A structural road map to unveil basal body composition and assembly

EMBO J 31 3, 552–562 (2012); published online December132011The Basal Body (BB) acts as the template for the axoneme, the microtubule-based structure of cilia and flagella. Although several proteins were recently implicated in both centriole and BB assembly and function, their molecular mechanisms are still poorly characterized. In this issue of The EMBO journal, Li and coworkers describe for the first time the near-native structure of the BB at 33 Å resolution obtained by Cryo-Electron Microscopy analysis of wild-type (WT) isolated Chlamydomonas BBs. They identified several uncharacterized non-tubulin structures and variations along the length of the BB, which likely reflect the binding and function of numerous macromolecular complexes. These complexes are expected to define BB intrinsic properties, such as its characteristic structure and stability. Similarly to the high-resolution structures of ribosome and nuclear pore complexes, this study will undoubtedly contribute towards the future analysis of centriole and BB biogenesis, maintenance and function.The microtubule (MT)-based structure of the cilium/flagellum grows from the distal part of the Basal Body (BB), which in many animal cells develops from the mature centriole in the centrosome. Electron microscopic (EM) images of chemically fixed resin-embedded centrioles and basal bodies (CBBs) suggest that their ultrastructure is similar, and that their key components are MTs. The mechanisms underlying the organization of CBB MTs, comprising highly stable closed and open MTs, are likely to hold many surprises as they are remarkably different from other microtubular structures in the cell. Additionally, non-MT-based structures are also part of the CBB, including a cartwheel in the proximal lumen region that reinforces CBB symmetry (reviewed in Azimzadeh and Marshall, 2010 and Carvalho-Santos et al, 2011).Several centriole components and BB proteins were identified by comparative and/or functional genomics and proteomics studies of purified CBBs (reviewed in Azimzadeh and Marshall, 2010 and Carvalho-Santos et al, 2011). Advances in our understanding of the molecular mechanisms of CBB assembly depend on high-resolution comparative studies of wild-type (WT) and mutant structures, as well as characterization of the localization of molecular complexes within the small CBB structure. Despite the existence of beautiful ultrastructure data acquired from chemically fixed specimens (Geimer and Melkonian, 2004; Ibrahim et al, 2009), high-resolution structures of native CBBs were missing. Using electron cryo-tomography and 3D subtomogram averaging, Li et al (2012) solved the structure of the near-native BB triplet at 33 Å resolution. A pseudo-atomic model of the tubulin protofilaments at the core of the triplets was built by fitting the atomic structure of α/β-tubulin monomers into the BB tomograms.The 3D density map reveals several additional densities that represent non-tubulin proteins attached, both internally and externally, to all triplet MTs, some linking MTs inside the triplets and/or MTs in consecutive triplets (Li et al, 2012; for a summary, see Li et al, 2012; Geimer and Melkonian, 2004; Ibrahim et al, 2009), but with less detail and complexity. The authors speculate that some of the additional densities present at the A- and B-tubule inner wall might correspond to proteins of the tektin family, probably conferring rigidity to the BB triplet (Amos, 2008).

Table 1

Characteristics of the non-α/β-tubulin structures reported in Li et al (2012) in this issue of The EMBO journal

Compact Parkin only: insights into the structure of an autoinhibited ubiquitin ligase

EMBO J 32 15, 2099–2112 doi:10.1038/emboj.2013.125; published online May312013Mutations in Parkin represent ∼50% of disease-causing defects in autosomal recessive-juvenile onset Parkinson''s disease (AR-JP). Recently, there have been four structural reports of autoinhibited forms of this RING-IBR-RING (RBR) ubiquitin ligase (E3) by the Gehring, Komander, Johnston and Shaw groups. The important advances from these studies set the stage for the next steps in understanding the molecular basis for Parkinson''s disease (PD).Regulated protein degradation requires that E3s and their access to substrates be exquisitely controlled. RBR family E3s provide striking examples of this regulation. The complex and compact structures of Parkin (Riley et al, 2013; Spratt et al, 2013; Trempe et al, 2013; Wauer and Komander, 2013) as well as another RBR E3, human homologue of Ariadne (HHARI) (Duda et al, 2013), demonstrate extraordinarily intricate inter-domain arrangements. These autoinhibited structures ensure that their functions are restricted until activated.Until recently, RBR E3s were believed to be a subclass of RING E3s, which allosterically activate E2 conjugated with ubiquitin (E2∼Ub). However, Wenzel et al (2011) determined that they are actually hybrid E3s, containing an E2 binding site in RING1 and a catalytic cysteine residue in the domain designated as RING2. The catalytic cysteine is an acceptor for an ubiquitin from RING1-bound E2∼Ub forming an intermediate (E3∼Ub) that leads to substrate or autoubiquitination. In this way, RBRs resemble HECT E3s, which also form catalytic intermediates in ubiquitination. There are 13 human RBR family E3s. Besides Parkin, two notable RBRs are HOIL-1 and HOIP, which form part of a complex integral to NF-κB activation (Wenzel and Klevit, 2012).In addition to causal roles in AR-JP, single allele mutations of Parkin are found in some sporadic cases of PD (references in Wauer and Komander, 2013). Mutations in the Parkin-associated kinase PINK1, which is upstream of Parkin, also account for a significant number of AR-JP cases (Hardy et al, 2009; Narendra et al, 2012; Lazarou et al, 2013). A number of diverse Parkin substrates have been postulated to be associated with PD. There is substantial evidence that one role for Parkin is at mitochondria. Once activated and recruited to damaged/depolarized mitochondria by PINK1, it ubiquitinates exposed mitochondrial proteins leading to both proteasomal degradation and mitophagy (Narendra et al, 2012; Sarraf et al, 2013). Parkin has also been implicated in cell surface signalling and as a tumour suppressor (see references in Wauer and Komander, 2013).Parkin encodes five structured domains, beginning with an N-terminal ubiquitin-like domain (UbLD) and followed by four domains that each bind two zinc (Zn) atoms (Figure 1A). The most N-terminal of the Zn-binding domains is RING0. C-terminal to this is the RBR, consisting of RING1, the IBR and RING2. The crystal structures of inactive Parkin from Riley et al (2013), Trempe et al (2013) and Wauer and Komander (2013) show remarkable congruity. Spatially, the IBR is at the complete opposite end of the molecule from RING2, to which it is connected by a partially unstructured ∼37 residue linker. This linker includes a two-turn helix, referred to as the repressor element of Parkin (REP) or tether, which binds and occludes the E2 binding face of RING1. RING1 occupies the central position in these structures, and RING0 separates RING1 from RING2 (Figure 1B and C). The latter contains the residue identified by Wenzel et al (2011), and confirmed by all three groups, to be the catalytic cysteine, C431. A lower resolution structure also includes the UbLD and places this domain adjacent to RING1 (Trempe et al, 2013). A second unstructured linker connects the UbLD and RING0. UbLDs are involved in a number of protein–protein interactions and small angle X-ray scattering confirms that this domain is integral to the core structure of Parkin (Spratt et al, 2013; Trempe et al, 2013). Biophysical characterization of Parkin and HHARI suggests that each is a monomer in solution.Open in a separate windowFigure 1Schematic and spatial representation of Parkin. (A) Primary structure and domain designations of Parkin, including the REP sequence within the otherwise unstructured IBR-RING2 linker. (B) Structural representation of full-length Parkin (PDB 4K95) highlighting the complex domain interactions in the three-dimensional structure, the catalytic C431 residue, and residue W403 within the REP, which plays a role in stabilizing the autoinhibited form of Parkin. (C) A model of Parkin with the E2 UbcH5B/Ube2D2 bound (devised using PDB 4K95 and PDB 4AP4 to mimic the position of an E2 bound to RING1) to illustrate the required displacement of UbLD and REP and the large distance between the E2∼Ub attachment site of the E2 and the catalytic active site of Parkin. Note that in this conformation the catalytic Cys within RING2 (C431) remains buried by RING0.RING1 is the only bona fide RING domain. All NMR and crystal structures of IBR domains from Parkin, HHARI and HOIP (PDB ID: 2CT7) are in good agreement. The Parkin and HHARI RING2s are structurally highly homologous and share a common Zn-coordinating arrangement with IBR domains. In contrast to the IBR and RING2, RING0 has a distinct arrangement of Zn-coordinating residues (Beasley et al, 2007; Duda et al, 2013; Riley et al, 2013; Spratt et al, 2013; Trempe et al, 2013; Wauer and Komander, 2013) (see Figure 1F of Trempe et al (2013) for the various Zn coordination arrangements).All of the Parkin crystal structures represent inactive forms of the E3. This is imposed by the quaternary positioning of the domains, which precludes activity in multiple ways. RING0 plays two obvious roles to maintain Parkin in an inactive state. RING0 shares an interface with RING2 and buries C431, making it unavailable as an ubiquitin acceptor. Moreover, RING0 intervenes between RING1 and RING2, creating an insurmountable separation of >50 Å between the active site Cys of an E2 bound to RING1 and C431 (Figure 1B and C). Thus, RING0 must be displaced for ubiquitin transfer to occur. Accordingly, deletion of RING0 results in a marked increase in Parkin autoubiquitination and in C431 reactivity (Riley et al, 2013; Trempe et al, 2013; Wauer and Komander, 2013). In HHARI, these two inhibitory functions are fulfilled by the C-terminal Ariadne domain, which similarly interposes between RING1 and RING2 (Duda et al, 2013).Additional inhibition is provided by the REP, which binds to RING1 at the canonical RING-E2 binding site and prevents E2 binding. This provides at least a partial explanation for the impaired ability of Parkin to bind E2 when compared to HHARI, which lacks this element (Duda et al, 2013). A disease-associated REP mutant (A398T) at the RING1 interface increases autoubiquitination (Wauer and Komander, 2013). The significance of inhibition by REP-RING1 binding was verified by mutating a critical RING1-interacting REP residue (W403A). This increased autoubiquitination and E2 binding (Trempe et al, 2013). Consistent with the requirement for charging C431 with ubiquitin in mitochondrial translocation (Lazarou et al, 2013), Parkin association with depolarized mitochondria is accelerated with this mutation (Trempe et al, 2013). Interestingly, W403 also interacts with the C-terminal Val of Parkin within RING2, and could therefore potentially further stabilize the autoinhibited form of the protein (Riley et al, 2013), consistent with previous observations (Henn et al, 2005).The quaternary structure of full-length Parkin also suggests that displacement of its N-terminal UbLD must occur for full activation (Trempe et al, 2013). The positioning of the UbLD adjacent to RING1 indicates that it would provide a steric impediment to E2∼Ub binding (Figure 1B and C). Additionally, displacement of the UbLD could be important to relieve interactions with the IBR-RING2 linker, which, as suggested in a previous study (Chaugule et al, 2011), might help to maintain Parkin in an inactive state. Finally, the crystal structure of the full-length Parkin indicates that the UbLD is not available for interactions with other proteins. This would limit Parkin''s range of intermolecular interactions.RBR E3s have at least two domains critical for sequential ubiquitin transfer and full activity, RING1 and RING2. The RING1 of Parkin, as well as all other RBR E3s, is notable in lacking the basic residue in the second Zn coordinating loop (or its equivalent in U-box proteins), which has recently been implicated in RING-mediated transfer of Ub from E2∼Ub (Metzger et al, 2013). This suggests that other factors play compensatory roles in positioning ubiquitin for transfer from E2∼Ub to C431. A non-mutually exclusive possibility is that the lack of this basic residue in RING1 limits unwanted attack on the E2∼Ub linkage, thereby minimizing the unregulated ubiquitination. Turning to RING2, the area surrounding the active site C431 of Parkin is notable in that it includes a sequence recognizable as a catalytic triad, similar to that in deubiquitinating enzymes. The Cys-His-Glu grouping, found in Parkin and other RBR E3s, contributes to in vitro activity (Riley et al, 2013; Wauer and Komander, 2013). Interestingly, however, the Glu was dispensable in a cellular assay (Riley et al, 2013). This triad is conserved in HHARI, where an Asn between the Cys and His residues (found in a number of RBRs but not conserved in Parkin), was found to be important for catalysis (Duda et al, 2013).The advances made in these studies impart significant information about an important and clinically relevant E3. However, Parkin, as well as HHARI, has been captured in their inactive, unmodified forms. One obvious question is how does Parkin transition between inactive and active states. PINK1 is implicated in phosphorylating Parkin on its UbLD and potentially other sites, with evidence that phosphorylation contributes to Parkin activation (Narendra et al, 2012). How phosphorylation could contribute to protein interactions that might facilitate Parkin activation, potentially including Parkin oligomerization (Lazarou et al, 2013), is unknown. Regardless, it is evident that considerable unwinding of its quaternary structure must take place.While there is much work ahead to understand these processes, one important interface that must be disrupted for activation is that between the REP and RING1. It is intriguing to consider that such interruption might be associated with other alterations in the IBR-RING2 linker, potentially facilitating the movement of the UbLD from RING1 and contributing to activation. Related to activation is the all-important question of how Parkin recognizes and targets specific substrates. While the UbLD represents a potential site of interaction, most purported substrates are not known to have UbLD-interaction domains. Although interactions involving the UbLD could occur indirectly, through bridging molecules, there is also evidence that other regions of Parkin, including the RBR region, might recognize substrates either directly or indirectly (Tsai et al, 2003) and that some substrates may be phosphorylated by PINK1 (Narendra et al, 2012). Conformational changes induced by substrate interactions, particularly in the IBR RING2 linker, could, as above, represent an important aspect of activation.There are over 75 missense mutations of Parkin associated with AR-JP, most of these inactivate the protein, but there are also some that are activating (Wauer and Komander, 2013). Activating mutations presumably result in pathology at least partially as a consequence of increased autoubiquitination and degradation (e.g., A398T). The current studies help to provide a classification of missense mutations into those that affect (i) folding or stability, (ii) catalytic mechanism, and (iii) interactions between domains. Interdomain mutations might inactivate or contribute to constitutive activation leading to autoubiquitination and degradation.Finally, we know little about how the autosomal recessive and the much more prevalent sporadic forms of PD overlap in their molecular pathology. However, mitochondrial dysfunction is increasingly a common theme. Thus, with the structure of the inactive protein in hand, there is hope that we can begin to consider ways in which domain interactions might be altered in a controlled manner to activate, but not hyperactivate, this critical E3 and lessen the progression of PD.     

Protection by natural IgG: a sweet partnership with soluble lectins does the trick!

EMBO J 32: 2905–2919 10.1038/emboj.2013.199; published online September032013Some B cells of the adaptive immune system secrete polyreactive immunoglobulin G (IgG) in the absence of immunization or infection. Owing to its limited affinity and specificity, this natural IgG is thought to play a modest protective role. In this issue, a report reveals that natural IgG binds to microbes following their opsonization by ficolin and mannan-binding lectin (MBL), two carbohydrate receptors of the innate immune system. The interaction of natural IgG with ficolins and MBL protects against pathogenic bacteria via a complement-independent mechanism that involves IgG receptor FcγRI expressing macrophages. Thus, natural IgG enhances immunity by adopting a defensive strategy that crossovers the conventional boundaries between innate and adaptive microbial recognition systems.The adaptive immune system generates protective somatically recombined antibodies through a T cell-dependent (TD) pathway that involves follicular B cells. After recognizing antigen through the B-cell receptor (BCR), follicular B cells establish a cognate interaction with CD4⁺ T follicular helper (T_FH) cells and thereafter either rapidly differentiate into short-lived IgM-secreting plasmablasts or enter the germinal centre (GC) of lymphoid follicles to complete class switch recombination (CSR) and somatic hypermutation (SHM) (Victora and Nussenzweig, 2012). CSR from IgM to IgG, IgA and IgE generates antibodies with novel effector functions, whereas SHM provides the structural correlate for the induction of affinity maturation (Victora and Nussenzweig, 2012). Eventually, this canonical TD pathway generates long-lived bone marrow plasma cells and circulating memory B cells that produce protective class-switched antibodies capable to recognize specific antigens with high affinity (Victora and Nussenzweig, 2012).In addition to post-immune monoreactive antibodies, B cells produce pre-immune polyreactive antibodies in the absence of conventional antigenic stimulation (Ehrenstein and Notley, 2010). These natural antibodies form a vast and stable repertoire that recognizes both non-protein and protein antigens with low affinity (Ehrenstein and Notley, 2010). Natural antibodies usually emerge from a T cell-independent (TI) pathway that involves innate-like B-1 and marginal zone (MZ) B cells. These are extrafollicular B-cell subsets that rapidly differentiate into short-lived antibody-secreting plasmablasts after detecting highly conserved microbial and autologus antigens through polyreactive BCRs and nonspecific germline-encoded pattern recognition receptors (Pone et al, 2012; Cerutti et al, 2013).The most studied natural antibody is IgM, a pentameric complement-activating molecule with high avidity but low affinity for antigen (Ehrenstein and Notley, 2010). In addition to promoting the initial clearance of intruding microbes, natural IgM regulates tissue homeostasis, immunological tolerance and tumour surveillance (Ochsenbein et al, 1999; Zhou et al, 2007; Ehrenstein and Notley, 2010). Besides secreting IgM, B-1 and MZ B cells produce IgG and IgA after receiving CSR-inducing signals from dendritic cells (DCs), macrophages and neutrophils of the innate immune system (Cohen and Norins, 1966; Cerutti et al, 2013). In humans, certain natural IgG and IgA are moderately mutated and show some specificity, which may reflect the ability of human MZ B cells to undergo SHM (Cerutti et al, 2013). Yet, natural IgG and IgA are generally perceived as functionally quiescent.In this issue, Panda et al show that natural IgG bound to a broad spectrum of bacteria with high affinity by cooperating with ficolin and MBL (Panda et al, 2013), two ancestral soluble lectins of the innate immune system (Holmskov et al, 2003). This binding involved some degree of specificity, because it required the presence of ficolin or MBL on the microbial surface as well as lower pH and decreased calcium concentration in the extracellular environment as a result of infection or inflammation (see Figure 1).Open in a separate windowFigure 1Ficolins and MBL are produced by hepatocytes and various cells of the innate immune system and opsonize bacteria after recognizing conserved carbohydrates. Low pH and calcium concentrations present under infection-inflammation conditions promote the interaction of ficolin or MBL with natural IgG on the surface of bacteria. The resulting immunocomplex is efficiently phagocytosed by macrophages through FcγR1 independently of the complement protein C3, leading to the clearance of bacteria.Ficolins and MBL are soluble pattern recognition receptors that opsonize microbes after binding to glycoconjugates through distinct carbohydrate recognition domain (CRD) structures (Holmskov et al, 2003). While ficolins use a fibrinogen domain, MBL and other members of the collectin family use a C-type lectin domain attached to a collagen-like region (Holmskov et al, 2003). Similar to pentraxins, ficolins and MBL are released by innate effector cells and hepatocytes, and thus may have served as ancestral antibody-like molecules prior to the inception of the adaptive immune system (Holmskov et al, 2003; Bottazzi et al, 2010). Of note, MBL and the MBL-like complement protein C1q are recruited by natural IgM to mediate complement-dependent clearance of autologous apoptotic cells and microbes (Holmskov et al, 2003; Ehrenstein and Notley, 2010). Panda et al found that a similar lectin-dependent co-optation strategy enhances the protective properties of natural IgG (Panda et al, 2013).By using bacteria and the bacterial glycan N-acetylglicosamine, Panda et al show that natural IgG isolated from human serum or T cell-deficient mice interacted with the fibrinogen domain of microbe-associated ficolins (Panda et al, 2013). The resulting immunocomplex was phagocytosed by macrophages via the IgG receptor FcγRI in a complement-independent manner (Panda et al, 2013). The additional involvement of MBL was demonstrated by experiments showing that natural IgG retained some bacteria-binding activity in the absence of ficolins (Panda et al, 2013).Surface plasmon resonance provided some clues regarding the molecular requirements of the ficolin–IgG interaction (Panda et al, 2013), but the conformational changes required by ficolin to interact with natural IgG remain to be addressed. In particular, it is unclear what segment of the effector Fc domain of natural IgG binds to ficolins and whether Fc-associated glycans are involved in this binding. Specific glycans have been recently shown to mitigate the inflammatory properties of IgG emerging from TI responses (Hess et al, 2013) and this process could implicate ficolins and MBL. Moreover, it would be important to elucidate whether and how the antigen-binding Fab portion of natural IgG regulates its interaction with ficolins and MBL.The in vivo protective role of natural IgG was elegantly demonstrated by showing that reconstitution of IgG-deficient mice lacking the CSR-enzyme activation-induced cytidine deaminase with natural IgG from T cell-insufficient animals enhanced resistance to pathogenic Pseudomonas aeruginosa (Panda et al, 2013). This protective effect was associated with reduced production of proinflammatory cytokines, occurred independently of the complement protein C3 and was impaired by peptides capable to inhibit the binding of natural IgG to ficolin (Panda et al, 2013). Additional in vivo studies will be needed to determine whether natural IgG exerts protective activity in mice lacking ficolin, MBL or FcγRI, and to ascertain whether these molecules also enhance the protective properties of canonical or natural IgG and IgA released by bone marrow plasma cells and mucosal plasma cells, respectively.In conclusion, the findings by Panda et al show that natural IgG adopts ‘crossover'' defensive strategies that blur the conventional boundaries between the innate and adaptive immune systems. The sophisticated integration of somatically recombined and germline-encoded antigen recognition systems described in this new study shall stimulate immunologists to further explore the often underestimated protective virtues of our vast natural antibody repertoire. This effort may lead to the development of novel therapies against infections.     

Cilia born out of shock and stress

EMBO J (2013) 32 23, 3029–3040 10.1038/emboj.2013.223; published online October112013Primary cilia are cell surface sensory organelles, whose dysfunction underlies various human genetic diseases collectively termed ciliopathies. A new study in The EMBO Journal by Villumsen et al now reveals how stress–response pathways converge to stimulate ciliogenesis by modulating protein composition of centriolar satellites. Better understanding of these mechanisms should bring us closer to identifying the cellular defects that underlie ciliopathies caused by mutations in centriolar satellite proteins.Centrioles are barrel-shaped structures with two distinct identities. In proliferating cells centrioles provide structural support for the centrosome, a key microtubule-organizing centre, whereas in quiescent cells centrioles are converted into basal bodies and promote the assembly of primary cilia. In centrosomes, centrioles are embedded in pericentriolar material (PCM), a dynamic structure responsible for microtubule nucleation. PCM proteins exhibit cell cycle-dependent localisation, achieved at least in part by the regulation of their transport. Centriolar satellites, dense fibrous granules frequently clustered around the interphase centrosome, have been implicated in microtubule-dependent protein transport to centrosomes (Kubo et al, 1999). In particular, PCM-1, the core constituent of centriolar satellites, is required for centrosomal accumulation of several PCM components (Dammermann and Merdes, 2002). Although the proteomic composition of satellites is still elusive, the growing list of satellite proteins includes CEP131/AZI1 (Staples et al, 2012), CEP290 (Stowe et al, 2012), Bardet-Biedl syndrome protein 4 (BBS4) and Oral facial digital syndrome protein (OFD1; Lopes et al, 2011). Mutations in OFD1, CEP290 and BBS4 cause ciliopathies (Kim et al, 2008), underscoring a functional link between satellites and ciliogenesis. So far, two roles have been proposed for satellites in cilia formation: First, in cycling cells they may serve to sequester essential ciliary proteins (Stowe et al, 2012). Second, upon initiation of the ciliogenesis programme, centriolar satellite components seem to promote the recruitment of specific ciliary proteins to basal bodies (Ferrante et al, 2006; Lopes et al, 2011; Stowe et al, 2012).In a new study in The EMBO Journal, Villumsen et al (2013) now describe how stress–response pathways conspire to control ciliogenesis. The authors observed that specific environmental stresses, such as ultraviolet light radiation (UV) or heat shock, but not ionizing radiation (IR), trigger rapid displacement of PCM-1, AZI1 and CEP290 from centriolar satellites. However, OFD1 remained associated with satellites, indicating that centriolar satellites persist despite UV-induced removal of PCM-1. This might come as some surprise, since PCM-1 depletion by RNA interference (RNAi) is thought to disrupt satellite integrity (Kim et al, 2008; Lopes et al, 2011); however, satellite loss upon PCM-1 RNAi may be a consequence of prolonged depletion of PCM-1, while acute PCM-1 displacement by stress might only ‘remodel'' centriolar satellites. It is also possible that not all satellites are created equal, and they do vary in protein composition (Kim et al, 2008; Staples et al, 2012). If so, UV-induced PCM-1 removal may disrupt some, but not all satellites.A good candidate regulator of centriolar satellite remodelling was the stress-activated MAP kinase p38, and indeed, Villumsen et al (2013) found p38 MAPK activity to be stimulated by both UV and heat shock but not IR in U2OS cells, mirroring those very stress pathways that also cause displacement of AZI1 and PCM-1 from satellites. Furthermore, p38 MAPK was essential for UV-induced dispersal of PCM-1 and AZI1. The authors then tested the hypothesis that stress-induced centriolar satellite remodelling could involve changes in the interactome of AZI1, and—consistent with an earlier proteomics study (Akimov et al, 2011)—identified PCM-1, CEP290 and the mindbomb E3 ubiquitin protein ligase 1 (MIB1) as the main AZI1 binding partners. GFP-MIB1 localized to centriolar satellites and mono-ubiquitylated AZI1, PCM-1 and CEP290 in cycling cells. In response to UV, both ubiquitylation of these proteins and MIB1 activity were reduced; notably, UV-induced MIB1 inactivation was independent of p38 MAPK activity, indicating that these two enzymes may act via distinct pathways (Figure 1A).Open in a separate windowFigure 1(A) Regulation of centriolar satellite remodelling. (B) Schematic summary of how centriolar satellite remodelling might facilitate ciliogenesis. See text for details.What could be the purpose of MIB1-dependent ubiquitylation of these satellite proteins? It certainly does not seem to regulate subcellular targeting, as in MIB1-depleted cells, AZI1 and PCM-1 both localised normally to centriolar satellites and could still be displaced by UV. Instead, ubiquitylation seems to suppress the interaction between AZI1 and PCM-1, consistent with the observation that UV, a condition that also reduces their ubiquitylation, enhances the binding of AZI1 to PCM-1.PCM-1, CEP290 and AZI1 all participate in ciliogenesis (Kim et al, 2008; Wilkinson et al, 2009; Stowe et al, 2012), raising the possibility that MIB1 might also affect this process. Indeed, serum starvation, which is known to promote cilia formation, attenuated MIB1 activity. Furthermore, MIB1 overexpression reduced the ciliogenesis observed in serum-starved cells, while MIB1 depletion in proliferating cells triggered a marked increase in the proportion of cells that formed cilia; this seems to reflect a direct effect of MIB1 on ciliogenesis, since neither MIB1 depletion nor overexpression altered cell cycle progression. Taken together, downregulation of MIB1 enzymatic activity appears to be a pre-requisite for efficient ciliogenesis, regardless of whether it is triggered by physiological ciliogenesis-promoting signals or by environmental stresses, making MIB1 a novel negative regulator of cilia formation.The recent discovery of ciliopathy-associated mutations in constituents of the DNA damage response signalling pathway pointed to a connection between DNA damage and ciliogenesis (Chaki et al, 2012). With the new link between UV and centriolar satellites, the authors next asked if UV radiation might affect ciliogenesis. Remarkably, UV and heat shock both triggered cilia assembly in RPE-1 cells in a p38 MAPK-dependent manner. MIB1 depletion further enhanced ciliogenesis after UV radiation, again implying an additive effect of p38 MAPK signalling and MIB1 suppression (Figure 1A).While finer details on the precise role of centriolar satellite components in cilia formation are still lacking, a more coherent picture is finally starting to emerge. In cycling cells, ubiquitination by MIB1 could serve to limit the interaction between AZI1 and PCM-1 on centriolar satellites (Figure 1B). Under these conditions PCM-1 may bind and sequester CEP290, an essential ciliogenic protein, thereby precluding untimely cilia formation (Stowe et al, 2012). Both during normal and stress-induced ciliogenesis programs, remodelling of centriolar satellites creates a permissive environment for cilia formation, and a key step in this process is downregulation of MIB1 activity. While it remains to be established how the latter is achieved, it is clear that MIB1 inactivation causes loss of ubiquitylation and increased binding between AZI1 and PCM-1. Preferential interaction of PCM-1 with AZI1 could in turn facilitate release of CEP290 from centriolar satellites and its subsequent accumulation at the centrosome. Once CEP290 reaches the optimum concentration at the centriole/basal body, it could serve to tether AZI1–PCM-1 complexes. PCM-1 could then concentrate Rab8 GTPase near centrosomes, allowing CEP290 to recruit Rab8 into the cilium, where it acts to extend the ciliary membrane (Kim et al, 2008).Collectively, the findings reported here provide strong experimental support to the notion that centriolar satellites are negative regulators of ciliogenesis in proliferating cells. Their role is central to limit untimely formation of cilia in cells. Environmental strains elicit stress–response pathways that converge to relieve the ciliogenesis block imposed by satellites. It is tempting to speculate that stress-induced cilia might serve as signalling platforms and contribute to checkpoint activation or perhaps initiation of repair mechanisms, but more work is needed to establish the true purpose of ciliogenesis in this context. It is of considerable interest that a recent study reports that autophagy, another stress-induced pathway, selectively removes OFD1 from satellites to promote ciliogenesis (Tang et al, 2013). Therefore stress-mediated centriolar satellite remodelling seems to be an evolving theme in the control of ciliogenesis.     

Stimulating cROSstalk between commensal bacteria and intestinal stem cells

EMBO J (2013) 32 23, 3017–3028 10.1038/emboj.2013.224; published online October182013Commensal gut bacteria benefit their host in many ways, for instance by aiding digestion and producing vitamins. In a new study in The EMBO Journal, Jones et al (2013) report that commensal bacteria can also promote intestinal epithelial renewal in both flies and mice. Interestingly, among commensals this effect is most specific to Lactobacilli, the friendly bacteria we use to produce cheese and yogurt. Lactobacilli stimulate NADPH oxidase (dNox/Nox1)-dependent ROS production by intestinal enterocytes and thereby activate intestinal stem cells.The human gut contains huge numbers of bacteria (∼10¹⁴/person) that play beneficial roles for our health, including digestion, building our immune system and competing with harmful microbes (Sommer and Backhed, 2013). Both commensal and pathogenic bacteria can elicit antimicrobial responses in the intestinal epithelium and also stimulate epithelial turnover (Buchon et al, 2013; Sommer and Backhed, 2013). In contrast to gut pathogens, relatively little is known about how commensal bacteria influence intestinal turnover. In a simple yet elegant study reported recently in The EMBO Journal, Jones et al (2013) show that among several different commensal bacteria tested, only Lactobacilli promoted much intestinal stem cell (ISC) proliferation, and it did so by stimulating reactive oxygen species (ROS) production. Interestingly, the specific effect of Lactobacilli was similar in both Drosophila and mice. In addition to distinguishing functional differences between species of commensals, this work suggests how the ingestion of Lactobacillus-containing probiotic supplements or food (e.g., yogurt) might support epithelial turnover and health.In both mammals and insects, ISCs give rise to intestinal enterocytes, which not only absorb nutrients from the diet but must also interact with the gut microbiota (Jiang and Edgar, 2012). The metazoan intestinal epithelium has developed conserved responses to enteric bacteria, for instance the expression of antimicrobial peptides (AMPs; Gallo and Hooper, 2012; Buchon et al, 2013), presumably to kill harmful bacteria while allowing symbiotic commensals to flourish. In addition to AMPs, intestinal epithelial cells use NADPH family oxidases to generate ROS that are used as microbicides (Lambeth and Neish, 2013). High ROS levels during enteric infections likely act non-discriminately against both commensals and pathogens, but controlled, low-level ROS can act as signalling molecules that regulate various cellular processes including proliferation (Lambeth and Neish, 2013). In flies, exposure to pathogenic Gram-negative bacteria has been reported to result in ROS (H₂O₂) production by an enzyme called dual oxidase (Duox; Ha et al, 2005). Duox activity in the fly intestine (and likely also the mammalian one) has recently been discovered to be stimulated by uracil secretion by pathogenic bacteria (Lee et al, 2013). In the mammalian intestine another enzyme, NADPH oxidase (Nox), has also been shown to produce ROS in the form of superoxide (O₂⁻), in this case in response to formylated bacterial peptides (Lambeth and Neish, 2013). A conserved role for Nox in the Drosophila intestinal epithelium had not until now been explored.Jones et al (2013) checked seven different commensal bacterial to see which would stimulate ROS production by the fly''s intestinal epithelium, and found that only one species, a Gram-positive Lactobacillus, could stimulate significant production of ROS in intestinal enterocytes. Five bacterial species were checked in mice or cultured intestinal cells, and again it was a Lactobacillus that generated the strongest ROS response. Although not all of the most prevalent enteric bacteria were assayed, those others that were—such as E. coli—induced only mild, barely detectable levels of ROS in enterocytes. Surprisingly, although bacteria pathogenic to Drosophila, like Erwinia caratovora, were expected to stimulate ROS production via Duox, Jones et al (2013) did not observe this using the ROS detecting dye hydrocyanine-Cy3, or a ROS-sensitive transgene reporter, Glutatione S-transferase-GFP, in flies. Further, Jones et al (2013) found that genetically suppressing Nox in either Drosophila or mice decreased ROS production after Lactobacillus ingestion. Consistent with the important role of Nox, Duox appeared not to be required for ROS production after Lactobacillus ingestion. In addition, Jones et al (2013) found that Lactobacilli also promoted DNA replication—a metric of cell proliferation and epithelial renewal—in the fly''s intestine, and that this was also ROS- and Nox-dependent. Again, the same relationship was found in the mouse small intestine. Together, these results suggest a conserved mechanism by which Lactobacilli can stimulate Nox-dependent ROS production in intestinal enterocytes and thereby promote ISC proliferation and enhance gut epithelial renewal.In the fly midgut, uracil produced by pathogenic bacteria can stimulate Duox-dependent ROS production, which is thought to act as a microbicide (Lee et al, 2013), and can also promote ISC proliferation (Buchon et al, 2009). However, Duox-produced ROS may also damage the intestinal epithelium itself and thereby promote epithelial regeneration indirectly through stress responses. In this disease scenario, ROS appears to be sensed by the stress-activated Jun N-terminal Kinase (JNK; Figure 1A), which can induce pro-proliferative cytokines of the Leptin/IL-6 family (Unpaireds, Upd1–3) (Buchon et al, 2009; Jiang et al, 2009). These cytokines activate JAK/STAT signalling in the ISCs, promoting their growth and proliferation, and accelerating regenerative repair of the gut epithelium (Buchon et al, 2009; Jiang et al, 2009). It is also possible, however, that low-level ROS, or specific types of ROS (e.g., H₂O₂) might induce ISC proliferation directly by acting as a signal between enterocytes and ISCs. Since commensal Lactobacillus stimulates ROS production via Nox rather than Duox, this might be a case in which a non-damaging ROS signal promotes intestinal epithelial renewal without stress signalling or a microbicidal effect (Figure 1B). However, Jones et al (2013) stopped short of ruling out a role for oxidative damage, cell death or stress signalling in the intestinal epithelium following colonization by Lactobacilli, and so these parameters must be checked in future studies. Perhaps even the friendliest symbiotes cause a bit of ‘healthy'' damage to the gut lining, stimulating it to refresh and renew. Whether damage-dependent or not, the stimulation of Drosophila ISC proliferation by commensals and pathogens alike appears to involve the same cytokine (Upd3; Buchon et al, 2009), and so some of the differences between truly pathogenic and ‘friendly'' gut microbes might be ascribed more to matters of degree than qualitative distinctions. Future studies exploring exactly how different types of ROS signals stimulate JNK activity, gut cytokine expression and epithelial renewal should be able to sort this out, and perhaps help us learn how to better manage the ecosystems in our own bellies. From the lovely examples reported by Jones et al (2013), an experimental back-and-forth between the Drosophila and mouse intestine seems an informative way to go.Open in a separate windowFigure 1Metazoan intestinal epithelial responses to commensal and pathogenic bacteria. (A) High reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels generated by dual oxidase (Duox) in response to uracil secretion by pathogenic bacteria. (B) Low ROS levels generated by NADPH oxidase (Nox) in response to commensal bacteria. In addition to acting as a microbiocide, ROS in flies may stimulate JNK signaling and cytokine (Upd 1–3) expression in enterocytes, thereby stimulating ISC proliferation and epithelial turnover or regeneration. Whether this stimulation required damage to or loss of enterocytes has yet to be explored.     

Pseudotyping Incompatibility between HIV-1 and Gibbon Ape Leukemia Virus Env Is Modulated by Vpu

The Env protein from gibbon ape leukemia virus (GaLV) has been shown to be incompatible with human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1) in the production of infectious pseudotyped particles. This incompatibility has been mapped to the C-terminal cytoplasmic tail of GaLV Env. Surprisingly, we found that the HIV-1 accessory protein Vpu modulates this incompatibility. The infectivity of HIV-1 pseudotyped with murine leukemia virus (MLV) Env was not affected by Vpu. However, the infectivity of HIV-1 pseudotyped with an MLV Env with the cytoplasmic tail from GaLV Env (MLV/GaLV Env) was restricted 50- to 100-fold by Vpu. A Vpu mutant containing a scrambled membrane-spanning domain, Vpu_RD, was still able to restrict MLV/GaLV Env, but mutation of the serine residues at positions 52 and 56 completely alleviated the restriction. Loss of infectivity appeared to be caused by reduced MLV/GaLV Env incorporation into viral particles. The mechanism of this downmodulation appears to be distinct from Vpu-mediated CD4 downmodulation because Vpu-expressing cells that failed to produce infectious HIV-1 particles nonetheless continued to display robust surface MLV/GaLV Env expression. In addition, if MLV and HIV-1 were simultaneously introduced into the same cells, only the HIV-1 particle infectivity was restricted by Vpu. Collectively, these data suggest that Vpu modulates the cellular distribution of MLV/GaLV Env, preventing its recruitment to HIV-1 budding sites.The gammaretrovirus gibbon ape leukemia virus (GaLV) has been widely used for gene therapy because of its wide host cell tropism and nonpathogenicity (1, 6, 10, 12, 13, 20). The host cell receptor for GaLV Env has been cloned and identified as a sodium-dependent phosphate transporter protein (25, 26). Like other retroviruses, GaLV encodes a single transmembrane surface glycoprotein (GaLV Env), which is cleaved into surface (SU) and transmembrane (TM) subunits (Fig. ​(Fig.1).1). The TM domain of GaLV Env contains a short 30-amino-acid C-terminal cytoplasmic tail. Although GaLV Env functions well when coupled (pseudotyped) with murine leukemia virus (MLV)-based retroviral vectors, it has been shown to be completely incompatible with HIV-1 (4, 35). When GaLV Env is expressed with HIV-1, essentially no infectious HIV-1 particles are produced (4, 35). The mechanism for this infectivity downmodulation is unknown, but the component of GaLV Env responsible for the restriction has been mapped to the cytoplasmic tail. Replacing the cytoplasmic tail of GaLV Env with the equivalent sequence from MLV Env ameliorates the restriction. Likewise, replacing the cytoplasmic tail of MLV Env with that from GaLV Env confers the restriction (4).Open in a separate windowFIG. 1.Schematic of MLV Env protein. Sequences are the C-terminal cytoplasmic tails of MLV Env, GaLV Env, and human CD4. GaLV sequences in boldface are residues that have been shown to modulate the HIV-1 incompatibility (4). Underlined sequences in CD4 are amino acids required for Vpu-mediated downmodulation (2, 15). Arrows denote the location of MLV/GaLV tail substitution. SU, surface domain; TM, transmembrane domain.Vpu is an 81-amino-acid HIV-1 accessory protein produced from the same mRNA as the HIV-1 Env gene. The N terminus of Vpu contains a membrane-spanning domain, followed by a 50-amino-acid cytoplasmic domain. Vpu is unique to HIV-1 and a few closely related SIV strains. The best-characterized roles for Vpu in the HIV-1 life cycle are modulation of host proteins CD4 and tetherin (also known as BST-2, CD317, and HM1.24) (24, 38, 39). Vpu promotes the degradation of CD4 in the endoplasmic reticulum through a proteasome-dependent mechanism (29). The cytoplasmic tail of Vpu physically interacts with the cytoplasmic tail of CD4 and recruits the human β-transducing repeat-containing protein (β-TrCP) and E3 ubiquitin ligase components to polyubiquitinate and ultimately trigger the degradation of CD4 (18). Two serine residues at positions 52 and 56 of Vpu are phosphorylated by casein kinase-2 and are required for CD4 degradation (31, 32). The membrane-spanning domain of Vpu is not specifically required for CD4 degradation. A mutant protein containing a scrambled membrane-spanning sequence, Vpu_RD, is still able to trigger the degradation of CD4 (32). The region of CD4 that is targeted by Vpu is approximately 17 to 13 amino acids from the C terminus in the cytoplasmic tail (Fig. ​(Fig.1)1) (2, 15).In addition to degrading CD4, Vpu has also long been known to result in enhanced viral release (EVR) in certain cell lines (14, 36). Recently, the type I interferon-induced host protein tetherin was identified as being responsible for this Vpu-modulated restriction (24, 38). In the absence of Vpu, tetherin causes particles to remain tethered (hence the name) to the host cell postfission. Although Vpu counteracts the function of tetherin, the exact mechanism has not been fully elucidated. However, the mechanism for tetherin antagonism appears to be distinct from that for modulating CD4. Mutation of the serines 52 and 56 of Vpu abolish CD4 degradation, but only reduce EVR activity (5, 17, 21, 32). Some EVR activity remains even when much of the Vpu cytoplasmic tail is deleted (30). In addition, many mutations in the membrane-spanning domain, such as Vpu_RD, do not affect CD4 degradation and yet completely abolish EVR activity (27, 30, 37). The critical residues in tetherin for recognition by Vpu appear to be in the membrane-spanning domain and not the cytoplasmic tail (9, 19, 28). Although β-TrCP is required for complete EVR activity, there is no consensus whether the degradation of tetherin is proteasome or lysosome mediated (5, 7, 21) or whether degradation is required at all. In some cases there can be some EVR activity in the absence of tetherin degradation (17, 22).We demonstrate here that Vpu is responsible for the incompatibility between HIV-1 and GaLV Env. Glycoproteins containing the cytoplasmic tail from GaLV Env are prevented from being incorporated into HIV-1 particles by Vpu, effectively reducing infectious particle production by 50- to 100-fold. The serines at positions 52 and 56 are required for this restriction, but the membrane-spanning domain is not. Although the mechanism for this restriction appears similar to CD4 degradation, there are apparent differences. Vpu does not prevent surface expression, and it does not prevent its incorporation into MLV particles. Therefore, the mechanism of restriction appears to involve a system that does not rely directly on global protein degradation.     

Split decisions: oesophageal progenitor cell behaviour

Science advance online publication July192012; doi:10.1126/science.1218835The maintenance and regeneration of continually shedding epithelial tissues that make up the linings and barriers of our bodies requires rapid and continual input of proliferative progenitor cells for tissue homeostasis. The mechanisms by which epithelial progenitors cells maintain tissues remain controversial. In a recent Science paper, Doupé et al (2012) demonstrate that a population of equivalent progenitor cells support tissue homeostasis of the oesophagus without the need for slow cycling cells as described in other rapidly dividing epithelia.In tissues such as blood and skin in which differentiated cells constantly turnover, proliferative progenitor populations are required to continually produce lost differentiated cells. Several models have been proposed to explain mechanisms by which progenitor cells contribute to tissue maintenance (Figure 1). A hierarchical model has been suggested in which longer lived stem cells, which may also cycle slowly, produce highly proliferative cells with less self-renewal potential that differentiate into a restricted number of cells. Following proliferative cells in pulse-chase experiments and genetic lineage tracing has supported a hierarchical model in the blood, epidermis and intestine (Fuchs, 2009). Alternatively, an equivalency model has been proposed in which all proliferative progenitor cells are equally able to produce proliferative and differentiated progeny in a stochastic manner. Analysis of labelled clones has supported an equivalency model for progenitors in the interfollicular epidermis and intestine (Clayton et al, 2007; Doupé et al, 2010; Snippert et al, 2010).Open in a separate windowFigure 1Two types of models have been put forward to describe the pattern of progenitor behaviour within mammalian tissues. In the hierarchical model, a stem cell can produce proliferative progenitors with less self-renewal potential that differentiate into lineage-specific cells. Alternatively, an equivalency model has been proposed that assumes equal behaviour of progenitor cells to maintain tissue homeostasis.An elevated interest in understanding the dynamics of oesophageal epithelium has resulted, in part, from the rapid increase in the incidence of oesophageal adenocarcinoma (Devesa et al, 1998). The oesophagus is a stratified epithelium that lacks any appendages or glands, and thus consists of a basal layer of proliferative keratinocytes and several suprabasal layers of differentiated cells, which are continually shed. Previously, labelling of proliferative cells with DNA analogues has demonstrated that proliferation is restricted to the basal cells, which all proliferate in 5 days seemingly stochastically, supporting an equivalency model (Marques-Periera and Leblond, 1965). In contrast, studies using chimeric mice have suggested that proliferation of labelled progenitor cells occurs in a hierarchical manner (Thomas et al, 1988; Croagh et al, 2008).To address this controversy, a recent study in Science uses several genetic mouse models to define the contribution of proliferative basal cells to oesophageal homeostasis (Doupé et al, 2012). In one mouse model, the authors utilized a genetic pulse-chase system based on the tetracycline-regulated expression of the histone H2B-GFP (Tumbar et al, 2004). They find that the rapidly dividing epithelial cells of the oesophagus lose H2B-GFP expression after 4 weeks. These data suggest that either H2B-GFP is degraded (Waghmare et al, 2008) or oesophageal progenitor cells proliferate faster than their counterparts in skin epithelial appendages or blood lineages, which retain H2B-GFP after 4 weeks (Tumbar et al, 2004; Foudi et al, 2009).To analyse the properties of oesophageal progenitor cells in more detail, the authors label single cells using an inducible cre-lox genetic system and followed clones for a year. Similar to their results with this system in the tail and ear epidermis (Clayton et al, 2007; Doupé et al, 2010), the authors find that the size of the persistent clones is linear with time. Statistical analysis of the clone size data supports the ability of the cells to contribute to proliferative and non-proliferative (i.e., differentiated) progeny with equal probability. Thus, these data support a model in which all of the labelled cells are equivalent.In addition to homeostasis, the authors explore how proliferative progenitors contribute to alterations in tissue homeostasis. After inflicting wounds by biopsy, marked clones span both proliferative and non-proliferative zones of the healing oesophageal epithelium, suggesting that they maintain a progenitor fate with distinct phenotypes. With atRA treatment, the authors show that suprabasal cell formation increases, which is consistent with the known effect of atRA on the oesophagus (Lasnitzki, 1963). Statistical analysis reveals that the probability of forming basal and suprabasal cells was not altered with atRA administration. However, since proliferative cells exist in suprabasal layers during epithelial hyperplasia, additional analyses of cell state are required to determine if atRA maintains stochastic fate decisions of progenitor cells. Furthermore, the progenitor response to atRA treatment might be limited by niche space along the basement membrane like in intestinal crypt progenitor cells (Snippert et al, 2010).In summary, this study together with the authors'' previous work provides additional support for the existence of equivalent progenitor cells within stratified epithelium in several tissues. Additional studies revealing how epithelial progenitor cells behave when proliferation and differentiation are altered in the oesophagus could shed light on mechanisms for the pathogenesis of oesophageal tumours or diseases such as Barrett''s oesophagus.     

Chaperoning the synapse—NMNAT protects Bruchpilot from crashing

Maintaining active zone structure is crucial for synaptic function. In this issue of EMBO reports, NMNAT is shown to act as a chaperone that protects the active zone structural protein Bruchpilot from degradation.EMBO reports (2013) 14 1, 87–94 doi:10.1038/embor.2012.181Synapses perform several tasks independently from the cell body of the neuron, including synaptic vesicle recycling through endocytosis or local protein maturation and degradation. Failure to regulate protein function locally is detrimental to the nervous system as evidenced by neuronal dysfunctions that arise as a consequence of synaptic ageing. This relative synaptic autonomy comes with a need for mechanisms that ensure correct protein (re)folding, and there is accumulating evidence that key chap-erones have a central role in the regulation and maintenance of synaptic structural integrity and function [1]. Work by Grace Zhai''s group, published in this issue of EMBO reports, demonstrates a key role of the Drosophila nicotinamide mononucleotide adenylyltransferase (NMNAT) chaperone in the protection of active zone components against activity-induced degeneration (Fig 1; [2]).Open in a separate windowFigure 1Results reported by Zang and colleagues [2] reveal a specific role of nicotinamide mononucleotide adenylyltransferase (NMNAT) in preserving active zone structure against use-dependent decline. This protection is exerted by direct interaction with BRP and protection of this key structural protein against ubiquitination and subsequent degradation. BRP, Bruchpilot; Ub, ubiquitin.Active zones, the specialized sites for neurotransmitter release at presynaptic terminals, are characterized by a dense protein network called the cytomatrix at the active zone (CAZ). The protein machinery of the CAZ is responsible for efficient synaptic vesicle tethering, docking and fusion with the presynaptic membrane and, thus, for reliable signal transmission from the neuron to the postsynaptic cell. Clearly, proteins in the CAZ are tightly regulated, especially in response to external cues such as synaptic activity [3,4]. Yet, this particularly crowded protein environment might be favourable for the formation of non-functional—and sometimes toxic—protein aggregates. Chaperones that act at the synapse reduce the probability of crucial protein aggregation by preventing and reverting these inappropriate interactions, which happen as a result of environmental stress.One of these chaperones, the Drosophila neuroprotective NMNAT, was identified in a genetic screen for factors involved in synapse function [5]. Its chaperone activity was later confirmed by using in vitro and in vivo protein folding assays [6]. NMNAT null mutants show severe and early onset neurodegeneration, whereas neurodevelopment does not seem to be strongly affected. Interestingly, degeneration of photoreceptors lacking NMNAT can be significantly attenuated by limiting synaptic activity, either by rearing flies in the dark or by introducing the no receptor potential A (norpA) mutation that blocks phototransduction [5]. These results indicate that NMNAT protects adult neurons from activity-induced degeneration.In this issue of EMBO reports, Zang and colleagues report a role for NMNAT at the synapse. They observed that loss or reduced levels of NMNAT leads to a concomitant loss of several synaptic markers including cysteine-string protein (CSP), synaptotagmin and the active zone structural protein Bruchpilot (BRP). Remarkably, BRP was the only one of these proteins found to co-immunoprecipitate with NMNAT from brain lysates. Both proteins show approximately 50% co-localization at the neuromuscular junction when imaged by 3D-SIM^™ super-resolution microscopy, suggesting that NMNAT might act directly as a chaperone for maintaining a functional BRP conformation.Consistent with a protective role of NMNAT against BRP degradation, RNA interference-mediated NMNAT knockdown leads to BRP ubiquitination, whereas this modification was not detected in control brain lysates. Given the involvement of the ubiquitin proteasome pathway in regulating synaptic development and function [1], the authors tested the effect of the proteasome inhibitor MG-132 on BRP ubiquitination. They observed an increased level of BRP ubiquitination in wild-type flies fed with this drug, suggesting a role for the proteasome in the clearance of ubiquitinated BRP. By contrast, overexpression of NMNAT reduces the level of BRP ubiquitination both in the absence and the presence of MG-132, providing further evidence for the protective role of this chaperone against ubiquitination of BRP (Fig 1).a key role of the […] nicotinamide mononucleotide adenylyltransferase (NMNAT) chaperone in the protection of active zone components against activity-induced degenerationBRP is a cytoskeletal-like protein that is an integral component of T-bars—electron-dense structures that project from the presynaptic membrane and around which synaptic vesicles cluster. In agreement with a protective role of NMNAT against BRP ubiquitination, reduced levels of this chaperone give rise to a marked decrease in T-bar size in an age-dependent manner (Fig 1). Active zones are known to show dynamic changes in response to synaptic activity, and NMNAT was previously reported to protect photoreceptors against activity-induced degeneration [5]. The authors thus tested the effect of minimizing photoreceptor activity on active zone structure by keeping flies in the dark or inhibiting phototransduction by means of the norpA mutation. Both manipulations largely reversed the effect of NMNAT knockdown on T-bar size. Absence of light exposure also significantly reduced the amount of BRP that co-immunoprecipitates with NMNAT, indicating that neuronal activity regulates NMNAT–BRP interaction. Further experiments are needed to examine whether there is a positive correlation between synaptic activity and BRP ubiquitination levels, and whether NMNAT can indeed keep T-bar structure intact by protecting BRP against this modification under conditions of high synaptic activity.Finally, the study shows that reduced NMNAT levels not only caused a loss of BRP from the synapse but also a specific mislocalization of this protein to the cell body, where it accumulates in clusters together with the remaining NMNAT protein. Under these conditions BRP co-immunoprecipitated with the stress-induced Hsp70, a chaperone classically used as a marker for protein aggregation. It is still unclear whether these BRP clusters form as a result of defective anterograde trafficking and/or of enhanced retrograde transport of BRP. In the absence of light stimulation T-bars are properly assembled in nmnat null photoreceptors, but at this stage a role of NMNAT in regulating the axonal transport of BRP under conditions of normal synaptic activity cannot be excluded. Noticeably, two independent recent reports show involvement of NMNAT in mitochondrial mobility [7,8].As BRP and NMNAT co-localize and interact with one another, the simplest model that accounts for all the observations by Zang et al is that NMNAT directly prevents activity-induced ubiquitination of BRP and subsequent degradation. Yet, as its name indicates, this chaperone is an essential enzyme in NAD synthesis. It was previously shown by the Bellen lab that mutant versions of NMNAT, impaired for NAD production, rescue photoreceptor degeneration caused by loss of NMNAT [5]. This strongly suggests that NAD production is not required for stabilization of BRP but this might need further scrutiny [9].…reduced levels of this chaperone [NMNAT] give rise to a marked decrease in T-bar sizeWhile providing further insights into the role of NMNAT at the active zone in Drosophila, the paper by Zang et al might also have important implications for neurodegeneration in mammals. When ectopically expressed in mice, Nmnat has a protective role against Wallerian degeneration, that is, synapse and axon degeneration that rapidly occurs distal from an axonal wound in wild-type animals. This process is significantly delayed in mice overexpressing a chimaeric protein consisting of the amino-terminal 70 residues of the ubiquitination factor E4B (Ube4b) fused through a linker to Nmnat1, known as the Wallerian degeneration slow (Wld^s) protein. Conversely, mutations in the human NMNAT1 gene were characterized in several families with Leber congenital amaurosis—a severe, early-onset neurodegenerative disease of the retina [10,11,12,13]. As Wld^s or Nmnat1 overexpression protects axons from degeneration in various disease models [9], Nmnat1 emerges as a promising candidate for developing protective strategies against axonal degeneration in peripheral neuropathies such as amyotrophic lateral sclerosis but also in glaucoma, AIDS and other diseases [9].