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Andreu-Carbó M, Egoldt C, Velluz MC, Aumeier C. Microtubule damage shapes the acetylation gradient. Nat Commun 2024; 15:2029. [PMID: 38448418 PMCID: PMC10918088 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-024-46379-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/09/2023] [Accepted: 02/16/2024] [Indexed: 03/08/2024] Open
Abstract
The properties of single microtubules within the microtubule network can be modulated through post-translational modifications (PTMs), including acetylation within the lumen of microtubules. To access the lumen, the enzymes could enter through the microtubule ends and at damage sites along the microtubule shaft. Here we show that the acetylation profile depends on damage sites, which can be caused by the motor protein kinesin-1. Indeed, the entry of the deacetylase HDAC6 into the microtubule lumen can be modulated by kinesin-1-induced damage sites. In contrast, activity of the microtubule acetylase αTAT1 is independent of kinesin-1-caused shaft damage. On a cellular level, our results show that microtubule acetylation distributes in an exponential gradient. This gradient results from tight regulation of microtubule (de)acetylation and scales with the size of the cells. The control of shaft damage represents a mechanism to regulate PTMs inside the microtubule by giving access to the lumen.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Cornelia Egoldt
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Geneva, 1211, Geneva, Switzerland
| | | | - Charlotte Aumeier
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Geneva, 1211, Geneva, Switzerland.
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2
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Okenve-Ramos P, Gosling R, Chojnowska-Monga M, Gupta K, Shields S, Alhadyian H, Collie C, Gregory E, Sanchez-Soriano N. Neuronal ageing is promoted by the decay of the microtubule cytoskeleton. PLoS Biol 2024; 22:e3002504. [PMID: 38478582 PMCID: PMC10962844 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pbio.3002504] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/06/2023] [Revised: 03/25/2024] [Accepted: 01/17/2024] [Indexed: 03/26/2024] Open
Abstract
Natural ageing is accompanied by a decline in motor, sensory, and cognitive functions, all impacting quality of life. Ageing is also the predominant risk factor for many neurodegenerative diseases, including Parkinson's disease and Alzheimer's disease. We need to therefore gain a better understanding of the cellular and physiological processes underlying age-related neuronal decay. However, gaining this understanding is a slow process due to the large amount of time required to age mammalian or vertebrate animal models. Here, we introduce a new cellular model within the Drosophila brain, in which we report classical ageing hallmarks previously observed in the primate brain. These hallmarks include axonal swellings, cytoskeletal decay, a reduction in axonal calibre, and morphological changes arising at synaptic terminals. In the fly brain, these changes begin to occur within a few weeks, ideal to study the underlying mechanisms of ageing. We discovered that the decay of the neuronal microtubule (MT) cytoskeleton precedes the onset of other ageing hallmarks. We showed that the MT-binding factors Tau, EB1, and Shot/MACF1, are necessary for MT maintenance in axons and synapses, and that their functional loss during ageing triggers MT bundle decay, followed by a decline in axons and synaptic terminals. Furthermore, genetic manipulations that improve MT networks slowed down the onset of neuronal ageing hallmarks and confer aged specimens the ability to outperform age-matched controls. Our work suggests that MT networks are a key lesion site in ageing neurons and therefore the MT cytoskeleton offers a promising target to improve neuronal decay in advanced age.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pilar Okenve-Ramos
- Department of Biochemistry, Cell and Systems Biology, Institute of Systems, Molecular & Integrative Biology, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, United Kingdom
| | - Rory Gosling
- Department of Biochemistry, Cell and Systems Biology, Institute of Systems, Molecular & Integrative Biology, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, United Kingdom
| | - Monika Chojnowska-Monga
- Department of Biochemistry, Cell and Systems Biology, Institute of Systems, Molecular & Integrative Biology, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, United Kingdom
| | - Kriti Gupta
- Department of Biochemistry, Cell and Systems Biology, Institute of Systems, Molecular & Integrative Biology, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, United Kingdom
| | - Samuel Shields
- Department of Biochemistry, Cell and Systems Biology, Institute of Systems, Molecular & Integrative Biology, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, United Kingdom
| | - Haifa Alhadyian
- Department of Biochemistry, Cell and Systems Biology, Institute of Systems, Molecular & Integrative Biology, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, United Kingdom
| | - Ceryce Collie
- Department of Biochemistry, Cell and Systems Biology, Institute of Systems, Molecular & Integrative Biology, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, United Kingdom
| | - Emilia Gregory
- Department of Biochemistry, Cell and Systems Biology, Institute of Systems, Molecular & Integrative Biology, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, United Kingdom
| | - Natalia Sanchez-Soriano
- Department of Biochemistry, Cell and Systems Biology, Institute of Systems, Molecular & Integrative Biology, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, United Kingdom
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3
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Shiff CE, Kondev J, Mohapatra L. Ultrasensitivity of microtubule severing due to damage repair. iScience 2024; 27:108874. [PMID: 38327774 PMCID: PMC10847648 DOI: 10.1016/j.isci.2024.108874] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/16/2023] [Revised: 01/01/2024] [Accepted: 01/08/2024] [Indexed: 02/09/2024] Open
Abstract
Microtubule-based cytoskeletal structures aid in cell motility, cell polarization, and intracellular transport. These functions require a coordinated effort of regulatory proteins which interact with microtubule cytoskeleton distinctively. In-vitro experiments have shown that free tubulin can repair nanoscale damages of microtubules created by severing proteins. Based on this observation, we theoretically analyze microtubule severing as a competition between the processes of damage spreading and tubulin-induced repair. We demonstrate that this model is in quantitative agreement with in-vitro experiments and predict the existence of a critical tubulin concentration above which severing becomes rare, fast, and sensitive to concentration of free tubulin. We show that this sensitivity leads to a dramatic increase in the dynamic range of steady-state microtubule lengths when the free tubulin concentration is varied, and microtubule lengths are controlled by severing. Our work demonstrates how synergy between tubulin and microtubule-associated proteins can bring about specific dynamical properties of microtubules.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chloe E. Shiff
- Institute for Computational and Mathematical Engineering, Stanford University, Stanford, CA 94305, USA
| | - Jane Kondev
- Department of Physics, Brandeis University, Waltham, MA 02454, USA
| | - Lishibanya Mohapatra
- School of Physics and Astronomy, College of Science, Rochester Institute of Technology, Rochester, NY 14623, USA
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4
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Schmidt CJ, Stehbens SJ. Microtubule control of migration: Coordination in confinement. Curr Opin Cell Biol 2024; 86:102289. [PMID: 38041936 DOI: 10.1016/j.ceb.2023.102289] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/26/2023] [Revised: 11/08/2023] [Accepted: 11/09/2023] [Indexed: 12/04/2023]
Abstract
The microtubule cytoskeleton has a well-established, instrumental role in coordinating cell migration. Decades of research has focused on understanding how microtubules couple intracellular trafficking with cortical targeting and spatial organization of signaling to facilitate locomotion. Movement in physically challenging environments requires coordination of forces generated by the actin cytoskeleton to drive cell shape changes, with microtubules acting to spatially regulate contractility. Recent work has demonstrated that the mechanical properties of microtubules are adaptive to stress, leading to a new understanding of their roles in cell migration. Herein we review new developments in how microtubules sense and adapt to changes in the physical properties of their environment during migration. We frame our discussion around our current understanding of how microtubules target cell-matrix adhesions, and their role in the spatiotemporal coordination of signaling to form mechano feedback loops. We expand on how these mechanisms may influence cell morphology in confined three-dimensional settings, and the importance of locally tuning the mechanical stability of polymers in response to mechanical cues. Finally, we discuss new roles for Golgi-derived microtubules in mechanosensing, and how preferential motor use may influence polymer stability to resist the physical constraints cells experience in confined environments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christanny J Schmidt
- Australian Institute for Bioengineering and Nanotechnology, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, 4072, Australia; Institute for Molecular Bioscience, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, 4072, Australia
| | - Samantha J Stehbens
- Australian Institute for Bioengineering and Nanotechnology, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, 4072, Australia; Institute for Molecular Bioscience, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, 4072, Australia.
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5
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Ori-McKenney KM, McKenney RJ. Tau oligomerization on microtubules in health and disease. Cytoskeleton (Hoboken) 2024; 81:35-40. [PMID: 37747123 PMCID: PMC10841430 DOI: 10.1002/cm.21785] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/02/2023] [Revised: 08/22/2023] [Accepted: 08/23/2023] [Indexed: 09/26/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Kassandra M Ori-McKenney
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology, University of California, Davis, Davis, California, USA
| | - Richard J McKenney
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology, University of California, Davis, Davis, California, USA
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Lawrence EJ, Chatterjee S, Zanic M. More is different: Reconstituting complexity in microtubule regulation. J Biol Chem 2023; 299:105398. [PMID: 37898404 PMCID: PMC10694663 DOI: 10.1016/j.jbc.2023.105398] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/11/2023] [Revised: 10/13/2023] [Accepted: 10/18/2023] [Indexed: 10/30/2023] Open
Abstract
Microtubules are dynamic cytoskeletal filaments that undergo stochastic switching between phases of polymerization and depolymerization-a behavior known as dynamic instability. Many important cellular processes, including cell motility, chromosome segregation, and intracellular transport, require complex spatiotemporal regulation of microtubule dynamics. This coordinated regulation is achieved through the interactions of numerous microtubule-associated proteins (MAPs) with microtubule ends and lattices. Here, we review the recent advances in our understanding of microtubule regulation, focusing on results arising from biochemical in vitro reconstitution approaches using purified multiprotein ensembles. We discuss how the combinatory effects of MAPs affect both the dynamics of individual microtubule ends, as well as the stability and turnover of the microtubule lattice. In addition, we highlight new results demonstrating the roles of protein condensates in microtubule regulation. Our overall intent is to showcase how lessons learned from reconstitution approaches help unravel the regulatory mechanisms at play in complex cellular environments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elizabeth J Lawrence
- Department of Cell and Developmental Biology, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, Tennessee, USA
| | - Saptarshi Chatterjee
- Department of Cell and Developmental Biology, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, Tennessee, USA
| | - Marija Zanic
- Department of Cell and Developmental Biology, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, Tennessee, USA; Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, Tennessee, USA; Department of Biochemistry, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, Tennessee, USA.
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7
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Romeiro Motta M, Biswas S, Schaedel L. Beyond uniformity: Exploring the heterogeneous and dynamic nature of the microtubule lattice. Eur J Cell Biol 2023; 102:151370. [PMID: 37922811 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejcb.2023.151370] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/14/2023] [Revised: 10/17/2023] [Accepted: 10/26/2023] [Indexed: 11/07/2023] Open
Abstract
A fair amount of research on microtubules since their discovery in 1963 has focused on their dynamic tips. In contrast, the microtubule lattice was long believed to be highly regular and static, and consequently received far less attention. Yet, as it turned out, the microtubule lattice is neither as regular, nor as static as previously believed: structural studies uncovered the remarkable wealth of different conformations the lattice can accommodate. In the last decade, the microtubule lattice was shown to be labile and to spontaneously undergo renovation, a phenomenon that is intimately linked to structural defects and was called "microtubule self-repair". Following this breakthrough discovery, further recent research provided a deeper understanding of the lattice self-repair mechanism, which we review here. Instrumental to these discoveries were in vitro microtubule reconstitution assays, in which microtubules are grown from the minimal components required for their dynamics. In this review, we propose a shift from the term "lattice self-repair" to "lattice dynamics", since this phenomenon is an inherent property of microtubules and can happen without microtubule damage. We focus on how in vitro microtubule reconstitution assays helped us learn (1) which types of structural variations microtubules display, (2) how these structural variations influence lattice dynamics and microtubule damage caused by mechanical stress, (3) how lattice dynamics impact tip dynamics, and (4) how microtubule-associated proteins (MAPs) can play a role in structuring the lattice. Finally, we discuss the unanswered questions about lattice dynamics and how technical advances will help us tackle these questions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mariana Romeiro Motta
- Department of Physics, Center for Biophysics, Campus A2 4, Saarland University, 66123 Saarbrücken, Germany; Laboratoire Reproduction et Développement des Plantes, Université de Lyon, École normale supérieure de Lyon, Lyon 69364, France
| | - Subham Biswas
- Department of Physics, Center for Biophysics, Campus A2 4, Saarland University, 66123 Saarbrücken, Germany
| | - Laura Schaedel
- Department of Physics, Center for Biophysics, Campus A2 4, Saarland University, 66123 Saarbrücken, Germany.
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Duan D, Lyu W, Chai P, Ma S, Wu K, Wu C, Xiong Y, Sestan N, Zhang K, Koleske AJ. Abl2 repairs microtubules and phase separates with tubulin to promote microtubule nucleation. Curr Biol 2023; 33:4582-4598.e10. [PMID: 37858340 PMCID: PMC10877310 DOI: 10.1016/j.cub.2023.09.018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/11/2023] [Revised: 07/07/2023] [Accepted: 09/06/2023] [Indexed: 10/21/2023]
Abstract
Abl family kinases are evolutionarily conserved regulators of cell migration and morphogenesis. Genetic experiments in Drosophila suggest that Abl family kinases interact functionally with microtubules to regulate axon guidance and neuronal morphogenesis. Vertebrate Abl2 binds to microtubules and promotes their plus-end elongation, both in vitro and in cells, but the molecular mechanisms by which Abl2 regulates microtubule (MT) dynamics are unclear. We report here that Abl2 regulates MT assembly via condensation and direct interactions with both the MT lattice and tubulin dimers. We find that Abl2 promotes MT nucleation, which is further facilitated by the ability of the Abl2 C-terminal half to undergo liquid-liquid phase separation (LLPS) and form co-condensates with tubulin. Abl2 binds to regions adjacent to MT damage, facilitates MT repair via fresh tubulin recruitment, and increases MT rescue frequency and lifetime. Cryo-EM analyses strongly support a model in which Abl2 engages tubulin C-terminal tails along an extended MT lattice conformation at damage sites to facilitate repair via fresh tubulin recruitment. Abl2Δ688-790, which closely mimics a naturally occurring splice isoform, retains binding to the MT lattice but does not bind tubulin, promote MT nucleation, or increase rescue frequency. In COS-7 cells, MT reassembly after nocodazole treatment is greatly slowed in Abl2 knockout COS-7 cells compared with wild-type cells, and these defects are rescued by re-expression of Abl2, but not Abl2Δ688-790. We propose that Abl2 locally concentrates tubulin to promote MT nucleation and recruits it to defects in the MT lattice to enable repair and rescue.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daisy Duan
- Department of Molecular Biophysics and Biochemistry, Yale University, New Haven, CT 06510, USA
| | - Wanqing Lyu
- Department of Molecular Biophysics and Biochemistry, Yale University, New Haven, CT 06510, USA
| | - Pengxin Chai
- Department of Molecular Biophysics and Biochemistry, Yale University, New Haven, CT 06510, USA
| | - Shaojie Ma
- Department of Neuroscience, Yale University, New Haven, CT 06510, USA
| | - Kuanlin Wu
- Department of Molecular Biophysics and Biochemistry, Yale University, New Haven, CT 06510, USA
| | - Chunxiang Wu
- Department of Molecular Biophysics and Biochemistry, Yale University, New Haven, CT 06510, USA
| | - Yong Xiong
- Department of Molecular Biophysics and Biochemistry, Yale University, New Haven, CT 06510, USA
| | - Nenad Sestan
- Department of Neuroscience, Yale University, New Haven, CT 06510, USA; Department of Genetics, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT 06510, USA; Department of Psychiatry, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT 06510, USA; Department of Comparative Medicine, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT 06510, USA; Program in Cellular Neuroscience, Neurodegeneration and Repair, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT 06510, USA; Yale Child Study Center, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT 06510, USA
| | - Kai Zhang
- Department of Molecular Biophysics and Biochemistry, Yale University, New Haven, CT 06510, USA
| | - Anthony J Koleske
- Department of Molecular Biophysics and Biochemistry, Yale University, New Haven, CT 06510, USA; Department of Neuroscience, Yale University, New Haven, CT 06510, USA.
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9
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McGorty RJ, Currie CJ, Michel J, Sasanpour M, Gunter C, Lindsay KA, Rust MJ, Katira P, Das M, Ross JL, Robertson-Anderson RM. Kinesin and myosin motors compete to drive rich multiphase dynamics in programmable cytoskeletal composites. PNAS NEXUS 2023; 2:pgad245. [PMID: 37575673 PMCID: PMC10416814 DOI: 10.1093/pnasnexus/pgad245] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/03/2023] [Revised: 07/07/2023] [Accepted: 07/17/2023] [Indexed: 08/15/2023]
Abstract
The cellular cytoskeleton relies on diverse populations of motors, filaments, and binding proteins acting in concert to enable nonequilibrium processes ranging from mitosis to chemotaxis. The cytoskeleton's versatile reconfigurability, programmed by interactions between its constituents, makes it a foundational active matter platform. However, current active matter endeavors are limited largely to single force-generating components acting on a single substrate-far from the composite cytoskeleton in cells. Here, we engineer actin-microtubule (MT) composites, driven by kinesin and myosin motors and tuned by crosslinkers, to ballistically restructure and flow with speeds that span three orders of magnitude depending on the composite formulation and time relative to the onset of motor activity. Differential dynamic microscopy analyses reveal that kinesin and myosin compete to delay the onset of acceleration and suppress discrete restructuring events, while passive crosslinking of either actin or MTs has an opposite effect. Our minimal advection-diffusion model and spatial correlation analyses correlate these dynamics to structure, with motor antagonism suppressing reconfiguration and demixing, while crosslinking enhances clustering. Despite the rich formulation space and emergent formulation-dependent structures, the nonequilibrium dynamics across all composites and timescales can be organized into three classes-slow isotropic reorientation, fast directional flow, and multimode restructuring. Moreover, our mathematical model demonstrates that diverse structural motifs can arise simply from the interplay between motor-driven advection and frictional drag. These general features of our platform facilitate applicability to other active matter systems and shed light on diverse ways that cytoskeletal components can cooperate or compete to enable wide-ranging cellular processes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ryan J McGorty
- Department of Physics and Biophysics, University of San Diego, San Diego, CA 92110, USA
| | - Christopher J Currie
- Department of Physics and Biophysics, University of San Diego, San Diego, CA 92110, USA
| | - Jonathan Michel
- School of Physics and Astronomy, Rochester Institute of Technology, Rochester, NY 14623, USA
| | - Mehrzad Sasanpour
- Department of Physics and Biophysics, University of San Diego, San Diego, CA 92110, USA
| | - Christopher Gunter
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, San Diego State University, San Diego, CA 92182, USA
| | - K Alice Lindsay
- Department of Physics, Syracuse University, Syracuse, NY 13244, USA
| | - Michael J Rust
- Department of Molecular Genetics and Cell Biology, University of Chicago, Chicago, IL 60637, USA
| | - Parag Katira
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, San Diego State University, San Diego, CA 92182, USA
| | - Moumita Das
- School of Physics and Astronomy, Rochester Institute of Technology, Rochester, NY 14623, USA
| | - Jennifer L Ross
- Department of Physics, Syracuse University, Syracuse, NY 13244, USA
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10
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Smith G, Sweeney ST, O’Kane CJ, Prokop A. How neurons maintain their axons long-term: an integrated view of axon biology and pathology. Front Neurosci 2023; 17:1236815. [PMID: 37564364 PMCID: PMC10410161 DOI: 10.3389/fnins.2023.1236815] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/08/2023] [Accepted: 07/06/2023] [Indexed: 08/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Axons are processes of neurons, up to a metre long, that form the essential biological cables wiring nervous systems. They must survive, often far away from their cell bodies and up to a century in humans. This requires self-sufficient cell biology including structural proteins, organelles, and membrane trafficking, metabolic, signalling, translational, chaperone, and degradation machinery-all maintaining the homeostasis of energy, lipids, proteins, and signalling networks including reactive oxygen species and calcium. Axon maintenance also involves specialised cytoskeleton including the cortical actin-spectrin corset, and bundles of microtubules that provide the highways for motor-driven transport of components and organelles for virtually all the above-mentioned processes. Here, we aim to provide a conceptual overview of key aspects of axon biology and physiology, and the homeostatic networks they form. This homeostasis can be derailed, causing axonopathies through processes of ageing, trauma, poisoning, inflammation or genetic mutations. To illustrate which malfunctions of organelles or cell biological processes can lead to axonopathies, we focus on axonopathy-linked subcellular defects caused by genetic mutations. Based on these descriptions and backed up by our comprehensive data mining of genes linked to neural disorders, we describe the 'dependency cycle of local axon homeostasis' as an integrative model to explain why very different causes can trigger very similar axonopathies, providing new ideas that can drive the quest for strategies able to battle these devastating diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gaynor Smith
- Cardiff University, School of Medicine, College of Biomedical and Life Sciences, Cardiff, United Kingdom
| | - Sean T. Sweeney
- Department of Biology, University of York and York Biomedical Research Institute, York, United Kingdom
| | - Cahir J. O’Kane
- Department of Genetics, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, United Kingdom
| | - Andreas Prokop
- Manchester Academic Health Science Centre, Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, School of Biology, The University of Manchester, Manchester, United Kingdom
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11
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Fu G, Yan S, Khoo CJ, Chao VC, Liu Z, Mukhi M, Hervas R, Li XD, Ti SC. Integrated regulation of tubulin tyrosination and microtubule stability by human α-tubulin isotypes. Cell Rep 2023; 42:112653. [PMID: 37379209 DOI: 10.1016/j.celrep.2023.112653] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/28/2022] [Revised: 05/03/2023] [Accepted: 05/31/2023] [Indexed: 06/30/2023] Open
Abstract
Tubulin isotypes are critical for the functions of cellular microtubules, which exhibit different stability and harbor various post-translational modifications. However, how tubulin isotypes determine the activities of regulators for microtubule stability and modifications remains unknown. Here, we show that human α4A-tubulin, a conserved genetically detyrosinated α-tubulin isotype, is a poor substrate for enzymatic tyrosination. To examine the stability of microtubules reconstituted with defined tubulin compositions, we develop a strategy to site-specifically label recombinant human tubulin for single-molecule TIRF microscopy-based in vitro assays. The incorporation of α4A-tubulin into the microtubule lattice stabilizes the polymers from passive and MCAK-stimulated depolymerization. Further characterization reveals that the compositions of α-tubulin isotypes and tyrosination/detyrosination states allow graded control for the microtubule binding and the depolymerization activities of MCAK. Together, our results uncover the tubulin isotype-dependent enzyme activity for an integrated regulation of α-tubulin tyrosination/detyrosination states and microtubule stability, two well-correlated features of cellular microtubules.
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Affiliation(s)
- Guoling Fu
- School of Biomedical Sciences, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Shan Yan
- School of Biomedical Sciences, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Chen Jing Khoo
- School of Biomedical Sciences, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Victor C Chao
- School of Biomedical Sciences, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Zheng Liu
- Department of Chemistry, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Mayur Mukhi
- School of Biomedical Sciences, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Rubén Hervas
- School of Biomedical Sciences, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Xiang David Li
- Department of Chemistry, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Shih-Chieh Ti
- School of Biomedical Sciences, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China.
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12
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Carmona B, Marinho HS, Matos CL, Nolasco S, Soares H. Tubulin Post-Translational Modifications: The Elusive Roles of Acetylation. BIOLOGY 2023; 12:biology12040561. [PMID: 37106761 PMCID: PMC10136095 DOI: 10.3390/biology12040561] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/28/2023] [Revised: 03/27/2023] [Accepted: 04/03/2023] [Indexed: 04/29/2023]
Abstract
Microtubules (MTs), dynamic polymers of α/β-tubulin heterodimers found in all eukaryotes, are involved in cytoplasm spatial organization, intracellular transport, cell polarity, migration and division, and in cilia biology. MTs functional diversity depends on the differential expression of distinct tubulin isotypes and is amplified by a vast number of different post-translational modifications (PTMs). The addition/removal of PTMs to α- or β-tubulins is catalyzed by specific enzymes and allows combinatory patterns largely enriching the distinct biochemical and biophysical properties of MTs, creating a code read by distinct proteins, including microtubule-associated proteins (MAPs), which allow cellular responses. This review is focused on tubulin-acetylation, whose cellular roles continue to generate debate. We travel through the experimental data pointing to α-tubulin Lys40 acetylation role as being a MT stabilizer and a typical PTM of long lived MTs, to the most recent data, suggesting that Lys40 acetylation enhances MT flexibility and alters the mechanical properties of MTs, preventing MTs from mechanical aging characterized by structural damage. Additionally, we discuss the regulation of tubulin acetyltransferases/desacetylases and their impacts on cell physiology. Finally, we analyze how changes in MT acetylation levels have been found to be a general response to stress and how they are associated with several human pathologies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bruno Carmona
- Centro de Química Estrutural, Institute of Molecular Sciences, Faculdade de Ciências, Universidade de Lisboa, Campo Grande, 1749-016 Lisboa, Portugal
- Escola Superior de Tecnologia da Saúde de Lisboa, Instituto Politécnico de Lisboa, Av. D. João II, Lote 4.69.01, 1990-096 Lisboa, Portugal
| | - H Susana Marinho
- Centro de Química Estrutural, Institute of Molecular Sciences, Departamento de Química e Bioquímica, Faculdade de Ciências, Universidade de Lisboa, Campo Grande, 1749-016 Lisboa, Portugal
| | - Catarina Lopes Matos
- Centro de Química Estrutural, Institute of Molecular Sciences, Faculdade de Ciências, Universidade de Lisboa, Campo Grande, 1749-016 Lisboa, Portugal
| | - Sofia Nolasco
- Escola Superior de Tecnologia da Saúde de Lisboa, Instituto Politécnico de Lisboa, Av. D. João II, Lote 4.69.01, 1990-096 Lisboa, Portugal
- CIISA-Centro de Investigação Interdisciplinar em Sanidade Animal, Faculdade de Medicina Veterinária, Universidade de Lisboa, Avenida da Universidade Técnica, 1300-477 Lisboa, Portugal
| | - Helena Soares
- Centro de Química Estrutural, Institute of Molecular Sciences, Faculdade de Ciências, Universidade de Lisboa, Campo Grande, 1749-016 Lisboa, Portugal
- Escola Superior de Tecnologia da Saúde de Lisboa, Instituto Politécnico de Lisboa, Av. D. João II, Lote 4.69.01, 1990-096 Lisboa, Portugal
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13
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Starling GP, Phillips BA, Ganesh S, King JS. Katnip is needed to maintain microtubule function and lysosomal delivery to autophagosomes and phagosomes. Mol Biol Cell 2023; 34:ar12. [PMID: 36598819 PMCID: PMC10011725 DOI: 10.1091/mbc.e22-02-0063] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/05/2023] Open
Abstract
The efficient delivery of lysosomes is essential for many cell functions, such as the degradation of unwanted intracellular components by autophagy and the killing and digestion of extracellular microbes within phagosomes. Using the amoeba Dictyostelium discoideum, we find that cells lacking Katnip (Katanin interacting protein) have a general defect in lysosomal delivery and although they make autophagosomes and phagosomes correctly, cells are then unable to digest them. Katnip is largely unstudied yet highly conserved across evolution. Previously studies found that Katnip mutations in animals cause defects in cilia structure. Here we show that Katnip plays a more general role in maintaining microtubule function. We find that loss of Katnip has no overall effect on microtubule dynamics or organization, but is important for the transport and degradation of endocytic cargos. Strikingly, Katnip mutants become highly sensitive to GFP-tubulin expression, which leads to microtubule tangles, defective anaphase extension, and slow cell growth. Our findings establish a general role for Katnip in regulating microtubule function, beyond the roles previously described in cilia. We speculate this is via a key function in microtubule repair, needed to maintain endosomal trafficking and lysosomal degradation.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Ben A Phillips
- Department of Biomedical Science, University of Sheffield
| | - Sahana Ganesh
- Department of Biomedical Science, University of Sheffield
| | - Jason S King
- Department of Biomedical Science, University of Sheffield
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14
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Verhey KJ, Ohi R. Causes, costs and consequences of kinesin motors communicating through the microtubule lattice. J Cell Sci 2023; 136:293511. [PMID: 36866642 PMCID: PMC10022682 DOI: 10.1242/jcs.260735] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Microtubules are critical for a variety of important functions in eukaryotic cells. During intracellular trafficking, molecular motor proteins of the kinesin superfamily drive the transport of cellular cargoes by stepping processively along the microtubule surface. Traditionally, the microtubule has been viewed as simply a track for kinesin motility. New work is challenging this classic view by showing that kinesin-1 and kinesin-4 proteins can induce conformational changes in tubulin subunits while they are stepping. These conformational changes appear to propagate along the microtubule such that the kinesins can work allosterically through the lattice to influence other proteins on the same track. Thus, the microtubule is a plastic medium through which motors and other microtubule-associated proteins (MAPs) can communicate. Furthermore, stepping kinesin-1 can damage the microtubule lattice. Damage can be repaired by the incorporation of new tubulin subunits, but too much damage leads to microtubule breakage and disassembly. Thus, the addition and loss of tubulin subunits are not restricted to the ends of the microtubule filament but rather, the lattice itself undergoes continuous repair and remodeling. This work leads to a new understanding of how kinesin motors and their microtubule tracks engage in allosteric interactions that are critical for normal cell physiology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kristen J. Verhey
- Department of Cell & Developmental Biology, University of Michigan Medical School, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA
- Author for correspondence ()
| | - Ryoma Ohi
- Department of Cell & Developmental Biology, University of Michigan Medical School, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA
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15
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Tran MV, Ferguson JW, Cote LE, Khuntsariya D, Fetter RD, Wang JT, Wellard SR, Sallee MD, Genova M, Eskinazi S, Magiera MM, Janke C, Stearns T, Lansky Z, Shen K, Magescas J, Feldman JL. MAP9/MAPH-9 supports axonemal microtubule doublets and modulates motor movement. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2023:2023.02.23.529616. [PMID: 36865107 PMCID: PMC9980146 DOI: 10.1101/2023.02.23.529616] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/25/2023]
Abstract
Microtubule doublets (MTDs) are a well conserved compound microtubule structure found primarily in cilia. However, the mechanisms by which MTDs form and are maintained in vivo remain poorly understood. Here, we characterize microtubule-associated protein 9 (MAP9) as a novel MTD-associated protein. We demonstrate that C. elegans MAPH-9, a MAP9 homolog, is present during MTD assembly and localizes exclusively to MTDs, a preference that is in part mediated by tubulin polyglutamylation. Loss of MAPH-9 caused ultrastructural MTD defects, dysregulated axonemal motor velocity, and perturbed cilia function. As we found that the mammalian ortholog MAP9 localized to axonemes in cultured mammalian cells and mouse tissues, we propose that MAP9/MAPH-9 plays a conserved role in supporting the structure of axonemal MTDs and regulating ciliary motors.
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16
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van den Berg CM, Volkov VA, Schnorrenberg S, Huang Z, Stecker KE, Grigoriev I, Gilani S, Frikstad KAM, Patzke S, Zimmermann T, Dogterom M, Akhmanova A. CSPP1 stabilizes growing microtubule ends and damaged lattices from the luminal side. J Cell Biol 2023; 222:213861. [PMID: 36752787 PMCID: PMC9948759 DOI: 10.1083/jcb.202208062] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/12/2022] [Revised: 12/14/2022] [Accepted: 01/13/2023] [Indexed: 02/09/2023] Open
Abstract
Microtubules are dynamic cytoskeletal polymers, and their organization and stability are tightly regulated by numerous cellular factors. While regulatory proteins controlling the formation of interphase microtubule arrays and mitotic spindles have been extensively studied, the biochemical mechanisms responsible for generating stable microtubule cores of centrioles and cilia are poorly understood. Here, we used in vitro reconstitution assays to investigate microtubule-stabilizing properties of CSPP1, a centrosome and cilia-associated protein mutated in the neurodevelopmental ciliopathy Joubert syndrome. We found that CSPP1 preferentially binds to polymerizing microtubule ends that grow slowly or undergo growth perturbations and, in this way, resembles microtubule-stabilizing compounds such as taxanes. Fluorescence microscopy and cryo-electron tomography showed that CSPP1 is deposited in the microtubule lumen and inhibits microtubule growth and shortening through two separate domains. CSPP1 also specifically recognizes and stabilizes damaged microtubule lattices. These data help to explain how CSPP1 regulates the elongation and stability of ciliary axonemes and other microtubule-based structures.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cyntha M. van den Berg
- https://ror.org/04pp8hn57Cell Biology, Neurobiology and Biophysics, Department of Biology, Faculty of Science, Utrecht University, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Vladimir A. Volkov
- https://ror.org/04pp8hn57Cell Biology, Neurobiology and Biophysics, Department of Biology, Faculty of Science, Utrecht University, Utrecht, The Netherlands,https://ror.org/02e2c7k09Department of Bionanoscience, Kavli Institute of Nanoscience, Delft University of Technology, Delft, The Netherlands
| | | | - Ziqiang Huang
- EMBL Imaging Centre, EMBL-Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Kelly E. Stecker
- Biomolecular Mass Spectrometry and Proteomics, Bijvoet Center for Biomolecular Research and Utrecht Institute for Pharmaceutical Sciences, Utrecht University, Utrecht, The Netherlands,Netherlands Proteomics Center, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Ilya Grigoriev
- https://ror.org/04pp8hn57Cell Biology, Neurobiology and Biophysics, Department of Biology, Faculty of Science, Utrecht University, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Sania Gilani
- https://ror.org/00j9c2840Department of Radiation Biology, Institute of Cancer Research, Norwegian Radium Hospital, Oslo University Hospital, Oslo, Norway,Department of Molecular Cell Biology, Institute of Cancer Research, Norwegian Radium Hospital, Oslo University Hospital, Oslo, Norway
| | - Kari-Anne M. Frikstad
- https://ror.org/00j9c2840Department of Radiation Biology, Institute of Cancer Research, Norwegian Radium Hospital, Oslo University Hospital, Oslo, Norway
| | - Sebastian Patzke
- https://ror.org/00j9c2840Department of Radiation Biology, Institute of Cancer Research, Norwegian Radium Hospital, Oslo University Hospital, Oslo, Norway
| | | | - Marileen Dogterom
- https://ror.org/02e2c7k09Department of Bionanoscience, Kavli Institute of Nanoscience, Delft University of Technology, Delft, The Netherlands
| | - Anna Akhmanova
- https://ror.org/04pp8hn57Cell Biology, Neurobiology and Biophysics, Department of Biology, Faculty of Science, Utrecht University, Utrecht, The Netherlands,Correspondence to Anna Akhmanova:
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17
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Schaer J, Andreu-Carbó M, Kruse K, Aumeier C. The effect of motor-induced shaft dynamics on microtubule stability and length. Biophys J 2023; 122:346-359. [PMID: 36502273 PMCID: PMC9892620 DOI: 10.1016/j.bpj.2022.12.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/04/2022] [Revised: 10/17/2022] [Accepted: 12/05/2022] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Control of microtubule abundance, stability, and length is crucial to regulate intracellular transport as well as cell polarity and division. How microtubule stability depends on tubulin addition or removal at the dynamic ends is well studied. However, microtubule rescue, the event when a microtubule switches from shrinking to growing, occurs at tubulin exchange sites along the shaft. Molecular motors have recently been shown to promote such exchanges. Using a stochastic theoretical description, we study how microtubule stability and length depend on motor-induced tubulin exchange and thus rescue. Our theoretical description matches our in vitro experiments on microtubule dynamics in the presence of kinesin-1 molecular motors. Although the overall dynamics of a population of microtubules can be captured by an effective rescue rate, by assigning rescue to exchange sites, we reveal that the dynamics of individual microtubules within the population differ dramatically. Furthermore, we study in detail a transition from bounded to unbounded microtubule growth. Our results provide novel insights into how molecular motors imprint information of microtubule stability on the microtubule network.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joël Schaer
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Geneva, Geneva, Switzerland; Department of Theoretical Physics, University of Geneva, Geneva, Switzerland
| | | | - Karsten Kruse
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Geneva, Geneva, Switzerland; Department of Theoretical Physics, University of Geneva, Geneva, Switzerland; National Center for Competence in Research Chemical Biology, University of Geneva, Geneva, Switzerland.
| | - Charlotte Aumeier
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Geneva, Geneva, Switzerland; National Center for Competence in Research Chemical Biology, University of Geneva, Geneva, Switzerland.
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18
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Gazzola M, Schaeffer A, Butler-Hallissey C, Friedl K, Vianay B, Gaillard J, Leterrier C, Blanchoin L, Théry M. Microtubules self-repair in living cells. Curr Biol 2023; 33:122-133.e4. [PMID: 36565699 DOI: 10.1016/j.cub.2022.11.060] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/11/2022] [Revised: 09/21/2022] [Accepted: 11/24/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
Microtubule self-repair has been studied both in vitro and in vivo as an underlying mechanism of microtubule stability. The turnover of tubulin dimers along the microtubule has challenged the pre-existing dogma that only growing ends are dynamic. However, although there is clear evidence of tubulin incorporation into the shaft of polymerized microtubules in vitro, the possibility of such events occurring in living cells remains uncertain. In this study, we investigated this possibility by microinjecting purified tubulin dimers labeled with a red fluorophore into the cytoplasm of cells expressing GFP-tubulin. We observed the appearance of red dots along the pre-existing green microtubule within minutes. We found that the fluorescence intensities of these red dots were inversely correlated with the green signal, suggesting that the red dimers were incorporated into the microtubules and replaced the pre-existing green dimers. Lateral distance from the microtubule center was similar to that in incorporation sites and in growing ends. The saturation of the size and spatial frequency of incorporations as a function of injected tubulin concentration and post-injection delay suggested that the injected dimers incorporated into a finite number of damaged sites. By our low estimate, within a few minutes of the injections, free dimers incorporated into major repair sites every 70 μm of microtubules. Finally, we mapped the location of these sites in micropatterned cells and found that they were more concentrated in regions where the actin filament network was less dense and where microtubules exhibited greater lateral fluctuations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Morgan Gazzola
- University of Paris, INSERM, CEA, UMRS1160, Institut de Recherche Saint Louis, CytoMorpho Lab, Hôpital Saint Louis, 10 Avenue Claude Vellefaux, 75010 Paris, France
| | - Alexandre Schaeffer
- University of Paris, INSERM, CEA, UMRS1160, Institut de Recherche Saint Louis, CytoMorpho Lab, Hôpital Saint Louis, 10 Avenue Claude Vellefaux, 75010 Paris, France
| | - Ciarán Butler-Hallissey
- Aix Marseille Université, CNRS, INP UMR7051, NeuroCyto Lab, 27 Boulevard Jean Moulin, 13385 Marseille, France
| | - Karoline Friedl
- Aix Marseille Université, CNRS, INP UMR7051, NeuroCyto Lab, 27 Boulevard Jean Moulin, 13385 Marseille, France; Abbelight, 191 Avenue Aristide Briand, 94230 Cachan, France
| | - Benoit Vianay
- University of Paris, INSERM, CEA, UMRS1160, Institut de Recherche Saint Louis, CytoMorpho Lab, Hôpital Saint Louis, 10 Avenue Claude Vellefaux, 75010 Paris, France
| | - Jérémie Gaillard
- University of Grenoble-Alpes, CEA, CNRS, UMR5168, Interdisciplinary Research Institute of Grenoble, CytoMorpho Lab, 17 rue des Martyrs, 38054 Grenoble, France
| | - Christophe Leterrier
- Aix Marseille Université, CNRS, INP UMR7051, NeuroCyto Lab, 27 Boulevard Jean Moulin, 13385 Marseille, France
| | - Laurent Blanchoin
- University of Grenoble-Alpes, CEA, CNRS, UMR5168, Interdisciplinary Research Institute of Grenoble, CytoMorpho Lab, 17 rue des Martyrs, 38054 Grenoble, France.
| | - Manuel Théry
- University of Paris, INSERM, CEA, UMRS1160, Institut de Recherche Saint Louis, CytoMorpho Lab, Hôpital Saint Louis, 10 Avenue Claude Vellefaux, 75010 Paris, France.
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19
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Iwanski MK, Kapitein LC. Cellular cartography: Towards an atlas of the neuronal microtubule cytoskeleton. Front Cell Dev Biol 2023; 11:1052245. [PMID: 37035244 PMCID: PMC10073685 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2023.1052245] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/23/2022] [Accepted: 02/28/2023] [Indexed: 04/11/2023] Open
Abstract
Microtubules, one of the major components of the cytoskeleton, play a crucial role during many aspects of neuronal development and function, such as neuronal polarization and axon outgrowth. Consequently, the microtubule cytoskeleton has been implicated in many neurodevelopmental and neurodegenerative disorders. The polar nature of microtubules is quintessential for their function, allowing them to serve as tracks for long-distance, directed intracellular transport by kinesin and dynein motors. Most of these motors move exclusively towards either the plus- or minus-end of a microtubule and some have been shown to have a preference for either dynamic or stable microtubules, those bearing a particular post-translational modification or those decorated by a specific microtubule-associated protein. Thus, it becomes important to consider the interplay of these features and their combinatorial effects on transport, as well as how different types of microtubules are organized in the cell. Here, we discuss microtubule subsets in terms of tubulin isotypes, tubulin post-translational modifications, microtubule-associated proteins, microtubule stability or dynamicity, and microtubule orientation. We highlight techniques used to study these features of the microtubule cytoskeleton and, using the information from these studies, try to define the composition, role, and organization of some of these subsets in neurons.
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20
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Tsitkov S, Rodriguez JB, Bassir Kazeruni NM, Sweet M, Nitta T, Hess H. The rate of microtubule breaking increases exponentially with curvature. Sci Rep 2022; 12:20899. [PMID: 36463258 PMCID: PMC9719553 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-022-24912-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/24/2022] [Accepted: 11/22/2022] [Indexed: 12/04/2022] Open
Abstract
Microtubules, cylindrical assemblies of tubulin proteins with a 25 nm diameter and micrometer lengths, are a central part of the cytoskeleton and also serve as building blocks for nanobiodevices. Microtubule breaking can result from the activity of severing enzymes and mechanical stress. Breaking can lead to a loss of structural integrity, or an increase in the numbers of microtubules. We observed breaking of taxol-stabilized microtubules in a gliding motility assay where microtubules are propelled by surface-adhered kinesin-1 motor proteins. We find that over 95% of all breaking events are associated with the strong bending following pinning events (where the leading tip of the microtubule becomes stuck). Furthermore, the breaking rate increased exponentially with increasing curvature. These observations are explained by a model accounting for the complex mechanochemistry of a microtubule. The presence of severing enzymes is not required to observe breaking at rates comparable to those measured previously in cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stanislav Tsitkov
- grid.21729.3f0000000419368729Columbia University, 351L Engineering Terrace, MC 8904, 1210 Amsterdam Avenue, New York, NY 10027 USA
| | - Juan B. Rodriguez
- grid.21729.3f0000000419368729Columbia University, 351L Engineering Terrace, MC 8904, 1210 Amsterdam Avenue, New York, NY 10027 USA
| | - Neda M. Bassir Kazeruni
- grid.21729.3f0000000419368729Columbia University, 351L Engineering Terrace, MC 8904, 1210 Amsterdam Avenue, New York, NY 10027 USA
| | - May Sweet
- grid.256342.40000 0004 0370 4927Applied Physics Course, Faculty of Engineering, Gifu University, Gifu, 501-1193 Japan
| | - Takahiro Nitta
- grid.256342.40000 0004 0370 4927Applied Physics Course, Faculty of Engineering, Gifu University, Gifu, 501-1193 Japan
| | - Henry Hess
- grid.21729.3f0000000419368729Columbia University, 351L Engineering Terrace, MC 8904, 1210 Amsterdam Avenue, New York, NY 10027 USA
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21
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Sasanpour M, Achiriloaie DH, Lee G, Leech G, Hendija M, Lindsay KA, Ross JL, McGorty RJ, Robertson-Anderson RM. Reconstituting and Characterizing Actin-Microtubule Composites with Tunable Motor-Driven Dynamics and Mechanics. J Vis Exp 2022:10.3791/64228. [PMID: 36094259 PMCID: PMC10290881 DOI: 10.3791/64228] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/20/2023] Open
Abstract
The composite cytoskeleton, comprising interacting networks of semiflexible actin filaments and rigid microtubules, restructures and generates forces using motor proteins such as myosin II and kinesin to drive key processes such as migration, cytokinesis, adhesion, and mechanosensing. While actin-microtubule interactions are key to the cytoskeleton's versatility and adaptability, an understanding of their interplay with myosin and kinesin activity is still nascent. This work describes how to engineer tunable three-dimensional composite networks of co-entangled actin filaments and microtubules that undergo active restructuring and ballistic motion, driven by myosin II and kinesin motors, and are tuned by the relative concentrations of actin, microtubules, motor proteins, and passive crosslinkers. Protocols for fluorescence labeling of the microtubules and actin filaments to most effectively visualize composite restructuring and motion using multi-spectral confocal imaging are also detailed. Finally, the results of data analysis methods that can be used to quantitatively characterize non-equilibrium structure, dynamics, and mechanics are presented. Recreating and investigating this tunable biomimetic platform provides valuable insight into how coupled motor activity, composite mechanics, and filament dynamics can lead to myriad cellular processes from mitosis to polarization to mechano-sensation.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Daisy H Achiriloaie
- Department of Physics and Biophysics, University of San Diego; W. M. Keck Science Department, Scripps College, Pitzer College, and Claremont McKenna College
| | - Gloria Lee
- Department of Physics and Biophysics, University of San Diego
| | - Gregor Leech
- Department of Physics and Biophysics, University of San Diego
| | - Maya Hendija
- Department of Physics and Biophysics, University of San Diego
| | | | | | - Ryan J McGorty
- Department of Physics and Biophysics, University of San Diego
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22
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Siahaan V, Tan R, Humhalova T, Libusova L, Lacey SE, Tan T, Dacy M, Ori-McKenney KM, McKenney RJ, Braun M, Lansky Z. Microtubule lattice spacing governs cohesive envelope formation of tau family proteins. Nat Chem Biol 2022; 18:1224-1235. [PMID: 35996000 PMCID: PMC9613621 DOI: 10.1038/s41589-022-01096-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/05/2022] [Accepted: 06/24/2022] [Indexed: 01/28/2023]
Abstract
Tau is an intrinsically disordered microtubule-associated protein (MAP) implicated in neurodegenerative disease. On microtubules, tau molecules segregate into two kinetically distinct phases, consisting of either independently diffusing molecules or interacting molecules that form cohesive 'envelopes' around microtubules. Envelopes differentially regulate lattice accessibility for other MAPs, but the mechanism of envelope formation remains unclear. Here we find that tau envelopes form cooperatively, locally altering the spacing of tubulin dimers within the microtubule lattice. Envelope formation compacted the underlying lattice, whereas lattice extension induced tau envelope disassembly. Investigating other members of the tau family, we find that MAP2 similarly forms envelopes governed by lattice spacing, whereas MAP4 cannot. Envelopes differentially biased motor protein movement, suggesting that tau family members could spatially divide the microtubule surface into functionally distinct regions. We conclude that the interdependent allostery between lattice spacing and cooperative envelope formation provides the molecular basis for spatial regulation of microtubule-based processes by tau and MAP2.
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Affiliation(s)
- Valerie Siahaan
- Institute of Biotechnology, Czech Academy of Sciences, BIOCEV, Prague West, Czech Republic
| | - Ruensern Tan
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology, University of California - Davis, Davis, CA, USA.,Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology, University of California at Berkeley, Berkeley, CA, USA
| | - Tereza Humhalova
- Department of Cell Biology, Faculty of Science, Charles University, Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Lenka Libusova
- Department of Cell Biology, Faculty of Science, Charles University, Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Samuel E Lacey
- Structural Studies Division, MRC Laboratory of Molecular Biology, Cambridge, UK.,Human Technopole, Milan, Italy
| | - Tracy Tan
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology, University of California - Davis, Davis, CA, USA
| | - Mariah Dacy
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology, University of California - Davis, Davis, CA, USA
| | | | - Richard J McKenney
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology, University of California - Davis, Davis, CA, USA.
| | - Marcus Braun
- Institute of Biotechnology, Czech Academy of Sciences, BIOCEV, Prague West, Czech Republic.
| | - Zdenek Lansky
- Institute of Biotechnology, Czech Academy of Sciences, BIOCEV, Prague West, Czech Republic.
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23
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Abstract
Coupling of motor proteins within arrays drives muscle contraction, flagellar beating, chromosome segregation, and other biological processes. Current models of motor coupling invoke either direct mechanical linkage or protein crowding, which rely on short-range motor-motor interactions. In contrast, coupling mechanisms that act at longer length scales remain largely unexplored. Here we report that microtubules can physically couple motor movement in the absence of detectable short-range interactions. The human kinesin-4 Kif4A changes the run length and velocity of other motors on the same microtubule in the dilute binding limit, when approximately 10-nm-sized motors are much farther apart than the motor size. This effect does not depend on specific motor-motor interactions because similar changes in Kif4A motility are induced by kinesin-1 motors. A micrometer-scale attractive interaction potential between motors is sufficient to recreate the experimental results in a biophysical model. Unexpectedly, our theory suggests that long-range microtubule-mediated coupling affects not only binding kinetics but also motor mechanochemistry. Therefore, the model predicts that motors can sense and respond to motors bound several micrometers away on a microtubule. Our results are consistent with a paradigm in which long-range motor interactions along the microtubule enable additional forms of collective motor behavior, possibly due to changes in the microtubule lattice.
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24
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Costa AC, Sousa MM. The Role of Spastin in Axon Biology. Front Cell Dev Biol 2022; 10:934522. [PMID: 35865632 PMCID: PMC9294387 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2022.934522] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/02/2022] [Accepted: 06/07/2022] [Indexed: 12/05/2022] Open
Abstract
Neurons are highly polarized cells with elaborate shapes that allow them to perform their function. In neurons, microtubule organization—length, density, and dynamics—are essential for the establishment of polarity, growth, and transport. A mounting body of evidence shows that modulation of the microtubule cytoskeleton by microtubule-associated proteins fine tunes key aspects of neuronal cell biology. In this respect, microtubule severing enzymes—spastin, katanin and fidgetin—a group of microtubule-associated proteins that bind to and generate internal breaks in the microtubule lattice, are emerging as key modulators of the microtubule cytoskeleton in different model systems. In this review, we provide an integrative view on the latest research demonstrating the key role of spastin in neurons, specifically in the context of axonal cell biology. We focus on the function of spastin in the regulation of microtubule organization, and axonal transport, that underlie its importance in the intricate control of axon growth, branching and regeneration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ana Catarina Costa
- Nerve Regeneration Group, Instituto de Biologia Molecular e Celular (IBMC), Instituto de Investigação e Inovação Em Saúde (i3S), University of Porto, Porto, Portugal
- Graduate Program in Molecular and Cell Biology, Instituto de Ciências Biomédicas Abel Salazar (ICBAS), University of Porto, Porto, Portugal
- *Correspondence: Ana Catarina Costa, ; Monica Mendes Sousa,
| | - Monica Mendes Sousa
- Nerve Regeneration Group, Instituto de Biologia Molecular e Celular (IBMC), Instituto de Investigação e Inovação Em Saúde (i3S), University of Porto, Porto, Portugal
- *Correspondence: Ana Catarina Costa, ; Monica Mendes Sousa,
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25
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Villars A, Matamoro-Vidal A, Levillayer F, Levayer R. Microtubule disassembly by caspases is an important rate-limiting step of cell extrusion. Nat Commun 2022; 13:3632. [PMID: 35752632 PMCID: PMC9233712 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-022-31266-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/22/2021] [Accepted: 06/10/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
The expulsion of dying epithelial cells requires well-orchestrated remodelling steps to maintain tissue sealing. This process, named cell extrusion, has been mostly analysed through the study of actomyosin regulation. Yet, the mechanistic relationship between caspase activation and cell extrusion is still poorly understood. Using the Drosophila pupal notum, a single layer epithelium where extrusions are caspase-dependent, we showed that the initiation of cell extrusion and apical constriction are surprisingly not associated with the modulation of actomyosin concentration and dynamics. Instead, cell apical constriction is initiated by the disassembly of a medio-apical mesh of microtubules which is driven by effector caspases. Importantly, the depletion of microtubules is sufficient to bypass the requirement of caspases for cell extrusion, while microtubule stabilisation strongly impairs cell extrusion. This study shows that microtubules disassembly by caspases is a key rate-limiting step of extrusion, and outlines a more general function of microtubules in epithelial cell shape stabilisation. Using the Drosophila pupal notum, the authors demonstrate that the disassembly of microtubules by effector caspases initiate cell extrusion independently of actomyosin regulation, thus providing insights into how caspases orchestrate dying epithelial cell expulsion.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexis Villars
- Department of Developmental and Stem Cell Biology, Institut Pasteur, Université de Paris Cité, CNRS UMR 3738, 25 rue du Dr. Roux, 75015, Paris, France.,Sorbonne Université, Collège Doctoral, F75005, Paris, France
| | - Alexis Matamoro-Vidal
- Department of Developmental and Stem Cell Biology, Institut Pasteur, Université de Paris Cité, CNRS UMR 3738, 25 rue du Dr. Roux, 75015, Paris, France
| | - Florence Levillayer
- Department of Developmental and Stem Cell Biology, Institut Pasteur, Université de Paris Cité, CNRS UMR 3738, 25 rue du Dr. Roux, 75015, Paris, France
| | - Romain Levayer
- Department of Developmental and Stem Cell Biology, Institut Pasteur, Université de Paris Cité, CNRS UMR 3738, 25 rue du Dr. Roux, 75015, Paris, France.
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26
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Kuo YW, Mahamdeh M, Tuna Y, Howard J. The force required to remove tubulin from the microtubule lattice by pulling on its α-tubulin C-terminal tail. Nat Commun 2022; 13:3651. [PMID: 35752623 PMCID: PMC9233703 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-022-31069-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/18/2022] [Accepted: 06/01/2022] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Severing enzymes and molecular motors extract tubulin from the walls of microtubules by exerting mechanical force on subunits buried in the lattice. However, how much force is needed to remove tubulin from microtubules is not known, nor is the pathway by which subunits are removed. Using a site-specific functionalization method, we applied forces to the C-terminus of α-tubulin with an optical tweezer and found that a force of ~30 pN is required to extract tubulin from the microtubule wall. Additionally, we discovered that partial unfolding is an intermediate step in tubulin removal. The unfolding and extraction forces are similar to those generated by AAA-unfoldases. Lastly, we show that three kinesin-1 motor proteins can also extract tubulin from the microtubule lattice. Our results provide the first experimental investigation of how tubulin responds to mechanical forces exerted on its α-tubulin C-terminal tail and have implications for the mechanisms of severing enzymes and microtubule stability. Tubulin, the building blocks of microtubules, can be removed from the microtubule wall by mechanical forces. Using single-molecule methods, the authors show that tubulin partially unfolds prior to its removal and determined the tubulin-extraction force.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yin-Wei Kuo
- Department of Molecular Biophysics and Biochemistry, Yale University, New Haven, CT, USA
| | - Mohammed Mahamdeh
- Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA.,Cardiovascular Research Center, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Yazgan Tuna
- Department of Molecular Biophysics and Biochemistry, Yale University, New Haven, CT, USA
| | - Jonathon Howard
- Department of Molecular Biophysics and Biochemistry, Yale University, New Haven, CT, USA.
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27
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Multiple roles for the cytoskeleton in ALS. Exp Neurol 2022; 355:114143. [PMID: 35714755 PMCID: PMC10163623 DOI: 10.1016/j.expneurol.2022.114143] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/19/2021] [Revised: 06/05/2022] [Accepted: 06/08/2022] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a progressive neurodegenerative disease caused by more than sixty genes identified through classic linkage analysis and new sequencing methods. Yet no clear mechanism of onset, cure, or effective treatment is known. Popular discourse classifies the proteins encoded from ALS-related genes into four disrupted processes: proteostasis, mitochondrial function and ROS, nucleic acid regulation, and cytoskeletal dynamics. Surprisingly, the mechanisms detailing the contribution of the neuronal cytoskeletal in ALS are the least explored, despite involvement in these cell processes. Eight genes directly regulate properties of cytoskeleton function and are essential for the health and survival of motor neurons, including: TUBA4A, SPAST, KIF5A, DCTN1, NF, PRPH, ALS2, and PFN1. Here we review the properties and studies exploring the contribution of each of these genes to ALS.
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28
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Sabo J, Lansky Z. Molecular motors: Turning kinesin-1 into a microtubule destroyer. Curr Biol 2022; 32:R518-R520. [PMID: 35671724 DOI: 10.1016/j.cub.2022.04.079] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
Kinesin-1 is a typical microtubule-associated molecular motor that drives cargo transport in the cell. New work now shows that small changes in its structure can bring out unforeseen powers in this motor, turning it into a microtubule destroyer and highlighting the interdependencies between the biological motor and its track.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jan Sabo
- Institute of Biotechnology, Czech Academy of Sciences, BIOCEV, Prague West, Czech Republic
| | - Zdenek Lansky
- Institute of Biotechnology, Czech Academy of Sciences, BIOCEV, Prague West, Czech Republic.
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29
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Budaitis BG, Badieyan S, Yue Y, Blasius TL, Reinemann DN, Lang MJ, Cianfrocco MA, Verhey KJ. A kinesin-1 variant reveals motor-induced microtubule damage in cells. Curr Biol 2022; 32:2416-2429.e6. [PMID: 35504282 PMCID: PMC9993403 DOI: 10.1016/j.cub.2022.04.020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/20/2021] [Revised: 03/11/2022] [Accepted: 04/08/2022] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
Kinesins drive the transport of cellular cargoes as they walk along microtubule tracks; however, recent work has suggested that the physical act of kinesins walking along microtubules can stress the microtubule lattice. Here, we describe a kinesin-1 KIF5C mutant with an increased ability to generate damage sites in the microtubule lattice as compared with the wild-type motor. The expression of the mutant motor in cultured cells resulted in microtubule breakage and fragmentation, suggesting that kinesin-1 variants with increased damage activity would have been selected against during evolution. The increased ability to damage microtubules is not due to the enhanced motility properties of the mutant motor, as the expression of the kinesin-3 motor KIF1A, which has similar single-motor motility properties, also caused increased microtubule pausing, bending, and buckling but not breakage. In cells, motor-induced microtubule breakage could not be prevented by increased α-tubulin K40 acetylation, a post-translational modification known to increase microtubule flexibility. In vitro, lattice damage induced by wild-type KIF5C was repaired by soluble tubulin and resulted in increased rescues and overall microtubule growth, whereas lattice damage induced by the KIF5C mutant resulted in larger repair sites that made the microtubule vulnerable to breakage and fragmentation when under mechanical stress. These results demonstrate that kinesin-1 motility causes defects in and damage to the microtubule lattice in cells. While cells have the capacity to repair lattice damage, conditions that exceed this capacity result in microtubule breakage and fragmentation and may contribute to human disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Breane G Budaitis
- Cellular and Molecular Biology Program, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA; Department of Cell & Developmental Biology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA
| | - Somayesadat Badieyan
- Department of Biological Chemistry and Life Sciences Institute, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA
| | - Yang Yue
- Department of Cell & Developmental Biology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA
| | - T Lynne Blasius
- Department of Cell & Developmental Biology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA
| | - Dana N Reinemann
- Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN 37240, USA
| | - Matthew J Lang
- Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN 37240, USA
| | - Michael A Cianfrocco
- Department of Biological Chemistry and Life Sciences Institute, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA
| | - Kristen J Verhey
- Cellular and Molecular Biology Program, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA; Department of Cell & Developmental Biology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA.
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30
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Precision materials: Computational design methods of accurate protein materials. Curr Opin Struct Biol 2022; 74:102367. [DOI: 10.1016/j.sbi.2022.102367] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/26/2021] [Revised: 02/22/2022] [Accepted: 02/28/2022] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
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31
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Joshi FM, Viar GA, Pigino G, Drechsler H, Diez S. Fabrication of High Aspect Ratio Gold Nanowires within the Microtubule Lumen. NANO LETTERS 2022; 22:3659-3667. [PMID: 35446032 DOI: 10.1021/acs.nanolett.2c00255] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
Gold nanowires have great potential use as interconnects in electronic, photonic, and optoelectronic devices. To date, there are various fabrication strategies for gold nanowires, each one associated with particular drawbacks as they utilize high temperatures, toxic chemicals, or expensive compounds to produce nanowires of suboptimal quality. Inspired by nanowire fabrication strategies that used higher-order biopolymer structures as molds for electroless deposition of gold, we here report a strategy for the growth of gold nanowires from seed nanoparticles within the lumen of microtubules. Luminal targeting of seed particles occurs through covalently linked Fab fragments of an antibody recognizing the acetylated lysine 40 on the luminal side of α-tubulin. Gold nanowires grown by electroless deposition within the microtubule lumen exhibit a homogeneous morphology and high aspect ratios with a mean diameter of 20 nm. Our approach is fast, simple, and inexpensive and does not require toxic chemicals or other harsh conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Foram M Joshi
- B CUBE - Center for Molecular Bioengineering, Technische Universität Dresden, 01307 Dresden, Germany
| | - Gonzalo Alvarez Viar
- Max Planck Institute of Molecular Cell Biology and Genetics, 01307 Dresden, Germany
| | - Gaia Pigino
- Max Planck Institute of Molecular Cell Biology and Genetics, 01307 Dresden, Germany
- Human Technopole, 20157 Milan, Italy
| | - Hauke Drechsler
- B CUBE - Center for Molecular Bioengineering, Technische Universität Dresden, 01307 Dresden, Germany
| | - Stefan Diez
- B CUBE - Center for Molecular Bioengineering, Technische Universität Dresden, 01307 Dresden, Germany
- Max Planck Institute of Molecular Cell Biology and Genetics, 01307 Dresden, Germany
- Cluster of Excellence Physics of Life, Technische Universität Dresden, 01307 Dresden, Germany
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32
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Vu HT, Zhang Z, Tehver R, Thirumalai D. Plus and minus ends of microtubules respond asymmetrically to kinesin binding by a long-range directionally driven allosteric mechanism. SCIENCE ADVANCES 2022; 8:eabn0856. [PMID: 35417226 PMCID: PMC9007332 DOI: 10.1126/sciadv.abn0856] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/02/2021] [Accepted: 02/24/2022] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
Although it is known that majority of kinesin motors walk predominantly toward the plus end of microtubules (MTs) in a hand-over-hand manner, the structural origin of the stepping directionality is not understood. To resolve this issue, we modeled the structures of kinesin-1 (Kin1), MT, and the Kin1-MT complex using the elastic network model and calculated the residue-dependent responses to a local perturbation in the constructs. Kin1 binding elicits an asymmetric response that is pronounced in α/β-tubulin dimers in the plus end of the MT. Kin1 opens the clefts of multiple plus end α/β-tubulin dimers, creating binding-competent conformations, which is required for processivity. Reciprocally, MT induces correlations between switches I and II in the motor and enhances fluctuations in adenosine 5'-diphosphate and the residues in the binding pocket. Our findings explain both the directionality of stepping and MT effects on a key step in the catalytic cycle of kinesin.
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Affiliation(s)
- Huong T. Vu
- Centre for Mechanochemical Cell Biology, Warwick Medical School, Coventry CV4 7AL, UK
| | - Zhechun Zhang
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA 02138, USA
| | - Riina Tehver
- Department of Physics, Denison University, Granville, OH 43023, USA
| | - D. Thirumalai
- Department of Chemistry, University of Texas, Austin, TX 78702, USA
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33
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Akhmanova A, Kapitein LC. Mechanisms of microtubule organization in differentiated animal cells. Nat Rev Mol Cell Biol 2022; 23:541-558. [PMID: 35383336 DOI: 10.1038/s41580-022-00473-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 48] [Impact Index Per Article: 24.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 03/07/2022] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
Microtubules are polarized cytoskeletal filaments that serve as tracks for intracellular transport and form a scaffold that positions organelles and other cellular components and modulates cell shape and mechanics. In animal cells, the geometry, density and directionality of microtubule networks are major determinants of cellular architecture, polarity and proliferation. In dividing cells, microtubules form bipolar spindles that pull chromosomes apart, whereas in interphase cells, microtubules are organized in a cell type-specific fashion, which strongly correlates with cell physiology. In motile cells, such as fibroblasts and immune cells, microtubules are organized as radial asters, whereas in immotile epithelial and neuronal cells and in muscles, microtubules form parallel or antiparallel arrays and cortical meshworks. Here, we review recent work addressing how the formation of such microtubule networks is driven by the plethora of microtubule regulatory proteins. These include proteins that nucleate or anchor microtubule ends at different cellular structures and those that sever or move microtubules, as well as regulators of microtubule elongation, stability, bundling or modifications. The emerging picture, although still very incomplete, shows a remarkable diversity of cell-specific mechanisms that employ conserved building blocks to adjust microtubule organization in order to facilitate different cellular functions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna Akhmanova
- Cell Biology, Neurobiology and Biophysics, Department of Biology, Faculty of Science, Utrecht University, Utrecht, the Netherlands.
| | - Lukas C Kapitein
- Cell Biology, Neurobiology and Biophysics, Department of Biology, Faculty of Science, Utrecht University, Utrecht, the Netherlands.
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34
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Bär J, Popp Y, Bucher M, Mikhaylova M. Direct and indirect effects of tubulin post-translational modifications on microtubule stability: Insights and regulations. BIOCHIMICA ET BIOPHYSICA ACTA. MOLECULAR CELL RESEARCH 2022; 1869:119241. [PMID: 35181405 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbamcr.2022.119241] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/20/2021] [Revised: 01/28/2022] [Accepted: 01/28/2022] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
Microtubules (MTs) mediate various cellular functions such as structural support, chromosome segregation, and intracellular transport. To achieve this, the pivotal properties of MTs have to be changeable and tightly controlled. This is enabled by a high variety of tubulin posttranslational modifications, which influence MT properties directly, via altering the MT lattice structurally, or indirectly by changing MT interaction partners. Here, the distinction between these direct and indirect effects of MT PTMs are exemplified by acetylation of the luminal α-tubulin K40 resulting in decreased rigidity of MTs, and by MT detyrosination which decreases interaction with depolymerizing proteins, thus causing more stable MTs. We discuss how these PTMs are reversed and regulated, e.g. on the level of enzyme transcription, localization, and activity via various signalling pathways including the conventional calcium-dependent proteases calpains and how advances in microscopy techniques and development of live-sensors facilitate the understanding of MT PTM interaction and effects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Julia Bär
- RG Optobiology, Institute of Biology, Humboldt Universität zu Berlin, Invalidenstr. 42, 10115 Berlin, Germany; Guest Group "Neuronal Protein Transport", Center for Molecular Neurobiology, ZMNH, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Falkenried 94, 20251 Hamburg, Germany.
| | - Yannes Popp
- RG Optobiology, Institute of Biology, Humboldt Universität zu Berlin, Invalidenstr. 42, 10115 Berlin, Germany; Guest Group "Neuronal Protein Transport", Center for Molecular Neurobiology, ZMNH, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Falkenried 94, 20251 Hamburg, Germany.
| | - Michael Bucher
- RG Optobiology, Institute of Biology, Humboldt Universität zu Berlin, Invalidenstr. 42, 10115 Berlin, Germany; Guest Group "Neuronal Protein Transport", Center for Molecular Neurobiology, ZMNH, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Falkenried 94, 20251 Hamburg, Germany.
| | - Marina Mikhaylova
- RG Optobiology, Institute of Biology, Humboldt Universität zu Berlin, Invalidenstr. 42, 10115 Berlin, Germany; Guest Group "Neuronal Protein Transport", Center for Molecular Neurobiology, ZMNH, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Falkenried 94, 20251 Hamburg, Germany.
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35
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Reuther C, Santos-Otte P, Grover R, Heldt G, Woehlke G, Diez S. Multiplication of Motor-Driven Microtubules for Nanotechnological Applications. NANO LETTERS 2022; 22:926-934. [PMID: 35050639 DOI: 10.1021/acs.nanolett.1c03619] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
Microtubules gliding on motor-functionalized surfaces have been explored for various nanotechnological applications. However, when moving over large distances (several millimeters) and long times (tens of minutes), microtubules are lost due to surface detachment. Here, we demonstrate the multiplication of kinesin-1-driven microtubules that comprises two concurrent processes: (i) severing of microtubules by the enzyme spastin and (ii) elongation of microtubules by self-assembly of tubulin dimers at the microtubule ends. We managed to balance the individual processes such that the average length of the microtubules stayed roughly constant over time while their number increased. Moreover, we show microtubule multiplication in physical networks with topographical channel structures. Our method is expected to broaden the toolbox for microtubule-based in vitro applications by counteracting the microtubule loss from substrate surfaces. Among others, this will enable upscaling of network-based biocomputation, where it is vital to increase the number of microtubules during operation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cordula Reuther
- B CUBE - Center for Molecular Bioengineering, Technische Universität Dresden, 01062 Dresden, Germany
| | - Paula Santos-Otte
- B CUBE - Center for Molecular Bioengineering, Technische Universität Dresden, 01062 Dresden, Germany
| | - Rahul Grover
- B CUBE - Center for Molecular Bioengineering, Technische Universität Dresden, 01062 Dresden, Germany
| | - Georg Heldt
- Fraunhofer Institute for Electronic Nano Systems, 09126 Chemnitz, Germany
| | - Günther Woehlke
- Center for Functional Protein Assemblies, Technische Universität München, 85748 Garching, Germany
| | - Stefan Diez
- B CUBE - Center for Molecular Bioengineering, Technische Universität Dresden, 01062 Dresden, Germany
- Max Planck Institute of Molecular Cell Biology and Genetics, 01307 Dresden, Germany
- Cluster of Excellence Physics of Life, Technische Universität Dresden, 01062 Dresden, Germany
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36
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Abstract
Microtubule repair has recently emerged as a mechanism that is capable of enhancing the longevity of microtubules. In this issue of Developmental Cell, Andreu-Carbó et al. show that the microtubule motor kinesin-1 can create a cycle of microtubule damage and repair that is sufficient to bring about changes in cell polarity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alison E Twelvetrees
- Sheffield Institute for Translational Neuroscience, Department of Neuroscience, University of Sheffield, Sheffield S10 2HQ, UK.
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37
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Haynes EM, Burnett KH, He J, Jean-Pierre MW, Jarzyna M, Eliceiri KW, Huisken J, Halloran MC. KLC4 shapes axon arbors during development and mediates adult behavior. eLife 2022; 11:74270. [PMID: 36222498 PMCID: PMC9596160 DOI: 10.7554/elife.74270] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/28/2021] [Accepted: 10/11/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Development of elaborate and polarized neuronal morphology requires precisely regulated transport of cellular cargos by motor proteins such as kinesin-1. Kinesin-1 has numerous cellular cargos which must be delivered to unique neuronal compartments. The process by which this motor selectively transports and delivers cargo to regulate neuronal morphogenesis is poorly understood, although the cargo-binding kinesin light chain (KLC) subunits contribute to specificity. Our work implicates one such subunit, KLC4, as an essential regulator of axon branching and arborization pattern of sensory neurons during development. Using live imaging approaches in klc4 mutant zebrafish, we show that KLC4 is required for stabilization of nascent axon branches, proper microtubule (MT) dynamics, and endosomal transport. Furthermore, KLC4 is required for proper tiling of peripheral axon arbors: in klc4 mutants, peripheral axons showed abnormal fasciculation, a behavior characteristic of central axons. This result suggests that KLC4 patterns axonal compartments and helps establish molecular differences between central and peripheral axons. Finally, we find that klc4 mutant larva are hypersensitive to touch and adults show anxiety-like behavior in a novel tank test, implicating klc4 as a new gene involved in stress response circuits.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elizabeth M Haynes
- Department of Integrative Biology, University of Wisconsin-MadisonMadisonUnited States,Center for Quantitative Cell Imaging, University of Wisconsin-MadisonMadisonUnited States,Department of Neuroscience, University of Wisconsin-MadisonMadisonUnited States,Morgridge Institute for ResearchMadisonUnited States
| | - Korri H Burnett
- Department of Integrative Biology, University of Wisconsin-MadisonMadisonUnited States,Department of Neuroscience, University of Wisconsin-MadisonMadisonUnited States
| | - Jiaye He
- Morgridge Institute for ResearchMadisonUnited States,National Innovation Center for Advanced Medical DevicesShenzenChina
| | - Marcel W Jean-Pierre
- Department of Integrative Biology, University of Wisconsin-MadisonMadisonUnited States,Department of Neuroscience, University of Wisconsin-MadisonMadisonUnited States
| | - Martin Jarzyna
- Department of Integrative Biology, University of Wisconsin-MadisonMadisonUnited States,Department of Neuroscience, University of Wisconsin-MadisonMadisonUnited States
| | - Kevin W Eliceiri
- Center for Quantitative Cell Imaging, University of Wisconsin-MadisonMadisonUnited States,Morgridge Institute for ResearchMadisonUnited States
| | - Jan Huisken
- Department of Integrative Biology, University of Wisconsin-MadisonMadisonUnited States,Morgridge Institute for ResearchMadisonUnited States,Department of Biology and Psychology, Georg-August-UniversityGöttingenGermany
| | - Mary C Halloran
- Department of Integrative Biology, University of Wisconsin-MadisonMadisonUnited States,Department of Neuroscience, University of Wisconsin-MadisonMadisonUnited States
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38
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Agsu G, Gaillard J, Cadot B, Blanchoin L, Fabre E, Théry M. Reconstituting the Interaction Between Purified Nuclei and Microtubule Network. Methods Mol Biol 2022; 2430:385-399. [PMID: 35476346 DOI: 10.1007/978-1-0716-1983-4_25] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
The nucleus is the stiffest organelle in the cell. Several morphogenetic processes depend on its deformation such as cell migration, cell differentiation, or senescence. Recent studies have revealed various mechanisms involved in the regulation of nucleus stiffness and deformation. The implication of chromatin swelling, lamin density, actin filament, and microtubule network revealed that nucleus shape is the outcome of a fine balance between various sources of external forces and numerous means of internal resistance. In adherent cells, the actin network is the dominant player in external force production, whereas in nonadherent cells microtubules seem to take over. It is therefore important to set up reconstitution assays in order to decipher the exact contribution of each player in this mechanical balance. In this method, we describe a nucleus purification protocol that is suitable for nonadherent cells. We also show that purified nuclei can interact with microtubules and that nuclei purified from distinct cell types get differentially wrapped into the array of microtubules. A combination with a microtubule gliding assay offers the possibility to counterbalance the binding to the nucleus membrane by active motor-based forces pulling on microtubules. So this protocol allows an in-depth study of microtubule-nucleus interactions in vitro.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gökçe Agsu
- INSERM, CEA, U976 - HIPI, Institut de Recherche Saint Louis, Université de Paris, Paris, France
- CEA, INRA, CNRS, UMR5168 - LPCV, Interdisciplinary Research Institute of Grenoble, Université Grenoble-Alpes, Grenoble, France
| | - Jérémie Gaillard
- INSERM, CEA, U976 - HIPI, Institut de Recherche Saint Louis, Université de Paris, Paris, France
- CEA, INRA, CNRS, UMR5168 - LPCV, Interdisciplinary Research Institute of Grenoble, Université Grenoble-Alpes, Grenoble, France
| | - Bruno Cadot
- INSERM - Sorbonne Université UMR974 - Center for Research in Myology, Paris, France
| | - Laurent Blanchoin
- INSERM, CEA, U976 - HIPI, Institut de Recherche Saint Louis, Université de Paris, Paris, France
- CEA, INRA, CNRS, UMR5168 - LPCV, Interdisciplinary Research Institute of Grenoble, Université Grenoble-Alpes, Grenoble, France
| | - Emmanuelle Fabre
- IRSL, INSERM, U944, CNRS, UMR7212, Université de Paris, Paris, France.
| | - Manuel Théry
- INSERM, CEA, U976 - HIPI, Institut de Recherche Saint Louis, Université de Paris, Paris, France.
- CEA, INRA, CNRS, UMR5168 - LPCV, Interdisciplinary Research Institute of Grenoble, Université Grenoble-Alpes, Grenoble, France.
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39
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Gaillard J, Blanchoin L, Théry M, Schaedel L. Visualization and Quantification of Microtubule Self-Repair. Methods Mol Biol 2022; 2430:279-289. [PMID: 35476339 DOI: 10.1007/978-1-0716-1983-4_18] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
Since its discovery, several decades ago, microtubule dynamic instability has been the subject of countless studies that demonstrate its impact on cellular behavior in health and disease. Recent studies reveal a new dimension of microtubule dynamics. Microtubules are not only dynamic at their tips but also exhibit loss and incorporation of tubulin subunits along their lattice far from the tips. Although this phenomenon has been observed to occur under various conditions in vitro as well as in cells, many questions remain regarding the regulation of lattice dynamics and their contribution to overall microtubule network organization and function. Compared to microtubule tip dynamics, the dynamics of tubulin incorporation along the lattice are more challenging to investigate as they are hidden in classical experimental setups, which is likely the reason they were overlooked for a long time. In this chapter, we present a strategy to visualize and quantify the incorporation of tubulin subunits into the microtubule lattice in vitro. The proposed method does not require specialized equipment and can thus be carried out readily in most research laboratories.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jérémie Gaillard
- Univ. Grenoble-Alpes, CEA, CNRS, INRA, Biosciences & Biotechnology Institute of Grenoble, Laboratoire de Phyiologie Cellulaire & Végétale, CytoMorpho Lab, Grenoble, France
| | - Laurent Blanchoin
- Univ. Grenoble-Alpes, CEA, CNRS, INRA, Biosciences & Biotechnology Institute of Grenoble, Laboratoire de Phyiologie Cellulaire & Végétale, CytoMorpho Lab, Grenoble, France
- Univ. Paris Diderot, INSERM, CEA, Hôpital Saint Louis, Institut Universitaire d'Hematologie, UMRS1160, CytoMorpho Lab, Paris, France
| | - Manuel Théry
- Univ. Grenoble-Alpes, CEA, CNRS, INRA, Biosciences & Biotechnology Institute of Grenoble, Laboratoire de Phyiologie Cellulaire & Végétale, CytoMorpho Lab, Grenoble, France
- Univ. Paris Diderot, INSERM, CEA, Hôpital Saint Louis, Institut Universitaire d'Hematologie, UMRS1160, CytoMorpho Lab, Paris, France
| | - Laura Schaedel
- Faculty of Natural Sciences and Technology, Saarland University, Saarbrücken, Germany.
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40
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Motor usage imprints microtubule stability along the shaft. Dev Cell 2021; 57:5-18.e8. [PMID: 34883065 DOI: 10.1016/j.devcel.2021.11.019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/26/2020] [Revised: 08/27/2021] [Accepted: 11/15/2021] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
Tubulin dimers assemble into dynamic microtubules, which are used by molecular motors as tracks for intracellular transport. Organization and dynamics of the microtubule network are commonly thought to be regulated at the polymer ends, where tubulin dimers can be added or removed. Here, we show that molecular motors running on microtubules cause exchange of dimers along the shaft in vitro and in cells. These sites of dimer exchange act as rescue sites where depolymerizing microtubules stop shrinking and start re-growing. Consequently, the average length of microtubules increases depending on how frequently they are used as motor tracks. An increase of motor activity densifies the cellular microtubule network and enhances cell polarity. Running motors leave marks in the shaft, serving as traces of microtubule usage to organize the polarity landscape of the cell.
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Triclin S, Inoue D, Gaillard J, Blanchoin L, Théry M. A new perspective on microtubule dynamics: destruction by molecular motors and self-repair. C R Biol 2021; 344:297-310. [DOI: 10.5802/crbiol.59] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/29/2021] [Accepted: 07/05/2021] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
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Saper G, Tsitkov S, Katira P, Hess H. Robotic end-to-end fusion of microtubules powered by kinesin. Sci Robot 2021; 6:eabj7200. [PMID: 34731025 DOI: 10.1126/scirobotics.abj7200] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
The active assembly of molecules by nanorobots has advanced greatly since “molecular manufacturing”—that is, the use of nanoscale tools to build molecular structures—was proposed. In contrast to a catalyst, which accelerates a reaction by smoothing the potential energy surface along the reaction coordinate, molecular machines expend energy to accelerate a reaction relative to the baseline provided by thermal motion and forces. Here, we design a nanorobotics system to accelerate end-to-end microtubule assembly by using kinesin motors and a circular confining chamber. We show that the mechanical interaction of kinesin-propelled microtubules gliding on a surface with the walls of the confining chamber results in a nonequilibrium distribution of microtubules, which increases the number of end-to-end microtubule fusion events 20-fold compared with microtubules gliding on a plane. In contrast to earlier nanorobots, where a nonequilibrium distribution was built into the initial state and drove the process, our nanorobotic system creates and actively maintains the building blocks in the concentrated state responsible for accelerated assembly through the adenosine triphosphate–fueled generation of force by kinesin-1 motor proteins. This approach can be used in the future to develop biohybrid or bioinspired nanorobots that use molecular machines to access nonequilibrium states and accelerate nanoscale assembly.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gadiel Saper
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Columbia University, New York, NY, USA
| | - Stanislav Tsitkov
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Columbia University, New York, NY, USA
| | - Parag Katira
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, San Diego State University, San Diego, CA, USA
| | - Henry Hess
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Columbia University, New York, NY, USA
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Fiorenza SA, Steckhahn DG, Betterton MD. Modeling spatiotemporally varying protein-protein interactions in CyLaKS, the Cytoskeleton Lattice-based Kinetic Simulator. THE EUROPEAN PHYSICAL JOURNAL. E, SOFT MATTER 2021; 44:105. [PMID: 34406510 PMCID: PMC10202044 DOI: 10.1140/epje/s10189-021-00097-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/03/2021] [Accepted: 06/21/2021] [Indexed: 05/24/2023]
Abstract
Interaction of cytoskeletal filaments, motor proteins, and crosslinking proteins drives important cellular processes such as cell division and cell movement. Cytoskeletal networks also exhibit nonequilibrium self-assembly in reconstituted systems. An emerging problem in cytoskeletal modeling and simulation is spatiotemporal alteration of the dynamics of filaments, motors, and associated proteins. This can occur due to motor crowding, obstacles along the filament, motor interactions and direction switching, and changes, defects, or heterogeneity in the filament binding lattice. How such spatiotemporally varying cytoskeletal filaments and motor interactions affect their collective properties is not fully understood. We developed the Cytoskeleton Lattice-based Kinetic Simulator (CyLaKS) to investigate such problems. The simulation model builds on previous work by incorporating motor mechanochemistry into a simulation with many interacting motors and/or associated proteins on a discretized lattice. CyLaKS also includes detailed balance in binding kinetics, movement, and lattice heterogeneity. The simulation framework is flexible and extensible for future modeling work and is available on GitHub for others to freely use or build upon. Here we illustrate the use of CyLaKS to study long-range motor interactions, microtubule lattice heterogeneity, motion of a heterodimeric motor, and how changing crosslinker number affects filament separation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shane A Fiorenza
- Department of Physics, University of Colorado Boulder, Boulder, USA
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Abstract
Microtubules are dynamic cytoskeletal filaments composed of αβ-tubulin heterodimers. Historically, the dynamics of single tubulin interactions at the growing microtubule tip have been inferred from steady-state growth kinetics. However, recent advances in the production of recombinant tubulin and in high-resolution optical and cryo-electron microscopies have opened new windows into understanding the impacts of specific intermolecular interactions during growth. The microtubule lattice is held together by lateral and longitudinal tubulin-tubulin interactions, and these interactions are in turn regulated by the GTP hydrolysis state of the tubulin heterodimer. Furthermore, tubulin can exist in either an extended or a compacted state in the lattice. Growing evidence has led to the suggestion that binding of microtubule-associated proteins (MAPs) or motors can induce changes in tubulin conformation and that this information can be communicated through the microtubule lattice. Progress in understanding how dynamic tubulin-tubulin interactions control dynamic instability has benefitted from visualizing structures of growing microtubule plus ends and through stochastic biochemical models constrained by experimental data. Here, we review recent insights into the molecular basis of microtubule growth and discuss how MAPs and regulatory proteins alter tubulin-tubulin interactions to exert their effects on microtubule growth and stability.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joseph M Cleary
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA 16802, USA
| | - William O Hancock
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA 16802, USA.
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Cirilo JA, Yengo CM. A dynamic Dab2 keeps myosin VI stably on track. J Biol Chem 2021; 296:100640. [PMID: 34237899 PMCID: PMC8113857 DOI: 10.1016/j.jbc.2021.100640] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/03/2022] Open
Abstract
Myosins are actin-based motor proteins known to perform a variety of different mechanical tasks in cells including transporting cargo, generating tension, and linking the cytoskeleton and membrane. Myosins that function as transporters often form complexes with adaptor proteins and vesicular membranes, making it unclear how they transport their cargo through the actin cytoskeletal network. Rai et al. now use single-molecule kinetics, FRET, and DNA origami scaffolds that mimic motor–adaptor complexes to reveal that the myosin VI-Dab2 complex, which is held together weakly and turns over rapidly, can facilitate processive transport without disruption of the cytoskeleton.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joseph A Cirilo
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Physiology, Penn State College of Medicine, Hershey, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Christopher M Yengo
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Physiology, Penn State College of Medicine, Hershey, Pennsylvania, USA.
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Prokop A. A common theme for axonopathies? The dependency cycle of local axon homeostasis. Cytoskeleton (Hoboken) 2021; 78:52-63. [PMID: 33713552 DOI: 10.1002/cm.21657] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/04/2021] [Revised: 02/21/2021] [Accepted: 02/23/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
The number of acquired or inherited conditions leading to axon degeneration (from now on referred to as axonopathies) is vast. To diagnose patients, clinicians use a range of indicators including physiology, morphology, family and patient history, as well as genetics, with the specific location of the lesion within the nervous system being a prominent feature. For the neurobiologist, these criteria are often unsatisfactory, and key questions remain unanswered. For example, does it make sense that different axonopathies affect distinct neuron groups through distinct mechanisms? Would it not be more likely that there are common routes to axon degeneration? In this opinion piece, I shall pose this fundamental question and try to find answers that are hopefully thought-provoking and trigger some conceptual rethinking in the field. I will conclude by describing the 'dependency cycle of axon homeostasis' as a new approach to make sense of the intricate connections of axon biology and physiology, also suggesting that different axonopathies might share common paths to axon degeneration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andreas Prokop
- Manchester Academic Health Science Centre, Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, School of Biology, The University of Manchester, Manchester, UK
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