scholarly journals The influence of dynein processivity control, MAPs, and microtubule ends on directional movement of a localising mRNA

eLife ◽  
2014 ◽  
Vol 3 ◽  
Author(s):  
Harish Chandra Soundararajan ◽  
Simon L Bullock
Keyword(s):  
In Vitro Assay ◽  
Vitro Assay ◽  
Microtubule Associated Proteins ◽  
Cytoskeletal Network ◽  
Directional Movement ◽  
Associated Proteins ◽  
Multiple Copies ◽  
Precision Tracking ◽  
Total Copy Number

Many cellular constituents travel along microtubules in association with multiple copies of motor proteins. How the activity of these motors is regulated during cargo sorting is poorly understood. In this study, we address this issue using a novel in vitro assay for the motility of localising Drosophila mRNAs bound to native dynein-dynactin complexes. High precision tracking reveals that individual RNPs within a population undergo either diffusive, or highly processive, minus end-directed movements along microtubules. RNA localisation signals stimulate the processive movements, with regulation of dynein-dynactin’s activity rather than its total copy number per RNP, responsible for this effect. Our data support a novel mechanism for multi-motor translocation based on the regulation of dynein processivity by discrete cargo-associated features. Studying the in vitro responses of RNPs to microtubule-associated proteins (MAPs) and microtubule ends provides insights into how an RNA population could navigate the cytoskeletal network and become anchored at its destination in cells.

scholarly journals Plant and mouse EB1 proteins have opposite intrinsic properties on the dynamic instability of microtubules.

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Arthur T Molines ◽  
Virginie Stoppin-Mellet ◽  
Isabelle Arnal ◽  
Frédéric M Coquelle
Keyword(s):  
Dynamic Instability ◽  
Cellular Organization ◽  
Cell Type ◽  
Intrinsic Properties ◽  
Microtubule Organization ◽  
Vitro Assay ◽  
Microtubule Associated Proteins ◽  
Associated Proteins ◽  
Microtubule Networks

Abstract Objective Most eukaryotic cells contain microtubule filaments, which play central roles in intra-cellular organization. However, microtubule networks have a wide variety of architectures from one cell type and organism to another. Nonetheless, the sequences of tubulins, of Microtubule Associated proteins (MAPs) and the structure of microtubules are usually well conserved throughout the evolution. MAPs being known to be responsible for regulating microtubule organization and dynamics, this raises the question of the conservation of their intrinsic properties. Indeed, knowing how the intrinsic properties of individual MAPs differ between organisms might enlighten our understanding of how distinct microtubule networks are built. End-Binding protein 1 (EB1), first described as a MAP in yeast, is conserved in plants and mammals. The intrinsic properties of the mammalian and the yeast EB1 proteins have been well described in the literature but, to our knowledge, the intrinsic properties of EB1 from plant and mammals have not been compared thus far.Results Here, using an in vitro assay, we discovered that plant and mammalian EB1 purified proteins have different intrinsic properties on microtubule dynamics. Indeed, the mammalian EB1 protein increases microtubules dynamic while the plant EB1 protein stabilizes them.

Analysis of the Mechanism of Microtubule Dynamic Instability Using a UV Microbeam to Sever Elongating Microtubules

1988 ◽  
Vol 46 ◽  
pp. 122-123
Author(s):  
R.A Walker ◽  
S. Inoue ◽  
E.D. Salmon
Keyword(s):  
Dynamic Instability ◽  
Microtubule Dynamic ◽  
Gtp Hydrolysis ◽  
Abrupt Transition ◽  
Microtubule Associated Proteins ◽  
Asymmetrical Structure ◽  
Associated Proteins

Microtubules polymerized in vitro from tubulin purified free of microtubule-associated proteins exhibit dynamic instability (1,2,3). Free microtubule ends exist in persistent phases of elongation or rapid shortening with infrequent, but, abrupt transitions between these phases. The abrupt transition from elongation to rapid shortening is termed catastrophe and the abrupt transition from rapid shortening to elongation is termed rescue. A microtubule is an asymmetrical structure. The plus end grows faster than the minus end. The frequency of catastrophe of the plus end is somewhat greater than the minus end, while the frequency of rescue of the plus end in much lower than for the minus end (4).The mechanism of catastrophe is controversial, but for both the plus and minus microtubule ends, catastrophe is thought to be dependent on GTP hydrolysis. Microtubule elongation occurs by the association of tubulin-GTP subunits to the growing end. Sometime after incorporation into an elongating microtubule end, the GTP is hydrolyzed to GDP, yielding a core of tubulin-GDP capped by tubulin-GTP (“GTP-cap”).

Molecular architecture and functions of the neuronal cytoskeleton

1990 ◽  
Vol 48 (3) ◽  
pp. 2-3
Author(s):  
Nobutaka Hirokawa
Keyword(s):  
Major Elements ◽  
Molecular Structures ◽  
Organelle Transport ◽  
Molecular Architecture ◽  
Neuronal Morphogenesis ◽  
Microtubule Associated Proteins ◽  
Associated Proteins ◽  
And Function ◽  
Small Clusters

In this symposium I will present our studies about the molecular architecture and function of the cytomatrix of the nerve cells. The nerve cell is a highly polarized cell composed of highly branched dendrites, cell body, and a single long axon along the direction of the impulse propagation. Each part of the neuron takes characteristic shapes for which the cytoskeleton provides the framework. The neuronal cytoskeletons play important roles on neuronal morphogenesis, organelle transport and the synaptic transmission. In the axon neurofilaments (NF) form dense arrays, while microtubules (MT) are arranged as small clusters among the NFs. On the other hand, MTs are distributed uniformly, whereas NFs tend to run solitarily or form small fascicles in the dendrites Quick freeze deep etch electron microscopy revealed various kinds of strands among MTs, NFs and membranous organelles (MO). These structures form major elements of the cytomatrix in the neuron. To investigate molecular nature and function of these filaments first we studied molecular structures of microtubule associated proteins (MAP1A, MAP1B, MAP2, MAP2C and tau), and microtubules reconstituted from MAPs and tubulin in vitro. These MAPs were all fibrous molecules with different length and formed arm like projections from the microtubule surface.

In Vitro Assay of Platelet Adhesiveness with Washed and Tanned Human Red Cells

1968 ◽  
Vol 20 (03/04) ◽  
pp. 384-396 ◽  
Author(s):  
G Zbinden ◽  
S Tomlin
Keyword(s):  
Platelet Adhesion ◽  
Sodium Citrate ◽  
Blood Platelets ◽  
In Vitro Assay ◽  
Red Cells ◽  
Platelet Adhesiveness ◽  
Vitro Assay ◽  
In Vitro System ◽  
Human Red Cells

SummaryAn in vitro system is described in which adhesion of blood platelets to washed and tannic acid-treated red cells was assayed quantitatively by microscopic observation. ADP, epinephrine and TAME produced a reversible increase in platelet adhesiveness which was antagonized by AMP. With Evans blue, polyanetholsulfonate, phthalanilide NSC 38280, thrombin and heparin at concentrations above 1-4 u/ml the increase was irreversible. The ADP-induced increase in adhesiveness was inhibited by sodium citrate, EDTA, AMP, ATP and N-ethylmaleimide. EDTA, AMP and the SH-blocker N-ethylmaleimide also reduced spontaneous platelet adhesion to red cells. No significant effects were observed with adenosine, phenprocoumon, 5-HT, phthalanilide NSC 57155, various estrogens, progestogens and fatty acids, acetylsalicylic acid and similarly acting agents, hydroxylamine, glucose and KCN. The method may be useful for the screening of thrombogenic and antithrombotic properties of drugs.

scholarly journals Stu2p binds tubulin and undergoes an open-to-closed conformational change

2006 ◽  
Vol 172 (7) ◽  
pp. 1009-1022 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jawdat Al-Bassam ◽  
Mark van Breugel ◽  
Stephen C. Harrison ◽  
Anthony Hyman
Keyword(s):  
Conformational Change ◽  
Conformational Transition ◽  
Budding Yeast ◽  
Microtubule Dynamics ◽  
Open Structure ◽  
Microtubule Associated Proteins ◽  
Associated Proteins ◽  
The Common

Stu2p from budding yeast belongs to the conserved Dis1/XMAP215 family of microtubule-associated proteins (MAPs). The common feature of proteins in this family is the presence of HEAT repeat–containing TOG domains near the NH2 terminus. We have investigated the functions of the two TOG domains of Stu2p in vivo and in vitro. Our data suggest that Stu2p regulates microtubule dynamics through two separate activities. First, Stu2p binds to a single free tubulin heterodimer through its first TOG domain. A large conformational transition in homodimeric Stu2p from an open structure to a closed one accompanies the capture of a single free tubulin heterodimer. Second, Stu2p has the capacity to associate directly with microtubule ends, at least in part, through its second TOG domain. These two properties lead to the stabilization of microtubules in vivo, perhaps by the loading of tubulin dimers at microtubule ends. We suggest that this mechanism of microtubule regulation is a conserved feature of the Dis1/XMAP215 family of MAPs.

Angiogenic Effect of Pravastatin Alone and with Sera from Healthy and Complicated Pregnancies Studied by in vitro Vasculogenesis/Angiogenesis Assay

2021 ◽  
pp. 1-9
Author(s):  
Anita Virtanen ◽  
Outi Huttala ◽  
Kati Tihtonen ◽  
Tarja Toimela ◽  
Tuula Heinonen ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Direct Effect ◽  
Late Onset ◽  
Maternal Serum ◽  
In Vitro Assay ◽  
Serum Samples ◽  
Therapeutic Concentration ◽  
Tubule Formation ◽  
Vitro Assay ◽  
Angiogenesis Assay

<b><i>Objective:</i></b> To determine the direct effect of pravastatin on angiogenesis and to study the interaction between pravastatin and maternal sera from women with early- or late-onset pre-eclampsia (PE), intrauterine growth restriction, or healthy pregnancy. <b><i>Methods:</i></b> We collected 5 maternal serum samples from each group. The effect of pravastatin on angiogenesis was assessed with and without maternal sera by quantifying tubule formation in a human-based in vitro assay. Pravastatin was added at 20, 1,000, and 8,000 ng/mL concentrations. Concentrations of angiogenic and inflammatory biomarkers in serum and in test medium after supplementation of serum alone and with pravastatin (1,000 ng/mL) were measured. <b><i>Results:</i></b> Therapeutic concentration of pravastatin (20 ng/mL) did not have significant direct effect on angiogenesis, but the highest concentrations inhibited angiogenesis. Pravastatin did not change the levels of biomarkers in the test media. There were no changes in angiogenesis when therapeutic dose of pravastatin was added with maternal sera, but there was a trend to wide individual variation towards enhanced angiogenesis, particularly in the early-onset PE group. <b><i>Conclusions:</i></b> At therapeutic concentration, pravastatin alone or with maternal sera has no significant effect on angiogenesis, but at high concentrations the effect seems to be anti-angiogenic estimated by in vitro assay.

scholarly journals Marliolide Derivative Induces Melanosome Degradation via Nrf2/p62-Mediated Autophagy

2021 ◽  
Vol 22 (8) ◽  
pp. 3995
Author(s):  
Cheong-Yong Yun ◽  
Nahyun Choi ◽  
Jae Un Lee ◽  
Eun Jung Lee ◽  
Ji Young Kim ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Related Factor ◽  
Melanin Pigmentation ◽  
Microtubule Associated Proteins ◽  
Melanocyte Stimulating Hormone ◽  
Associated Proteins ◽  
Autophagy Pathway ◽  
Nrf2 Activator ◽  
Promising Therapeutic Agent

Nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2), which is linked to autophagy regulation and melanogenesis regulation, is activated by marliolide. In this study, we investigated the effect of a marliolide derivative on melanosome degradation through the autophagy pathway. The effect of the marliolide derivative on melanosome degradation was investigated in α-melanocyte stimulating hormone (α-MSH)-treated melanocytes, melanosome-incorporated keratinocyte, and ultraviolet (UV)B-exposed HRM-2 mice (melanin-possessing hairless mice). The marliolide derivative, 5-methyl-3-tetradecylidene-dihydro-furan-2-one (DMF02), decreased melanin pigmentation by melanosome degradation in α-MSH-treated melanocytes and melanosome-incorporated keratinocytes, evidenced by premelanosome protein (PMEL) expression, but did not affect melanogenesis-associated proteins. The UVB-induced hyperpigmentation in HRM-2 mice was also reduced by a topical application of DMF02. DMF02 activated Nrf2 and induced autophagy in vivo, evidenced by decreased PMEL in microtubule-associated proteins 1A/1B light chain 3B (LC3)-II-expressed areas. DMF02 also induced melanosome degradation via autophagy in vitro, and DMF02-induced melanosome degradation was recovered by chloroquine (CQ), which is a lysosomal inhibitor. In addition, Nrf2 silencing by siRNA attenuated the DMF02-induced melanosome degradation via the suppression of p62. DMF02 induced melanosome degradation in melanocytes and keratinocytes by regulating autophagy via Nrf2-p62 activation. Therefore, Nrf2 activator could be a promising therapeutic agent for reducing hyperpigmentation.

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