1
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Keller J, Fernández-Busnadiego R. In situ studies of membrane biology by cryo-electron tomography. Curr Opin Cell Biol 2024; 88:102363. [PMID: 38677049 DOI: 10.1016/j.ceb.2024.102363] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/01/2024] [Revised: 03/26/2024] [Accepted: 04/08/2024] [Indexed: 04/29/2024]
Abstract
Cryo-electron tomography (cryo-ET) allows high resolution 3D imaging of biological samples in near-native environments. Thus, cryo-ET has become the method of choice to analyze the unperturbed organization of cellular membranes. Here, we briefly discuss current cryo-ET workflows and their application to study membrane biology in situ, under basal and pathological conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jenny Keller
- University Medical Center Göttingen, Institute for Neuropathology, Göttingen, 37077, Germany; Collaborative Research Center 1190 "Compartmental Gates and Contact Sites in Cells", University of Göttingen, Göttingen, Germany.
| | - Rubén Fernández-Busnadiego
- University Medical Center Göttingen, Institute for Neuropathology, Göttingen, 37077, Germany; Collaborative Research Center 1190 "Compartmental Gates and Contact Sites in Cells", University of Göttingen, Göttingen, Germany; Cluster of Excellence "Multiscale Bioimaging: from Molecular Machines to Networks of Excitable Cells" (MBExC), University of Göttingen, Göttingen, 37077, Germany; Faculty of Physics, University of Göttingen, Göttingen, 37077, Germany.
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2
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Cada AK, Mizuno N. Molecular cartography within axons. Curr Opin Cell Biol 2024; 88:102358. [PMID: 38608424 DOI: 10.1016/j.ceb.2024.102358] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/28/2023] [Revised: 03/22/2024] [Accepted: 03/24/2024] [Indexed: 04/14/2024]
Abstract
Recent advances in imaging methods begin to further illuminate the inner workings of neurons. Views of the axonal landscape through the lens of in situ cryo-electron tomography (cryo-ET) provide a high-resolution atlas of the macromolecular organization in near-native conditions, leading to our growing understanding of the vital roles of compositional and structural organization in maintaining neuronal homeostasis. In this review, we discuss the latest observations concerning the fundamental components found within neuronal compartments, with special emphasis on the axon, branch points, and growth cone. We describe the similarity and difference in organization of organelles and molecules in varying compartments. Finally, we highlight outstanding questions on the dynamics and localization of various components along the axon that may be answered using orthogonal approaches.
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Affiliation(s)
- A King Cada
- Laboratory of Structural Cell Biology, National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute, National Institutes of Health, 50 South Drive, Bethesda, MD, 20892, USA
| | - Naoko Mizuno
- Laboratory of Structural Cell Biology, National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute, National Institutes of Health, 50 South Drive, Bethesda, MD, 20892, USA; National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases, National Institutes of Health, 50 South Drive, Bethesda, MD, 20892, USA.
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3
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Li W, Li A, Yu B, Zhang X, Liu X, White KL, Stevens RC, Baumeister W, Sali A, Jasnin M, Sun L. In situ structure of actin remodeling during glucose-stimulated insulin secretion using cryo-electron tomography. Nat Commun 2024; 15:1311. [PMID: 38346988 PMCID: PMC10861521 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-024-45648-7] [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: 06/14/2023] [Accepted: 01/30/2024] [Indexed: 02/15/2024] Open
Abstract
Actin mediates insulin secretion in pancreatic β-cells through remodeling. Hampered by limited resolution, previous studies have offered an ambiguous depiction as depolymerization and repolymerization. We report the in situ structure of actin remodeling in INS-1E β-cells during glucose-stimulated insulin secretion at nanoscale resolution. After remodeling, the actin filament network at the cell periphery exhibits three marked differences: 12% of actin filaments reorient quasi-orthogonally to the ventral membrane; the filament network mainly remains as cell-stabilizing bundles but partially reconfigures into a less compact arrangement; actin filaments anchored to the ventral membrane reorganize from a "netlike" to a "blooming" architecture. Furthermore, the density of actin filaments and microtubules around insulin secretory granules decreases, while actin filaments and microtubules become more densely packed. The actin filament network after remodeling potentially precedes the transport and release of insulin secretory granules. These findings advance our understanding of actin remodeling and its role in glucose-stimulated insulin secretion.
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Affiliation(s)
- Weimin Li
- iHuman Institute, ShanghaiTech University, Shanghai, 201210, China
- School of Life Science and Technology, ShanghaiTech University, Shanghai, 201210, China
| | - Angdi Li
- iHuman Institute, ShanghaiTech University, Shanghai, 201210, China
- School of Life Science and Technology, ShanghaiTech University, Shanghai, 201210, China
| | - Bing Yu
- iHuman Institute, ShanghaiTech University, Shanghai, 201210, China
- School of Life Science and Technology, ShanghaiTech University, Shanghai, 201210, China
| | - Xiaoxiao Zhang
- iHuman Institute, ShanghaiTech University, Shanghai, 201210, China
| | - Xiaoyan Liu
- iHuman Institute, ShanghaiTech University, Shanghai, 201210, China
| | - Kate L White
- Department of Chemistry, Bridge Institute, USC Michelson Center for Convergent Bioscience, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, 90089, USA
| | - Raymond C Stevens
- iHuman Institute, ShanghaiTech University, Shanghai, 201210, China
- School of Life Science and Technology, ShanghaiTech University, Shanghai, 201210, China
| | - Wolfgang Baumeister
- iHuman Institute, ShanghaiTech University, Shanghai, 201210, China.
- Department of Molecular Structural Biology, Max Planck Institute of Biochemistry, 82152, Martinsried, Germany.
| | - Andrej Sali
- Quantitative Biosciences Institute, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, 94158, USA.
- Department of Bioengineering and Therapeutic Sciences, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, 94158, USA.
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, 94158, USA.
| | - Marion Jasnin
- Helmholtz Pioneer Campus, Helmholtz Zentrum München, 85764, Neuherberg, Germany.
- Department of Chemistry, Technical University of Munich, 85748, Garching, Germany.
| | - Liping Sun
- iHuman Institute, ShanghaiTech University, Shanghai, 201210, China.
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4
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Asarnow D, Becker VA, Bobe D, Dubbledam C, Johnston JD, Kopylov M, Lavoie NR, Li Q, Mattingly JM, Mendez JH, Paraan M, Turner J, Upadhye V, Walsh RM, Gupta M, Eng ET. Recent advances in infectious disease research using cryo-electron tomography. Front Mol Biosci 2024; 10:1296941. [PMID: 38288336 PMCID: PMC10822977 DOI: 10.3389/fmolb.2023.1296941] [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: 09/19/2023] [Accepted: 12/07/2023] [Indexed: 01/31/2024] Open
Abstract
With the increasing spread of infectious diseases worldwide, there is an urgent need for novel strategies to combat them. Cryogenic sample electron microscopy (cryo-EM) techniques, particularly electron tomography (cryo-ET), have revolutionized the field of infectious disease research by enabling multiscale observation of biological structures in a near-native state. This review highlights the recent advances in infectious disease research using cryo-ET and discusses the potential of this structural biology technique to help discover mechanisms of infection in native environments and guiding in the right direction for future drug discovery.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniel Asarnow
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, United States
| | - Vada A. Becker
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, United States
| | - Daija Bobe
- Simons Electron Microscopy Center, New York Structural Biology Center, New York, NY, United States
| | - Charlie Dubbledam
- Simons Electron Microscopy Center, New York Structural Biology Center, New York, NY, United States
| | - Jake D. Johnston
- Simons Electron Microscopy Center, New York Structural Biology Center, New York, NY, United States
- Department of Physiology and Cellular Biophysics, Columbia University, New York, NY, United States
| | - Mykhailo Kopylov
- Simons Electron Microscopy Center, New York Structural Biology Center, New York, NY, United States
| | - Nathalie R. Lavoie
- Department of Molecular Biology and Microbiology, School of Medicine, Tufts University, Boston, MA, United States
| | - Qiuye Li
- Department of Physiology and Biophysics, School of Medicine, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, OH, United States
| | - Jacob M. Mattingly
- Department of Chemistry, College of Arts and Sciences, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, United States
| | - Joshua H. Mendez
- Simons Electron Microscopy Center, New York Structural Biology Center, New York, NY, United States
| | - Mohammadreza Paraan
- Simons Electron Microscopy Center, New York Structural Biology Center, New York, NY, United States
| | - Jack Turner
- European Bioinformatics Institute (EMBL-EBI), Cambridge, United Kingdom
| | - Viraj Upadhye
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY, United States
| | - Richard M. Walsh
- Harvard Cryo-Electron Microscopy Center for Structural Biology and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, United States
| | - Meghna Gupta
- Department of Biochemistry and Biophysics, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, United States
| | - Edward T. Eng
- Simons Electron Microscopy Center, New York Structural Biology Center, New York, NY, United States
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5
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Kim JY, Yang JE, Mitchell JW, English LA, Yang SZ, Tenpas T, Dent EW, Wildonger J, Wright ER. Handling Difficult Cryo-ET Samples: A Study with Primary Neurons from Drosophila melanogaster. MICROSCOPY AND MICROANALYSIS : THE OFFICIAL JOURNAL OF MICROSCOPY SOCIETY OF AMERICA, MICROBEAM ANALYSIS SOCIETY, MICROSCOPICAL SOCIETY OF CANADA 2023; 29:2127-2148. [PMID: 37966978 DOI: 10.1093/micmic/ozad125] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/17/2023] [Revised: 10/01/2023] [Accepted: 10/18/2023] [Indexed: 11/17/2023]
Abstract
Cellular neurobiology has benefited from recent advances in the field of cryo-electron tomography (cryo-ET). Numerous structural and ultrastructural insights have been obtained from plunge-frozen primary neurons cultured on electron microscopy grids. With most primary neurons having been derived from rodent sources, we sought to expand the breadth of sample availability by using primary neurons derived from 3rd instar Drosophila melanogaster larval brains. Ultrastructural abnormalities were encountered while establishing this model system for cryo-ET, which were exemplified by excessive membrane blebbing and cellular fragmentation. To optimize neuronal samples, we integrated substrate selection, micropatterning, montage data collection, and chemical fixation. Efforts to address difficulties in establishing Drosophila neurons for future cryo-ET studies in cellular neurobiology also provided insights that future practitioners can use when attempting to establish other cell-based model systems.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joseph Y Kim
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI 53706, USA
- Department of Chemistry, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI 53706, USA
| | - Jie E Yang
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI 53706, USA
- Cryo-Electron Microscopy Research Center, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI 53706, USA
- Midwest Center for Cryo-Electron Tomography, Department of Biochemistry, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI 53706, USA
| | - Josephine W Mitchell
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Kalamazoo College, Kalamazoo, MI 49006, USA
| | - Lauren A English
- Neuroscience Training Program, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI 53705, USA
| | - Sihui Z Yang
- Department of Biology, Stanford University, Stanford, CA 94305, USA
| | - Tanner Tenpas
- Department of Neuroscience, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI 53705, USA
| | - Erik W Dent
- Department of Neuroscience, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI 53705, USA
| | - Jill Wildonger
- Departments of Pediatrics and Biological Sciences, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92093, USA
| | - Elizabeth R Wright
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI 53706, USA
- Cryo-Electron Microscopy Research Center, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI 53706, USA
- Midwest Center for Cryo-Electron Tomography, Department of Biochemistry, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI 53706, USA
- Morgridge Institute for Research, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI 53715, USA
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6
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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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7
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Ventura Santos C, Rogers SL, Carter AP. CryoET shows cofilactin filaments inside the microtubule lumen. EMBO Rep 2023; 24:e57264. [PMID: 37702953 PMCID: PMC10626427 DOI: 10.15252/embr.202357264] [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: 03/29/2023] [Revised: 08/25/2023] [Accepted: 08/30/2023] [Indexed: 09/14/2023] Open
Abstract
Cytoplasmic microtubules are tubular polymers that can harbor small proteins or filaments inside their lumen. The identities of these objects and mechanisms for their accumulation have not been conclusively established. Here, we used cryogenic electron tomography of Drosophila S2 cell protrusions and found filaments inside the microtubule lumen, which resemble those reported recently in human HAP1 cells. The frequency of these filaments increased upon inhibition of the sarco/endoplasmic reticulum Ca2+ ATPase with the small molecule drug thapsigargin. Subtomogram averaging showed that the luminal filaments adopt a helical structure reminiscent of cofilin-bound actin (cofilactin). Consistent with this, we observed cofilin dephosphorylation, an activating modification, in cells under the same conditions that increased luminal filament occurrence. Furthermore, RNA interference knock-down of cofilin reduced the frequency of luminal filaments with cofilactin morphology. These results suggest that cofilin activation stimulates its accumulation on actin filaments inside the microtubule lumen.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Stephen L Rogers
- Department of Biology and Integrative Program for Biological and Genome Sciences, The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
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8
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Legal T, Parra M, Tong M, Black CS, Joachimiak E, Valente-Paterno M, Lechtreck K, Gaertig J, Bui KH. CEP104/FAP256 and associated cap complex maintain stability of the ciliary tip. J Cell Biol 2023; 222:e202301129. [PMID: 37756660 PMCID: PMC10522465 DOI: 10.1083/jcb.202301129] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/30/2023] [Revised: 07/13/2023] [Accepted: 08/30/2023] [Indexed: 09/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Cilia are essential organelles that protrude from the cell body. Cilia are made of a microtubule-based structure called the axoneme. In most types of cilia, the ciliary tip is distinct from the rest of the cilium. Here, we used cryo-electron tomography and subtomogram averaging to obtain the structure of the ciliary tip of the ciliate Tetrahymena thermophila. We show that the microtubules at the tip are highly crosslinked with each other and stabilized by luminal proteins, plugs, and cap proteins at the plus ends. In the tip region, the central pair lacks typical projections and twists significantly. By analyzing cells lacking a ciliary tip-enriched protein CEP104/FAP256 by cryo-electron tomography and proteomics, we discovered candidates for the central pair cap complex and explained the potential functions of CEP104/FAP256. These data provide new insights into the function of the ciliary tip and the mechanisms of ciliary assembly and length regulation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thibault Legal
- Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, McGill University, Québec, Canada
| | - Mireya Parra
- Department of Cellular Biology, University of Georgia, Athens, GA, USA
| | - Maxwell Tong
- Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, McGill University, Québec, Canada
| | - Corbin S. Black
- Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, McGill University, Québec, Canada
| | - Ewa Joachimiak
- Laboratory of Cytoskeleton and Cilia Biology, Nencki Institute of Experimental Biology of the Polish Academy of Sciences, Warsaw, Poland
| | - Melissa Valente-Paterno
- Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, McGill University, Québec, Canada
| | - Karl Lechtreck
- Department of Cellular Biology, University of Georgia, Athens, GA, USA
| | - Jacek Gaertig
- Department of Cellular Biology, University of Georgia, Athens, GA, USA
| | - Khanh Huy Bui
- Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, McGill University, Québec, Canada
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9
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Watson JL, Krüger LK, Ben-Sasson AJ, Bittleston A, Shahbazi MN, Planelles-Herrero VJ, Chambers JE, Manton JD, Baker D, Derivery E. Synthetic Par polarity induces cytoskeleton asymmetry in unpolarized mammalian cells. Cell 2023; 186:4710-4727.e35. [PMID: 37774705 PMCID: PMC10765089 DOI: 10.1016/j.cell.2023.08.034] [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: 03/07/2022] [Revised: 05/04/2023] [Accepted: 08/25/2023] [Indexed: 10/01/2023]
Abstract
Polarized cells rely on a polarized cytoskeleton to function. Yet, how cortical polarity cues induce cytoskeleton polarization remains elusive. Here, we capitalized on recently established designed 2D protein arrays to ectopically engineer cortical polarity of virtually any protein of interest during mitosis in various cell types. This enables direct manipulation of polarity signaling and the identification of the cortical cues sufficient for cytoskeleton polarization. Using this assay, we dissected the logic of the Par complex pathway, a key regulator of cytoskeleton polarity during asymmetric cell division. We show that cortical clustering of any Par complex subunit is sufficient to trigger complex assembly and that the primary kinetic barrier to complex assembly is the relief of Par6 autoinhibition. Further, we found that inducing cortical Par complex polarity induces two hallmarks of asymmetric cell division in unpolarized mammalian cells: spindle orientation, occurring via Par3, and central spindle asymmetry, depending on aPKC activity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joseph L Watson
- MRC Laboratory of Molecular Biology, Francis Crick Avenue, Cambridge, UK
| | - Lara K Krüger
- MRC Laboratory of Molecular Biology, Francis Crick Avenue, Cambridge, UK
| | - Ariel J Ben-Sasson
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98195, USA; Institute for Protein Design, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98195, USA
| | - Alice Bittleston
- MRC Laboratory of Molecular Biology, Francis Crick Avenue, Cambridge, UK
| | - Marta N Shahbazi
- MRC Laboratory of Molecular Biology, Francis Crick Avenue, Cambridge, UK
| | | | - Joseph E Chambers
- Cambridge Institute for Medical Research, Department of Medicine, University of Cambridge, Hills Rd, Cambridge, UK
| | - James D Manton
- MRC Laboratory of Molecular Biology, Francis Crick Avenue, Cambridge, UK
| | - David Baker
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98195, USA; Institute for Protein Design, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98195, USA; Howard Hughes Medical Institute, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98195, USA
| | - Emmanuel Derivery
- MRC Laboratory of Molecular Biology, Francis Crick Avenue, Cambridge, UK.
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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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Kim JY, Yang J, Mitchell JW, English LA, Wildonger J, Dent EW, Wright ER. Morphological Comparison of Primary Neurons Cryo-Preserved Under Varied Conditions. MICROSCOPY AND MICROANALYSIS : THE OFFICIAL JOURNAL OF MICROSCOPY SOCIETY OF AMERICA, MICROBEAM ANALYSIS SOCIETY, MICROSCOPICAL SOCIETY OF CANADA 2023; 29:956-957. [PMID: 37613647 DOI: 10.1093/micmic/ozad067.477] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 08/25/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Joseph Y Kim
- Department of Chemistry, UW-Madison, Madison, WI, United States
- Department of Biochemistry, UW-Madison, Madison, WI, United States
| | - Jae Yang
- Department of Biochemistry, UW-Madison, Madison, WI, United States
- Midwest Center for Cryo-Electron Tomography, UW-Madison, Madison, WI, United States
| | - Josephine W Mitchell
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Kalamazoo College, Kalamazoo, MI, United States
| | - Lauren A English
- Neuroscience Training Program, UW-Madison, Madison, WI, United States
| | - Jill Wildonger
- Departments of Pediatrics and Biological Sciences, UCSD, La Jolla, CA, United States
| | - Erik W Dent
- Department of Neuroscience, UW-Madison, Madison, WI, United States
| | - Elizabeth R Wright
- Department of Biochemistry, UW-Madison, Madison, WI, United States
- Midwest Center for Cryo-Electron Tomography, UW-Madison, Madison, WI, United States
- Cryo-Electron Microscopy Research Center, UW-Madison, Madison, WI, United States
- Morgridge Institute for Research, UW-Madison, Madison, WI, United States
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12
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Kim JY, Yang JE, Mitchell JW, English LA, Yang SZ, Tenpas T, Dent EW, Wildonger J, Wright ER. Handling difficult cryo-ET samples: A study with primary neurons from Drosophila melanogaster. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2023:2023.07.10.548468. [PMID: 37502991 PMCID: PMC10369871 DOI: 10.1101/2023.07.10.548468] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 07/29/2023]
Abstract
Cellular neurobiology has benefited from recent advances in the field of cryo-electron tomography (cryo-ET). Numerous structural and ultrastructural insights have been obtained from plunge-frozen primary neurons cultured on electron microscopy grids. With most primary neurons been derived from rodent sources, we sought to expand the breadth of sample availability by using primary neurons derived from 3rd instar Drosophila melanogaster larval brains. Ultrastructural abnormalities were encountered while establishing this model system for cryo-ET, which were exemplified by excessive membrane blebbing and cellular fragmentation. To optimize neuronal samples, we integrated substrate selection, micropatterning, montage data collection, and chemical fixation. Efforts to address difficulties in establishing Drosophila neurons for future cryo-ET studies in cellular neurobiology also provided insights that future practitioners can use when attempting to establish other cell-based model systems.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joseph Y. Kim
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI 53706, USA
- Department of Chemistry, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, 53706, USA
| | - Jie E. Yang
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI 53706, USA
- Cryo-Electron Microscopy Research Center, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, 53706, USA
- Midwest Center for Cryo-Electron Tomography, Department of Biochemistry, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, 53706, USA
| | - Josephine W. Mitchell
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Kalamazoo College, Kalamazoo, MI, 49006, USA
| | - Lauren A. English
- Neuroscience Training Program, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, 53705, USA
| | - Sihui Z. Yang
- Department of Biology, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, 94305, USA
| | - Tanner Tenpas
- Department of Neuroscience, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, 53705, USA
| | - Erik W. Dent
- Department of Neuroscience, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, 53705, USA
| | - Jill Wildonger
- Departments of Pediatrics and Biological Sciences, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA, 92093, USA
| | - Elizabeth R. Wright
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI 53706, USA
- Cryo-Electron Microscopy Research Center, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, 53706, USA
- Midwest Center for Cryo-Electron Tomography, Department of Biochemistry, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, 53706, USA
- Morgridge Institute for Research, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, 53715, USA
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13
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Abstract
Recent advances in cryo-electron microscopy have marked only the beginning of the potential of this technique. To bring structure into cell biology, the modality of cryo-electron tomography has fast developed into a bona fide in situ structural biology technique where structures are determined in their native environment, the cell. Nearly every step of the cryo-focused ion beam-assisted electron tomography (cryo-FIB-ET) workflow has been improved upon in the past decade, since the first windows were carved into cells, unveiling macromolecular networks in near-native conditions. By bridging structural and cell biology, cryo-FIB-ET is advancing our understanding of structure-function relationships in their native environment and becoming a tool for discovering new biology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lindsey N Young
- Department of Molecular Biology, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, California, USA;
| | - Elizabeth Villa
- Department of Molecular Biology, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, California, USA;
- Howard Hughes Medical Institute, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, California, USA
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14
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Santos CV, Rogers SL, Carter AP. CryoET shows cofilactin filaments inside the microtubule lumen. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2023:2023.03.31.535077. [PMID: 37034688 PMCID: PMC10081314 DOI: 10.1101/2023.03.31.535077] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/20/2023]
Abstract
Cytoplasmic microtubules are tubular polymers that can harbor small proteins or filaments inside their lumen. The identity of these objects and what causes their accumulation has not been conclusively established. Here, we used cryogenic electron tomography (cryoET) of Drosophila S2 cell protrusions and found filaments inside the microtubule lumen, which resemble those reported recently in human HAP1 cells. The frequency of these filaments increased upon inhibition of the sarco/endoplasmic reticulum Ca 2+ ATPase (SERCA) with the small-molecule drug thapsigargin. Subtomogram averaging showed that the luminal filaments adopt a helical structure reminiscent of cofilin-bound actin (cofilactin). Consistent with this, cofilin was activated in cells under the same conditions that increased luminal filament occurrence. Furthermore, RNAi knock-down of cofilin reduced the frequency of luminal filaments with cofilactin morphology. These results suggest that cofilin activation stimulates its accumulation on actin filaments inside the microtubule lumen.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Stephen L. Rogers
- Department of Biology and Integrative Program for Biological and Genome Sciences, The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
| | - Andrew P. Carter
- MRC Laboratory of Molecular Biology, Francis Crick Ave, Cambridge, CB2 0QH, UK
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15
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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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16
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Lin L, Tijjani I, Guo H, An Q, Cao J, Chen X, Liu W, Wang Z, Norvienyeku J. Cytoplasmic dynein1 intermediate-chain2 regulates cellular trafficking and physiopathological development in Magnaporthe oryzae. iScience 2023; 26:106050. [PMID: 36866040 PMCID: PMC9971887 DOI: 10.1016/j.isci.2023.106050] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/23/2022] [Revised: 08/09/2022] [Accepted: 01/20/2023] [Indexed: 02/12/2023] Open
Abstract
The cytoplasmic dynein 1, a minus end-directed motor protein, is an essential microtubule-based molecular motor that mediates the movement of molecules to intracellular destinations in eukaryotes. However, the role of dynein in the pathogenesis of Magnaporthe oryzae is unknown. Here, we identified cytoplasmic dynein 1 intermediate-chain 2 genes in M. oryzae and functionally characterized it using genetic manipulations, and biochemical approaches. We observed that targeted the deletion of MoDYNC1I2 caused significant vegetative growth defects, abolished conidiation, and rendered the ΔModync1I2 strains non-pathogenic. Microscopic examinations revealed significant defects in microtubule network organization, nuclear positioning, and endocytosis ΔModync1I2 strains. MoDync1I2 is localized exclusively to microtubules during fungal developmental stages but co-localizes with the histone OsHis1 in plant nuclei upon infection. The exogenous expression of a histone gene, MoHis1, restored the homeostatic phenotypes of ΔModync1I2 strains but not pathogenicity. These findings could facilitate the development of dynein-directed remedies for managing the rice blast disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lily Lin
- Ministerial and Provincial Joint Innovation Centre for Safety Production of Cross-Strait Crops, Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, Fuzhou 350002, China,State Key Laboratory for Biology of Plant Diseases and Insect Pests, Institute of Plant Protection, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing 100193, China
| | - Ibrahim Tijjani
- Ministerial and Provincial Joint Innovation Centre for Safety Production of Cross-Strait Crops, Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, Fuzhou 350002, China
| | - Hengyuan Guo
- Key Laboratory of Green Prevention and Control of Tropical Plant Diseases and Pests, Ministry of Education, College of Plant Protection, Hainan University, Haikou, China
| | - Qiuli An
- Ministerial and Provincial Joint Innovation Centre for Safety Production of Cross-Strait Crops, Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, Fuzhou 350002, China
| | - Jiaying Cao
- Ministerial and Provincial Joint Innovation Centre for Safety Production of Cross-Strait Crops, Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, Fuzhou 350002, China
| | - Xiaomin Chen
- Ministerial and Provincial Joint Innovation Centre for Safety Production of Cross-Strait Crops, Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, Fuzhou 350002, China
| | - Wende Liu
- State Key Laboratory for Biology of Plant Diseases and Insect Pests, Institute of Plant Protection, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing 100193, China
| | - Zonghua Wang
- Ministerial and Provincial Joint Innovation Centre for Safety Production of Cross-Strait Crops, Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, Fuzhou 350002, China,Institute of Oceanography, Minjiang University, Fuzhou 350108, China,Corresponding author
| | - Justice Norvienyeku
- Key Laboratory of Green Prevention and Control of Tropical Plant Diseases and Pests, Ministry of Education, College of Plant Protection, Hainan University, Haikou, China,Hainan Yazhou Bay Seed Laboratory, Sanya Nanfan Research Institute of Hainan University, Sanya, China,Corresponding author
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17
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Legal T, Tong M, Black C, Valente Paterno M, Gaertig J, Bui KH. Molecular architecture of the ciliary tip revealed by cryo-electron tomography. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2023:2023.01.03.522627. [PMID: 36711791 PMCID: PMC9881849 DOI: 10.1101/2023.01.03.522627] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/06/2023]
Abstract
Cilia are essential organelles that protrude from the cell body. Cilia are made of a microtubule-based structure called the axoneme. In most types of cilia, the ciliary tip is distinct from the rest of the cilium. Here, we used cryo-electron tomography and subtomogram averaging to obtain the structure of the ciliary tip of the ciliate Tetrahymena thermophila. We show the microtubules in the tip are highly cross-linked with each other and stabilised by luminal proteins, plugs and cap proteins at the plus ends. In the tip region, the central pair lacks the typical projections and twists significantly. By analysing cells lacking a ciliary tip-enriched protein CEP104/FAP256 by cryo-electron tomography and proteomics, we discovered candidates for the central pair cap complex and explain potential functions of CEP104/FAP256. These data provide new insights into the function of the ciliary tip and inform about the mechanisms of ciliary assembly and length regulation.
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Affiliation(s)
- T Legal
- Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, McGill University, Québec, Canada
| | - M Tong
- Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, McGill University, Québec, Canada
| | - C Black
- Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, McGill University, Québec, Canada
| | - M Valente Paterno
- Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, McGill University, Québec, Canada
| | - J Gaertig
- Department of Cellular Biology, University of Georgia, Athens, GA, United States of America
| | - K H Bui
- Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, McGill University, Québec, Canada
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18
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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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19
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Eckel BD, Cruz R, Craig EM, Baas PW. Microtubule polarity flaws as a treatable driver of neurodegeneration. Brain Res Bull 2023; 192:208-215. [PMID: 36442694 DOI: 10.1016/j.brainresbull.2022.11.013] [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: 07/08/2022] [Revised: 11/07/2022] [Accepted: 11/17/2022] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
Microtubule disruption is a common downstream mechanism leading to axonal degeneration in a number of neurological diseases. To date, most studies on this topic have focused on the loss of microtubule mass from the axon, as well as changes in the stability properties of the microtubules and/or their tubulin composition. Here we posit corruption of the normal pattern of microtubule polarity orientation as an underappreciated and yet treatable contributor to axonal degeneration. We include computational modeling to fortify the rigor of our considerations. Our simulations demonstrate that even a small deviation from the usual polarity pattern of axonal microtubules is detrimental to motor-based trafficking of organelles and other intracellular cargo. Additional modeling predicts that axons with such deviations will exhibit significantly reduced speed and reliability of organelle transport, and that localized clusters of wrongly oriented microtubules will result in traffic jams of accumulated organelles.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bridie D Eckel
- Dept Neurobiol/Anat, Drexel University, 2900 Queen Lane, Philadelphia, PA 19129, USA
| | - Roy Cruz
- Dept Physics, Central Washington University, Ellensburg, WA 98926, USA
| | - Erin M Craig
- Dept Physics, Central Washington University, Ellensburg, WA 98926, USA
| | - Peter W Baas
- Dept Neurobiol/Anat, Drexel University, 2900 Queen Lane, Philadelphia, PA 19129, USA.
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20
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Maan R, Reese L, Volkov VA, King MR, van der Sluis EO, Andrea N, Evers WH, Jakobi AJ, Dogterom M. Multivalent interactions facilitate motor-dependent protein accumulation at growing microtubule plus-ends. Nat Cell Biol 2023; 25:68-78. [PMID: 36536175 PMCID: PMC9859754 DOI: 10.1038/s41556-022-01037-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/15/2021] [Accepted: 10/25/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
Growing microtubule ends organize end-tracking proteins into comets of mixed composition. Here using a reconstituted fission yeast system consisting of end-binding protein Mal3, kinesin Tea2 and cargo Tip1, we found that these proteins can be driven into liquid-phase droplets both in solution and at microtubule ends under crowding conditions. In the absence of crowding agents, cryo-electron tomography revealed that motor-dependent comets consist of disordered networks where multivalent interactions may facilitate non-stoichiometric accumulation of cargo Tip1. We found that two disordered protein regions in Mal3 are required for the formation of droplets and motor-dependent accumulation of Tip1, while autonomous Mal3 comet formation requires only one of them. Using theoretical modelling, we explore possible mechanisms by which motor activity and multivalent interactions may lead to the observed enrichment of Tip1 at microtubule ends. We conclude that microtubule ends may act as platforms where multivalent interactions condense microtubule-associated proteins into large multi-protein complexes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Renu Maan
- Department of Bionanoscience, Kavli Institute of Nanoscience, Delft University of Technology, Delft, the Netherlands
| | - Louis Reese
- Department of Bionanoscience, Kavli Institute of Nanoscience, Delft University of Technology, Delft, the Netherlands.,Physiology Course 2017, Marine Biological Laboratory, Woods Hole, MA, USA
| | - Vladimir A Volkov
- Department of Bionanoscience, Kavli Institute of Nanoscience, Delft University of Technology, Delft, the Netherlands.,Physiology Course 2017, Marine Biological Laboratory, Woods Hole, MA, USA.,School of Biological and Behavioural Sciences, Queen Mary University of London, London, UK
| | - Matthew R King
- Physiology Course 2017, Marine Biological Laboratory, Woods Hole, MA, USA.,Department of Biomedical Engineering, Washington University in St. Louis, St Louis, MO, USA
| | - Eli O van der Sluis
- Department of Bionanoscience, Kavli Institute of Nanoscience, Delft University of Technology, Delft, the Netherlands
| | - Nemo Andrea
- Department of Bionanoscience, Kavli Institute of Nanoscience, Delft University of Technology, Delft, the Netherlands
| | - Wiel H Evers
- Department of Bionanoscience, Kavli Institute of Nanoscience, Delft University of Technology, Delft, the Netherlands
| | - Arjen J Jakobi
- Department of Bionanoscience, Kavli Institute of Nanoscience, Delft University of Technology, Delft, the Netherlands
| | - Marileen Dogterom
- Department of Bionanoscience, Kavli Institute of Nanoscience, Delft University of Technology, Delft, the Netherlands. .,Physiology Course 2017, Marine Biological Laboratory, Woods Hole, MA, USA.
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21
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Tsuji C, Dodding MP. Lumenal components of cytoplasmic microtubules. Biochem Soc Trans 2022; 50:1953-1962. [PMID: 36524962 DOI: 10.1042/bst20220851] [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: 10/10/2022] [Revised: 11/30/2022] [Accepted: 12/01/2022] [Indexed: 07/30/2023]
Abstract
The lumen of cytoplasmic microtubules is a poorly explored expanse of intracellular space. Although typically represented in textbooks as a hollow tube, studies over several decades have shown that the microtubule lumen is occupied by a range of morphologically diverse components. These are predominantly globular particles of varying sizes which appear to exist either in isolation, bind to the microtubule wall, or form discontinuous columns that extend through the lumenal space. Actin filaments with morphologies distinct from the canonical cytoplasmic forms have also now been found within the microtubule lumen. In this review, we examine the historic literature that observed these lumenal components in tissues from diverse species and integrate it with recent cryo-electron tomography studies that have begun to identify lumenal proteins. We consider their cell and tissue distribution, possible mechanisms of incorporation, and potential functions. It is likely that continuing work in this area will open a new frontier in cytoskeletal biology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chisato Tsuji
- School of Biochemistry, Faculty of Life Sciences, University of Bristol, Bristol BS8 1TD, U.K
| | - Mark P Dodding
- School of Biochemistry, Faculty of Life Sciences, University of Bristol, Bristol BS8 1TD, U.K
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22
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The Mechanical Microenvironment Regulates Axon Diameters Visualized by Cryo-Electron Tomography. Cells 2022; 11:cells11162533. [PMID: 36010609 PMCID: PMC9406316 DOI: 10.3390/cells11162533] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2022] [Revised: 08/07/2022] [Accepted: 08/10/2022] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Axonal varicosities or swellings are enlarged structures along axon shafts and profoundly affect action potential propagation and synaptic transmission. These structures, which are defined by morphology, are highly heterogeneous and often investigated concerning their roles in neuropathology, but why they are present in the normal brain remains unknown. Combining confocal microscopy and cryo-electron tomography (Cryo-ET) with in vivo and in vitro systems, we report that non-uniform mechanical interactions with the microenvironment can lead to 10-fold diameter differences within an axon of the central nervous system (CNS). In the brains of adult Thy1-YFP transgenic mice, individual axons in the cortex displayed significantly higher diameter variation than those in the corpus callosum. When being cultured on lacey carbon film-coated electron microscopy (EM) grids, CNS axons formed varicosities exclusively in holes and without microtubule (MT) breakage, and they contained mitochondria, multivesicular bodies (MVBs), and/or vesicles, similar to the axonal varicosities induced by mild fluid puffing. Moreover, enlarged axon branch points often contain MT free ends leading to the minor branch. When the axons were fasciculated by mimicking in vivo axonal bundles, their varicosity levels reduced. Taken together, our results have revealed the extrinsic regulation of the three-dimensional ultrastructures of central axons by the mechanical microenvironment under physiological conditions.
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23
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Abstract
The three-dimensional organization of biomolecules important for the functioning of all living systems can be determined by cryo-electron tomography imaging under native biological contexts. Cryo-electron tomography is continually expanding and evolving, and the development of new methods that use the latest technology for sample thinning is enabling the visualization of ever larger and more complex biological systems, allowing imaging across scales. Quantitative cryo-electron tomography possesses the capability of visualizing the impact of molecular and environmental perturbations in subcellular structure and function to understand fundamental biological processes. This review provides an overview of current hardware and software developments that allow quantitative cryo-electron tomography studies and their limitations and how overcoming them may allow us to unleash the full power of cryo-electron tomography.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paula P Navarro
- Department of Molecular Biology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, United States.,Department of Genetics, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, United States
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24
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Fermie J, de Jager L, Foster HE, Veenendaal T, de Heus C, van Dijk S, ten Brink C, Oorschot V, Yang L, Li W, Müller WH, Howes S, Carter AP, Förster F, Posthuma G, Gerritsen HC, Klumperman J, Liv N. Bimodal endocytic probe for three-dimensional correlative light and electron microscopy. CELL REPORTS METHODS 2022; 2:100220. [PMID: 35637912 PMCID: PMC9142762 DOI: 10.1016/j.crmeth.2022.100220] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/16/2021] [Revised: 02/04/2022] [Accepted: 04/26/2022] [Indexed: 12/03/2022]
Abstract
We present a bimodal endocytic tracer, fluorescent BSA-gold (fBSA-Au), as a fiducial marker for 2D and 3D correlative light and electron microscopy (CLEM) applications. fBSA-Au consists of colloidal gold (Au) particles stabilized with fluorescent BSA. The conjugate is efficiently endocytosed and distributed throughout the 3D endolysosomal network of cells and has an excellent visibility in both fluorescence microscopy (FM) and electron microscopy (EM). We demonstrate that fBSA-Au facilitates rapid registration in several 2D and 3D CLEM applications using Tokuyasu cryosections, resin-embedded material, and cryoelectron microscopy (cryo-EM). Endocytosed fBSA-Au benefits from a homogeneous 3D distribution throughout the endosomal system within the cell, does not obscure any cellular ultrastructure, and enables accurate (50-150 nm) correlation of fluorescence to EM data. The broad applicability and visibility in both modalities makes fBSA-Au an excellent endocytic fiducial marker for 2D and 3D (cryo)CLEM applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Job Fermie
- Center for Molecular Medicine, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht University, Utrecht, the Netherlands
- Molecular Biophysics, Debye Institute for Nanomaterials Science, Utrecht University, Utrecht, the Netherlands
| | - Leanne de Jager
- Structural Biochemistry, Bijvoet Centre for Biomolecular Research, Utrecht University, Utrecht, the Netherlands
| | - Helen E. Foster
- Medical Research Council Laboratory of Molecular Biology, Division of Structural Studies, Cambridge, UK
| | - Tineke Veenendaal
- Center for Molecular Medicine, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht University, Utrecht, the Netherlands
| | - Cecilia de Heus
- Center for Molecular Medicine, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht University, Utrecht, the Netherlands
| | - Suzanne van Dijk
- Center for Molecular Medicine, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht University, Utrecht, the Netherlands
| | - Corlinda ten Brink
- Center for Molecular Medicine, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht University, Utrecht, the Netherlands
| | - Viola Oorschot
- Center for Molecular Medicine, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht University, Utrecht, the Netherlands
| | - Lin Yang
- Institute of Genetics & Developmental Biology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Wei Li
- Institute of Genetics & Developmental Biology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Wally H. Müller
- Microbiology, Department of Biology, Utrecht University, Utrecht, the Netherlands
| | - Stuart Howes
- Structural Biochemistry, Bijvoet Centre for Biomolecular Research, Utrecht University, Utrecht, the Netherlands
| | - Andrew P. Carter
- Medical Research Council Laboratory of Molecular Biology, Division of Structural Studies, Cambridge, UK
| | - Friedrich Förster
- Structural Biochemistry, Bijvoet Centre for Biomolecular Research, Utrecht University, Utrecht, the Netherlands
| | - George Posthuma
- Center for Molecular Medicine, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht University, Utrecht, the Netherlands
| | - Hans C. Gerritsen
- Molecular Biophysics, Debye Institute for Nanomaterials Science, Utrecht University, Utrecht, the Netherlands
| | - Judith Klumperman
- Center for Molecular Medicine, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht University, Utrecht, the Netherlands
| | - Nalan Liv
- Center for Molecular Medicine, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht University, Utrecht, the Netherlands
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25
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Zamponi E, Meehl JB, Voeltz GK. The ER ladder is a unique morphological feature of developing mammalian axons. Dev Cell 2022; 57:1369-1382.e6. [PMID: 35609616 DOI: 10.1016/j.devcel.2022.05.002] [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: 12/07/2021] [Revised: 03/28/2022] [Accepted: 05/02/2022] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
The endoplasmic reticulum (ER) confronts a challenge to accommodate long, smooth ER tubules into the structural complexity of the axonal compartment. Here, we describe a morphological feature for the axonal ER network in developing neurons we termed the ER ladder. Axonal ER ladders are composed of rungs that wrap tightly around the microtubule bundle and dynamic rails, which slide across microtubules. We found that the ER-shaping protein Reticulon 2 determines the architecture and dynamics of the axonal ER ladder by modulating its interaction with microtubules. Moreover, we show that ER ladder depletion impairs the trafficking of associated vesicular axonal cargoes. Finally, we demonstrate that stromal interaction molecule 1 (Stim1) localizes to ER rungs and translocates to ER-plasma membrane contact sites upon depletion of luminal Ca2+. Our findings uncover fundamental insights into the structural and functional organization of the axonal ER network in developing mammalian neurons.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emiliano Zamponi
- Department of Molecular, Cellular & Developmental Biology, University of Colorado Boulder, Boulder, CO 80309, USA; Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Boulder, CO 80309, USA
| | - Janet B Meehl
- Department of Molecular, Cellular & Developmental Biology, University of Colorado Boulder, Boulder, CO 80309, USA; Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Boulder, CO 80309, USA
| | - Gia K Voeltz
- Department of Molecular, Cellular & Developmental Biology, University of Colorado Boulder, Boulder, CO 80309, USA; Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Boulder, CO 80309, USA.
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26
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Pandey JP, Shi L, Brebion RA, Smith DS. LIS1 and NDEL1 Regulate Axonal Trafficking of Mitochondria in Mature Neurons. Front Mol Neurosci 2022; 15:841047. [PMID: 35465088 PMCID: PMC9025594 DOI: 10.3389/fnmol.2022.841047] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/21/2021] [Accepted: 02/10/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Defective mitochondrial dynamics in axons have been linked to both developmental and late-onset neurological disorders. Axonal trafficking is in large part governed by the microtubule motors kinesin-1 and cytoplasmic dynein 1 (dynein). Dynein is the primary retrograde transport motor in axons, and mutations in dynein and many of its regulators also cause neurological diseases. Depletion of LIS1, famous for linking dynein deregulation to lissencephaly (smooth brain), in adult mice leads to severe neurological phenotypes, demonstrating post-developmental roles. LIS1 stimulates retrograde transport of acidic organelles in cultured adult rat dorsal root ganglion (DRG) axons but findings on its role in mitochondrial trafficking have been inconsistent and have not been reported for adult axons. Here we report that there is an increased number of mitochondria in cross-sections of sciatic nerve axons from adult LIS1+/– mice. This is probably related to reduced dynein activity as axons from adult rat nerves exposed to the dynein inhibitor, ciliobrevin D also had increased numbers of mitochondria. Moreover, LIS1 overexpression (OE) in cultured adult rat DRG axons stimulated retrograde mitochondrial transport while LIS1 knockdown (KD) or expression of a LIS1 dynein-binding mutant (LIS1-K147A) inhibited retrograde transport, as did KD of dynein heavy chain (DHC). These findings are consistent with our report on acidic organelles. However, KD of NDEL1, a LIS1 and dynein binding protein, or expression of a LIS1 NDEL1-binding mutant (LIS1-R212A) also dramatically impacted retrograde mitochondrial transport, which was not the case for acidic organelles. Manipulations that disrupted retrograde mitochondrial transport also increased the average length of axonal mitochondria, suggesting a role for dynein in fusion or fission events. Our data point to cargo specificity in NDEL1 function and raise the possibility that defects in the LIS1/NDEL1 dynein regulatory pathway could contribute to mitochondrial diseases with axonal pathologies.
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Atherton J, Stouffer M, Francis F, Moores CA. Visualising the cytoskeletal machinery in neuronal growth cones using cryo-electron tomography. J Cell Sci 2022; 135:274968. [PMID: 35383828 PMCID: PMC9016625 DOI: 10.1242/jcs.259234] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/12/2021] [Accepted: 03/02/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Neurons extend axons to form the complex circuitry of the mature brain. This depends on the coordinated response and continuous remodelling of the microtubule and F-actin networks in the axonal growth cone. Growth cone architecture remains poorly understood at nanoscales. We therefore investigated mouse hippocampal neuron growth cones using cryo-electron tomography to directly visualise their three-dimensional subcellular architecture with molecular detail. Our data showed that the hexagonal arrays of actin bundles that form filopodia penetrate and terminate deep within the growth cone interior. We directly observed the modulation of these and other growth cone actin bundles by alteration of individual F-actin helical structures. Microtubules with blunt, slightly flared or gently curved ends predominated in the growth cone, frequently contained lumenal particles and exhibited lattice defects. Investigation of the effect of absence of doublecortin, a neurodevelopmental cytoskeleton regulator, on growth cone cytoskeleton showed no major anomalies in overall growth cone organisation or in F-actin subpopulations. However, our data suggested that microtubules sustained more structural defects, highlighting the importance of microtubule integrity during growth cone migration. Summary: Cryo-electron tomographic reconstruction of neuronal growth cone subdomains reveals distinctive F-actin and microtubule cytoskeleton architectures and modulation at molecular detail.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joseph Atherton
- Randall Centre for Cell and Molecular Biophysics, King's College, London SE1 1YR, UK.,Institute of Structural and Molecular Biology, Birkbeck, University of London, London WC1E 7HX, UK
| | - Melissa Stouffer
- INSERM UMR-S 1270, 17 Rue du Fer à Moulin, 75005 Paris, France.,Sorbonne University UMR-S 1270, 4 Place Jussieu, 75005 Paris, France.,Institut du Fer à Moulin, 17 Rue du Fer à Moulin, 75005 Paris, France.,Institute of Science and Technology Austria, Am campus 1, 3400 Klosterneuberg, Austria
| | - Fiona Francis
- INSERM UMR-S 1270, 17 Rue du Fer à Moulin, 75005 Paris, France.,Sorbonne University UMR-S 1270, 4 Place Jussieu, 75005 Paris, France.,Institut du Fer à Moulin, 17 Rue du Fer à Moulin, 75005 Paris, France
| | - Carolyn A Moores
- Institute of Structural and Molecular Biology, Birkbeck, University of London, London WC1E 7HX, UK
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Guyomar C, Bousquet C, Ku S, Heumann JM, Guilloux G, Gaillard N, Heichette C, Duchesne L, Steinmetz MO, Gibeaux R, Chrétien D. Changes in seam number and location induce holes within microtubules assembled from porcine brain tubulin and in Xenopus egg cytoplasmic extracts. eLife 2022; 11:83021. [PMID: 36503602 PMCID: PMC9788831 DOI: 10.7554/elife.83021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/26/2022] [Accepted: 12/09/2022] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Microtubules are tubes of about 25 nm in diameter that are critically involved in a variety of cellular functions, including motility, compartmentalization, and division. They are considered as pseudo-helical polymers whose constituent αβ-tubulin heterodimers share lateral homotypic interactions, except at one unique region called the seam. Here, we used a segmented sub-tomogram averaging strategy to reassess this paradigm and analyze the organization of the αβ-tubulin heterodimers in microtubules assembled from purified porcine brain tubulin in the presence of GTP and GMPCPP, and in Xenopus egg cytoplasmic extracts. We find that in almost all conditions, microtubules incorporate variable protofilament and/or tubulin subunit helical-start numbers, as well as variable numbers of seams. Strikingly, the seam number and location vary along individual microtubules, generating holes of one to a few subunits in size within their lattices. Together, our results reveal that the formation of mixed and discontinuous microtubule lattices is an intrinsic property of tubulin that requires the formation of unique lateral interactions without longitudinal ones. They further suggest that microtubule assembly is tightly regulated in a cytoplasmic environment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Charlotte Guyomar
- Univ Rennes, CNRS, IGDR (Institut de Génétique et Développement de Rennes) - UMR 6290, F-35000RennesFrance
| | - Clément Bousquet
- Univ Rennes, CNRS, IGDR (Institut de Génétique et Développement de Rennes) - UMR 6290, F-35000RennesFrance
| | - Siou Ku
- Univ Rennes, CNRS, IGDR (Institut de Génétique et Développement de Rennes) - UMR 6290, F-35000RennesFrance
| | - John M Heumann
- Department of Molecular, Cellular and Developmental Biology, University of Colorado BoulderBoulderUnited States
| | - Gabriel Guilloux
- Univ Rennes, CNRS, IGDR (Institut de Génétique et Développement de Rennes) - UMR 6290, F-35000RennesFrance
| | - Natacha Gaillard
- Laboratory of Biomolecular Research, Division of Biology and Chemistry, Paul Scherrer InstituteVilligenSwitzerland
| | - Claire Heichette
- Univ Rennes, CNRS, IGDR (Institut de Génétique et Développement de Rennes) - UMR 6290, F-35000RennesFrance
| | - Laurence Duchesne
- Univ Rennes, CNRS, IGDR (Institut de Génétique et Développement de Rennes) - UMR 6290, F-35000RennesFrance
| | - Michel O Steinmetz
- Laboratory of Biomolecular Research, Division of Biology and Chemistry, Paul Scherrer InstituteVilligenSwitzerland,University of Basel, BiozentrumBaselSwitzerland
| | - Romain Gibeaux
- Univ Rennes, CNRS, IGDR (Institut de Génétique et Développement de Rennes) - UMR 6290, F-35000RennesFrance
| | - Denis Chrétien
- Univ Rennes, CNRS, IGDR (Institut de Génétique et Développement de Rennes) - UMR 6290, F-35000RennesFrance
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Zuber B, Lučić V. Neurons as a model system for cryo-electron tomography. J Struct Biol X 2022; 6:100067. [PMID: 35310407 PMCID: PMC8924422 DOI: 10.1016/j.yjsbx.2022.100067] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Cryo-ET imaging of neurons is a versatile system for cell biology in situ. Structural and spatial localization analysis yields new insights into synaptic transmission. The synapse provides a rich environment for the development of image processing tools.
Cryo-electron tomography (Cryo-ET) provides unique opportunities to image cellular components at high resolution in their native state and environment. While many different cell types were investigated by cryo-ET, here we review application to neurons. We show that neurons are a versatile system that can be used to investigate general cellular components such as the cytoskeleton and membrane-bound organelles, in addition to neuron-specific processes such as synaptic transmission. Furthermore, the synapse provides a rich environment for the development of cryo-ET image processing tools suitable to elucidate the functional and spatial organization of compositionally and morphologically heterogeneous macromolecular complexes involved in biochemical signaling cascades, within their native, crowded cellular environments.
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