Nuclear DNA helicase II (RNA helicase A) binds to an F-actin containing shell that surrounds the nucleolus

Ultrastructural analysis in yeast reveals a meiosis-specific actin-containing nuclear bundle

Actin polymerises to form filaments/cables for motility, transport, and the structural framework in a cell. Recent studies show that actin polymers are present not only in the cytoplasm but also in the nuclei of vertebrate cells. Here, we show, by electron microscopic observation with rapid freezing and high-pressure freezing, a unique bundled structure containing actin in the nuclei of budding yeast cells undergoing meiosis. The nuclear bundle during meiosis consists of multiple filaments with a rectangular lattice arrangement, often showing a feather-like appearance. The bundle was immunolabelled with an anti-actin antibody and was sensitive to an actin-depolymerising drug. Similar to cytoplasmic bundles, nuclear bundles are rarely seen in premeiotic cells and spores and are induced during meiotic prophase-I. The formation of the nuclear bundle is independent of DNA double-stranded breaks. We speculate that nuclear bundles containing actin play a role in nuclear events during meiotic prophase I.

Identification of DHX9 as a cell cycle regulated nucleolar recruitment factor for CIZ1

CIP1-interacting zinc finger protein 1 (CIZ1) is a nuclear matrix associated protein that facilitates a number of nuclear functions including initiation of DNA replication, epigenetic maintenance and associates with the inactive X-chromosome. Here, to gain more insight into the protein networks that underpin this diverse functionality, molecular panning and mass spectrometry are used to identify protein interaction partners of CIZ1, and CIZ1 replication domain (CIZ1-RD). STRING analysis of CIZ1 interaction partners identified 2 functional clusters: ribosomal subunits and nucleolar proteins including the DEAD box helicases, DHX9, DDX5 and DDX17. DHX9 shares common functions with CIZ1, including interaction with XIST long-non-coding RNA, epigenetic maintenance and regulation of DNA replication. Functional characterisation of the CIZ1-DHX9 complex showed that CIZ1-DHX9 interact in vitro and dynamically colocalise within the nucleolus from early to mid S-phase. CIZ1-DHX9 nucleolar colocalisation is dependent upon RNA polymerase I activity and is abolished by depletion of DHX9. In addition, depletion of DHX9 reduced cell cycle progression from G1 to S-phase in mouse fibroblasts. The data suggest that DHX9-CIZ1 are required for efficient cell cycle progression at the G1/S transition and that nucleolar recruitment is integral to their mechanism of action.

HuR translocation to the cytoplasm of cancer cells in actin-independent manner

Human antigen R (HuR) is a RNA-binding protein, which binds to the AU-rich element (ARE) in the 3'-untranslated region (3'-UTR) of certain mRNA and is involved in the export and stabilization of ARE-mRNA. HuR constitutively relocates to the cytoplasm in many cancer cells, however the mechanism of intracellular HuR trafficking is poorly understood. To address this question, we examined the functional role of the cytoskeleton in HuR relocalization. We tested the effect of actin depolymerizing macrolide latrunculin A or myosin II ATPase activity inhibitor blebbistatin for HuR relocalization induced by the vasoactive hormone Angiotensin II in cancer and control normal cells. Western blot and confocal imaging data revealed that both inhibitors attenuated the cytoplasmic HuR in normal cells but no such alteration was observed in cancer cells. Concomitant with changes in intracellular HuR localization, both inhibitors markedly decreased the accumulation and half-lives of HuR target ARE-mRNAs in normal cells, whereas no change was observed in cancer cells. Furthermore, co-immunoprecipitation experiments with HuR proteins revealed clear physical interaction with ß-actin only in normal cells. The current study is the first to verify that cancer cells can implicate a microfilament independent HuR transport. We hypothesized that when cytoskeleton structure is impaired, cancer cells can acquire an alternative HuR trafficking strategy.

The biology of DHX9 and its potential as a therapeutic target

DHX9 is member of the DExD/H-box family of helicases with a “DEIH” sequence at its eponymous DExH-box motif. Initially purified from human and bovine cells and identified as a homologue of the Drosophila Maleless (MLE) protein, it is an NTP-dependent helicase consisting of a conserved helicase core domain, two double-stranded RNA-binding domains at the N-terminus, and a nuclear transport domain and a single-stranded DNA-binding RGG-box at the C-terminus. With an ability to unwind DNA and RNA duplexes, as well as more complex nucleic acid structures, DHX9 appears to play a central role in many cellular processes. Its functions include regulation of DNA replication, transcription, translation, microRNA biogenesis, RNA processing and transport, and maintenance of genomic stability. Because of its central role in gene regulation and RNA metabolism, there are growing implications for DHX9 in human diseases and their treatment. This review will provide an overview of the structure, biochemistry, and biology of DHX9, its role in cancer and other human diseases, and the possibility of targeting DHX9 in chemotherapy.

The RNA helicase DHX9 establishes nucleolar heterochromatin, and this activity is required for embryonic stem cell differentiation

Long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) have been implicated in the regulation of chromatin conformation and epigenetic patterns. lncRNA expression levels are widely taken as an indicator for functional properties. However, the role of RNA processing in modulating distinct features of the same lncRNA is less understood. The establishment of heterochromatin at rRNA genes depends on the processing of IGS-rRNA into pRNA, a reaction that is impaired in embryonic stem cells (ESCs) and activated only upon differentiation. The production of mature pRNA is essential since it guides the repressor TIP5 to rRNA genes, and IGS-rRNA abolishes this process. Through screening for IGS-rRNA-binding proteins, we here identify the RNA helicase DHX9 as a regulator of pRNA processing. DHX9 binds to rRNA genes only upon ESC differentiation and its activity guides TIP5 to rRNA genes and establishes heterochromatin. Remarkably, ESCs depleted of DHX9 are unable to differentiate and this phenotype is reverted by the addition of pRNA, whereas providing IGS-rRNA and pRNA mutants deficient for TIP5 binding are not sufficient. Our results reveal insights into lncRNA biogenesis during development and support a model in which the state of rRNA gene chromatin is part of the regulatory network that controls exit from pluripotency and initiation of differentiation pathways.

ABH2 couples regulation of ribosomal DNA transcription with DNA alkylation repair

Transcription has been linked to DNA damage. How the most highly transcribed mammalian ribosomal (rDNA) genes maintain genome integrity in the absence of transcription-coupled DNA damage repair is poorly understood. Here, we report that ABH2/ALKBH2, a DNA alkylation repair enzyme, is highly enriched in the nucleolus. ABH2 interacts with DNA repair proteins Ku70 and Ku80 as well as nucleolar proteins nucleolin, nucleophosmin 1, and upstream binding factor (UBF). ABH2 associates with and promotes rDNA transcription through its DNA repair activity. ABH2 knockdown impairs rDNA transcription and leads to increased single-stranded and double-stranded DNA breaks that are more pronounced in the rDNA genes, whereas ABH2 overexpression protects cells from methyl-methanesulfonate-induced DNA damage and inhibition of rDNA transcription. In response to massive alkylation damage, ABH2 rapidly redistributes from the nucleolus to nucleoplasm. Our study thus reveals a critical role of ABH2 in maintaining rDNA gene integrity and transcription and provides insight into the ABH2 DNA repair function.

RNA-dependent association with myosin IIA promotes F-actin-guided trafficking of the ELAV-like protein HuR to polysomes

The role of the mRNA-binding protein human antigen R (HuR) in stabilization and translation of AU-rich elements (ARE) containing mRNAs is well established. However, the trafficking of HuR and bound mRNA cargo, which comprises a fundamental requirement for the aforementioned HuR functions is only poorly understood. By administering different cytoskeletal inhibitors, we found that the protein kinase Cδ (PKCδ)-triggered accumulation of cytoplasmic HuR by Angiotensin II (AngII) is an actin-myosin driven process functionally relevant for stabilization of ARE-bearing mRNAs. Furthermore, we show that the AngII-induced recruitment of HuR and its bound mRNA from ribonucleoprotein particles to free and cytoskeleton bound polysomes strongly depended on an intact actomyosin cytoskeleton. In addition, HuR allocation to free and cytoskeletal bound polysomes is highly sensitive toward RNase and PPtase and structurally depends on serine 318 (S318) located within the C-terminal RNA recognition motif (RRM3). Conversely, the trafficking of the phosphomimetic HuRS318D, mimicking HuR phosphorylation at S318 by the PKCδ remained PPtase resistant. Co-immunoprecipitation experiments with truncated HuR proteins revealed that the stimulus-induced association of HuR with myosin IIA is strictly RNA dependent and mediated via the RRM3. Our data implicate a microfilament dependent transport of HuR, which is relevant for stimulus-induced targeting of ARE-bearing mRNAs from translational inactive ribonucleoprotein particles to polysomes.

DExD/H-box RNA helicases in ribosome biogenesis

Ribosome synthesis requires a multitude of cofactors, among them DExD/H-box RNA helicases. Bacterial RNA helicases involved in ribosome assembly are not essential, while eukaryotes strictly require multiple DExD/H-box proteins that are involved in the much more complex ribosome biogenesis pathway. Here, RNA helicases are thought to act in structural remodeling of the RNPs including the modulation of protein binding, and they are required for allowing access or the release of specific snoRNPs from pre-ribosomes. Interestingly, helicase action is modulated by specific cofactors that can regulate recruitment and enzymatic activity. This review summarizes the current knowledge and focuses on recent findings and open questions on RNA helicase function and regulation in ribosome synthesis.

Nucleolin inhibits G4 oligonucleotide unwinding by Werner helicase

BACKGROUND

The Werner protein (WRNp), a member of the RecQ helicase family, is strongly associated with the nucleolus, as is nucleolin (NCL), an important nucleolar constituent protein. Both WRNp and NCL respond to the effects of DNA damaging agents. Therefore, we have investigated if these nuclear proteins interact and if this interaction has a possible functional significance in DNA damage repair.

METHODOLOGY/PRINCIPAL FINDINGS

Here we report that WRNp interacts with the RNA-binding protein, NCL, based on immunoprecipitation, immunofluorescent co-localization in live and fixed cells, and direct binding of purified WRNp to nucleolin. We also map the binding region to the C-terminal domains of both proteins. Furthermore, treatment of U2OS cells with 15 µM of the Topoisomerase I inhibitor, camptothecin, causes the dissociation of the nucleolin-Werner complex in the nucleolus, followed by partial re-association in the nucleoplasm. Other DNA damaging agents, such as hydroxyurea, Mitomycin C, and aphidicolin do not have these effects. Nucleolin or its C-terminal fragment affected the helicase, but not the exonuclease activity of WRNp, by inhibiting WRN unwinding of G4 tetraplex DNA structures, as seen in activity assays and electrophoretic mobility shift assays (EMSA).

CONCLUSIONS/SIGNIFICANCE

These data suggest that nucleolin may regulate G4 DNA unwinding by WRNp, possibly in response to certain DNA damaging agents. We postulate that the NCL-WRNp complex may contain an inactive form of WRNp, which is released from the nucleolus upon DNA damage. Then, when required, WRNp is released from inhibition and can participate in the DNA repair processes.

Direct evidence of nuclear Argonaute distribution during transcriptional silencing links the actin cytoskeleton to nuclear RNAi machinery in human cells

Mammalian RNAi machinery facilitating transcriptional gene silencing (TGS) is the RNA-induced transcriptional gene silencing-like (RITS-like) complex, comprising of Argonaute (Ago) and small interfering RNA (siRNA) components. We have previously demonstrated promoter-targeted siRNA induce TGS in human immunodeficiency virus type-1 (HIV-1) and simian immunodeficiency virus (SIV), which profoundly suppresses retrovirus replication via heterochromatin formation and histone methylation. Here, we examine subcellular co-localization of Ago proteins with promoter-targeted siRNAs during TGS of SIV and HIV-1 infection. Analysis of retrovirus-infected cells revealed Ago1 co-localized with siRNA in the nucleus, while Ago2 co-localized with siRNA in the inner nuclear envelope. Mismatched and scrambled siRNAs were observed in the cytoplasm, indicating sequence specificity. This is the first report directly visualizing nuclear compartment distribution of Ago-associated siRNA and further reveals a novel nuclear trafficking mechanism for RITS-like components involving the actin cytoskeleton. These results establish a model for elucidating mammalian TGS and suggest a fundamental mechanism underlying nuclear delivery of RITS-like components.

Cell cycle-dependent expression and subcellular localization of fructose 1,6-bisphosphatase

Recently a gluconeogenic enzyme was discovered—fructose 1,6-bisphosphatase (FBPase)—that localizes in the nucleus of a proliferating cell, but its physiological role in this compartment remains unclear. Here, we demonstrate the link between nuclear localization of FBPase and the cell cycle progression. Results of our studies indicate that in human and mouse squamous cell lung cancer, as well as in the HL-1 cardiomyocytes, FBPase nuclear localization correlates with nuclear localization of S and G2 phase cyclins. Additionally, activity and expression of the enzyme depends on cell cycle stages. Identification of FBPase interacting partners with mass spectrometry reveals a set of nuclear proteins involved in cell cycle regulation, mRNA processing and in stabilization of genomic DNA structure. To our knowledge, this is the first experimental evidence that muscle FBPase is involved in cell cycle events.

Actin and Diseases of the Nervous System

Abnormal regulation of the actin cytoskeleton results in several pathological conditions affecting primarily the nervous system. Those of genetic origin arise during development, but others manifest later in life. Actin regulation is also affected profoundly by environmental factors that can have sustained consequences for the nervous system. Those consequences follow from the fact that the actin cytoskeleton is essential for a multitude of cell biological functions ranging from neuronal migration in cortical development and dendritic spine formation to NMDA receptor activity in learning and alcoholism. Improper regulation of actin, causing aggregation, can contribute to the neurodegeneration of amyloidopathies, such as Down's syndrome and Alzheimer's disease. Much progress has been made in understanding the molecular basis of these diseases.

Identification of proteins associated with ligand-activated estrogen receptor α in human breast cancer cell nuclei by tandem affinity purification and nano LC-MS/MS

Estrogen receptor α (ER-α) is a key mediator of estrogen actions in breast cancer (BC) cells. Understanding the effects of ligand-activated ER-α in target cells requires identification of the molecular partners acting in concert with this nuclear receptor to transduce the hormonal signal. We applied tandem affinity purification (TAP), glycerol gradient centrifugation and MS analysis to isolate and identify proteins interacting with ligand-activated ER-α in MCF-7 cell nuclei. This led to the identification of 264 ER-associated proteins, whose functions highlight the hinge role of ER-α in the coordination of multiple hormone-regulated nuclear processes in BC cells.

The long journey of actin and actin-associated proteins from genes to polysomes

During gene expression, multiple regulatory steps make sure that alterations of chromatin structure are synchronized with RNA synthesis, co-transcriptional assembly of ribonucleoprotein complexes, transport to the cytoplasm and localized translation. These events are controlled by large multiprotein complexes commonly referred to as molecular machines, which are specialized and at the same time display a highly dynamic protein composition. The crosstalk between these molecular machines is essential for efficient RNA biogenesis. Actin has been recently proposed to be an important factor throughout the entire RNA biogenesis pathway as a component of chromatin remodeling complexes, associated with all eukaryotic RNA polymerases as well as precursor and mature ribonucleoprotein complexes. The aim of this review is to present evidence on the involvement of actin and actin-associated proteins in RNA biogenesis and propose integrative models supporting the view that actin facilitates coordination of the different steps in gene expression.

RNA helicase A acts as a bridging factor linking nuclear β-actin with RNA polymerase II

Actin, the major component of the cytoplasmic skeleton, has been shown to exist in the nucleus. Nuclear actin functions in several steps of the transcription process, including chromatin remodelling and transcription initiation and elongation. However, as a part of PICs (pre-initiation complexes), the role of actin remains to be elucidated. In the present study, we identified RHA (RNA helicase A) as an actin-interacting protein in PICs. Using immunoprecipitation and immunofluorescence techniques, we have shown that RHA associates with β-actin in the nucleus. A GST (glutathione transferase) pulldown assay using different deletion mutants revealed that the RGG (Arg-Gly-Gly) region of RHA was responsible for the interaction with β-actin, and this dominant-negative mutant reduced the recruitment of Pol II (RNA polymerase II) into PICs. Moreover, overexpression or depletion of RHA could influence the interaction of Pol II with β-actin and β-actin-involved gene transcription regulation. These results suggest that RHA acts as a bridging factor linking nuclear β-actin with Pol II.

DNA-dependent protein kinase (DNA-PK)-dependent cisplatin-induced loss of nucleolar facilitator of chromatin transcription (FACT) and regulation of cisplatin sensitivity by DNA-PK and FACT

Both the Ku subunit of the DNA-dependent protein kinase (DNA-PK) and the facilitator of chromatin transcription (FACT) complex reportedly bind cisplatin-DNA adducts. For this study, we developed an immunocytochemical assay based on detergent extraction allowing unveiling nucleolar subpopulations of proteins present in both the nucleoplasm and the nucleolus. Immunofluorescence analysis in various human cancer cell lines and immunoblotting of isolated nucleoli show that DNA-PK catalytic subunit (DNA-PKcs), Ku86, the Werner syndrome protein (WRN), and the structure-specific recognition protein 1 (SSRP1) subunit of FACT colocalize in the nucleolus and exit the nucleolus after cisplatin treatment. Nucleolar localization of Ku is also lost after gamma or UV irradiation and exposure to DNA-damaging drugs, such as actinomycin D, mitomycin C, hydroxyurea, and doxorubicin. Ku86 and WRN leave the nucleolus after exposure to low (>1 microg/mL) doses of cisplatin. In contrast, the SSRP1 association with the nucleolus was disrupted only by high (50-100 microg/mL) doses of cisplatin. Both cisplatin-induced loss of nucleolar SSRP1 and DNA-PK activation are suppressed by pretreatment of the cells with wortmannin or the DNA-PK inhibitor NU7026 but not by the phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase inhibitor LY294002. In the same conditions, kinase inhibitors did not alter the exit of DNA-PKcs and WRN, suggesting that different mechanisms regulate the exit of DNA-PK/WRN and FACT from the nucleolus. Furthermore, RNA silencing of DNA-PKcs blocked the cisplatin-induced exit of nucleolar SSRP1. Finally, silencing of DNA-PKcs or SSRP1 by short hairpin RNA significantly increased the sensitivity of cancer cells to cisplatin.

Guanine nucleotide depletion mediates translocation of nucleolar proteins, including RNA helicase A (DHX-9)

DHX-9, a member of the DEXH family of RNA helicases, unwinds dsRNA/dsDNA by ATP or GTP-dependent hydrolysis. We asked whether DHX-9 played a role in the GTP depletion-induced inhibition of rRNA synthesis and/or nucleolar disruption. MPA, a specific inhibitor of inosine monophosphate dehydrogenase (IMPDH), induced a rapid translocation of DHX-9 from the nucleolus to the nucleus. EGFP-tagged DHX-9 mutated at the GTP binding site also localized to the nucleus. However, knockdown of DHX-9 by siRNA did not inhibit the rRNA synthesis or cause the nucleolar disruption. Thus, DHX-9 translocation found with IMPDH inhibition does not mediate the inhibition of rRNA synthesis.

The F-actin filament capping protein CapG is a bona fide nucleolar protein

Actin works in concert with myosin I to regulate the transcription of ribosomal genes in the nucleolus. Recently, nucleolar actin has been shown to be active in its polymeric form raising the question how actin dynamics is regulated in the nucleolus. Here, we show that the actin capping protein CapG localizes in the nucleolus of cultured cells. CapG transport to the nucleolus is an active and ATP-dependent process. Association of CapG with the nucleolus requires active RNA Polymerase I transcription. In addition, we show that activated Ran GTPase, an interaction partner of CapG, is also transported to the nucleolus. A constitutively active Ran mutant promotes CapG accumulation in the nucleolus indicating that CapG transport to the nucleolus can be supported by Ran. Our results suggest that filamentous actin in the nucleolus might be regulated by actin binding proteins such as CapG.

Molecular determinants of nucleolar translocation of RNA helicase A

RNA helicase A (RHA) is a member of the DEAH-box family of DNA/RNA helicases involved in multiple cellular processes and the life cycles of many viruses. The subcellular localization of RHA is dynamic despite its steady-state concentration in the nucleoplasm. We have previously shown that it shuttles rapidly between the nucleus and the cytoplasm by virtue of a bidirectional nuclear transport domain (NTD) located in its carboxyl terminus. Here, we investigate the molecular determinants for its translocation within the nucleus and, more specifically, its redistribution from the nucleoplasm to nucleolus or the perinucleolar region. We found that low temperature treatment, transcription inhibition or replication of hepatitis C virus caused the intranuclear redistribution of the protein, suggesting that RHA shuttles between the nucleolus and nucleoplasm and becomes trapped in the nucleolus or the perinucleolar region upon blockade of transport to the nucleoplasm. Both the NTD and ATPase activity were essential for RHA's transport to the nucleolus or perinucleolar region. One of the double-stranded RNA binding domains (dsRBD II) was also required for this nucleolar translocation (NoT) phenotype. RNA interference studies revealed that RHA is essential for survival of cultured hepatoma cells and the ATPase activity appears to be important for this critical role.

Substrate-dependent contribution of double-stranded RNA-binding motifs to ADAR2 function

ADAR2 is a double-stranded RNA-specific adenosine deaminase involved in the editing of mammalian RNAs by the site-specific conversion of adenosine to inosine (A-to-I). ADAR2 contains two tandem double-stranded RNA-binding motifs (dsRBMs) that are not only important for efficient editing of RNA substrates but also necessary for localizing ADAR2 to nucleoli. The sequence and structural similarity of these motifs have raised questions regarding the role(s) that each dsRBM plays in ADAR2 function. Here, we demonstrate that the dsRBMs of ADAR2 differ in both their ability to modulate subnuclear localization as well as to promote site-selective A-to-I conversion. Surprisingly, dsRBM1 contributes to editing activity in a substrate-dependent manner, indicating that dsRBMs recognize distinct structural determinants in each RNA substrate. Although dsRBM2 is essential for the editing of all substrates examined, a point mutation in this motif affects editing for only a subset of RNAs, suggesting that dsRBM2 uses unique sets of amino acid(s) for functional interactions with different RNA targets. The dsRBMs of ADAR2 are interchangeable for subnuclear targeting, yet such motif alterations do not support site-selective editing, indicating that the unique binding preferences of each dsRBM differentially contribute to their pleiotropic function.

The septin-binding protein anillin is overexpressed in diverse human tumors

Anillin is an actin-binding protein that can bind septins and is a component of the cytokinetic ring. We assessed the anillin expression in 7,579 human tissue samples and cell lines by DNA microarray analysis. Anillin is expressed ubiquitously but with variable levels of expression, being highest in the central nervous system. The median level of anillin mRNA expression was higher in tumors than normal tissues (median fold increase 2.58; 95% confidence intervals, 2.19-5.68, P < 0.0001) except in the central nervous system where anillin mRNA levels were lower in tumors. We developed a sensitive reverse transcription-PCR strategy to show that anillin mRNA is expressed in cell lines and in cDNA panels derived from fetal and adult tissues, thus validating the microarray data. We compared anillin with Ki67 mRNA expression and found a significant linear relationship between anillin and Ki67 mRNA expression (Spearmann r approximately 0.6, P < 0.0001). Anillin mRNA expression was analyzed during tumor progression in breast, ovarian, kidney, colorectal, hepatic, lung, endometrial, and pancreatic tumors and in all tissues there was progressive increase in anillin mRNA expression from normal to benign to malignant to metastatic disease. Finally, we used anti-anillin sera and found nuclear anillin immunoreactivity to be widespread in normal tissues, often not correlating with proliferative compartments. These data provide insight into the existence of nonproliferation-associated activities of anillin and roles in interphase nuclei. Thus, anillin is overexpressed in diverse common human tumors, but not simply as a consequence of being a proliferation marker. Anillin may have potential as a novel biomarker.

Re-localization of nuclear DNA helicase II during the growth period of bovine oocytes

Nuclear DNA helicase II (NDH II) is the bovine homolog of human RNA helicase A. The aim of this study was to compare NDH II localization between somatic cells (bovine embryonal fibroblasts) and female germ cells (oocytes), with the main focus on the dynamic changes in the redistribution of NDH II during the growth phase of the bovine oocytes. The fine granular staining of NDH II was spread in the whole nucleoplasm of fibroblasts, excluding the reticulated nucleoli. In contrast, the large reticulated nucleoli of the growing oocytes isolated from early antral follicles exhibited strong positivity for NDH II together with the immunostaining signals of upstream binding factor (UBF) and RNA polymerase I subunit (PAF53), documenting the high synthetic activity of these nucleoli. At the time of termination of oocyte growth, NDH II was preferentially located at the nucleolar periphery together with proteins of fibrillar centres. In fully grown oocytes, NDH II was still present in the thin periphery shell around the compact nucleolar core. The semiquantitative RT-PCR revealed that the average signal of NDH II mRNA in fully grown oocytes was only at 40% level in comparison with growing oocytes. Western blot analysis further confirmed that a 140 kD NDH II protein was abundant in growing oocytes, while the signal was substantially weaker in fully grown oocytes. The significant decrease in NDH II gene expression and in NDH II mRNA translation correlates with a termination of the oocyte growth. Altogether, the results demonstrate that NDH II expression parallels the activity of ribosomal RNA biosynthesis in the bovine growing oocytes.

Discovering high mobility group A molecular partners in tumour cells

DNA-based activities rely on an extremely coordinated sequence of events performed by several chromatin-associated proteins which act in concert. High Mobility Group A (HMGA) proteins are non-histone architectural nuclear factors that participate in the regulation of specific genes but they are also believed to have a more general role in chromatin dynamics. The peculiarity of these proteins is their flexibility, both in terms of DNA-binding and in protein-protein interactions. Since these proteins act as core elements in the assembly of multiprotein complexes called enhanceosomes, and have already displayed the ability to interact with several different proteins, we started a proteomic approach for the systematic identification of their molecular partners. By a combination of affinity chromatography, two-dimensional gel electrophoresis and mass spectrometry we have identified about twenty putative HMGA interactors which could be roughly assigned to three different classes: mRNA processing proteins, chromatin remodelling related factors and structural proteins. Direct HMGA interaction with some of these proteins was confirmed by glutathione-S-transferase pull-down assays and the HMGA domain involved was mapped. Blot-overlay experiments reveal that members of the HMGA family share most of their molecular partners but, interestingly, it seems that there are some cell-type specific partners. Taken together, these experimental data indicate that HMGA proteins are highly connected nodes in the chromatin protein network. Since these proteins are strongly implicated with cancer development, the identification of molecules able to perturb the HMGA molecular network could be a possible tool to interfere with their oncogenic activity.

Protein NO52—a constitutive nucleolar component sharing high sequence homologies to protein NO66

The nucleolus is the most prominent intranuclear structure of almost all protein-synthesizing cells. It compromises a well-defined functional compartmentalization and a high complexity of molecular constituents. Here, we report on the identification and molecular characterization of a novel constitutive nucleolar component--protein NO52--that is present in diverse species from Xenopus laevis to human. The cDNA-deduced amino acid sequence of protein NO52 defines a polypeptide of a calculated mass of 52.8 kDa and an isoelectric point of 6.7. Inspection of the primary sequence disclosed that the protein contains a JmjC domain and is highly sequence-related to the recently described nucleolar protein NO66. Immunolocalization studies revealed that protein NO52 is highly concentrated in the granular component of nucleoli and this characteristic intranuclear distribution is significantly affected by treatment of cells with (i) RNase A, (ii) actinomycin D and (iii) serum starvation. Interestingly, protein NO52 has been identified as a constituent of free preribosomal particles but is absent from cytoplasmic ribosomes. Analyses of immunocomplexes isolated from cellular extracts with an NO52-specific antibody by MALDI mass spectrometry further confirmed the interaction of protein NO52 with various ribosomal proteins as well as with a distinct set of non-ribosomal nucleolar proteins. The dependence of the nucleolar accumulation of the protein on ongoing rRNA transcription and the cellular metabolic state strongly suggest that protein NO52 is directly involved in ribosome biogenesis, most likely during the assembly process of preribosomal particles.

Evolution of the gelsolin family of actin-binding proteins as novel transcriptional coactivators

The gelsolin gene family encodes a number of higher eukaryotic actin-binding proteins that are thought to function in the cytoplasm by severing, capping, nucleating or bundling actin filaments. Recent evidence, however, suggests that several members of the gelsolin family may have adopted unexpected nuclear functions including a role in regulating transcription. In particular, flightless I, supervillin and gelsolin itself have roles as coactivators for nuclear receptors, despite the fact that their divergence appears to predate the evolutionary appearance of nuclear receptors. Flightless I has been shown to bind both actin and the actin-related BAF53a protein, which are subunits of SWI/SNF-like chromatin remodelling complexes. The primary sequences of some actin-related proteins such as BAF53a exhibit conservation of residues that, in actin itself, are known to interact with gelsolin-related proteins. In summary, there is a growing body of evidence supporting a biological role in the nucleus for actin, Arps and actin-binding proteins and, in particular, the gelsolin family of actin-binding proteins.

Nuclear βII-Tubulin Associates with the Activated Notch Receptor to Modulate Notch Signaling

The Notch signal pathway plays important roles in proliferation, apoptosis, and differentiation. Abnormalities in Notch signaling are linked to many human diseases. After ligand binding, Notch signaling is activated through the cleavage of Notch receptors to release and translocate the Notch intracellular domain into the nucleus. The Notch1 receptor intracellular domain (N1IC), the activated form of the Notch1 receptor, can modulate downstream target genes via C promoter-binding factor 1-dependent and -independent pathways. To further dissect the Notch1 signaling pathway, we screened the N1IC-associated proteins using a yeast two-hybrid system and identified nuclear beta(II)-tubulin as a candidate for the N1IC-associated proteins. It was suggested that the presence of beta(II)-tubulin in nuclei might be correlated with the cancerous state of cells. However, the function of beta(II)-tubulin locating in the nucleus still is unknown. Herein, we show that the complex of alpha- and beta(II)-tubulin is associated with N1IC in cancer cells by a coimmunoprecipitation analysis. The ankyrin domain of the Notch1 receptor alone was sufficient to associate with beta(II)-tubulin. Furthermore, alpha- and beta(II)-tubulin were localized in the nucleus and formed a complex with N1IC. Treatment with Taxol increased the amounts of nuclear alpha- and beta(II)-tubulin in K562 and HeLa cells and promoted the C promoter-binding factor 1-dependent transactivation activity of N1IC. We also show that nuclear beta(II)-tubulin was bound on the C promoter-binding factor 1 response elements via the association with N1IC. These results suggest that nuclear beta(II)-tubulin can modulate Notch signaling through interaction with N1IC in cancer cells.