The structural basis of Miranda-mediated Staufen localization during Drosophila neuroblast asymmetric division

PACT prevents aberrant activation of PKR by endogenous dsRNA without sequestration

The innate immune sensor PKR for double-stranded RNA (dsRNA) is critical for antiviral defense, but its aberrant activation by cellular dsRNA is linked to various diseases. The dsRNA-binding protein PACT plays a critical yet controversial role in this pathway. We show that PACT directly suppresses PKR activation by endogenous dsRNA ligands, such as inverted-repeat Alu RNAs, which robustly activate PKR in the absence of PACT. Instead of competing for dsRNA binding, PACT prevents PKR from scanning along dsRNA-a necessary step for PKR molecules to encounter and phosphorylate each other for activation. While PKR favors longer dsRNA for increased co-occupancy and scanning-mediated activation, longer dsRNA is also more susceptible to PACT-mediated regulation due to increased PACT-PKR co-occupancy. Unlike viral inhibitors that constitutively suppress PKR, this RNA-dependent mechanism allows PACT to fine-tune PKR activation based on dsRNA length and quantity, ensuring self-tolerance without sequestering most cellular dsRNA.

Cellular and molecular mechanisms of asymmetric stem cell division in tissue homeostasis

The asymmetric cell division determines cell diversity and distinct sibling cell fates by mechanisms linked to mitosis. Many adult stem cells divide asymmetrically to balance self-renewal and differentiation. The process of asymmetric cell division involves an axis of polarity and, second, the localization of cell fate determinants at the cell poles. Asymmetric division of stem cells is achieved by intrinsic and extrinsic fate determinants such as signaling molecules, epigenetics factors, molecules regulating gene expression, and polarized organelles. At least some stem cells perform asymmetric and symmetric cell divisions during development. Asymmetric division ensures that the number of stem cells remains constant throughout life. The asymmetric division of stem cells plays an important role in biological events such as embryogenesis, tissue regeneration and carcinogenesis. This review summarizes recent advances in the regulation of asymmetric stem cell division in model organisms.

Utilizing Liquid-liquid phase separation-related lncRNAs to predict the prognosis and treatment response of PCa

BACKGROUND

Studies have indicated a close association between genes linked to liquid-liquid phase separation (LLPS) and the progression of prostate cancer (PCa). However, the interplay among long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) linked to LLPS in PCa remains elusive. Therefore, we constructed a prediction model based on LLPS-related LncRNA in PCa to explore its relationship with the prognosis and drug treatment of PCa.

METHODS

We obtained clinical and sequencing data from TCGA and LLPS genes from the Phase Separation Protein Database. By analyzing the differential expression of LLPS-related genes and lncRNAs in prostate cancer, and using Poisson correlation, we identified LLPS-related lncRNAs. Prognostic LLPS-lncRNAs were found through prognostic correlation analysis and included in a Cox model to compute regression coefficients. Patients were scored and divided into high- and low-risk groups. Independent prognostic factors were integrated into a prognostic nomogram with risk and Gleason scores. We also conducted drug sensitivity analyses, GSEA, and validated the impact of key lncRNAs through functional experiments.

RESULTS

Our study identified five LLPS-associated lncRNAs that are of prognostic importance. And found notable disparities in biochemical recurrence rates and survival outcomes between these risk groups, with the low-risk cohort exhibiting superior prognostic indicators. Moreover, our prediction nomogram demonstrated robust predictive accuracy and significant clinical utility. Furthermore, our model exhibited promising capabilities in forecasting patient sensitivity to various conventional therapeutic drugs, thereby highlighting its potential in personalized treatment strategies. GSEA showed that these lncRNAs may influence PCa prognosis and sensitivity to therapeutic agents by affecting pathways such as cell cycle. Knockdown of AC009812.4 could inhibit the ability of PCa cells to proliferate, migrate and invade, and compare to paracancerous tissue, AC009812.4 in PCa tissue has significantly higher expression.

CONCLUSION

Our research uncovers the prognostic significance of lncRNAs associated with LLPS in PCa and established a model exhibiting excellent predictive accuracy for prognosis. Those lncRNAs may influence progress of PCa as well as sensitivity to therapy drugs through pathways such as cell cycle.

Emerging Roles of RNA-Binding Proteins in Neurodevelopment

Diverse cell types in the central nervous system (CNS) are generated by a relatively small pool of neural stem cells during early development. Spatial and temporal regulation of stem cell behavior relies on precise coordination of gene expression. Well-studied mechanisms include hormone signaling, transcription factor activity, and chromatin remodeling processes. Much less is known about downstream RNA-dependent mechanisms including posttranscriptional regulation, nuclear export, alternative splicing, and transcript stability. These important functions are carried out by RNA-binding proteins (RBPs). Recent work has begun to explore how RBPs contribute to stem cell function and homeostasis, including their role in metabolism, transport, epigenetic regulation, and turnover of target transcripts. Additional layers of complexity are provided by the different target recognition mechanisms of each RBP as well as the posttranslational modifications of the RBPs themselves that alter function. Altogether, these functions allow RBPs to influence various aspects of RNA metabolism to regulate numerous cellular processes. Here we compile advances in RNA biology that have added to our still limited understanding of the role of RBPs in neurodevelopment.

Phase Separation and Mechanical Forces in Regulating Asymmetric Cell Division of Neural Stem Cells

Asymmetric cell division (ACD) of neural stem cells and progenitors not only renews the stem cell population but also ensures the normal development of the nervous system, producing various types of neurons with different shapes and functions in the brain. One major mechanism to achieve ACD is the asymmetric localization and uneven segregation of intracellular proteins and organelles into sibling cells. Recent studies have demonstrated that liquid-liquid phase separation (LLPS) provides a potential mechanism for the formation of membrane-less biomolecular condensates that are asymmetrically distributed on limited membrane regions. Moreover, mechanical forces have emerged as pivotal regulators of asymmetric neural stem cell division by generating sibling cell size asymmetry. In this review, we will summarize recent discoveries of ACD mechanisms driven by LLPS and mechanical forces.

Phase Separation in Cell Polarity

Cells are biochemically and morphologically polarized, which allows them to produce different cell shapes for various functions. Remarkably, some polarity protein complexes are asymmetrically recruited and concentrated on limited membrane regions, which is essential for the establishment and maintenance of diverse cell polarity. Though the components and mutual interactions within these protein complexes have been extensively investigated, how these proteins autonomously concentrate at local membranes and whether they have the same organization mechanism in the condensed assembly as that in aqueous solution remain elusive. A number of recent studies suggest that these highly concentrated polarity protein assemblies are membraneless biomolecular condensates which form through liquid-liquid phase separation (LLPS) of specific proteins. In this perspective, we summarize the LLPS-driven condensed protein assemblies found in asymmetric cell division, epithelial cell polarity, and neuronal synapse formation and function. These findings suggest that LLPS may be a general strategy for cells to achieve local condensation of specific proteins, thus establishing cell polarity.

Strontium regulates stem cell fate during osteogenic differentiation through asymmetric cell division

Strontium, a popular osteogenic component, has been incorporated into various types of orthopaedic biomaterials to enhance bone regeneration. Strontium performs dual effects in promoting bone formation and inhibiting bone resorption. Previous studies have focused on the effects of strontium ions (Sr²⁺) in regulating stem cell behavior to initiate regenerative capacity. However, its mechanisms for regulating the fate and homeostasis of stem cells have not been fully elucidated. In this study, the promotive effect of Sr²⁺ on the osteogenic differentiation of mesenchymal stem cells was confirmed both in vitro and in vivo. Interestingly, in response to Sr²⁺ treatment, stem cells performed asymmetric cell division to balance stemness maintenance and osteogenic differentiation. In initiating osteogenic differentiation, Sr²⁺ maintained more cells in the cell cycle by upregulating the population of S and G2/M phase cells, and this increase in the cell population contributed to enhanced osteogenic differentiation. The divided cells with different cell fates were observed, with one daughter cell maintained stemness, while the other committed to osteogenic lineage. Further investigation revealed that Sr²⁺ activated noncanonical Wnt signaling to regulate the expression and distribution of the Par complex, thus regulating cell division. As a result, the daughter cells committed to different cell fates due to the discriminately activation of osteogenic transcription factors caused by asymmetrically distributed Par3 and aPKC. The results of this study could facilitate the design of biomaterials for bone regeneration by providing a better understanding of cell fate determination regulated by strontium.

Coiled-Coil Motifs of RNA-Binding Proteins: Dynamicity in RNA Regulation

Neuronal granules are biomolecular condensates that concentrate high quantities of RNAs and RNA-related proteins within neurons. These dense packets of information are trafficked from the soma to distal sites rich in polysomes, where local protein synthesis can occur. Movement of neuronal granules to distal sites, and local protein synthesis, play a critical role in synaptic plasticity. The formation of neuronal granules is intriguing; these granules lack a membrane and instead phase separate due to protein and RNA interactions. Low complexity motifs and RNA binding domains are highly prevalent in these proteins. Here, we introduce the role that coiled-coil motifs play in neuronal granule proteins, and investigate the structure-function relationship of coiled-coil proteins in RNA regulation. Interestingly, low complexity domains and coiled-coil motifs are highly dynamic, allowing for increased functional response to environmental influences. Finally, biomolecular condensates have been suggested to drive the formation of toxic, neurodegenerative proteins such as TDP-43 and tau. Here, we review the conversion of coiled-coil motifs to amyloid structures, and speculate a role that neuronal granules play in coiled-coil to amyloid conversions of neurodegenerative proteins.

Liquid-liquid phase separation in biology: mechanisms, physiological functions and human diseases

Cells are compartmentalized by numerous membrane-enclosed organelles and membraneless compartments to ensure that a wide variety of cellular activities occur in a spatially and temporally controlled manner. The molecular mechanisms underlying the dynamics of membrane-bound organelles, such as their fusion and fission, vesicle-mediated trafficking and membrane contactmediated inter-organelle interactions, have been extensively characterized. However, the molecular details of the assembly and functions of membraneless compartments remain elusive. Mounting evidence has emerged recently that a large number of membraneless compartments, collectively called biomacromolecular condensates, are assembled via liquid-liquid phase separation (LLPS). Phase-separated condensates participate in various biological activities, including higher-order chromatin organization, gene expression, triage of misfolded or unwanted proteins for autophagic degradation, assembly of signaling clusters and actin- and microtubule-based cytoskeletal networks, asymmetric segregations of cell fate determinants and formation of pre- and post-synaptic density signaling assemblies. Biomacromolecular condensates can transition into different material states such as gel-like structures and solid aggregates. The material properties of condensates are crucial for fulfilment of their distinct functions, such as biochemical reaction centers, signaling hubs and supporting architectures. Cells have evolved multiple mechanisms to ensure that biomacromolecular condensates are assembled and disassembled in a tightly controlled manner. Aberrant phase separation and transition are causatively associated with a variety of human diseases such as neurodegenerative diseases and cancers. This review summarizes recent major progress in elucidating the roles of LLPS in various biological pathways and diseases.

A multipronged approach to understanding the form and function of hStaufen protein

Staufen is a dsRNA-binding protein involved in many aspects of RNA regulation, such as mRNA transport, Staufen-mediated mRNA decay and the regulation of mRNA translation. It is a modular protein characterized by the presence of conserved consensus amino acid sequences that fold into double-stranded RNA binding domains (RBDs) as well as degenerated RBDs that are instead involved in protein-protein interactions. The variety of biological processes in which Staufen participates in the cell suggests that this protein associates with many diverse RNA targets, some of which have been identified experimentally. Staufen binding mediates the recruitment of effectors via protein-protein and protein-RNA interactions. The structural determinants of a number of these interactions, as well as the structure of full-length Staufen, remain unknown. Here, we present the first solution structure models for full-length hStaufen1⁵⁵, showing that its domains are arranged as beads-on-a-string connected by flexible linkers. In analogy with other nucleic acid-binding proteins, this could underpin Stau1 functional plasticity.

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.

The crystal structure of Staufen1 in complex with a physiological RNA sheds light on substrate selectivity

Combination of in vitro and in vivo data show that RNA sequence influences Staufen target recognition and that protein–RNA base contacts are required for Staufen function in Drosophila.

During mRNA localization, RNA-binding proteins interact with specific structured mRNA localization motifs. Although several such motifs have been identified, we have limited structural information on how these interact with RNA-binding proteins. Staufen proteins bind structured mRNA motifs through dsRNA-binding domains (dsRBD) and are involved in mRNA localization in Drosophila and mammals. We solved the structure of two dsRBDs of human Staufen1 in complex with a physiological dsRNA sequence. We identified interactions between the dsRBDs and the RNA sugar–phosphate backbone and direct contacts of conserved Staufen residues to RNA bases. Mutating residues mediating nonspecific backbone interactions only affected Staufen function in Drosophila when in vitro binding was severely reduced. Conversely, residues involved in base-directed interactions were required in vivo even when they minimally affected in vitro binding. Our work revealed that Staufen can read sequence features in the minor groove of dsRNA and suggests that these influence target selection in vivo.

Drosophila as a Model for Assessing the Function of RNA-Binding Proteins during Neurogenesis and Neurological Disease

An outstanding question in developmental neurobiology is how RNA processing events contribute to the regulation of neurogenesis. RNA processing events are increasingly recognized as playing fundamental roles in regulating multiple developmental events during neurogenesis, from the asymmetric divisions of neural stem cells, to the generation of complex and diverse neurite morphologies. Indeed, both asymmetric cell division and neurite morphogenesis are often achieved by mechanisms that generate asymmetric protein distributions, including post-transcriptional gene regulatory mechanisms such as the transport of translationally silent messenger RNAs (mRNAs) and local translation of mRNAs within neurites. Additionally, defects in RNA splicing have emerged as a common theme in many neurodegenerative disorders, highlighting the importance of RNA processing in maintaining neuronal circuitry. RNA-binding proteins (RBPs) play an integral role in splicing and post-transcriptional gene regulation, and mutations in RBPs have been linked with multiple neurological disorders including autism, dementia, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), spinal muscular atrophy (SMA), Fragile X syndrome (FXS), and X-linked intellectual disability disorder. Despite their widespread nature and roles in neurological disease, the molecular mechanisms and networks of regulated target RNAs have been defined for only a small number of specific RBPs. This review aims to highlight recent studies in Drosophila that have advanced our knowledge of how RBP dysfunction contributes to neurological disease.

Unraveling the Pathways to Neuronal Homeostasis and Disease: Mechanistic Insights into the Role of RNA-Binding Proteins and Associated Factors

The timing, dosage and location of gene expression are fundamental determinants of brain architectural complexity. In neurons, this is, primarily, achieved by specific sets of trans-acting RNA-binding proteins (RBPs) and their associated factors that bind to specific cis elements throughout the RNA sequence to regulate splicing, polyadenylation, stability, transport and localized translation at both axons and dendrites. Not surprisingly, misregulation of RBP expression or disruption of its function due to mutations or sequestration into nuclear or cytoplasmic inclusions have been linked to the pathogenesis of several neuropsychiatric and neurodegenerative disorders such as fragile-X syndrome, autism spectrum disorders, spinal muscular atrophy, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis and frontotemporal dementia. This review discusses the roles of Pumilio, Staufen, IGF2BP, FMRP, Sam68, CPEB, NOVA, ELAVL, SMN, TDP43, FUS, TAF15, and TIA1/TIAR in RNA metabolism by analyzing their specific molecular and cellular function, the neurological symptoms associated with their perturbation, and their axodendritic transport/localization along with their target mRNAs as part of larger macromolecular complexes termed ribonucleoprotein (RNP) granules.

Nano-"Squeegee" for the Creation of Clean 2D Material Interfaces

Two-dimensional (2D) materials exhibit many exciting phenomena that make them promising as materials for future electronic, optoelectronic, and mechanical devices. Because of their atomic thinness, interfaces play a dominant role in determining material behavior. In order to observe and exploit the unique properties of these materials, it is therefore vital to obtain clean and repeatable interfaces. However, the conventional mechanical stacking of atomically thin layers typically leads to trapped contaminants and spatially inhomogeneous interfaces, which obscure the true intrinsic behavior. This work presents a simple and generic approach to create clean 2D material interfaces in mechanically stacked structures. The operating principle is to use an AFM tip to controllably squeeze contaminants out from between 2D layers and their substrates, similar to a "squeegee". This approach leads to drastically improved homogeneity and consistency of 2D material interfaces, as demonstrated by AFM topography and significant reduction of photoluminescence line widths. Also, this approach enables emission from interlayer excitons, demonstrating that the technique enhances interlayer coupling in van der Waals heterostructures. The technique enables repeatable observation of intrinsic 2D material properties, which is crucial for the continued development of these promising materials.

The asymmetrically segregating lncRNA cherub is required for transforming stem cells into malignant cells

Tumor cells display features that are not found in healthy cells. How they become immortal and how their specific features can be exploited to combat tumorigenesis are key questions in tumor biology. Here we describe the long non-coding RNA cherub that is critically required for the development of brain tumors in Drosophila but is dispensable for normal development. In mitotic Drosophila neural stem cells, cherub localizes to the cell periphery and segregates into the differentiating daughter cell. During tumorigenesis, de-differentiation of cherub-high cells leads to the formation of tumorigenic stem cells that accumulate abnormally high cherub levels. We show that cherub establishes a molecular link between the RNA-binding proteins Staufen and Syncrip. As Syncrip is part of the molecular machinery specifying temporal identity in neural stem cells, we propose that tumor cells proliferate indefinitely, because cherub accumulation no longer allows them to complete their temporal neurogenesis program.

Many biological signals control how cells grow and divide. However, cancer cells do not obey these growth-restricting signals, and as a result large tumors may develop.

Recent experiments have suggested that stem cells – the precursors to the different types of specialized cells found in the body – are particularly important for generating tumors. A stem cell normally divides unequally to form a self-renewing cell and a more specialized cell (often a progenitor cell that will give rise to increasingly specialized cell types). The timing of when the specialization occurs can be key to guiding the ultimately produced cell progenies to their final identity. However, in a tumor cells can retain the ability to self-renew. Ultimately, the resulting ‘tumor stem cells’ become immortal and proliferate indefinitely. It is not fully understood why this uncontrolled proliferation occurs.

Just like mammals (including humans), fruit flies can develop tumors. Some of the DNA mutations responsible for tumor development were already identified in flies as early as in the 1970s. This has made fruit flies a well-studied model system for uncovering the principle defects that cause tumors to form.

Landskron et al. have now studied the neural stem cells found in brain tumors in fruit flies. Additional DNA mutations were not responsible for these cells becoming immortal. Instead, certain RNA molecules – products that are ‘transcribed’ from the DNA – were present in different amounts in tumor cells. The RNA that showed the greatest increase in tumor cells is a so-called long non-coding RNA named cherub. This RNA molecule has no important role in normal fruit flies, but is critical for tumor formation.

Landskron et al. found that during cell division cherub segregates from the neural stem cells to the newly formed progenitor cells, where it breaks down over time. Progenitor cells that contain high levels of cherub give rise to tumor-generating neural stem cells. At the molecular level, cherubhelps two proteins to interact with each other: one called Syncrip that makes the neural stem cells take on a older identity, and another one (Staufen) that tethers it to the cell membrane. By restricting Syncrip to a particular location in the cell, cherub alters the timing of stem cell specialization, which contributes to tumor formation.

Overall, the results presented by Landskron et al. reveal a new role for long non-coding RNAs: controlling the localization of the proteins that determine the fate of the cell. They also highlight a critical link between the timing of stem cell development and the proliferation of the cells. Further work is now needed to test whether the same control mechanism works in species other than fruit flies.

Basal condensation of Numb and Pon complex via phase transition during Drosophila neuroblast asymmetric division

Uneven distribution and local concentration of protein complexes on distinct membrane cortices is a fundamental property in numerous biological processes, including Drosophila neuroblast (NB) asymmetric cell divisions and cell polarity in general. In NBs, the cell fate determinant Numb forms a basal crescent together with Pon and is segregated into the basal daughter cell to initiate its differentiation. Here we discover that Numb PTB domain, using two distinct binding surfaces, recognizes repeating motifs within Pon in a previously unrecognized mode. The multivalent Numb-Pon interaction leads to high binding specificity and liquid-liquid phase separation of the complex. Perturbations of the Numb/Pon complex phase transition impair the basal localization of Numb and its subsequent suppression of Notch signaling during NB asymmetric divisions. Such phase-transition-mediated protein condensations on distinct membrane cortices may be a general mechanism for various cell polarity regulatory complexes.

Polarized localization of Numb and Pon in Drosophila neuroblasts (NBs) enables their unequal segregation during asymmetric cell divisions. Here, the authors demonstrate liquid-liquid phase separation of Pon and Numb in NBs mediated by multivalent intermolecular interactions is required for their basal condensation.

Structural determinants controlling 14-3-3 recruitment to the endocytic adaptor Numb and dissociation of the Numb·α-adaptin complex

Traffic of cargo across membranes helps establish, maintain, and reorganize distinct cellular compartments and is fundamental to many metabolic processes. The cargo-selective endocytic adaptor Numb participates in clathrin-dependent endocytosis by attaching cargoes to the clathrin adaptor α-adaptin. The phosphorylation of Numb at Ser²⁶⁵ and Ser²⁸⁴ recruits the regulatory protein 14-3-3, accompanied by the dissociation of Numb from α-adaptin and Numb's translocation from the cortical membrane to the cytosol. However, the molecular mechanisms underlying the Numb-α-adaptin interaction and its regulation by Numb phosphorylation and 14-3-3 recruitment remain poorly understood. Here, biochemical and structural analyses of the Numb·14-3-3 complex revealed that Numb phosphorylation at both Ser²⁶⁵ and Ser²⁸⁴ is required for Numb's efficient interaction with 14-3-3. We also discovered that an RQFRF motif surrounding Ser²⁶⁵ in Numb functions together with the canonical C-terminal DPF motif, required for Numb's interaction with α-adaptin, to form a stable complex with α-adaptin. Of note, we provide evidence that the phosphorylation-induced binding of 14-3-3 to Numb directly competes with the binding of α-adaptin to Numb. Our findings suggest a potential mechanism governing the dynamic assembly of Numb with α-adaptin or 14-3-3. This dual-site recognition of Numb by α-adaptin may have implications for other α-adaptin targets. We propose that the newly identified α-adaptin-binding site surrounding Ser²⁶⁵ in Numb functions as a triggering mechanism for the dynamic dissociation of the Numb·α-adaptin complex.

aPKC-mediated displacement and actomyosin-mediated retention polarize Miranda in Drosophila neuroblasts

Cell fate assignment in the nervous system of vertebrates and invertebrates often hinges on the unequal distribution of molecules during progenitor cell division. We address asymmetric fate determinant localization in the developing Drosophila nervous system, specifically the control of the polarized distribution of the cell fate adapter protein Miranda. We reveal a step-wise polarization of Miranda in larval neuroblasts and find that Miranda’s dynamics and cortical association are differently regulated between interphase and mitosis. In interphase, Miranda binds to the plasma membrane. Then, before nuclear envelope breakdown, Miranda is phosphorylated by aPKC and displaced into the cytoplasm. This clearance is necessary for the subsequent establishment of asymmetric Miranda localization. After nuclear envelope breakdown, actomyosin activity is required to maintain Miranda asymmetry. Therefore, phosphorylation by aPKC and differential binding to the actomyosin network are required at distinct phases of the cell cycle to polarize fate determinant localization in neuroblasts.

Conserved asymmetry underpins homodimerization of Dicer-associated double-stranded RNA-binding proteins

Double-stranded RNA-binding domains (dsRBDs) are commonly found in modular proteins that interact with RNA. Two varieties of dsRBD exist: canonical Type A dsRBDs interact with dsRNA, while non-canonical Type B dsRBDs lack RNA-binding residues and instead interact with other proteins. In higher eukaryotes, the microRNA biogenesis enzyme Dicer forms a 1:1 association with a dsRNA-binding protein (dsRBP). Human Dicer associates with HIV TAR RNA-binding protein (TRBP) or protein activator of PKR (PACT), while Drosophila Dicer-1 associates with Loquacious (Loqs). In each case, the interaction involves a region of the protein that contains a Type B dsRBD. All three dsRBPs are reported to homodimerize, with the Dicer-binding region implicated in self-association. We report that these dsRBD homodimers display structural asymmetry and that this unusual self-association mechanism is conserved from flies to humans. We show that the core dsRBD is sufficient for homodimerization and that mutation of a conserved leucine residue abolishes self-association. We attribute differences in the self-association properties of Loqs, TRBP and PACT to divergence of the composition of the homodimerization interface. Modifications that make TRBP more like PACT enhance self-association. These data are examined in the context of miRNA biogenesis and the protein/protein interaction properties of Type B dsRBDs.

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.

mRNA localization in metazoans: A structural perspective

Asymmetric localization of mRNAs is a widespread gene regulatory mechanism that is crucial for many cellular processes. The localization of a transcript involves multiple steps and requires several protein factors to mediate transport, anchoring and translational repression of the mRNA. Specific recognition of the localizing transcript is a key step that depends on linear or structured localization signals, which are bound by RNA-binding proteins. Genetic studies have identified many components involved in mRNA localization. However, mechanistic aspects of the pathway are still poorly understood. Here we provide an overview of structural studies that contributed to our understanding of the mechanisms underlying mRNA localization, highlighting open questions and future challenges.

Allosteric auto-inhibition and activation of the Nedd4 family E3 ligase Itch

The Nedd4 family E3 ligases are key regulators of cell growth and proliferation and are often misregulated in human cancers and other diseases. The ligase activities of Nedd4 E3s are tightly controlled via auto-inhibition. However, the molecular mechanism underlying Nedd4 E3 auto-inhibition and activation is poorly understood. Here, we show that the WW domains proceeding the catalytic HECT domain play an inhibitory role by binding directly to HECT in the Nedd4 E3 family member Itch. Our structural and biochemical analyses of Itch reveal that the WW2 domain and a following linker allosterically lock HECT in an inactive state inhibiting E2-E3 transthiolation. Binding of the Ndfip1 adaptor or JNK1-mediated phosphorylation relieves the auto-inhibition of Itch in a WW2-dependent manner. Aberrant activation of Itch leads to migration defects of cortical neurons during development. Our study provides a new mechanism governing the regulation of Itch.

Coiled-coils: The long and short of it

Coiled‐coils are found in proteins throughout all three kingdoms of life. Coiled‐coil domains of some proteins are almost invariant in sequence and length, betraying a structural and functional role for amino acids along the entire length of the coiled‐coil. Other coiled‐coils are divergent in sequence, but conserved in length, thereby functioning as molecular spacers. In this capacity, coiled‐coil proteins influence the architecture of organelles such as centrioles and the Golgi, as well as permit the tethering of transport vesicles. Specialized coiled‐coils, such as those found in motor proteins, are capable of propagating conformational changes along their length that regulate cargo binding and motor processivity. Coiled‐coil domains have also been identified in enzymes, where they function as molecular rulers, positioning catalytic activities at fixed distances. Finally, while coiled‐coils have been extensively discussed for their potential to nucleate and scaffold large macromolecular complexes, structural evidence to substantiate this claim is relatively scarce.

RNA- binding protein Stau2 is important for spindle integrity and meiosis progression in mouse oocytes

Staufen2 (Stau2) is a double-stranded RNA-binding protein involved in cell fate decision by regulating mRNA transport, mRNA stability, translation, and ribonucleoprotein assembly. Little is known about Stau2 expression and function in mammalian oocytes during meiosis. Herein we report the sub-cellular distribution and function of Stau2 in mouse oocyte meiosis. Western blot analysis revealed high and stable expression of Stau2 in oocytes from germinal vesicle (GV) to metaphase II (MII). Immunofluorescence showed that Stau2 was evenly distributed in oocytes at GV stage, and assembled as filaments after germinal vesicle breakdown (GVBD), particularly, colocalized with spindle at MI and MII. Stau2 was disassembled when microtubules were disrupted with nocodazole, on the other hand, when MTs were stabilized with taxol, Stau2 was not colocalized with the stabilized microtubules, but aggregated around the chromosomes array, indicating Stau2 assembly and colocalization with microtubules require both microtubule integrity and its normal dynamics. During interphase and mitosis of BHK and MEF cells, Stau2 was not distributed on microtubules, but colocalized with cis-Golgi marker GM130, implying its association with Golgi complex but not the spindle in fully differentiated somatic cells. Specific morpholino oligo-mediated Stau2 knockdown disrupted spindle formation, chromosome alignment and microtubule-kinetochore attachment in oocytes. The majority oocytes were arrested at MI stage, with bright MAD1 at kinetochores, indicating activation of spindle assembly checkpoint (SAC). Some oocytes were stranded at telophase I (TI), implying suppressed first polar body extrution. Together these data demonstrate that Stau2 is required for spindle formation and timely meiotic progression in mouse oocytes.

Phospho-Pon Binding-Mediated Fine-Tuning of Plk1 Activity

In Drosophila neuroblasts (NBs), the asymmetrical localization and segregation of the cell-fate determinant Numb are regulated by its adaptor Partner of Numb (Pon) and the cell-cycle kinase Polo. Polo phosphorylates the Pon localization domain, thus leading to its basal distribution together with Numb, albeit through an unclear mechanism. Here, we find that Cdk1 phosphorylates Pon at Thr63, thus creating a docking site for the Polo-box domain (PBD) of Polo-like kinase 1 (Plk1). The crystal structure of the Plk1 PBD/phospho-Pon complex reveals that two phospho-Pon bound PBDs associate to form a dimer of dimers. We provide evidence that phospho-Pon binding-induced PBD dimerization relieves the autoinhibition of Plk1. Moreover, we demonstrate that the priming Cdk1 phosphorylation of Pon is important for sequential Plk1 phosphorylation. Our results not only provide structural insight into how phosphoprotein binding activates Plk1 but also suggest that binding to different phosphoproteins might mediate the fine-tuning of Plk1 activity.