortically localized PAR-1 and PAR-4 but not on cytoplasmic polarity effectors. In par-1 and par-4 embryos, LET-99 accumulates at the entire posterior cortex, but remains at low levels at the anterior cortex occupied by PAR-3. Further, PAR-3 and PAR-1 have graded cortical distributions with the highest levels at the anterior and posterior poles, respectively, and the lowest levels of these proteins correlate with high LET-99 accumulation. These results suggest that PAR-3 and PAR-1 inhibit the localization of LET-99 to generate a band pattern. In addition, PAR-1 kinase activity is required for the inhibition of LET-99 localization, and PAR-1 associates with LET-99. Finally, examination of par-1 embryos suggests that the banded pattern of LET-99 is critical for normal posterior spindle displacement and to prevent spindle misorientation caused by cell shape constraints.


2010 ◽  
Vol 30 (6) ◽  
pp. 1397-1410 ◽  
Author(s):  
Anke Doller ◽  
Kai Schlepckow ◽  
Harald Schwalbe ◽  
Josef Pfeilschifter ◽  
Wolfgang Eberhardt

ABSTRACT Stabilization of mRNA by the ubiquitous RNA binding protein human antigen R (HuR), a member of the embryonic lethal abnormal vision (ELAV) protein family, requires canonical binding to AU-rich element (ARE)-bearing target mRNA and export of nuclear HuR-mRNA complexes to the cytoplasm. In human mesangial cells (HMC) both processes are induced by angiotensin II (AngII) via protein kinase Cδ (PKCδ)-triggered serine phosphorylation of HuR. By testing different point-mutated Flag-tagged HuR proteins, we found that Ser 318 within RNA recognition motif 3 (RRM3) is essential for AngII-induced binding to ARE-bearing mRNA but irrelevant for nucleocytoplasmic HuR shuttling. Conversely, mutation at Ser 221 within the HuR hinge region prevents AngII-triggered HuR export without affecting mRNA binding of HuR. Using phosphorylation state-specific antibodies, we found a transient increase in HuR phosphorylation at both serines by AngII. Functionally, PKCδ mediates the AngII-induced stabilization of prominent HuR target mRNAs, including those of cyclin A, cyclin D1, and cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2), and is indispensable for AngII-triggered migration and wound healing of HMC. Our data suggest a regulatory paradigm wherein a simultaneous phosphorylation at different domains by PKCδ coordinates mRNA binding and nucleocytoplasmic shuttling of HuR, both of which events are essentially involved in the stabilization of HuR target mRNAs and relevant cell functions.


2013 ◽  
Vol 394 (8) ◽  
pp. 1077-1090 ◽  
Author(s):  
Kristin Wächter ◽  
Marcel Köhn ◽  
Nadine Stöhr ◽  
Stefan Hüttelmaier

Abstract The IGF2 mRNA-binding protein family (IGF2BPs) directs the cytoplasmic fate of various target mRNAs and controls essential cellular functions. The three IGF2BP paralogues expressed in mammals comprise two RNA-recognition motifs (RRM) as well as four KH domains. How these domains direct IGF2BP paralogue-dependent protein function remains largely elusive. In this study, we analyze the role of KH domains in IGF2BPs by the mutational GXXG-GEEG conversion of single KH domain loops in the context of full-length polypeptides. These analyses reveal that all four KH domains of IGF2BP1 and IGF2BP2 are essentially involved in RNA-binding in vitro and the cellular association with RNA-binding proteins (RBPs). Moreover the KH domains prevent the nuclear accumulation of these two paralogues and facilitate their recruitment to stress granules. The role of KH domains appears less pronounced in IGF2BP3, because GxxG-GEEG conversion in all four KH domains only modestly affects RNA-binding, subcellular localization and RNA-dependent protein association of this paralogue. These findings indicate paralogue-dependent RNA-binding properties of IGF2BPs which likely direct distinct cellular functions. Our findings suggest that IGF2BPs contact target RNAs via all four KH domains. This implies significant structural constraints, which presumably allow the formation of exceedingly stable protein-RNA complexes.


2007 ◽  
Vol 27 (18) ◽  
pp. 6569-6579 ◽  
Author(s):  
Luciano H. Apponi ◽  
Seth M. Kelly ◽  
Michelle T. Harreman ◽  
Alexander N. Lehner ◽  
Anita H. Corbett ◽  
...  

ABSTRACT mRNA stability is modulated by elements in the mRNA transcript and their cognate RNA binding proteins. Poly(U) binding protein 1 (Pub1) is a cytoplasmic Saccharomyces cerevisiae mRNA binding protein that stabilizes transcripts containing AU-rich elements (AREs) or stabilizer elements (STEs). In a yeast two-hybrid screen, we identified nuclear poly(A) binding protein 2 (Nab2) as being a Pub1-interacting protein. Nab2 is an essential nucleocytoplasmic shuttling mRNA binding protein that regulates poly(A) tail length and mRNA export. The interaction between Pub1 and Nab2 was confirmed by copurification and in vitro binding assays. The interaction is mediated by the Nab2 zinc finger domain. Analysis of the functional link between these proteins reveals that Nab2, like Pub1, can modulate the stability of specific mRNA transcripts. The half-life of the RPS16B transcript, an ARE-like sequence-containing Pub1 target, is decreased in both nab2-1 and nab2-67 mutants. In contrast, GCN4, an STE-containing Pub1 target, is not affected. Similar results were obtained for other ARE- and STE-containing Pub1 target transcripts. Further analysis reveals that the ARE-like sequence is necessary for Nab2-mediated transcript stabilization. These results suggest that Nab2 functions together with Pub1 to modulate mRNA stability and strengthen a model where nuclear events are coupled to the control of mRNA turnover in the cytoplasm.


Sign in / Sign up

Export Citation Format

Share Document