Dynamin forms a Src kinase-sensitive complex with Cbl and regulates podosomes and osteoclast activity

Podosomes are highly dynamic actin-containing adhesion structures found in osteoclasts, macrophages, and Rous sarcoma virus (RSV)-transformed fibroblasts. After integrin engagement, Pyk2 recruits Src and the adaptor protein Cbl, forming a molecular signaling complex that is critical for cell migration, and deletion of any molecule in this complex disrupts podosome ring formation and/or decreases osteoclast migration. Dynamin, a GTPase essential for endocytosis, is also involved in actin cytoskeleton remodeling and is localized to podosomes where it has a role in actin turnover. We found that dynamin colocalizes with Cbl in the actin-rich podosome belt of osteoclasts and that dynamin forms a complex with Cbl in osteoclasts and when overexpressed in 293VnR or SYF cells. The association of dynamin with Cbl in osteoclasts was decreased by Src tyrosine kinase activity and we found that destabilization of the dynamin-Cbl complex involves the recruitment of Src through the proline-rich domain of Cbl. Overexpression of dynamin increased osteoclast bone resorbing activity and migration, whereas overexpression of dynK44A decreased osteoclast resorption and migration. These studies suggest that dynamin, Cbl, and Src coordinately participate in signaling complexes that are important in the assembly and remodeling of the actin cytoskeleton, leading to changes in osteoclast adhesion, migration, and resorption.     

Dissection of septin actin interactions using actin overexpression in Saccharomyces cerevisiae

Although many proteins can be overexpressed several fold without much effect on cell viability and morphology, some become toxic upon a slight increase in their intracellular level. This is particularly true for cytoskeletal proteins and has proven useful in the past for studying the cytoskeleton. In yeast, actin and tubulin are examples of proteins that cannot be overexpressed without affecting cell viability. Here, we have analysed the effect of actin overexpression in Saccharomyces cerevisiae. We show that actin overexpression interferes differently with distinct aspects of actin function. For example, two- to fourfold overexpression of actin did not affect the establishment of actin polarity, whereas it abrogated its maintenance. Also, actin structures that are barely visible in wild-type cells could be observed upon actin overexpression. This allowed us to identify a new ring-like actin structure genetically distinguishable from the actomyosin contractile ring. Formation of this actin structure upon actin overexpression was dependent on the septin cytoskeleton, the poorly understood cytokinetic protein Hof1 and the Arp2/3 complex. In contrast to the actomyosin ring, the ring formed upon actin overexpression required neither Myo1 nor formins for assembly. Therefore, we propose that Hof1 acts as a linker between actin and septins. Furthermore, we found that, in the absence of actin overexpression, a novel, Hof1-dependent actin belt is formed at the bud neck of anaphase cells. The physiological role of this belt might be related to that of the similar structure observed in dividing fission yeast.     

ARF6 Promotes the Formation of Rac1 and WAVE-Dependent Ventral F-Actin Rosettes in Breast Cancer Cells in Response to Epidermal Growth Factor

Coordination between actin cytoskeleton assembly and localized polarization of intracellular trafficking routes is crucial for cancer cell migration. ARF6 has been implicated in the endocytic recycling of surface receptors and membrane components and in actin cytoskeleton remodeling. Here we show that overexpression of an ARF6 fast-cycling mutant in MDA-MB-231 breast cancer-derived cells to mimick ARF6 hyperactivation observed in invasive breast tumors induced a striking rearrangement of the actin cytoskeleton at the ventral cell surface. This phenotype consisted in the formation of dynamic actin-based podosome rosette-like structures expanding outward as wave positive for F-actin and actin cytoskeleton regulatory components including cortactin, Arp2/3 and SCAR/WAVE complexes and upstream Rac1 regulator. Ventral rosette-like structures were similarly induced in MDA-MB-231 cells in response to epidermal growth factor (EGF) stimulation and to Rac1 hyperactivation. In addition, interference with ARF6 expression attenuated activation and plasma membrane targeting of Rac1 in response to EGF treatment. Our data suggest a role for ARF6 in linking EGF-receptor signaling to Rac1 recruitment and activation at the plasma membrane to promote breast cancer cell directed migration.     

Interaction between p230 and MACF1 is associated with transport of a glycosyl phosphatidyl inositol-anchored protein from the Golgi to the cell periphery

The molecular basis by which proteins are transported along cytoskeletal tracts from the trans-Golgi network (TGN) to the cell periphery remains poorly understood. Previously, using human autoimmune sera, we identified and characterized a TGN protein, p230/Golgin-245, an extensively coiled-coil protein with flexible amino- and carboxyl-terminal ends, that is anchored to TGN membranes and TGN-derived vesicles by its carboxyl-terminal GRIP domain. To identify molecules that interact with the flexible amino-terminal end of p230, we used this domain as bait to screen a human brain cDNA library in a yeast two-hybrid assay. We found that this domain interacts with the carboxyl-terminal domain of MACF1, a protein that cross-links microtubules to the actin cytoskeleton. The interaction was confirmed by co-immunoprecipitation, an in vitro binding assay, double immunofluorescence images demonstrating overlapped localization in HeLa cells, and co-localization of FLAG-tagged constructs containing the interacting domains of these two proteins with their endogenous partners. Expression in HeLa cells of FLAG-tagged constructs containing the interacting domains of p230 and MACF1 disrupted transport of the glycosyl phosphatidyl inositol-anchored marker protein conjugated with yellow fluorescent protein (YFP-SP-GPI), while trafficking of the transmembrane marker protein, vesicular stomatitis virus glycoprotein conjugated with YFP (VSVG3-GL-YFP), was unaffected. Our results suggest that p230, through its interaction with MACF1, provides the molecular link for transport of GPI-anchored proteins along the microtubule and actin cytoskeleton from the TGN to the cell periphery.     

A Truncating Mutation of TRAPPC9 Is Associated with Autosomal-Recessive Intellectual Disability and Postnatal Microcephaly

Although autosomal genes are increasingly recognized as important causes of intellectual disability, very few of them are known. We identified a genetic locus for autosomal-recessive nonsyndromic intellectual disability associated with variable postnatal microcephaly through homozygosity mapping of a consanguineous Israeli Arab family. Sequence analysis of genes in the candidate interval identified a nonsense nucleotide change in the gene that encodes TRAPPC9 (trafficking protein particle complex 9, also known as NIBP), which has been implicated in NF-κB activation and possibly in intracellular protein trafficking. TRAPPC9 is highly expressed in the postmitotic neurons of the cerebral cortex, and MRI analysis of affected patients shows defects in axonal connectivity. This suggests essential roles of TRAPPC9 in human brain development, possibly through its effect on NF-κB activation and protein trafficking in the postmitotic neurons of the cerebral cortex.     

Ciboulot regulates actin assembly during Drosophila brain metamorphosis

A dynamic actin cytoskeleton is essential for the remodeling of cell shape during development, but the specific roles of many actin partners remain unclear. Here we characterize a novel actin binding protein, Ciboulot (Cib), which plays a major role in axonal growth during Drosophila brain metamorphosis. Loss of Cib function leads to axonal growth defects in the central brain, while overexpression of the gene during development leads to overgrown projections. The Cib protein displays strong sequence similarity to beta-thymosins but has biochemical properties like profilin: the Cib-actin complex participates in actin filament assembly exclusively at the barbed end, and Cib enhances actin-based motility in vitro. Genetic experiments show that Cib and the Drosophila profilin protein Chickadee (Chic) cooperate in central brain metamorphosis.     

Actin-binding protein 1 regulates B cell receptor-mediated antigen processing and presentation in response to B cell receptor activation

The BCR serves as both signal transducer and Ag transporter. Binding of Ags to the BCR induces signaling cascades and Ag processing and presentation, two essential cellular events for B cell activation. BCR-initiated signaling increases BCR-mediated Ag-processing efficiency by increasing the rate and specificity of Ag transport. Previous studies showed a critical role for the actin cytoskeleton in these two processes. In this study, we found that actin-binding protein 1 (Abp1/HIP-55/SH3P7) functioned as an actin-binding adaptor protein, coupling BCR signaling and Ag-processing pathways with the actin cytoskeleton. Gene knockout of Abp1 and overexpression of the Src homology 3 domain of Abp1 inhibited BCR-mediated Ag internalization, consequently reducing the rate of Ag transport to processing compartments and the efficiency of BCR-mediated Ag processing and presentation. BCR activation induced tyrosine phosphorylation of Abp1 and translocation of both Abp1 and dynamin 2 from the cytoplasm to plasma membrane, where they colocalized with the BCR and cortical F-actin. Mutations of the two tyrosine phosphorylation sites of Abp1 and depolymerization of the actin cytoskeleton interfered with BCR-induced Abp1 recruitment to the plasma membrane. The inhibitory effect of a dynamin proline-rich domain deletion mutant on the recruitment of Abp1 to the plasma membrane, coimmunoprecipitation of dynamin with Abp1, and coprecipitation of Abp1 with GST fusion of the dyanmin proline-rich domain demonstrate the interaction of Abp1 with dynamin 2. These results demonstrate that the BCR regulates the function of Abp1 by inducing Abp1 phosphorylation and actin cytoskeleton rearrangement, and that Abp1 facilitates BCR-mediated Ag processing by simultaneously interacting with dynamin and the actin cytoskeleton.     

TRAPPC2L is a Novel, Highly Conserved TRAPP-Interacting Protein

Mutations in the trafficking protein particle complex C2 protein (TRAPPC2), a mammalian ortholog of yeast Trs20p and a component of the trafficking protein particle (TRAPP) vesicle tethering complex, have been linked to the skeletal disorder spondyloepiphyseal dysplasia tarda (SEDT). Intriguingly, the X-linked TRAPPC2 is just one of a complement of Trs20-related genes in humans. Here we characterize TRAPPC2L, a novel, highly conserved TRAPP-interacting protein related to TRAPPC2 and the uncharacterized yeast open reading frame YEL048c . TRAPPC2L and TRAPPC2 genes are found in pairs across species and show broad and overlapping expression, suggesting they are functionally distinct, a notion supported by yeast complementation studies and biochemical characterization. RNA interference-mediated knockdown of either TRAPPC2L or TRAPPC2 in HeLa cells leads to fragmentation of the Golgi, implicating both proteins in Golgi dynamics. Gradient fractionation of cellular membranes indicates that TRAPPC2L is found with a portion of cellular TRAPP on very low-density membranes whereas the remainder of TRAPP, but not TRAPPC2L, is found associated with Golgi markers. YEL048c displays genetic interactions with TRAPP II-encoding genes and the gene product co-fractionates with and interacts with yeast TRAPP II. Taken together these results indicate that TRAPPC2L and its yeast ortholog YEL048c are novel TRAPP-interacting proteins that may modulate the function of the TRAPP II complex.     

TBC1D14 regulates autophagy via the TRAPP complex and ATG9 traffic

Macroautophagy requires membrane trafficking and remodelling to form the autophagosome and deliver its contents to lysosomes for degradation. We have previously identified the TBC domain‐containing protein, TBC1D14, as a negative regulator of autophagy that controls delivery of membranes from RAB11‐positive recycling endosomes to forming autophagosomes. In this study, we identify the TRAPP complex, a multi‐subunit tethering complex and GEF for RAB1, as an interactor of TBC1D14. TBC1D14 binds to the TRAPP complex via an N‐terminal 103 amino acid region, and overexpression of this region inhibits both autophagy and secretory traffic. TRAPPC8, the mammalian orthologue of a yeast autophagy‐specific TRAPP subunit, forms part of a mammalian TRAPPIII‐like complex and both this complex and TBC1D14 are needed for RAB1 activation. TRAPPC8 modulates autophagy and secretory trafficking and is required for TBC1D14 to bind TRAPPIII. Importantly, TBC1D14 and TRAPPIII regulate ATG9 trafficking independently of ULK1. We propose a model whereby TBC1D14 and TRAPPIII regulate a constitutive trafficking step from peripheral recycling endosomes to the early Golgi, maintaining the cycling pool of ATG9 required for initiation of autophagy.     

Identification of TRAPPC8 as a Host Factor Required for Human Papillomavirus Cell Entry

Human papillomavirus (HPV) is a non-enveloped virus composed of a circular DNA genome and two capsid proteins, L1 and L2. Multiple interactions between its capsid proteins and host cellular proteins are required for infectious HPV entry, including cell attachment and internalization, intracellular trafficking and viral genome transfer into the nucleus. Using two variants of HPV type 51, the Ma and Nu strains, we have previously reported that MaL2 is required for efficient pseudovirus (PsV) transduction. However, the cellular factors that confer this L2 dependency have not yet been identified. Here we report that the transport protein particle complex subunit 8 (TRAPPC8) specifically interacts with MaL2. TRAPPC8 knockdown in HeLa cells yielded reduced levels of reporter gene expression when inoculated with HPV51Ma, HPV16, and HPV31 PsVs. TRAPPC8 knockdown in HaCaT cells also showed reduced susceptibility to infection with authentic HPV31 virions, indicating that TRAPPC8 plays a crucial role in native HPV infection. Immunofluorescence microscopy revealed that the central region of TRAPPC8 was exposed on the cell surface and colocalized with inoculated PsVs. The entry of Ma, Nu, and L2-lacking PsVs into cells was equally impaired in TRAPPC8 knockdown HeLa cells, suggesting that TRAPPC8-dependent endocytosis plays an important role in HPV entry that is independent of L2 interaction. Finally, expression of GFP-fused L2 that can also interact with TRAPPC8 induced dispersal of the Golgi stack structure in HeLa cells, a phenotype also observed by TRAPPC8 knockdown. These results suggest that during viral intracellular trafficking, binding of L2 to TRAPPC8 inhibits its function resulting in Golgi destabilization, a process that may assist HPV genome escape from the trans-Golgi network.     

Increased protein kinase or decreased PP2A activity bypasses sphingoid base requirement in endocytosis

Lipids have been implicated in signal transduction and in several stages of membrane trafficking, but these two functions have not been functionally linked. In yeast, sphingoid base synthesis is required for the internalization step of endocytosis and organization of the actin cytoskeleton. We show that inactivation of a protein phosphatase 2A (PP2A) or overexpression of one of two kinases, Yck2p or Pkc1p, can specifically suppress the sphingoid base synthesis requirement for endocytosis. The two kinases have an overlapping function because only a mutant with impaired function of both kinases is defective in endocytosis. An ultimate target of sphingoid base synthesis may be the actin cytoskeleton, because overexpression of the kinases and inactivation of PP2A substantially corrected the actin defect due to the absence of sphingoid base. These results suggest that sphingoid base controls protein phosphorylation, perhaps by activating a signal transduction pathway that is required for endocytosis and proper actin cytoskeleton organization in yeast.     

The Ras-like GTPase Gem is involved in cell shape remodelling and interacts with the novel kinesin-like protein KIF9

Gem belongs to the Rad/Gem/Kir (RGK) subfamily of Ras-related GTPases, which also comprises Rem, Rem2 and Ges. The RGK family members Ges and Rem have been shown to produce endothelial cell sprouting and reorganization of the actin cytoskeleton upon overexpression. Here we show that high intracellular Gem levels promote profound changes in cell morphology and we investigate how this phenotype arises dynamically. We also show that this effect requires intact microtubules and microfilaments, and that Gem is associated with both cytoskeletal components. In order to investigate the mechanisms of Gem recruitment to the cytoskeleton, we performed a yeast two-hybrid screen and identified a novel kinesin-like protein, termed KIF9, as a new Gem interacting partner. We further show that Gem and KIF9 interact by co-immunoprecipitation. Furthermore, Gem and KIF9 display identical patterns of gene expression in different tissues and developmental stages. The Gem- KIF9 interaction reported here is the first molecular link between RGK family members and the microtubule cytoskeleton.     

A novel GTPase-activating protein for ARF6 directly interacts with clathrin and regulates clathrin-dependent endocytosis

ADP-ribosylation factor 6 (Arf6) is a small-GTPase that regulates the membrane trafficking between the plasma membrane and endosome. It is also involved in the reorganization of the actin cytoskeleton. GTPase-activating protein (GAP) is a critical regulator of Arf function as it inactivates Arf. Here, we identified a novel species of GAP denoted as SMAP1 that preferentially acts on Arf6. Although overexpression of SMAP1 did not alter the subcellular distribution of the actin cytoskeleton, it did block the endocytosis of transferrin receptors. Knock down of endogenous SMAP1 also abolished transferrin internalization, which confirms that SMAP1 is needed for this endocytic process. SMAP1 overexpression had no effect on clathrin-independent endocytosis, however. Intriguingly, SMAP1 binds directly to the clathrin heavy chain via its clathrin-box and mutation studies revealed that its GAP domain and clathrin-box both contribute to the role SMAP1 plays in clathrin-dependent endocytosis. These observations suggest that SMAP1 may be an Arf6GAP that specifically regulates one of the multiple functions of Arf6, namely, clathrin-dependent endocytosis, and that it does so by binding directly to clathrin.     

A role for POR1, a Rac1-interacting protein, in ARF6-mediated cytoskeletal rearrangements.

The ARF6 GTPase, the least conserved member of the ADP ribosylation factor (ARF) family, associates with the plasma membrane and intracellular endosome vesicles. Mutants of ARF6 defective in GTP binding and hydrolysis have a marked effect on endocytic trafficking and the gross morphology of the peripheral membrane system. Here we report that expression of the GTPase-defective mutant of ARF6, ARF6(Q67L), remodels the actin cytoskeleton by inducing actin polymerization at the cell periphery. This cytoskeletal rearrangement was inhibited by co-expression of ARF6(Q67L) with deletion mutants of POR1, a Rac1-interacting protein involved in membrane ruffling, but not with the dominant-negative mutant of Rac1, Rac1(S17N). A synergistic effect between POR1 and ARF6 for the induction of actin polymerization was detected. Furthermore, we observed that ARF6 interacts directly with POR1 and that this interaction was GTP dependent. These findings indicate that ARF6 and Rac1 function on distinct signaling pathways to mediate cytoskeletal reorganization, and suggest a role for POR1 as an important regulatory element in orchestrating cytoskeletal rearrangements at the cell periphery induced by ARF6 and Rac1.     

Reorganization of the actin cytoskeleton upon G-protein coupled receptor signaling

The actin cytoskeleton is involved in a multitude of cellular responses besides providing structural support. While the role of the actin cytoskeleton in cellular processes such as trafficking and motility has been extensively studied, reorganization of the actin cytoskeleton upon signaling by G-protein coupled receptors (GPCRs) represents a relatively unexplored area. The G-protein coupled receptor superfamily is an important protein family in mammals, involved in signal transduction across membranes. G-protein coupled receptors act as major signaling hubs and drug targets. The serotonin(1A) receptor is a representative member of the G-protein coupled receptor superfamily and plays a crucial role in the generation and modulation of various cognitive, developmental and behavioral functions. In order to monitor the changes in the actin cytoskeleton upon serotonin(1A) receptor signaling in a quantitative manner, we developed an approach based on high magnification imaging of F-actin in cells, followed by image reconstruction. Our results suggest that the actin cytoskeleton is reorganized in response to serotonin(1A) receptor signaling. In addition, we show that reorganization of the actin cytoskeleton is strongly dependent on adenosine 3',5'-cyclic monophosphate level, and is mediated by the activation of protein kinase A. Our results are consistent with the possibility of a feedback mechanism involving the actin cytoskeleton, adenosine 3',5'-cyclic monophosphate level and the serotonin(1A) receptor.     

Anchored protein kinase A recruitment of active Rac GTPase

Protein kinase A-anchoring proteins (AKAPs) influence fundamental cellular processes by directing the cAMP-dependent protein kinase (PKA) toward its intended substrates. In this report we describe the identification and characterization of a ternary complex of AKAP220, the PKA holoenzyme, and the IQ domain GTPase-activating protein 2 isoform (IQGAP2) that is enriched at cortical regions of the cell. Formation of an IQGAP2-AKAP220 core complex initiates a subsequent phase of protein recruitment that includes the small GTPase Rac. Biochemical and molecular biology approaches reveal that PKA phosphorylation of Thr-716 on IQGAP2 enhances association with the active form of the Rac GTPase. Cell-based experiments indicate that overexpression of an IQGAP2 phosphomimetic mutant (IQGAP2 T716D) enhances the formation of actin-rich membrane ruffles at the periphery of HEK 293 cells. In contrast, expression of a nonphosphorylatable IQGAP2 T716A mutant or gene silencing of AKAP220 suppresses formation of membrane ruffles. These findings imply that IQGAP2 and AKAP220 act synergistically to sustain PKA-mediated recruitment of effectors such as Rac GTPases that impact the actin cytoskeleton.     

The Saccharomyces cerevisiae actin cytoskeletal component Bsp1p has an auxiliary role in actomyosin ring function and in the maintenance of bud-neck structure

Iqg1p is a component of the actomyosin contractile ring that is required for actin recruitment and septum deposition. Cells lacking Iqg1p function have an altered bud-neck structure and fail to form a functional actomyosin contractile ring resulting in a block to cytokinesis and septation. Here it is demonstrated that increased expression of the actin cytoskeleton associated protein Bsp1p bypasses the requirement for contractile ring function. This also correlates with reduced bud-neck width and remedial septum formation. Increased expression of this protein in a temperature-sensitive iqg1-1 background causes remedial septum formation at the bud neck that is reliant upon chitin synthase III activity and restores cell separation. The observed suppression correlates with a restoration of normal bud-neck structure. While Bsp1p is a component of the contractile ring, its recruitment to the bud neck is not required for the observed suppression. Loss of Bsp1p causes a brief delay in the redistribution of the actin cytoskeleton normally observed at the end of actin ring contraction. Compromise of Iqg1p function, in the absence of Bsp1p function, leads to a profound change in the distribution of actin and the pattern of cell growth accompanied by a failure to complete cytokinesis and cell separation.     

Hof1 and Rvs167 Have Redundant Roles in Actomyosin Ring Function during Cytokinesis in Budding Yeast

The Hof1 protein (Homologue of Fifteen) regulates formation of the primary septum during cytokinesis in the budding yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae, whereas the orthologous Cdc15 protein in fission yeast regulates the actomyosin ring by using its F-BAR domain to recruit actin nucleators to the cleavage site. Here we show that budding yeast Hof1 also contributes to actin ring assembly in parallel with the Rvs167 protein. Simultaneous deletion of the HOF1 and RVS167 genes is lethal, and cells fail to assemble the actomyosin ring as they progress through mitosis. Although Hof1 and Rvs167 are not orthologues, they both share an analogous structure, with an F-BAR or BAR domain at the amino terminus, capable of inducing membrane curvature, and SH3 domains at the carboxyl terminus that bind to specific proline-rich targets. The SH3 domain of Rvs167 becomes essential for assembly of the actomyosin ring in cells lacking Hof1, suggesting that it helps to recruit a regulator of the actin cytoskeleton. This new function of Rvs167 appears to be independent of its known role as a regulator of the Arp2/3 actin nucleator, as actin ring assembly is not abolished by the simultaneous inactivation of Hof1 and Arp2/3. Instead we find that recruitment to the bud-neck of the Iqg1 actin regulator is defective in cells lacking Hof1 and Rvs167, though future studies will be needed to determine if this reflects a direct interaction between these factors. The redundant role of Hof1 in actin ring assembly suggests that the mechanism of actin ring assembly has been conserved to a greater extent across evolution than anticipated previously.