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Alasaadi DN, Mayor R. Mechanically guided cell fate determination in early development. Cell Mol Life Sci 2024; 81:242. [PMID: 38811420 PMCID: PMC11136904 DOI: 10.1007/s00018-024-05272-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/01/2024] [Revised: 05/07/2024] [Accepted: 05/08/2024] [Indexed: 05/31/2024]
Abstract
Cell fate determination, a vital process in early development and adulthood, has been the focal point of intensive investigation over the past decades. Its importance lies in its critical role in shaping various and diverse cell types during embryonic development and beyond. Exploration of cell fate determination started with molecular and genetic investigations unveiling central signaling pathways and molecular regulatory networks. The molecular studies into cell fate determination yielded an overwhelming amount of information invoking the notion of the complexity of cell fate determination. However, recent advances in the framework of biomechanics have introduced a paradigm shift in our understanding of this intricate process. The physical forces and biochemical interplay, known as mechanotransduction, have been identified as a pivotal drive influencing cell fate decisions. Certainly, the integration of biomechanics into the process of cell fate pushed our understanding of the developmental process and potentially holds promise for therapeutic applications. This integration was achieved by identifying physical forces like hydrostatic pressure, fluid dynamics, tissue stiffness, and topography, among others, and examining their interplay with biochemical signals. This review focuses on recent advances investigating the relationship between physical cues and biochemical signals that control cell fate determination during early embryonic development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Delan N Alasaadi
- Department of Cell and Developmental Biology, University College London, Gower Street, London, WC1E 6BT, UK
| | - Roberto Mayor
- Department of Cell and Developmental Biology, University College London, Gower Street, London, WC1E 6BT, UK.
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2
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Pérez-Sala D, Quinlan RA. The redox-responsive roles of intermediate filaments in cellular stress detection, integration and mitigation. Curr Opin Cell Biol 2024; 86:102283. [PMID: 37989035 DOI: 10.1016/j.ceb.2023.102283] [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: 05/31/2023] [Revised: 10/18/2023] [Accepted: 10/29/2023] [Indexed: 11/23/2023]
Abstract
Intermediate filaments are critical for cell and tissue homeostasis and for stress responses. Cytoplasmic intermediate filaments form versatile and dynamic assemblies that interconnect cellular organelles, participate in signaling and protect cells and tissues against stress. Here we have focused on their involvement in redox signaling and oxidative stress, which arises in numerous pathophysiological situations. We pay special attention to type III intermediate filaments, mainly vimentin, because it provides a physical interface for redox signaling, stress responses and mechanosensing. Vimentin possesses a single cysteine residue that is a target for multiple oxidants and electrophiles. This conserved residue fine tunes vimentin assembly, response to oxidative stress and crosstalk with other cellular structures. Here we integrate evidence from the intermediate filament and redox biology fields to propose intermediate filaments as redox sentinel networks of the cell. To support this, we appraise how vimentin detects and orchestrates cellular responses to oxidative and electrophilic stress.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dolores Pérez-Sala
- Department of Structural and Chemical Biology, Centro de Investigaciones Biológicas Margarita Salas, C.S.I.C., 28040 Madrid, Spain.
| | - Roy A Quinlan
- Department of Biosciences, University of Durham, Upper Mountjoy Science Site, Durham, United Kingdom; Biophysical Sciences Institute, University of Durham, Durham, United Kingdom; Department of Biological Structure, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, United States.
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3
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Toivola DM, Polari L, Schwerd T, Schlegel N, Strnad P. The keratin-desmosome scaffold of internal epithelia in health and disease - The plot is thickening. Curr Opin Cell Biol 2024; 86:102282. [PMID: 38000362 DOI: 10.1016/j.ceb.2023.102282] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2023] [Revised: 10/11/2023] [Accepted: 10/29/2023] [Indexed: 11/26/2023]
Abstract
Keratin (K) intermediate filaments are attached to desmosomes and constitute the orchestrators of epithelial cell and tissue architecture. While their relevance in the epidermis is well recognized, our review focuses on their emerging importance in internal epithelia. The significance of keratin-desmosome scaffolds (KDSs) in the intestine is highlighted by transgenic mouse models and individuals with inflammatory bowel disease who display profound KDS alterations. In lung, high K8 expression defines a transitional cell subset during regeneration, and K8 variants are associated with idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis. Inherited variants in desmosomal proteins are overrepresented in idiopathic lung fibrosis, and familiar eosinophilic esophagitis. K18 serum fragments are established hepatocellular injury markers that correlate with the extent of histological inflammation. K17 expression is modified in multiple tumors, and K17 levels might be of prognostic relevance. These data should spur further studies on biological roles of these versatile tissue protectors and efforts on their therapeutic targeting.
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Affiliation(s)
- Diana M Toivola
- Cell Biology, Biosciences and InFLAMES Research Flagship Center, Åbo Akademi University, Turku, Finland.
| | - Lauri Polari
- Cell Biology, Biosciences and InFLAMES Research Flagship Center, Åbo Akademi University, Turku, Finland
| | - Tobias Schwerd
- Department of Pediatrics, Dr. von Hauner Children's Hospital, University Hospital, LMU Munich, 80337 Munich, Germany
| | - Nicolas Schlegel
- Department of General, Visceral, Transplant, Vascular and Pediatric Surgery, University Hospital Würzburg, Würzburg, Germany
| | - Pavel Strnad
- Department of Internal Medicine III, University Hospital, RWTH Aachen University, Aachen, Germany.
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4
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Coulombe PA, Pineda CM, Jacob JT, Nair RR. Nuclear roles for non-lamin intermediate filament proteins. Curr Opin Cell Biol 2024; 86:102303. [PMID: 38113712 PMCID: PMC11056187 DOI: 10.1016/j.ceb.2023.102303] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/27/2023] [Revised: 11/21/2023] [Accepted: 11/26/2023] [Indexed: 12/21/2023]
Abstract
The nuclear-localized lamins have long been thought to be the only intermediate filaments (IFs) with an impact on the architecture, properties, and functions of the nucleus. Recent studies, however, uncovered significant roles for IFs other than lamins (here referred to as "non-lamin IFs") in regulating key properties of the nucleus in various cell types and biological settings. In the cytoplasm, IFs often occur in the perinuclear space where they contribute to local stiffness and impact the shape and/or the integrity of the nucleus, particularly in cells under stress. In addition, selective non-lamin IF proteins can occur inside the nucleus where they partake in fundamental processes including nuclear architecture and chromatin organization, regulation of gene expression, cell cycle progression, and the repair of DNA damage. This text reviews the evidence supporting a role for non-lamin IF proteins in regulating various properties of the nucleus and highlights opportunities for further study.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pierre A Coulombe
- Department of Cell and Developmental Biology, University of Michigan Medical School, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA; Department of Dermatology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA; Rogel Cancer Center, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA.
| | - Christopher M Pineda
- Department of Cell and Developmental Biology, University of Michigan Medical School, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA; Program in Cellular and Molecular Biology, University of Michigan Medical School, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA
| | - Justin T Jacob
- Public Health Laboratory Division, District of Columbia Department of Forensic Sciences, Washington, DC 20024, USA
| | - Raji R Nair
- Department of Cell and Developmental Biology, University of Michigan Medical School, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA
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Schwarz N, Leube RE. Plasticity of cytoplasmic intermediate filament architecture determines cellular functions. Curr Opin Cell Biol 2023; 85:102270. [PMID: 37918274 DOI: 10.1016/j.ceb.2023.102270] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/10/2023] [Revised: 09/26/2023] [Accepted: 10/02/2023] [Indexed: 11/04/2023]
Abstract
Cytoplasmic intermediate filaments endow cells with mechanical stability. They are subject to changes in morphology and composition if needed. This remodeling encompasses entire cells but can also be restricted to specific intracellular regions. Intermediate filaments thereby support spatially and temporally defined cell type-specific functions. This review focuses on recent advances in our understanding of how intermediate filament dynamics affect the underlying regulatory pathways. We will elaborate on the role of intermediate filaments for the formation and maintenance of surface specializations, cell migration, contractility, organelle positioning, nucleus protection, stress responses and axonal conduction velocity. Together, the selected examples highlight the modulatory role of intermediate filament plasticity for multiple cellular functions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicole Schwarz
- Institute of Molecular and Cellular Anatomy, RWTH Aachen University, Wendlingweg 2, 52074 Aachen, Germany
| | - Rudolf E Leube
- Institute of Molecular and Cellular Anatomy, RWTH Aachen University, Wendlingweg 2, 52074 Aachen, Germany.
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King MC. Dynamic regulation of LINC complex composition and function across tissues and contexts. FEBS Lett 2023; 597:2823-2832. [PMID: 37846646 DOI: 10.1002/1873-3468.14757] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/06/2023] [Revised: 10/01/2023] [Accepted: 10/02/2023] [Indexed: 10/18/2023]
Abstract
The concept of mechanotransduction to the nucleus through a direct force transmission mechanism has fascinated cell biologists for decades. Central to such a mechanism is the linker of nucleoskeleton and cytoskeleton (LINC) complex, which spans the nuclear envelope to couple the cytoplasmic cytoskeleton to the nuclear lamina. In reality, there is not one LINC complex identity, but instead, a family of protein configurations of varied composition that exert both shared and unique functions. Regulated expression of LINC complex components, splice variants, and mechanoresponsive protein turnover mechanisms together shape the complement of LINC complex forms present in a given cell type. Disrupting specific gene(s) encoding LINC complex components therefore gives rise to a range of organismal defects. Moreover, evidence suggests that the mechanical environment remodels LINC complexes, providing a feedback mechanism by which cellular context influences the integration of the nucleus into the cytoskeleton. In particular, evidence for crosstalk between the nuclear and cytoplasmic intermediate filament networks communicated through the LINC complex represents an emerging theme in this active area of ongoing investigation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Megan C King
- Department of Cell Biology, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA
- Department of Molecular, Cell and Developmental Biology, Yale University, New Haven, CT, USA
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Baltoumas FA, Sofras D, Apostolakou AE, Litou ZI, Iconomidou VA. NucEnvDB: A Database of Nuclear Envelope Proteins and Their Interactions. MEMBRANES 2023; 13:62. [PMID: 36676869 PMCID: PMC9861991 DOI: 10.3390/membranes13010062] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/10/2022] [Revised: 12/27/2022] [Accepted: 12/28/2022] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
The nuclear envelope (NE) is a double-membrane system surrounding the nucleus of eukaryotic cells. A large number of proteins are localized in the NE, performing a wide variety of functions, from the bidirectional exchange of molecules between the cytoplasm and the nucleus to chromatin tethering, genome organization, regulation of signaling cascades, and many others. Despite its importance, several aspects of the NE, including its protein-protein interactions, remain understudied. In this work, we present NucEnvDB, a publicly available database of NE proteins and their interactions. Each database entry contains useful annotation including a description of its position in the NE, its interactions with other proteins, and cross-references to major biological repositories. In addition, the database provides users with a number of visualization and analysis tools, including the ability to construct and visualize protein-protein interaction networks and perform functional enrichment analysis for clusters of NE proteins and their interaction partners. The capabilities of NucEnvDB and its analysis tools are showcased by two informative case studies, exploring protein-protein interactions in Hutchinson-Gilford progeria and during SARS-CoV-2 infection at the level of the nuclear envelope.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fotis A. Baltoumas
- Section of Cell Biology & Biophysics, Department of Biology, School of Sciences, National & Kapodistrian University of Athens, Panepistimiopolis, 15701 Athens, Greece
- Institute for Fundamental Biomedical Research, Biomedical Sciences Research Center “Alexander Fleming”, 34 Fleming St., 16672 Athens, Greece
| | - Dimitrios Sofras
- Section of Cell Biology & Biophysics, Department of Biology, School of Sciences, National & Kapodistrian University of Athens, Panepistimiopolis, 15701 Athens, Greece
- Laboratory of Molecular Cell Biology, KU Leuven, Kasteelpark Arenberg 31—Box 2438, 3001 Leuven, Belgium
| | - Avgi E. Apostolakou
- Section of Cell Biology & Biophysics, Department of Biology, School of Sciences, National & Kapodistrian University of Athens, Panepistimiopolis, 15701 Athens, Greece
| | - Zoi I. Litou
- Section of Cell Biology & Biophysics, Department of Biology, School of Sciences, National & Kapodistrian University of Athens, Panepistimiopolis, 15701 Athens, Greece
| | - Vassiliki A. Iconomidou
- Section of Cell Biology & Biophysics, Department of Biology, School of Sciences, National & Kapodistrian University of Athens, Panepistimiopolis, 15701 Athens, Greece
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