Myosin-5 varies its step length to carry cargo straight along the irregular F-actin track

Molecular motors employ chemical energy to generate unidirectional mechanical output against a track while navigating a chaotic cellular environment, potential disorder on the track, and against Brownian motion. Nevertheless, decades of nanometer-precise optical studies suggest that myosin-5a, one of the prototypical molecular motors, takes uniform steps spanning 13 subunits (36 nm) along its F-actin track. Here, we use high-resolution interferometric scattering microscopy to reveal that myosin takes strides spanning 22 to 34 actin subunits, despite walking straight along the helical actin filament. We show that cumulative angular disorder in F-actin accounts for the observed proportion of each stride length, akin to crossing a river on variably spaced stepping stones. Electron microscopy revealed the structure of the stepping molecule. Our results indicate that both motor and track are soft materials that can adapt to function in complex cellular conditions.

Molecular regulatory mechanism of human myosin-7a

Myosin-7a is an actin-based motor protein essential for vision and hearing. Mutations of myosin-7a cause type 1 Usher syndrome, the most common and severe form of deafblindness in humans. The molecular mechanisms that govern its mechanochemistry remain poorly understood, primarily because of the difficulty of purifying stable intact protein. Here, we recombinantly produce the complete human myosin-7a holoenzyme in insect cells and characterize its biochemical and motile properties. Unlike the Drosophila ortholog that primarily associates with calmodulin (CaM), we found that human myosin-7a utilizes a unique combination of light chains including regulatory light chain, CaM, and CaM-like protein 4. Our results further reveal that CaM-like protein 4 does not function as a Ca2+ sensor but plays a crucial role in maintaining the lever arm's structural-functional integrity. Using our recombinant protein system, we purified two myosin-7a splicing isoforms that have been shown to be differentially expressed along the cochlear tonotopic axis. We show that they possess distinct mechanoenzymatic properties despite differing by only 11 amino acids at their N termini. Using single-molecule in vitro motility assays, we demonstrate that human myosin-7a exists as an autoinhibited monomer and can move processively along actin when artificially dimerized or bound to cargo adaptor proteins. These results suggest that myosin-7a can serve multiple roles in sensory systems such as acting as a transporter or an anchor/force sensor. Furthermore, our research highlights that human myosin-7a has evolved unique regulatory elements that enable precise tuning of its mechanical properties suitable for mammalian auditory functions.

Astrocytic deletion of protein kinase R-like ER kinase (PERK) does not affect learning and memory in aged mice but worsens outcome from experimental stroke

Aging is associated with cognitive decline and is the main risk factor for a myriad of conditions including neurodegeneration and stroke. Concomitant with aging is the progressive accumulation of misfolded proteins and loss of proteostasis. Accumulation of misfolded proteins in the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) leads to ER stress and activation of the unfolded protein response (UPR). The UPR is mediated, in part, by the eukaryotic initiation factor 2α (eIF2α) kinase protein kinase R-like ER kinase (PERK). Phosphorylation of eIF2α reduces protein translation as an adaptive mechanism but this also opposes synaptic plasticity. PERK, and other eIF2α kinases, have been widely studied in neurons where they modulate both cognitive function and response to injury. The impact of astrocytic PERK signaling in cognitive processes was previously unknown. To examine this, we deleted PERK from astrocytes (AstroPERKKO ) and examined the impact on cognitive functions in middle-aged and old mice of both sexes. Additionally, we tested the outcome following experimental stroke using the transient middle cerebral artery occlusion (MCAO) model. Tests of short-term and long-term learning and memory as well as of cognitive flexibility in middle-aged and old mice revealed that astrocytic PERK does not regulate these processes. Following MCAO, AstroPERKKO had increased morbidity and mortality. Collectively, our data demonstrate that astrocytic PERK has limited impact on cognitive function and has a more prominent role in the response to neural injury.

A brain specific alternatively spliced isoform of nonmuscle myosin IIA lacks its mechanoenzymatic activities

Recent genomic studies reported that 90 to 95% of human genes can undergo alternative splicing, by which multiple isoforms of proteins are synthesized. However, the functional consequences of most of the isoforms are largely unknown. Here, we report a novel alternatively spliced isoform of nonmuscle myosin IIA (NM IIA), called NM IIA2, which is generated by the inclusion of 21 amino acids near the actin-binding region (loop 2) of the head domain of heavy chains. Expression of NM IIA2 is found exclusively in the brain tissue, where it reaches a maximum level at 24 h during the circadian rhythm. The actin-dependent Mg2+-ATPase activity and in vitro motility assays reveal that NM IIA2 lacks its motor activities but localizes with actin filaments in cells. Interestingly, NM IIA2 can also make heterofilaments with NM IIA0 (noninserted isoform of NM IIA) and can retard the in vitro motility of NM IIA, when the two are mixed. Altogether, our findings provide the functional importance of a previously unknown alternatively spliced isoform, NM IIA2, and its potential physiological role in regulating NM IIA activity in the brain.

Myosin-5 varies its steps along the irregular F-actin track

Molecular motors employ chemical energy to generate unidirectional mechanical output against a track. By contrast to the majority of macroscopic machines, they need to navigate a chaotic cellular environment, potential disorder in the track and Brownian motion. Nevertheless, decades of nanometer-precise optical studies suggest that myosin-5a, one of the prototypical molecular motors, takes uniform steps spanning 13 subunits (36 nm) along its F-actin track. Here, we use high-resolution interferometric scattering (iSCAT) microscopy to reveal that myosin takes strides spanning 22 to 34 actin subunits, despite walking straight along the helical actin filament. We show that cumulative angular disorder in F-actin accounts for the observed proportion of each stride length, akin to crossing a river on variably-spaced stepping stones. Electron microscopy revealed the structure of the stepping molecule. Our results indicate that both motor and track are soft materials that can adapt to function in complex cellular conditions.

Cytokinesis in Trypanosoma brucei relies on an orphan kinesin that dynamically crosslinks microtubules

Many single-celled eukaryotes have complex cell morphologies defined by microtubules arranged into higher-order structures. The auger-like shape of the parasitic protist Trypanosoma brucei (T. brucei) is mediated by a parallel array of microtubules that underlies the plasma membrane. The subpellicular array must be partitioned and segregated using a microtubule-based mechanism during cell division. We previously identified an orphan kinesin, KLIF, that localizes to the ingressing cleavage furrow and is essential for the completion of cytokinesis. We have characterized the biophysical properties of a truncated KLIF construct in vitro to gain mechanistic insight into the function of this novel kinesin. We find that KLIF is a non-processive dimeric kinesin that dynamically crosslinks microtubules. Microtubules crosslinked by KLIF in an antiparallel orientation are translocated relative to one another, while microtubules crosslinked parallel to one another remain static, resulting in the formation of organized parallel bundles. In addition, we find that KLIF stabilizes the alignment of microtubule plus ends. These features provide a mechanistic understanding for how KLIF functions to form a new pole of aligned microtubule plus ends that defines the shape of the new cell posterior, which is an essential requirement for the completion of cytokinesis in T. brucei.

A gene duplication of a septin reveals a developmentally regulated filament length control mechanism

Septins are a family of conserved filament-forming proteins that function in multiple cellular processes. The number of septin genes within an organism varies, and higher eukaryotes express many septin isoforms due to alternative splicing. It is unclear if different combinations of septin proteins in complex alter the polymers' biophysical properties. We report that a duplication event within the CDC11 locus in Ashbya gossypii gave rise to two similar but distinct Cdc11 proteins: Cdc11a and Cdc1b. CDC11b transcription is developmentally regulated, producing different amounts of Cdc11a- and Cdc11b-complexes in the lifecycle of Ashbya gossypii. Deletion of either gene results in distinct cell polarity defects, suggesting non-overlapping functions. Cdc11a and Cdc11b complexes have differences in filament length and membrane-binding ability. Thus, septin subunit composition has functional consequences on filament properties and cell morphogenesis. Small sequence differences elicit distinct biophysical properties and cell functions of septins, illuminating how gene duplication could be a driving force for septin gene expansions seen throughout the tree of life.

Pericentrin interacts with Kinesin-1 to drive centriole motility

Centrosome positioning is essential for their function. Typically, centrosomes are transported to various cellular locations through the interaction of centrosomal microtubules (MTs) with motor proteins anchored at the cortex or the nuclear surface. However, it remains unknown how centrioles migrate in cellular contexts in which they do not nucleate MTs. Here, we demonstrate that during interphase, inactive centrioles move directly along the interphase MT network as Kinesin-1 cargo. We identify Pericentrin-Like-Protein (PLP) as a novel Kinesin-1 interacting molecule essential for centriole motility. In vitro assays show that PLP directly interacts with the cargo binding domain of Kinesin-1, allowing PLP to migrate on MTs. Binding assays using purified proteins revealed that relief of Kinesin-1 autoinhibition is critical for its interaction with PLP. Finally, our studies of neural stem cell asymmetric divisions in the Drosophila brain show that the PLP-Kinesin-1 interaction is essential for the timely separation of centrioles, the asymmetry of centrosome activity, and the age-dependent centrosome inheritance.

Cryo-EM structure of the autoinhibited state of myosin-2

We solved the near-atomic resolution structure of smooth muscle myosin-2 in the autoinhibited state (10S) using single-particle cryo–electron microscopy. The 3.4-Å structure reveals the precise molecular architecture of 10S and the structural basis for myosin-2 regulation. We reveal the position of the phosphorylation sites that control myosin autoinhibition and activation by phosphorylation of the regulatory light chain. Further, we present a previously unidentified conformational state in myosin-2 that traps ADP and Pi produced by the hydrolysis of ATP in the active site. This noncanonical state represents a branch of the myosin enzyme cycle and explains the autoinhibition of the enzyme function of 10S along with its reduced affinity for actin. Together, our structure defines the molecular mechanisms that drive 10S formation, stabilization, and relief by phosphorylation of the regulatory light chain.

Myosin-Specific Adaptations of In vitro Fluorescence Microscopy-Based Motility Assays

Myosin proteins bind and interact with filamentous actin (F-actin) and are found in organisms across the phylogenetic tree. Their structure and enzymatic properties are adapted for the particular function they execute in cells. Myosin 5a processively walks on F-actin to transport melanosomes and vesicles in cells. Conversely, nonmuscle myosin 2b operates as a bipolar filament containing approximately 30 molecules. It moves F-actin of opposite polarity toward the center of the filament, where the myosin molecules work asynchronously to bind actin, impart a power stroke, and dissociate before repeating the cycle. Nonmuscle myosin 2b, along with its other nonmuscle myosin 2 isoforms, has roles that include cell adhesion, cytokinesis, and tension maintenance. The mechanochemistry of myosins can be studied by performing in vitro motility assays using purified proteins. In the gliding actin filament assay, the myosins are bound to a microscope coverslip surface and translocate fluorescently labeled F-actin, which can be tracked. In the single molecule/ensemble motility assay, however, F-actin is bound to a coverslip and the movement of fluorescently labeled myosin molecules on the F-actin is observed. In this report, the purification of recombinant myosin 5a from Sf9 cells using affinity chromatography is outlined. Following this, we outline two fluorescence microscopy-based assays: the gliding actin filament assay and the inverted motility assay. From these assays, parameters such as actin translocation velocities and single molecule run lengths and velocities can be extracted using the image analysis software. These techniques can also be applied to study the movement of single filaments of the nonmuscle myosin 2 isoforms, discussed herein in the context of nonmuscle myosin 2b. This workflow represents a protocol and a set of quantitative tools that can be used to study the single molecule and ensemble dynamics of nonmuscle myosins.

A binding protein regulates myosin-7a dimerization and actin bundle assembly

Myosin-7a, despite being monomeric in isolation, plays roles in organizing actin-based cell protrusions such as filopodia, microvilli and stereocilia, as well as transporting cargoes within them. Here, we identify a binding protein for Drosophila myosin-7a termed M7BP, and describe how M7BP assembles myosin-7a into a motile complex that enables cargo translocation and actin cytoskeletal remodeling. M7BP binds to the autoinhibitory tail of myosin-7a, extending the molecule and activating its ATPase activity. Single-molecule reconstitution show that M7BP enables robust motility by complexing with myosin-7a as 2:2 translocation dimers in an actin-regulated manner. Meanwhile, M7BP tethers actin, enhancing complex’s processivity and driving actin-filament alignment during processive runs. Finally, we show that myosin-7a-M7BP complex assembles actin bundles and filopodia-like protrusions while migrating along them in living cells. Together, these findings provide insights into the mechanisms by which myosin-7a functions in actin protrusions.

Myosin-7a is found in actin bundles, microvilli and stereocilia, and plays conserved roles in hearing and vision. Here the authors identify M7BP, a myosin-7a binding protein that activates and dimerizes myosin-7a, enabling cargo transport and assembly of actin bundles and filopodia-like protrusions

The BAR domain of the Arf GTPase-activating protein ASAP1 directly binds actin filaments

The Arf GTPase-activating protein (Arf GAP) with SH3 domain, ankyrin repeat and PH domain 1 (ASAP1) establishes a connection between the cell membrane and the cortical actin cytoskeleton. The formation, maintenance, and turnover of actin filaments and bundles in the actin cortex are important for cell adhesion, invasion, and migration. Here, using actin cosedimentation, polymerization, and depolymerization assays, along with total internal reflection fluorescence (TIRF), confocal, and EM analyses, we show that the N-terminal N-BAR domain of ASAP1 directly binds to F-actin. We found that ASAP1 homodimerization aligns F-actin in predominantly unipolar bundles and stabilizes them against depolymerization. Furthermore, the ASAP1 N-BAR domain moderately reduced the spontaneous polymerization of G-actin. The overexpression of the ASAP1 BAR-PH tandem domain in fibroblasts induced the formation of actin-filled projections more effectively than did full-length ASAP1. An ASAP1 construct that lacked the N-BAR domain failed to induce cellular projections. Our results suggest that ASAP1 regulates the dynamics and the formation of higher-order actin structures, possibly through direct binding to F-actin via its N-BAR domain. We propose that ASAP1 is a hub protein for dynamic protein-protein interactions in mechanosensitive structures, such as focal adhesions, invadopodia, and podosomes, that are directly implicated in oncogenic events. The effect of ASAP1 on actin dynamics puts a spotlight on its function as a central signaling molecule that regulates the dynamics of the actin cytoskeleton by transmitting signals from the plasma membrane.

Competition between kinesin-1 and myosin-V defines Drosophila posterior determination

Local accumulation of oskar (osk) mRNA in the Drosophila oocyte determines the posterior pole of the future embryo. Two major cytoskeletal components, microtubules and actin filaments, together with a microtubule motor, kinesin-1, and an actin motor, myosin-V, are essential for osk mRNA posterior localization. In this study, we use Staufen, an RNA-binding protein that colocalizes with osk mRNA, as a proxy for osk mRNA. We demonstrate that posterior localization of osk/Staufen is determined by competition between kinesin-1 and myosin-V. While kinesin-1 removes osk/Staufen from the cortex along microtubules, myosin-V anchors osk/Staufen at the cortex. Myosin-V wins over kinesin-1 at the posterior pole due to low microtubule density at this site, while kinesin-1 wins at anterior and lateral positions because they have high density of cortically-anchored microtubules. As a result, posterior determinants are removed from the anterior and lateral cortex but retained at the posterior pole. Thus, posterior determination of Drosophila oocytes is defined by kinesin-myosin competition, whose outcome is primarily determined by cortical microtubule density.

One of the most fundamental steps of embryonic development is deciding which end of the body should be the head, and which should be the tail. Known as 'axis specification', this process depends on the location of genetic material called mRNAs. In fruit flies, for example, the tail-end of the embryo accumulates an mRNA called oskar. If this mRNA is missing, the embryo will not develop an abdomen.

The build-up of oskar mRNA happens before the egg is even fertilized and depends on two types of scaffold proteins in the egg cell called microtubules and microfilaments. These scaffolds act like ‘train tracks’ in the cell and have associated protein motors, which work a bit like trains, carrying cargo as they travel up and down along the scaffolds. For microtubules, one of the motors is a protein called kinesin-1, whereas for microfilaments, the motors are called myosins.

Most microtubules in the egg cell are pointing away from the membrane, while microfilament tracks form a dense network of randomly oriented filaments just underneath the membrane. It was already known that kinesin-1 and a myosin called myosin-V are important for localizing oskar mRNA to the posterior of the egg. However, it was not clear why the mRNA only builds up in that area.

To find out, Lu et al. used a probe to track oskar mRNA, while genetically manipulating each of the motors so that their ability to transport cargo changed. Modulating the balance of activity between the two motors revealed that kinesin-1 and myosin-V engage in a tug-of-war inside the egg: myosin-V tries to keep oskar mRNA underneath the membrane of the cell, while kinesin-1 tries to pull it away from the membrane along microtubules. The winner of this molecular battle depends on the number of microtubule tracks available in the local area of the cell. In most parts of the cell, there are abundant microtubules, so kinesin-1 wins and pulls oskar mRNA away from the membrane. But at the posterior end of the cell there are fewer microtubules, so myosin-V wins, allowing oskar mRNA to localize in this area. Artificially 'shaving' some microtubules in a local area immediately changed the outcome of this tug-of-war creating a build-up of oskar mRNA in the 'shaved' patch.

This is the first time a molecular tug-of-war has been shown in an egg cell, but in other types of cell, such as neurons and pigment cells, myosins compete with kinesins to position other molecular cargoes. Understanding these processes more clearly sheds light not only on embryo development, but also on cell biology in general.

Multiple S100 protein isoforms and C-terminal phosphorylation contribute to the paralog-selective regulation of nonmuscle myosin 2 filaments

Nonmuscle myosin 2 (NM2) has three paralogs in mammals, NM2A, NM2B, and NM2C, which have both unique and overlapping functions in cell migration, formation of cell-cell adhesions, and cell polarity. Their assembly into homo- and heterotypic bipolar filaments in living cells is primarily regulated by phosphorylation of the N-terminally bound regulatory light chain. Here, we present evidence that the equilibrium between these filaments and single NM2A and NM2B molecules can be controlled via S100 calcium-binding protein interactions and phosphorylation at the C-terminal end of the heavy chains. Furthermore, we show that in addition to S100A4, other members of the S100 family can also mediate disassembly of homotypic NM2A filaments. Importantly, these proteins can selectively remove NM2A molecules from heterotypic filaments. We also found that tail phosphorylation (at Ser-1956 and Ser-1975) of NM2B by casein kinase 2, as well as phosphomimetic substitutions at sites targeted by protein kinase C (PKC) and transient receptor potential cation channel subfamily M member 7 (TRPM7), down-regulates filament assembly in an additive fashion. Tail phosphorylation of NM2A had a comparatively minor effect on filament stability. S100 binding and tail phosphorylation therefore preferentially disassemble NM2A and NM2B, respectively. These two distinct mechanisms are likely to contribute to the temporal and spatial sorting of the two NM2 paralogs within heterotypic filaments. The existence of multiple NM2A-depolymerizing S100 paralogs offers the potential for diverse regulatory inputs modulating NM2A filament disassembly in cells and provides functional redundancy under both physiological and pathological conditions.

Quantitative mass imaging of single biological macromolecules

The cellular processes underpinning life are orchestrated by proteins and their interactions. The associated structural and dynamic heterogeneity, despite being key to function, poses a fundamental challenge to existing analytical and structural methodologies. We used interferometric scattering microscopy to quantify the mass of single biomolecules in solution with 2% sequence mass accuracy, up to 19-kilodalton resolution, and 1-kilodalton precision. We resolved oligomeric distributions at high dynamic range, detected small-molecule binding, and mass-imaged proteins with associated lipids and sugars. These capabilities enabled us to characterize the molecular dynamics of processes as diverse as glycoprotein cross-linking, amyloidogenic protein aggregation, and actin polymerization. Interferometric scattering mass spectrometry allows spatiotemporally resolved measurement of a broad range of biomolecular interactions, one molecule at a time.

Recruitment of two dyneins to an mRNA-dependent Bicaudal D transport complex

We investigated the role of full-length Drosophila Bicaudal D (BicD) binding partners in dynein-dynactin activation for mRNA transport on microtubules. Full-length BicD robustly activated dynein-dynactin motility only when both the mRNA binding protein Egalitarian (Egl) and K10 mRNA cargo were present, and electron microscopy showed that both Egl and mRNA were needed to disrupt a looped, auto-inhibited BicD conformation. BicD can recruit two dimeric dyneins, resulting in faster speeds and longer runs than with one dynein. Moving complexes predominantly contained two Egl molecules and one K10 mRNA. This mRNA-bound configuration makes Egl bivalent, likely enhancing its avidity for BicD and thus its ability to disrupt BicD auto-inhibition. Consistent with this idea, artificially dimerized Egl activates dynein-dynactin-BicD in the absence of mRNA. The ability of mRNA cargo to orchestrate the activation of the mRNP (messenger ribonucleotide protein) complex is an elegant way to ensure that only cargo-bound motors are motile.

Bipolar filaments of human nonmuscle myosin 2-A and 2-B have distinct motile and mechanical properties

Nonmusclemyosin 2 (NM-2) powers cell motility and tissue morphogenesis by assembling into bipolar filaments that interact with actin. Although the enzymatic properties of purified NM-2 motor fragments have been determined, the emergent properties of filament ensembles are unknown. Using single myosin filament in vitro motility assays, we report fundamental differences in filaments formed of different NM-2 motors. Filaments consisting of NM2-B moved processively along actin, while under identical conditions, NM2-A filaments did not. By more closely mimicking the physiological milieu, either by increasing solution viscosity or by co-polymerization with NM2-B, NM2-A containing filaments moved processively. Our data demonstrate that both the kinetic and mechanical properties of these two myosins, in addition to the stochiometry of NM-2 subunits, can tune filament mechanical output. We propose altering NM-2 filament composition is a general cellular strategy for tailoring force production of filaments to specific functions, such as maintaining tension or remodeling actin.

Local pulsatile contractions are an intrinsic property of the myosin 2A motor in the cortical cytoskeleton of adherent cells

The role of nonmuscle myosin 2 (NM2) pulsatile dynamics in generating contractile forces required for developmental morphogenesis has been characterized, but whether these pulsatile contractions are an intrinsic property of all actomyosin networks is not known. Here we used live-cell fluorescence imaging to show that transient, local assembly of NM2A "pulses" occurs in the cortical cytoskeleton of single adherent cells of mesenchymal, epithelial, and sarcoma origin, independent of developmental signaling cues and cell-cell or cell-ECM interactions. We show that pulses in the cortical cytoskeleton require Rho-associated kinase- or myosin light chain kinase (MLCK) activity, increases in cytosolic calcium, and NM2 ATPase activity. Surprisingly, we find that cortical cytoskeleton pulses specifically require the head domain of NM2A, as they do not occur with either NM2B or a 2B-head-2A-tail chimera. Our results thus suggest that pulsatile contractions in the cortical cytoskeleton are an intrinsic property of the NM2A motor that may mediate its role in homeostatic maintenance of tension in the cortical cytoskeleton of adherent cells.

Drosophila non-muscle myosin II motor activity determines the rate of tissue folding

Non-muscle cell contractility is critical for tissues to adopt shape changes. Although, the non-muscle myosin II holoenzyme (myosin) is a molecular motor that powers contraction of actin cytoskeleton networks, recent studies have questioned the importance of myosin motor activity cell and tissue shape changes. Here, combining the biochemical analysis of enzymatic and motile properties for purified myosin mutants with in vivo measurements of apical constriction for the same mutants, we show that in vivo constriction rate scales with myosin motor activity. We show that so-called phosphomimetic mutants of the Drosophila regulatory light chain (RLC) do not mimic the phosphorylated RLC state in vitro. The defect in the myosin motor activity in these mutants is evident in developing Drosophila embryos where tissue recoil following laser ablation is decreased compared to wild-type tissue. Overall, our data highlights that myosin activity is required for rapid cell contraction and tissue folding in developing Drosophila embryos.

DOI:http://dx.doi.org/10.7554/eLife.20828.001

Mammalian Nonmuscle Myosin II Binds to Anionic Phospholipids with Concomitant Dissociation of the Regulatory Light Chain

Mammalian cells express three Class II nonmuscle myosins (NM): NM2A, NM2B, and NM2C. The three NM2s have well established essential roles in cell motility, adhesion, and cytokinesis and less well defined roles in vesicle transport and other processes that would require association of NM2s with cell membranes. Previous evidence for the mechanism of NM2-membrane association includes direct interaction of NM2s with membrane lipids and indirect interaction by association of NM2s with membrane-bound F-actin or peripheral membrane proteins. Direct binding of NM2s to phosphatidylserine-liposomes, but not to phosphatidylcholine-liposomes, has been reported, but the molecular basis of the interaction between NM2s and acidic phospholipids has not been previously investigated. We now show that filamentous, full-length NM2A, NM2B, and NM2C and monomeric, non-filamentous heavy meromyosin bind to liposomes containing one or more acidic phospholipids (phosphatidylserine, phosphatidylinositol 4,5-diphosphate, and phosphatidylinositol 3,4,5-triphosphate) but do not bind to 100% phosphatidylcholine-liposomes. Binding of NM2s to acidic liposomes occurs predominantly through interaction of the liposomes with the regulatory light chain (RLC) binding site in the myosin heavy chain with concomitant dissociation of the RLC. Phosphorylation of myosin-bound RLC by myosin light chain kinase substantially inhibits binding to liposomes of both filamentous NM2 and non-filamentous heavy meromyosin; the addition of excess unbound RLC, but not excess unbound essential light chain, competes with liposome binding. Consistent with the in vitro data, we show that endogenous and expressed NM2A associates with the plasma membrane of HeLa cells and fibrosarcoma cells independently of F-actin.

A single-headed fission yeast myosin V transports actin in a tropomyosin-dependent manner

Myo51, a class V myosin in fission yeast, localizes to and assists in the assembly of the contractile ring, a conserved eukaryotic actomyosin structure that facilitates cytokinesis. Rng8 and Rng9 are binding partners that dictate the cellular localization and function of Myo51. Myo51 was expressed in insect cells in the presence or absence of Rng8/9. Surprisingly, electron microscopy of negatively stained images and hydrodynamic measurements showed that Myo51 is single headed, unlike most class V myosins. When Myo51-Rng8/9 was bound to actin-tropomyosin, two attachment sites were observed: the typical ATP-dependent motor domain attachment and a novel ATP-independent binding of the tail mediated by Rng8/9. A modified motility assay showed that this additional binding site anchors Myo51-Rng8/9 so that it can cross-link and slide actin-tropomyosin filaments relative to one another, functions that may explain the role of this motor in contractile ring assembly.

Mutations in TBC1D24, a gene associated with epilepsy, also cause nonsyndromic deafness DFNB86

Inherited deafness is clinically and genetically heterogeneous. We recently mapped DFNB86, a locus associated with nonsyndromic deafness, to chromosome 16p. In this study, whole-exome sequencing was performed with genomic DNA from affected individuals from three large consanguineous families in which markers linked to DFNB86 segregate with profound deafness. Analyses of these data revealed homozygous mutation c.208G>T (p.Asp70Tyr) or c.878G>C (p.Arg293Pro) in TBC1D24 as the underlying cause of deafness in the three families. Sanger sequence analysis of TBC1D24 in an additional large family in which deafness segregates with DFNB86 identified the c.208G>T (p.Asp70Tyr) substitution. These mutations affect TBC1D24 amino acid residues that are conserved in orthologs ranging from fruit fly to human. Neither variant was observed in databases of single-nucleotide variants or in 634 chromosomes from ethnically matched control subjects. TBC1D24 in the mouse inner ear was immunolocalized predominantly to spiral ganglion neurons, indicating that DFNB86 deafness might be an auditory neuropathy spectrum disorder. Previously, six recessive mutations in TBC1D24 were reported to cause seizures (hearing loss was not reported) ranging in severity from epilepsy with otherwise normal development to epileptic encephalopathy resulting in childhood death. Two of our four families in which deafness segregates with mutant alleles of TBC1D24 were available for neurological examination. Cosegregation of epilepsy and deafness was not observed in these two families. Although the causal relationship between genotype and phenotype is not presently understood, our findings, combined with published data, indicate that recessive alleles of TBC1D24 can cause either epilepsy or nonsyndromic deafness.

Label-free, all-optical detection, imaging, and tracking of a single protein

Optical detection of individual proteins requires fluorescent labeling. Cavity and plasmonic methodologies enhance single molecule signatures in the absence of any labels but have struggled to demonstrate routine and quantitative single protein detection. Here, we used interferometric scattering microscopy not only to detect but also to image and nanometrically track the motion of single myosin 5a heavy meromyosin molecules without the use of labels or any nanoscopic amplification. Together with the simple experimental arrangement, an intrinsic independence from strong electronic transition dipoles and a detection limit of <60 kDa, our approach paves the way toward nonresonant, label-free sensing and imaging of nanoscopic objects down to the single protein level.

Characterization of three full-length human nonmuscle myosin II paralogs

Nonmuscle myosin IIs (NM IIs) are a group of molecular motors involved in a wide variety of cellular processes including cytokinesis, migration, and control of cell morphology. There are three paralogs of the NM II heavy chain in humans (IIA, IIB, and IIC), each encoded by a separate gene. These paralogs are expressed at different levels according to cell type and have different roles and intracellular distributions in vivo. Most previous studies on NM II used tissue-purified protein or expressed fragments of the molecule, which presents potential drawbacks for characterizing individual paralogs of the intact protein in vitro. To circumvent current limitations and approach their native properties, we have successfully expressed and purified the three full-length human NM II proteins with their light chains, using the baculovirus/Sf9 system. The enzymatic and structural properties of the three paralogs were characterized. Although each NM II is capable of forming bipolar filaments, those formed by IIC tend to contain fewer constituent molecules than those of IIA and IIB. All paralogs adopt the compact conformation in the presence of ATP. Phosphorylation of the regulatory light chain leads to assembly into filaments, which bind to actin in the presence of ATP. The nature of interactions with actin filaments is shown with different paralogs exhibiting different actin binding behaviors under equivalent conditions. The data show that although NM IIA and IIB form filaments with similar properties, NM IIC forms filaments that are less well suited to roles such as tension maintenance within the cell.

Visualization of human Bloom's syndrome helicase molecules bound to homologous recombination intermediates

Homologous recombination (HR) is a key process in the repair of double-stranded DNA breaks (DSBs) that can initiate cancer or cell death. Human Bloom's syndrome RecQ-family DNA helicase (BLM) exerts complex activities to promote DSB repair while avoiding illegitimate HR. The oligomeric assembly state of BLM has been a key unresolved aspect of its activities. In this study we assessed the structure and oligomeric state of BLM, in the absence and presence of key HR-intermediate DNA structures, by using single-molecule visualization (electron microscopic and atomic force microscopic single-particle analysis) and solution biophysical (dynamic light scattering, kinetic and equilibrium binding) techniques. Besides full-length BLM, we used a previously characterized truncated construct (BLM(642-1290)) as a monomeric control. Contrary to previous models proposing a ring-forming oligomer, we found the majority of BLM molecules to be monomeric in all examined conditions. However, BLM showed a tendency to form dimers when bound to branched HR intermediates. Our results suggest that HR activities requiring single-stranded DNA translocation are performed by monomeric BLM, while complex DNA structures encountered and dissolved by BLM in later stages of HR induce partial oligomerization of the helicase.

Silica encapsulation of fluorescent nanodiamonds for colloidal stability and facile surface functionalization

Fluorescent nanodiamonds (FNDs) emit in the near-IR and do not photobleach or photoblink. These properties make FNDs better suited for numerous imaging applications compared with commonly used fluorescence agents such as organic dyes and quantum dots. However, nanodiamonds do not form stable suspensions in aqueous buffer, are prone to aggregation, and are difficult to functionalize. Here we present a method for encapsulating nanodiamonds with silica using an innovative liposome-based encapsulation process that renders the particle surface biocompatible, stable, and readily functionalized through routine linking chemistries. Furthermore, the method selects for a desired particle size and produces a monodisperse agent. We attached biotin to the silica-coated FNDs and tracked the three-dimensional motion of a biotinylated FND tethered by a single DNA molecule with high spatial and temporal resolution.

Mammalian myosin-18A, a highly divergent myosin

The Mus musculus myosin-18A gene is expressed as two alternatively spliced isoforms, α and β, with reported roles in Golgi localization, in maintenance of cytoskeleton, and as receptors for immunological surfactant proteins. Both myosin-18A isoforms feature a myosin motor domain, a single predicted IQ motif, and a long coiled-coil reminiscent of myosin-2. The myosin-18Aα isoform, additionally, has an N-terminal PDZ domain. Recombinant heavy meromyosin- and subfragment-1 (S1)-like constructs for both myosin-18Aα and -18β species were purified from the baculovirus/Sf9 cell expression system. These constructs bound both essential and regulatory light chains, indicating an additional noncanonical light chain binding site in the neck. Myosin-18Aα-S1 and -18Aβ-S1 molecules bound actin weakly with Kd values of 4.9 and 54 μm, respectively. The actin binding data could be modeled by assuming an equilibrium between two myosin conformations, a competent and an incompetent form to bind actin. Actin binding was unchanged by presence of nucleotide. Both myosin-18A isoforms bound N-methylanthraniloyl-nucleotides, but the rate of ATP hydrolysis was very slow (<0.002 s(-1)) and not significantly enhanced by actin. Phosphorylation of the regulatory light chain had no effect on ATP hydrolysis, and neither did the addition of tropomyosin or of GOLPH3, a myosin-18A binding partner. Electron microscopy of myosin-18A-S1 showed that the lever is strongly angled with respect to the long axis of the motor domain, suggesting a pre-power stroke conformation regardless of the presence of ATP. These data lead us to conclude that myosin-18A does not operate as a traditional molecular motor in cells.

Kinetic characterization of nonmuscle myosin IIb at the single molecule level

Nonmuscle myosin IIB (NMIIB) is a cytoplasmic myosin, which plays an important role in cell motility by maintaining cortical tension. It forms bipolar thick filaments with ~14 myosin molecule dimers on each side of the bare zone. Our previous studies showed that the NMIIB is a moderately high duty ratio (~20-25%) motor. The ADP release step (~0.35 s(-1)) of NMIIB is only ~3 times faster than the rate-limiting phosphate release (0.13 ± 0.01 s(-1)). The aim of this study was to relate the known in vitro kinetic parameters to the results of single molecule experiments and to compare the kinetic and mechanical properties of single- and double-headed myosin fragments and nonmuscle IIB thick filaments. Examination of the kinetics of NMIIB interaction with actin at the single molecule level was accomplished using total internal reflection fluorescence (TIRF) with fluorescence imaging with 1-nm accuracy (FIONA) and dual-beam optical trapping. At a physiological ATP concentration (1 mm), the rate of detachment of the single-headed and double-headed molecules was similar (~0.4 s(-1)). Using optical tweezers we found that the power stroke sizes of single- and double-headed heavy meromyosin (HMM) were each ~6 nm. No signs of processive stepping at the single molecule level were observed in the case of NMIIB-HMM in optical tweezers or TIRF/in vitro motility experiments. In contrast, robust motility of individual fluorescently labeled thick filaments of full-length NMIIB was observed on actin filaments. Our results are in good agreement with the previous steady-state and transient kinetic studies and show that the individual nonprocessive nonmuscle myosin IIB molecules form a highly processive unit when polymerized into filaments.

Role of the tail in the regulated state of myosin 2

Myosin 2 from vertebrate smooth muscle or non-muscle sources is in equilibrium between compact, inactive monomers and thick filaments under physiological conditions. In the inactive monomer, the two heads pack compactly together, and the long tail is folded into three closely packed segments that are associated chiefly with one of the heads. The molecular basis of the folding of the tail remains unexplained. By using electron microscopy, we show that compact monomers of smooth muscle myosin 2 have the same structure in both the native state and following specific, intramolecular photo-cross-linking between Cys109 of the regulatory light chain (RLC) and segment 3 of the tail. Nonspecific cross-linking between lysine residues of the folded monomer by glutaraldehyde also does not perturb the compact conformation and stabilizes it against unfolding at high ionic strength. Sequence comparisons across phyla and myosin 2 isoforms suggest that the folding of the tail is stabilized by ionic interactions between the positively charged N-terminal sequence of the RLC and a negatively charged region near the start of tail segment 3 and that phosphorylation of the RLC could perturb these interactions. Our results support the view that interactions between the heads and the distal tail perform a critical role in regulating activity of myosin 2 molecules through stabilizing the compact monomer conformation.

The kinetic mechanism of mouse myosin VIIA

Myosin VIIa is crucial in hearing and visual processes. We examined the kinetic and association properties of the baculovirus expressed, truncated mouse myosin VIIa construct containing the head, all 5IQ motifs and the putative coiled coil domain (myosin VIIa-5IQ). The construct appears to be monomeric as determined by analytical ultracentrifugation experiments, and only single headed molecules were detected by negative stain electron microscopy. The relatively high basal steady-state rate of 0.18 s(-1) is activated by actin only by ∼3.5-fold resulting in a V(max) of 0.7 s(-1) and a K(ATPase) of 11.5 μM. There is no single rate-limiting step of the ATP hydrolysis cycle. The ATP hydrolysis step (M·T M·D·P) is slow (12 s(-1)) and the equilibrium constant (K(H)) of 1 suggests significant reversal of hydrolysis. In the presence of actin ADP dissociates with a rate constant of 1.2 s(-1). Phosphate dissociation is relatively fast (>12 s(-1)), but the maximal rate could not be experimentally obtained at actin concentrations ≤ 50 μM because of the weak binding of the myosin VIIa-ADP-P(i) complex to actin. At higher actin concentrations the rate of attached hydrolysis (0.4 s(-1)) becomes significant and partially rate-limiting. Our findings suggest that the myosin VIIa is a "slow", monomeric molecular motor with a duty ratio of 0.6.

A molecular phylogeny of the Percidae (Teleostei, Perciformes) based on mitochondrial DNA sequence

The family Percidae is among the most speciose families of northern hemisphere fishes with > 178 178 North American species and 14 Eurasian species. Previous phylogenetic studies have been hampered by a lack of informative characters, inadequate taxonomic sampling, and conflicting data. We estimated phylogenetic relationships among 54 percid species (9 of 10 genera and all but one subgenus of darters) and four outgroup taxa using mitochondrial DNA data from the 12S rRNA and cytochrome b genes. Four primary evolutionary lineages were consistently recovered: Etheostomatinae (Ammocrypta, Crystallaria, Etheostoma, and Percina), Perca, Luciopercinae (Romanichthys, Sander, and Zingel), and Gymnocephalus. Except Etheostoma and Zingel, all polytypic genera were monophyletic. The Etheostoma subgenus Nothonotus failed to resolve with other members of the genus resulting in a paraphyletic Etheostoma. The subfamily Percinae (Gymnocephalus and Perca) was not recovered in phylogenetic analyses with Gymnocephalus sister to Luciopercinae. Etheostomatinae and Romanichthyini were never resolved as sister groups supporting convergent evolution as the cause of small, benthic, stream-inhabiting percids in North American and Eurasian waters.