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Lima JT, Ferreira JG. Mechanobiology of the nucleus during the G2-M transition. Nucleus 2024; 15:2330947. [PMID: 38533923 DOI: 10.1080/19491034.2024.2330947] [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: 11/30/2023] [Accepted: 03/09/2024] [Indexed: 03/28/2024] Open
Abstract
Cellular behavior is continuously influenced by mechanical forces. These forces span the cytoskeleton and reach the nucleus, where they trigger mechanotransduction pathways that regulate downstream biochemical events. Therefore, the nucleus has emerged as a regulator of cellular response to mechanical stimuli. Cell cycle progression is regulated by cyclin-CDK complexes. Recent studies demonstrated these biochemical pathways are influenced by mechanical signals, highlighting the interdependence of cellular mechanics and cell cycle regulation. In particular, the transition from G2 to mitosis (G2-M) shows significant changes in nuclear structure and organization, ranging from nuclear pore complex (NPC) and nuclear lamina disassembly to chromosome condensation. The remodeling of these mechanically active nuclear components indicates that mitotic entry is particularly sensitive to forces. Here, we address how mechanical forces crosstalk with the nucleus to determine the timing and efficiency of the G2-M transition. Finally, we discuss how the deregulation of nuclear mechanics has consequences for mitosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joana T Lima
- Epithelial Polarity and Cell Division Laboratory, Instituto de Investigação e Inovação em Saúde (i3S), Porto, Portugal
- Departamento de Biomedicina, Unidade de Biologia Experimental, Faculdade de Medicina do Porto, Porto, Portugal
- Programa Doutoral em Biomedicina, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade do Porto, Porto, Portugal
| | - Jorge G Ferreira
- Epithelial Polarity and Cell Division Laboratory, Instituto de Investigação e Inovação em Saúde (i3S), Porto, Portugal
- Departamento de Biomedicina, Unidade de Biologia Experimental, Faculdade de Medicina do Porto, Porto, Portugal
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2
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Rose M, Burgess JT, Cheong CM, Adams MN, Shahrouzi P, O’Byrne KJ, Richard DJ, Bolderson E. The expression and role of the Lem-D proteins Ankle2, Emerin, Lemd2, and TMPO in triple-negative breast cancer cell growth. Front Oncol 2024; 14:1222698. [PMID: 38720803 PMCID: PMC11076778 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2024.1222698] [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: 05/15/2023] [Accepted: 02/28/2024] [Indexed: 05/12/2024] Open
Abstract
Background Triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) is a sub-classification of breast carcinomas, which leads to poor survival outcomes for patients. TNBCs do not possess the hormone receptors that are frequently targeted as a therapeutic in other cancer subtypes and, therefore, chemotherapy remains the standard treatment for TNBC. Nuclear envelope proteins are frequently dysregulated in cancer cells, supporting their potential as novel cancer therapy targets. The Lem-domain (Lem-D) (LAP2, Emerin, MAN1 domain, and Lem-D) proteins are a family of inner nuclear membrane proteins, which share a ~45-residue Lem-D. The Lem-D proteins, including Ankle2, Lemd2, TMPO, and Emerin, have been shown to be associated with many of the hallmarks of cancer. This study aimed to define the association between the Lem-D proteins and TNBC and determine whether these proteins could be promising therapeutic targets. Methods GENT2, TCGA, and KM plotter were utilized to investigate the expression and prognostic implications of several Lem-D proteins: Ankle2, TMPO, Emerin, and Lemd2 in publicly available breast cancer patient data. Immunoblotting and immunofluorescent analysis of immortalized non-cancerous breast cells and a panel of TNBC cells were utilized to establish whether protein expression of the Lem-D proteins was significantly altered in TNBC. SiRNA was used to decrease individual Lem-D protein expression, and functional assays, including proliferation assays and apoptosis assays, were conducted. Results The Lem-D proteins were generally overexpressed in TNBC patient samples at the mRNA level and showed variable expression at the protein level in TNBC cell lysates. Similarly, protein levels were generally negatively correlated with patient survival outcomes. siRNA-mediated depletion of the individual Lem-D proteins in TNBC cells induced aberrant nuclear morphology, decreased proliferation, and induced cell death. However, minimal effects on nuclear morphology or cell viability were observed following Lem-D depletion in non-cancerous MCF10A cells. Conclusion There is evidence to suggest that Ankle2, TMPO, Emerin, and Lemd2 expressions are correlated with breast cancer patient outcomes, but larger patient sample numbers are required to confirm this. siRNA-mediated depletion of these proteins was shown to specifically impair TNBC cell growth, suggesting that the Lem-D proteins may be a specific anti-cancer target.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maddison Rose
- Cancer and Ageing Research Program, Centre for Genomics and Personalised Health, School of Biomedical Sciences, Translational Research Institute, Queensland University of Technology, Brisbane, QLD, Australia
| | - Joshua T. Burgess
- Cancer and Ageing Research Program, Centre for Genomics and Personalised Health, School of Biomedical Sciences, Translational Research Institute, Queensland University of Technology, Brisbane, QLD, Australia
| | - Chee Man Cheong
- Cancer and Ageing Research Program, Centre for Genomics and Personalised Health, School of Biomedical Sciences, Translational Research Institute, Queensland University of Technology, Brisbane, QLD, Australia
| | - Mark N. Adams
- Cancer and Ageing Research Program, Centre for Genomics and Personalised Health, School of Biomedical Sciences, Translational Research Institute, Queensland University of Technology, Brisbane, QLD, Australia
| | - Parastoo Shahrouzi
- Department of Medical Genetics, Faculty of Medicine, Institute of Basic Medical Sciences, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway
| | - Kenneth J. O’Byrne
- Cancer and Ageing Research Program, Centre for Genomics and Personalised Health, School of Biomedical Sciences, Translational Research Institute, Queensland University of Technology, Brisbane, QLD, Australia
- Cancer Services, Princess Alexandra Hospital, Brisbane, QLD, Australia
| | - Derek J. Richard
- Cancer and Ageing Research Program, Centre for Genomics and Personalised Health, School of Biomedical Sciences, Translational Research Institute, Queensland University of Technology, Brisbane, QLD, Australia
| | - Emma Bolderson
- Cancer and Ageing Research Program, Centre for Genomics and Personalised Health, School of Biomedical Sciences, Translational Research Institute, Queensland University of Technology, Brisbane, QLD, Australia
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Moreno-Andrés D, Holl K, Antonin W. The second half of mitosis and its implications in cancer biology. Semin Cancer Biol 2023; 88:1-17. [PMID: 36436712 DOI: 10.1016/j.semcancer.2022.11.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/16/2022] [Revised: 11/16/2022] [Accepted: 11/21/2022] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
The nucleus undergoes dramatic structural and functional changes during cell division. With the entry into mitosis, in human cells the nuclear envelope breaks down, chromosomes rearrange into rod-like structures which are collected and segregated by the spindle apparatus. While these processes in the first half of mitosis have been intensively studied, much less is known about the second half of mitosis, when a functional nucleus reforms in each of the emerging cells. Here we review our current understanding of mitotic exit and nuclear reformation with spotlights on the links to cancer biology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniel Moreno-Andrés
- Institute of Biochemistry and Molecular Cell Biology, Medical School, RWTH Aachen University, Aachen, Germany.
| | - Kristin Holl
- Institute of Biochemistry and Molecular Cell Biology, Medical School, RWTH Aachen University, Aachen, Germany
| | - Wolfram Antonin
- Institute of Biochemistry and Molecular Cell Biology, Medical School, RWTH Aachen University, Aachen, Germany
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Balaji AK, Saha S, Deshpande S, Poola D, Sengupta K. Nuclear envelope, chromatin organizers, histones, and DNA: The many achilles heels exploited across cancers. Front Cell Dev Biol 2022; 10:1068347. [PMID: 36589746 PMCID: PMC9800887 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2022.1068347] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/12/2022] [Accepted: 12/05/2022] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
In eukaryotic cells, the genome is organized in the form of chromatin composed of DNA and histones that organize and regulate gene expression. The dysregulation of chromatin remodeling, including the aberrant incorporation of histone variants and their consequent post-translational modifications, is prevalent across cancers. Additionally, nuclear envelope proteins are often deregulated in cancers, which impacts the 3D organization of the genome. Altered nuclear morphology, genome organization, and gene expression are defining features of cancers. With advances in single-cell sequencing, imaging technologies, and high-end data mining approaches, we are now at the forefront of designing appropriate small molecules to selectively inhibit the growth and proliferation of cancer cells in a genome- and epigenome-specific manner. Here, we review recent advances and the emerging significance of aberrations in nuclear envelope proteins, histone variants, and oncohistones in deregulating chromatin organization and gene expression in oncogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | - Kundan Sengupta
- Chromosome Biology Lab (CBL), Indian Institute of Science Education and Research, Pune, Maharashtra, India
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Snyers L, Löhnert R, Weipoltshammer K, Schöfer C. Emerin prevents BAF-mediated aggregation of lamin A on chromosomes in telophase to allow nuclear membrane expansion and nuclear lamina formation. Mol Biol Cell 2022; 33:ar137. [PMID: 36200863 PMCID: PMC9727812 DOI: 10.1091/mbc.e22-01-0007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Several studies have suggested a role for the LEM-domain protein emerin and the DNA binding factor BAF in nuclear envelope reformation after mitosis, but the exact molecular mechanisms are not understood. Using HeLa cells deficient for emerin or both emerin and lamin A, we show that emerin deficiency induces abnormal aggregation of lamin A at the nuclear periphery in telophase. As a result, nuclear membrane expansion is impaired and BAF accumulates at the core region, the middle part of telophase nuclei. Aggregates do not form when lamin A carries the mutation R435C in the immunoglobulin fold known to prevent interaction of lamin A with BAF suggesting that aggregation is caused by a stabilized association of lamin A with BAF bound to chromosomal DNA. Reintroduction of emerin in the cells prevents formation of lamin A clusters and BAF accumulation at the core region. Therefore emerin is required for the expansion of the nuclear membrane at the core region to enclose the nucleus and for the rapid reformation of the nuclear lamina based on lamin A/C in telophase. Finally, we show that LEM-domain and lumenal domain are required for the targeting of emerin to exert its function at the core region.
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Affiliation(s)
- L. Snyers
- Medical University of Vienna, Center for Anatomy and Cell Biology, Division of Cell and Developmental Biology, Schwarzspanierstrasse 17, 1090 Vienna, Austria,*Address correspondence to: L. Snyers ()
| | - R. Löhnert
- Medical University of Vienna, Center for Anatomy and Cell Biology, Division of Cell and Developmental Biology, Schwarzspanierstrasse 17, 1090 Vienna, Austria
| | - K. Weipoltshammer
- Medical University of Vienna, Center for Anatomy and Cell Biology, Division of Cell and Developmental Biology, Schwarzspanierstrasse 17, 1090 Vienna, Austria
| | - C. Schöfer
- Medical University of Vienna, Center for Anatomy and Cell Biology, Division of Cell and Developmental Biology, Schwarzspanierstrasse 17, 1090 Vienna, Austria
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Transfected plasmid DNA is incorporated into the nucleus via nuclear envelope reformation at telophase. Commun Biol 2022; 5:78. [PMID: 35058555 PMCID: PMC8776997 DOI: 10.1038/s42003-022-03021-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/26/2021] [Accepted: 12/27/2021] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
AbstractDNA transfection is an important technology in life sciences, wherein nuclear entry of DNA is necessary to express exogenous DNA. Non-viral vectors and their transfection reagents are useful as safe transfection tools. However, they have no effect on the transfection of non-proliferating cells, the reason for which is not well understood. This study elucidates the mechanism through which transfected DNA enters the nucleus for gene expression. To monitor the behavior of transfected DNA, we introduce plasmid bearing lacO repeats and RFP-coding sequences into cells expressing GFP-LacI and observe plasmid behavior and RFP expression in living cells. RFP expression appears only after mitosis. Electron microscopy reveals that plasmids are wrapped with nuclear envelope (NE)‒like membranes or associated with chromosomes at telophase. The depletion of BAF, which is involved in NE reformation, delays plasmid RFP expression. These results suggest that transfected DNA is incorporated into the nucleus during NE reformation at telophase.
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Goelzer M, Goelzer J, Ferguson ML, Neu CP, Uzer G. Nuclear envelope mechanobiology: linking the nuclear structure and function. Nucleus 2021; 12:90-114. [PMID: 34455929 PMCID: PMC8432354 DOI: 10.1080/19491034.2021.1962610] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/23/2021] [Revised: 07/26/2021] [Accepted: 07/27/2021] [Indexed: 01/10/2023] Open
Abstract
The nucleus, central to cellular activity, relies on both direct mechanical input as well as its molecular transducers to sense external stimuli and respond by regulating intra-nuclear chromatin organization that determines cell function and fate. In mesenchymal stem cells of musculoskeletal tissues, changes in nuclear structures are emerging as a key modulator of their differentiation and proliferation programs. In this review we will first introduce the structural elements of the nucleoskeleton and discuss the current literature on how nuclear structure and signaling are altered in relation to environmental and tissue level mechanical cues. We will focus on state-of-the-art techniques to apply mechanical force and methods to measure nuclear mechanics in conjunction with DNA, RNA, and protein visualization in living cells. Ultimately, combining real-time nuclear deformations and chromatin dynamics can be a powerful tool to study mechanisms of how forces affect the dynamics of genome function.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matthew Goelzer
- Materials Science and Engineering, Boise State University, Boise, ID, US
| | | | - Matthew L. Ferguson
- Biomolecular Science, Boise State University, Boise, ID, US
- Physics, Boise State University, Boise, ID, US
| | - Corey P. Neu
- Paul M. Rady Department of Mechanical Engineering, University of Colorado, Boulder, CO, US
| | - Gunes Uzer
- Mechanical and Biomedical Engineering, Boise State University, Boise, ID, US
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Nuclear Dynamics and Chromatin Structure: Implications for Pancreatic Cancer. Cells 2021; 10:cells10102624. [PMID: 34685604 PMCID: PMC8534098 DOI: 10.3390/cells10102624] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/24/2021] [Revised: 09/20/2021] [Accepted: 09/27/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Changes in nuclear shape have been extensively associated with the dynamics and functionality of cancer cells. In most normal cells, nuclei have a regular ellipsoid shape and minimal variation in nuclear size; however, an irregular nuclear contour and abnormal nuclear size is often observed in cancer, including pancreatic cancer. Furthermore, alterations in nuclear morphology have become the 'gold standard' for tumor staging and grading. Beyond the utility of altered nuclear morphology as a diagnostic tool in cancer, the implications of altered nuclear structure for the biology and behavior of cancer cells are profound as changes in nuclear morphology could impact cellular responses to physical strain, adaptation during migration, chromatin organization, and gene expression. Here, we aim to highlight and discuss the factors that regulate nuclear dynamics and their implications for pancreatic cancer biology.
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Drosophila female germline stem cells undergo mitosis without nuclear breakdown. Curr Biol 2021; 31:1450-1462.e3. [PMID: 33548191 DOI: 10.1016/j.cub.2021.01.033] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/20/2020] [Revised: 11/18/2020] [Accepted: 01/11/2021] [Indexed: 02/02/2023]
Abstract
Stem cell homeostasis requires nuclear lamina (NL) integrity. In Drosophila germ cells, compromised NL integrity activates the ataxia telangiectasia and Rad3-related (ATR) and checkpoint kinase 2 (Chk2) checkpoint kinases, blocking germ cell differentiation and causing germline stem cell (GSC) loss. Checkpoint activation occurs upon loss of either the NL protein emerin or its partner barrier-to-autointegration factor, two proteins required for nuclear reassembly at the end of mitosis. Here, we examined how mitosis contributes to NL structural defects linked to checkpoint activation. These analyses led to the unexpected discovery that wild-type female GSCs utilize a non-canonical mode of mitosis, one that retains a permeable but intact nuclear envelope and NL. We show that the interphase NL is remodeled during mitosis for insertion of centrosomes that nucleate the mitotic spindle within the confines of the nucleus. We show that depletion or loss of NL components causes mitotic defects, including compromised chromosome segregation associated with altered centrosome positioning and structure. Further, in emerin mutant GSCs, centrosomes remain embedded in the interphase NL. Notably, these embedded centrosomes carry large amounts of pericentriolar material and nucleate astral microtubules, revealing a role for emerin in the regulation of centrosome structure. Epistasis studies demonstrate that defects in centrosome structure are upstream of checkpoint activation, suggesting that these centrosome defects might trigger checkpoint activation and GSC loss. Connections between NL proteins and centrosome function have implications for mechanisms associated with NL dysfunction in other stem cell populations, including NL-associated diseases, such as laminopathies.
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Potokar M, Morita M, Wiche G, Jorgačevski J. The Diversity of Intermediate Filaments in Astrocytes. Cells 2020; 9:E1604. [PMID: 32630739 PMCID: PMC7408014 DOI: 10.3390/cells9071604] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/04/2020] [Revised: 06/26/2020] [Accepted: 07/01/2020] [Indexed: 01/02/2023] Open
Abstract
Despite the remarkable complexity of the individual neuron and of neuronal circuits, it has been clear for quite a while that, in order to understand the functioning of the brain, the contribution of other cell types in the brain have to be accounted for. Among glial cells, astrocytes have multiple roles in orchestrating neuronal functions. Their communication with neurons by exchanging signaling molecules and removing molecules from extracellular space takes place at several levels and is governed by different cellular processes, supported by multiple cellular structures, including the cytoskeleton. Intermediate filaments in astrocytes are emerging as important integrators of cellular processes. Astrocytes express five types of intermediate filaments: glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP); vimentin; nestin; synemin; lamins. Variability, interactions with different cellular structures and the particular roles of individual intermediate filaments in astrocytes have been studied extensively in the case of GFAP and vimentin, but far less attention has been given to nestin, synemin and lamins. Similarly, the interplay between different types of cytoskeleton and the interaction between the cytoskeleton and membranous structures, which is mediated by cytolinker proteins, are understudied in astrocytes. The present review summarizes the basic properties of astrocytic intermediate filaments and of other cytoskeletal macromolecules, such as cytolinker proteins, and describes the current knowledge of their roles in normal physiological and pathological conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maja Potokar
- Laboratory of Neuroendocrinology – Molecular Cell Physiology, Institute of Pathophysiology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Ljubljana, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia;
- Celica BIOMEDICAL, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia;
| | - Mitsuhiro Morita
- Department of Biology, Kobe University Graduate School of Science, Kobe 657-8501, Japan;
| | - Gerhard Wiche
- Celica BIOMEDICAL, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia;
- Department of Biochemistry and Cell Biology, Max F. Perutz Laboratories, University of Vienna, 1030 Vienna, Austria
| | - Jernej Jorgačevski
- Laboratory of Neuroendocrinology – Molecular Cell Physiology, Institute of Pathophysiology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Ljubljana, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia;
- Celica BIOMEDICAL, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia;
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Piekarowicz K, Bertrand AT, Azibani F, Beuvin M, Julien L, Machowska M, Bonne G, Rzepecki R. A Muscle Hybrid Promoter as a Novel Tool for Gene Therapy. MOLECULAR THERAPY-METHODS & CLINICAL DEVELOPMENT 2019; 15:157-169. [PMID: 31660418 PMCID: PMC6807297 DOI: 10.1016/j.omtm.2019.09.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/20/2019] [Accepted: 09/03/2019] [Indexed: 01/29/2023]
Abstract
Gene therapy is a promising strategy to cure rare diseases. The lack of regulatory sequences ensuring specific and robust expression in skeletal and cardiac muscle is a substantial limitation of gene therapy efficiency targeting the muscle tissue. Here we describe a novel muscle hybrid (MH) promoter that is highly active in both skeletal and cardiac muscle cells. It has an easily exchangeable modular structure, including an intronic module that highly enhances the expression of the gene driven by it. In cultured myoblasts, myotubes, and cardiomyocytes, the MH promoter gives relatively stable expression as well as higher activity and protein levels than the standard CMV and desmin gene promoters or the previously developed synthetic or CKM-based promoters. Combined with AAV2/9, the MH promoter also provides a high in vivo expression level in skeletal muscle and the heart after both intramuscular and systemic delivery. It is much more efficient than the desmin-encoding gene promoter, and it maintains the same specificity. This novel promoter has potential for gene therapy in muscle cells. It can provide stable transgene expression, ensuring high levels of therapeutic protein, and limited side effects because of its specificity. This constitutes an improvement in the efficiency of genetic disease therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katarzyna Piekarowicz
- Laboratory of Nuclear Proteins, Faculty of Biotechnology, University of Wroclaw, Wroclaw 50-383, Poland
| | - Anne T Bertrand
- Sorbonne Université, INSERM UMRS974, Center of Research in Myology, Institute of Myology, Paris 75 651, France
| | - Feriel Azibani
- Sorbonne Université, INSERM UMRS974, Center of Research in Myology, Institute of Myology, Paris 75 651, France
| | - Maud Beuvin
- Sorbonne Université, INSERM UMRS974, Center of Research in Myology, Institute of Myology, Paris 75 651, France
| | - Laura Julien
- Sorbonne Université, INSERM UMRS974, Center of Research in Myology, Institute of Myology, Paris 75 651, France
| | - Magdalena Machowska
- Laboratory of Nuclear Proteins, Faculty of Biotechnology, University of Wroclaw, Wroclaw 50-383, Poland
| | - Gisèle Bonne
- Sorbonne Université, INSERM UMRS974, Center of Research in Myology, Institute of Myology, Paris 75 651, France
| | - Ryszard Rzepecki
- Laboratory of Nuclear Proteins, Faculty of Biotechnology, University of Wroclaw, Wroclaw 50-383, Poland
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An Emerin LEM-Domain Mutation Impairs Cell Response to Mechanical Stress. Cells 2019; 8:cells8060570. [PMID: 31185657 PMCID: PMC6628311 DOI: 10.3390/cells8060570] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/14/2019] [Revised: 06/04/2019] [Accepted: 06/05/2019] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Emerin is a nuclear envelope protein that contributes to genome organization and cell mechanics. Through its N-terminal LAP2-emerin-MAN1 (LEM)-domain, emerin interacts with the DNA-binding protein barrier-to-autointegration (BAF). Emerin also binds to members of the linker of the nucleoskeleton and cytoskeleton (LINC) complex. Mutations in the gene encoding emerin are responsible for the majority of cases of X-linked Emery-Dreifuss muscular dystrophy (X-EDMD). Most of these mutations lead to an absence of emerin. A few missense and short deletion mutations in the disordered region of emerin are also associated with X-EDMD. More recently, missense and short deletion mutations P22L, ∆K37 and T43I were discovered in emerin LEM-domain, associated with isolated atrial cardiac defects (ACD). Here we reveal which defects, at both the molecular and cellular levels, are elicited by these LEM-domain mutations. Whereas K37 mutation impaired the correct folding of the LEM-domain, P22L and T43I had no impact on the 3D structure of emerin. Surprisingly, all three mutants bound to BAF, albeit with a weaker affinity in the case of K37. In human myofibroblasts derived from a patient's fibroblasts, emerin ∆K37 was correctly localized at the inner nuclear membrane, but was present at a significantly lower level, indicating that this mutant is abnormally degraded. Moreover, SUN2 was reduced, and these cells were defective in producing actin stress fibers when grown on a stiff substrate and after cyclic stretches. Altogether, our data suggest that the main effect of mutation K37 is to perturb emerin function within the LINC complex in response to mechanical stress.
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