scholarly journals Focus on ADF/Cofilin: Beyond Actin Cytoskeletal Regulation

2012 ◽  
Vol 2012 ◽  
pp. 1-7 ◽  
Author(s):  
Cheng-Han Tsai ◽  
Yi-Jang Lee
Keyword(s):  
Cell Cycle ◽  
Signaling Pathway ◽  
Small Gtpase ◽  
Actin Dynamics ◽  
Actin Binding ◽  
Biological Functions ◽  
Lim Kinase ◽  
Cytoskeletal Regulation ◽  
Pathophysiological Role

Actin depolymerizing factor (ADF)/cofilin, an actin-binding protein ubiquitously expressed in a variety of organisms, is required for regulation of actin dynamics. The activity of ADF/cofilin is dependent on serine 3 phosphorylation by LIM kinase (LIMK), which is regulated by the Rho small GTPase signaling pathway. ADF/cofilin is strongly associated with several important cell biological functions, including cell cycle, morphological maintenance, and locomotion. These functions affect several biological events, including embryogenesis, oncology, nephropathy, and neurodegenerations. Here, we focus on the biochemical and pathophysiological role of ADF/cofilin in mammals.

scholarly journals Essential role of MARCKS in cortical actin dynamics during gastrulation movements

2004 ◽  
Vol 164 (2) ◽  
pp. 169-174 ◽  
Author(s):  
Hidekazu Iioka ◽  
Naoto Ueno ◽  
Noriyuki Kinoshita
Keyword(s):  
Wnt Pathway ◽  
Actin Dynamics ◽  
Actin Binding ◽  
Convergent Extension ◽  
Embryonic Cells ◽  
Cortical Actin ◽  
Morphogenetic Movements ◽  
Kinase Substrate ◽  
Cytoskeletal Regulation

Myristoylated alanine-rich C kinase substrate (MARCKS) is an actin-binding, membrane-associated protein expressed during Xenopus embryogenesis. We analyzed its function in cytoskeletal regulation during gastrulation. Here, we show that blockade of its function impaired morphogenetic movements, including convergent extension. MARCKS was required for control of cell morphology, motility, adhesion, protrusive activity, and cortical actin formation in embryonic cells. We also demonstrate that the noncanonical Wnt pathway promotes the formation of lamellipodia- and filopodia-like protrusions and that MARCKS is necessary for this activity. These findings show that MARCKS regulates the cortical actin formation that is requisite for dynamic morphogenetic movements.

scholarly journals The tRNA-derived fragment 5026a inhibits the proliferation of gastric cancer cells by regulating the PTEN/PI3K/AKT signaling pathway

2021 ◽  
Vol 12 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Linwen Zhu ◽  
Zhe Li ◽  
Xiuchong Yu ◽  
Yao Ruan ◽  
Yijing Shen ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Gastric Cancer ◽  
Cell Cycle ◽  
Cancer Cells ◽  
Signaling Pathway ◽  
Cell Lines ◽  
Akt Signaling ◽  
Akt Signaling Pathway ◽  
Gastric Cancer Cells ◽  
Qrt Pcr

Abstract Background Recently, tRNA-derived fragments (tRFs) have been shown to serve important biological functions. However, the role of tRFs in gastric cancer has not been fully elucidated. This study aimed to identify the tumor suppressor role of tRF-5026a (tRF-18-79MP9P04) in gastric cancer. Methods Quantitative reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) was first used to detect tRF-5026a expression levels in gastric cancer tissues and patient plasma. Next, the relationship between tRF-5026a levels and clinicopathological features in gastric cancer patients was assessed. Cell lines with varying tRF-5026a levels were assessed by measuring tRF-5026a using qRT-PCR. After transfecting cell lines with a tRF-5026a mimic or inhibitor, cell proliferation, colony formation, migration, apoptosis, and cell cycle were evaluated. The expression levels of related proteins in the PTEN/PI3K/AKT pathway were also analyzed by Western blotting. Finally, the effect of tRF-5026a on tumor growth was tested using subcutaneous tumor models in nude mice. Results tRF-5026a was downregulated in gastric cancer patient tissues and plasma samples. tRF-5026a levels were closely related to tumor size, had a certain diagnostic value, and could be used to predict overall survival. tRF-5026a was also downregulated in gastric cancer cell lines. tRF-5026a inhibited the proliferation, migration, and cell cycle progression of gastric cancer cells by regulating the PTEN/PI3K/AKT signaling pathway. Animal experiments showed that upregulation of tRF-5026a effectively inhibited tumor growth. Conclusions tRF-5026a (tRF-18-79MP9P04) is a promising biomarker for gastric cancer diagnostics and has tumor suppressor effects mediated through the PTEN/PI3K/AKT signaling pathway.

scholarly journals The Two ADF-H Domains of Twinfilin Play Functionally Distinct Roles in Interactions with Actin Monomers

2002 ◽  
Vol 13 (11) ◽  
pp. 3811-3821 ◽  
Author(s):  
Pauli J. Ojala ◽  
Ville O. Paavilainen ◽  
Maria K. Vartiainen ◽  
Roman Tuma ◽  
Alan G. Weeds ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Binding Site ◽  
Binding Activity ◽  
Size Exclusion ◽  
Actin Dynamics ◽  
Actin Binding ◽  
Actin Monomer ◽  
Wild Type ◽  
Native Page ◽  
Exclusion Chromatography

Twinfilin is a ubiquitous and abundant actin monomer–binding protein that is composed of two ADF-H domains. To elucidate the role of twinfilin in actin dynamics, we examined the interactions of mouse twinfilin and its isolated ADF-H domains with G-actin. Wild-type twinfilin binds ADP-G-actin with higher affinity (K D = 0.05 μM) than ATP-G-actin (K D = 0.47 μM) under physiological ionic conditions and forms a relatively stable (k off = 1.8 s−1) complex with ADP-G-actin. Data from native PAGE and size exclusion chromatography coupled with light scattering suggest that twinfilin competes with ADF/cofilin for the high-affinity binding site on actin monomers, although at higher concentrations, twinfilin, cofilin, and actin may also form a ternary complex. By systematic deletion analysis, we show that the actin-binding activity is located entirely in the two ADF-H domains of twinfilin. Individually, these domains compete for the same binding site on actin, but the C-terminal ADF-H domain, which has >10-fold higher affinity for ADP-G-actin, is almost entirely responsible for the ability of twinfilin to increase the amount of monomeric actin in cosedimentation assays. Isolated ADF-H domains associate with ADP-G-actin with rapid second-order kinetics, whereas the association of wild-type twinfilin with G-actin exhibits kinetics consistent with a two-step binding process. These data suggest that the association with an actin monomer induces a first-order conformational change within the twinfilin molecule. On the basis of these results, we propose a kinetic model for the role of twinfilin in actin dynamics and its possible function in cells.

scholarly journals Melatonin Protects Intervertebral Disc from Degeneration by Improving Cell Survival and Function via Activation of the ERK1/2 Signaling Pathway

2019 ◽  
Vol 2019 ◽  
pp. 1-11 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jun Ge ◽  
Quan Zhou ◽  
Junjie Niu ◽  
Yingjie Wang ◽  
Qi Yan ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Cell Cycle ◽  
Intervertebral Disc ◽  
Signaling Pathway ◽  
Nucleus Pulposus ◽  
Disc Degeneration ◽  
Intervertebral Disc Degeneration ◽  
Nucleus Pulposus Cell ◽  
Cell Physiology ◽  
Cell Degeneration

Melatonin, a neuroendocrine hormone secreted by the pineal body, has a positive effect on intervertebral disc degeneration. The present study is aimed at investigating the biological role of melatonin in intervertebral disc degeneration and its underlying mechanism. A human nucleus pulposus cell (NPC) line was exposed to melatonin at different concentrations. Cell proliferation was measured by CCK-8 assay. Cell cycle and apoptosis were analyzed by flow cytometry. Western blot was performed to measure the protein expression of indicated genes. A rabbit model of intervertebral disc degeneration was established to detect the role and mechanism of melatonin on intervertebral disc degeneration. Our study showed that melatonin promoted NPC viability and inhibited cell arrest. Furthermore, melatonin treatment led to the upregulation of collagen II and aggrecan and downregulation of collagen X. Moreover, melatonin significantly elevated the activity of the ERK signaling pathway. Inhibition of the ERK1/2 signals reversed the role of melatonin in the regulation of NPCs both in vitro and in vivo. Melatonin increased NPC viability through inhibition of cell cycle arrest and apoptosis. Moreover, melatonin promoted the secretion of functional factors influencing the nucleus pulposus cell physiology and retarded cell degeneration. Our results suggest that melatonin activated the ERK1/2 signaling pathway, thereby affecting the biological properties of the intervertebral disc degeneration.

scholarly journals The Cytoskeleton-associated PDZ-LIM Protein, ALP, Acts on Serum Response Factor Activity to Regulate Muscle Differentiation

2007 ◽  
Vol 18 (5) ◽  
pp. 1723-1733 ◽  
Author(s):  
Pascal Pomiès ◽  
Mohammad Pashmforoush ◽  
Cristina Vegezzi ◽  
Kenneth R. Chien ◽  
Charles Auffray ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Serum Response Factor ◽  
Critical Role ◽  
Muscle Differentiation ◽  
Actin Dynamics ◽  
Response Factor ◽  
Cytoskeletal Regulation ◽  
Expression Construct ◽  
Filament Bundles ◽  
Serum Response

In this report, an antisense RNA strategy has allowed us to show that disruption of ALP expression affects the expression of the muscle transcription factors myogenin and MyoD, resulting in the inhibition of muscle differentiation. Introduction of a MyoD expression construct into ALP-antisense cells is sufficient to restore the capacity of the cells to differentiate, illustrating that ALP function occurs upstream of MyoD. It is known that MyoD is under the control of serum response factor (SRF), a transcriptional regulator whose activity is modulated by actin dynamics. A dramatic reduction of actin filament bundles is observed in ALP-antisense cells and treatment of these cells with the actin-stabilizing drug jasplakinolide stimulates SRF activity and restores the capacity of the cells to differentiate. Furthermore, we show that modulation of ALP expression influences SRF activity, the level of its coactivator, MAL, and muscle differentiation. Collectively, these results suggest a critical role of ALP on muscle differentiation, likely via cytoskeletal regulation of SRF.

scholarly journals Inhibition of platelet function by targeting the platelet cytoskeleton via the LIMK-signaling pathway

2018 ◽  
Author(s):  
Juliana Antonipillai ◽  
Sheena Rigby ◽  
Nicole Bassler ◽  
Karlheinz Peter ◽  
Ora Bernard
Keyword(s):  
Platelet Function ◽  
Actin Dynamics ◽  
Actin Binding ◽  
Lim Kinase ◽  
Cellular Processes ◽  
New Strategy ◽  
Platelet Aggregates ◽  
Dynamic Structures ◽  
Shape Changes ◽  
Platelet Shape

AbstractActin is highly abundant in platelets, and platelet function is dependent on actin structures. Actin filaments are dynamic structures involved in many cellular processes including platelet shape changes and adhesion. The actin cytoskeleton is tightly regulated by actin-binding proteins, which include the members of the actin depolymerising factor (ADF)/cofilin family. LIM kinase (LIMK) and slingshot phosphatase (SSH-1L) regulate actin dynamics by controlling the binding affinity of ADF/cofilin towards actin. We hypothesised that inhibition of LIMK activity may prevent the changes in platelet shape during their activation and therefore their function by controlling the dynamics of Factin. Therefore, inhibition of LIMK activity may represent an attractive new strategy to control and inhibit platelet function; particularly the formation of stable platelet aggregates and thus stable thrombi.

scholarly journals CIRP Promotes the Progression of Non-small Cell Lung Cancer Through Activation of Wnt/β-catenin Signaling via CTNNB1

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Yi Liao ◽  
Jianguo Feng ◽  
Weichao Sun ◽  
Chao Wu ◽  
Jingyao Li ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Gene Expression ◽  
Lung Cancer ◽  
Cell Cycle ◽  
Small Cell Lung Cancer ◽  
Signaling Pathway ◽  
Cell Lines ◽  
Cell Lung Cancer ◽  
Small Cell ◽  
Small Cell Lung

Abstract Background: Cold-inducible RNA binding protein (CIRP) is a newly discovered proto-oncogene. In this study, we investigated the role of CIRP in the progression of non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) using clinic samples, cultured cell lines and animal lung cancer models. Methods: Tissue arrays, IHC and HE staining, immunoblotting, and qRT-PCR were used to detect the indicated gene expression; Plasmid and siRNA transfections as well as viral infection were used to manipulate gene expression; Cell proliferation assay, cell cycle analysis, cell migration and invasion analysis, soft agar colony formation assay, tail intravenous injecting and subcutaneously inoculating of animal models were performed to study the role of CIRP in NSCLC cells; Gene expression microarray was used to select the underlying pathways; RNA immunoprecipitation assay, biotin pull-down assay, immuno-purification assay, mRNA decay analyses and luciferase reporter assay were performed to elucidate the mechanisms. The log-rank (Mantel-Cox) test, independent sample T test, the nonparametric Mann-Whitney test, spearman rank test and two-tailed independent sample T-test were used accordingly in our study. Results: Our data showed that CIRP was highly expressed in NSCLC tissue, and its level was negatively correlated with the prognosis of NSCLC patients. By manipulating CIRP expression in A549, H460, H1299, and H1650 cell lines, we demonstrated that CIRP overexpression promoted the transition of G1/G0 phase to S phase and the formation of enhanced malignant phenotype of NSCLC, reflected by increased proliferation, enhanced invasion/metastasis and greater tumorigenic capabilities both in vitro and in vivo. Transcriptome sequencing further demonstrated that CIRP acted on cell cycle, DNA replication and Wnt signaling pathway to exert its pro-oncogenic action. Mechanistically, CIRP directly bound to the 3’- and 5'-UTR of CTNNB1 mRNA, leading to enhanced stability and translation of CTNNB1 mRNA and promote IRES-mediated protein synthesis, respectively. Eventually, the increased CTNNB1 protein levels mediated excessive activation of the Wnt/β-Catenin signaling pathway and its downstream C-myc, COX-2, CCND1, MMP7, VEGFA and CD44. Conclusion: Our results support CIRP as a candidate oncogene in NSCLC and a potential target for NSCLC therapy.

scholarly journals Coronin 1A depletion restores the nuclear stability and viability of Aip1/Wdr1-deficient neutrophils

2019 ◽  
Vol 218 (10) ◽  
pp. 3258-3271
Author(s):  
Charnese Bowes ◽  
Michael Redd ◽  
Malika Yousfi ◽  
Muriel Tauzin ◽  
Emi Murayama ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Cell Death ◽  
Actin Filaments ◽  
Essential Role ◽  
Actin Dynamics ◽  
Actin Binding ◽  
Zebrafish Embryos ◽  
Actomyosin Contractility ◽  
Nuclear Stability

Actin dynamics is central for cells, and especially for the fast-moving leukocytes. The severing of actin filaments is mainly achieved by cofilin, assisted by Aip1/Wdr1 and coronins. We found that in Wdr1-deficient zebrafish embryos, neutrophils display F-actin cytoplasmic aggregates and a complete spatial uncoupling of phospho-myosin from F-actin. They then undergo an unprecedented gradual disorganization of their nucleus followed by eruptive cell death. Their cofilin is mostly unphosphorylated and associated with F-actin, thus likely outcompeting myosin for F-actin binding. Myosin inhibition reproduces in WT embryos the nuclear instability and eruptive death of neutrophils seen in Wdr1-deficient embryos. Strikingly, depletion of the main coronin of leukocytes, coronin 1A, fully restores the cortical location of F-actin, nuclear integrity, viability, and mobility of Wdr1-deficient neutrophils in vivo. Our study points to an essential role of actomyosin contractility in maintaining the integrity of the nucleus of neutrophils and a new twist in the interplay of cofilin, Wdr1, and coronin in regulating F-actin dynamics.

Actin dynamics as critical ion channel regulator: ENaC and Piezo in focus

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Elena A. Morachevskaya ◽  
Anastasia V. Sudarikova
Keyword(s):  
Ion Channels ◽  
Ion Channel ◽  
Dynamic Balance ◽  
Cell Volume Regulation ◽  
Actin Dynamics ◽  
Actin Binding ◽  
Actin Assembly ◽  
Excitable Cells ◽  
Physiological Processes

Ion channels in plasma membrane play a principal role in different physiological processes, including cell volume regulation, signal transduction and modulation of membrane potential in living cells. Actin-based cytoskeleton, which exists in a dynamic balance between monomeric and polymeric forms (globular and fibrillar actin), can be directly or indirectly involved in various cellular responses including modulation of ion channel activity. In this mini-review, we present an overview of the role of submembranous actin dynamics in the regulation of ion channels in excitable and non-excitable cells. Special attention is focused on the important data about the involvement of actin assembly/disassembly and some actin-binding proteins in the control of the Epithelial Na+ Channel (ENaC) and mechanosensitive Piezo channels whose integral activity has potential impact on membrane transport and multiple coupled cellular reactions. Growing evidence suggests that actin elements of the cytoskeleton can represent a "converging point" of various signaling pathways modulating the activity of ion transport proteins in cell membranes.

Wnt5a Regulates Junctional Function of Sertoli cells Through PCP-Mediated Effects on mTORC1 and mTORC2

Endocrinology ◽  
2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Yan Fu ◽  
Yuexin Wei ◽  
Yu Zhou ◽  
Huan Wu ◽  
Yifan Hong ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Signaling Pathway ◽  
Sertoli Cell ◽  
Sertoli Cells ◽  
Wnt Signaling Pathway ◽  
Seminiferous Epithelium ◽  
Cell Junctions ◽  
Actin Dynamics ◽  
Actin Binding ◽  
Cell Junction ◽  
Specific Expression

Abstract The blood-testis barrier (BTB) and apical ectoplasmic specialization (ES), which are synchronized through the crosstalk of Sertoli cells and Sertoli-germ cells, are required for spermatogenesis and sperm release. Here, we show that Wnt5a, a noncanonical Wnt signaling pathway ligand, is predominately expressed in both the BTB and apical ES and has a specific expression pattern during the seminiferous epithelium cycle. We employed siRNA to knockdown Wnt5a expression in testis and Sertoli cells and then identified elongated spermatids that lost their polarity, and were embedded in the seminiferous epithelium. Moreover, phagosomes were found near the tubule lumen. These defects were due to BTB and apical ES disruption. We also verified that the expression level and/or location of BTB-associated proteins, actin-binding proteins (ABPs) and F-actin was changed after Wnt5a knockdown in vivo and in vitro. Additionally, we demonstrated that Wnt5a regulated actin dynamics through Ror2-mediated mTORC1 and mTORC2. This study clarified the molecular mechanism of Wnt5a in Sertoli cell junctions through the planar cell polarity (PCP) signaling pathway. Our findings could provide an experimental basis for the clinical diagnosis and treatment of male infertility caused by Sertoli cell junction impairment.

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