Direct binding of NuMA to tubulin is mediated by a novel sequence motif in the tail domain that bundles and stabilizes microtubules

2002 ◽  
Vol 115 (9) ◽  
pp. 1815-1824
Author(s):  
Laurence Haren ◽  
Andreas Merdes
Keyword(s):  
Cultured Cells ◽  
Direct Interaction ◽  
Sequence Motif ◽  
Tail Domain ◽  
Mitotic Spindles ◽  
Spindle Poles ◽  
Direct Binding ◽  
Multiple Poles

In mitosis, NuMA localises to spindle poles where it contributes to the formation and maintenance of focussed microtubule arrays. Previous work has shown that NuMA is transported to the poles by dynein and dynactin. So far, it is unclear how NuMA accumulates at the spindle poles following transport and how it remains associated throughout mitosis. We show here that NuMA can bind to microtubules independently of dynein/dynactin. We characterise a 100-residue domain located within the C-terminal tail of NuMA that mediates a direct interaction with tubulin in vitro and that is necessary for NuMA association with tubulin in vivo. Moreover, this domain induces bundling and stabilisation of microtubules when expressed in cultured cells and leads to formation of abnormal mitotic spindles with increased microtubule asters or multiple poles. Our results suggest that NuMA organises the poles by stable crosslinking of the microtubule fibers.

scholarly journals Interaction of Aurora-A and centrosomin at the microtubule-nucleating site in Drosophila and mammalian cells

2003 ◽  
Vol 162 (5) ◽  
pp. 757-764 ◽  
Author(s):  
Yasuhiko Terada ◽  
Yumi Uetake ◽  
Ryoko Kuriyama
Keyword(s):  
Mammalian Cells ◽  
Aurora A Kinase ◽  
Aurora A ◽  
Mitotic Spindles ◽  
Microtubule Nucleation ◽  
Microtubule Organization ◽  
Centrosomal Protein ◽  
Spindle Poles

A mitosis-specific Aurora-A kinase has been implicated in microtubule organization and spindle assembly in diverse organisms. However, exactly how Aurora-A controls the microtubule nucleation onto centrosomes is unknown. Here, we show that Aurora-A specifically binds to the COOH-terminal domain of a Drosophila centrosomal protein, centrosomin (CNN), which has been shown to be important for assembly of mitotic spindles and spindle poles. Aurora-A and CNN are mutually dependent for localization at spindle poles, which is required for proper targeting of γ-tubulin and other centrosomal components to the centrosome. The NH2-terminal half of CNN interacts with γ-tubulin, and induces cytoplasmic foci that can initiate microtubule nucleation in vivo and in vitro in both Drosophila and mammalian cells. These results suggest that Aurora-A regulates centrosome assembly by controlling the CNN's ability to targeting and/or anchoring γ-tubulin to the centrosome and organizing microtubule-nucleating sites via its interaction with the COOH-terminal sequence of CNN.

scholarly journals Direct Interaction of Pericentrin with Cytoplasmic Dynein Light Intermediate Chain Contributes to Mitotic Spindle Organization

1999 ◽  
Vol 147 (3) ◽  
pp. 481-492 ◽  
Author(s):  
Aruna Purohit ◽  
Sharon H. Tynan ◽  
Richard Vallee ◽  
Stephen J. Doxsey
Keyword(s):  
Molecular Motor ◽  
Physiological Role ◽  
Direct Interaction ◽  
Cytoplasmic Dynein ◽  
Mitotic Spindles ◽  
Microtubule Organization ◽  
Cellular Targets ◽  
Spindle Poles ◽  
And Function

Pericentrin is a conserved protein of the centrosome involved in microtubule organization. To better understand pericentrin function, we overexpressed the protein in somatic cells and assayed for changes in the composition and function of mitotic spindles and spindle poles. Spindles in pericentrin-overexpressing cells were disorganized and mispositioned, and chromosomes were misaligned and missegregated during cell division, giving rise to aneuploid cells. We unexpectedly found that levels of the molecular motor cytoplasmic dynein were dramatically reduced at spindle poles. Cytoplasmic dynein was diminished at kinetochores also, and the dynein-mediated organization of the Golgi complex was disrupted. Dynein coimmunoprecipitated with overexpressed pericentrin, suggesting that the motor was sequestered in the cytoplasm and was prevented from associating with its cellular targets. Immunoprecipitation of endogenous pericentrin also pulled down cytoplasmic dynein in untransfected cells. To define the basis for this interaction, pericentrin was coexpressed with cytoplasmic dynein heavy (DHCs), intermediate (DICs), and light intermediate (LICs) chains, and the dynamitin and p150Glued subunits of dynactin. Only the LICs coimmunoprecipitated with pericentrin. These results provide the first physiological role for LIC, and they suggest that a pericentrin–dynein interaction in vivo contributes to the assembly, organization, and function of centrosomes and mitotic spindles.

scholarly journals Neurofilaments are obligate heteropolymers in vivo

1993 ◽  
Vol 122 (6) ◽  
pp. 1337-1350 ◽  
Author(s):  
MK Lee ◽  
Z Xu ◽  
PC Wong ◽  
DW Cleveland
Keyword(s):  
Intermediate Filaments ◽  
Intermediate Filament ◽  
Cultured Cells ◽  
Dna Transfection ◽  
Tail Domain ◽  
In Vitro Assembly ◽  
Mature Neurons ◽  
Filament Network

Neurofilaments (NFs), composed of three distinct subunits NF-L, NF-M, and NF-H, are neuron-specific intermediate filaments present in most mature neurons. Using DNA transfection and mice expressing NF transgenes, we find that despite the ability of NF-L alone to assemble into short filaments in vitro NF-L cannot form filament arrays in vivo after expression either in cultured cells or in transgenic oligodendrocytes that otherwise do not contain a cytoplasmic intermediate filament (IF) array. Instead, NF-L aggregates into punctate or sheet like structures. Similar nonfilamentous structures are also formed when NF-M or NF-H is expressed alone. The competence of NF-L to assemble into filaments is fully restored by coexpression of NF-M or NF-H to a level approximately 10% of that of NF-L. Deletion of the head or tail domain of NF-M or substitution of the NF-H tail onto an NF-L subunit reveals that restoration of in vivo NF-L assembly competence requires an interaction provided by the NF-M or NF-H head domains. We conclude that, contrary to the expectation drawn from earlier in vitro assembly studies, NF-L is not sufficient to assemble an extended filament network in an in vivo context and that neurofilaments are obligate heteropolymers requiring NF-L and NF-M or NF-H.

scholarly journals Prometaphase spindle maintenance by an antagonistic motor-dependent force balance made robust by a disassembling lamin-B envelope

2010 ◽  
Vol 188 (1) ◽  
pp. 49-68 ◽  
Author(s):  
Gul Civelekoglu-Scholey ◽  
Li Tao ◽  
Ingrid Brust-Mascher ◽  
Roy Wollman ◽  
Jonathan M. Scholey
Keyword(s):  
Narrow Range ◽  
Force Balance ◽  
Balance Model ◽  
Power Stroke ◽  
Mitotic Spindles ◽  
Stochastic Force ◽  
Lamin B ◽  
Spindle Poles

We tested the classical hypothesis that astral, prometaphase bipolar mitotic spindles are maintained by balanced outward and inward forces exerted on spindle poles by kinesin-5 and -14 using modeling of in vitro and in vivo data from Drosophila melanogaster embryos. Throughout prometaphase, puncta of both motors aligned on interpolar microtubules (MTs [ipMTs]), and motor perturbation changed spindle length, as predicted. Competitive motility of purified kinesin-5 and -14 was well described by a stochastic, opposing power stroke model incorporating motor kinetics and load-dependent detachment. Motor parameters from this model were applied to a new stochastic force-balance model for prometaphase spindles, providing a good fit to data from embryos. Maintenance of virtual spindles required dynamic ipMTs and a narrow range of kinesin-5 to kinesin-14 ratios matching that found in embryos. Functional perturbation and modeling suggest that this range can be extended significantly by a disassembling lamin-B envelope that surrounds the prometaphase spindle and augments the finely tuned, antagonistic kinesin force balance to maintain robust prometaphase spindles as MTs assemble and chromosomes are pushed to the equator.

scholarly journals The Kinesin-5 Tail Domain Directly Modulates the Mechanochemical Cycle of the Motor for Anti-Parallel Microtubule Sliding

2019 ◽  
Author(s):  
Tatyana Bodrug ◽  
Elizabeth Wilson-Kubalek ◽  
Stanley Nithianantham ◽  
Alex F. Thompson ◽  
April Alfieri ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Mitotic Spindle ◽  
Bound States ◽  
Atp Hydrolysis ◽  
Force Production ◽  
Tail Domain ◽  
Mitotic Spindles ◽  
Direct Binding ◽  
Biochemical Analyses ◽  
Mechanochemical Cycle

AbstractKinesin-5 motors organize mitotic spindles by sliding apart anti-parallel microtubules. They are homotetramers composed of two antiparallel dimers placing orthogonal motor and tail domains at opposite ends of a bipolar minifilament. Here, we describe a regulatory mechanism, involving direct binding of the tail to motor domain and reveal its fundamental role in microtubule sliding motility. Biochemical analyses reveal that the tail down-regulates microtubule-activated ATP hydrolysis by specifically engaging the motor in the nucleotide-free or ADP-bound states. Cryo-EM structures reveal that the tail stabilizes a unique conformation of the motor N-terminal subdomain opening its active site. Full-length kinesin-5 motors undergo slow motility and cluster together along microtubules, while tail-deleted motors exhibit rapid motility without clustering along microtubules. The tail is critical for motors to zipper together two microtubules by generating substantial forces within sliding zones. The tail domain is essential for kinesin-5 mitotic spindle localization in vivo, which becomes severely reduced when the tail is deleted. Our studies suggest a revised microtubule-sliding model, in which tail domains directly engage motor domains at both ends of kinesin-5 homotetramers enhancing stability of the dual microtubule-bound states leading to slow motility yet high force production.

Ultrastructural Correlations between Clonal Human Tumor Colonies and in Vivo Neoplasms

1982 ◽  
Vol 40 ◽  
pp. 210-211
Author(s):  
M.J. Murphy ◽  
R.R. Price ◽  
J.C. Sloman
Keyword(s):  
Cultured Cells ◽  
Human Tumor ◽  
Cell Type ◽  
Tumor Mass ◽  
Initial Cell ◽  
Cloning Assay ◽  
Human Tumor Cloning ◽  
The Relationship

The in vitro human tumor cloning assay originally described by Salmon and Hamburger has been applied recently to the investigation of differential anti-tumor drug sensitivities over a broad range of human neoplasms. A major problem in the acceptance of this technique has been the question of the relationship between the cultured cells and the original patient tumor, i.e., whether the colonies that develop derive from the neoplasm or from some other cell type within the initial cell population. A study of the ultrastructural morphology of the cultured cells vs. patient tumor has therefore been undertaken to resolve this question. Direct correlation was assured by division of a common tumor mass at surgical resection, one biopsy being fixed for TEM studies, the second being rapidly transported to the laboratory for culture.

Preparation of cultured astrocytes for x-ray microanalysis

1989 ◽  
Vol 47 ◽  
pp. 988-989
Author(s):  
N.K.R. Smith ◽  
K.E. Hunter ◽  
P. Mobley ◽  
L.P. Felpel
Keyword(s):  
Cultured Cells ◽  
Elemental Content ◽  
Elemental Distribution ◽  
Sprague Dawley ◽  
X Ray ◽  
Cultured Astrocytes ◽  
Freeze Dried ◽  
Ultimate Objective

Electron probe energy dispersive x-ray microanalysis (XRMA) offers a powerful tool for the determination of intracellular elemental content of biological tissue. However, preparation of the tissue specimen , particularly excitable central nervous system (CNS) tissue , for XRMA is rather difficult, as dissection of a sample from the intact organism frequently results in artefacts in elemental distribution. To circumvent the problems inherent in the in vivo preparation, we turned to an in vitro preparation of astrocytes grown in tissue culture. However, preparations of in vitro samples offer a new and unique set of problems. Generally, cultured cells, growing in monolayer, must be harvested by either mechanical or enzymatic procedures, resulting in variable degrees of damage to the cells and compromised intracel1ular elemental distribution. The ultimate objective is to process and analyze unperturbed cells. With the objective of sparing others from some of the same efforts, we are reporting the considerable difficulties we have encountered in attempting to prepare astrocytes for XRMA.Tissue cultures of astrocytes from newborn C57 mice or Sprague Dawley rats were prepared and cultured by standard techniques, usually in T25 flasks, except as noted differently on Cytodex beads or on gelatin. After different preparative procedures, all samples were frozen on brass pins in liquid propane, stored in liquid nitrogen, cryosectioned (0.1 μm), freeze dried, and microanalyzed as previously reported.

Defibrotide Inhibits Platelet Activation by Cathepsin G Released From Stimulated Polymorphonuclear Leukocytes

1992 ◽  
Vol 67 (06) ◽  
pp. 660-664 ◽  
Author(s):  
Virgilio Evangelista ◽  
Paola Piccardoni ◽  
Giovanni de Gaetano ◽  
Chiara Cerletti
Keyword(s):  
Platelet Activation ◽  
Polymorphonuclear Leukocytes ◽  
Direct Interaction ◽  
Cathepsin G ◽  
In Vivo Test ◽  
Cell Functions ◽  
Test Models ◽  
Antithrombotic Effects

SummaryDefibrotide is a polydeoxyribonucleotide with antithrombotic effects in experimental animal models. Most of the actions of this drug have been observed in in vivo test models but no effects have been reported in in vitro systems. In this paper we demonstrate that defibrotide interferes with polymorphonuclear leukocyte-induced human platelet activation in vitro. This effect was not related to any direct interaction with polymorphonuclear leukocytes or platelets, but was due to the inhibition of cathepsin G, the main biochemical mediator of this cell-cell cooperation. Since cathepsin G not only induces platelet activation but also affects some endothelial cell functions, the anticathepsin G activity of defibrotide could help to explain the antithrombotic effect of this drug.

scholarly journals Localization matters: nuclear-trapped Survivin sensitizes glioblastoma cells to temozolomide by elevating cellular senescence and impairing homologous recombination

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Thomas R. Reich ◽  
Christian Schwarzenbach ◽  
Juliana Brandstetter Vilar ◽  
Sven Unger ◽  
Fabian Mühlhäusler ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Homologous Recombination ◽  
Nuclear Export ◽  
Cell Model ◽  
Chromosome Instability ◽  
Direct Interaction ◽  
High Grade Glioma ◽  
Strand Break ◽  
Γh2ax Foci

AbstractTo clarify whether differential compartmentalization of Survivin impacts temozolomide (TMZ)-triggered end points, we established a well-defined glioblastoma cell model in vitro (LN229 and A172) and in vivo, distinguishing between its nuclear and cytoplasmic localization. Expression of nuclear export sequence (NES)-mutated Survivin (SurvNESmut-GFP) led to impaired colony formation upon TMZ. This was not due to enhanced cell death but rather due to increased senescence. Nuclear-trapped Survivin reduced homologous recombination (HR)-mediated double-strand break (DSB) repair, as evaluated by γH2AX foci formation and qPCR-based HR assay leading to pronounced induction of chromosome aberrations. Opposite, clones, expressing free-shuttling cytoplasmic but not nuclear-trapped Survivin, could repair TMZ-induced DSBs and evaded senescence. Mass spectrometry-based interactomics revealed, however, no direct interaction of Survivin with any of the repair factors. The improved TMZ-triggered HR activity in Surv-GFP was associated with enhanced mRNA and stabilized RAD51 protein expression, opposite to diminished RAD51 expression in SurvNESmut cells. Notably, cytoplasmic Survivin could significantly compensate for the viability under RAD51 knockdown. Differential Survivin localization also resulted in distinctive TMZ-triggered transcriptional pathways, associated with senescence and chromosome instability as shown by global transcriptome analysis. Orthotopic LN229 xenografts, expressing SurvNESmut exhibited diminished growth and increased DNA damage upon TMZ, as manifested by PCNA and γH2AX foci expression, respectively, in brain tissue sections. Consequently, those mice lived longer. Although tumors of high-grade glioma patients expressed majorly nuclear Survivin, they exhibited rarely NES mutations which did not correlate with survival. Based on our in vitro and xenograft data, Survivin nuclear trapping would facilitate glioma response to TMZ.

scholarly journals TAMI-06. PRECLINICAL MODELS REVEAL BRAIN-MICROENVIRONMENT SPECIFIC METABOLIC DEPENDENCIES IN GLIOBLASTOMA

2020 ◽  
Vol 22 (Supplement_2) ◽  
pp. ii214-ii214
Author(s):  
Jenna Minami ◽  
Nicholas Bayley ◽  
Christopher Tse ◽  
Henan Zhu ◽  
Danielle Morrow ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Tumor Microenvironment ◽  
Cultured Cells ◽  
Tumor Biology ◽  
Metabolic Reprogramming ◽  
Neoplastic Progression ◽  
Extracellular Milieu ◽  
Metabolic Defects ◽  
Metabolic Heterogeneity

Abstract Metabolic reprogramming is a hallmark of cancer, and malignant cells must acquire metabolic adaptations to fuel neoplastic progression. Mutations or changes in metabolic gene expression can impose nutrient dependencies in tumors, and even in the absence of metabolic defects, cancer cells can become auxotrophic for particular nutrients or metabolic byproducts generated by other cells in the tumor microenvironment (TME). Conventional cell lines do not recapitulate the metabolic heterogeneity of glioblastoma (GBM), while primary cultured cells do not account for the influences of the microenvironment and the blood brain barrier on tumor biology. Additionally, these systems are under strong selective pressure divergent from that in vivo, leading to reduced heterogeneity between cultured tumor cells. Here, we describe a biobank of direct-from-patient derived orthotopic xenografts (GliomaPDOX) and gliomaspheres that reveal a subset of gliomas that, while able to form in vivo, cannot survive in vitro. RNA sequencing of tumors that can form both in vivo and in vitro (termed “TME-Indifferent”) compared to that of tumors that can only form in vivo (termed “TME-Dependent”) revealed transcriptional changes associated with altered nutrient availability, emphasizing the unique metabolic programs impacted by the tumor microenvironment. Furthermore, TME-dependent tumors lack metabolic signatures associated with nutrient biosynthesis, thus indicating a potential dependency of these tumors on scavenging specific nutrients from the extracellular milieu. Collectively, these data emphasize the metabolic heterogeneity within GBM, and reveal a subset of gliomas that lack metabolic plasticity, indicating a potential brain-microenvironment specific metabolic dependency that can be targeted for therapy.

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