Mitotic progression becomes irreversible in prometaphase and collapses when Wee1 and Cdc25 are inhibited

The spindle and kinetochore-associated (Ska) complex enhances binding of the anaphase-promoting complex/cyclosome (APC/C) to chromosomes and promotes mitotic exit

The spindle and kinetochore-associated (Ska) protein complex is a heterotrimeric complex required for timely anaphase onset. The major phenotypes seen after small interfering RNA-mediated depletion of Ska are transient alignment defects followed by metaphase arrest that ultimately results in cohesion fatigue. We find that cells depleted of Ska3 arrest at metaphase with only partial degradation of cyclin B1 and securin. In cells arrested with microtubule drugs, Ska3-depleted cells exhibit slower mitotic exit when the spindle checkpoint is silenced by inhibition of the checkpoint kinase, Mps1, or when cells are forced to exit mitosis downstream of checkpoint silencing by inactivation of Cdk1. These results suggest that in addition to a role in fostering kinetochore-microtubule attachment and chromosome alignment, the Ska complex has functions in promoting anaphase onset. We find that both Ska3 and microtubules promote chromosome association of the anaphase-promoting complex/cyclosome (APC/C). Chromosome-bound APC/C shows significantly stronger ubiquitylation activity than cytoplasmic APC/C. Forced localization of Ska complex to kinetochores, independent of microtubules, results in enhanced accumulation of APC/C on chromosomes and accelerated cyclin B1 degradation during induced mitotic exit. We propose that a Ska-microtubule-kinetochore association promotes APC/C localization to chromosomes, thereby enhancing anaphase onset and mitotic exit.

A novel method for the measurement of reflux from intravitreal injections: data from 20 porcine eyes

BACKGROUND

Reflux following intravitreal injection is a common phenomenon, but it is unknown how much, if any, medication is lost as a result. Reflux is known to be a combination of vitreous and the injected agent, but the relative composition is unknown. This article describes a novel method for the measurement of the volume and composition of reflux and presents data from porcine eyes.

METHODS

Twenty porcine eyes were injected with 0.05 ml of dye at intraocular pressures (IOPs) of 15, 20, 25 and 30 mmHg (five eyes per subgroup). Reflux was captured on filter paper and the area of saturation and color intensity of the dye were digitally analyzed. Total refluxed volume and proportion of dye versus vitreous fluid were calculated from linear regression lines created from known standards.

RESULTS

Average (median) total volume of reflux from all eyes was 1.19 μl (0.93 μl), volume of injected dye refluxed was 0.47 μl (0.11 μl) and composition of reflux was 20.8% dye (15.5%). Less than 1% of the injected dye was lost to reflux. There were no differences between IOP groups in the total volume refluxed, the total amount of dye refluxed, the average composition of the reflux or the amount of injected dye refluxed (df = 3 for all comparisons; p = 0.58, p = 0.51, p = 0.55, p = 0.51, respectively).

CONCLUSIONS

This novel method allows for measurement of quantity and composition of reflux following intravitreal injection in vitro. While reflux occurs frequently, it is predominantly composed of vitreous, not the injected agent. In fact, <1% of the original injection was lost to reflux.

Mitotic phosphorylation of eukaryotic initiation factor 4G1 (eIF4G1) at Ser1232 by Cdk1:cyclin B inhibits eIF4A helicase complex binding with RNA

During mitosis, global translation is suppressed, while synthesis of proteins with vital mitotic roles must go on. Prior evidence suggests that the mitotic translation shift involves control of initiation. Yet, no signals specifically targeting translation initiation factors during mitosis have been identified. We used phosphoproteomics to investigate the central translation initiation scaffold and "ribosome adaptor," eukaryotic initiation factor 4G1 (eIF4G1) in interphase or nocodazole-arrested mitotic cells. This approach and kinase inhibition assays, in vitro phosphorylation with recombinant kinase, and kinase depletion-reconstitution experiments revealed that Ser1232 in eIF4G1 is phosphorylated by cyclin-dependent kinase 1 (Cdk1):cyclin B during mitosis. Ser1232 is located in an unstructured region of the C-terminal portion of eIF4G1 that coordinates assembly of the eIF4G/-4A/-4B helicase complex and binding of the mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) signal-integrating kinase, Mnk. Intense phosphorylation of Ser1232 in mitosis strongly enhanced the interactions of eIF4A with HEAT domain 2 of eIF4G and decreased association of eIF4G/-4A with RNA. Our findings implicate phosphorylation of eIF4G1(Ser1232) by Cdk1:cyclin B and its inhibitory effects on eIF4A helicase activity in the mitotic translation initiation shift.

The BEG (PP2A-B55/ENSA/Greatwall) pathway ensures cytokinesis follows chromosome separation

Cytokinesis follows separase activation and chromosome segregation. This order is ensured in budding yeast by the mitotic exit network (MEN), where Cdc14p dephosphorylates key conserved Cdk1-substrates exemplified by the anaphase spindle-elongation protein Ase1p. However, in metazoans, MEN and Cdc14 function is not conserved. Instead, the PP2A-B55α/ENSA/Greatwall (BEG) pathway controls the human Ase1p ortholog PRC1. In this pathway, PP2A-B55 inhibition is coupled to Cdk1-cyclin B activity, whereas separase inhibition is maintained by cyclin B concentration. This creates two cyclin B thresholds during mitotic exit. Simulation and experiments using PRC1 as a model substrate show that the first threshold permits separase activation and chromosome segregation, and the second permits PP2A-B55 activation and initiation of cytokinesis. Removal of the ENSA/Greatwall (EG) timer module eliminates this second threshold, as well as associated delay in PRC1 dephosphorylation and initiation of cytokinesis, by uncoupling PP2A-B55 from Cdk1-cyclin B activity. Therefore, temporal order during mitotic exit is promoted by the metazoan BEG pathway.

Identification of a Wee1-like kinase gene essential for procyclic Trypanosoma brucei survival

Regulation of eukaryotic cell cycle progression requires sequential activation and inactivation of cyclin-dependent kinases (CDKs). Activation of the cyclin B-cdc2 kinase complex is a pivotal step in mitotic initiation and the tyrosine kinase Wee1 is a key regulator of cell cycle sequence during G2/M transition and inhibits mitotic entry by phosphorylating the inhibitory tyrosine 15 on the cdc2 M-phase-inducing kinase. Wee1 degradation is essential for the exit from the G2 phase. In trypanosomatids, little is known about the genes that regulate cyclin B-cdc2 complexes at the G2/M transition of their cell cycle. Although canonical tyrosine kinases are absent in the genome of trypanosomatids, phosphorylation on protein tyrosine residues has been reported in Trypanosoma brucei. Here, we characterized a Wee1-like protein kinase gene from T. brucei. Expression of TbWee1 in a Schizosaccharomyces pombe strain null for Wee1 inhibited cell division and caused cell elongation. This demonstrates the lengthening of G2, which provided cells with extra time to grow before dividing. The Wee1-like protein kinase was expressed in the procyclic and bloodstream proliferative slender forms of T. brucei and the role of Wee1 in cell cycle progression was analyzed by generating RNA interference cell lines. In the procyclic form of T. brucei, the knock-down of TbWee1 expression by RNAi led to inhibition of parasite growth. Abnormal phenotypes showing an increase in the percentage of cells with 1N0K, 0N1K and 2N1K were observed in these RNAi cell lines. Using parasites with a synchronized cell cycle, we demonstrated that TbWee1 is linked to the G2/M phase. We also showed that TbWee1 is an essential gene necessary for proper cell cycle progression and parasite growth in T. brucei. Our results provide evidence for the existence of a functional Wee1 in T. brucei with a potential role in cell division at G2/M.

Greatwall is essential to prevent mitotic collapse after nuclear envelope breakdown in mammals

Greatwall is a protein kinase involved in the inhibition of protein phosphatase 2 (PP2A)-B55 complexes to maintain the mitotic state. Although its biochemical activity has been deeply characterized in Xenopus, its specific relevance during the progression of mitosis is not fully understood. By using a conditional knockout of the mouse ortholog, Mastl, we show here that mammalian Greatwall is essential for mouse embryonic development and cell cycle progression. Yet, Greatwall-null cells enter into mitosis with normal kinetics. However, these cells display mitotic collapse after nuclear envelope breakdown (NEB) characterized by defective chromosome condensation and prometaphase arrest. Intriguingly, Greatwall is exported from the nucleus to the cytoplasm in a CRM1-dependent manner before NEB. This export occurs after the nuclear import of cyclin B-Cdk1 complexes, requires the kinase activity of Greatwall, and is mediated by Cdk-, but not Polo-like kinase 1-dependent phosphorylation. The mitotic collapse observed in Greatwall-deficient cells is partially rescued after concomitant depletion of B55 regulatory subunits, which are mostly cytoplasmic before NEB. These data suggest that Greatwall is an essential protein in mammals required to prevent mitotic collapse after NEB.

Robust mitotic entry is ensured by a latching switch

Cell cycle events are driven by Cyclin dependent kinases (CDKs) and by their counter-acting phosphatases. Activation of the Cdk1:Cyclin B complex during mitotic entry is controlled by the Wee1/Myt1 inhibitory kinases and by Cdc25 activatory phosphatase, which are themselves regulated by Cdk1:Cyclin B within two positive circuits. Impairing these two feedbacks with chemical inhibitors induces a transient entry into M phase referred to as mitotic collapse. The pathology of mitotic collapse reveals that the positive circuits play a significant role in maintaining the M phase state. To better understand the function of these feedback loops during G2/M transition, we propose a simple model for mitotic entry in mammalian cells including spatial control over Greatwall kinase phosphorylation. After parameter calibration, the model is able to recapture the complex and non-intuitive molecular dynamics reported by Potapova et al. (Potapova et al., 2011). Moreover, it predicts the temporal patterns of other mitotic regulators which have not yet been experimentally tested and suggests a general design principle of cell cycle control: latching switches buffer the cellular stresses which accompany cell cycle processes to ensure that the transitions are smooth and robust.

Endosomolytic reducible polymeric electrolytes for cytosolic protein delivery

Despite the numerous vital functions of proteins in the cytosolic compartment, less attention has been paid to the delivery of protein drugs to the cytosol than to the plasma membrane. To address this issue and effectively deliver charged proteins into the cytoplasm, we used endosomolytic, thiol-triggered degradable polyelectrolytes as carriers. The cationic, reducible polyelectrolyte RPC-bPEI(0.8 kDa)2 was synthesized by the oxidative polymerization of thiolated branched polyethyleneimine (bPEI). The polymer was converted to the anionic, reducible polyelectrolyte RPA-bPEI(0.8 kDa)2 by introducing carboxylic acids. The two reducible polyelectrolytes (RPC-bPEI(0.8 kDa)2 and RPA-bPEI(0.8 kDa)2) were complexed with counter-charged model proteins (bovine serum albumin (BSA) and lysozyme (LYZ)), forming polyelectrolyte/protein complexes of less than 200 nm in size at weight ratios (WR) of ≥1. The resultant complexes maintained a proton buffering capacity nearly equivalent to that of the polyelectrolytes in the absence of protein complexation and were cytocompatible with MCF7 human breast carcinoma cells. Under cytosol-mimicking thiol-rich conditions, RPC-bPEI(0.8 kDa)2/BSA and RPA-bPEI(0.8 kDa)2/LYZ complexes increased significantly in size and released the loaded protein, unlike the protein complexes with nonreducible polyelectrolytes (bPEI(25 kDa) and bPEI(25 kDa)COOH). The polyelectrolyte/protein complexes showed cellular uptake similar to that of the corresponding proteins alone, but the former allowed more protein to escape into the cytosol from endolysosomes than the latter as a result of the endosomolytic function of the polyelectrolytes. In addition, the proteins in the polyelectrolyte/protein complexes kept their intrinsic secondary structures. In conclusion, the results show the potential of the designed endosomolytic, reducible polyelectrolytes for the delivery of proteins to the cytosol.

The effect of erythropoietin on autologous stem cell-mediated bone regeneration

Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) although used for bone tissue engineering are limited by the requirement of isolation and culture prior to transplantation. Our recent studies have shown that biomaterial implants can be engineered to facilitate the recruitment of MSCs. In this study, we explore the ability of these implants to direct the recruitment and the differentiation of MSCs in the setting of a bone defect. We initially determined that both stromal derived factor-1alpha (SDF-1α) and erythropoietin (Epo) prompted different degrees of MSC recruitment. Additionally, we found that Epo and bone morphogenetic protein-2 (BMP-2), but not SDF-1α, triggered the osteogenic differentiation of MSCs in vitro. We then investigated the possibility of directing autologous MSC-mediated bone regeneration using a murine calvaria model. Consistent with our in vitro observations, Epo-releasing scaffolds were found to be more potent in bridging the defect than BMP-2 loaded scaffolds, as determined by computed tomography (CT) scanning, fluorescent imaging and histological analyses. These results demonstrate the tremendous potential, directing the recruitment and differentiation of autologous MSCs has in the field of tissue regeneration.

PP2A function toward mitotic kinases and substrates during the cell cycle

To maintain cellular homeostasis against the demands of the extracellular environment, a precise regulation of kinases and phosphatases is essential. In cell cycle regulation mechanisms, activation of the cyclin-dependent kinase (CDK1) and cyclin B complex (CDK1:cyclin B) causes a remarkable change in protein phosphorylation. Activation of CDK1:cyclin B is regulated by two auto-amplification loops-CDK1:cyclin B activates Cdc25, its own activating phosphatase, and inhibits Wee1, its own inhibiting kinase. Recent biological evidence has revealed that the inhibition of its counteracting phosphatase activity also occurs, and it is parallel to CDK1:cyclin B activation during mitosis. Phosphatase regulation of mitotic kinases and their substrates is essential to ensure that the progression of the cell cycle is ordered. Outlining how the mutual control of kinases and phosphatases governs the localization and timing of cell division will give us a new understanding about cell cycle regulation.

WEE1 inhibition and genomic instability in cancer

One of the hallmarks of cancer is genomic instability controlled by cell cycle checkpoints. The G1 and G2 checkpoints allow DNA damage responses, whereas the mitotic checkpoint enables correct seggregation of the sister chromosomes to prevent aneuploidy. Cancer cells often lack a functional G1 arrest and rely on G2 arrest for DNA damage responses. WEE1 kinase is an important regulator of the G2 checkpoint and is overexpressed in various cancer types. Inhibition of WEE1 is a promising strategy in cancer therapy in combination with DNA-damaging agents, especially when cancer cells harbor p53 mutations, as it causes mitotic catastrophy when DNA is not repaired during G2 arrest. Cancer cell response to WEE1 inhibition monotherapy has also been demonstrated in various types of cancer, including p53 wild-type cancers. We postulate that chromosomal instability can explain tumor response to WEE1 monotherapy. Therefore, chromosomal instability may need to be taken into account when determining the most effective strategy for the use of WEE1 inhibitors in cancer therapy.

Putative pore-loops of TMEM16/anoctamin channels affect channel density in cell membranes

The recently identified TMEM16/anoctamin protein family includes Ca(2+)-activated anion channels (TMEM16A, TMEM16B), a cation channel (TMEM16F) and proteins with unclear function. TMEM16 channels consist of eight putative transmembrane domains (TMs) with TM5-TM6 flanking a re-entrant loop thought to form the pore. In TMEM16A this region has also been suggested to contain residues involved in Ca(2+) binding. The role of the putative pore-loop of TMEM16 channels was investigated using a chimeric approach. Heterologous expression of either TMEM16A or TMEM16B resulted in whole-cell anion currents with very similar conduction properties but distinct kinetics and degrees of sensitivity to Ca(2+). Furthermore, whole-cell currents mediated by TMEM16A channels were ∼six times larger than TMEM16B-mediated currents. Replacement of the putative pore-loop of TMEM16A with that of TMEM16B (TMEM16A-B channels) reduced the currents by ∼six-fold, while the opposite modification (TMEM16B-A channels) produced a ∼six-fold increase in the currents. Unexpectedly, these changes were not secondary to variations in channel gating by Ca(2+) or voltage, nor were they due to changes in single-channel conductance. Instead, they depended on the number of functional channels present on the plasma membrane. Generation of additional, smaller chimeras within the putative pore-loop of TMEM16A and TMEM16B led to the identification of a region containing a non-canonical trafficking motif. Chimeras composed of the putative pore-loop of TMEM16F transplanted into the TMEM16A protein scaffold did not conduct anions or cations. These data suggest that the putative pore-loop does not form a complete, transferable pore domain. Furthermore, our data reveal an unexpected role for the putative pore-loop of TMEM16A and TMEM16B channels in the control of the whole-cell Ca(2+)-activated Cl(-) conductance.

Secreted protein acidic and rich in cysteine (SPARC)-null mice exhibit more uniform outflow

PURPOSE

Secreted protein acidic and rich in cysteine (SPARC) is a matricellular protein known to regulate extracellular matrix (ECM) in many tissues and is highly expressed in trabecular meshwork (TM). SPARC-null mice have a 15% to 20% decrease in intraocular pressure (IOP) compared to wild-type (WT) mice. We hypothesized that mouse aqueous outflow is segmental, and that transgenic deletion of SPARC causes a more uniform pattern that correlates with IOP and TM morphology.

METHODS

Eyes of C57BL6-SV129 WT and SPARC-null mice were injected with fluorescent microbeads, which were also passively exposed to freshly enucleated eyes. Confocal and electron microscopy were performed. Percentage effective filtration length (PEFL) was calculated as PEFL = FL/TL × 100%, where TL = total length and FL = filtration length. IOP was measured by rebound tonometry.

RESULTS

Passive microbead affinity for WT and SPARC-null ECM did not differ. Segmental flow was observed in the mouse eye. SPARC-null mice had a 23% decrease in IOP. PEFL increased in SPARC-null (70.61 ± 11.36%) versus WT mice (54.68 ± 9.95%, P < 0.005; n = 11 pairs), and PEFL and IOP were negatively correlated (R(2) = 0.72, n = 10 pairs). Morphologically, TM of high-tracer regions had increased separation between beams compared to low-tracer regions. Collagen fibril diameter decreased in SPARC-null (28.272 nm) versus WT tissue (34.961 nm, P < 0.0005; n = 3 pairs).

CONCLUSIONS

Aqueous outflow in mice is segmental. SPARC-null mice demonstrated a more uniform outflow pattern and decreased collagen fibril diameter. Areas of high flow had less compact juxtacanalicular connective tissue ECM, and IOP was inversely correlated with PEFL. Our data show a correlation between morphology, aqueous outflow, and IOP, indicating a modulatory role of SPARC in IOP regulation.

Molecular mechanisms creating bistable switches at cell cycle transitions

Progression through the eukaryotic cell cycle is characterized by specific transitions, where cells move irreversibly from stage i−1 of the cycle into stage i. These irreversible cell cycle transitions are regulated by underlying bistable switches, which share some common features. An inhibitory protein stalls progression, and an activatory protein promotes progression. The inhibitor and activator are locked in a double-negative feedback loop, creating a one-way toggle switch that guarantees an irreversible commitment to move forward through the cell cycle, and it opposes regression from stage i to stage i−1. In many cases, the activator is an enzyme that modifies the inhibitor in multiple steps, whereas the hypo-modified inhibitor binds strongly to the activator and resists its enzymatic activity. These interactions are the basis of a reaction motif that provides a simple and generic account of many characteristic properties of cell cycle transitions. To demonstrate this assertion, we apply the motif in detail to the G1/S transition in budding yeast and to the mitotic checkpoint in mammalian cells. Variations of the motif might support irreversible cellular decision-making in other contexts.

Expression of HIV transgene aggravates kidney injury in diabetic mice

With the widespread use of combination antiretroviral agents, the incidence of HIV-associated nephropathy has decreased. Currently, HIV-infected patients live much longer and often suffer from comorbidities such as diabetes mellitus. Recent epidemiological studies suggest that concurrent HIV infection and diabetes mellitus may have a synergistic effect on the incidence of chronic kidney disease. To address this, we determined whether HIV-1 transgene expression accelerates diabetic kidney injury using a diabetic HIV-1 transgenic (Tg26) murine model. Diabetes was initially induced with low-dose streptozotocin in both Tg26 and wild-type mice on a C57BL/6 background, which is resistant to classic HIV-associated nephropathy. Although diabetic nephropathy is minimally observed on the C57BL/6 background, diabetic Tg26 mice exhibited a significant increase in glomerular injury compared with nondiabetic Tg26 mice and diabetic wild-type mice. Validation of microarray gene expression analysis from isolated glomeruli showed a significant upregulation of proinflammatory pathways in diabetic Tg26 mice. Thus, our study found that expression of HIV-1 genes aggravates diabetic kidney disease.

Combination therapy targeting the Chk1 and Wee1 kinases shows therapeutic efficacy in neuroblastoma

Neuroblastoma is uniquely sensitive to single-agent inhibition of the DNA damage checkpoint kinase Chk1, leading us to examine downstream effectors of this pathway and identify mitotic regulator Wee1 as an additional therapeutic target in this disease. Wee1 was overexpressed in both neuroblastoma cell lines and high-risk patient tumors. Genetic or pharmacologic abrogation of Wee1 signaling results in marked cytotoxicity in 10 of 11 neuroblastoma cell lines with a median IC(50) of 300 nmol/L for the Wee1-selective small-molecule inhibitor MK-1775. Murine tumor lines derived from mice that were either heterozygous or homozygous for MycN were particularly sensitive to single-agent inhibition of Wee1 (IC(50)s of 160 and 62 nmol/L, respectively). Simultaneous pharmacologic inhibition of Chk1 and Wee1 acted in a synergistic fashion to further impede neuroblastoma cell growth in vitro, in a manner greater than the individual inhibitors either alone or combined with chemotherapy. Combination Chk1 and Wee1 inhibition also revealed in vivo efficacy in neuroblastoma xenografts. Taken together, our results show that neuroblastoma cells depend on Wee1 activity for growth and that inhibition of this kinase may serve as a therapeutic for patients with neuroblastoma.

Assembly and disassembly of the nucleolus during the cell cycle

The nucleolus is a large nuclear domain in which transcription, maturation and assembly of ribosomes take place. In higher eukaryotes, nucleolar organization in three sub-domains reflects the compartmentation of the machineries related to active or inactive transcription of the ribosomal DNA, ribosomal RNA processing and assembly with ribosomal proteins of the two (40S and 60S) ribosomal subunits. The assembly of the nucleoli during telophase/early G(1) depends on pre-existing machineries inactivated during prophase (the transcription machinery and RNP processing complexes) and on partially processed 45S rRNAs inherited throughout mitosis. In telophase, the 45S rRNAs nucleate the prenucleolar bodies and order the dynamics of nucleolar assembly. The assembly/disassembly processes of the nucleolus depend on the equilibrium between phosphorylation/dephosphorylation of the transcription machinery and on the RNP processing complexes under the control of the CDK1-cyclin B kinase and PP1 phosphatases. The dynamics of assembly/disassembly of the nucleolus is time and space regulated.

Kruppel-like factor 15 (KLF15) is a key regulator of podocyte differentiation

Podocyte injury resulting from a loss of differentiation is the hallmark of many glomerular diseases. We previously showed that retinoic acid (RA) induces podocyte differentiation via stimulation of the cAMP pathway. However, many podocyte maturity markers lack binding sites for RA-response element or cAMP-response element (CREB) in their promoter regions. We hypothesized that transcription factors induced by RA and downstream of CREB mediate podocyte differentiation. We performed microarray gene expression studies in human podocytes treated with and without RA to identify differentially regulated genes. In comparison with known CREB target genes, we identified Krüppel-like factor 15 (KLF15), a kidney-enriched nuclear transcription factor, that has been previously shown to mediate cell differentiation. We confirmed that RA increased KLF15 expression in both murine and human podocytes. Overexpression of KLF15 stimulated expression of differentiation markers in both wild-type and HIV-1-infected podocytes. Also, KLF15 binding to the promoter regions of nephrin and podocin was increased in RA-treated podocytes. Although KLF15(-/-) mice at base line had minimal phenotype, lipopolysaccharide- or adriamycin-treated KLF15(-/-) mice had a significant increase in proteinuria and podocyte foot process effacement with a reduction in the expression of podocyte differentiation markers as compared with the wild-type treated mice. Finally, KLF15 expression was reduced in glomeruli isolated from HIV transgenic mice as well as in kidney biopsies from patients with HIV-associated nephropathy and idiopathic focal segmental glomerulosclerosis. These results indicate a critical role of KLF15 in mediating podocyte differentiation and in protecting podocytes against injury.

VMY-1-103 is a novel CDK inhibitor that disrupts chromosome organization and delays metaphase progression in medulloblastoma cells

Medulloblastoma is the most prevalent of childhood brain malignancies, constituting 25% of childhood brain tumors. Craniospinal radiotherapy is a standard of care, followed by a 12mo regimen of multi-agent chemotherapy. For children less than 3 y of age, irradiation is avoided due to its destructive effects on the developing nervous system. Long-term prognosis is worst for these youngest children and more effective treatment strategies with a better therapeutic index are needed. VMY-1-103, a novel dansylated analog of purvalanol B, was previously shown to inhibit cell cycle progression and proliferation in prostate and breast cancer cells more effectively than purvalanol B. In the current study, we have identified new mechanisms of action by which VMY-1-103 affected cellular proliferation in medulloblastoma cells. VMY-1-103, but not purvalanol B, significantly decreased the proportion of cells in S phase and increased the proportion of cells in G(2)/M. VMY-1-103 increased the sub G(1) fraction of apoptotic cells, induced PARP and caspase-3 cleavage and increased the levels of the Death Receptors DR4 and DR5, Bax and Bad while decreasing the number of viable cells, all supporting apoptosis as a mechanism of cell death. p21(CIP1/WAF1) levels were greatly suppressed. Importantly, we found that while both VMY and flavopiridol inhibited intracellular CDK1 catalytic activity, VMY-1-103 was unique in its ability to severely disrupt the mitotic spindle apparatus significantly delaying metaphase and disrupting mitosis. Our data suggest that VMY-1-103 possesses unique antiproliferative capabilities and that this compound may form the basis of a new candidate drug to treat medulloblastoma.

Protein kinases and phosphatases in the control of cell fate

Protein phosphorylation controls many aspects of cell fate and is often deregulated in pathological conditions. Several recent findings have provided an intriguing insight into the spatial regulation of protein phosphorylation across different subcellular compartments and how this can be finely orchestrated by specific kinases and phosphatases. In this review, the focus will be placed on (i) the phosphoinositide 3-kinase (PI3K) pathway, specifically on the kinases Akt and mTOR and on the phosphatases PP2a and PTEN, and on (ii) the PKC family of serine/threonine kinases. We will look at general aspects of cell physiology controlled by these kinases and phosphatases, highlighting the signalling pathways that drive cell division, proliferation, and apoptosis.

A critical balance between Cyclin B synthesis and Myt1 activity controls meiosis entry in Xenopus oocytes

In fully grown oocytes, meiosis is arrested at first prophase until species-specific initiation signals trigger maturation. Meiotic resumption universally involves early activation of M phase-promoting factor (Cdc2 kinase-Cyclin B complex, MPF) by dephosphorylation of the inhibitory Thr14/Tyr15 sites of Cdc2. However, underlying mechanisms vary. In Xenopus oocytes, deciphering the intervening chain of events has been hampered by a sensitive amplification loop involving Cdc2-Cyclin B, the inhibitory kinase Myt1 and the activating phosphatase Cdc25. In this study we provide evidence that the critical event in meiotic resumption is a change in the balance between inhibitory Myt1 activity and Cyclin B neosynthesis. First, we show that in fully grown oocytes Myt1 is essential for maintaining prophase I arrest. Second, we demonstrate that, upon upregulation of Cyclin B synthesis in response to progesterone, rapid inactivating phosphorylation of Myt1 occurs, mediated by Cdc2 and without any significant contribution of Mos/MAPK or Plx1. We propose a model in which the appearance of active MPF complexes following increased Cyclin B synthesis causes Myt1 inhibition, upstream of the MPF/Cdc25 amplification loop.

Phosphatases: providing safe passage through mitotic exit

The mitosis-to-interphase transition involves dramatic cellular reorganization from a state that supports chromosome segregation to a state that complies with all functions of an interphase cell. This process, termed mitotic exit, depends on the removal of mitotic phosphorylations from a broad range of substrates. Mitotic exit regulation involves inactivation of mitotic kinases and activation of counteracting protein phosphatases. The key mitotic exit phosphatase in budding yeast, Cdc14, is now well understood. By contrast, in animal cells, it is now emerging that mitotic exit relies on distinct regulatory networks, including the protein phosphatases PP1 and PP2A.

System-level feedbacks make the anaphase switch irreversible

The mitotic checkpoint prevents a eukaryotic cell from commencing to separate its replicated genome into two daughter cells (anaphase) until all of its chromosomes are properly aligned on the metaphase plate, with the two copies of each chromosome attached to opposite poles of the mitotic spindle. The mitotic checkpoint is exquisitely sensitive in that a single unaligned chromosome, 1 of a total of ~50, is sufficient to delay progression into anaphase; however, when the last chromosome comes into alignment on the metaphase plate, the mitotic checkpoint is quickly satisfied, and the replicated chromosomes are rapidly partitioned to opposite poles of the dividing cell. The mitotic checkpoint is also curious in the sense that, before metaphase alignment, chromosomes that are not being pulled in opposite directions by the mitotic spindle activate the checkpoint, but during anaphase, these same tensionless chromosomes can no longer activate the checkpoint. These and other puzzles associated with the mitotic checkpoint are addressed by a proposed molecular mechanism, which involves two positive feedback loops that create a bistable response of the checkpoint to chromosomal tension.

WEE1 kinase targeting combined with DNA-damaging cancer therapy catalyzes mitotic catastrophe

WEE1 kinase is a key molecule in maintaining G₂-cell-cycle checkpoint arrest for premitotic DNA repair. Whereas normal cells repair damaged DNA during G₁-arrest, cancer cells often have a deficient G₁-arrest and largely depend on G₂-arrest. The molecular switch for the G₂-M transition is held by WEE1 and is pushed forward by CDC25. WEE1 is overexpressed in various cancer types, including glioblastoma and breast cancer. Preclinical studies with cancer cell lines and animal models showed decreased cancer cell viability, reduced tumor burden, and improved survival after WEE1 inhibition by siRNA or small molecule inhibitors, which is enhanced by combination with conventional DNA-damaging therapy, such as radiotherapy and/or cytostatics. Mitotic catastrophe results from premature entry into mitosis with unrepaired lethal DNA damage. As such, cancer cells become sensitized to conventional therapy by WEE1 inhibition, in particular those with insufficient G₁-arrest due to deficient p53 signaling, like glioblastoma cells. One WEE1 inhibitor has now reached clinical phase I studies. Dose-limiting toxicity consisted of hematologic events, nausea and/or vomiting, and fatigue. The combination of DNA-damaging cancer therapy with WEE1 inhibition seems to be a rational approach to push cancer cells in mitotic catastrophe. Its safety and efficacy are being evaluated in clinical studies.