Specification of actin filament function and molecular composition by tropomyosin isoforms

Different contributions of nonmuscle myosin IIA and IIB to the organization of stress fiber subtypes in fibroblasts

We demonstrated that myosin IIA and IIB are essential for the formation of transverse arcs and ventral stress fibers, respectively. Furthermore, we illustrated the roles of both isoforms in lamellar flattening and also raised the possibility that actin filaments in ventral stress fibers are in a stretched conformation.

Tropomyosin isoforms have specific effects on the transcriptome of undifferentiated and differentiated B35 neuroblastoma cells

Tropomyosins, a family of actin‐associated proteins, bestow actin filaments with distinct biochemical and physical properties which are important for determining cell shape and regulating many cellular processes in eukaryotic cells. Here, we used RNA‐seq to investigate the effect of four tropomyosin isoforms on gene expression in undifferentiated and differentiated rat B35 neuroblastoma cells. In undifferentiated cells, overexpression of tropomyosin isoforms Tpm1.12, Tpm2.1, Tpm3.1, and Tpm4.2 differentially regulates a vast number of genes, clustering into several gene ontology terms. In differentiated cells, tropomyosin overexpression exerts a much weaker influence on overall gene expression. Our findings are particularly compelling because they demonstrate that tropomyosin‐dependent changes are attenuated once the cells are induced to follow a defined path of differentiation.

Database

Sequence data for public availability are deposited in the European Nucleotide Archive under the accession number PRJEB24136.

Parallel assembly of actin and tropomyosin, but not myosin II, during de novo actin filament formation in live mice

Many actin filaments in animal cells are co-polymers of actin and tropomyosin. In many cases, non-muscle myosin II associates with these co-polymers to establish a contractile network. However, the temporal relationship of these three proteins in the de novo assembly of actin filaments is not known. Intravital subcellular microscopy of secretory granule exocytosis allows the visualisation and quantification of the formation of an actin scaffold in real time, with the added advantage that it occurs in a living mammal under physiological conditions. We used this model system to investigate the de novo assembly of actin, tropomyosin Tpm3.1 (a short isoform of TPM3) and myosin IIA (the form of non-muscle myosin II with its heavy chain encoded by Myh9) on secretory granules in mouse salivary glands. Blocking actin polymerization with cytochalasin D revealed that Tpm3.1 assembly is dependent on actin assembly. We used time-lapse imaging to determine the timing of the appearance of the actin filament reporter LifeAct-RFP and of Tpm3.1-mNeonGreen on secretory granules in LifeAct-RFP transgenic, Tpm3.1-mNeonGreen and myosin IIA-GFP (GFP-tagged MYH9) knock-in mice. Our findings are consistent with the addition of tropomyosin to actin filaments shortly after the initiation of actin filament nucleation, followed by myosin IIA recruitment.

On-target action of anti-tropomyosin drugs regulates glucose metabolism

The development of novel small molecule inhibitors of the cancer-associated tropomyosin 3.1 (Tpm3.1) provides the ability to examine the metabolic function of specific actin filament populations. We have determined the ability of these anti-Tpm (ATM) compounds to regulate glucose metabolism in mice. Acute treatment (1 h) of wild-type (WT) mice with the compounds (TR100 and ATM1001) led to a decrease in glucose clearance due mainly to suppression of glucose-stimulated insulin secretion (GSIS) from the pancreatic islets. The impact of the drugs on GSIS was significantly less in Tpm3.1 knock out (KO) mice indicating that the drug action is on-target. Experiments in MIN6 β-cells indicated that the inhibition of GSIS by the drugs was due to disruption to the cortical actin cytoskeleton. The impact of the drugs on insulin-stimulated glucose uptake (ISGU) was also examined in skeletal muscle ex vivo. In the absence of drug, ISGU was decreased in KO compared to WT muscle, confirming a role of Tpm3.1 in glucose uptake. Both compounds suppressed ISGU in WT muscle, but in the KO muscle there was little impact of the drugs. Collectively, this data indicates that the ATM drugs affect glucose metabolism in vivo by inhibiting Tpm3.1's function with few off-target effects.

Loss of Tpm4.1 leads to disruption of cell-cell adhesions and invasive behavior in breast epithelial cells via increased Rac1 signaling

Here we report the identification and characterization of a novel high molecular weight isoform of tropomyosin, Tpm4.1, expressed from the human TPM4 gene. Tpm4.1 expression is down-regulated in a subset of breast cancer cells compared with untransformed MCF10A breast epithelial cells and in highly metastatic breast cancer cell lines derived from poorly metastatic MDA-MD-231 cells. In addition, patients with invasive ductal breast carcinoma show decreased TPM4 expression compared with patients with ductal breast carcinoma in situ, and low TPM4 expression is associated with poor prognosis. Loss of Tpm4.1 using siRNA in MCF10A cells increases cell migration in wound-healing and Boyden chamber assays and invasion out of spheroids as well as disruption of cell-cell adhesions. Down-regulation of Tpm4.1 in MDA-MB-231 cells leads to disruption of actin organization and increased cell invasion and dissemination from spheroids into collagen gels. The down-regulation of Tpm4.1 induces Rac1-mediated alteration of myosin IIB localization, and pharmacologic inhibition of Rac1 or down-regulation of myosin IIB using siRNA inhibits the invasive phenotypes in MCF10A cells. Thus Tpm4.1 plays an important role in blocking invasive behaviors through Rac1-myosin IIB signaling and our findings suggest that decreased expression of Tpm4.1 might play a crucial role during tumor progression.

Developmental Profiling of Tropomyosin Expression in Mouse Brain Reveals Tpm4.2 as the Major Post-synaptic Tropomyosin in the Mature Brain

Nerve cell connections, formed in the developing brain of mammals, undergo a well-programmed process of maturation with changes in their molecular composition over time. The major structural element at the post-synaptic specialization is the actin cytoskeleton, which is composed of different populations of functionally distinct actin filaments. Previous studies, using ultrastructural and light imaging techniques have established the presence of different actin filament populations at the post-synaptic site. However, it remains unknown, how these different actin filament populations are defined and how their molecular composition changes over time. In the present study, we have characterized changes in a core component of actin filaments, the tropomyosin (Tpm) family of actin-associated proteins from embryonal stage to the adult stage. Using biochemical fractionation of mouse brain tissue, we identified the tropomyosin Tpm4.2 as the major post-synaptic Tpm. Furthermore, we found age-related differences in the composition of Tpms at the post-synaptic compartment. Our findings will help to guide future studies that aim to define the functional properties of actin filaments at different developmental stages in the mammalian brain.

ER/Golgi trafficking is facilitated by unbranched actin filaments containing Tpm4.2

We have identified novel actin filaments defined by tropomyosin Tpm4.2 at the ER. EM analysis of mouse embryo fibroblasts (MEFs) isolated from mice expressing a mutant Tpm4.2 (Tpm4^Plt53/Plt53 ), incapable of incorporating into actin filaments, revealed swollen ER structures compared with wild-type (WT) MEFs (Tpm4^+/+ ). ER-to-Golgi, but not Golgi-to-ER trafficking was altered in the Tpm4^Plt53/Plt53 MEFs following the transfection of the temperature sensitive ER-associated ts045-VSVg construct. Exogenous Tpm4.2 was able to rescue the ER-to-Golgi trafficking defect in the Tpm4^Plt53/Plt53 cells. The treatment of WT MEFs with the myosin II inhibitor, blebbistatin, blocked the Tpm4.2-dependent ER-to-Golgi trafficking. The lack of an effect on ER-to-Golgi trafficking following treatment of MEFs with CK666 indicates that branched Arp2/3-containing actin filaments are not involved in anterograde vesicle trafficking. We propose that unbranched, Tpm4.2-containing filaments have an important role in maintaining ER/Golgi structure and that these structures, in conjunction with myosin II motors, mediate ER-to-Golgi trafficking.

Peptide regulation of cofilin activity in the CNS: A novel therapeutic approach for treatment of multiple neurological disorders

Cofilin is a ubiquitous protein which cooperates with many other actin-binding proteins in regulating actin dynamics. Cofilin has essential functions in nervous system development including neuritogenesis, neurite elongation, growth cone pathfinding, dendritic spine formation, and the regulation of neurotransmission and spine function, components of synaptic plasticity essential for learning and memory. Cofilin's phosphoregulation is a downstream target of many transmembrane signaling processes, and its misregulation in neurons has been linked in rodent models to many different neurodegenerative and neurological disorders including Alzheimer disease (AD), aggression due to neonatal isolation, autism, manic/bipolar disorder, and sleep deprivation. Cognitive and behavioral deficits of these rodent models have been largely abrogated by modulation of cofilin activity using viral-mediated, genetic, and/or small molecule or peptide therapeutic approaches. Neuropathic pain in rats from sciatic nerve compression has also been reduced by modulating the cofilin pathway within neurons of the dorsal root ganglia. Neuroinflammation, which occurs following cerebral ischemia/reperfusion, but which also accompanies many other neurodegenerative syndromes, is markedly reduced by peptides targeting specific chemokine receptors, which also modulate cofilin activity. Thus, peptide therapeutics offer potential for cost-effective treatment of a wide variety of neurological disorders. Here we discuss some recent results from rodent models using therapeutic peptides with a surprising ability to cross the rodent blood brain barrier and alter cofilin activity in brain. We also offer suggestions as to how neuronal-specific cofilin regulation might be achieved.

Single Filaments to Reveal the Multiple Flavors of Actin

A number of key cell processes rely on specific assemblies of actin filaments, which are all constructed from nearly identical building blocks: the abundant and extremely conserved actin protein. A central question in the field is to understand how different filament networks can coexist and be regulated. Discoveries in science are often related to technical advances. Here, we focus on the ongoing single filament revolution and discuss how these techniques have greatly contributed to our understanding of actin assembly. In particular, we highlight how they have refined our understanding of the many protein-based regulatory mechanisms that modulate actin assembly. It is now becoming apparent that other factors give filaments a specific identity that determines which proteins will bind to them. We argue that single filament techniques will play an essential role in the coming years as we try to understand the many ways actin filaments can take different flavors and unveil how these flavors modulate the action of regulatory proteins. We discuss different factors known to make actin filaments distinguishable by regulatory proteins and speculate on their possible consequences.

A role for tropomyosins in activity-dependent bulk endocytosis?

Bulk endocytosis allows stimulated neurons to take up a large portion of the presynaptic plasma membrane in order to regenerate synaptic vesicle pools. Actin, one of the most abundant proteins in eukaryotic cells, plays an important role in this process, but a detailed mechanistic understanding of the involvement of the cortical actin network is still lacking, in part due to the relatively small size of nerve terminals and the limitation of optical microscopy. We recently discovered that neurosecretory cells display a similar, albeit much larger, form of bulk endocytosis in response to secretagogue stimulation. This allowed us to identify a novel highly dynamic role for the acto-myosin II cortex in generating constricting rings that precede the fission of nascent bulk endosomes. In this review we focus on the mechanism underpinning this dramatic switch in the organization and function of the cortical actin network. We provide additional experimental data that suggest a role of tropomyosin Tpm3.1 and Tpm4.2 in this process, together with an emerging model of how actin controls bulk endocytosis.

Identification of Cancer-Targeted Tropomyosin Inhibitors and Their Synergy with Microtubule Drugs

Actin filaments, with their associated tropomyosin polymers, and microtubules are dynamic cytoskeletal systems regulating numerous cell functions. While antimicrotubule drugs are well-established, antiactin drugs have been more elusive. We previously targeted actin in cancer cells by inhibiting the function of a tropomyosin isoform enriched in cancer cells, Tpm3.1, using a first-in-class compound, TR100. Here, we screened over 200 other antitropomyosin analogues for anticancer and on-target activity using a series of in vitro cell-based and biochemical assays. ATM-3507 was selected as the new lead based on its ability to disable Tpm3.1-containing filaments, its cytotoxicity potency, and more favorable drug-like characteristics. We tested ATM-3507 and TR100 alone and in combination with antimicrotubule agents against neuroblastoma models in vitro and in vivo Both ATM-3507 and TR100 showed a high degree of synergy in vitro with vinca alkaloid and taxane antimicrotubule agents. In vivo, combination-treated animals bearing human neuroblastoma xenografts treated with antitropomyosin combined with vincristine showed minimal weight loss, a significant and profound regression of tumor growth and improved survival compared with control and either drug alone. Antitropomyosin combined with vincristine resulted in G₂-M phase arrest, disruption of mitotic spindle formation, and cellular apoptosis. Our data suggest that small molecules targeting the actin cytoskeleton via tropomyosin sensitize cancer cells to antimicrotubule agents and are tolerated together in vivo This combination warrants further study. Mol Cancer Ther; 16(8); 1555-65. ©2017 AACR.

Tumor suppressor tropomyosin Tpm2.1 regulates sensitivity to apoptosis beyond anoikis characterized by changes in the levels of intrinsic apoptosis proteins

The actin cytoskeleton is a polymer system that acts both as a sensor and mediator of apoptosis. Tropomyosins (Tpm) are a family of actin binding proteins that form co-polymers with actin and diversify actin filament function. Previous studies have shown that elevated expression of the tropomyosin isoform Tpm2.1 sensitized cells to apoptosis induced by cell detachment (anoikis) via an unknown mechanism. It is not yet known whether Tpm2.1 or other tropomyosin isoforms regulate sensitivity to apoptosis beyond anoikis. In this study, rat neuroepithelial cells overexpressing specific tropomyosin isoforms (Tpm1.7, Tpm2.1, Tpm3.1, and Tpm4.2) were screened for sensitivity to different classes of apoptotic stimuli, including both cytoskeletal and non-cytoskeletal targeting compounds. Results showed that elevated expression of tropomyosins in general inhibited apoptosis sensitivity to different stimuli. However, Tpm2.1 overexpression consistently enhanced sensitivity to anoikis as well as apoptosis induced by the actin targeting drug jasplakinolide (JASP). In contrast the cancer-associated isoform Tpm3.1 inhibited the induction of apoptosis by a range of agents. Treatment of Tpm2.1 overexpressing cells with JASP was accompanied by enhanced sensitivity to mitochondrial depolarization, a hallmark of intrinsic apoptosis. Moreover, Tpm2.1 overexpressing cells showed elevated levels of the apoptosis proteins Bak (proapoptotic), Mcl-1 (prosurvival), Bcl-2 (prosurvival) and phosphorylated p53 (Ser392). Finally, JASP treatment of Tpm2.1 cells caused significantly reduced Mcl-1, Bcl-2 and p53 (Ser392) levels relative to control cells. We therefore propose that Tpm2.1 regulates sensitivity to apoptosis beyond the scope of anoikis by modulating the expression of key intrinsic apoptosis proteins which primes the cell for death.

Actin regulation by tropomodulin and tropomyosin in neuronal morphogenesis and function

Actin is a profoundly influential protein; it impacts, among other processes, membrane morphology, cellular motility, and vesicle transport. Actin can polymerize into long filaments that push on membranes and provide support for intracellular transport. Actin filaments have polar ends: the fast-growing (barbed) end and the slow-growing (pointed) end. Depolymerization from the pointed end supplies monomers for further polymerization at the barbed end. Tropomodulins (Tmods) cap pointed ends by binding onto actin and tropomyosins (Tpms). Tmods and Tpms have been shown to regulate many cellular processes; however, very few studies have investigated their joint role in the nervous system. Recent data directly indicate that they can modulate neuronal morphology. Additional studies suggest that Tmod and Tpm impact molecular processes influential in synaptic signaling. To facilitate future research regarding their joint role in actin regulation in the nervous system, we will comprehensively discuss Tpm and Tmod and their known functions within molecular systems that influence neuronal development.

Tropomyosin Isoforms Specify Functionally Distinct Actin Filament Populations In Vitro

Actin filaments assemble into a variety of networks to provide force for diverse cellular processes [1]. Tropomyosins are coiled-coil dimers that form head-to-tail polymers along actin filaments and regulate interactions of other proteins, including actin-depolymerizing factor (ADF)/cofilins and myosins, with actin [2, 3, 4, 5]. In mammals, >40 tropomyosin isoforms can be generated through alternative splicing from four tropomyosin genes. Different isoforms display non-redundant functions and partially non-overlapping localization patterns, for example within the stress fiber network [6, 7]. Based on cell biological studies, it was thus proposed that tropomyosin isoforms may specify the functional properties of different actin filament populations [2]. To test this hypothesis, we analyzed the properties of actin filaments decorated by stress-fiber-associated tropomyosins (Tpm1.6, Tpm1.7, Tpm2.1, Tpm3.1, Tpm3.2, and Tpm4.2). These proteins bound F-actin with high affinity and competed with α-actinin for actin filament binding. Importantly, total internal reflection fluorescence (TIRF) microscopy of fluorescently tagged proteins revealed that most tropomyosin isoforms cannot co-polymerize with each other on actin filaments. These isoforms also bind actin with different dynamics, which correlate with their effects on actin-binding proteins. The long isoforms Tpm1.6 and Tpm1.7 displayed stable interactions with actin filaments and protected filaments from ADF/cofilin-mediated disassembly, but did not activate non-muscle myosin IIa (NMIIa). In contrast, the short isoforms Tpm3.1, Tpm3.2, and Tpm4.2 displayed rapid dynamics on actin filaments and stimulated the ATPase activity of NMIIa, but did not efficiently protect filaments from ADF/cofilin. Together, these data provide experimental evidence that tropomyosin isoforms segregate to different actin filaments and specify functional properties of distinct actin filament populations.

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Stress-fiber-associated tropomyosin isoforms segregate to different actin filaments

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Tropomyosin isoforms bind F-actin with different dynamics

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Dynamic tropomyosin isoforms activate non-muscle myosin II

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Stable tropomyosin isoforms protect actin filaments from ADF/cofilin

Recruitment Kinetics of Tropomyosin Tpm3.1 to Actin Filament Bundles in the Cytoskeleton Is Independent of Actin Filament Kinetics

The actin cytoskeleton is a dynamic network of filaments that is involved in virtually every cellular process. Most actin filaments in metazoa exist as a co-polymer of actin and tropomyosin (Tpm) and the function of an actin filament is primarily defined by the specific Tpm isoform associated with it. However, there is little information on the interdependence of these co-polymers during filament assembly and disassembly. We addressed this by investigating the recovery kinetics of fluorescently tagged isoform Tpm3.1 into actin filament bundles using FRAP analysis in cell culture and in vivo in rats using intracellular intravital microscopy, in the presence or absence of the actin-targeting drug jasplakinolide. The mobile fraction of Tpm3.1 is between 50% and 70% depending on whether the tag is at the C- or N-terminus and whether the analysis is in vivo or in cultured cells. We find that the continuous dynamic exchange of Tpm3.1 is not significantly impacted by jasplakinolide, unlike tagged actin. We conclude that tagged Tpm3.1 may be able to undergo exchange in actin filament bundles largely independent of the assembly and turnover of actin.

Regulation of actin filament turnover by cofilin-1 and cytoplasmic tropomyosin isoforms

Tropomyosin and cofilin are actin-binding proteins which control dynamics of actin assembly and disassembly. Tropomyosin isoforms can either inhibit or enhance cofilin activity, but the mechanism of this diverse regulation is not well understood. In this work mechanisms of actin dynamics regulation by four cytoskeletal tropomyosin isoforms and cofilin-1 were studied with the use of biochemical and fluorescent microscopy assays. The recombinant tropomyosin isoforms were products of two genes: TPM1 (Tpm1.6 and Tpm1.8) and TPM3 (Tpm3.2 and Tpm3.4). Tpm1.6/1.8 bound to F-actin with higher apparent binding constants and lower cooperativities than Tpm3.2/3.4. In consequence, subsaturating concentrations of cofilin-1 removed 50% of Tpm3.2/3.4 from F-actin. By contrast, 2 and 5.5 molar excess of cofilin-1 over actin was required to dissociate 50% of Tpm1.6/1.8. All tropomyosins inhibited the rate of spontaneous polymerization of actin, which was reversed by cofilin-1. Products of TPM1 favored longer filaments and protected them from cofilin-induced depolymerization. This was in contrast to the isoforms derived from TPM3, which facilitated depolymerization. Tpm3.4 was the only isoform, which increased frequency of the filament severing by cofilin-1. Tpm1.6/1.8 inhibited, but Tpm3.2/3.4 enhanced cofilin-induced conformational changes leading to accelerated release of rhodamine-phalloidin from the filament. We concluded that the effects were executed through different actin affinities of tropomyosin isoforms and cooperativities of tropomyosin and cofilin-1 binding. The results obtained in vitro were in good agreement with localization of tropomyosin isoforms in stable or highly dynamic filaments demonstrated before in various cells.

Cellular functions of the ADF/cofilin family at a glance

The actin depolymerizing factor (ADF)/cofilin family comprises small actin-binding proteins with crucial roles in development, tissue homeostasis and disease. They are best known for their roles in regulating actin dynamics by promoting actin treadmilling and thereby driving membrane protrusion and cell motility. However, recent discoveries have increased our understanding of the functions of these proteins beyond their well-characterized roles. This Cell Science at a Glance article and the accompanying poster serve as an introduction to the diverse roles of the ADF/cofilin family in cells. The first part of the article summarizes their actions in actin treadmilling and the main mechanisms for their intracellular regulation; the second part aims to provide an outline of the emerging cellular roles attributed to the ADF/cofilin family, besides their actions in actin turnover. The latter part discusses an array of diverse processes, which include regulation of intracellular contractility, maintenance of nuclear integrity, transcriptional regulation, nuclear actin monomer transfer, apoptosis and lipid metabolism. Some of these could, of course, be indirect consequences of actin treadmilling functions, and this is discussed.

Ras Transformation Overrides a Proliferation Defect Induced by Tpm3.1 Knockout

Extensive re-organisation of the actin cytoskeleton and changes in the expression of its binding proteins is a characteristic feature of cancer cells. Previously we have shown that the tropomyosin isoform Tpm3.1, an integral component of the actin cytoskeleton in tumor cells, is required for tumor cell survival. Our objective was to determine whether cancer cells devoid of Tpm3.1 would evade the tumorgenic effects induced by H-Ras transformation. The tropomyosin isoform (Tpm) expression profile of a range of cancer cell lines (21) demonstrates that Tpm3.1 is one of the most broadly expressed Tpm isoform. Consequently, the contribution of Tpm3.1 to the transformation process was functionally evaluated. Primary embryonic fibroblasts isolated from wild type (WT) and Tpm3.1 knockout (KO) mice were transduced with retroviral vectors expressing SV40 large T antigen and an oncogenic allele of the H-Ras gene, H-RasV12, to generate immortalized and transformed WT and KO MEFs respectively. We show that Tpm3.1 is required for growth factor-independent proliferation in the SV40 large T antigen immortalized MEFs, but this requirement is overcome by H-Ras transformation. Consistent with those findings, we found that Tpm3.1 was not required for anchorage independent growth or growth of H-Ras-driven tumors in a mouse model. Finally, we show that pERK and Importin 7 protein interactions are significantly decreased in the SV40 large T antigen immortalized KO MEFs but not in the H-Ras transformed KO cells, relative to control MEFs. The data demonstrate that H-Ras transformation overrides a requirement for Tpm3.1 in growth factor-independent proliferation of immortalized MEFs. We propose that in the SV40 large T antigen immortalized MEFs, Tpm3.1 is partly responsible for the efficient interaction between pERK and Imp7 resulting in cell proliferation, but this is overidden by Ras transformation.

The impact of tropomyosins on actin filament assembly is isoform specific

Tropomyosin (Tpm) is an α helical coiled-coil dimer that forms a co-polymer along the actin filament. Tpm is involved in the regulation of actin's interaction with binding proteins as well as stabilization of the actin filament and its assembly kinetics. Recent studies show that multiple Tpm isoforms also define the functional properties of distinct actin filament populations within a cell. Subtle structural variations within well conserved Tpm isoforms are the key to their functional specificity. Therefore, we purified and characterized a comprehensive set of 8 Tpm isoforms (Tpm1.1, Tpm1.12, Tpm1.6, Tpm1.7, Tpm1.8, Tpm2.1, Tpm3.1, and Tpm4.2), using well-established actin co-sedimentation and pyrene fluorescence polymerization assays. We observed that the apparent affinity (Kd(app)) to filamentous actin varied in all Tpm isoforms between ∼0.1-5 μM with similar values for both, skeletal and cytoskeletal actin filaments. The data did not indicate any correlation between affinity and size of Tpm molecules, however high molecular weight (HMW) isoforms Tpm1.1, Tpm1.6, Tpm1.7 and Tpm2.1, showed ∼3-fold higher cooperativity compared to low molecular weight (LMW) isoforms Tpm1.12, Tpm1.8, Tpm3.1, and Tpm4.2. The rate of actin filament elongation in the presence of Tpm2.1 increased, while all other isoforms decreased the elongation rate by 27-85 %. Our study shows that the biochemical properties of Tpm isoforms are finely tuned and depend on sequence variations in alternatively spliced regions of Tpm molecules.

Smooth Muscle-specific α Tropomyosin Is a Marker of Fully Differentiated Smooth Muscle in Lung

Tropomyosin (Tm) is one of the major components of smooth muscle. Currently it is impossible to easily distinguish the two major smooth muscle (sm) forms of Tm at a protein level by immunohistochemistry due to lack of specific antibodies. α-sm Tm contains a unique 2a exon not found in any other Tm. We have produced a polyclonal antibody to this exon that specifically detects α-sm Tm. We demonstrate here the utility of this antibody for the study of smooth muscle. The tissue distribution of α-sm Tm was shown to be highly specific to smooth muscle. α-sm Tm showed an identical profile and tissue colocalization with α-sm actin both by Western blotting and immunohistochemistry. Using lung as a model organ system, we examined the developmental appearance of α-sm Tm in comparison to α-sm actin in both the mouse and human. α-sm Tm is a late-onset protein, appearing much later than actin in both species. There were some differences in onset of appearance in vascular and airway smooth muscle with airway appearing earlier. α-sm Tm can therefore be used as a good marker of mature differentiated smooth muscle cells. Along with α-sm actin and sm-myosin antibodies, α-sm Tm is a valuable tool for the study of smooth muscle.

Tissue-specific Tropomyosin Isoform Composition

Four distinct genes encode tropomyosin (Tm) proteins, integral components of the actin microfilament system. In non-muscle cells, over 40 Tm isoforms are derived using alternative splicing. Distinct populations of actin filaments characterized by the composition of these Tm isoforms are found differentially sorted within cells ( Gunning et al. 1998b ). We hypothesized that these distinct intracellular compartments defined by the association of Tm isoforms may allow for independent regulation of microfilament function. Consequently, to understand the molecular mechanisms that give rise to these different microfilaments and their regulation, a cohort of fully characterized isoform-specific Tm antibodies was required. The characterization protocol initially involved testing the specificity of the antibodies on bacterially produced Tm proteins. We then confirmed that these Tm antibodies can be used to probe the expression and subcellular localization of different Tm isoforms by Western blot analysis, immunofluorescence staining of cells in culture, and immunohistochemistry of paraffin wax-embedded mouse tissues. These Tm antibodies, therefore, have the capacity to monitor specific actin filament populations in a range of experimental systems.

Tropomyosins in the healthy and diseased nervous system

Regulation of the actin cytoskeleton is dependent on a plethora of actin-associated proteins in all eukaryotic cells. The family of tropomyosins plays a key role in controlling the function of several of these actin-associated proteins and their access to actin filaments. In order to understand the regulation of the actin cytoskeleton in highly dynamic subcellular compartments of neurons such as growth cones of developing neurons and the synaptic compartment of mature neurons, it is pivotal to decipher the functional role of tropomyosins in the nervous system. In this review, we will discuss the current understanding and recent findings on the regulation of the actin cytoskeleton by tropomyosins and potential implication that this has for the dysregulation of the actin cytoskeleton in neurological diseases.

Dynamics of Actin Cables in Polarized Growth of the Filamentous Fungus Aspergillus nidulans

Highly polarized growth of filamentous fungi requires a continuous supply of proteins and lipids to the hyphal tip. This transport is managed by vesicle trafficking via the actin and microtubule cytoskeletons and their associated motor proteins. Particularly, actin cables originating from the hyphal tip are essential for hyphal growth. Although, specific marker proteins have been developed to visualize actin cables in filamentous fungi, the exact organization and dynamics of actin cables has remained elusive. Here, we observed actin cables using tropomyosin (TpmA) and Lifeact fused to fluorescent proteins in living Aspergillus nidulans hyphae and studied the dynamics and regulation. GFP tagged TpmA visualized dynamic actin cables formed from the hyphal tip with cycles of elongation and shrinkage. The elongation and shrinkage rates of actin cables were similar and approximately 0.6 μm/s. Comparison of actin markers revealed that high concentrations of Lifeact reduced actin dynamics. Simultaneous visualization of actin cables and microtubules suggests temporally and spatially coordinated polymerization and depolymerization between the two cytoskeletons. Our results provide new insights into the molecular mechanism of ordered polarized growth regulated by actin cables and microtubules.

Tropomyosin Promotes Lamellipodial Persistence by Collaborating with Arp2/3 at the Leading Edge

At the leading edge of migrating cells, protrusion of the lamellipodium is driven by Arp2/3-mediated polymerization of actin filaments [1]. This dense, branched actin network is promoted and stabilized by cortactin [2, 3]. In order to drive filament turnover, Arp2/3 networks are remodeled by proteins such as GMF, which blocks the actin-Arp2/3 interaction [4, 5], and coronin 1B, which acts by directing SSH1L to the lamellipodium where it activates the actin-severing protein cofilin [6, 7]. It has been shown in vitro that cofilin-mediated severing of Arp2/3 actin networks results in the generation of new pointed ends to which the actin-stabilizing protein tropomyosin (Tpm) can bind [8]. The presence of Tpm in lamellipodia, however, is disputed in the literature [9-19]. Here, we report that the Tpm isoforms 1.8/9 are enriched in the lamellipodium of fibroblasts as detected with a novel isoform-specific monoclonal antibody. RNAi-mediated silencing of Tpm1.8/9 led to an increase of Arp2/3 accumulation at the cell periphery and a decrease in the persistence of lamellipodia and cell motility, a phenotype consistent with cortactin- and coronin 1B-deficient cells [2, 7]. In the absence of coronin 1B or cofilin, Tpm1.8/9 protein levels are reduced while, conversely, inhibition of Arp2/3 with CK666 leads to an increase in Tpm1.8/9 protein. These findings establish a novel regulatory mechanism within the lamellipodium whereby Tpm collaborates with Arp2/3 to promote lamellipodial-based cell migration.

Regulation of the Postsynaptic Compartment of Excitatory Synapses by the Actin Cytoskeleton in Health and Its Disruption in Disease

Disruption of synaptic function at excitatory synapses is one of the earliest pathological changes seen in wide range of neurological diseases. The proper control of the segregation of neurotransmitter receptors at these synapses is directly correlated with the intact regulation of the postsynaptic cytoskeleton. In this review, we are discussing key factors that regulate the structure and dynamics of the actin cytoskeleton, the major cytoskeletal building block that supports the postsynaptic compartment. Special attention is given to the complex interplay of actin-associated proteins that are found in the synaptic specialization. We then discuss our current understanding of how disruption of these cytoskeletal elements may contribute to the pathological events observed in the nervous system under disease conditions with a particular focus on Alzheimer's disease pathology.

Various Themes of Myosin Regulation

Members of the myosin superfamily are actin-based molecular motors that are indispensable for cellular homeostasis. The vast functional and structural diversity of myosins accounts for the variety and complexity of the underlying allosteric regulatory mechanisms that determine the activation or inhibition of myosin motor activity and enable precise timing and spatial aspects of myosin function at the cellular level. This review focuses on the molecular basis of posttranslational regulation of eukaryotic myosins from different classes across species by allosteric intrinsic and extrinsic effectors. First, we highlight the impact of heavy and light chain phosphorylation. Second, we outline intramolecular regulatory mechanisms such as autoinhibition and subsequent activation. Third, we discuss diverse extramolecular allosteric mechanisms ranging from actin-linked regulatory mechanisms to myosin:cargo interactions. At last, we briefly outline the allosteric regulation of myosins with synthetic compounds.

A small molecule inhibitor of tropomyosin dissociates actin binding from tropomyosin-directed regulation of actin dynamics

The tropomyosin family of proteins form end-to-end polymers along the actin filament. Tumour cells rely on specific tropomyosin-containing actin filament populations for growth and survival. To dissect out the role of tropomyosin in actin filament regulation we use the small molecule TR100 directed against the C terminus of the tropomyosin isoform Tpm3.1. TR100 nullifies the effect of Tpm3.1 on actin depolymerisation but surprisingly Tpm3.1 retains the capacity to bind F-actin in a cooperative manner. In vivo analysis also confirms that, in the presence of TR100, fluorescently tagged Tpm3.1 recovers normally into stress fibers. Assembling end-to-end along the actin filament is thereby not sufficient for tropomyosin to fulfil its function. Rather, regulation of F-actin stability by tropomyosin requires fidelity of information communicated at the barbed end of the actin filament. This distinction has significant implications for perturbing tropomyosin-dependent actin filament function in the context of anti-cancer drug development.

Tropomodulin3 as the link between insulin-activated AKT2 and cortical actin remodeling in preparation of GLUT4 exocytosis

It is well established that insulin-induced remodeling of actin filaments into a cortical mesh is required for insulin-stimulated GLUT4 exocytosis. Akt2 and its downstream effectors play a pivotal role in mediating the translocation and membrane fusion of GLUT4-storage vesicle (GSV). However, the direct downstream effector underlying the event of cortical actin reorganization has not been elucidated. In a recent study in Nature Communications, (1) Lim et al identify Tropomodulin3 (Tmod3) as a downstream target of the Akt2 kinase and describe the role of this pointed-end actin-capping protein in regulating insulin-dependent exocytosis of GSVs in adipocytes through the remodeling of the cortical actin network. Phosphorylation of Tmod3 by Akt2 on Ser71 modulates insulin-induced actin remodeling, a key step for GSV fusion with the plasma membrane (PM). Furthermore, the authors establish Tm5NM1 (Tpm3.1 in new nomenclature) (2) as the cognate tropomyosin partner of Tmod3, and an essential role of Tmod3-Tm5NM1 interaction for GSV exocytosis and glucose uptake. This study elucidates a novel effector of Akt2 that provides a direct mechanistic link between Akt2 signaling and actin reorganization essential for vesicle fusion, and suggests that a subset of actin filaments with specific molecular compositions may be dedicated for the process of vesicle fusion.

Non-muscle tropomyosin (Tpm3) is crucial for asymmetric cell division and maintenance of cortical integrity in mouse oocytes

Tropomyosins are actin-binding cytoskeletal proteins that play a pivotal role in regulating the function of actin filaments in muscle and non-muscle cells; however, the roles of non-muscle tropomyosins in mouse oocytes are unknown. This study investigated the expression and functions of non-muscle tropomyosin (Tpm3) during meiotic maturation of mouse oocytes. Tpm3 mRNA was detected at all developmental stages in mouse oocytes. Tpm3 protein was localized at the cortex during the germinal vesicle and germinal vesicle breakdown stages. However, the overall fluorescence intensity of Tpm3 immunostaining was markedly decreased in metaphase II oocytes. Knockdown of Tpm3 impaired asymmetric division of oocytes and spindle migration, considerably reduced the amount of cortical actin, and caused membrane blebbing during cytokinesis. Expression of a constitutively active cofilin mutant and Tpm3 overexpression confirmed that Tpm3 protects cortical actin from depolymerization by cofilin. The data indicate that Tpm3 plays crucial roles in maintaining cortical actin integrity and asymmetric cell division during oocyte maturation, and that dynamic regulation of cortical actin by Tpm3 is critical to ensure proper polar body protrusion.

Tropomyosin - master regulator of actin filament function in the cytoskeleton

Tropomyosin (Tpm) isoforms are the master regulators of the functions of individual actin filaments in fungi and metazoans. Tpms are coiled-coil parallel dimers that form a head-to-tail polymer along the length of actin filaments. Yeast only has two Tpm isoforms, whereas mammals have over 40. Each cytoskeletal actin filament contains a homopolymer of Tpm homodimers, resulting in a filament of uniform Tpm composition along its length. Evidence for this 'master regulator' role is based on four core sets of observation. First, spatially and functionally distinct actin filaments contain different Tpm isoforms, and recent data suggest that members of the formin family of actin filament nucleators can specify which Tpm isoform is added to the growing actin filament. Second, Tpms regulate whole-organism physiology in terms of morphogenesis, cell proliferation, vesicle trafficking, biomechanics, glucose metabolism and organ size in an isoform-specific manner. Third, Tpms achieve these functional outputs by regulating the interaction of actin filaments with myosin motors and actin-binding proteins in an isoform-specific manner. Last, the assembly of complex structures, such as stress fibers and podosomes involves the collaboration of multiple types of actin filament specified by their Tpm composition. This allows the cell to specify actin filament function in time and space by simply specifying their Tpm isoform composition.

An actin filament population defined by the tropomyosin Tpm3.1 regulates glucose uptake

Actin has an ill-defined role in the trafficking of GLUT4 glucose transporter vesicles to the plasma membrane (PM). We have identified novel actin filaments defined by the tropomyosin Tpm3.1 at glucose uptake sites in white adipose tissue (WAT) and skeletal muscle. In Tpm 3.1-overexpressing mice, insulin-stimulated glucose uptake was increased; while Tpm3.1-null mice they were more sensitive to the impact of high-fat diet on glucose uptake. Inhibition of Tpm3.1 function in 3T3-L1 adipocytes abrogates insulin-stimulated GLUT4 translocation and glucose uptake. In WAT, the amount of filamentous actin is determined by Tpm3.1 levels and is paralleled by changes in exocyst component (sec8) and Myo1c levels. In adipocytes, Tpm3.1 localizes with MyoIIA, but not Myo1c, and it inhibits Myo1c binding to actin. We propose that Tpm3.1 determines the amount of cortical actin that can engage MyoIIA and generate contractile force, and in parallel limits the interaction of Myo1c with actin filaments. The balance between these actin filament populations may determine the efficiency of movement and/or fusion of GLUT4 vesicles with the PM.

The evolution of compositionally and functionally distinct actin filaments

The actin filament is astonishingly well conserved across a diverse set of eukaryotic species. It has essentially remained unchanged in the billion years that separate yeast, Arabidopsis and man. In contrast, bacterial actin-like proteins have diverged to the extreme, and many of them are not readily identified from sequence-based homology searches. Here, we present phylogenetic analyses that point to an evolutionary drive to diversify actin filament composition across kingdoms. Bacteria use a one-filament-one-function system to create distinct filament systems within a single cell. In contrast, eukaryotic actin is a universal force provider in a wide range of processes. In plants, there has been an expansion of the number of closely related actin genes, whereas in fungi and metazoa diversification in tropomyosins has increased the compositional variety in actin filament systems. Both mechanisms dictate the subset of actin-binding proteins that interact with each filament type, leading to specialization in function. In this Hypothesis, we thus propose that different mechanisms were selected in bacteria, plants and metazoa, which achieved actin filament compositional variation leading to the expansion of their functional diversity.

Cell elasticity is regulated by the tropomyosin isoform composition of the actin cytoskeleton

The actin cytoskeleton is the primary polymer system within cells responsible for regulating cellular stiffness. While various actin binding proteins regulate the organization and dynamics of the actin cytoskeleton, the proteins responsible for regulating the mechanical properties of cells are still not fully understood. In the present study, we have addressed the significance of the actin associated protein, tropomyosin (Tpm), in influencing the mechanical properties of cells. Tpms belong to a multi-gene family that form a co-polymer with actin filaments and differentially regulate actin filament stability, function and organization. Tpm isoform expression is highly regulated and together with the ability to sort to specific intracellular sites, result in the generation of distinct Tpm isoform-containing actin filament populations. Nanomechanical measurements conducted with an Atomic Force Microscope using indentation in Peak Force Tapping in indentation/ramping mode, demonstrated that Tpm impacts on cell stiffness and the observed effect occurred in a Tpm isoform-specific manner. Quantitative analysis of the cellular filamentous actin (F-actin) pool conducted both biochemically and with the use of a linear detection algorithm to evaluate actin structures revealed that an altered F-actin pool does not absolutely predict changes in cell stiffness. Inhibition of non-muscle myosin II revealed that intracellular tension generated by myosin II is required for the observed increase in cell stiffness. Lastly, we show that the observed increase in cell stiffness is partially recapitulated in vivo as detected in epididymal fat pads isolated from a Tpm3.1 transgenic mouse line. Together these data are consistent with a role for Tpm in regulating cell stiffness via the generation of specific populations of Tpm isoform-containing actin filaments.

A novel tropomyosin isoform functions at the mitotic spindle and Golgi in Drosophila

Most eukaryotic cells express multiple isoforms of the actin-binding protein tropomyosin that help construct a variety of cytoskeletal networks. Only one nonmuscle tropomyosin (Tm1A) has previously been described in Drosophila, but developmental defects caused by insertion of P-elements near tropomyosin genes imply the existence of additional, nonmuscle isoforms. Using biochemical and molecular genetic approaches, we identified three tropomyosins expressed in Drosophila S2 cells: Tm1A, Tm1J, and Tm2A. The Tm1A isoform localizes to the cell cortex, lamellar actin networks, and the cleavage furrow of dividing cells--always together with myosin-II. Isoforms Tm1J and Tm2A colocalize around the Golgi apparatus with the formin-family protein Diaphanous, and loss of either isoform perturbs cell cycle progression. During mitosis, Tm1J localizes to the mitotic spindle, where it promotes chromosome segregation. Using chimeras, we identified the determinants of tropomyosin localization near the C-terminus. This work 1) identifies and characterizes previously unknown nonmuscle tropomyosins in Drosophila, 2) reveals a function for tropomyosin in the mitotic spindle, and 3) uncovers sequence elements that specify isoform-specific localizations and functions of tropomyosin.

Regulation of cell proliferation by ERK and signal-dependent nuclear translocation of ERK is dependent on Tm5NM1-containing actin filaments

Tropomyosin Tm5NM1 regulates cell proliferation and organ size. It mediates this effect by regulating the interaction of pERK and Imp7, leading to the regulation of pERK nuclear translocation. This demonstrates a role for a specific population of actin filaments in regulating a critical step in the MAPK/ERK signaling pathway.

ERK-regulated cell proliferation requires multiple phosphorylation events catalyzed first by MEK and then by casein kinase 2 (CK2), followed by interaction with importin7 and subsequent nuclear translocation of pERK. We report that genetic manipulation of a core component of the actin filaments of cancer cells, the tropomyosin Tm5NM1, regulates the proliferation of normal cells both in vitro and in vivo. Mouse embryo fibroblasts (MEFs) lacking Tm5NM1, which have reduced proliferative capacity, are insensitive to inhibition of ERK by peptide and small-molecule inhibitors, indicating that ERK is unable to regulate proliferation of these knockout (KO) cells. Treatment of wild-type MEFs with a CK2 inhibitor to block phosphorylation of the nuclear translocation signal in pERK resulted in greatly decreased cell proliferation and a significant reduction in the nuclear translocation of pERK. In contrast, Tm5NM1 KO MEFs, which show reduced nuclear translocation of pERK, were unaffected by inhibition of CK2. This suggested that it is nuclear translocation of CK2-phosphorylated pERK that regulates cell proliferation and this capacity is absent in Tm5NM1 KO cells. Proximity ligation assays confirmed a growth factor–stimulated interaction of pERK with Tm5NM1 and that the interaction of pERK with importin7 is greatly reduced in the Tm5NM1 KO cells.

Myosin motor isoforms direct specification of actomyosin function by tropomyosins

Myosins and tropomyosins represent two cytoskeletal proteins that often work together with actin filaments in contractile and motile cellular processes. While the specialized role of tropomyosin in striated muscle myosin-II regulation is well characterized, its role in nonmuscle myosin regulation is poorly understood. We previously showed that fission yeast tropomyosin (Cdc8p) positively regulates myosin-II (Myo2p) and myosin-V (Myo52p) motors. To understand the broader implications of this regulation we examined the role of two mammalian tropomyosins (Tpm3.1cy/Tm5NM1 and Tpm4.2cy/Tm4) recently implicated in cancer cell proliferation and metastasis. Like Cdc8p, the Tpm3.1cy and Tpm4.2cy isoforms significantly enhance Myo2p and Myo52p motor activity, converting nonprocessive Myo52p molecules into processive motors that can walk along actin tracks as single molecules. In contrast to the positive regulation of Myo2p and Myo52p, Cdc8p and the mammalian tropomyosins potently inhibited skeletal muscle myosin-II, while having negligible effects on the highly processive mammalian myosin-Va. In support of a conserved role for certain tropomyosins in regulating nonmuscle actomyosin structures, Tpm3.1cy supported normal contractile ring function in fission yeast. Our work reveals that actomyosin regulation by tropomyosin is dependent on the myosin isoform, highlighting a general role for specific isoforms of tropomyosin in sorting myosin motor outputs.

Tropomyosin isoforms support actomyosin biogenesis to generate contractile tension at the epithelial zonula adherens

Epithelial cells generate contractile forces at their cell-cell contacts. These are concentrated at the specialized apical junction of the zonula adherens (ZA), where a ring of stabilized E-cadherin lies adjacent to prominent actomyosin bundles. Coupling of adhesion and actomyosin contractility yields tension in the junction. The biogenesis of junctional contractility requires actin assembly at the ZA as well as the recruitment of nonmuscle myosin II, but the molecular regulators of these processes are not yet fully understood. We now report a role for tropomyosins 5NM1 (Tm5NM1) and 5NM2 (Tm5NM2) in their generation. Both these tropomyosin isoforms were found at the ZA and their depletion by RNAi or pharmacological inhibition reduced both F-actin and myosin II content at the junction. Photoactivation analysis revealed that the loss of F-actin was attributable to a decrease in filament stability. These changes were accompanied by a decrease in E-cadherin content at junctions. Ultimately, both long-term depletion of Tm5NM1/2 and acute inhibition with drugs caused junctional tension to be reduced. Thus these tropomyosin isoforms are novel contributors to junctional contractility and integrity.

The cytoskeleton and neurite initiation

Neurons begin their life as simple spheres, but can ultimately assume an elaborate morphology with numerous, highly arborized dendrites, and long axons. This is achieved via an astounding developmental progression which is dependent upon regulated assembly and dynamics of the cellular cytoskeleton. As neurites emerge out of the soma, neurons break their spherical symmetry and begin to acquire the morphological features that define their structure and function. Neurons regulate their cytoskeleton to achieve changes in cell shape, velocity, and direction as they migrate, extend neurites, and polarize. Of particular importance, the organization and dynamics of actin and microtubules directs the migration and morphogenesis of neurons. This review focuses on the regulation of intrinsic properties of the actin and microtubule cytoskeletons and how specific cytoskeletal structures and dynamics are associated with the earliest phase of neuronal morphogenesis—neuritogenesis.

Tropomodulin3 is a novel Akt2 effector regulating insulin-stimulated GLUT4 exocytosis through cortical actin remodeling

Akt2 and its downstream effectors mediate insulin-stimulated GLUT4-storage vesicle (GSV) translocation and fusion with the plasma membrane (PM). Using mass spectrometry, we identify actin-capping protein Tropomodulin 3 (Tmod3) as an Akt2-interacting partner in 3T3-L1 adipocytes. We demonstrate that Tmod3 is phosphorylated at Ser71 on insulin-stimulated Akt2 activation, and Ser71 phosphorylation is required for insulin-stimulated GLUT4 PM insertion and glucose uptake. Phosphorylated Tmod3 regulates insulin-induced actin remodelling, an essential step for GSV fusion with the PM. Furthermore, the interaction of Tmod3 with its cognate tropomyosin partner, Tm5NM1 is necessary for GSV exocytosis and glucose uptake. Together these results establish Tmod3 as a novel Akt2 effector that mediates insulin-induced cortical actin remodelling and subsequent GLUT4 membrane insertion. Our findings suggest that defects in cytoskeletal remodelling may contribute to impaired GLUT4 exocytosis and glucose uptake.

Functional identity of the gamma tropomyosin gene: Implications for embryonic development, reproduction and cell viability

The actin filament system is fundamental to cellular functions including regulation of shape, motility, cytokinesis, intracellular trafficking and tissue organization. Tropomyosins (Tm) are highly conserved components of actin filaments which differentially regulate filament stability and function. The mammalian Tm family consists of four genes; αTm, βTm, γTm and δTm. Multiple Tm isoforms (>40) are generated by alternative splicing and expression of these isoforms is highly regulated during development. In order to further identify the role of Tm isoforms during development, we tested the specificity of function of products from the γTm gene family in mice using a series of gene knockouts. Ablation of all γTm gene cytoskeletal products results in embryonic lethality. Elimination of just two cytoskeletal products from the γTm gene (NM1,2) resulted in a 50% reduction in embryo viability. It was also not possible to generate homozygous knockout ES cells for the targets which eliminated or reduced embryo viability in mice. In contrast, homozygous knockout ES cells were generated for a different set of isoforms (NM3,5,6,8,9,11) which were not required for embryogenesis. We also observed that males hemizygous for the knockout of all cytoskeletal products from the γTm gene preferentially transmitted the minus allele with 80-100% transmission. Since all four Tm genes are expressed in early embryos, ES cells and sperm, we conclude that isoforms of the γTm gene are functionally unique in their role in embryogenesis, ES cell viability and sperm function.

Scared stiff: Stabilizing the actin cytoskeleton to stop invading cancer cells in their tracks

In recent years the concept of plasticity between invasion modes used by individual cancer cells has been gaining increasing interest in the field. Individually invading tumour cells can be divided into those that use a mesenchymal invasion mode, those that use "amoeboid" invasion and those that can switch between the two modes. The morphological distinctions between these different modes of invasion suggest that the actin cytoskeleton is likely to be a major contributor to the plasticity of cancer cell invasion mechanisms. We have recently investigated this idea by manipulating expression of Tm5NM1, one isoform of the tropomyosin family of actin-associating proteins. In a novel finding, we discovered that stabilizing the actin cytoskeleton via elevated expression of Tm5NM1 specifically inhibits mesenchymal-type cancer cell invasion, without causing transition to "amoeboid" motility-thus stopping the invading cancer cells in their tracks. The present perspective discusses our recent data in the context of current understanding of invasion plasticity and considers how stabilizing actin filaments may inhibit the mesenchymal invasion mode.

The actin cytoskeleton as a sensor and mediator of apoptosis

Apoptosis is an important biological process required for the removal of unwanted or damaged cells. Mounting evidence implicates the actin cytoskeleton as both a sensor and mediator of apoptosis. Studies also suggest that actin binding proteins (ABPs) significantly contribute to apoptosis and that actin dynamics play a key role in regulating apoptosis signaling. Changes in the organization of the actin cytoskeleton has been attributed to the process of malignant transformation and it is hypothesized that remodeling of the actin cytoskeleton may enable tumor cells to evade normal apoptotic signaling. This review aims to illuminate the role of the actin cytoskeleton in apoptosis by systematically analyzing how actin and ABPs regulate different apoptosis pathways and to also highlight the potential for developing novel compounds that target tumor-specific actin filaments.

TPM3 and TPM4 gene products segregate to the postsynaptic region of central nervous system synapses

Synaptic function in the central nervous system (CNS) is highly dependent on a dynamic actin cytoskeleton in both the pre- and the postsynaptic compartment. Remodelling of the actin cytoskeleton is controlled by tropomyosins, a family of actin-associated proteins which define distinct actin filament populations. Here we show that TPM3 and TPM4 gene products localize to the postsynaptic region in mouse hippocampal neurons. Furthermore our data confirm previous findings of isoform segregation to the pre- and postsynaptic compartments at CNS synapses. These data provide fundamental insights in the formation of functionally distinct actin filament populations at the pre- and post-synapse.

Tropomyosin Tm5NM1 spatially restricts src kinase activity through perturbation of Rab11 vesicle trafficking

In order for cells to stop moving, they must synchronously stabilize actin filaments and their associated focal adhesions. How these two structures are coordinated in time and space is not known. We show here that the actin association protein Tm5NM1, which induces stable actin filaments, concurrently suppresses the trafficking of focal-adhesion-regulatory molecules. Using combinations of fluorescent biosensors and fluorescence recovery after photobleaching (FRAP), we demonstrate that Tm5NM1 reduces the level of delivery of Src kinase to focal adhesions, resulting in reduced phosphorylation of adhesion-resident Src substrates. Live imaging of Rab11-positive recycling endosomes that carry Src to focal adhesions reveals disruption of this pathway. We propose that tropomyosin synchronizes adhesion dynamics with the cytoskeleton by regulating actin-dependent trafficking of essential focal-adhesion molecules.

Exploiting the cytoskeletal filaments of neoplastic cells to potentiate a novel therapeutic approach

Although cytoskeletal-directed agents have been a mainstay in chemotherapeutic protocols due to their ability to readily interfere with the rapid mitotic progression of neoplastic cells, they are all microtubule-based drugs, and there has yet to be any microfilament- or intermediate filament-directed agents approved for clinical use. There are many inherent differences between the cytoskeletal networks of malignant and normal cells, providing an ideal target to attain preferential damage. Further, numerous microfilament-directed agents, and an intermediate filament-directed agent of particular interest (withaferin A) have demonstrated in vitro and in vivo efficacy, suggesting that cytoskeletal filaments may be exploited to supplement chemotherapeutic approaches currently used in the clinical setting. Therefore, this review is intended to expose academics and clinicians to the tremendous variety of cytoskeletal filament-directed agents that are currently available for further chemotherapeutic evaluation. The mechanisms by which microfilament directed- and intermediate filament-directed agents damage malignant cells are discussed in detail in order to establish how the drugs can be used in combination with each other, or with currently approved chemotherapeutic agents to generate a substantial synergistic attack, potentially establishing a new paradigm of chemotherapeutic agents.