scholarly journals The Ringleaders: Understanding the Apicomplexan Basal Complex Through Comparison to Established Contractile Ring Systems

2021 ◽  
Vol 11 ◽  
Author(s):  
Alexander A. Morano ◽  
Jeffrey D. Dvorin
Keyword(s):  
Cell Biology ◽  
Myosin Ii ◽  
Ring Structure ◽  
Plastid Division ◽  
Contractile Ring ◽  
Ring Systems ◽  
Basal Complex ◽  
And Function

The actomyosin contractile ring is a key feature of eukaryotic cytokinesis, conserved across many eukaryotic kingdoms. Recent research into the cell biology of the divergent eukaryotic clade Apicomplexa has revealed a contractile ring structure required for asexual division in the medically relevant genera Toxoplasma and Plasmodium; however, the structure of the contractile ring, known as the basal complex in these parasites, remains poorly characterized and in the absence of a myosin II homolog, it is unclear how the force required of a cytokinetic contractile ring is generated. Here, we review the literature on the basal complex in Apicomplexans, summarizing what is known about its formation and function, and attempt to provide possible answers to this question and suggest new avenues of study by comparing the Apicomplexan basal complex to well-studied, established cytokinetic contractile rings and their mechanisms in organisms such as S. cerevisiae and D. melanogaster. We also compare the basal complex to structures formed during mitochondrial and plastid division and cytokinetic mechanisms of organisms beyond the Opisthokonts, considering Apicomplexan diversity and divergence.

scholarly journals Ordering of myosin II filaments driven by mechanical forces: experiments and theory

2018 ◽  
Vol 373 (1747) ◽  
pp. 20170114 ◽  
Author(s):  
Kinjal Dasbiswas ◽  
Shiqiong Hu ◽  
Frank Schnorrer ◽  
Samuel A. Safran ◽  
Alexander D. Bershadsky
Keyword(s):  
Actin Cytoskeleton ◽  
Actin Filament ◽  
Cell Biology ◽  
Striated Muscle ◽  
Myosin Ii ◽  
Muscle Cells ◽  
Self Organization ◽  
The Matrix ◽  
Filament Bundles ◽  
And Function

Myosin II filaments form ordered superstructures in both cross-striated muscle and non-muscle cells. In cross-striated muscle, myosin II (thick) filaments, actin (thin) filaments and elastic titin filaments comprise the stereotypical contractile units of muscles called sarcomeres. Linear chains of sarcomeres, called myofibrils, are aligned laterally in registry to form cross-striated muscle cells. The experimentally observed dependence of the registered organization of myofibrils on extracellular matrix elasticity has been proposed to arise from the interactions of sarcomeric contractile elements (considered as force dipoles) through the matrix. Non-muscle cells form small bipolar filaments built of less than 30 myosin II molecules. These filaments are associated in registry forming superstructures (‘stacks’) orthogonal to actin filament bundles. Formation of myosin II filament stacks requires the myosin II ATPase activity and function of the actin filament crosslinking, polymerizing and depolymerizing proteins. We propose that the myosin II filaments embedded into elastic, intervening actin network (IVN) function as force dipoles that interact attractively through the IVN. This is in analogy with the theoretical picture developed for myofibrils where the elastic medium is now the actin cytoskeleton itself. Myosin stack formation in non-muscle cells provides a novel mechanism for the self-organization of the actin cytoskeleton at the level of the entire cell. This article is part of the theme issue ‘Self-organization in cell biology’.

scholarly journals An ECT2–centralspindlin complex regulates the localization and function of RhoA

2005 ◽  
Vol 170 (4) ◽  
pp. 571-582 ◽  
Author(s):  
Özlem Yüce ◽  
Alisa Piekny ◽  
Michael Glotzer
Keyword(s):  
Actin Polymerization ◽  
Molecular Mechanisms ◽  
Myosin Ii ◽  
Cell Cortex ◽  
Contractile Ring ◽  
Division Plane ◽  
Central Spindle ◽  
Ring Assembly ◽  
Cortical Localization ◽  
And Function

In anaphase, the spindle dictates the site of contractile ring assembly. Assembly and ingression of the contractile ring involves activation of myosin-II and actin polymerization, which are triggered by the GTPase RhoA. In many cells, the central spindle affects division plane positioning via unknown molecular mechanisms. Here, we dissect furrow formation in human cells and show that the RhoGEF ECT2 is required for cortical localization of RhoA and contractile ring assembly. ECT2 concentrates on the central spindle by binding to centralspindlin. Depletion of the centralspindlin component MKLP1 prevents central spindle localization of ECT2; however, RhoA, F-actin, and myosin still accumulate on the equatorial cell cortex. Depletion of the other centralspindlin component, CYK-4/MgcRacGAP, prevents cortical accumulation of RhoA, F-actin, and myosin. CYK-4 and ECT2 interact, and this interaction is cell cycle regulated via ECT2 phosphorylation. Thus, central spindle localization of ECT2 assists division plane positioning and the CYK-4 subunit of centralspindlin acts upstream of RhoA to promote furrow assembly.

scholarly journals Regulation of Fission Yeast Myosin-II Function and Contractile Ring Dynamics by Regulatory Light-Chain and Heavy-Chain Phosphorylation

2009 ◽  
Vol 20 (17) ◽  
pp. 3941-3952 ◽  
Author(s):  
Thomas E. Sladewski ◽  
Michael J. Previs ◽  
Matthew Lord
Keyword(s):  
Motor Activity ◽  
Heavy Chain ◽  
Light Chain ◽  
Myosin Ii ◽  
Phosphorylation Sites ◽  
Contractile Ring ◽  
In Vitro Motility ◽  
Ring Constriction ◽  
And Function

We investigated the role of regulatory light-chain (Rlc1p) and heavy-chain phosphorylation in controlling fission yeast myosin-II (Myo2p) motor activity and function during cytokinesis. Phosphorylation of Rlc1p leads to a fourfold increase in Myo2p's in vitro motility rate, which ensures effective contractile ring constriction and function. Surprisingly, unlike with smooth muscle and nonmuscle myosin-II, RLC phosphorylation does not influence the actin-activated ATPase activity of Myo2p. A truncated form of Rlc1p lacking its extended N-terminal regulatory region (including phosphorylation sites) supported maximal Myo2p in vitro motility rates and normal contractile ring function. Thus, the unphosphorylated N-terminal extension of Rlc1p can uncouple the ATPase and motility activities of Myo2p. We confirmed the identity of one out of two putative heavy-chain phosphorylation sites previously reported to control Myo2p function and cytokinesis. Although in vitro studies indicated that phosphorylation at Ser-1444 is not needed for Myo2p motor activity, phosphorylation at this site promotes the initiation of contractile ring constriction.

scholarly journals Non-Muscle Myosin II in Axonal Cell Biology: From the Growth Cone to the Axon Initial Segment

Cells ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 9 (9) ◽  
pp. 1961
Author(s):  
Ana Rita Costa ◽  
Monica M. Sousa
Keyword(s):  
Spatial Distribution ◽  
Growth Cone ◽  
Cell Biology ◽  
Initial Segment ◽  
Current Knowledge ◽  
Myosin Ii ◽  
Axon Growth ◽  
Axon Initial Segment ◽  
And Function ◽  
Muscle Myosin

By binding to actin filaments, non-muscle myosin II (NMII) generates actomyosin networks that hold unique contractile properties. Their dynamic nature is essential for neuronal biology including the establishment of polarity, growth cone formation and motility, axon growth during development (and axon regeneration in the adult), radial and longitudinal axonal tension, and synapse formation and function. In this review, we discuss the current knowledge on the spatial distribution and function of the actomyosin cytoskeleton in different axonal compartments. We highlight some of the apparent contradictions and open questions in the field, including the role of NMII in the regulation of axon growth and regeneration, the possibility that NMII structural arrangement along the axon shaft may control both radial and longitudinal contractility, and the mechanism and functional purpose underlying NMII enrichment in the axon initial segment. With the advances in live cell imaging and super resolution microscopy, it is expected that in the near future the spatial distribution of NMII in the axon, and the mechanisms by which it participates in axonal biology will be further untangled.

scholarly journals Membrane-associated phase separation: organization and function emerge from a two-dimensional milieu

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jonathon A Ditlev
Keyword(s):  
Phase Separation ◽  
Cell Biology ◽  
Cellular Environment ◽  
Condensate Formation ◽  
Associated Proteins ◽  
Available Technology ◽  
And Function ◽  
Surrounding Membrane

Abstract Liquid‒liquid phase separation (LLPS) of biomolecules has emerged as an important mechanism that contributes to cellular organization. Phase separated biomolecular condensates, or membrane-less organelles, are compartments composed of specific biomolecules without a surrounding membrane in the nucleus and cytoplasm. LLPS also occurs at membranes, where both lipids and membrane-associated proteins can de-mix to form phase separated compartments. Investigation of these membrane-associated condensates using in vitro biochemical reconstitution and cell biology has provided key insights into the role of phase separation in membrane domain formation and function. However, these studies have generally been limited by available technology to study LLPS on model membranes and the complex cellular environment that regulates condensate formation, composition, and function. Here, I briefly review our current understanding of membrane-associated condensates, establish why LLPS can be advantageous for certain membrane-associated condensates, and offer a perspective for how these condensates may be studied in the future.

Tissue engineering in periodontics- A demystifing review

2021 ◽  
pp. 1-5
Author(s):  
Shivani Sachdeva ◽  
Harish Saluja ◽  
Amit Mani ◽  
M.B. Phadnaik
Keyword(s):  
Tissue Engineering ◽  
Tissue Regeneration ◽  
Cell Biology ◽  
Alveolar Bone ◽  
Complete Recovery ◽  
Medical Sciences ◽  
Alternative Approach ◽  
Periodontal Tissue Regeneration ◽  
Novel Concept ◽  
And Function

INTRODUCTION: Novel concept known as tissue engineering is for the betterment of human. The use of much advanced molecular science and cell biology in processing the tissues to regenerate even after the loss of inborn tendency of pluripotent cells to multiply is possible by this new therapy. CONTENT: Periodontal tissue regeneration in both height and function is attributed to a complete recovery of the periodontal structures, that is, the formation of alveolar bone, a new connective attachment through collagen fibers as well as functionally oriented on the newly formed cementum is regeneration. Cell based therapies including tissue regeneration is an alternative approach for the regeneration of tissues damaged by disease or trauma. SUMMARY: Though tissue engineering requires the fundamentals of all the three keys namely genomics, proteomics and biometrics to give the solutions to biological problems appearing in dentistry as well as medical sciences.

scholarly journals Adhesion-dependent and Contractile Ring-independent Equatorial Furrowing during Cytokinesis in Mammalian Cells

2005 ◽  
Vol 16 (8) ◽  
pp. 3865-3872 ◽  
Author(s):  
Masamitsu Kanada ◽  
Akira Nagasaki ◽  
Taro Q.P. Uyeda
Keyword(s):  
Mammalian Cells ◽  
Rat Kidney ◽  
Myosin Ii ◽  
Rho Kinase ◽  
Cellular Slime Mold ◽  
Animal Cells ◽  
Contractile Ring ◽  
Normal Rat ◽  
Cellular Slime ◽  
Coated Surfaces

Myosin II-dependent contraction of the contractile ring drives equatorial furrowing during cytokinesis in animal cells. Nonetheless, myosin II-null cells of the cellular slime mold Dictyostelium divide efficiently when adhering to substrates by making use of polar traction forces. Here, we show that in the presence of 30 μM blebbistatin, a potent myosin II inhibitor, normal rat kidney (NRK) cells adhering to fibronectin-coated surfaces formed equatorial furrows and divided in a manner strikingly similar to myosin II-null Dictyostelium cells. Such blebbistatin-resistant cytokinesis was absent in partially detached NRK cells and was disrupted in adherent cells if the advance of their polar lamellipodia was disturbed by neighboring cells. Y-27632 (40 μM), which inhibits Rho-kinase, was similar to 30 μM blebbistatin in that it inhibited cytokinesis of partially detached NRK cells but only prolonged furrow ingression in attached cells. In the presence of 100 μM blebbistatin, most NRK cells that initiated anaphase formed tight furrows, although scission never occurred. Adherent HT1080 fibrosarcoma cells also formed equatorial furrows efficiently in the presence of 100 μM blebbistatin. These results provide direct evidence for adhesion-dependent, contractile ring-independent equatorial furrowing in mammalian cells and demonstrate the importance of substrate adhesion for cytokinesis.

scholarly journals CYK-4 regulates Rac, but not Rho, during cytokinesis

2017 ◽  
Vol 28 (9) ◽  
pp. 1258-1270 ◽  
Author(s):  
Yelena Zhuravlev ◽  
Sophia M. Hirsch ◽  
Shawn N. Jordan ◽  
Julien Dumont ◽  
Mimi Shirasu-Hiza ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Alternative Model ◽  
Single Cell Analysis ◽  
Myosin Ii ◽  
Small Gtpases ◽  
Nucleotide Exchange ◽  
Filamentous Actin ◽  
Contractile Ring ◽  
Division Plane ◽  
Ring Constriction

Cytokinesis is driven by constriction of an actomyosin contractile ring that is controlled by Rho-family small GTPases. Rho, activated by the guanine-nucleotide exchange factor ECT-2, is upstream of both myosin-II activation and diaphanous formin-mediated filamentous actin (f-actin) assembly, which drive ring constriction. The role for Rac and its regulators is more controversial, but, based on the finding that Rac inactivation can rescue cytokinesis failure when the GTPase-activating protein (GAP) CYK-4 is disrupted, Rac activity was proposed to be inhibitory to contractile ring constriction and thus specifically inactivated by CYK-4 at the division plane. An alternative model proposes that Rac inactivation generally rescues cytokinesis failure by reducing cortical tension, thus making it easier for the cell to divide when ring constriction is compromised. In this alternative model, CYK-4 was instead proposed to activate Rho by binding ECT-2. Using a combination of time-lapse in vivo single-cell analysis and Caenorhabditis elegans genetics, our evidence does not support this alternative model. First, we found that Rac disruption does not generally rescue cytokinesis failure: inhibition of Rac specifically rescues cytokinesis failure due to disruption of CYK-4 or ECT-2 but does not rescue cytokinesis failure due to disruption of two other contractile ring components, the Rho effectors diaphanous formin and myosin-II. Second, if CYK-4 regulates cytokinesis through Rho rather than Rac, then CYK-4 inhibition should decrease levels of downstream targets of Rho. Inconsistent with this, we found no change in the levels of f-actin or myosin-II at the division plane when CYK-4 GAP activity was reduced, suggesting that CYK-4 is not upstream of ECT-2/Rho activation. Instead, we found that the rescue of cytokinesis in CYK-4 mutants by Rac inactivation was Cdc42 dependent. Together our data suggest that CYK-4 GAP activity opposes Rac (and perhaps Cdc42) during cytokinesis.

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