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Gergely ZR, Jones MH, Zhou B, Cash C, McIntosh JR, Betterton MD. Distinct regions of the kinesin-5 C-terminal tail are essential for mitotic spindle midzone localization and sliding force. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2023; 120:e2306480120. [PMID: 37725645 PMCID: PMC10523502 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.2306480120] [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: 04/21/2023] [Accepted: 07/05/2023] [Indexed: 09/21/2023] Open
Abstract
Kinesin-5 motor proteins play essential roles during mitosis in most organisms. Their tetrameric structure and plus-end-directed motility allow them to bind to and move along antiparallel microtubules, thereby pushing spindle poles apart to assemble a bipolar spindle. Recent work has shown that the C-terminal tail is particularly important to kinesin-5 function: The tail affects motor domain structure, ATP hydrolysis, motility, clustering, and sliding force measured for purified motors, as well as motility, clustering, and spindle assembly in cells. Because previous work has focused on presence or absence of the entire tail, the functionally important regions of the tail remain to be identified. We have therefore characterized a series of kinesin-5/Cut7 tail truncation alleles in fission yeast. Partial truncation causes mitotic defects and temperature-sensitive growth, while further truncation that removes the conserved BimC motif is lethal. We compared the sliding force generated by cut7 mutants using a kinesin-14 mutant background in which some microtubules detach from the spindle poles and are pushed into the nuclear envelope. These Cut7-driven protrusions decreased as more of the tail was truncated, and the most severe truncations produced no observable protrusions. Our observations suggest that the C-terminal tail of Cut7p contributes to both sliding force and midzone localization. In the context of sequential tail truncation, the BimC motif and adjacent C-terminal amino acids are particularly important for sliding force. In addition, moderate tail truncation increases midzone localization, but further truncation of residues N-terminal to the BimC motif decreases midzone localization.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zachary R Gergely
- Department of Physics, University of Colorado, Boulder, CO 80309
- Department of Molecular, Cellular, and Developmental Biology, University of Colorado, Boulder, CO 80309
| | - Michele H Jones
- Department of Physics, University of Colorado, Boulder, CO 80309
- Department of Molecular, Cellular, and Developmental Biology, University of Colorado, Boulder, CO 80309
| | - Bojun Zhou
- Department of Physics, University of Colorado, Boulder, CO 80309
| | - Cai Cash
- Department of Physics, University of Colorado, Boulder, CO 80309
| | - J Richard McIntosh
- Department of Molecular, Cellular, and Developmental Biology, University of Colorado, Boulder, CO 80309
| | - Meredith D Betterton
- Department of Physics, University of Colorado, Boulder, CO 80309
- Department of Molecular, Cellular, and Developmental Biology, University of Colorado, Boulder, CO 80309
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2
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Gergely Z, Jones MH, Zhou B, Cash C, McIntosh R, Betterton M. Distinct regions of the kinesin-5 C-terminal tail are essential for mitotic spindle midzone localization and sliding force. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2023:2023.05.01.538972. [PMID: 37205432 PMCID: PMC10187184 DOI: 10.1101/2023.05.01.538972] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/21/2023]
Abstract
Kinesin-5 motor proteins play essential roles during mitosis in most organisms. Their tetrameric structure and plus-end-directed motility allow them to bind to and move along antiparallel microtubules, thereby pushing spindle poles apart to assemble a bipolar spindle. Recent work has shown that the C-terminal tail is particularly important to kinesin-5 function: the tail affects motor domain structure, ATP hydrolysis, motility, clustering, and sliding force measured for purified motors, as well as motility, clustering, and spindle assembly in cells. Because previous work has focused on presence or absence of the entire tail, the functionally important regions of the tail remain to be identified. We have therefore characterized a series of kinesin-5/Cut7 tail truncation alleles in fission yeast. Partial truncation causes mitotic defects and temperature-sensitive growth, while further truncation that removes the conserved BimC motif is lethal. We compared the sliding force generated by cut7 mutants using a kinesin-14 mutant background in which some microtubules detach from the spindle poles and are pushed into the nuclear envelope. These Cut7-driven protrusions decreased as more of the tail was truncated, and the most severe truncations produced no observable protrusions. Our observations suggest that the C-terminal tail of Cut7p contributes to both sliding force and midzone localization. In the context of sequential tail truncation, the BimC motif and adjacent C-terminal amino acids are particularly important for sliding force. In addition, moderate tail truncation increases midzone localization, but further truncation of residues N terminal to the BimC motif decreases midzone localization.
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3
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Gergely ZR, Ansari S, Jones MH, Zhou B, Cash C, McIntosh R, Betterton MD. The kinesin-5 protein Cut7 moves bidirectionally on fission yeast spindles with activity that increases in anaphase. J Cell Sci 2023; 136:jcs260474. [PMID: 36655493 PMCID: PMC10112985 DOI: 10.1242/jcs.260474] [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: 08/16/2022] [Accepted: 01/10/2023] [Indexed: 01/20/2023] Open
Abstract
Kinesin-5 motors are essential to separate mitotic spindle poles and assemble a bipolar spindle in many organisms. These motors crosslink and slide apart antiparallel microtubules via microtubule plus-end-directed motility. However, kinesin-5 localization is enhanced away from antiparallel overlaps. Increasing evidence suggests this localization occurs due to bidirectional motility or trafficking. The purified fission-yeast kinesin-5 protein Cut7 moves bidirectionally, but bidirectionality has not been shown in cells, and the function of the minus-end-directed movement is unknown. Here, we characterized the motility of Cut7 on bipolar and monopolar spindles and observed movement toward both plus- and minus-ends of microtubules. Notably, the activity of the motor increased at anaphase B onset. Perturbations to microtubule dynamics only modestly changed Cut7 movement, whereas Cut7 mutation reduced movement. These results suggest that the directed motility of Cut7 contributes to the movement of the motor. Comparison of the Cut7 mutant and human Eg5 (also known as KIF11) localization suggest a new hypothesis for the function of minus-end-directed motility and spindle-pole localization of kinesin-5s.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zachary R. Gergely
- Department of Physics, University of Colorado Boulder, Boulder, CO 80305, USA
- Department of Molecular, Cellular, and Developmental Biology, University of Colorado Boulder, Boulder, CO 80305, USA
| | - Saad Ansari
- Department of Physics, University of Colorado Boulder, Boulder, CO 80305, USA
| | - Michele H. Jones
- Department of Physics, University of Colorado Boulder, Boulder, CO 80305, USA
- Department of Molecular, Cellular, and Developmental Biology, University of Colorado Boulder, Boulder, CO 80305, USA
| | - Bojun Zhou
- Department of Physics, University of Colorado Boulder, Boulder, CO 80305, USA
| | - Cai Cash
- Department of Physics, University of Colorado Boulder, Boulder, CO 80305, USA
| | - Richard McIntosh
- Department of Molecular, Cellular, and Developmental Biology, University of Colorado Boulder, Boulder, CO 80305, USA
| | - Meredith D. Betterton
- Department of Physics, University of Colorado Boulder, Boulder, CO 80305, USA
- Department of Molecular, Cellular, and Developmental Biology, University of Colorado Boulder, Boulder, CO 80305, USA
- Center for Computational Biology, Flatiron Institute, New York, NY 10010, USA
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4
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Yu WX, Li YK, Xu MF, Xu CJ, Chen J, Wei YL, She ZY. Kinesin-5 Eg5 is essential for spindle assembly, chromosome stability and organogenesis in development. Cell Death Dis 2022; 8:490. [PMID: 36513626 DOI: 10.1038/s41420-022-01281-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/10/2022] [Revised: 12/06/2022] [Accepted: 12/07/2022] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Chromosome stability relies on bipolar spindle assembly and faithful chromosome segregation during cell division. Kinesin-5 Eg5 is a plus-end-directed kinesin motor protein, which is essential for spindle pole separation and chromosome alignment in mitosis. Heterozygous Eg5 mutations cause autosomal-dominant microcephaly, primary lymphedema, and chorioretinal dysplasia syndrome in humans. However, the developmental roles and cellular mechanisms of Eg5 in organogenesis remain largely unknown. In this study, we have shown that Eg5 inhibition leads to the formation of the monopolar spindle, chromosome misalignment, polyploidy, and subsequent apoptosis. Strikingly, long-term inhibition of Eg5 stimulates the immune responses and the accumulation of lymphocytes in the mouse spleen through the innate and specific immunity pathways. Eg5 inhibition results in metaphase arrest and cell growth inhibition, and suppresses the formation of somite and retinal development in zebrafish embryos. Our data have revealed the essential roles of kinesin-5 Eg5 involved in cell proliferation, chromosome stability, and organogenesis during development. Our findings shed a light on the cellular basis and pathogenesis in microcephaly, primary lymphedema, and chorioretinal dysplasia syndrome of Eg5-mutation-positive patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wen-Xin Yu
- Department of Cell Biology and Genetics, The School of Basic Medical Sciences, Fujian Medical University, 350122, Fuzhou, Fujian, China.,Key Laboratory of Stem Cell Engineering and Regenerative Medicine, Fujian Province University, 350122, Fuzhou, Fujian, China
| | - Yu-Kun Li
- Department of Cell Biology and Genetics, The School of Basic Medical Sciences, Fujian Medical University, 350122, Fuzhou, Fujian, China.,Key Laboratory of Stem Cell Engineering and Regenerative Medicine, Fujian Province University, 350122, Fuzhou, Fujian, China
| | - Meng-Fei Xu
- Department of Cell Biology and Genetics, The School of Basic Medical Sciences, Fujian Medical University, 350122, Fuzhou, Fujian, China.,Key Laboratory of Stem Cell Engineering and Regenerative Medicine, Fujian Province University, 350122, Fuzhou, Fujian, China
| | - Chen-Jie Xu
- Department of Cell Biology and Genetics, The School of Basic Medical Sciences, Fujian Medical University, 350122, Fuzhou, Fujian, China.,Key Laboratory of Stem Cell Engineering and Regenerative Medicine, Fujian Province University, 350122, Fuzhou, Fujian, China
| | - Jie Chen
- Department of Cell Biology and Genetics, The School of Basic Medical Sciences, Fujian Medical University, 350122, Fuzhou, Fujian, China.,Key Laboratory of Stem Cell Engineering and Regenerative Medicine, Fujian Province University, 350122, Fuzhou, Fujian, China
| | - Ya-Lan Wei
- Medical Research Center, Fujian Maternity and Child Health Hospital, 350001, Fuzhou, Fujian, China.,College of Clinical Medicine for Obstetrics & Gynecology and Pediatrics, Fujian Medical University, 350122, Fuzhou, Fujian, China
| | - Zhen-Yu She
- Department of Cell Biology and Genetics, The School of Basic Medical Sciences, Fujian Medical University, 350122, Fuzhou, Fujian, China. .,Key Laboratory of Stem Cell Engineering and Regenerative Medicine, Fujian Province University, 350122, Fuzhou, Fujian, China.
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5
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Guo W, Sun S, Sanchez JE, Lopez-Hernandez AE, Ale TA, Chen J, Afrin T, Qiu W, Xie Y, Li L. Using a comprehensive approach to investigate the interaction between Kinesin-5/Eg5 and the microtubule. Comput Struct Biotechnol J 2022; 20:4305-4314. [PMID: 36051882 PMCID: PMC9396395 DOI: 10.1016/j.csbj.2022.08.020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/12/2022] [Revised: 08/01/2022] [Accepted: 08/08/2022] [Indexed: 01/02/2023] Open
Abstract
Kinesins are microtubule-based motor proteins that play important roles ranging from intracellular transport to cell division. Human Kinesin-5 (Eg5) is essential for mitotic spindle assembly during cell division. By combining molecular dynamics (MD) simulations with other multi-scale computational approaches, we systematically studied the interaction between Eg5 and the microtubule. We find the electrostatic feature on the motor domains of Eg5 provides attractive interactions to the microtubule. Additionally, the folding and binding energy analysis reveals that the Eg5 motor domain performs its functions best when in a weak acidic environment. Molecular dynamics analyses of hydrogen bonds and salt bridges demonstrate that, on the binding interfaces of Eg5 and the tubulin heterodimer, salt bridges play the most significant role in holding the complex. The salt bridge residues on the binding interface of Eg5 are mostly positive, while salt bridge residues on the binding interface of tubulin heterodimer are mostly negative. Such salt bridge residue distribution is consistent with electrostatic potential calculations. In contrast, the interface between α and β-tubulins is dominated by hydrogen bonds rather than salt bridges. Compared to the Eg5/α-tubulin interface, the Eg5/β-tubulin interface has a greater number of salt bridges and higher occupancy for salt bridges. This asymmetric salt bridge distribution may play a significant role in Eg5′s directionality. The residues involved in hydrogen bonds and salt bridges are identified in this work and may be helpful for anticancer drug design.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wenhan Guo
- Computational Science Program, University of Texas at El Paso, El Paso, TX, USA
| | - Shengjie Sun
- Computational Science Program, University of Texas at El Paso, El Paso, TX, USA
| | - Jason E. Sanchez
- Computational Science Program, University of Texas at El Paso, El Paso, TX, USA
| | | | - Tolulope A. Ale
- Computational Science Program, University of Texas at El Paso, El Paso, TX, USA
| | - Jiawei Chen
- Department of Physics, University of Texas at El Paso, El Paso, TX, USA
| | - Tanjina Afrin
- Department of Physics, University of Texas at El Paso, El Paso, TX, USA
- Department of Physics, Oregon State University, Corvallis, OR, USA
| | - Weihong Qiu
- Department of Physics, Oregon State University, Corvallis, OR, USA
| | - Yixin Xie
- Department of Information Technology, Kennesaw State University, Kennesaw, GA, USA
| | - Lin Li
- Computational Science Program, University of Texas at El Paso, El Paso, TX, USA
- Department of Physics, University of Texas at El Paso, El Paso, TX, USA
- Corresponding author.
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6
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Goldstein-Levitin A, Pandey H, Allhuzaeel K, Kass I, Gheber L. Intracellular functions and motile properties of bi-directional kinesin-5 Cin8 are regulated by neck linker docking. eLife 2021; 10:71036. [PMID: 34387192 PMCID: PMC8456603 DOI: 10.7554/elife.71036] [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: 06/06/2021] [Accepted: 07/13/2021] [Indexed: 12/03/2022] Open
Abstract
In this study, we analyzed intracellular functions and motile properties of neck-linker (NL) variants of the bi-directional S. cerevisiae kinesin-5 motor, Cin8. We also examined – by modeling – the configuration of H-bonds during NL docking. Decreasing the number of stabilizing H-bonds resulted in partially functional variants, as long as a conserved backbone H-bond at the N-latch position (proposed to stabilize the docked conformation of the NL) remained intact. Elimination of this conserved H-bond resulted in production of a non-functional Cin8 variant. Surprisingly, additional H-bond stabilization of the N-latch position, generated by replacement of the NL of Cin8 by sequences of the plus-end directed kinesin-5 Eg5, also produced a nonfunctional variant. In that variant, a single replacement of N-latch asparagine with glycine, as present in Cin8, eliminated the additional H-bond stabilization and rescued the functional defects. We conclude that exact N-latch stabilization during NL docking is critical for the function of bi-directional kinesin-5 Cin8.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Himanshu Pandey
- Department of Chemistry, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, Beer-Sheva, Israel
| | - Kanary Allhuzaeel
- Department of Chemistry, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, Beer-Sheva, Israel
| | - Itamar Kass
- Department of Chemistry, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, Beer-Sheva, Israel.,InterX LTD, Ramat-Gan, Israel
| | - Larisa Gheber
- Department of Chemistry, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, Beer-Sheva, Israel
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7
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Pandey H, Popov M, Goldstein-Levitin A, Gheber L. Mechanisms by Which Kinesin-5 Motors Perform Their Multiple Intracellular Functions. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:6420. [PMID: 34203964 PMCID: PMC8232732 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22126420] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/11/2021] [Accepted: 06/07/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Bipolar kinesin-5 motor proteins perform multiple intracellular functions, mainly during mitotic cell division. Their specialized structural characteristics enable these motors to perform their essential functions by crosslinking and sliding apart antiparallel microtubules (MTs). In this review, we discuss the specialized structural features of kinesin-5 motors, and the mechanisms by which these features relate to kinesin-5 functions and motile properties. In addition, we discuss the multiple roles of the kinesin-5 motors in dividing as well as in non-dividing cells, and examine their roles in pathogenetic conditions. We describe the recently discovered bidirectional motility in fungi kinesin-5 motors, and discuss its possible physiological relevance. Finally, we also focus on the multiple mechanisms of regulation of these unique motor proteins.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Larisa Gheber
- Department of Chemistry and Ilse Katz Institute for Nanoscale Science and Technology, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, P.O. Box 653, Beer-Sheva 84105, Israel; (H.P.); (M.P.); (A.G.-L.)
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8
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Hunter B, Allingham JS. These motors were made for walking. Protein Sci 2020; 29:1707-1723. [PMID: 32472639 DOI: 10.1002/pro.3895] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/11/2020] [Revised: 05/19/2020] [Accepted: 05/22/2020] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
Kinesins are a diverse group of adenosine triphosphate (ATP)-dependent motor proteins that transport cargos along microtubules (MTs) and change the organization of MT networks. Shared among all kinesins is a ~40 kDa motor domain that has evolved an impressive assortment of motility and MT remodeling mechanisms as a result of subtle tweaks and edits within its sequence. Several elegant studies of different kinesin isoforms have exposed the purpose of structural changes in the motor domain as it engages and leaves the MT. However, few studies have compared the sequences and MT contacts of these kinesins systematically. Along with clever strategies to trap kinesin-tubulin complexes for X-ray crystallography, new advancements in cryo-electron microscopy have produced a burst of high-resolution structures that show kinesin-MT interfaces more precisely than ever. This review considers the MT interactions of kinesin subfamilies that exhibit significant differences in speed, processivity, and MT remodeling activity. We show how their sequence variations relate to their tubulin footprint and, in turn, how this explains the molecular activities of previously characterized mutants. As more high-resolution structures become available, this type of assessment will quicken the pace toward establishing each kinesin's design-function relationship.
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Affiliation(s)
- Byron Hunter
- Department of Biomedical and Molecular Sciences, Queen's University, Kingston, Ontario, Canada
| | - John S Allingham
- Department of Biomedical and Molecular Sciences, Queen's University, Kingston, Ontario, Canada
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9
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Mittal P, Ghule K, Trakroo D, Prajapati HK, Ghosh SK. Meiosis-Specific Functions of Kinesin Motors in Cohesin Removal and Maintenance of Chromosome Integrity in Budding Yeast. Mol Cell Biol 2020; 40:e00386-19. [PMID: 31964755 PMCID: PMC7108822 DOI: 10.1128/mcb.00386-19] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/17/2019] [Revised: 09/20/2019] [Accepted: 12/26/2019] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
Kinesin motors provide the molecular forces at the kinetochore-microtubule interface and along the spindle to control chromosome segregation. During meiosis with two rounds of microtubule assembly-disassembly, the roles of motor proteins remain unexplored. We observed that in contrast to mitosis, Cin8 and Kip3 together are indispensable for meiosis. While examining meiosis in cin8Δ kip3Δ cells, we detected chromosome breakage in the meiosis II cells. The double mutant exhibits a delay in cohesin removal during anaphase I. Consequently, some cells fail to undergo meiosis II and form dyads, while some, as they progress through meiosis II, cause a defect in chromosome integrity. We believe that in the latter cells, an imbalance of spindle-mediated force and the simultaneous persistence of cohesin on chromosomes cause their breakage. We provide evidence that tension generated by Cin8 and Kip3 through microtubule cross-linking is essential for signaling efficient cohesin removal and the maintenance of chromosome integrity during meiosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Priyanka Mittal
- National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland, USA
| | - Komal Ghule
- Department of Biosciences and Bioengineering, Indian Institute of Technology, Bombay, Powai, Mumbai, India
| | - Deepika Trakroo
- Department of Biosciences and Bioengineering, Indian Institute of Technology, Bombay, Powai, Mumbai, India
| | - Hemant Kumar Prajapati
- National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland, USA
| | - Santanu K Ghosh
- Department of Biosciences and Bioengineering, Indian Institute of Technology, Bombay, Powai, Mumbai, India
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10
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Mann BJ, Wadsworth P. Kinesin-5 Regulation and Function in Mitosis. Trends Cell Biol 2019; 29:66-79. [DOI: 10.1016/j.tcb.2018.08.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 74] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/11/2018] [Revised: 07/30/2018] [Accepted: 08/17/2018] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
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11
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Singh SK, Pandey H, Al-Bassam J, Gheber L. Bidirectional motility of kinesin-5 motor proteins: structural determinants, cumulative functions and physiological roles. Cell Mol Life Sci 2018; 75:1757-1771. [PMID: 29397398 PMCID: PMC11105280 DOI: 10.1007/s00018-018-2754-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/03/2017] [Revised: 01/03/2018] [Accepted: 01/17/2018] [Indexed: 01/27/2023]
Abstract
Mitotic kinesin-5 bipolar motor proteins perform essential functions in mitotic spindle dynamics by crosslinking and sliding antiparallel microtubules (MTs) apart within the mitotic spindle. Two recent studies have indicated that single molecules of Cin8, the Saccharomyces cerevisiae kinesin-5 homolog, are minus end-directed when moving on single MTs, yet switch directionality under certain experimental conditions (Gerson-Gurwitz et al., EMBO J 30:4942-4954, 2011; Roostalu et al., Science 332:94-99, 2011). This finding was unexpected since the Cin8 catalytic motor domain is located at the N-terminus of the protein, and such kinesins have been previously thought to be exclusively plus end-directed. In addition, the essential intracellular functions of kinesin-5 motors in separating spindle poles during mitosis can only be accomplished by plus end-directed motility during antiparallel sliding of the spindle MTs. Thus, the mechanism and possible physiological role of the minus end-directed motility of kinesin-5 motors remain unclear. Experimental and theoretical studies from several laboratories in recent years have identified additional kinesin-5 motors that are bidirectional, revealed structural determinants that regulate directionality, examined the possible mechanisms involved and have proposed physiological roles for the minus end-directed motility of kinesin-5 motors. Here, we summarize our current understanding of the remarkable ability of certain kinesin-5 motors to switch directionality when moving along MTs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sudhir Kumar Singh
- Department of Chemistry and Ilse Katz Institute for Nanoscale Science and Technology, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, PO Box 653, 84105, Beer-Sheva, Israel
| | - Himanshu Pandey
- Department of Chemistry and Ilse Katz Institute for Nanoscale Science and Technology, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, PO Box 653, 84105, Beer-Sheva, Israel
| | - Jawdat Al-Bassam
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology, University of California, Davis, Davis, CA, 95616, USA
| | - Larisa Gheber
- Department of Chemistry and Ilse Katz Institute for Nanoscale Science and Technology, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, PO Box 653, 84105, Beer-Sheva, Israel.
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12
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Goldstein A, Siegler N, Goldman D, Judah H, Valk E, Kõivomägi M, Loog M, Gheber L. Three Cdk1 sites in the kinesin-5 Cin8 catalytic domain coordinate motor localization and activity during anaphase. Cell Mol Life Sci 2017; 74:3395-3412. [PMID: 28455557 PMCID: PMC11107736 DOI: 10.1007/s00018-017-2523-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/25/2016] [Revised: 04/06/2017] [Accepted: 04/10/2017] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
The bipolar kinesin-5 motors perform essential functions in mitotic spindle dynamics. We previously demonstrated that phosphorylation of at least one of the Cdk1 sites in the catalytic domain of the Saccharomyces cerevisiae kinesin-5 Cin8 (S277, T285, S493) regulates its localization to the anaphase spindle. The contribution of these three sites to phospho-regulation of Cin8, as well as the timing of such contributions, remains unknown. Here, we examined the function and spindle localization of phospho-deficient (serine/threonine to alanine) and phospho-mimic (serine/threonine to aspartic acid) Cin8 mutants. In vitro, the three Cdk1 sites undergo phosphorylation by Clb2-Cdk1. In cells, phosphorylation of Cin8 affects two aspects of its localization to the anaphase spindle, translocation from the spindle-pole bodies (SPBs) region to spindle microtubules (MTs) and the midzone, and detachment from the mitotic spindle. We found that phosphorylation of S277 is essential for the translocation of Cin8 from SPBs to spindle MTs and the subsequent detachment from the spindle. Phosphorylation of T285 mainly affects the detachment of Cin8 from spindle MTs during anaphase, while phosphorylation at S493 affects both the translocation of Cin8 from SPBs to the spindle and detachment from the spindle. Only S493 phosphorylation affected the anaphase spindle elongation rate. We conclude that each phosphorylation site plays a unique role in regulating Cin8 functions and postulate a model in which the timing and extent of phosphorylation of the three sites orchestrates the anaphase function of Cin8.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alina Goldstein
- Department of Chemistry and Ilse Katz Institute for Nanoscale Science and Technology, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, PO Box 653, 84105, Beer-Sheva, Israel
| | - Nurit Siegler
- Department of Chemistry and Ilse Katz Institute for Nanoscale Science and Technology, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, PO Box 653, 84105, Beer-Sheva, Israel
| | - Darya Goldman
- Department of Chemistry and Ilse Katz Institute for Nanoscale Science and Technology, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, PO Box 653, 84105, Beer-Sheva, Israel
| | - Haim Judah
- Department of Chemistry and Ilse Katz Institute for Nanoscale Science and Technology, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, PO Box 653, 84105, Beer-Sheva, Israel
| | - Ervin Valk
- Institute of Technology, University of Tartu, Tartu, Estonia
| | - Mardo Kõivomägi
- Institute of Technology, University of Tartu, Tartu, Estonia
| | - Mart Loog
- Institute of Technology, University of Tartu, Tartu, Estonia
| | - Larisa Gheber
- Department of Chemistry and Ilse Katz Institute for Nanoscale Science and Technology, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, PO Box 653, 84105, Beer-Sheva, Israel.
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13
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Bell KM, Cha HK, Sindelar CV, Cochran JC. The yeast kinesin-5 Cin8 interacts with the microtubule in a noncanonical manner. J Biol Chem 2017; 292:14680-14694. [PMID: 28701465 PMCID: PMC5582858 DOI: 10.1074/jbc.m117.797662] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/18/2017] [Revised: 06/28/2017] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
Kinesin motors play central roles in establishing and maintaining the mitotic spindle during cell division. Unlike most other kinesins, Cin8, a kinesin-5 motor in Saccharomyces cerevisiae, can move bidirectionally along microtubules, switching directionality according to biochemical conditions, a behavior that remains largely unexplained. To this end, we used biochemical rate and equilibrium constant measurements as well as cryo-electron microscopy methodologies to investigate the microtubule interactions of the Cin8 motor domain. These experiments unexpectedly revealed that, whereas Cin8 ATPase kinetics fell within measured ranges for kinesins (especially kinesin-5 proteins), approximately four motors can bind each αβ-tubulin dimer within the microtubule lattice. This result contrasted with those observations on other known kinesins, which can bind only a single "canonical" site per tubulin dimer. Competition assays with human kinesin-5 (Eg5) only partially abrogated this behavior, indicating that Cin8 binds microtubules not only at the canonical site, but also one or more separate ("noncanonical") sites. Moreover, we found that deleting the large, class-specific insert in the microtubule-binding loop 8 reverts Cin8 to one motor per αβ-tubulin in the microtubule. The novel microtubule-binding mode of Cin8 identified here provides a potential explanation for Cin8 clustering along microtubules and potentially may contribute to the mechanism for direction reversal.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kayla M Bell
- From the Department of Molecular and Cellular Biochemistry, Indiana University, Bloomington, Indiana 47405
| | - Hyo Keun Cha
- the Department of Cell Biology, Yale School of Medicine, and
| | - Charles V Sindelar
- the Department of Molecular Biophysics and Biochemistry, Yale University, New Haven, Connecticut 06520
| | - Jared C Cochran
- From the Department of Molecular and Cellular Biochemistry, Indiana University, Bloomington, Indiana 47405,
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14
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Kapoor TM. Metaphase Spindle Assembly. BIOLOGY 2017; 6:biology6010008. [PMID: 28165376 PMCID: PMC5372001 DOI: 10.3390/biology6010008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/03/2016] [Revised: 01/17/2017] [Accepted: 01/19/2017] [Indexed: 01/31/2023]
Abstract
A microtubule-based bipolar spindle is required for error-free chromosome segregation during cell division. In this review I discuss the molecular mechanisms required for the assembly of this dynamic micrometer-scale structure in animal cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tarun M Kapoor
- Laboratory of Chemistry and Cell Biology, the Rockefeller University, New York, NY 10065, USA.
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15
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Shapira O, Goldstein A, Al-Bassam J, Gheber L. A potential physiological role for bi-directional motility and motor clustering of mitotic kinesin-5 Cin8 in yeast mitosis. J Cell Sci 2017; 130:725-734. [PMID: 28069834 DOI: 10.1242/jcs.195040] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/12/2016] [Accepted: 12/29/2016] [Indexed: 01/25/2023] Open
Abstract
The bipolar kinesin-5 Cin8 switches from minus- to plus-end-directed motility under various conditions in vitro The mechanism and physiological significance of this switch remain unknown. Here, we show that under high ionic strength conditions, Cin8 moves towards and concentrates in clusters at the minus ends of stable and dynamic microtubules. Clustering of Cin8 induces a switch from fast minus- to slow plus-end-directed motility and forms sites that capture antiparallel microtubules (MTs) and induces their sliding apart through plus-end-directed motility. In early mitotic cells with monopolar spindles, Cin8 localizes near the spindle poles at microtubule minus ends. This localization is dependent on the minus-end-directed motility of Cin8. In cells with assembled bipolar spindles, Cin8 is distributed along the spindle microtubules. We propose that minus-end-directed motility is required for Cin8 clustering near the spindle poles before spindle assembly. Cin8 clusters promote the capture of microtubules emanating from the neighboring spindle poles and mediate their antiparallel sliding. This activity is essential to maximize microtubule crosslinking before bipolar spindle assembly and to induce the initial separation of the spindle poles.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ofer Shapira
- Department of Chemistry and the Ilse Katz Institute for Nanoscale Science and Technology, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, Beer-Sheva 84105, Israel
| | - Alina Goldstein
- Department of Chemistry and the Ilse Katz Institute for Nanoscale Science and Technology, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, Beer-Sheva 84105, Israel
| | - Jawdat Al-Bassam
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology, University of California Davis, Davis, CA 95616, USA
| | - Larisa Gheber
- Department of Chemistry and the Ilse Katz Institute for Nanoscale Science and Technology, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, Beer-Sheva 84105, Israel
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16
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Mitotic slippage and expression of survivin are linked to differential sensitivity of human cancer cell-lines to the Kinesin-5 inhibitor monastrol. PLoS One 2015; 10:e0129255. [PMID: 26035434 PMCID: PMC4452773 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0129255] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/16/2014] [Accepted: 05/06/2015] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
The mitotic Kinesin-5 motor proteins crosslink and slide apart antiparallel spindle microtubules, thus performing essential functions in mitotic spindle dynamics. Specific inhibition of their function by monastrol-like small molecules has been examined in clinical trials as anticancer treatment, with only partial success. Thus, strategies that improve the efficiency of monastrol-like anticancer drugs are required. In the current study, we examined the link between sensitivity to monastrol and occurrence of mitotic slippage in several human cell-lines. We found that the rank of sensitivity to monastrol, from most sensitive to least sensitive, is: AGS > HepG2 > Lovo > Du145 ≥ HT29. We show correlation between the sensitivity of a particular cell-line to monastrol and the tendency of the same cell-line to undergo mitotic slippage. We also found that in the monastrol resistant HT29 cells, prolonged monastrol treatments increase mRNA and protein levels of the chromosomal passenger protein survivin. In contrast, survivin levels are not increased by this treatment in the monastrol-sensitive AGS cells. We further show that over-expression of survivin in the monastrol-sensitive AGS cells reduces mitotic slippage and increases resistance to monastrol. Finally, we show that during short exposure to monastrol, Si RNA silencing of survivin expression reduces cell viability in both AGS and HT29 cells. Our data suggest that the efficiency of anti-cancer treatment with specific kinesin-5 inhibitors may be improved by modulation of expression levels of survivin.
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17
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Thiede C, Fridman V, Gerson-Gurwitz A, Gheber L, Schmidt CF. Regulation of bi-directional movement of single kinesin-5 Cin8 molecules. BIOARCHITECTURE 2014; 2:70-74. [PMID: 22754632 PMCID: PMC3383724 DOI: 10.4161/bioa.20395] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Abstract
Kinesin-5 mechanoenzymes drive mitotic spindle dynamics as slow, processive microtubule (MT)-plus-end directed motors. Surprisingly, the Saccharomyces cerevisiae kinesin-5 Cin8 was recently found to be bi-directional: it can move processively in both directions on MTs. Two hypotheses have been suggested for the mechanism of the directionality switch: (1) single molecules of Cin8 are intrinsically minus-end directed, but mechanical coupling between two or more motors triggers the switch; (2) a single motor can switch direction, and "cargo binding" i.e., binding between two MTs triggers the switch to plus-end motility. Single-molecule fluorescence data we published recently, and augment here, favor hypothesis (2). In low-ionic-strength conditions, single molecules of Cin8 move in both minus- and plus-end directions. Fluorescence photo bleaching data rule out aggregation of Cin8 while they move in the plus and in the minus direction. The evidence thus points toward cargo regulation of directionality, which is likely to be related to cargo regulation in other kinesins. The molecular mechanisms of this regulation, however, remain to be elucidated.
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18
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Scholey JE, Nithianantham S, Scholey JM, Al-Bassam J. Structural basis for the assembly of the mitotic motor Kinesin-5 into bipolar tetramers. eLife 2014; 3:e02217. [PMID: 24714498 PMCID: PMC3978770 DOI: 10.7554/elife.02217] [Citation(s) in RCA: 55] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Chromosome segregation during mitosis depends upon Kinesin-5 motors, which display a conserved, bipolar homotetrameric organization consisting of two motor dimers at opposite ends of a central rod. Kinesin-5 motors crosslink adjacent microtubules to drive or constrain their sliding apart, but the structural basis of their organization is unknown. In this study, we report the atomic structure of the bipolar assembly (BASS) domain that directs four Kinesin-5 subunits to form a bipolar minifilament. BASS is a novel 26-nm four-helix bundle, consisting of two anti-parallel coiled-coils at its center, stabilized by alternating hydrophobic and ionic four-helical interfaces, which based on mutagenesis experiments, are critical for tetramerization. Strikingly, N-terminal BASS helices bend as they emerge from the central bundle, swapping partner helices, to form dimeric parallel coiled-coils at both ends, which are offset by 90°. We propose that BASS is a mechanically stable, plectonemically-coiled junction, transmitting forces between Kinesin-5 motor dimers during microtubule sliding. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.7554/eLife.02217.001.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jessica E Scholey
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology, University of California, Davis, Davis, United States
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19
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Waitzman JS, Rice SE. Mechanism and regulation of kinesin-5, an essential motor for the mitotic spindle. Biol Cell 2013; 106:1-12. [PMID: 24125467 DOI: 10.1111/boc.201300054] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/13/2013] [Accepted: 10/09/2013] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
Mitotic cell division is the most fundamental task of all living cells. Cells have intricate and tightly regulated machinery to ensure that mitosis occurs with appropriate frequency and high fidelity. A core element of this machinery is the kinesin-5 motor protein, which plays essential roles in spindle formation and maintenance. In this review, we discuss how the structural and mechanical properties of kinesin-5 motors uniquely suit them to their mitotic role. We describe some of the small molecule inhibitors and regulatory proteins that act on kinesin-5, and discuss how these regulators may influence the process of cell division. Finally, we touch on some more recently described functions of kinesin-5 motors in non-dividing cells. Throughout, we highlight a number of open questions that impede our understanding of both this motor's function and the potential utility of kinesin-5 inhibitors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joshua S Waitzman
- Department of Cell and Molecular Biology, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL, 60611, U.S.A
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20
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Goulet A, Moores C. New insights into the mechanism of force generation by kinesin-5 molecular motors. INTERNATIONAL REVIEW OF CELL AND MOLECULAR BIOLOGY 2013; 304:419-66. [PMID: 23809441 DOI: 10.1016/b978-0-12-407696-9.00008-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Abstract
Kinesin-5 motors are members of a superfamily of microtubule-dependent ATPases and are widely conserved among eukaryotes. Kinesin-5s typically form homotetramers with pairs of motor domains located at either end of a dumbbell-shaped molecule. This quaternary structure enables cross-linking and ATP-driven sliding of pairs of microtubules, although the exact molecular mechanism of this activity is still unclear. Kinesin-5 function has been characterized in greatest detail in cell division, although a number of interphase roles have also been defined. The kinesin-5 ATPase is tuned for slow microtubule sliding rather than cellular transport and-in vertebrates-can be inhibited specifically by allosteric small molecules currently in cancer clinical trials. The biophysical and structural basis of kinesin-5 mechanochemistry is being elucidated and has provided further insight into kinesin-5 activities. However, it is likely that the precise mechanism of these important motors has evolved according to functional context and regulation in individual organisms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Adeline Goulet
- Institute of Structural and Molecular Biology, Birkbeck College, London, United Kingdom
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21
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Tcherniuk S, van Lis R, Kozielski F, Skoufias DA. Mutations in the human kinesin Eg5 that confer resistance to monastrol and S-trityl-L-cysteine in tumor derived cell lines. Biochem Pharmacol 2009; 79:864-72. [PMID: 19896928 DOI: 10.1016/j.bcp.2009.11.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/18/2009] [Revised: 10/30/2009] [Accepted: 11/02/2009] [Indexed: 01/13/2023]
Abstract
The kinesin Eg5 plays an essential role in bipolar spindle formation. A variety of structurally diverse inhibitors of the human kinesin Eg5, including monastrol and STLC, share the same binding pocket on Eg5, composed by helix alpha2/loop L5, and helix alpha3 of the Eg5 motor domain. Previous biochemical analysis in the inhibitor binding pocket of Eg5 identified key residues in the inhibitor binding pocket of Eg5 that in the presence of either monastrol or STLC exhibited ATPase activities similar to the untreated wild type Eg5. Here we evaluated the ability of full-length human Eg5 carrying point mutations in the drug binding pocket to confer resistance in HeLa and U2OS cells to either monastrol or STLC, as measured by the formation of bipolar spindles. Both transfected cells expressing wild type Eg5 and untransfected cells were equally sensitive to both inhibitors. Expression of Eg5 single point mutants R119A, D130A, L132A, I136A, L214A and E215A conferred significant resistance to monastrol. Certain mutations inducing monastrol resistance such as R119A, D130A and L214A also conferred significant resistance to STLC. For the first time at a cellular level, the propensity of selected Eg5 point mutants to confer drug resistance confirms the target specificity of monastrol and STLC for Eg5. These data also suggest a possible mechanism by which drug resistance may occur in tumors treated with agents targeting Eg5.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sergey Tcherniuk
- Institut de Biologie Structurale, (CEA-CNRS-UJF) J.P.Ebel, Laboratoire des Protéines du Cytosquelette 41 rue Jules Horowitz, 38027 Grenoble Cedex 01, France
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22
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Brust-Mascher I, Sommi P, Cheerambathur DK, Scholey JM. Kinesin-5-dependent poleward flux and spindle length control in Drosophila embryo mitosis. Mol Biol Cell 2009; 20:1749-62. [PMID: 19158379 DOI: 10.1091/mbc.e08-10-1033] [Citation(s) in RCA: 87] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/01/2023] Open
Abstract
We used antibody microinjection and genetic manipulations to dissect the various roles of the homotetrameric kinesin-5, KLP61F, in astral, centrosome-controlled Drosophila embryo spindles and to test the hypothesis that it slides apart interpolar (ip) microtubules (MT), thereby controlling poleward flux and spindle length. In wild-type and Ncd null mutant embryos, anti-KLP61F dissociated the motor from spindles, producing a spatial gradient in the KLP61F content of different spindles, which was visible in KLP61F-GFP transgenic embryos. The resulting mitotic defects, supported by gene dosage experiments and time-lapse microscopy of living klp61f mutants, reveal that, after NEB, KLP61F drives persistent MT bundling and the outward sliding of antiparallel MTs, thereby contributing to several processes that all appear insensitive to cortical disruption. KLP61F activity contributes to the poleward flux of both ipMTs and kinetochore MTs and to the length of the metaphase spindle. KLP61F activity maintains the prometaphase spindle by antagonizing Ncd and another unknown force-generator and drives anaphase B, although the rate of spindle elongation is relatively insensitive to the motor's concentration. Finally, KLP61F activity contributes to normal chromosome congression, kinetochore spacing, and anaphase A rates. Thus, a KLP61F-driven sliding filament mechanism contributes to multiple aspects of mitosis in this system.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ingrid Brust-Mascher
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology, University of California, Davis, CA 95616, USA
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23
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Movshovich N, Fridman V, Gerson-Gurwitz A, Shumacher I, Gertsberg I, Fich A, Hoyt MA, Katz B, Gheber L. Slk19-dependent mid-anaphase pause in kinesin-5-mutated cells. J Cell Sci 2008; 121:2529-39. [PMID: 18628309 DOI: 10.1242/jcs.022996] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/04/2023] Open
Abstract
We examined spindle elongation in anaphase in Saccharomyces cerevisiae cells mutated for the kinesin-5 motor proteins Cin8 and Kip1. Cells were deleted for KIP1 and/or expressed one of two motor-domain Cin8 mutants (Cin8-F467A or Cin8-R196K, which differ in their ability to bind microtubules in vitro, with Cin8-F467A having the weakest ability). We found that, in kinesin-5-mutated cells, predominantly in kip1 Delta cin8-F467A cells, anaphase spindle elongation was frequently interrupted after the fast phase, resulting in a mid-anaphase pause. Expression of kinesin-5 mutants also caused an asymmetric midzone location and enlarged midzone size, suggesting that proper organization of the midzone is required for continuous spindle elongation. We also examined the effects of components of the FEAR pathway, which is involved in the early-anaphase activation of Cdc14 regulatory phosphatase, on anaphase spindle elongation in kip1 Delta cin8-F467A cells. Deletion of SLK19, but not SPO12, eliminated the mid-anaphase pause, caused premature anaphase onset and defects in DNA division during anaphase, and reduced viability in these cells. Finally, overriding of the pre-anaphase checkpoint by overexpression of Cdc20 also eliminated the mid-anaphase pause and caused DNA deformation during anaphase in kip1 Delta cin8-F467A cells. We propose that transient activation of the pre-anaphase checkpoint in kinesin-5-mutated cells induces a Slk19-dependent mid-anaphase pause, which might be important for proper DNA segregation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Natalia Movshovich
- Department of Chemistry, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, Beer-Sheva, Israel
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24
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Krzysiak TC, Grabe M, Gilbert SP. Getting in sync with dimeric Eg5. Initiation and regulation of the processive run. J Biol Chem 2007; 283:2078-87. [PMID: 18037705 DOI: 10.1074/jbc.m708354200] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
Eg5/KSP is the kinesin-related motor protein that generates the major plus-end directed force for mitotic spindle assembly and dynamics. Recent work using a dimeric form of Eg5 has found it to be a processive motor; however, its mechanochemical cycle is different from that of conventional Kinesin-1. Dimeric Eg5 appears to undergo a conformational change shortly after collision with the microtubule that primes the motor for its characteristically short processive runs. To better understand this conformational change as well as head-head communication during processive stepping, equilibrium and transient kinetic approaches have been used. By contrast to the mechanism of Kinesin-1, microtubule association triggers ADP release from both motor domains of Eg5. One motor domain releases ADP rapidly, whereas ADP release from the other occurs after a slow conformational change at approximately 1 s(-1). Therefore, dimeric Eg5 begins its processive run with both motor domains associated with the microtubule and in the nucleotide-free state. During processive stepping however, ATP binding and potentially ATP hydrolysis signals rearward head advancement 16 nm forward to the next microtubule-binding site. This alternating cycle of processive stepping is proposed to terminate after a few steps because the head-head communication does not sufficiently control the timing to prevent both motor domains from entering the ADP-bound state simultaneously.
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Affiliation(s)
- Troy C Krzysiak
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania 15260, USA
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25
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Tao L, Mogilner A, Civelekoglu-Scholey G, Wollman R, Evans J, Stahlberg H, Scholey JM. A homotetrameric kinesin-5, KLP61F, bundles microtubules and antagonizes Ncd in motility assays. Curr Biol 2007; 16:2293-302. [PMID: 17141610 DOI: 10.1016/j.cub.2006.09.064] [Citation(s) in RCA: 101] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/30/2006] [Revised: 09/26/2006] [Accepted: 09/27/2006] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Mitosis depends upon the cooperative action of multiple microtubule (MT)-based motors. Among these, a kinesin-5, KLP61F, and the kinesin-14, Ncd, are proposed to generate antagonistic-sliding forces that control the spacing of the spindle poles. We tested whether purified KLP61F homotetramers and Ncd homodimers can generate a force balance capable of maintaining a constant spindle length in Drosophila embryos. RESULTS Using fluorescence microscopy and cryo-EM, we observed that purified full-length, motorless, and tailless KLP61F tetramers (containing a tetramerization domain) and Ncd dimers can all cross-link MTs into bundles in MgATP. In multiple-motor motility assays, KLP61F and Ncd drive plus-end and minus-end MT sliding at 0.04 and 0.1 microm/s, respectively, but the motility of either motor is decreased by increasing the mole fraction of the other. At the "balance point," the mean velocity was zero and MTs paused briefly and then oscillated, taking approximately 0.3 microm excursions at approximately 0.02 microm/s toward the MT plus end and then the minus end. CONCLUSIONS The results, combined with quantitative analysis, suggest that these motors could act as mutual brakes to modulate the rate of pole-pole separation and could maintain a prometaphase spindle displaying small fluctuations in its steady-state length.
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Affiliation(s)
- Li Tao
- Laboratory of Cell and Computational Biology, Center for Genetics and Development, University of California, Davis, Davis, California 95616, USA
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26
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Abstract
Kinesin-5 family members including human Eg5/KSP contribute to the plus-end-directed force necessary for the assembly and maintenance of the bipolar mitotic spindle. We have used monomeric Eg5-367 in the nucleotide-free state to evaluate the role of microtubules at each step in the ATPase cycle. The pre-steady-state kinetic results show that the microtubule-Eg5 complex binds MgATP tightly, followed by rapid ATP hydrolysis with a subsequent slow step that limits steady-state turnover. We show that microtubules accelerate the kinetics of each step in the ATPase pathway, suggesting that microtubules amplify the nucleotide-dependent structural transitions required for force generation. The experimentally determined rate constants for phosphate product release and Eg5 detachment from the microtubule were similar, suggesting that these two steps are coupled with one occurring at the slow rate after ATP hydrolysis followed by the second step occurring more rapidly. The rate of this slow step correlates well with the steady-state k(cat), indicative that it is the rate-limiting step of the mechanism.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Susan P. Gilbert
- * Corresponding author. Tel: 412-624-5842. Fax: 412-624-4759. E-mail:
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27
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Hildebrandt ER, Gheber L, Kingsbury T, Hoyt MA. Homotetrameric form of Cin8p, a Saccharomyces cerevisiae kinesin-5 motor, is essential for its in vivo function. J Biol Chem 2006; 281:26004-13. [PMID: 16829678 DOI: 10.1074/jbc.m604817200] [Citation(s) in RCA: 50] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
Kinesin-5 motor proteins are evolutionarily conserved and perform essential roles in mitotic spindle assembly and spindle elongation during anaphase. Previous studies demonstrated a specialized homotetrameric structure with two pairs of catalytic domains, one at each end of a dumbbell-shaped molecule. This suggests that they perform their spindle roles by cross-linking and sliding antiparallel spindle microtubules. However, the exact kinesin-5 sequence elements that are important for formation of the tetrameric complexes have not yet been identified. In addition, it has not been demonstrated that the homotetrameric form of these proteins is essential for their biological functions. Thus, we investigated a series of Saccharomyces cerevisiae Cin8p truncations and internal deletions, in order to identify structural elements in the Cin8p sequence that are required for Cin8p functionality, spindle localization, and multimerization. We found that all variants of Cin8p that are functional in vivo form tetrameric complexes. The first coiled-coil domain in the stalk of Cin8p, a feature that is shared by all kinesin-5 homologues, is required for its dimerization, and sequences in the last part of the stalk, specifically those likely involved in coiled-coil formation, are required for Cin8p tetramerization. We also found that dimeric forms of Cin8p that are nonfunctional in vivo can nonetheless bind to microtubules. These findings suggest that binding of microtubules is not sufficient for the functionality of Cin8p and that microtubule cross-linking by the tetrameric complex is essential for Cin8p mitotic functions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emily R Hildebrandt
- Department of Biology, The Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, Maryland 21218, USA
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28
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Brier S, Lemaire D, DeBonis S, Forest E, Kozielski F. Molecular dissection of the inhibitor binding pocket of mitotic kinesin Eg5 reveals mutants that confer resistance to antimitotic agents. J Mol Biol 2006; 360:360-76. [PMID: 16780877 DOI: 10.1016/j.jmb.2006.04.062] [Citation(s) in RCA: 50] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/14/2005] [Revised: 04/21/2006] [Accepted: 04/27/2006] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
The mitotic kinesin Eg5 plays an essential role in establishing the bipolar spindle. Recently, several antimitotic inhibitors have been shown to share a common binding region on Eg5. Considering the importance of Eg5 as a potential drug target for cancer chemotherapy it is essential to understand the molecular mechanism, by which these agents block Eg5 activity, and to determine the "key residues" crucial for inhibition. Eleven residues in the inhibitor binding pocket were mutated and the effects were monitored by kinetic analysis and mass spectrometry. Mutants R119A, D130A, P131A, I136A, V210A, Y211A and L214A abolish the inhibitory effect of monastrol. Results for W127A and R221A are less striking, but inhibitor constants are still considerably modified compared to wild-type Eg5. Only one residue, Leu214, was found to be essential for inhibition by STLC. W127A, D130A, V210A lead to increased K(i)(app) values, but binding of STLC is still tight. R119A, P131A, Y211A and R221A convert STLC into a classical rather than a tight-binding inhibitor with increased inhibitor constants. These results demonstrate that monastrol and STLC interact with different amino acids within the same binding region, suggesting that this site is highly flexible to accommodate different types of inhibitors. The drug specificity is due to multiple interactions not only with loop L5, but also with residues located in helices alpha2 and alpha3. These results suggest that tumour cells might develop resistance to Eg5 inhibitors, by expressing Eg5 point mutants that retain the enzyme activity, but prevent inhibition, a feature that is observed for certain tubulin inhibitors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sébastien Brier
- Laboratoire de Spectrométrie de Masse des Protéines (LSMP) Institut de Biologie Structurale (CEA-CNRS-UJF), 41 rue Jules Horowitz, 38027 Grenoble Cedex 01, France
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29
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Abstract
Accurate chromosome segregation during mitosis requires biorientation of sister chromatids on the microtubules (MT) of the mitotic spindle. Chromosome–MT binding is mediated by kinetochores, which are multiprotein structures that assemble on centromeric (CEN) DNA. The simple CENs of budding yeast are among the best understood, but the roles of kinesin motor proteins at yeast kinetochores have yet to be determined, despite evidence of their importance in higher eukaryotes. We show that all four nuclear kinesins in Saccharomyces cerevisiae localize to kinetochores and function in three distinct processes. Kip1p and Cin8p, which are kinesin-5/BimC family members, cluster kinetochores into their characteristic bilobed metaphase configuration. Kip3p, a kinesin-8,-13/KinI kinesin, synchronizes poleward kinetochore movement during anaphase A. The kinesin-14 motor Kar3p appears to function at the subset of kinetochores that become detached from spindle MTs. These data demonstrate roles for structurally diverse motors in the complex processes of chromosome segregation and reveal important similarities and intriguing differences between higher and lower eukaryotes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jessica D Tytell
- Department of Biology and 2Biological Engineering Division Massachusetts Institute of Technology Cambridge MA 02139, USA
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30
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Krzysiak TC, Wendt T, Sproul LR, Tittmann P, Gross H, Gilbert SP, Hoenger A. A structural model for monastrol inhibition of dimeric kinesin Eg5. EMBO J 2006; 25:2263-73. [PMID: 16642039 PMCID: PMC1462975 DOI: 10.1038/sj.emboj.7601108] [Citation(s) in RCA: 53] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/04/2005] [Accepted: 03/31/2006] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Abstract
Eg5 or KSP is a homotetrameric Kinesin-5 involved in centrosome separation and assembly of the bipolar mitotic spindle. Analytical gel filtration of purified protein and cryo-electron microscopy (cryo-EM) of unidirectional shadowed microtubule-Eg5 complexes have been used to identify the stable dimer Eg5-513. The motility assays show that Eg5-513 promotes robust plus-end-directed microtubule gliding at a rate similar to that of homotetrameric Eg5 in vitro. Eg5-513 exhibits slow ATP turnover, high affinity for ATP, and a weakened affinity for microtubules when compared to monomeric Eg5. We show here that the Eg5-513 dimer binds microtubules with both heads to two adjacent tubulin heterodimers along the same microtubule protofilament. Under all nucleotide conditions tested, there were no visible structural changes in the monomeric Eg5-microtubule complexes with monastrol treatment. In contrast, there was a substantial monastrol effect on dimeric Eg5-513, which reduced microtubule lattice decoration. Comparisons between the X-ray structures of Eg5-ADP and Eg5-ADP-monastrol with rat kinesin-ADP after docking them into cryo-EM 3-D scaffolds revealed structural evidence for the weaker microtubule-Eg5 interaction in the presence of monastrol.
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Affiliation(s)
- Troy C Krzysiak
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Thomas Wendt
- European Molecular Biology Laboratory, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Lisa R Sproul
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Peter Tittmann
- Electron Microscopy ETH Zürich (EMEZ) c/o Institute for Applied Physics, Swiss Federal Technical High School, Zuerich-Hoenggerberg, Switzerland
| | - Heinz Gross
- Electron Microscopy ETH Zürich (EMEZ) c/o Institute for Applied Physics, Swiss Federal Technical High School, Zuerich-Hoenggerberg, Switzerland
| | - Susan P Gilbert
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Pittsburgh, 518 Langley Hall, Pittsburgh, PA 15260, USA. Tel.: +1 412 624 5842; Fax: +1 412 624 4759; E-mail:
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31
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Otegui MS, Verbrugghe KJ, Skop AR. Midbodies and phragmoplasts: analogous structures involved in cytokinesis. Trends Cell Biol 2005; 15:404-13. [PMID: 16009554 PMCID: PMC3677513 DOI: 10.1016/j.tcb.2005.06.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 91] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/04/2005] [Revised: 06/09/2005] [Accepted: 06/24/2005] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
Cytokinesis is an event common to all organisms that involves the precise coordination of independent pathways involved in cell-cycle regulation and microtubule, membrane, actin and organelle dynamics. In animal cells, the spindle midzone/midbody with associated endo-membrane system are required for late cytokinesis events, including furrow ingression and scission. In plants, cytokinesis is mediated by the phragmoplast, an array of microtubules, actin filaments and associated molecules that act as a framework for the future cell wall. In this article (which is part of the Cytokinesis series), we discuss recent studies that highlight the increasing number of similarities in the components and function of the spindle midzone/midbody in animals and the phragmoplast in plants, suggesting that they might be analogous structures.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marisa S Otegui
- Department of Botany, University of Wisconsin-Madison, 430 Lincoln Drive, Madison, WI 53706, USA
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32
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Marcus AI, Ambrose JC, Blickley L, Hancock WO, Cyr RJ. Arabidopsis thaliana protein, ATK1, is a minus-end directed kinesin that exhibits non-processive movement. CELL MOTILITY AND THE CYTOSKELETON 2002; 52:144-50. [PMID: 12112142 DOI: 10.1002/cm.10045] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/07/2022]
Abstract
The microtubule cytoskeleton forms the scaffolding of the meiotic spindle. Kinesins, which bind to microtubules and generate force via ATP hydrolysis, are also thought to play a critical role in spindle assembly, maintenance, and function. The A. thaliana protein, ATK1 (formerly known as KATA), is a member of the kinesin family based on sequence similarity and is implicated in spindle assembly and/or maintenance. Thus, we want to determine if ATK1 behaves as a kinesin in vitro, and if so, determine the directionality of the motor activity and processivity character (the relationship between molecular "steps" and microtubule association). The results show that ATK1 supports microtubule movement in an ATP-dependent manner and has a minus-end directed polarity. Furthermore, ATK1 exhibits non-processive movement along the microtubule and likely requires at least four ATK1 motors bound to the microtubule to support movement. Based on these results and previous data, we conclude that ATK1 is a non-processive, minus-end directed kinesin that likely plays a role in generating forces in the spindle during meiosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Adam I Marcus
- Department of Biological Sciences, Penn State, 208 Mueller Laboratory, University Park, PA 16802, USA
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33
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Hildebrandt ER, Hoyt MA. Cell cycle-dependent degradation of the Saccharomyces cerevisiae spindle motor Cin8p requires APC(Cdh1) and a bipartite destruction sequence. Mol Biol Cell 2001; 12:3402-16. [PMID: 11694576 PMCID: PMC60263 DOI: 10.1091/mbc.12.11.3402] [Citation(s) in RCA: 80] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Saccharomyces cerevisiae Cin8p belongs to the BimC family of kinesin-related motor proteins that are essential for spindle assembly. Cin8p levels were found to oscillate in the cell cycle due in part to a high rate of degradation imposed from the end of mitosis through the G1 phase. Cin8p degradation required the anaphase-promoting complex ubiquitin ligase and its late mitosis regulator Cdh1p but not the early mitosis regulator Cdc20p. Cin8p lacks a functional destruction box sequence that is found in the majority of anaphase-promoting complex substrates. We carried out an extensive mutagenesis study to define the cis-acting sequence required for Cin8p degradation in vivo. The C terminus of Cin8p contains two elements required for its degradation: 1) a bipartite destruction sequence composed of a KEN-box plus essential residues within the downstream 22 amino acids and 2) a nuclear localization signal. The bipartite destruction sequence appears in other BimC kinesins as well. Expression of nondegradable Cin8p showed very mild phenotypic effects, with an increase in the fraction of mitotic cells with broken spindles.
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Affiliation(s)
- E R Hildebrandt
- Department of Biology, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, Maryland 21218, USA
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34
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Gordon DM, Roof DM. Degradation of the kinesin Kip1p at anaphase onset is mediated by the anaphase-promoting complex and Cdc20p. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2001; 98:12515-20. [PMID: 11606759 PMCID: PMC60085 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.231212498] [Citation(s) in RCA: 55] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/30/2001] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Kip1p of Saccharomyces cerevisiae is a bipolar kinesin in the conserved bimC kinesin subfamily that mediates mitotic spindle-pole separation. Here, we show that Kip1p is regulated immediately after anaphase initiation by its rapid degradation. Degradation required the ubiquitin protein ligase called the anaphase-promoting complex, the anaphase-promoting complex activating protein Cdc20, and a unique 43-aa sequence in Kip1p. Degradation also required import of Kip1p into the nucleus, but occurred independently of spindle association. A mutation that stabilized Kip1p impaired anaphase progression. The timing of degradation suggests that Kip1p functions primarily during spindle assembly and metaphase, and that Kip1p degradation facilitates structural changes in the mitotic spindle as anaphase progresses.
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Affiliation(s)
- D M Gordon
- Program in Cell and Molecular Biology, Department of Animal Biology, University of Pennsylvania, 3800 Spruce Street, Philadelphia, PA 19104-6046, USA
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35
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Abstract
Conventional kinesin has long been known to be a molecular motor that transports vesicular cargo, but only recently have we begun to understand how it functions in cells. Regulation of kinesin involves self-inhibition in which a head-to-tail interaction prevents microtubule binding. Although the mechanism of motor activation remains to be clarified, recent progress with respect to cargo binding might provide a clue. Kinesin binds directly to the JIPs (JNK-interacting proteins), identified previously as scaffolding proteins in the JNK (c-Jun NH(2)-terminal kinase) signaling pathway. The JIPs can allow kinesin to transport many different cargoes and to concentrate and respond to signaling pathways at certain sites within the cell. The use of scaffolding proteins could be a general mechanism by which molecular motors link to their cargoes.
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Affiliation(s)
- K J Verhey
- Dept of Cell Biology, Harvard Medical School, 240 Longwood Ave, Boston, MA 02115, USA.
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36
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Reilein AR, Rogers SL, Tuma MC, Gelfand VI. Regulation of molecular motor proteins. INTERNATIONAL REVIEW OF CYTOLOGY 2001; 204:179-238. [PMID: 11243595 DOI: 10.1016/s0074-7696(01)04005-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/27/2023]
Abstract
Motor proteins in the kinesin, dynein, and myosin superfamilies are tightly regulated to perform multiple functions in the cell requiring force generation. Although motor proteins within families are diverse in sequence and structure, there are general mechanisms by which they are regulated. We first discuss the regulation of the subset of kinesin family members for which such information exists, and then address general mechanisms of kinesin family regulation. We review what is known about the regulation of axonemal and cytoplasmic dyneins. Recent work on cytoplasmic dynein has revealed the existence of multiple isoforms for each dynein chain, making the study of dynein regulation more complicated than previously realized. Finally, we discuss the regulation of myosins known to be involved in membrane trafficking. Myosins and kinesins may be evolutionarily related, and there are common themes of regulation between these two classes of motors.
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Affiliation(s)
- A R Reilein
- Department of Cell and Structural Biology, University of Illinois, Urbana-Champaign, Urbana 61801, USA
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37
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Gordon DM, Wang J, Amutha B, Pain D. Self-association and precursor protein binding of Saccharomyces cerevisiae Tom40p, the core component of the protein translocation channel of the mitochondrial outer membrane. Biochem J 2001; 356:207-15. [PMID: 11336653 PMCID: PMC1221829 DOI: 10.1042/0264-6021:3560207] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
The precursor protein translocase of the mitochondrial outer membrane (Tom) is a multi-subunit complex containing receptors and a general import channel, of which the core component is Tom40p. Nuclear-encoded mitochondrial precursor proteins are first recognized by surface receptors and then pass through the import channel. The Tom complex has been purified; however, the protein-protein interactions that drive its assembly and maintain its stability have been difficult to study. Here we show that Saccharomyces cerevisiae Tom40p expressed in bacteria and purified to homogeneity associates efficiently with itself. The self-association is very strong and can withstand up to 4 M urea or 1 M salt. The tight self-association does not require the N-terminal segment of Tom40p. Furthermore, purified Tom40p preferentially recognizes the targeting sequence of mitochondrial precursor proteins. Although the binding of the targeting sequence to Tom40p is inhibited by urea concentrations in excess of 1 M, it is moderately resistant to 1 M salt. Simultaneous self-assembly and precursor protein binding suggest that Tom40p contains at least two different domains mediating these processes. The experimental approach described here should be useful for analysing protein-protein interactions involving individual or groups of components of the mitochondrial import machinery.
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Affiliation(s)
- D M Gordon
- Department of Physiology, University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine, 3700 Hamilton Walk, D403 Richards Building, Philadelphia, PA 19104-6085, USA
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Touïtou I, Lhomond G, Prulière G. Boursin, a sea urchin bimC kinesin protein, plays a role in anaphase and cytokinesis. J Cell Sci 2001; 114:481-91. [PMID: 11171318 DOI: 10.1242/jcs.114.3.481] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
We have isolated and characterized Boursin, a kinesin-related protein of the bimC family, from Paracentrotus lividus sea urchin eggs. Boursin is expressed at high levels in eggs and embryos during early cleavage stages. Boursin was found to be associated with different parts of the mitotic spindle from early prophase to telophase. Expression of a form of the protein predicted to act as a dominant negative mutant caused severe defects in cell division and resulted in the formation of embryos with polyploid and multiastral blastomeres. Immunofluorescence analysis indicated that these defects did not arise from failure in either centrosome separation or bipolar spindle formation. Time-lapse observations showed rather that these perturbations in cell division resulted from abnormal anaphase and failure to complete cytokinesis. These phenotypes differ from the phenotype described following perturbation of the function of bimC family members in other organisms. Our study has thus uncovered roles for a bimC kinesin in late stages of cell division.
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Affiliation(s)
- I Touïtou
- UMR 7009 CNRS-UPMC, Observatoire Oceanologique, 06234 Villefranche-Sue-Mer Cedex, France.
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39
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Chui KK, Rogers GC, Kashina AM, Wedaman KP, Sharp DJ, Nguyen DT, Wilt F, Scholey JM. Roles of two homotetrameric kinesins in sea urchin embryonic cell division. J Biol Chem 2000; 275:38005-11. [PMID: 11006281 DOI: 10.1074/jbc.m005948200] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
To improve our understanding of the roles of microtubule cross-linking motors in mitosis, we analyzed two sea urchin embryonic kinesin-related proteins. It is striking to note that both of these proteins behave as homotetramers, but one behaves as a more compact molecule than the other. These observations suggest that these two presumptive motors could cross-link microtubules into bundles with different spacing. Both motors localize to mitotic spindles, and antibody microinjection experiments suggest that they have mitotic functions. Thus, one of these kinesin-related proteins may cross-link spindle microtubules into loose bundles that are "tightened" by the other.
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Affiliation(s)
- K K Chui
- Section of Molecular and Cellular Biology, University of California, Davis, California 95616, USA
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40
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Abstract
The mitotic spindle uses microtubule-based motor proteins to assemble itself and to segregate sister chromatids. It is becoming clear that motors invoke several distinct mechanisms to generate the forces that drive mitosis. Moreover, in carrying out its function, the spindle appears to pass through a series of transient steady-state structures, each established by a delicate balance of forces generated by multiple complementary and antagonistic motors. Transitions from one steady state to the next can occur when a change in the activity of a subset of mitotic motors tips the balance.
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Affiliation(s)
- D J Sharp
- Section of Molecular and Cellular Biology, University of California-Davis, 95616, USA
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41
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Barrett JG, Manning BD, Snyder M. The Kar3p kinesin-related protein forms a novel heterodimeric structure with its associated protein Cik1p. Mol Biol Cell 2000; 11:2373-85. [PMID: 10888675 PMCID: PMC14926 DOI: 10.1091/mbc.11.7.2373] [Citation(s) in RCA: 45] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Proteins that physically associate with members of the kinesin superfamily are critical for the functional diversity observed for these microtubule motor proteins. However, quaternary structures of complexes between kinesins and kinesin-associated proteins are poorly defined. We have analyzed the nature of the interaction between the Kar3 motor protein, a minus-end-directed kinesin from yeast, and its associated protein Cik1. Extraction experiments demonstrate that Kar3p and Cik1p are tightly associated. Mapping of the interaction domains of the two proteins by two-hybrid analyses indicates that Kar3p and Cik1p associate in a highly specific manner along the lengths of their respective coiled-coil domains. Sucrose gradient velocity centrifugation and gel filtration experiments were used to determine the size of the Kar3-Cik1 complex from both mating pheromone-treated cells and vegetatively growing cells. These experiments predict a size for this complex that is consistent with that of a heterodimer containing one Kar3p subunit and one Cik1p subunit. Finally, immunoprecipitation of epitope-tagged and untagged proteins confirms that only one subunit of Kar3p and Cik1p are present in the Kar3-Cik1 complex. These findings demonstrate that the Kar3-Cik1 complex has a novel heterodimeric structure not observed previously for kinesin complexes.
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Affiliation(s)
- J G Barrett
- Department of Molecular, Cellular and Developmental Biology, Yale University, New Haven, Connecticut 06520-8103, USA
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42
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Abstract
Motors are molecular machines that move their cargo along F-actin or microtubules. Fungal representatives of myosin, kinesin and dynein motors support many cellular processes including polar growth, cell division and mitosis. Recent progress in understanding their cellular roles has revealed common principles. However, it has become obvious that fungi have also developed diverse strategies to cope with long-distance organelle transport.
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Affiliation(s)
- G Steinberg
- Institut für Genetik und Mikrobiologie, Maria-Ward Str. 1a, 80638 München, Germany.
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43
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Sharp DJ, Brown HM, Kwon M, Rogers GC, Holland G, Scholey JM. Functional coordination of three mitotic motors in Drosophila embryos. Mol Biol Cell 2000; 11:241-53. [PMID: 10637305 PMCID: PMC14771 DOI: 10.1091/mbc.11.1.241] [Citation(s) in RCA: 200] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/11/2022] Open
Abstract
It is well established that multiple microtubule-based motors contribute to the formation and function of the mitotic spindle, but how the activities of these motors interrelate remains unclear. Here we visualize spindle formation in living Drosophila embryos to show that spindle pole movements are directed by a temporally coordinated balance of forces generated by three mitotic motors, cytoplasmic dynein, KLP61F, and Ncd. Specifically, our findings suggest that dynein acts to move the poles apart throughout mitosis and that this activity is augmented by KLP61F after the fenestration of the nuclear envelope, a process analogous to nuclear envelope breakdown, which occurs at the onset of prometaphase. Conversely, we find that Ncd generates forces that pull the poles together between interphase and metaphase, antagonizing the activity of both dynein and KLP61F and serving as a brake for spindle assembly. During anaphase, however, Ncd appears to have no effect on spindle pole movements, suggesting that its activity is down-regulated at this time, allowing dynein and KLP61F to drive spindle elongation during anaphase B.
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Affiliation(s)
- D J Sharp
- Section of Molecular and Cellular Biology, University of California-Davis, Davis, California 95616, USA
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