1
|
Fatima I, Ahmad R, Barman S, Gowrikumar S, Pravoverov K, Primeaux M, Fisher KW, Singh AB, Dhawan P. Albendazole inhibits colon cancer progression and therapy resistance by targeting ubiquitin ligase RNF20. Br J Cancer 2024; 130:1046-1058. [PMID: 38278978 PMCID: PMC10951408 DOI: 10.1038/s41416-023-02570-x] [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: 06/29/2023] [Revised: 12/08/2023] [Accepted: 12/21/2023] [Indexed: 01/28/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The repurposing of FDA-approved drugs for anti-cancer therapies is appealing due to their established safety profiles and pharmacokinetic properties and can be quickly moved into clinical trials. Cancer progression and resistance to conventional chemotherapy remain the key hurdles in improving the clinical management of colon cancer patients and associated mortality. METHODS High-throughput screening (HTS) was performed using an annotated library of 1,600 FDA-approved drugs to identify drugs with strong anti-CRC properties. The candidate drug exhibiting most promising inhibitory effects in in-vitro studies was tested for its efficacy using in-vivo models of CRC progression and chemoresistance and patient derived organoids (PTDOs). RESULTS Albendazole, an anti-helminth drug, demonstrated the strongest inhibitory effects on the tumorigenic potentials of CRC cells, xenograft tumor growth and organoids from mice. Also, albendazole sensitized the chemoresistant CRC cells to 5-fluorouracil (5-FU) and oxaliplatin suggesting potential to treat chemoresistant CRC. Mechanistically, Albendazole treatment modulated the expression of RNF20, to promote apoptosis in CRC cells by delaying the G2/M phase and suppressing anti-apoptotic-Bcl2 family transcription. CONCLUSIONS Albendazole, an FDA approved drug, carries strong therapeutic potential to treat colon cancers which are aggressive and potentially resistant to conventional chemotherapeutic agents. Our findings also lay the groundwork for further clinical testing.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Iram Fatima
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE, USA
| | - Rizwan Ahmad
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE, USA
| | - Susmita Barman
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE, USA
| | - Saiprasad Gowrikumar
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE, USA
| | - Kristina Pravoverov
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE, USA
| | - Mark Primeaux
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE, USA
| | - Kurt W Fisher
- Department of Pathology and Microbiology, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE, USA
| | - Amar B Singh
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE, USA
- Fred and Pamela Buffet Cancer Center, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE, USA
- VA Nebraska-Western Iowa Health Care System, Omaha, NE, USA
| | - Punita Dhawan
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE, USA.
- Fred and Pamela Buffet Cancer Center, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE, USA.
- VA Nebraska-Western Iowa Health Care System, Omaha, NE, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Zhang JL, Xu MF, Chen J, Wei YL, She ZY. Kinesin-7 CENP-E mediates chromosome alignment and spindle assembly checkpoint in meiosis I. Chromosoma 2024; 133:149-168. [PMID: 38456964 DOI: 10.1007/s00412-024-00818-w] [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: 03/27/2023] [Revised: 02/05/2024] [Accepted: 02/26/2024] [Indexed: 03/09/2024]
Abstract
In eukaryotes, meiosis is the genetic basis for sexual reproduction, which is important for chromosome stability and species evolution. The defects in meiosis usually lead to chromosome aneuploidy, reduced gamete number, and genetic diseases, but the pathogenic mechanisms are not well clarified. Kinesin-7 CENP-E is a key regulator in chromosome alignment and spindle assembly checkpoint in cell division. However, the functions and mechanisms of CENP-E in male meiosis remain largely unknown. In this study, we have revealed that the CENP-E gene was highly expressed in the rat testis. CENP-E inhibition influences chromosome alignment and spindle organization in metaphase I spermatocytes. We have found that a portion of misaligned homologous chromosomes is located at the spindle poles after CENP-E inhibition, which further activates the spindle assembly checkpoint during the metaphase-to-anaphase transition in rat spermatocytes. Furthermore, CENP-E depletion leads to abnormal spermatogenesis, reduced sperm count, and abnormal sperm head structure. Our findings have elucidated that CENP-E is essential for homologous chromosome alignment and spindle assembly checkpoint in spermatocytes, which further contribute to chromosome stability and sperm cell quality during spermatogenesis.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jing-Lian Zhang
- Department of Cell Biology and Genetics, The School of Basic Medical Sciences, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, 350122, Fujian, China
- Key Laboratory of Stem Cell Engineering and Regenerative Medicine, Fujian Province University, Fuzhou, 350122, Fujian, China
| | - Meng-Fei Xu
- Department of Cell Biology and Genetics, The School of Basic Medical Sciences, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, 350122, Fujian, China
- Key Laboratory of Stem Cell Engineering and Regenerative Medicine, Fujian Province University, Fuzhou, 350122, Fujian, China
| | - Jie Chen
- Department of Cell Biology and Genetics, The School of Basic Medical Sciences, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, 350122, Fujian, China
- Key Laboratory of Stem Cell Engineering and Regenerative Medicine, Fujian Province University, Fuzhou, 350122, Fujian, China
| | - Ya-Lan Wei
- Medical Research Center, Fujian Maternity and Child Health Hospital, Fuzhou, 350001, Fujian, China
- College of Clinical Medicine for Obstetrics & Gynecology and Pediatrics, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, 350122, Fujian, China
| | - Zhen-Yu She
- Department of Cell Biology and Genetics, The School of Basic Medical Sciences, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, 350122, Fujian, China.
- Key Laboratory of Stem Cell Engineering and Regenerative Medicine, Fujian Province University, Fuzhou, 350122, Fujian, China.
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Wang Y, Liu YR, Wang PY, Xie P. Computational Studies Reveal How Passive Cross-Linkers Regulate Anaphase Spindle Elongation. J Phys Chem B 2024; 128:1194-1204. [PMID: 38287918 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jpcb.3c07655] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/31/2024]
Abstract
In eukaryotic cell division, a series of events are organized to produce two daughter cells. The spindle elongation in anaphase B is essential for providing enough space to maintain cell size and distribute sister chromatids properly, which is associated with microtubules and microtubule-associated proteins such as kinesin-5 Eg5 and the Ase1-related protein, PRC1. The available experimental data indicated that after the start of anaphase B more PRC1 proteins can bind to the antiparallel microtubule pairs in the spindle but the excess amount of PRC1 proteins can lead to the failure of cell division, indicating that PRC1 proteins can regulate the spindle elongation in a concentration-dependent manner. However, the underlying mechanism of the PRC1 proteins regulating the spindle elongation has not been explained up to now. Here, we use a simplified model, where only the two important participants (kinesin-5 Eg5 motors and PRC1 proteins) are considered, to study the spindle elongation during anaphase B. We first show that only in the appropriate range of the PRC1 concentration can the spindle elongation complete properly. Furthermore, we explore the underlying mechanism of PRC1 as a regulator for spindle elongation.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yao Wang
- Key Laboratory of Soft Matter Physics, Institute of Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100190, China
- School of Physical Sciences, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Yu-Ru Liu
- Key Laboratory of Soft Matter Physics, Institute of Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100190, China
- School of Physical Sciences, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Peng-Ye Wang
- Key Laboratory of Soft Matter Physics, Institute of Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100190, China
- School of Physical Sciences, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Ping Xie
- Key Laboratory of Soft Matter Physics, Institute of Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100190, China
- School of Physical Sciences, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Bodun DS, Omoboyowa DA, Omotuyi OI, Olugbogi EA, Balogun TA, Ezeh CJ, Omirin ES. QSAR-based virtual screening of traditional Chinese medicine for the identification of mitotic kinesin Eg5 inhibitors. Comput Biol Chem 2023; 104:107865. [PMID: 37062146 DOI: 10.1016/j.compbiolchem.2023.107865] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/06/2023] [Revised: 03/31/2023] [Accepted: 04/01/2023] [Indexed: 04/18/2023]
Abstract
Cell division is a crucial process for the growth and development of all living organisms. Unfortunately, uncontrolled cell division and growth is a hallmark of cancer, leading to the formation of tumors. The Human Eg5 protein, also known as the mitotic kinesin Eg5, plays a vital role in the regulation of cell division and its dysfunction has been linked to cancer development. This study aimed to identify new inhibitors of the Human Eg5 protein. Over 2000 Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) compounds were screened through a combination of virtual and structure-based screening methods. The top five compounds (Compounds 1-5) showed improved binding affinity to Human Eg5 compared to the standard drug Monastrol, as demonstrated by docking and MMGBSA scores, as well as interactions with key amino acids GLY 116 and GLY 118. The potential absorption and bioactivity of these compounds were also predicted through ADMET properties and a QSAR model, respectively, and showed improved results compared to the standard. Further quantum mechanics docking confirmed the better binding affinity of the lead compound, Compound 1. Our findings highlight Compound 1-5 as promising hits for inhibiting Human Eg5 and the need for experimental validation of their potential in treating cancer.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Damilola S Bodun
- Department of Biochemistry, Adekunle Ajasin University, Akungba-Akoko, Ondo State, Nigeria.
| | - Damilola A Omoboyowa
- Department of Biochemistry, Adekunle Ajasin University, Akungba-Akoko, Ondo State, Nigeria
| | - Olaposi I Omotuyi
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, College of Pharmacy, Afe Babalola University, Ado Ekiti, Nigeria
| | - Ezekiel A Olugbogi
- Department of Biochemistry, Adekunle Ajasin University, Akungba-Akoko, Ondo State, Nigeria
| | - Toheeb A Balogun
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of California, San Diego, San Diego, CA, United States
| | - Chiamaka J Ezeh
- Department of Biochemistry, Micheal Okpara University of Agriculture, Umudike, Abia State, Nigeria
| | - Emmanuel S Omirin
- Department of Biochemistry, Adekunle Ajasin University, Akungba-Akoko, Ondo State, Nigeria
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
She ZY, Xu MF, Jiang SY, Wei YL. Kinesin-7 CENP-E is essential for chromosome alignment and spindle assembly of mouse spermatocytes. BIOCHIMICA ET BIOPHYSICA ACTA. MOLECULAR CELL RESEARCH 2022; 1869:119306. [PMID: 35680098 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbamcr.2022.119306] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/14/2022] [Revised: 05/28/2022] [Accepted: 05/31/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
Genome stability depends on chromosome congression and alignment during cell division. Kinesin-7 CENP-E is critical for kinetochore-microtubule attachment and chromosome alignment, which contribute to genome stability in mitosis. However, the functions and mechanisms of CENP-E in the meiotic division of male spermatocytes remain largely unknown. In this study, by combining the use of chemical inhibitors, siRNA-mediated gene knockdown, immunohistochemistry, and high-resolution microscopy, we have found that CENP-E inhibition results in chromosome misalignment and metaphase arrest in dividing spermatocyte during meiosis. Strikingly, we have revealed that CENP-E regulates spindle organization in metaphase I spermatocytes and cultured GC-2 spd cells. CENP-E depletion leads to spindle elongation, chromosome misalignment, and chromosome instability in spermatocytes. Together, these findings indicate that CENP-E mediates the kinetochore recruitment of BubR1, spindle assembly checkpoint and chromosome alignment in dividing spermatocytes, which finally contribute to faithful chromosome segregation and chromosome stability in the male meiotic division.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Zhen-Yu She
- Department of Cell Biology and Genetics, The School of Basic Medical Sciences, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, Fujian 350122, China; Key Laboratory of Stem Cell Engineering and Regenerative Medicine, Fujian Province University, Fuzhou, Fujian 350122, China.
| | - Meng-Fei Xu
- Department of Cell Biology and Genetics, The School of Basic Medical Sciences, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, Fujian 350122, China; Key Laboratory of Stem Cell Engineering and Regenerative Medicine, Fujian Province University, Fuzhou, Fujian 350122, China
| | - Sun-Ying Jiang
- Department of Cell Biology and Genetics, The School of Basic Medical Sciences, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, Fujian 350122, China; Key Laboratory of Stem Cell Engineering and Regenerative Medicine, Fujian Province University, Fuzhou, Fujian 350122, China
| | - Ya-Lan Wei
- Fujian Obstetrics and Gynecology Hospital, Fuzhou, Fujian 350011, China; Medical Research Center, Fujian Maternity and Child Health Hospital, Affiliated Hospital of Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, Fujian 350001, China
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Hao M, Zhang J, Sun M, Diao K, Wang J, Li S, Cao Q, Dai S, Mi X. TRAF4 Inhibits the Apoptosis and Promotes the Proliferation of Breast Cancer Cells by Inhibiting the Ubiquitination of Spindle Assembly-Associated Protein Eg5. Front Oncol 2022; 12:855139. [PMID: 35692762 PMCID: PMC9174544 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2022.855139] [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] [Received: 01/14/2022] [Accepted: 04/19/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Tumor necrosis factor receptor associated factor 4 (TRAF4) is a RING domain E3 ubiquitin ligase that mediates the ubiquitination of various proteins and plays an important role in driving tumor progression. By studying the relationship between TRAF4 and Eg5, a member of the kinesin family that plays a critical role in spindle assembly, we demonstrated that TRAF4 regulated Eg5 ubiquitination and contributed to Eg5-mediated breast cancer proliferation and inhibited breast cancer apoptosis. TRAF4 and Eg5 were both highly expressed in breast cancer and their protein level was positively correlated. Relying on its Zinc fingers domain, TRAF4 interacted with Eg5 in the cytoplasm of breast cancer cells. TRAF4 was a mitosis-related protein, and by up-regulating the protein level of Eg5 TRAF4 participated in spindle assembly. Loss of TRAF4 resulted in monopolar spindles formation, but loss of function could be rescued by Eg5. Relying on its RING domain, TRAF4 up-regulated Eg5 protein levels by inhibition of Eg5 ubiquitination, thus stabilizing Eg5 protein level during mitosis. Furthermore, we found that Smurf2, a TRAF4-targeted ubiquitination substrate, mediated the regulation of Eg5 ubiquitination by TRAF4. TRAF4 inhibited the interaction between Smurf2 and Eg5, and down-regulated the protein level of Smurf2 by promoting its ubiquitination, thereby inhibited the Smurf2-catalyzed ubiquitination of Eg5 and up-regulated Eg5 protein levels. We also demonstrate that TRAF4 plays an important role in promoting cell proliferation and in inhibiting cell apoptosis induced by Eg5. In summary, our study suggests a new direction for investigating the role of TRAF4 in driving breast cancer progression.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Miaomiao Hao
- Department of Pathology, College of Basic Medical Sciences, China Medical University, Shenyang, China
- Department of Pathology, Shanghai Ninth People’s Hospital, Shanghai JiaoTong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Jie Zhang
- Department of Pathology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Hebei University, Baoding, China
| | - Mingfang Sun
- Department of Pathology, College of Basic Medical Sciences, First Affiliated Hospital, China Medical University, Shenyang, China
| | - Kexin Diao
- Department of Pathology, College of Basic Medical Sciences, First Affiliated Hospital, China Medical University, Shenyang, China
| | - Jian Wang
- Department of Pathology, College of Basic Medical Sciences, First Affiliated Hospital, China Medical University, Shenyang, China
| | - Shiping Li
- Department of Pathology, College of Basic Medical Sciences, China Medical University, Shenyang, China
| | - Qixue Cao
- Department of Pathology, Shanghai Ninth People’s Hospital, Shanghai JiaoTong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Shundong Dai
- Department of Pathology, Shanghai Ninth People’s Hospital, Shanghai JiaoTong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Xiaoyi Mi
- Department of Pathology, College of Basic Medical Sciences, First Affiliated Hospital, China Medical University, Shenyang, China
- *Correspondence: Xiaoyi Mi,
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Yao M, Qu H, Han Y, Cheng CY, Xiao X. Kinesins in Mammalian Spermatogenesis and Germ Cell Transport. Front Cell Dev Biol 2022; 10:837542. [PMID: 35547823 PMCID: PMC9083010 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2022.837542] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/16/2021] [Accepted: 03/25/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
In mammalian testes, the apical cytoplasm of each Sertoli cell holds up to several dozens of germ cells, especially spermatids that are transported up and down the seminiferous epithelium. The blood-testis barrier (BTB) established by neighboring Sertoli cells in the basal compartment restructures on a regular basis to allow preleptotene/leptotene spermatocytes to pass through. The timely transfer of germ cells and other cellular organelles such as residual bodies, phagosomes, and lysosomes across the epithelium to facilitate spermatogenesis is important and requires the microtubule-based cytoskeleton in Sertoli cells. Kinesins, a superfamily of the microtubule-dependent motor proteins, are abundantly and preferentially expressed in the testis, but their functions are poorly understood. This review summarizes recent findings on kinesins in mammalian spermatogenesis, highlighting their potential role in germ cell traversing through the BTB and the remodeling of Sertoli cell-spermatid junctions to advance spermatid transport. The possibility of kinesins acting as a mediator and/or synchronizer for cell cycle progression, germ cell transit, and junctional rearrangement and turnover is also discussed. We mostly cover findings in rodents, but we also make special remarks regarding humans. We anticipate that this information will provide a framework for future research in the field.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Mingxia Yao
- Center for Reproductive Health, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Hangzhou Medical College (Zhejiang Academy of Medical Sciences), Hangzhou, China
| | - Haoyang Qu
- Center for Reproductive Health, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Hangzhou Medical College (Zhejiang Academy of Medical Sciences), Hangzhou, China
| | - Yating Han
- Center for Reproductive Health, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Hangzhou Medical College (Zhejiang Academy of Medical Sciences), Hangzhou, China
| | - C Yan Cheng
- Department of Urology and Andrology, Sir Run-Run Shaw Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China
| | - Xiang Xiao
- Center for Reproductive Health, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Hangzhou Medical College (Zhejiang Academy of Medical Sciences), Hangzhou, China.,Zhejiang Provincial Laboratory of Experimental Animal's & Nonclinical Laboratory Studies, Hangzhou Medical College, Hangzhou, China
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
She ZY, Zhong N, Wei YL. Kinesin-5 Eg5 mediates centrosome separation to control spindle assembly in spermatocytes. Chromosoma 2022; 131:87-105. [PMID: 35437661 DOI: 10.1007/s00412-022-00772-5] [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: 12/02/2021] [Revised: 03/12/2022] [Accepted: 04/08/2022] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
Timely and accurate centrosome separation is critical for bipolar spindle organization and faithful chromosome segregation during cell division. Kinesin-5 Eg5 is essential for centrosome separation and spindle organization in somatic cells; however, the detailed functions and mechanisms of Eg5 in spermatocytes remain unclear. In this study, we show that Eg5 proteins are located at spindle microtubules and centrosomes in spermatocytes both in vivo and in vitro. We reveal that the spermatocytes are arrested at metaphase I in seminiferous tubules after Eg5 inhibition. Eg5 ablation results in cell cycle arrest, the formation of monopolar spindle, and chromosome misalignment in cultured GC-2 spd cells. Importantly, we find that the long-term inhibition of Eg5 results in an increased number of centrosomes and chromosomal instability in spermatocytes. Our findings indicate that Eg5 mediates centrosome separation to control spindle assembly and chromosome alignment in spermatocytes, which finally contribute to chromosome stability and faithful cell division of the spermatocytes.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Zhen-Yu She
- Department of Cell Biology and Genetics, The School of Basic Medical Sciences, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, 350122, Fujian, China.
- Key Laboratory of Stem Cell Engineering and Regenerative Medicine, Fujian Province University, Fuzhou, 350122, Fujian, China.
| | - Ning Zhong
- Department of Cell Biology and Genetics, The School of Basic Medical Sciences, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, 350122, Fujian, China
- Key Laboratory of Stem Cell Engineering and Regenerative Medicine, Fujian Province University, Fuzhou, 350122, Fujian, China
| | - Ya-Lan Wei
- Fujian Obstetrics and Gynecology Hospital, Fuzhou, 350011, Fujian, China
- Medical Research Center, Fujian Maternity and Child Health Hospital, Affiliated Hospital of Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, 350001, Fujian, China
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Wu S, Li H, Wang L, Mak N, Wu X, Ge R, Sun F, Cheng CY. Motor Proteins and Spermatogenesis. ADVANCES IN EXPERIMENTAL MEDICINE AND BIOLOGY 2021; 1288:131-159. [PMID: 34453735 DOI: 10.1007/978-3-030-77779-1_7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/19/2023]
Abstract
Unlike the intermediate filament- and septin-based cytoskeletons which are apolar structures, the microtubule (MT) and actin cytoskeletons are polarized structures in mammalian cells and tissues including the testis, most notable in Sertoli cells. In the testis, these cytoskeletons that stretch across the epithelium of seminiferous tubules and lay perpendicular to the basement membrane of tunica propria serve as tracks for corresponding motor proteins to support cellular cargo transport. These cargoes include residual bodies, phagosomes, endocytic vesicles and most notably developing spermatocytes and haploid spermatids which lack the ultrastructures of motile cells (e.g., lamellipodia, filopodia). As such, these developing germ cells require the corresponding motor proteins to facilitate their transport across the seminiferous epithelium during the epithelial cycle of spermatogenesis. Due to the polarized natures of these cytoskeletons with distinctive plus (+) and minus (-) end, directional cargo transport can take place based on the use of corresponding actin- or MT-based motor proteins. These include the MT-based minus (-) end directed motor proteins: dyneins, and the plus (+) end directed motor proteins: kinesins, as well as the actin-based motor proteins: myosins, many of which are plus (+) end directed but a few are also minus (-) end directed motor proteins. Recent studies have shown that these motor proteins are essential to support spermatogenesis. In this review, we briefly summarize and evaluate these recent findings so that this information will serve as a helpful guide for future studies and for planning functional experiments to better understand their role mechanistically in supporting spermatogenesis.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Siwen Wu
- The Second Affiliated Hospital and Yuying Children's Hospital, Wenzhou Medical University, Zhejiang, China.,The Mary M. Wohlford Laboratory for Male Contraceptive Research, Center for Biomedical Research, Population Council, New York, NY, USA
| | - Huitao Li
- The Second Affiliated Hospital and Yuying Children's Hospital, Wenzhou Medical University, Zhejiang, China.,The Mary M. Wohlford Laboratory for Male Contraceptive Research, Center for Biomedical Research, Population Council, New York, NY, USA
| | - Lingling Wang
- The Second Affiliated Hospital and Yuying Children's Hospital, Wenzhou Medical University, Zhejiang, China.,The Mary M. Wohlford Laboratory for Male Contraceptive Research, Center for Biomedical Research, Population Council, New York, NY, USA.,Institute of Reproductive Medicine, Nantong University School of Medicine, Nantong, Jiangsu, China
| | - Nathan Mak
- The Mary M. Wohlford Laboratory for Male Contraceptive Research, Center for Biomedical Research, Population Council, New York, NY, USA
| | - Xiaolong Wu
- Institute of Reproductive Medicine, Nantong University School of Medicine, Nantong, Jiangsu, China
| | - Renshan Ge
- The Second Affiliated Hospital and Yuying Children's Hospital, Wenzhou Medical University, Zhejiang, China
| | - Fei Sun
- Sir Run Run Shaw Hospital (SRRSH), Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - C Yan Cheng
- Sir Run Run Shaw Hospital (SRRSH), Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China.
| |
Collapse
|