A NudE/14-3-3 pathway coordinates dynein and the kinesin Khc73 to position the mitotic spindle

Dynein-driven regulation of postsynaptic membrane architecture and synaptic function

Cytoplasmic dynein is essential in motor neurons for retrograde cargo transport that sustains neuronal connectivity. Little, however, is known about dynein function on the postsynaptic side of the circuit. Here, we report distinct postsynaptic roles for dynein at neuromuscular junctions in Drosophila. Intriguingly, we show that dynein puncta accumulate postsynaptically at glutamatergic synaptic terminals. Moreover, Skittles (Sktl), a phosphatidylinositol 4-phosphate 5-kinase that produces phosphatidylinositol 4,5-bisphosphate (PIP2) to organize the spectrin cytoskeleton, also localizes specifically to glutamatergic synaptic terminals. Depletion of postsynaptic dynein disrupted the accumulation of Skittles and the PIP2 phospholipid, and organization of the spectrin cytoskeleton at the postsynaptic membrane. Coincidental with dynein depletion, we observed an increase in the size of ionotropic glutamate receptor (iGluR) fields and an increase in the amplitude and frequency of miniature excitatory junctional potentials. PIP2 levels did not affect iGluR clustering, nor did dynein affect the levels of iGluR subunits at the neuromuscular junction. Our observations suggest a separate, transport-independent function for dynein in iGluR cluster organization. Based on the close apposition of dynein puncta to the iGluR fields, we speculate that dynein at the postsynaptic membrane contributes to the organization of the receptor fields, hence ensuring proper synaptic transmission.

The subcortical maternal complex modulates the cell cycle during early mammalian embryogenesis via 14-3-3

The subcortical maternal complex (SCMC) is essential for safeguarding female fertility in mammals. Assembled in oocytes, the SCMC maintains the cleavage of early embryos, but the underlying mechanism remains unclear. Here, we report that 14-3-3, a multifunctional protein, is a component of the SCMC. By resolving the structure of the 14-3-3-containing SCMC, we discover that phosphorylation of TLE6 contributes to the recruitment of 14-3-3. Mechanistically, during maternal-to-embryo transition, the SCMC stabilizes 14-3-3 protein and contributes to the proper control of CDC25B, thus ensuring the activation of the maturation-promoting factor and mitotic entry in mouse zygotes. Notably, the SCMC establishes a conserved molecular link with 14-3-3 and CDC25B in human oocytes/embryos. This study discloses the molecular mechanism through which the SCMC regulates the cell cycle in early embryos and elucidates the function of the SCMC in mammalian early embryogenesis.

Mechanics of spindle orientation in human mitotic cells is determined by pulling forces on astral microtubules and clustering of cortical dynein

The forces that orient the spindle in human cells remain poorly understood due to a lack of direct mechanical measurements in mammalian systems. We use magnetic tweezers to measure the force on human mitotic spindles. Combining the spindle's measured resistance to rotation, the speed at which it rotates after laser ablating astral microtubules, and estimates of the number of ablated microtubules reveals that each microtubule contacting the cell cortex is subject to ∼5 pN of pulling force, suggesting that each is pulled on by an individual dynein motor. We find that the concentration of dynein at the cell cortex and extent of dynein clustering are key determinants of the spindle's resistance to rotation, with little contribution from cytoplasmic viscosity, which we explain using a biophysically based mathematical model. This work reveals how pulling forces on astral microtubules determine the mechanics of spindle orientation and demonstrates the central role of cortical dynein clustering.

Evidence of 14-3-3 proteins contributing to kinetochore integrity and chromosome congression during mitosis

The 14-3-3 family of proteins are conserved across eukaryotes and serve myriad important regulatory functions in the cell. Homo- and hetero-dimers of these proteins mainly recognize their ligands via conserved motifs to modulate the localization and functions of those effector ligands. In most of the genetic backgrounds of Saccharomyces cerevisiae, disruption of both 14-3-3 homologs (Bmh1 and Bmh2) are either lethal or cells survive with severe growth defects, including gross chromosomal missegregation and prolonged cell cycle arrest. To elucidate their contributions to chromosome segregation, in this work, we investigated their centromere- and kinetochore-related functions of Bmh1 and Bmh2. Analysis of appropriate deletion mutants shows that Bmh isoforms have cumulative and non-shared isoform-specific contributions in maintaining the proper integrity of the kinetochore ensemble. Consequently, Bmh mutant cells exhibited perturbations in kinetochore-microtubule (KT-MT) dynamics, characterized by kinetochore declustering, mis-localization of kinetochore proteins and Mad2-mediated transient G2/M arrest. These defects also caused an asynchronous chromosome congression in bmh mutants during metaphase. In summary, this report advances the knowledge on contributions of budding yeast 14-3-3 proteins in chromosome segregation by demonstrating their roles in kinetochore integrity and chromosome congression.

Kinesin Regulation in the Proximal Axon is Essential for Dendrite-selective Transport

Neurons are polarized and typically extend multiple dendrites and one axon. To maintain polarity, vesicles carrying dendritic proteins are arrested upon entering the axon. To determine whether kinesin regulation is required for terminating anterograde axonal transport, we overexpressed the dendrite-selective kinesin KIF13A. This caused mistargeting of dendrite-selective vesicles to the axon and a loss of dendritic polarity. Polarity was not disrupted if the kinase MARK2/Par1b was coexpressed. MARK2/Par1b is concentrated in the proximal axon, where it maintains dendritic polarity-likely by phosphorylating S1371 of KIF13A, which lies in a canonical 14-3-3 binding motif. We probed for interactions of KIF13A with 14-3-3 isoforms and found that 14-3-3β and 14-3-3ζ bound KIF13A. Disruption of MARK2 or 14-3-3 activity by small molecule inhibitors caused a loss of dendritic polarity. These data show that kinesin regulation is integral for dendrite-selective transport. We propose a new model in which KIF13A that moves dendrite-selective vesicles in the proximal axon is phosphorylated by MARK2. Phosphorylated KIF13A is then recognized by 14-3-3, which causes dissociation of KIF13A from the vesicle and termination of transport. These findings define a new paradigm for the regulation of vesicle transport by localized kinesin tail phosphorylation, to restrict dendrite-selective vesicles from entering the axon.

MARK2 phosphorylates KIF13A at a 14-3-3 binding site to polarize vesicular transport of transferrin receptor within dendrites

Neurons regulate the microtubule-based transport of certain vesicles selectively into axons or dendrites to ensure proper polarization of function. The mechanism of this polarized vesicle transport is still not fully elucidated, though it is known to involve kinesins, which drive anterograde transport on microtubules. Here, we explore how the kinesin-3 family member KIF13A is regulated such that vesicles containing transferrin receptor (TfR) travel only to dendrites. In experiments involving live-cell imaging, knockout of KIF13A, BioID assay, we found that the kinase MARK2 phosphorylates KIF13A at a 14-3-3 binding motif, strengthening interaction of KIF13A with 14-3-3 such that it dissociates from TfR-containing vesicles, which therefore cannot enter axons. Overexpression of KIF13A or knockout of MARK2 leads to axonal transport of TfR-containing vesicles. These results suggest a unique kinesin-based mechanism for polarized transport of vesicles to dendrites.

14-3-3ε: a protein with complex physiology function but promising therapeutic potential in cancer

Over the past decade, the role of the 14-3-3 protein has received increasing interest. Seven subtypes of 14-3-3 proteins exhibit high homology; however, each subtype maintains its specificity. The 14-3-3ε protein is involved in various physiological processes, including signal transduction, cell proliferation, apoptosis, autophagy, cell cycle regulation, repolarization of cardiac action, cardiac development, intracellular electrolyte homeostasis, neurodevelopment, and innate immunity. It also plays a significant role in the development and progression of various diseases, such as cardiovascular diseases, inflammatory diseases, neurodegenerative disorders, and cancer. These immense and various involvements of 14-3-3ε in diverse processes makes it a promising target for drug development. Although extensive research has been conducted on 14-3-3 dimers, studies on 14-3-3 monomers are limited. This review aimed to provide an overview of recent reports on the molecular mechanisms involved in the regulation of binding partners by 14-3-3ε, focusing on issues that could help advance the frontiers of this field. Video Abstract.

MARK2 phosphorylates KIF13A at a 14-3-3 binding site to polarize vesicular transport of transferrin receptor within dendrites

Neurons regulate the microtubule-based transport of certain vesicles selectively into axons or dendrites to ensure proper polarization of function. The mechanism of this polarized vesicle transport is still not fully elucidated, though it is known to involve kinesins, which drive anterograde transport on microtubules. Here we explore how the kinesin-3 family member KIF13A is regulated such that vesicles containing transferrin receptor (TfR) travel only to dendrites. In experiments involving live-cell imaging, knockout of KIF13A, BioID assay, we found that the kinase MARK2 phosphorylates KIF13A at a 14-3-3 binding motif, strengthening interaction of KIF13A with 14-3-3 such that it dissociates from TfR-containing vesicles, which therefore cannot enter axons. Overexpression of KIF13A or knockout of MARK2 leads to axonal transport of TfR-containing vesicles. These results suggest a novel kinesin-based mechanism for polarized transport of vesicles to dendrites.

Significance

Our findings suggest that at least one type of vesicles, those containing transferrin receptor, travel exclusively to dendrites and are excluded from axons because the kinase MARK2 phosphorylates the kinesin KIF13A to promote its separation from vesicles at the proximal axon, preventing vesicle transport into axons, such that they travel only to dendrites. Future studies should explore how this mechanism of polarized vesicle transport supports neuronal function.

A two-kinesin mechanism controls neurogenesis in the developing brain

During the course of brain development, Radial Glial Progenitor (RGP) cells give rise to most of the neurons required for a functional cortex. RGPs can undergo symmetric divisions, which result in RGP duplication, or asymmetric divisions, which result in one RGP as well as one to four neurons. The control of this balance is not fully understood, but must be closely regulated to produce the cells required for a functioning cortex, and to maintain the stem cell pool. In this study, we show that the balance between symmetric and asymmetric RGP divisions is in part regulated by the actions of two kinesins, Kif1A and Kif13B, which we find have opposing roles in neurogenesis through their action on the mitotic spindle in dividing RGPs. We find that Kif1A promotes neurogenesis, whereas Kif13B promotes symmetric, non-neurogenic divisions. Interestingly, the two kinesins are closely related in structure, and members of the same kinesin-3 subfamily, thus their opposing effects on spindle orientation appear to represent a novel mechanism for the regulation of neurogenesis.

Clustering of cortical dynein regulates the mechanics of spindle orientation in human mitotic cells

The forces which orient the spindle in human cells remain poorly understood due to a lack of direct mechanical measurements in mammalian systems. We use magnetic tweezers to measure the force on human mitotic spindles. Combining the spindle's measured resistance to rotation, the speed it rotates after laser ablating astral microtubules, and estimates of the number of ablated microtubules reveals that each microtubule contacting the cell cortex is subject to ~1 pN of pulling force, suggesting that each is pulled on by an individual dynein motor. We find that the concentration of dynein at the cell cortex and extent of dynein clustering are key determinants of the spindle's resistance to rotation, with little contribution from cytoplasmic viscosity, which we explain using a biophysically based mathematical model. This work reveals how pulling forces on astral microtubules determine the mechanics of spindle orientation and demonstrates the central role of cortical dynein clustering.

Control of motor landing and processivity by the CAP-Gly domain in the KIF13B tail

Microtubules are major components of the eukaryotic cytoskeleton. Posttranslational modifications (PTMs) of tubulin regulates interactions with microtubule-associated proteins (MAPs). One unique PTM is the cyclical removal and re-addition of the C-terminal tyrosine of α-tubulin and MAPs containing CAP-Gly domains specifically recognize tyrosinated microtubules. KIF13B, a long-distance transport kinesin, contains a conserved CAP-Gly domain, but the role of the CAP-Gly domain in KIF13B's motility along microtubules remains unknown. To address this, we investigate the interaction between KIF13B's CAP-Gly domain, and tyrosinated microtubules. We find that KIF13B's CAP-Gly domain influences the initial motor-microtubule interaction, as well as processive motility along microtubules. The effect of the CAP-Gly domain is enhanced when the motor domain is in the ADP state, suggesting an interplay between the N-terminal motor domain and C-terminal CAP-Gly domain. These results reveal that specialized kinesin tail domains play active roles in the initiation and continuation of motor movement.

The Drosophila mitotic spindle orientation machinery requires activation, not just localization

The orientation of the mitotic spindle at metaphase determines the placement of the daughter cells. Spindle orientation in animals typically relies on an evolutionarily conserved biological machine comprised of at least four proteins - called Pins, Gαi, Mud, and Dynein in flies - that exerts a pulling force on astral microtubules and reels the spindle into alignment. The canonical model for spindle orientation holds that the direction of pulling is determined by asymmetric placement of this machinery at the cell cortex. In most cell types, this placement is thought to be mediated by Pins, and a substantial body of literature is therefore devoted to identifying polarized cues that govern localized cortical enrichment of Pins. In this study we revisit the canonical model and find that it is incomplete. Spindle orientation in the Drosophila follicular epithelium and embryonic ectoderm requires not only Pins localization but also direct interaction between Pins and the multifunctional protein Discs large. This requirement can be over-ridden by interaction with another Pins interacting protein, Inscuteable.

Maize cytosolic invertase INVAN6 ensures faithful meiotic progression under heat stress

Faithful meiotic progression ensures the generation of viable gametes. Studies suggested the male meiosis of plants is sensitive to ambient temperature, but the underlying molecular mechanisms remain elusive. Here, we characterized a maize (Zea mays ssp. mays L.) dominant male sterile mutant Mei025, in which the meiotic process of pollen mother cells (PMCs) was arrested after pachytene. An Asp-to-Asn replacement at position 276 of INVERTASE ALKALINE NEUTRAL 6 (INVAN6), a cytosolic invertase (CIN) that predominantly exists in PMCs and specifically hydrolyses sucrose, was revealed to cause meiotic defects in Mei025. INVAN6 interacts with itself as well as with four other CINs and seven 14-3-3 proteins. Although INVAN6^Mei025 , the variant of INVAN6 found in Mei025, lacks hydrolytic activity entirely, its presence is deleterious to male meiosis, possibly in a dominant negative repression manner through interacting with its partner proteins. Notably, heat stress aggravated meiotic defects in invan6 null mutant. Further transcriptome data suggest INVAN6 has a fundamental role for sugar homeostasis and stress tolerance of male meiocytes. In summary, this work uncovered the function of maize CIN in male meiosis and revealed the role of CIN-mediated sugar metabolism and signalling in meiotic progression under heat stress.

Phosphoregulation of Kinesins Involved in Long-Range Intracellular Transport

Kinesins, the microtubule-dependent mechanochemical enzymes, power a variety of intracellular movements. Regulation of Kinesin activity and Kinesin-Cargo interactions determine the direction, timing and flux of various intracellular transports. This review examines how phosphorylation of Kinesin subunits and adaptors influence the traffic driven by Kinesin-1, -2, and -3 family motors. Each family of Kinesins are phosphorylated by a partially overlapping set of serine/threonine kinases, and each event produces a unique outcome. For example, phosphorylation of the motor domain inhibits motility, and that of the stalk and tail domains induces cargo loading and unloading effects according to the residue and context. Also, the association of accessory subunits with cargo and adaptor proteins with the motor, respectively, is disrupted by phosphorylation. In some instances, phosphorylation by the same kinase on different Kinesins elicited opposite outcomes. We discuss how this diverse range of effects could manage the logistics of Kinesin-dependent, long-range intracellular transport.

Interaction between Discs large and Pins/LGN/GPSM2: a comparison across species

The orientation of the mitotic spindle determines the direction of cell division, and therefore contributes to tissue shape and cell fate. Interaction between the multifunctional scaffolding protein Discs large (Dlg) and the canonical spindle orienting factor GPSM2 (called Pins in Drosophila and LGN in vertebrates) has been established in bilaterian models, but its function remains unclear. We used a phylogenetic approach to test whether the interaction is obligate in animals, and in particular whether Pins/LGN/GPSM2 evolved in multicellular organisms as a Dlg-binding protein. We show that Dlg diverged in C. elegans and the syncytial sponge Opsacas minuta and propose that this divergence may correspond with differences in spindle orientation requirements between these organisms and the canonical pathways described in bilaterians. We also demonstrate that Pins/LGN/GPSM2 is present in basal animals, but the established Dlg-interaction site cannot be found in either Placozoa or Porifera. Our results suggest that the interaction between Pins/LGN/GPSM2 and Dlg appeared in Cnidaria, and we therefore speculate that it may have evolved to promote accurate division orientation in the nervous system. This work reveals the evolutionary history of the Pins/LGN/GPSM2-Dlg interaction and suggests new possibilities for its importance in spindle orientation during epithelial and neural tissue development.

Pilot RNAi Screen in Drosophila Neural Stem Cell Lineages to Identify Novel Tumor Suppressor Genes Involved in Asymmetric Cell Division

A connection between compromised asymmetric cell division (ACD) and tumorigenesis was proven some years ago using Drosophila larval brain neural stem cells, called neuroblasts (NBs), as a model system. Since then, we have learned that compromised ACD does not always promote tumorigenesis, as ACD is an extremely well-regulated process in which redundancy substantially overcomes potential ACD failures. Considering this, we have performed a pilot RNAi screen in Drosophila larval brain NB lineages using RasV12 scribble (scrib) mutant clones as a sensitized genetic background, in which ACD is affected but does not cause tumoral growth. First, as a proof of concept, we have tested known ACD regulators in this sensitized background, such as lethal (2) giant larvae and warts. Although the downregulation of these ACD modulators in NB clones does not induce tumorigenesis, their downregulation along with RasV12 scrib does cause tumor-like overgrowth. Based on these results, we have randomly screened 79 RNAi lines detecting 15 potential novel ACD regulators/tumor suppressor genes. We conclude that RasV12 scrib is a good sensitized genetic background in which to identify tumor suppressor genes involved in NB ACD, whose function could otherwise be masked by the high redundancy of the ACD process.

A Cell Adhesion-Based Reconstitution Method for Studying Cell Polarity

Cell polarity is an evolutionarily conserved process of asymmetric spatial organization within cells and is essential to tissue structure, signal transduction, cell migration, and cell division. The establishment and maintenance of polarity typically involves extensive protein-protein interactions that can be made further intricate by cell cycle-dependent regulation. These aspects can make interpreting phenotypes within traditional in vivo genetic systems challenging due to pleiotropic effects in loss-of-function experiments. Minimal reconstitution methods offer investigators the advantage of stricter control of otherwise complex systems and allow for more direct assessment of the role of individual components to the process of interest. Here I provide a detailed protocol for a cell adhesion-based method of inducing cell polarity within non-polarized Drosophila S2 cells. This technique is simple, cost effective, moderate throughput, and amenable to RNAi-based loss-of-function studies. The ability to “plug-and-play” genes of interest allows investigators to easily assess the contribution of individual protein domains and post-translational modifications to their function. The system is ideally suited to test not only the requirement of individual components but also their sufficiency, and can provide important insight into the epistatic relationship among multiple components in a protein complex. Although designed for use within Drosophila cells, the general premise and protocol should be easily adapted to mammalian cell culture or other systems that may better suit the interests of potential users.

The Case of the Scribble Polarity Module in Asymmetric Neuroblast Division in Development and Tumorigenesis

The Scribble polarity module is composed by Scribble (Scrib), Discs large 1 (Dlg1) and Lethal (2) giant larvae (L(2)gl), a group of highly conserved neoplastic tumor suppressor genes (TSGs) from flies to humans. Even though the Scribble module has been profusely studied in epithelial cell polarity, the number of tissues and processes in which it is involved is increasingly growing. Here we discuss the role of the Scribble module in the asymmetric division of Drosophila neuroblasts (NBs), as well as the underlying mechanisms by which those TSGs act in this process. Finally, we also describe what we know about the consequences of mutating these genes in impairing the process of asymmetric NB division and promoting tumor-like overgrowth.

Phase Separation in Asymmetric Cell Division

Asymmetric cell division (ACD) is a conserved strategy for achieving cell diversity. A cell can undergo an intrinsic ACD through asymmetric segregation of cell fate determinants or cellular organelles. Recently, a new biophysical concept known as biomolecular phase separation, through which proteins and/or RNAs autonomously form a highly concentrated non-membrane-enclosed compartment via multivalent interactions, has provided new insights into the assembly and regulation of many membrane-less or membrane-attached organelles. Intriguingly, biomolecular phase separation is suggested to drive asymmetric condensation of cell fate determinants during ACD as well as organization of cellular organelles involved in ACD. In this Perspective, I first summarize recent findings on the molecular basis governing intrinsic ACD. Then I will discuss how ACD might be regulated by formation of dense molecular assemblies via phase separation.

LDL receptor related protein 1 requires the I3 domain of discs-large homolog 1/DLG1 for interaction with the kinesin motor protein KIF13B

KIF13B, a kinesin-3 family motor, was originally identified as GAKIN due to its biochemical interaction with human homolog of Drosophila discs-large tumor suppressor (hDLG1). Unlike its homolog KIF13A, KIF13B contains a carboxyl-terminal CAP-Gly domain. To investigate the function of the CAP-Gly domain, we developed a mouse model that expresses a truncated form of KIF13B protein lacking its CAP-Gly domain (KIF13BΔCG), whereas a second mouse model lacks the full-length KIF13A. Here we show that the KIF13BΔCG mice exhibit relatively higher serum cholesterol consistent with the reduced uptake of [³H]CO-LDL in KIF13BΔCG mouse embryo fibroblasts. The plasma level of factor VIII was not significantly elevated in the KIF13BΔCG mice, suggesting that the CAP-Gly domain region of KIF13B selectively regulates LRP1-mediated lipoprotein endocytosis. No elevation of either serum cholesterol or plasma factor VIII was observed in the full length KIF13A null mouse model. The deletion of the CAP-Gly domain region caused subcellular mislocalization of truncated KIF13B concomitant with the mislocalization of LRP1. Mechanistically, the cytoplasmic domain of LRP1 interacts specifically with the alternatively spliced I₃ domain of DLG1, which complexes with KIF13B via their GUK-MBS domains, respectively. Importantly, double mutant mice generated by crossing KIF13A null and KIF13BΔCG mice suffer from perinatal lethality showing potential craniofacial defects. Together, this study provides first evidence that the carboxyl-terminal region of KIF13B containing the CAP-Gly domain is important for the LRP1-DLG1-KIF13B complex formation with implications in the regulation of metabolism, cell polarity, and development.

Junctional tumor suppressors interact with 14-3-3 proteins to control planar spindle alignment

Nakajima et al. reveal a novel mechanism of planar spindle alignment through junctional tumor suppressors Scrib/Dlg and 14-3-3 proteins in the Drosophila wing disc epithelium. Their results suggest that 14-3-3 proteins interact with Scrib/Dlg to control planar spindle orientation and maintain epithelial architecture.

Proper orientation of the mitotic spindle is essential for cell fate determination, tissue morphogenesis, and homeostasis. During epithelial proliferation, planar spindle alignment ensures the maintenance of polarized tissue architecture, and aberrant spindle orientation can disrupt epithelial integrity. Nevertheless, in vivo mechanisms that restrict the mitotic spindle to the plane of the epithelium remain poorly understood. Here we show that the junction-localized tumor suppressors Scribbled (Scrib) and Discs large (Dlg) control planar spindle orientation via Mud and 14-3-3 proteins in the Drosophila wing disc epithelium. During mitosis, Scrib is required for the junctional localization of Dlg, and both affect mitotic spindle movements. Using coimmunoprecipitation and mass spectrometry, we identify 14-3-3 proteins as Dlg-interacting partners and further report that loss of 14-3-3s causes both abnormal spindle orientation and disruption of epithelial architecture as a consequence of basal cell delamination and apoptosis. Combined, these biochemical and genetic analyses indicate that 14-3-3s function together with Scrib, Dlg, and Mud during planar cell division.

The cortical force-generating machinery: how cortical spindle-pulling forces are generated

The cortical force-generating machinery pulls on dynamic plus-ends of astral microtubules to control spindle position and orientation, which underlie division type specification and cellular patterning in many eukaryotic cells. A prior work identified cytoplasmic dynein, a minus-end directed microtubule motor, as a key conserved unit of the cortical force-generating machinery. Here, I summarize recent structural, biophysical, and cell-biological studies that advance our understanding of how dynein is activated and organized at the mitotic cell cortex to generate functional spindle-pulling forces. In addition, I introduce recent findings of dynein-independent or parallel mechanisms for achieving oriented cell division.

The dynein adaptor Hook2 plays essential roles in mitotic progression and cytokinesis

Hook proteins are evolutionarily conserved dynein adaptors that promote assembly of highly processive dynein-dynactin motor complexes. Mammals express three Hook paralogs, namely Hook1, Hook2, and Hook3, that have distinct subcellular localizations and expectedly, distinct cellular functions. Here we demonstrate that Hook2 binds to and promotes dynein-dynactin assembly specifically during mitosis. During the late G2 phase, Hook2 mediates dynein-dynactin localization at the nuclear envelope (NE), which is required for centrosome anchoring to the NE. Independent of its binding to dynein, Hook2 regulates microtubule nucleation at the centrosome; accordingly, Hook2-depleted cells have reduced astral microtubules and spindle positioning defects. Besides the centrosome, Hook2 localizes to and recruits dynactin and dynein to the central spindle. Dynactin-dependent targeting of centralspindlin complex to the midzone is abrogated upon Hook2 depletion; accordingly, Hook2 depletion results in cytokinesis failure. We find that the zebrafish Hook2 homologue promotes dynein-dynactin association and was essential for zebrafish early development. Together, these results suggest that Hook2 mediates assembly of the dynein-dynactin complex and regulates mitotic progression and cytokinesis.

Regulation of in vivo dynein force production by CDK5 and 14-3-3ε and KIAA0528

Single-molecule cytoplasmic dynein function is well understood, but there are major gaps in mechanistic understanding of cellular dynein regulation. We reported a mode of dynein regulation, force adaptation, where lipid droplets adapt to opposition to motion by increasing the duration and magnitude of force production, and found LIS1 and NudEL to be essential. Adaptation reflects increasing NudEL-LIS1 utilization; here, we hypothesize that such increasing utilization reflects CDK5-mediated NudEL phosphorylation, which increases the dynein-NudEL interaction, and makes force adaptation possible. We report that CDK5, 14-3-3ε, and CDK5 cofactor KIAA0528 together promote NudEL phosphorylation and are essential for force adaptation. By studying the process in COS-1 cells lacking Tau, we avoid confounding neuronal effects of CDK5 on microtubules. Finally, we extend this in vivo regulatory pathway to lysosomes and mitochondria. Ultimately, we show that dynein force adaptation can control the severity of lysosomal tug-of-wars among other intracellular transport functions involving high force.

Dynein plays roles in vesicular, organelle, chromosomal and nuclear transport but so far it is unclear how dynein activity in cells is regulated. Here authors study several dynein cofactors and their role in force adaptation of dynein during lipid droplet, lysosomal, and mitochondrial transport.

Kinesin Khc-73/KIF13B modulates retrograde BMP signaling by influencing endosomal dynamics at the Drosophila neuromuscular junction

Retrograde signaling is essential for neuronal growth, function and survival; however, we know little about how signaling endosomes might be directed from synaptic terminals onto retrograde axonal pathways. We have identified Khc-73, a plus-end directed microtubule motor protein, as a regulator of sorting of endosomes in Drosophila larval motor neurons. The number of synaptic boutons and the amount of neurotransmitter release at the Khc-73 mutant larval neuromuscular junction (NMJ) are normal, but we find a significant decrease in the number of presynaptic release sites. This defect in Khc-73 mutant larvae can be genetically enhanced by a partial genetic loss of Bone Morphogenic Protein (BMP) signaling or suppressed by activation of BMP signaling in motoneurons. Consistently, activation of BMP signaling that normally enhances the accumulation of phosphorylated form of BMP transcription factor Mad in the nuclei, can be suppressed by genetic removal of Khc-73. Using a number of assays including live imaging in larval motor neurons, we show that loss of Khc-73 curbs the ability of retrograde-bound endosomes to leave the synaptic area and join the retrograde axonal pathway. Our findings identify Khc-73 as a regulator of endosomal traffic at the synapse and modulator of retrograde BMP signaling in motoneurons.

NudE regulates dynein at kinetochores but is dispensable for other dynein functions in the C. elegans early embryo

In mitosis, the molecular motor dynein is recruited to kinetochores by the Rod-Zw10-Zwilch complex (RZZ) and Spindly to control spindle assembly checkpoint (SAC) signaling and microtubule attachment. How the ubiquitous dynein co-factors Lis1 and NudE contribute to these functions remains poorly understood. Here, we show that the C. elegans NudE homolog NUD-2 is dispensable for dynein- and LIS-1-dependent mitotic spindle assembly in the zygote. This facilitates functional characterization of kinetochore-localized NUD-2, which is recruited by the CENP-F-like proteins HCP-1 and HCP-2 independently of RZZ-Spindly and dynein-LIS-1. Kinetochore dynein levels are reduced in Δnud-2 embryos, and, as occurs upon RZZ inhibition, loss of NUD-2 delays the formation of load-bearing kinetochore-microtubule attachments and causes chromatin bridges in anaphase. Survival of Δnud-2 embryos requires a functional SAC, and kinetochores without NUD-2 recruit an excess of SAC proteins. Consistent with this, SAC signaling in early Δnud-2 embryos extends mitotic duration and prevents high rates of chromosome mis-segregation. Our results reveal that both NUD-2 and RZZ-Spindly are essential for dynein function at kinetochores, and that the gain in SAC strength during early embryonic development is relevant under conditions that mildly perturb mitosis.

Activation of Discs large by aPKC aligns the mitotic spindle to the polarity axis during asymmetric cell division

Asymmetric division generates cellular diversity by producing daughter cells with different fates. In animals, the mitotic spindle aligns with Par complex polarized fate determinants, ensuring that fate determinant cortical domains are bisected by the cleavage furrow. Here, we investigate the mechanisms that couple spindle orientation to polarity during asymmetric cell division of Drosophila neuroblasts. We find that the tumor suppressor Discs large (Dlg) links the Par complex component atypical Protein Kinase C (aPKC) to the essential spindle orientation factor GukHolder (GukH). Dlg is autoinhibited by an intramolecular interaction between its SH3 and GK domains, preventing Dlg interaction with GukH at cortical sites lacking aPKC. When co-localized with aPKC, Dlg is phosphorylated in its SH3 domain which disrupts autoinhibition and allows GukH recruitment by the GK domain. Our work establishes a molecular connection between the polarity and spindle orientation machineries during asymmetric cell division.

Mitotic control of human papillomavirus genome-containing cells is regulated by the function of the PDZ-binding motif of the E6 oncoprotein

The function of a conserved PDS95/DLG1/ZO1 (PDZ) binding motif (E6 PBM) at the C-termini of E6 oncoproteins of high-risk human papillomavirus (HPV) types contributes to the development of HPV-associated malignancies. Here, using a primary human keratinocyte-based model of the high-risk HPV18 life cycle, we identify a novel link between the E6 PBM and mitotic stability. In cultures containing a mutant genome in which the E6 PBM was deleted there was an increase in the frequency of abnormal mitoses, including multinucleation, compared to cells harboring the wild type HPV18 genome. The loss of the E6 PBM was associated with a significant increase in the frequency of mitotic spindle defects associated with anaphase and telophase. Furthermore, cells carrying this mutant genome had increased chromosome segregation defects and they also exhibited greater levels of genomic instability, as shown by an elevated level of centromere-positive micronuclei. In wild type HPV18 genome-containing organotypic cultures, the majority of mitotic cells reside in the suprabasal layers, in keeping with the hyperplastic morphology of the structures. However, in mutant genome-containing structures a greater proportion of mitotic cells were retained in the basal layer, which were often of undefined polarity, thus correlating with their reduced thickness. We conclude that the ability of E6 to target cellular PDZ proteins plays a critical role in maintaining mitotic stability of HPV infected cells, ensuring stable episome persistence and vegetative amplification.

Protein Complex Assemblies in Epithelial Cell Polarity and Asymmetric Cell Division

Asymmetric local concentration of protein complexes on distinct membrane regions is a fundamental property in numerous biological processes and is a hallmark of cell polarity. Evolutionarily conserved core polarity proteins form specific and dynamic networks to regulate the establishment and maintenance of cell polarity, as well as distinct polarity-driven cellular events. This review focuses on the molecular and structural basis governing regulated formation of several sets of core cell polarity regulatory complexes, as well as their functions in epithelial cell polarization and asymmetric cell division.

Proteome Analysis of Drosophila Mutants Identifies a Regulatory Role for 14-3-3ε in Metabolic Pathways

The evolutionary conserved family of 14-3-3 proteins appears to have a role in integrating numerous intracellular pathways, including signal transduction, intracellular trafficking, and metabolism. However, little is known about how this interactive network might be affected by the direct abrogation of 14-3-3 function. The loss of Drosophila 14-3-3ε resulted in reduced survival of mutants during larval-to-adult transition, which is known to depend on an energy supply coming from the histolysis of fat body tissue. Here we report a differential proteomic analysis of larval fat body tissue at the onset of larval-to-adult transition, with the loss of 14-3-3ε resulting in the altered abundance of 16 proteins. These included proteins linked to protein biosynthesis, glycolysis, tricarboxylic acid cycle, and lipid metabolic pathways. The ecdysone receptor (EcR), which is responsible for initiating the larval-to-adult transition, colocalized with 14-3-3ε in wild-type fat body tissues. The altered protein abundance in 14-3-3ε mutant fat body tissue was associated with transcriptional deregulation of alcohol dehydrogenase, fat body protein 1, and lamin genes, which are known targets of the EcR. This study indicates that 14-3-3ε has a critical role in cellular metabolism involving either molecular crosstalk with the EcR or direct interaction with metabolic proteins.

Molecular motors and nuclear movements in muscle

Muscle fibers have the particularity of containing numerous nuclei evenly distributed and positioned next to the plasma membrane. This unique disposition is the result of sequential events of nuclear movements that start when myoblasts fuse together and end with the clustering of few nuclei under the neuromuscular junction. Nuclei are mispositioned in multiple muscle disorders therefore the mechanisms of nuclear positioning can be novel targets for muscle disorders therapies. The 2 first nuclear movements that occur upon myoblast fusion require different microtubule motors. We performed a siRNA screen against all the microtubules motors and quantified nuclei behavior after fusion and inside the myotube. The different motors we found to be involved in the nuclear behaviors and the analysis of motors expression suggest a competition between both movement mechanisms, which potentially relies on the discrepancy between myoblast and myotube microtubules stability.

Spindle orientation: a question of complex positioning

The direction in which a cell divides is determined by the orientation of its mitotic spindle at metaphase. Spindle orientation is therefore important for a wide range of developmental processes, ranging from germline stem cell division to epithelial tissue homeostasis and regeneration. In multiple cell types in multiple animals, spindle orientation is controlled by a conserved biological machine that mediates a pulling force on astral microtubules. Restricting the localization of this machine to only specific regions of the cortex can thus determine how the mitotic spindle is oriented. As we review here, recent findings based on studies in tunicate, worm, fly and vertebrate cells have revealed that the mechanisms for mediating this restriction are surprisingly diverse.

Microtubule motors involved in nuclear movement during skeletal muscle differentiation

Nuclear mispositioning in muscle is often associated with muscular diseases, but little is known about the mechanisms governing nuclear motion in these cells. A screen is presented for molecular motors involved in moving nuclei during myofiber differentiation.

Nuclear positioning is a determining event in several cellular processes, such as fertilization, cell migration, and cell differentiation. The structure and function of muscle cells, which contain hundreds of nuclei, have been shown to rely in part on proper nuclear positioning. Remarkably, in the course of muscle differentiation, nuclear movements along the myotube axis might represent the event required for the even positioning of nuclei in the mature myofiber. Here we analyze nuclear behavior, time in motion, speed, and alignment during myotube differentiation and temporal interference of cytoskeletal microtubule-related motors. Using specific inhibitors, we find that nuclear movement and alignment are microtubule dependent, with 19 microtubule motor proteins implicated in at least one nuclear behavior. We further focus on Kif1c, Kif5b, kif9, kif21b, and Kif1a, which affect nuclear alignment. These results emphasize the different roles of molecular motors in particular mechanisms.

The Light Intermediate Chain 2 Subpopulation of Dynein Regulates Mitotic Spindle Orientation

Cytoplasmic dynein 1 is a multi-protein intracellular motor essential for mediating several mitotic functions, including the establishment of proper spindle orientation. The functional relevance and mechanistic distinctions between two discrete dynein subpopulations distinguished only by Light Intermediate Chain (LIC) homologues, LIC1 and LIC2 is unknown during mitosis. Here, we identify LIC2-dynein as the major mediator of proper spindle orientation and uncover its underlying molecular mechanism. Cortically localized dynein, essential for maintaining correct spindle orientation, consists majorly of LIC2-dynein, which interacts with cortical 14-3-3 ε- ζ and Par3, conserved proteins required for orienting the spindle. LIC2-dynein is also responsible for the majority of dynein-mediated asymmetric poleward transport of NuMA, helping focus microtubule minus ends. In addition, LIC2-dynein dominates in equatorially aligning chromosomes at metaphase and in regulating mitotic spindle length. Key mitotic functions of LIC2 were remarkably conserved in and essential for early embryonic divisions and development in zebrafish. Thus LIC2-dynein exclusively engages with two major cortical pathways to govern spindle orientation. Overall, we identify a novel selectivity of molecular interactions between the two LICs in mitosis as the underlying basis for their uneven distribution of labour in ensuring proper spindle orientation.

An Atypical MAGUK GK Target Recognition Mode Revealed by the Interaction between DLG and KIF13B

The membrane-associated guanylate kinase (MAGUK) scaffold proteins share a signature guanylate kinase (GK) domain. Despite their diverse functional roles in cell polarity control and synaptic signaling, the currently known mode of action of MAGUK GK is via its binding to phosphorylated short peptides from target proteins. Here, we discover that the GK domain of DLG MAGUK binds to an unphosphorylated and autonomously folded domain within the stalk region (MAGUK binding stalk [MBS] domain) of a kinesin motor KIF13B with high specificity and affinity. The structure of DLG4 GK in complex with KIF13B MBS reveals the molecular mechanism governing this atypical GK/target recognition mode and provides insights into DLG/KIF13B complex-mediated regulation of diverse cellular processes such as asymmetric cell division. We further show that binding to non-phosphorylated targets is another general property of MAGUK GKs, thus expanding the mechanisms of action of the MAGUK family proteins.

Cell Fate Decision Making through Oriented Cell Division

The ability to dictate cell fate decisions is critical during animal development. Moreover, faithful execution of this process ensures proper tissue homeostasis throughout adulthood, whereas defects in the molecular machinery involved may contribute to disease. Evolutionarily conserved protein complexes control cell fate decisions across diverse tissues. Maintaining proper daughter cell inheritance patterns of these determinants during mitosis is therefore a fundamental step of the cell fate decision-making process. In this review, we will discuss two key aspects of this fate determinant segregation activity, cortical cell polarity and mitotic spindle orientation, and how they operate together to produce oriented cell divisions that ultimately influence daughter cell fate. Our focus will be directed at the principal underlying molecular mechanisms and the specific cell fate decisions they have been shown to control.

Establishment of Par-Polarized Cortical Domains via Phosphoregulated Membrane Motifs

The Par polarity complex creates mutually exclusive cortical domains in diverse animal cells. Activity of the atypical protein kinase C (aPKC) is a key output of the Par complex as phosphorylation removes substrates from the Par domain. Here, we investigate how diverse, apparently unrelated Par substrates couple phosphorylation to cortical displacement. Each protein contains a basic and hydrophobic (BH) motif that interacts directly with phospholipids and also overlaps with aPKC phosphorylation sites. Phosphorylation alters the electrostatic character of the sequence, inhibiting interaction with phospholipids and the cell cortex. We searched for overlapping BH and aPKC phosphorylation site motifs (i.e., putative phosphoregulated BH motifs) in several animal proteomes. Candidate proteins with strong PRBH signals associated with the cell cortex but were displaced into the cytoplasm by aPKC. These findings demonstrate a potentially general mechanism for exclusion of proteins from the Par cortical domain in polarized cells.

A Par-1-Par-3-Centrosome Cell Polarity Pathway and Its Tuning for Isotropic Cell Adhesion

To form regulated barriers between body compartments, epithelial cells polarize into apical and basolateral domains and assemble adherens junctions (AJs). Despite close links with polarity networks that generate single polarized domains, AJs distribute isotropically around the cell circumference for adhesion with all neighboring cells [1-3]. How AJs avoid the influence of polarity networks to maintain their isotropy has been unclear. In established epithelia, trans cadherin interactions could maintain AJ isotropy [4], but AJs are dynamic during epithelial development and remodeling [5, 6], and thus specific mechanisms may control their isotropy. In Drosophila, aPKC prevents hyper-polarization of junctions as epithelia develop from cellularization to gastrulation [7]. Here, we show that aPKC does so by inhibiting a positive feedback loop between Bazooka (Baz)/Par-3, a junctional organizer [5, 8-10], and centrosomes. Without aPKC, Baz and centrosomes lose their isotropic distributions and recruit each other to single plasma membrane (PM) domains. Surprisingly, our loss- and gain-of-function analyses show that the Baz-centrosome positive feedback loop is driven by Par-1, a kinase known to phosphorylate Baz and inhibit its basolateral localization [8, 11, 12]. We find that Par-1 promotes the positive feedback loop through both centrosome microtubule effects and Baz phosphorylation. Normally, aPKC attenuates the circuit by expelling Par-1 from the apical domain at gastrulation. The combination of local activation and global inhibition is a common polarization strategy [13-16]. Par-1 seems to couple both effects for a potent Baz polarization mechanism that is regulated for the isotropy of Baz and AJs around the cell circumference.

Huntingtin regulates mammary stem cell division and differentiation

Little is known about the mechanisms of mitotic spindle orientation during mammary gland morphogenesis. Here, we report the presence of huntingtin, the protein mutated in Huntington’s disease, in mouse mammary basal and luminal cells throughout mammogenesis. Keratin 5-driven depletion of huntingtin results in a decreased pool and specification of basal and luminal progenitors, and altered mammary morphogenesis. Analysis of mitosis in huntingtin-depleted basal progenitors reveals mitotic spindle misorientation. In mammary cell culture, huntingtin regulates spindle orientation in a dynein-dependent manner. Huntingtin is targeted to spindle poles through its interaction with dynein and promotes the accumulation of NUMA and LGN. Huntingtin is also essential for the cortical localization of dynein, dynactin, NUMA, and LGN by regulating their kinesin 1-dependent trafficking along astral microtubules. We thus suggest that huntingtin is a component of the pathway regulating the orientation of mammary stem cell division, with potential implications for their self-renewal and differentiation properties.

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HTT regulates MaSC self-renewal and cell fate specification

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HTT is essential for mammary epithelial morphogenesis in vivo

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HTT regulates spindle orientation in a dynein-dependent manner

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HTT mediates the cortical localization of dynein/dynactin/LGN/NUMA through kinesin 1