The regulation of cell motility and chemotaxis by phospholipid signaling

Combinatorial cell-specific regulation of GSK3 directs cell differentiation and polarity in Dictyostelium

In Dictyostelium, the interaction of secreted cAMP with specific cell surface receptors regulates the activation/de-activation of GSK3, which mediates developmental cell patterning. In addition, Dictyostelium cells polarize in response to extracellular cAMP, although a potential role for GSK3 in this pathway has not been investigated. Previously, we had shown that ZAK1 was an activating tyrosine kinase for GSK3 function in Dictyostelium and we now identify ZAK2 as the other tyrosine kinase in the cAMP-activation pathway for GSK3; no additional family members exist. We also now show that tyrosine phosphorylation/activation of GSK3 by ZAK2 and ZAK1 separately regulate GSK3 in distinct differentiated cell populations, and that ZAK2 acts in both autonomous and non-autonomous pathways to regulate these cell-type differentiations. Finally, we demonstrate that efficient polarization of Dictyostelium towards cAMP depends on ZAK1-mediated tyrosine phosphorylation of GSK3. Combinatorial regulation of GSK3 by ZAK kinases in Dictyostelium guides cell polarity, directional cell migration and cell differentiation, pathways that extend the complexity of GSK3 signaling throughout the development of Dictyostelium.

Cell migration: an overview

Cell migration is a fundamental process that controls morphogenesis and inflammation. Its deregulation causes or is part of many diseases, including autoimmune syndromes, chronic inflammation, mental retardation, and cancer. Cell migration is an integral part of the cell biology, embryology, immunology, and neuroscience fields; as such, it has benefited from quantum leaps in molecular biology, biochemistry, and imaging techniques, and the emergence of the genomic and proteomic era. Combinations of these techniques have revealed new and exciting insights that explain how cells adhere and move, how the migration of multiple cells are coordinated and regulated, and how the cells interact with neighboring cells and/or react to changes in their microenvironment. This introduction provides a primer of the molecular and cellular insights, particularly the signaling networks, which control the migration of individual cells as well as collective migrations. The rest of the chapters are devoted to describe in detail some of the most salient technical advances that have illuminated the field of cell migration in recent years.

Chemoattractant-mediated Rap1 activation requires GPCR/G proteins

Rap1 is rapidly activated upon chemoattractant stimulation and plays an important role in cell adhesion and cytoskeletal reorganization during chemotaxis. Here, we demonstrate that G-protein coupled receptors and G-proteins are essential for chemoattractant-mediated Rap1 activation in Dictyostelium. The rapid Rap1 activation upon cAMP chemoattractant stimulation was absent in cells lacking chemoattractant cAMP receptors cAR1/cAR3 or a subunit of the heterotrimeric G-protein complex Gα2. Loss of guanylyl cyclases GCA/SGC or a cGMP-binding protein GbpC exhibited no effect on Rap1 activation kinetics. These results suggest that Rap1, a key regulator for the regulation of cytoskeletal reorganization during cell movement, is activated through the G-protein coupled receptors cAR1/cAR3 and Gα2 proteins in a way independent of the cGMP signaling pathway.

Chemotaxis of MDCK-F cells toward fibroblast growth factor-2 depends on transient receptor potential canonical channel 1

Movement toward the source of a chemoattractant gradient is a basic cellular property in health and disease. Enhanced migration during metastasis involves deregulated growth factor signaling. Growth factor stimulation and cell migration converge both on the important second messenger Ca(2+). To date, the molecular identification of Ca(2+) entry pathways activated by growth factors during chemotaxis is still an open issue. We investigated the involvement of the nonselective Ca(2+) channel TRPC1 (transient receptor potential canonical 1) in FGF-2 guided chemotaxis by means of time-lapse video microscopy and by functional Ca(2+) measurements. To specifically address TRPC1 function in transformed MDCK cells we altered the expression levels by siRNA or overexpression. We report that TRPC1 channels are required for the orientation of transformed MDCK cells in FGF-2 gradients because TRPC1 knockdown or pharmacological blockade prevented chemotaxis. Stimulation with FGF-2 triggered an immediate Ca(2+) influx via TRPC1 channels that depended on phospholipase C and phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase signaling. Impeding this Ca(2+) influx abolished chemotaxis toward FGF-2. This functional connection correlated with clustering of FGF receptors and TRPC1 channels as was observed by immunolabeling. These findings show the important interplay between growth factor signaling and Ca(2+) influx in chemotaxis.

Gab2 regulates cytoskeletal organization and migration of mammary epithelial cells by modulating RhoA activation

The oncogenic signal transducer Gab2 mediates altered cytoskeletal organization and enhanced cell migration of mammary epithelial cells via down-regulation of RhoA activity. This sheds new light on the role of Gab2 in cancer cell metastasis.

The docking protein Gab2 is overexpressed in several human malignancies, including breast cancer, and is associated with increased metastatic potential. Here we report that Gab2 overexpression in MCF-10A mammary epithelial cells led to delayed cell spreading, a decrease in stress fibers and mature focal adhesions, and enhanced cell migration. Expression of a Gab2 mutant uncoupled from 14-3-3-mediated negative feedback (Gab2^2×A) led to a more mesenchymal morphology and acquisition of invasive potential. Expression of either Gab2 or Gab2^2×A led to decreased activation of RhoA, but only the latter increased levels of Rac-GTP. Expression of constitutively active RhoA in MCF-10A/Gab2 cells restored stress fibers and focal adhesions, indicating that Gab2 signals upstream of RhoA to suppress these structures. Mutation of the two Shp2-binding sites to phenylalanine (Gab2^ΔShp2) markedly reduced the effects of Gab2 on cellular phenotype and RhoA activation. Expression of Gab2 or Gab2^2×A, but not Gab2^ΔShp2, promoted Vav2 phosphorylation and plasma membrane recruitment of p190A RhoGAP. Knockdown of p190A RhoGAP reversed Gab2-mediated effects on stress fibers and focal adhesions. The identification of a novel pathway downstream of Gab2 involving negative regulation of RhoA by p190A RhoGAP sheds new light on the role of Gab2 in cancer progression.

Epithin/PRSS14 proteolytically regulates angiopoietin receptor Tie2 during transendothelial migration

Epithin/PRSS14, a type II transmembrane serine protease, is involved in normal epithelial development and tumor progression. Here we report, as an interacting substrate of epithin, a receptor tyrosine kinase Tie2 that is well known for important roles in the vessel stability. Epithin interacts with and degrades the Tie2 extracellular portion that contains the ligand-binding domain. Epithin is located in the neighbor of Tie2-expressing vessels in normal tissue. Furthermore, epithin can cleave and degrade Tie2 not only in the same cell but also from neighboring cells nearby, resulting in the degradation of the Tie2 ectodomain. The remaining Tie2 fragment was highly phosphorylated and was able to recruit a downstream effector, phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase. Knocking down epithin expression using short hairpin RNA in thymoma cell severely impaired the migration through endothelial cells that show the actin rearrangement during the process. The diminution of epithin protein expression in 4T1 breast cancer cells caused the significant decrease in the number of transendothelial migrating cells in vitro as well as in those of metastasizing tumor nodules in vivo, Therefore, we propose that epithin, which regulates endothelial Tie2 functions, plays a critical role in the fine tuning of transendothelial migration for normal and cancer cells.

PI3K mediated electrotaxis of embryonic and adult neural progenitor cells in the presence of growth factors

Correct guidance of the migration of neural progenitor cells (NPCs) is essential for the development and repair of the central nervous system (CNS). Electric field (EF)-guided migration, electrotaxis, has been observed in many cell types. We report here that, in applied EFs of physiological magnitude, embryonic and adult NPCs show marked electrotaxis, which is dependent on the PI3K/Akt pathway. The electrotaxis was also evidenced by ex vivo investigation that transplanted NPCs migrated directionally towards cathode in organotypic spinal cord slice model when treated with EFs. Genetic disruption or pharmacological inhibition of phosphoinositide 3-kinase (PI3K) impaired electrotaxis, whereas EF exposure increased Akt phosphorylation in a growth factor-dependent manner and increased phosphatidylinositol-3,4,5-trisphosphate (PIP3) levels. EF treatments also induced asymmetric redistribution of PIP3, growth factor receptors, and actin cytoskeleton. Electrotaxis in both embryonic and adult NPCs requires epidermal growth factor (EGF) and fibroblast growth factor (FGF). Our results demonstrate the importance of the PI3K/Akt pathway in directed migration of NPCs driven by EFs and growth factors and highlight the potential of EFs to enhance the guidance of various NPC populations in CNS repair therapies.

Dictyostelium finds new roles to model

Any established or aspiring model organism must justify itself using two criteria: does the model organism offer experimental advantages not offered by competing systems? And will any discoveries made using the model be of wider relevance? This review addresses these issues for the social amoeba Dictyostelium and highlights some of the organisms more recent applications. These cover a remarkably wide gamut, ranging from sociobiological to medical research with much else in between.

Slit2 regulates attractive eosinophil and repulsive neutrophil chemotaxis through differential srGAP1 expression during lung inflammation

Directional migration of leukocytes is an essential step in leukocyte trafficking during inflammatory responses. However, the molecular mechanisms governing directional chemotaxis of leukocytes remain poorly understood. The Slit family of guidance cues has been implicated for inhibition of leuocyte migration. We report that Clara cells in the bronchial epithelium secreted Slit2, whereas eosinophils and neutrophils expressed its cell-surface receptor, Robo1. Compared to neutrophils, eosinophils exhibited a significantly lower level of Slit-Robo GTPase-activating protein 1 (srGAP1), leading to activation of Cdc42, recruitment of PI3K to Robo1, enhancment of eotaxin-induced eosinophil chemotaxis, and exaggeration of allergic airway inflammation. Notably, OVA sensitization elicited a Slit2 gradient at so-called bronchus-alveoli axis, with a higher level of Slit2 in the bronchial epithelium and a lower level in the alveolar tissue. Aerosol administration of rSlit2 accelerated eosinophil infiltration, whereas i.v. administered Slit2 reduced eosinophil deposition. In contrast, Slit2 inactivated Cdc42 and suppressed stromal cell-derived factor-1α-induced chemotaxis of neutrophils for inhibiting endotoxin-induced lung inflammation, which were reversed by blockade of srGAP1 binding to Robo1. These results indicate that the newly identified Slit2 gradient at the bronchus-alveoli axis induces attractive PI3K signaling in eosinophils and repulsive srGAP1 signaling in neutrophils through differential srGAP1 expression during lung inflammation.

AlphaV-integrins mediate the mechanoprotective action of osteopontin in podocytes

Increased mechanical load in podocytes due to glomerular hypertension is one of the important factors leading to podocyte damage and chronic kidney disease. In previous studies, we have shown that mechanical stretch increases osteopontin (OPN) expression in podocytes and that exogenous OPN is mechanoprotective via facilitating cytoskeletal reorganization of podocytes. In the present study, we asked whether the mechanoprotective effect of OPN in podocytes is mediated through specific integrins and whether endogenous OPN of podocytes is required for mechanoprotection. Conditionally immortalized mouse podocytes and primary podocytes (PP) from OPN-/- and OPN+/+ mice were used. Cyclic biaxial mechanical stretch (0.5 Hz, 7% linear strain) was applied for up to 3 days. Stretch-induced cell loss was ∼30% higher in OPN-/- PP compared with OPN+/+ PP. Increased cell loss of OPN-/- PP was rescued by OPN coating. Analysis of integrin expression by RT-PCR, application of RGD and SLAYGLR peptides and anti-integrin antibodies, small-interfering RNA knockdown of integrins, and application of kinase inhibitors identified αV-integrins (αVβ1, αVβ3, and αVβ5) to mediate the mechano-protective effect of OPN in podocytes involving focal adhesion kinase, Src, phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase, and mitogen-activated protein kinase. Our results demonstrate that endogenous OPN of podocytes plays a nonredundant role in podocyte adaptation to mechanical stretch, and that OPN signaling via α(V)-integrins may represent a relevant therapeutical target in podocytes.

The good oncogene: When bad genes identify good outcome in cancer

Some cancer patients live many decades after diagnosis while others are not so fortunate. Understanding why this occurs is a fundamental issue in cancer research. We hypothesize that among the factors controlling favorable outcome are a class of genes that we describe as "good oncogenes". These genes have a paradoxical function in cancer in that they are prognostic markers for favorable survival but have strong transforming and tumour-promoting properties. As such, good oncogenes both promote neoplasia and constrain it. We propose that good oncogenes enhance outcome probability by allowing early tumor detection, sensitizing cancer cells to senescence or by attenuating metastatic progression and tumour self-renewal. We believe that understanding the signaling pathways regulated by good oncogenes provides mechanistic insight into the biochemical basis for long-term survival in cancer.

Phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase facilitates microtubule-dependent membrane transport for neuronal growth cone guidance

The activity of PI3K is necessary for polarized cell motility. To guide extending axons, environmental cues polarize the growth cone via asymmetric generation of Ca(2+) signals and subsequent intracellular mechanical events, including membrane trafficking and cytoskeletal reorganization. However, it remains unclear how PI3K is involved in such events for axon guidance. Here, we demonstrate that PI3K plays a permissive role in growth cone turning by facilitating microtubule (MT)-dependent membrane transport. Using embryonic chick dorsal root ganglion neurons in culture, attractive axon turning was induced by Ca(2+) elevations on one side of the growth cone by photolyzing caged Ca(2+) or caged inositol 1,4,5-trisphosphate. We show that PI3K activity was required downstream of Ca(2+) signals for growth cone turning. Attractive Ca(2+) signals, generated with caged Ca(2+) or caged inositol 1,4,5-trisphosphate, triggered asymmetric transport of membrane vesicles from the center to the periphery of growth cones in a MT-dependent manner. This centrifugal vesicle transport was abolished by PI3K inhibitors, suggesting that PI3K is involved in growth cone attraction at the level of membrane trafficking. Consistent with this observation, immunocytochemistry showed that PI3K inhibitors reduced MTs in the growth cone peripheral domain. Time-lapse imaging of EB1 on the plus-end of MTs revealed that MT advance into the growth cone peripheral domain was dependent on PI3K activity: inhibition of the PI3K signaling pathway attenuated MT advance, whereas exogenous phosphatidylinositol 3,4,5-trisphosphate, the product of PI3K-catalyzed reactions, promoted MT advance. This study demonstrates the importance of PI3K-dependent membrane trafficking in chemotactic cell migration.

Hyaluronic acid and thrombin upregulate MT1-MMP through PI3K and Rac-1 signaling and prime the homing-related responses of cord blood hematopoietic stem/progenitor cells

One of the hurdles of cord blood (CB) transplantation is delayed hematopoietic engraftment. Previously, we demonstrated that supernatants isolated from leukapheresis products of granulocyte-colony stimulating factor (G-CSF)-mobilized patients primed the homing of hematopoietic stem/progenitor cells (HSPC) by enhancing their chemotactic responses to stromal cell-derived factor (SDF)-1 and stimulating matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) MMP-2 and MMP-9. Since membrane type 1 (MT1)-MMP activates proMMP-2 and localizes proteolytic activity at the leading edge of migrating cells, in this study we investigated whether MT1-MMP contributes to the priming of the homing-related responses of CB HSPC. We found that components of supernatants of leukapheresis products such as hyaluronic acid and thrombin (i) increase the secretion of proMMP-9 and transcription and protein synthesis of MT1-MMP in CB CD34(+) cells; (ii) increase the levels of active MMP-2 in co-cultures of CD34(+) cells with endothelial cells; (iii) increase the chemoinvasion across reconstituted basement membrane Matrigel of CD34(+) cells toward a low SDF-1 gradient (20 ng/mL); and (iv) activate mitogen-activated protein kinase, phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase, and Rac-1 signaling pathways. Inhibition of phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase and Rac-1 by their respective inhibitors LY290042 and NSC23766 attenuated MT1-MMP expression in CB CD34(+) cells, leading to reduced proMMP-2 activation and HSPC trans-Matrigel chemoinvasion toward SDF-1. Thus, our data suggest that MT1-MMP plays an important role in the homing-related responses of HSPC, and we propose that pretreatment of CB HSPC with hyaluronic acid or thrombin before transplantation could improve their homing and engraftment.

Ca2+ chemotaxis in Dictyostelium discoideum

Using a newly developed microfluidic chamber, we have demonstrated in vitro that Ca(2+) functions as a chemoattractant of aggregation-competent Dictyostelium discoideum amoebae, that parallel spatial gradients of cAMP and Ca(2+) are more effective than either alone, and that cAMP functions as a stronger chemoattractant than Ca(2+). Effective Ca(2+) gradients are extremely steep compared with effective cAMP gradients. This presents a paradox because there is no indication to date that steep Ca(2+) gradients are generated in aggregation territories. However, given that Ca(2+) chemotaxis is co-acquired with cAMP chemotaxis during development, we speculate on the role that Ca(2+) chemotaxis might have and the possibility that steep, transient Ca(2+) gradients are generated during natural aggregation in the interstitial regions between cells.

WASP and WAVE family proteins: friends or foes in cancer invasion?

Wiskott-Aldrich syndrome protein (WASP) and WASP family verprolin-homologous protein (WAVE) family proteins activate cells' major actin nucleating machinery, the actin-related protein 2/3 (Arp2/3) complex, leading to the formation and remodeling of cortical actin filament networks. Cortical actin regulation is critical in many aspects of cell physiology including cell-cell adhesion and cell motility, whose dysregulation is directly associated with cancer invasion and metastasis. In line with this association, the WASP and WAVE family proteins have been reported to be involved in cancer malignancies. What is puzzling, however, is that they can act as either enhancers or suppressors of cancer malignancies depending on the type of cancer and its pathological stage. We are still far from understanding the roles of the WASP and WAVE family proteins in cancer progression. Here, we summarize the recent advances of studies of the WASP and WAVE family proteins with respect to cancer invasion and we offer a model that can account for the diverse outcomes originating from dysregulated WASP and WAVE family proteins in cancer development.

PI3K-dependent host cell actin rearrangements are required for Cronobacter sakazakii invasion of human brain microvascular endothelial cells

Cronobacter sakazakii (C. sakazakii) is an opportunistic pathogen that can cause neonatal sepsis and meningitis. The mechanism involved in the pathogenesis of C. sakazakii meningitis remains largely unknown. Previous studies indicated that bacterial invasion of brain microvascular endothelial cells is required for penetration into the central nervous system. In this study, we found that C. sakazakii invasion of human brain microvascular endothelial cells (HBMEC) was significantly inhibited by cytochalasin D, a disrupting agent of actin microfilaments. Disassembly of actin stress fibers and cortical actin fibers was observed in HBMEC infected with C. sakazakii. C. sakazakii infection leads to increased Akt phosphorylation in HBMEC, which was blocked by treatment with PI3K inhibitors. Meanwhile, PI3K and Akt inhibitors significantly inhibited C. sakazakii invasion of HBMEC. Our further results illustrated that the C. sakazakii-induced Akt activation and C. sakazakii invasion were attenuated in HBMEC transfected with dominant-negative PI3K (Δp110). More importantly, the actin filaments rearrangements in HBMEC induced by C. sakazakii were effectively blocked by PI3K inhibitors treatment and transfection with Δp110. Taken together, our findings demonstrated that PI3K-mediated actin rearrangements are required for C. sakazakii invasion of HBMEC.

Regulation of keratinocyte signaling and function via changes in epidermal growth factor presentation

Motivated by the need for bioactive materials that can accelerate dermal wound healing, this work describes the responses of keratinocytes to covalently immobilized epidermal growth factor (EGF) and how differences in the physical presentation of this growth factor affect cell function. Specifically, human keratinocytes were cultured with EGF delivered in soluble form, immobilized in a homogeneous pattern or immobilized in a gradient pattern, followed by analysis of cellular signaling, proliferation and migration. By changing the manner in which EGF was presented, keratinocyte behavior was dramatically altered. Keratinocytes responded to immobilized EGF patterns with high EGF receptor (EGFR) but low ERK1/2 and Akt phosphorylation, accompanied by low proliferation, high migratory activity and coordinated cell alignment. In contrast, keratinocytes treated with soluble EGF experienced lower EGFR but higher ERK1/2 and Akt phosphorylation and displayed a highly proliferative, rather than migratory, phenotype. Keratinocytes also responded to differences in immobilized EGF patterns, as migration was fastest upon immobilized gradients of EGF. A better understanding the interaction of cells with soluble vs. immobilized growth factors can help elucidate native healing events and achieve greater control over cell function, which may be useful in the development of wound repair treatments for many types of tissues.

Vascular endothelial growth factor receptor 1 contributes to Escherichia coli K1 invasion of human brain microvascular endothelial cells through the phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase/Akt signaling pathway

Escherichia coli is the most common Gram-negative organism causing neonatal meningitis. Previous studies demonstrated that E. coli K1 invasion of brain microvascular endothelial cells (BMEC) is required for penetration into the central nervous system, but the microbe-host interactions that are involved in this process remain incompletely understood. Here we report the involvement of vascular endothelial growth factor receptor 1 (VEGFR1) expressed on human brain microvascular endothelial cells (HBMEC) in E. coli K1 invasion of HBMEC. Our results showed that treatment of confluent HBMEC with pan-VEGFR inhibitors significantly inhibited E. coli K1 invasion of HBMEC. Immunofluorescence results indicated the colocalization of VEGFR1 with E. coli K1 during bacterial invasion of HBMEC. The E. coli-induced actin cytoskeleton rearrangements in HBMEC were blocked by VEGFR inhibitors but not by VEGFR2-specific inhibitors. The small interfering RNA (siRNA) knockdown of VEGFR1 in HBMEC significantly attenuated E. coli invasion and the concomitant actin filament rearrangement. Furthermore, we found an increased association of VEGFR1 with the p85 subunit of phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI3K) in HBMEC infected with E. coli K1 and that E. coli K1-triggered Akt activation in HBMEC was blocked by VEGFR1 siRNA and VEGFR inhibitors. Taken together, our results demonstrate that VEGFR1 contributes to E. coli K1 invasion of HBMEC via recruitment of the PI3K/Akt signaling pathway.

Cross-talk between MAP kinase pathways is involved in IGF-independent, IGFBP-6-induced Rh30 rhabdomyosarcoma cell migration

Insulin-like growth factor binding protein-6 (IGFBP-6) inhibits the tumorigenic properties of IGF-II-dependent cancer cells by directly inhibiting IGF-II actions. However, in some cases, IGFBP-6 is associated with increased cancer cell tumorigenicity, which is unlikely to be due to IGF-II inhibition. The mechanisms underlying the contradictory actions of IGFBP-6 remain unclear. We recently generated an IGFBP-6 mutant that does not bind IGFs (mIGFBP-6) to address this issue. Although RD rhabdomyosarcoma cells express IGF-II, we previously showed that mIGFBP-6 promoted migration through an IGF-independent, p38-dependent pathway. We further studied the role of MAP kinases in IGFBP-6-induced migration of Rh30 rhabdomyosarcoma cells, which also express IGF-II. In these cells, mIGFBP-6 induced chemotaxis rather than chemokinesis. Both wild-type (wt) and mIGFBP-6 transiently induced phosphorylation of ERK1/2 and JNK1, but not p38. Inhibition of ERK1/2 phosphorylation completely prevented mIGFBP-6-induced ERK1/2 activation and cell migration, whereas a JNK inhibitor partially prevented migration. Interestingly, p38 pathway inhibition completely prevented mIGFBP-6-induced ERK1/2 and JNK1 activation and migration despite mIGFBP-6 not activating p38. Furthermore, blocking the ERK1/2 pathway also inhibited mIGFBP-6-induced JNK1 activation. In contrast, IGFBP-6 had no effect on Akt phosphorylation and an Akt inhibitor had no effect on migration. These results indicate that IGFBP-6 promotes Rh30 rhabdomyosarcoma chemotaxis in an IGF-independent manner, and that MAPK signaling pathways and their cross-talk play an important role in this process. Therefore, besides decreasing Rh30 cell proliferation by inhibiting IGF-II, IGFBP-6 promotes their migration via a distinct pathway. Understanding these disparate actions of IGFBP-6 may lead to the development of novel cancer therapeutics.

Elevated phosphatidylinositol 3,4,5-trisphosphate in glia triggers cell-autonomous membrane wrapping and myelination

In the developing nervous system, constitutive activation of the AKT/mTOR (mammalian target of rapamycin) pathway in myelinating glial cells is associated with hypermyelination of the brain, but is reportedly insufficient to drive myelination by Schwann cells. We have hypothesized that it requires additional mechanisms downstream of NRG1/ErbB signaling to trigger myelination in the peripheral nervous system. Here, we demonstrate that elevated levels of phosphatidylinositol 3,4,5-trisphosphate (PIP3) have developmental effects on both oligodendrocytes and Schwann cells. By generating conditional mouse mutants, we found that Pten-deficient Schwann cells are enhanced in number and can sort and myelinate axons with calibers well below 1 microm. Unexpectedly, mutant glial cells also spirally enwrap C-fiber axons within Remak bundles and even collagen fibrils, which lack any membrane surface. Importantly, PIP3-dependent hypermyelination of central axons, which is observed when targeting Pten in oligodendrocytes, can also be induced after tamoxifen-mediated Cre recombination in adult mice. We conclude that it requires distinct PIP3 effector mechanisms to trigger axonal wrapping. That myelin synthesis is not restricted to early development but can occur later in life is relevant to developmental disorders and myelin disease.

Akt pathway is hypoactivated by synergistic actions of diabetes mellitus and hypercholesterolemia resulting in advanced coronary artery disease

Atherosclerosis is an inflammatory process leading to enhanced cellular proliferation, apoptosis, and vasa vasorum (VV) neovascularization. While both diabetes mellitus (DM) and hypercholesterolemia (HC) predispose to atherosclerosis, the precise interaction of these risk factors is unclear. Akt is a central node in signaling pathways important for inflammation, and we hypothesized that DM/HC would lead to aberrant Akt signaling and advanced, complex atherosclerosis. DM was induced in pigs by streptozotocin and HC by a high-fat diet. Animals were randomized to control (non-DM, non-HC), DM only, HC only, and DM/HC groups. Coronary artery homogenates were analyzed by immunoblotting for proteins involved in the Akt pathway, including phosphorylated (p)-Akt (Ser473), p-GSK-3beta (Ser9), activated NF-kappaB p65, and VEGF. Immunohistochemical staining for Ki67 (cell proliferation), terminal deoxynucleotidyltransferase-mediated dUTP nick end labeling (TUNEL) (apoptosis), and von Willebrand factor (vWF) (neovascularization) was performed. Neovascularization was visualized with micro-computerized tomography (CT). Only DM/HC animals developed advanced atherosclerosis and showed decreased p-Akt (Ser473) and p-GSK-3beta (Ser9) levels (P < 0.01 and P < 0.05, respectively). DM/HC arteries demonstrated increased cellular proliferation (P < 0.001), apoptosis (P < 0.01), and activation of NF-kappaB p65 (P < 0.05). Induction of DM/HC also resulted in significant VV neovascularization by enhanced VEGF expression (P < 0.05), increased vWF staining (P < 0.01), and increased density by micro-CT. In conclusion, DM and HC synergistically resulted in complex atherosclerosis associated with attenuated p-Akt (Ser473) levels. Aberrant Akt signaling correlated with increased inflammation, cellular proliferation, apoptosis, and VV neovascularization. Our results revealed a synergistic effect of DM and HC in triggering abnormal Akt signaling, resulting in advanced atherosclerosis.

Migration Stimulating Factor (MSF) promotes fibroblast migration by inhibiting AKT

The protein kinase AKT is activated strongly by many motogenic growth factors, yet has recently been shown capable of inhibiting migration in several cell types. Here we report that treatment with Migration Stimulating Factor (MSF), a truncated form of fibronectin that promotes the migration of many cell types, inhibits AKT activity in human fibroblasts and endothelial cells. In fibroblasts, treatment with either MSF or the AKT inhibitor, Akti-1/2, stimulated migration into 3D collagen gels to a similar extent and the effects of Akti-1/2 on migration could be blocked by the expression of an inhibitor-resistant mutant, AKT1 W80A. These data indicate that MSF promotes fibroblast migration, at least in part, by inhibiting the activity of AKT.

Self-organization of the phosphatidylinositol lipids signaling system for random cell migration

Phosphatidylinositol (PtdIns) lipids have been identified as key signaling mediators for random cell migration as well as chemoattractant-induced directional migration. However, how the PtdIns lipids are organized spatiotemporally to regulate cellular motility and polarity remains to be clarified. Here, we found that self-organized waves of PtdIns 3,4,5-trisphosphate [PtdIns(3,4,5)P(3)] are generated spontaneously on the membrane of Dictyostelium cells in the absence of a chemoattractant. Characteristic oscillatory dynamics within the PtdIns lipids signaling system were determined experimentally by observing the phenotypic variability of PtdIns lipid waves in single cells, which exhibited characteristics of a relaxation oscillator. The enzymes phosphatase and tensin homolog (PTEN) and phosphoinositide-3-kinase (PI3K), which are regulators for PtdIns lipid concentrations along the membrane, were essential for wave generation whereas functional actin cytoskeleton was not. Defects in these enzymes inhibited wave generation as well as actin-based polarization and cell migration. On the basis of these experimental results, we developed a reaction-diffusion model that reproduced the characteristic relaxation oscillation dynamics of the PtdIns lipid system, illustrating that a self-organization mechanism provides the basis for the PtdIns lipids signaling system to generate spontaneous spatiotemporal signals for random cell migration and that molecular noise derived from stochastic fluctuations within the signaling components gives rise to the variability of these spontaneous signals.

Proteomic identification of phosphatidylinositol (3,4,5) triphosphate-binding proteins in Dictyostelium discoideum

Phosphatidylinositol (3,4,5)-triphosphate (PtdInsP(3)) mediates intracellular signaling for directional sensing and pseudopod extension at the leading edge of migrating cells during chemotaxis. How this PtdInsP(3) signal is translated into remodeling of the actin cytoskeleton is poorly understood. Here, using a proteomics approach, we identified multiple PtdInsP(3)-binding proteins in Dictyostelium discoideum, including five pleckstrin homology (PH) domain-containing proteins. Two of these, the serine/threonine kinase Akt/protein kinase B and the PH domain-containing protein PhdA, were previously characterized as PtdInsP(3)-binding proteins. In addition, PhdB, PhdG, and PhdI were identified as previously undescribed PH domain-containing proteins. Specific PtdInsP(3) interactions with PhdB, PhdG, and PhdI were confirmed using an in vitro lipid-binding assay. In cells, PhdI associated with the plasma membrane in a manner dependent on both the PH domain and PtdInsP(3). Consistent with this finding, PhdI located to the leading edge in migrating cells. In contrast, PhdG was found in the cytosol in WT cells. However, when PtdInsP(3) was overproduced in pten(-) cells, PhdG located to the plasma membrane, suggesting its weak affinity for PtdInsP(3). PhdB was found to bind to the plasma membrane via both PtdInsP(3)-dependent and -independent mechanisms. The PtdInsP(3)-independent interaction was mediated by the middle domain, independent of the PH domain. In migrating cells, the majority of PhdB was found at the lagging edge. Finally, we deleted the genes encoding PhdB and PhdG and demonstrated that both proteins are required for efficient chemotaxis. Thus, this study advances our understanding of the PtdInsP(3)-mediated signaling mechanisms that control directed cell migration in chemotaxis.

Glycogen synthase kinase-3 is required for efficient Dictyostelium chemotaxis

We present a new role for glycogen synthase kinase (GSK) in the regulation of aggregation and chemotaxis in Dictyostelium. GSK regulates two chemotactic pathways, PIP₃ and TORC2; hence, a loss of function of GSK leads to poor chemotaxis, an observation not previously seen when only one chemotactic pathway was targeted.

Glycogen synthase kinase-3 (GSK3) is a highly conserved protein kinase that is involved in several important cell signaling pathways and is associated with a range of medical conditions. Previous studies indicated a major role of the Dictyostelium homologue of GSK3 (gskA) in cell fate determination during morphogenesis of the fruiting body; however, transcriptomic and proteomic studies have suggested that GSK3 regulates gene expression much earlier during Dictyostelium development. To investigate a potential earlier role of GskA, we examined the effects of loss of gskA on cell aggregation. We find that cells lacking gskA exhibit poor chemotaxis toward cAMP and folate. Mutants fail to activate two important regulatory signaling pathways, mediated by phosphatidylinositol 3,4,5-trisphosphate (PIP₃) and target of rapamycin complex 2 (TORC2), which in combination are required for chemotaxis and cAMP signaling. These results indicate that GskA is required during early stages of Dictyostelium development, in which it is necessary for both chemotaxis and cell signaling.

MicroRNA-205 promotes keratinocyte migration via the lipid phosphatase SHIP2

microRNA-205 (miR-205) and miR-184 coordinately regulate the lipid phosphatase SHIP2 for Akt survival signaling in keratinocytes. As the PI3K-Akt pathway has also been implicated in regulating the actin cytoskeleton and cell motility, we investigated the role that these 2 miRNAs play in keratinocyte migration. We used antagomirs (antago) to reduce the levels of miR-205 and miR-184 in primary human epidermal keratinocytes (HEKs) and corneal epithelial keratinocytes (HCEKs) as well as direct SHIP2 silencing using siRNA oligos. Treatment of HEKs and HCEKs with antago-205 increased SHIP2 levels and impaired the ability of these cells to seal linear scratch wounds compared with untreated or irrelevant-antago treatments. In contrast, AKT signaling was enhanced and wounds sealed faster in HCEKs where miR-184 was suppressed, enabling miR-205 to inhibit SHIP2. Similar increases in migration were observed following direct SHIP2 silencing in HEKs. Furthermore, down-regulation of miR-205 resulted in an increase in Rho-ROCKI activity, phosphorylation of the actin severing protein cofilin, and a corresponding diminution of filamentous actin. The connection among miR-205, RhoA-ROCKI-cofilin inactivation, and the actin cytoskeleton represents a novel post-translational mechanism for the regulation of normal human keratinocyte migration.

Phosphoinositide signalling in cancer: beyond PI3K and PTEN

There are numerous studies that suggest multiple links between the cellular phosphoinositide system and cancer. As key roles in cancer have been established for PI3K and PTEN - enzymes that regulate the levels of phosphatidylinositol-3,4,5-trisphosphate - compounds targeting this pathway are entering the clinic at a rapid pace. Several other phosphoinositide-modifying enzymes, including phosphoinositide kinases, phosphatases and phospholipase C enzymes, have been implicated in the generation and progression of tumours. Studies of these enzymes are providing new insights into the mechanisms and the extent of their involvement in cancer, highlighting new potential targets for therapeutic intervention.

2D and 3D quantitative analysis of cell motility and cytoskeletal dynamics

2D- and 3D-Dynamic Image Analysis Systems (2D- and 3D-DIAS) for quantitative analysis of cell motility and chemotaxis are described. Particular attention is given to protocols that have proven useful in the quantitation of cell shape changes and pseudopod dynamics during basic cell motility (i.e. crawling in the absence of a chemotactic or other type of extracellular signal) and directed motion. In addition, methods provided, highlight the applicability of this approach to the accurate phenotypic characterizations of cytoskeletal mutations in Dictyostelium discoideum, cytoskeletal alterations in metastatic cells, and cytoskeletal defects in chemotactically defective polymorphonuclear neutrophils.

Involvement of the cytoskeleton in controlling leading-edge function during chemotaxis

Cells activate signaling pathways at the site closest to the chemoattractant source that lead to pseudopod formation and directional movement up the gradient. We demonstrate that cytoskeletal components required for cortical tension, including MyoII and IQGAP/cortexillins help regulate the level and timing of leading-edge pathways.

In response to directional stimulation by a chemoattractant, cells rapidly activate a series of signaling pathways at the site closest to the chemoattractant source that leads to F-actin polymerization, pseudopod formation, and directional movement up the gradient. Ras proteins are major regulators of chemotaxis in Dictyostelium; they are activated at the leading edge, are required for chemoattractant-mediated activation of PI3K and TORC2, and are one of the most rapid responders, with activity peaking at ∼3 s after stimulation. We demonstrate that in myosin II (MyoII) null cells, Ras activation is highly extended and is not restricted to the site closest to the chemoattractant source. This causes elevated, extended, and spatially misregulated activation of PI3K and TORC2 and their effectors Akt/PKB and PKBR1, as well as elevated F-actin polymerization. We further demonstrate that disruption of specific IQGAP/cortexillin complexes, which also regulate cortical mechanics, causes extended activation of PI3K and Akt/PKB but not Ras activation. Our findings suggest that MyoII and IQGAP/cortexillin play key roles in spatially and temporally regulating leading-edge activity and, through this, the ability of cells to restrict the site of pseudopod formation.

Regulation of adipocyte differentiation by distinct subcellular pools of protein kinase B (PKB/Akt)

The phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI3K)-protein kinase B (PKB)/Akt-PTEN signal transduction pathway orchestrates a variety of fundamental cell processes and its deregulation is implicated in many human diseases. Although the importance of this pathway to many cellular functions is well established, the mechanisms by which it achieves context-specific physiological outcomes in response to a variety of stimuli, using a relatively limited pool of effectors, remain largely unknown. Spatial restriction of signaling events is one means by which cells coordinate specific responses using common molecules. To investigate the subcellular location-specific roles of the major PI3K effector PKB/Akt in various cell processes, we have developed a novel experimental system employing cellular compartment-directed PKB/Akt pseudosubstrate inhibitors. Subcellular location-restricted PKB/Akt inhibition in the 3T3L1 adipocyte differentiation model revealed that nuclear and plasma membrane, but not cytoplasmic, PKB/Akt activity is required for terminal adipocyte differentiation. Nuclear and plasma membrane pools of PKB/Akt were found to contribute to distinct stages of adipocyte differentiation, revealing that PKB/Akt activity impacts multiple points of this program. Our work establishes the use of localized pseudosubstrate PKB/Akt inhibitors as an effective method for the dissection of PKB/Akt signaling.

Plasmin Triggers Chemotaxis of Monocyte-Derived Dendritic Cells Through an Akt2-Dependent Pathway and Promotes a T-Helper Type-1 Response

Objective— Dendritic cells (DC) accumulate in atherosclerotic arteries where they can modulate atherogenesis. We investigated whether plasmin might alter the function of human DC.

Methods and Results— Stimulation of monocyte-derived DC with plasmin elicited a time-dependent actin polymerization and chemotaxis comparable to that triggered by the standard chemoattractant formyl-methionyl-leucyl-phenylalanine. Plasmin triggered rapid activation of Akt and mitogen-activated protein kinases, followed by phosphorylation of the regulatory myosin light chain and chemotaxis. For the chemotactic DC migration, the activation of Akt and p38 and extracellular signal-regulated kinase 1/2 mitogen-activated protein kinases were indispensable, as shown by pharmacological inhibitors. DC express Akt1 and Akt2, but not Akt3. However, in DC, plasmin activates exclusively Akt2 via a p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase-dependent pathway. Accordingly, knockdown of Akt2 with short-hairpin RNA, but not of Akt1, blocked the plasmin-induced extracellular signal-regulated kinase 1/2 activation and the chemotactic response. Moreover, plasmin-stimulated DC induced polarization of CD4 + T cells toward the interferon-γ–producing, proinflammatory Th1 phenotype. Consistent with a role for DC and adaptive immune response in atherogenesis, we demonstrate DC in human atherosclerotic vessels and show that plasmin is abundant in human atherosclerotic lesions, where it colocalizes with DC.

Conclusion— Plasmin generation in the atherosclerotic vessel wall might contribute to accumulation of DC, activation of the adaptive immune response, and aggravation of atherosclerosis.

Cyclic mechanical stretch decreases cell migration by inhibiting phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase- and focal adhesion kinase-mediated JNK1 activation

Epithelial cell migration during wound healing requires coordinated signaling pathways that direct polarization of the leading and trailing ends of the cells, cytoskeletal organization, and remodeling of focal adhesions. These inherently mechanical processes are disrupted by cyclic stretch (CS), but the specific signaling molecules involved in this disruption are not well understood. In this study, we demonstrate that inhibition of phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI3K) or expression of a dominant-negative form of PI3K caused inhibition of airway epithelial cell wound closure. CS caused a sustained decrease in activation of PI3K and inhibited wound healing. Expression of constitutively active PI3K stimulated translocation of Tiam1 to the membrane, increased Rac1 activity, and increased wound healing of airway epithelial cells. Increased Rac1 activity resulted in increased phosphorylation of JNK1. PI3K activation was not regulated by association with focal adhesion kinase. Restoration of efficient cell migration during CS required coexpression of constitutively active PI3K, focal adhesion kinase, and JIP3.

Regulation of the actin cytoskeleton-plasma membrane interplay by phosphoinositides

The plasma membrane and the underlying cortical actin cytoskeleton undergo continuous dynamic interplay that is responsible for many essential aspects of cell physiology. Polymerization of actin filaments against cellular membranes provides the force for a number of cellular processes such as migration, morphogenesis, and endocytosis. Plasma membrane phosphoinositides (especially phosphatidylinositol bis- and trisphosphates) play a central role in regulating the organization and dynamics of the actin cytoskeleton by acting as platforms for protein recruitment, by triggering signaling cascades, and by directly regulating the activities of actin-binding proteins. Furthermore, a number of actin-associated proteins, such as BAR domain proteins, are capable of directly deforming phosphoinositide-rich membranes to induce plasma membrane protrusions or invaginations. Recent studies have also provided evidence that the actin cytoskeleton-plasma membrane interactions are misregulated in a number of pathological conditions such as cancer and during pathogen invasion. Here, we summarize the wealth of knowledge on how the cortical actin cytoskeleton is regulated by phosphoinositides during various cell biological processes. We also discuss the mechanisms by which interplay between actin dynamics and certain membrane deforming proteins regulate the morphology of the plasma membrane.

Comparative genomics reveals selective distribution and domain organization of FYVE and PX domain proteins across eukaryotic lineages

Background

Phosphatidylinositol 3-phosphate is involved in regulation of several key cellular processes, mainly endocytosis, signaling, nuclear processes, cytoskeletal remodelling, cell survival, membrane trafficking, phagosome maturation and autophagy. In most cases effector proteins bind to this lipid, using either FYVE or PX domain. These two domains are distributed amongst varied life forms such as virus, protists, fungi, viridiplantae and metazoa. As the binding ligand is identical for both domains, the goal of this study was to understand if there is any selectivity for either of these domains in different taxa. Further, to understand the different cellular functions that these domains may be involved in, we analyzed the taxonomic distribution of additional domains that associate with FYVE and PX.

Results

There is selectivity for either FYVE or PX in individual genomes where both domains are present. Fungi and metazoa encode more PX, whereas streptophytes in viridiplantae encode more FYVE. Excess of FYVE in streptophytes results from proteins containing RCC1and DZC domains and FYVE domains in these proteins have a non-canonical ligand-binding site. Within a taxonomic group the selected domain associates with a higher number of other domains and is thus expected to discharge a larger number of cellular functions. Also, while certain associated domains are present in all taxonomic groups, most of them are unique to a specific group indicating that while certain common functions are discharged by these domains in all taxonomic groups, some functions appear to be group specific.

Conclusions

Although both FYVE and PX bind to PtdIns(3)P, genomes of different taxa show distinct selectivity of encoding either of the two. Higher numbers of taxonomic group specific domains co-occur with the more abundant domain (FYVE/PX) indicating that group-specific rare domain architectures might have emerged to accomplish certain group-specific functions.

Gq-coupled purinergic receptors inhibit insulin-like growth factor-I/phosphoinositide 3-kinase pathway-dependent keratinocyte migration

After skin wound, released growth factors and extracellular nucleotides regulate the different phases of healing, including re-epithelialization. Here, we show that, in keratinocytes, purinergic P2Y2 receptors inhibit the motogenic IGF-I/PI3K pathway. Therefore, extracellular nucleotides may play key roles during skin remodelling after wound.

Insulin-like growth factor-I (IGF-I) activation of phosphoinositol 3-kinase (PI3K) is an essential pathway for keratinocyte migration that is required for epidermis wound healing. We have previously reported that activation of Gα_(q/11)-coupled-P2Y₂ purinergic receptors by extracellular nucleotides delays keratinocyte wound closure. Here, we report that activation of P2Y₂ receptors by extracellular UTP inhibits the IGF-I–induced p110α-PI3K activation. Using siRNA and pharmacological inhibitors, we demonstrate that the UTP antagonistic effects on PI3K pathway are mediated by Gα_(q/11)—and not G_(i/o)—independently of phospholipase Cβ. Purinergic signaling does not affect the formation of the IGF-I receptor/insulin receptor substrate-I/p85 complex, but blocks the activity of a membrane-targeted active p110α mutant, indicating that UTP acts downstream of PI3K membrane recruitment. UTP was also found to efficiently attenuate, within few minutes, the IGF-I–induced PI3K-controlled translocation of the actin-nucleating protein cortactin to the plasma membrane. This supports the UTP ability to alter later migratory events. Indeed, UTP inhibits keratinocyte spreading and migration promoted by either IGF-I or a membrane-targeted active p110α mutant, in a Gα(q/11)-dependent manner both. These findings provide new insight into the signaling cross-talk between receptor tyrosine kinase and Gα_(q/11)-coupled receptors, which mediate opposite effects on p110α-PI3K activity and keratinocyte migration.

Activation of the WAVE complex by coincident signals controls actin assembly

WAVE proteins link upstream signals to actin nucleation by activating the Arp2/3 complex and are at the core of regulatory pathways driving membrane protrusion. They are found in heteropentameric complexes whose role in regulating WAVE function is presently unclear. Here we demonstrate that purified native WAVE complexes are basally inactive; previous reports of constitutive activity are artifacts of in vitro manipulation. Further, the native complexes are not activated by Rac alone. Activation of the WAVE2 complex requires simultaneous interactions with prenylated Rac-GTP and acidic phospholipids, as well as a specific state of phosphorylation. Together these signals promote full activation in a highly cooperative process on the membrane surface, by inducing an allosteric change in the complex rather than by simple recruitment or by dissociation of the subunits. These results explain how the WAVE complex can integrate coincident signals to promote localized actin nucleation during cell motility.

Advances in early kidney specification, development and patterning

The kidney is a model developmental system for understanding mesodermal patterning and organogenesis, a process that requires regional specification along multiple body axes, the proliferation and differentiation of progenitor cells, and integration with other tissues. Recent progress in the field has highlighted the essential roles of intrinsic nuclear factors and secreted signaling molecules in specifying renal epithelial stem cells and their self-renewal, in driving the complex dynamics of epithelial cell branching morphogenesis, and in nephron patterning. How these developments influence and advance our understanding of kidney development is discussed.

A distinctive role of the leukotriene B4 receptor BLT1 in osteoclastic activity during bone loss

Although leukotriene B(4) (LTB(4)) is produced in various inflammatory diseases, its functions in bone metabolism remain unknown. Using mice deficient in the high-affinity LTB(4) receptor BLT1, we evaluated the roles of BLT1 in the development of two bone resorption models, namely bone loss induced by ovariectomy and lipopolysaccharide. Through observations of bone mineral contents and bone morphometric parameters, we found that bone resorption in both models was significantly attenuated in BLT1-deficient mice. Furthermore, osteoclasts from BLT1-deficient mice showed reduced calcium resorption activities compared with wild-type osteoclasts. Osteoclasts expressed BLT1, but not the low-affinity LTB(4) receptor BLT2, and produced LTB(4). LTB(4) changed the cell morphology of osteoclasts through the BLT1-Gi protein-Rac1 signaling pathway. Given the causal relationship between osteoclast morphology and osteoclastic activity, these findings suggest that autocrine/paracrine LTB(4) increases the osteoclastic activity through the BLT1-Gi protein-Rac1 signaling pathway. Inhibition of BLT1 functions may represent a strategy for preventing bone resorption diseases.

Live cell imaging with protein domains capable of recognizing phosphatidylinositol 4,5-bisphosphate; a comparative study

Background

Phosphatidylinositol 4,5-bisphosphate [PtdIns(4,5)P₂] is a critically important regulatory phospholipid found in the plasma membrane of all eukaryotic cells. In addition to being a precursor of important second messengers, PtdIns(4,5)P₂ also regulates ion channels and transporters and serves the endocytic machinery by recruiting clathrin adaptor proteins. Visualization of the localization and dynamic changes in PtdIns(4,5)P₂ levels in living cells is critical to understanding the biology of PtdIns(4,5)P₂. This has been mostly achieved with the use of the pleckstrin homology (PH) domain of PLCδ1 fused to GFP. Here we report on a comparative analysis of several recently-described yeast PH domains as well as the mammalian Tubby domain to evaluate their usefulness as PtdIns(4,5)P₂ imaging tools.

Results

All of the yeast PH domains that have been previously shown to bind PtdIns(4,5)P₂ showed plasma membrane localization but only a subset responded to manipulations of plasma membrane PtdIns(4,5)P₂. None of these domains showed any advantage over the PLCδ1PH-GFP reporter and were compromised either in their expression levels, nuclear localization or by causing peculiar membrane structures. In contrast, the Tubby domain showed high membrane localization consistent with PtdIns(4,5)P₂ binding and displayed no affinity for the soluble headgroup, Ins(1,4,5)P₃. Detailed comparison of the Tubby and PLCδ1PH domains showed that the Tubby domain has a higher affinity for membrane PtdIns(4,5)P₂ and therefore displays a lower sensitivity to report on changes of this lipid during phospholipase C activation.

Conclusion

These results showed that both the PLCδ1PH-GFP and the GFP-Tubby domain are useful reporters of PtdIns(4,5)P₂ changes in the plasma membrane, with distinct advantages and disadvantages. While the PLCδ1PH-GFP is a more sensitive reporter, its Ins(1,4,5)P₃ binding may compromise its accuracy to measure PtdIns(4,5)P₂changes. The Tubby domain is more accurate to report on PtdIns(4,5)P₂ but its higher affinity and lower sensitivity may limit its utility when phospholipase C activation is only moderate. These studies also demonstrated that similar changes in PtdIns(4,5)P₂ levels in the plasma membrane can differentially regulate multiple effectors if they display different affinities to PtdIns(4,5)P₂.

Unbalancing the phosphatidylinositol-4,5-bisphosphate-cofilin interaction impairs cell steering

Cofilin is a key player in actin dynamics during cell migration. Its activity is regulated by (de)phosphorylation, pH, and binding to phosphatidylinositol-4,5-bisphosphate [PI(4,5)P(2)]. Here, we here use a human cofilin-1 (D122K) mutant with increased binding affinity for PI(4,5)P(2) and slower release from the plasma membrane to study the role of the PI(4,5)P(2)-cofilin interaction in migrating cells. In fibroblasts in a background of endogenous cofilin, D122K cofilin expression negatively affects cell turning frequency. In carcinoma cells with down-regulated endogenous cofilin, D122K cofilin neither rescues the drastic morphological defects nor restores the effects in cell turning capacity, unlike what has been reported for wild-type cofilin. In cofilin knockdown cells, D122K cofilin expression promotes outgrowth of an existing lamellipod in response to epidermal growth factor (EGF) but does not result in initiation of new lamellipodia. This indicates that, next to phospho- and pH regulation, the normal release kinetics of cofilin from PI(4,5)P(2) is crucial as a local activation switch for lamellipodia initiation and as a signal for migrating cells to change direction in response to external stimuli. Our results demonstrate that the PI(4,5)P(2) regulatory mechanism, that is governed by EGF-dependent phospholipase C activation, is a determinant for the spatial and temporal control of cofilin activation required for lamellipodia initiation.

Symmetry breaking mechanism for epithelial cell polarization

In multicellular organisms, epithelial cells form layers separating compartments responsible for different physiological functions. At the early stage of epithelial layer formation, each cell of an aggregate defines an inner and an outer side by breaking the symmetry of its initial state, in a process known as epithelial polarization. By integrating recent biochemical and biophysical data with stochastic simulations of the relevant reaction-diffusion system, we provide evidence that epithelial cell polarization is a chemical phase-separation process induced by a local bistability in the signaling network at the level of the cell membrane. The early symmetry breaking event triggering phase separation is induced by adhesion-dependent mechanical forces localized in the point of convergence of cell surfaces when a threshold number of confluent cells is reached. The generality of the emerging phase-separation scenario is likely common to many processes of cell polarity formation.

Photosynthesis-dependent Ca2+ influx and functional diversity between phospholipases in the formation of cell polarity in migrating cells of red algae

Unicellular spore cells, designated as monospores (also called archeospores), are well known as migrating plant cells, in which establishment of the anterior-posterior axis directs asymmetrical distribution of F-actin. Since the mechanisms of cell polarity formation are not yet fully elucidated in monospores, we investigated the roles of phosphoinositide signaling systems and Ca2+ mobilization in migration. Although we have already found the critical involvement of phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase in the establishment of cell polarity, we recently demonstrated the important roles of extracellular Ca2+ influx, phospholipase C (PLC) and phospholipase D (PLD). The remarkable characteristics of these factors are that Ca2+ influx depends on photosynthetic activity and that PLC and PLD play roles in the establishment and maintenance of cell polarity, respectively. These findings could provide new insight into the regulation of migration in eukaryotic cells.

Navigation of chemotactic cells by parallel signaling to pseudopod persistence and orientation

The mechanism of chemotaxis is one of the most interesting issues in modern cell biology. Recent work shows that shallow chemoattractant gradients do not induce the generation of pseudopods, as has been predicted in many models. This poses the question of how else cells can steer towards chemoattractants. Here we use a new computational algorithm to analyze the extension of pseudopods by Dictyostelium cells. We show that a shallow gradient of cAMP induces a small bias in the direction of pseudopod extension, without significantly affecting parameters such as pseudopod frequency or size. Persistent movement, caused by alternating left/right splitting of existing pseudopodia, amplifies the effects of this bias by up to 5-fold. Known players in chemotactic pathways play contrasting parts in this mechanism; PLA2 and cGMP signal to the cytoskeleton to regulate the splitting process, while PI 3-kinase and soluble guanylyl cyclase mediate the directional bias. The coordinated regulation of pseudopod generation, orientation and persistence by multiple signaling pathways allows eukaryotic cells to detect extremely shallow gradients.

Kinetics of the interaction of myo1c with phosphoinositides

myo1c is a single-headed myosin that dynamically links membranes to the actin cytoskeleton. A putative pleckstrin homology domain has been identified in the myo1c tail that binds phosphoinositides and soluble inositol phosphates with high affinity. However, the kinetics of association and dissociation and the influence of phospholipid composition on the kinetics have not been determined. Stopped-flow spectroscopy was used to measure the binding and dissociation of a recombinant myo1c construct containing the tail and regulatory domains (myo1c(IQ-tail)) to and from 100-nm diameter large unilamellar vesicles (LUVs). We found the time course of association of myo1c(IQ-tail) with LUVs containing 2% phosphatidylinositol 4,5-bisphosphate (PtdIns(4,5)P(2)) followed a two-exponential time course, and the rate of the predominant fast phase depended linearly upon the total lipid concentration. The apparent second-order rate constant was approximately diffusion-limited. Increasing the molar ratio of anionic phospholipid by adding phosphatidylserine, additional PtdIns(4,5)P(2), or by situating PtdIns(4,5)P(2) in a more physiologically relevant lipid background increased the apparent association rate constant less than 2-fold. myo1c(IQ-tail) dissociated from PtdIns(4,5)P(2) at a slower rate (2.0 s(-1)) than the pleckstrin homology domain of phospholipase C-delta (13 s(-1)). The presence of additional anionic phospholipid reduced the myo1c(IQ-tail) dissociation rate constant >50-fold but marginally changed the dissociation rate of phospholipase C-delta, suggesting that additional electrostatic interactions in myo1c(IQ-tail) help to stabilize binding. Remarkably, high concentrations of soluble inositol phosphates induce dissociation of myo1c(IQ-tail) from LUVs, suggesting that phosphoinositides are able to bind to and dissociate from myo1c(IQ-tail) as it remains bound to the membrane.

Differentiation-inducing factor-1 and -2 function also as modulators for Dictyostelium chemotaxis

BACKGROUND

In the early stages of development of the cellular slime mold Dictyostelium discoideum, chemotaxis toward cAMP plays a pivotal role in organizing discrete cells into a multicellular structure. In this process, a series of signaling molecules, such as G-protein-coupled cell surface receptors for cAMP, phosphatidylinositol metabolites, and cyclic nucleotides, function as the signal transducers for controlling dynamics of cytoskeleton. Differentiation-inducing factor-1 and -2 (DIF-1 and DIF-2) were originally identified as the factors (chlorinated alkylphenones) that induce Dictyostelium stalk cell differentiation, but it remained unknown whether the DIFs had any other physiologic functions.

METHODOLOGY/PRINCIPAL FINDINGS

To further elucidate the functions of DIFs, in the present study we investigated their effects on chemotaxis under various conditions. Quite interestingly, in shallow cAMP gradients, DIF-1 suppressed chemotaxis whereas DIF-2 promoted it greatly. Analyses with various mutants revealed that DIF-1 may inhibit chemotaxis, at least in part, via GbpB (a phosphodiesterase) and a decrease in the intracellular cGMP concentration ([cGMP](i)). DIF-2, by contrast, may enhance chemotaxis, at least in part, via RegA (another phosphodiesterase) and an increase in [cGMP](i). Using null mutants for DimA and DimB, the transcription factors that are required for DIF-dependent prestalk differentiation, we also showed that the mechanisms for the modulation of chemotaxis by DIFs differ from those for the induction of cell differentiation by DIFs, at least in part.

CONCLUSIONS/SIGNIFICANCE

Our findings indicate that DIF-1 and DIF-2 function as negative and positive modulators for Dictyostelium chemotaxis, respectively. To our knowledge, this is the first report in any organism of physiologic modulators (small molecules) for chemotaxis having differentiation-inducing activity.

Toll-like receptor signaling in the lysosomal pathways

The lysosomal pathway digests material received by two main routes, phagocytosis and autophagy. Cells use phagocytosis to ingest extracellular particles by invaginations of the plasma membrane. In autophagy, a double membrane structure isolates portions of the cytoplasm to target it for degradation. During infection, phagocytes use both of these cellular functions to restrict microbial replication and at the same time to orchestrate an appropriate response against the invader. Toll-like receptor recognition of a pathogen initiates an innate immune response against the pathogen that includes production of inflammatory cytokines, upregulation of costimulatory molecules to prime an adaptive immune response, and activation of phagocytosis and autophagy. Signaling through this family of receptors also produces a hybrid response in which proteins that participate in autophagy are recruited to phagosomes, resulting in expedited microbial elimination. In this review, we discuss recent views on how Toll-like receptors direct microbes to final destruction by regulating the different pathways that lead to the lysosome.