Structural centrosome aberrations promote non‐cell‐autonomous invasiveness

Centrosomes are the main microtubule‐organizing centers of animal cells. Although centrosome aberrations are common in tumors, their consequences remain subject to debate. Here, we studied the impact of structural centrosome aberrations, induced by deregulated expression of ninein‐like protein (NLP), on epithelial spheres grown in Matrigel matrices. We demonstrate that NLP‐induced structural centrosome aberrations trigger the escape (“budding”) of living cells from epithelia. Remarkably, all cells disseminating into the matrix were undergoing mitosis. This invasive behavior reflects a novel mechanism that depends on the acquisition of two distinct properties. First, NLP‐induced centrosome aberrations trigger a re‐organization of the cytoskeleton, which stabilizes microtubules and weakens E‐cadherin junctions during mitosis. Second, atomic force microscopy reveals that cells harboring these centrosome aberrations display increased stiffness. As a consequence, mitotic cells are pushed out of mosaic epithelia, particularly if they lack centrosome aberrations. We conclude that centrosome aberrations can trigger cell dissemination through a novel, non‐cell‐autonomous mechanism, raising the prospect that centrosome aberrations contribute to the dissemination of metastatic cells harboring normal centrosomes.     

Kinesin‐14 is Important for Chromosome Segregation During Mitosis and Meiosis in the Ciliate Tetrahymena thermophila

Ciliates such as Tetrahymena thermophila have two distinct nuclei within one cell: the micronucleus that undergoes mitosis and meiosis and the macronucleus that undergoes amitosis, a type of nuclear division that does not involve a bipolar spindle, but still relies on intranuclear microtubules. Ciliates provide an opportunity for the discovery of factors that specifically contribute to chromosome segregation based on a bipolar spindle, by identification of factors that affect the micronuclear but not the macronuclear division. Kinesin‐14 is a conserved minus‐end directed microtubule motor that cross‐links microtubules and contributes to the bipolar spindle sizing and organization. Here, we use homologous DNA recombination to knock out genes that encode kinesin‐14 orthologues (KIN141, KIN142) in Tetrahymena. A loss of KIN141 led to severe defects in the chromosome segregation during both mitosis and meiosis but did not affect amitosis. A loss of KIN141 altered the shape of the meiotic spindle in a way consistent with the KIN141's contribution to the organization of the spindle poles. EGFP‐tagged KIN141 preferentially accumulated at the spindle poles during the meiotic prophase and metaphase I. Thus, in ciliates, kinesin‐14 is important for nuclear divisions that involve a bipolar spindle.     

Organization and Control of Microtubule Pattern in Centrohelidan Heliozoa*†

SYNOPSIS. Comparative studies of axopodial microtubule pattern in 10 different centrohelidan Heliozoa belonging to the genera Acanthocystis, Raphidiophrys and Heterophrys suggest that 2 basic principles govern pattern formation in centrohelidan Heliozoa. While the larger “open” arrays with unspecified number of microtubules, e.g. in A. aculeata and R. ambigua, may result from self-linkage of additional microtubules around centroplast-nucleated “starter microtubules,” the smaller “closed” arrays with specified microtubule number, e.g. in A. pectinata and H. marina, favor a template-driven linkage mechanism. The centroplast is a highly complex microtubule organizing center involved in the control of orientation, number, and diameter of the axonemes. Its shell may serve as a surface upon which the microtubule nucleating sites assemble, but how the precise positioning of these sites occurs is still open to debate. Some of the unsolved problems of microtubule pattern formation may be explained by the “linker nucleation hypothesis” which is an extension of the “gradion hypothesis” by Roth et al. It is shown how both the formation of closed arrays and the balanced lateral growth of open arrays may result from linker-induced microtubule nucleation.     

Kinesin‐2 motors adapt their stepping behavior for processive transport on axonemes and microtubules

Two structurally distinct filamentous tracks, namely singlet microtubules in the cytoplasm and axonemes in the cilium, serve as railroads for long‐range transport processes in vivo. In all organisms studied so far, the kinesin‐2 family is essential for long‐range transport on axonemes. Intriguingly, in higher eukaryotes, kinesin‐2 has been adapted to work on microtubules in the cytoplasm as well. Here, we show that heterodimeric kinesin‐2 motors distinguish between axonemes and microtubules. Unlike canonical kinesin‐1, kinesin‐2 takes directional, off‐axis steps on microtubules, but it resumes a straight path when walking on the axonemes. The inherent ability of kinesin‐2 to side‐track on the microtubule lattice restricts the motor to one side of the doublet microtubule in axonemes. The mechanistic features revealed here provide a molecular explanation for the previously observed partitioning of oppositely moving intraflagellar transport trains to the A‐ and B‐tubules of the same doublet microtubule. Our results offer first mechanistic insights into why nature may have co‐evolved the heterodimeric kinesin‐2 with the ciliary machinery to work on the specialized axonemal surface for two‐way traffic.     

PAR‐1 promotes microtubule breakdown during dendrite pruning in Drosophila

Pruning of unspecific neurites is an important mechanism during neuronal morphogenesis. Drosophila sensory neurons prune their dendrites during metamorphosis. Pruning dendrites are severed in their proximal regions. Prior to severing, dendritic microtubules undergo local disassembly, and dendrites thin extensively through local endocytosis. Microtubule disassembly requires a katanin homologue, but the signals initiating microtubule breakdown are not known. Here, we show that the kinase PAR‐1 is required for pruning and dendritic microtubule breakdown. Our data show that neurons lacking PAR‐1 fail to break down dendritic microtubules, and PAR‐1 is required for an increase in neuronal microtubule dynamics at the onset of metamorphosis. Mammalian PAR‐1 is a known Tau kinase, and genetic interactions suggest that PAR‐1 promotes microtubule breakdown largely via inhibition of Tau also in Drosophila. Finally, PAR‐1 is also required for dendritic thinning, suggesting that microtubule breakdown might precede ensuing plasma membrane alterations. Our results shed light on the signaling cascades and epistatic relationships involved in neurite destabilization during dendrite pruning.     

X‐ray and Cryo‐EM structures reveal mutual conformational changes of Kinesin and GTP‐state microtubules upon binding

The molecular motor kinesin moves along microtubules using energy from ATP hydrolysis in an initial step coupled with ADP release. In neurons, kinesin‐1/KIF5C preferentially binds to the GTP‐state microtubules over GDP‐state microtubules to selectively enter an axon among many processes; however, because the atomic structure of nucleotide‐free KIF5C is unavailable, its molecular mechanism remains unresolved. Here, the crystal structure of nucleotide‐free KIF5C and the cryo‐electron microscopic structure of nucleotide‐free KIF5C complexed with the GTP‐state microtubule are presented. The structures illustrate mutual conformational changes induced by interaction between the GTP‐state microtubule and KIF5C. KIF5C acquires the ‘rigor conformation’, where mobile switches I and II are stabilized through L11 and the initial portion of the neck‐linker, facilitating effective ADP release and the weak‐to‐strong transition of KIF5C microtubule affinity. Conformational changes to tubulin strengthen the longitudinal contacts of the GTP‐state microtubule in a similar manner to GDP‐taxol microtubules. These results and functional analyses provide the molecular mechanism of the preferential binding of KIF5C to GTP‐state microtubules.     

PLASMOLYSIS,HECHTIAN STRAND FORMATION,AND LOCALIZED MEMBRANE‐WALL ADHESIONS IN THE DESMID,CLOSTERIUM ACEROSUM (CHLOROPHYTA)1

Closterium acerosum Ehrenberg (Chlorophyta) produced a distinct network of thin cytoplasmic strands, or Hechtian strands, upon controlled plasmolysis in a sucrose solution. The strands persisted for 30 min or longer and could be visualized with both LM and EM. Near the plasma membrane of the polar zones of plasmolyzing protoplasts, the strands formed a “lattice”‐like arrangement with interstrand spacing of 120–130 nm. The strands terminated at the fibrous zone of the inner cell wall stratum. Although actin cables could be found attached to the plasma membrane upon rhodamine phalloidin labeling of membrane ghosts, neither microfilaments nor microtubules were found in Hechtian strands at any stage of development. The formation of strands was not disrupted by centrifugation at 8000 g or by repeated cycles of plasmolysis‐deplasmolysis. Application of microtubule‐ or microfilament‐affecting agents or various proteolytic/polysaccharide‐degrading enzymes did not disrupt the formation of strands. Cold treatment of cells resulted in the formation of Hechtian strands.     

Dual labeling with 5‐bromo‐2'‐deoxyuridine and 5‐ethynyl‐2'‐deoxyuridine for estimation of cell migration rate in the small intestinal epithelium

Small intestinal epithelium is a self‐renewing system in which the entire sequence of cell proliferation, differentiation, and removal is coupled to cell migration along the crypt‐villus axis. We examined whether dual labeling with different thymidine analogues, 5‐bromo‐2'‐deoxyuridine (BrdU) and 5‐ethynyl‐2'‐deoxyuridine (EdU), can be used to estimate cell migration rates on the villi of small intestines in rats. Rats received a single intraperitoneal injection of BrdU and EdU within a time interval, and signals in tissue sections were examined by immunohistochemistry and the “click” reaction, respectively. We successfully observed BrdU‐ and EdU‐positive cells on the epithelium with no cross‐reaction. In addition, we observed an almost complete overlapping of BrdU‐ and EdU‐positive cells in rats administered simultaneously with BrdU and EdU. By calculating the cell migration rate by dividing the distance between the median cell positions of the distribution of BrdU‐ and EdU‐positive cells by the time between the injection of BrdU and EdU, we estimated approximately 9 and 5 μm/h for the cell migration rates on the villi in the jejunum and ileum, respectively. We propose that dual labeling with BrdU and EdU within a time interval, followed by detecting with immunohistochemistry and the click reaction, respectively, is useful to estimate accurately the cell migration rate in the intestinal epithelium in a single animal.     

Mitogen-activated protein kinases with distinct requirements for Ste5 scaffolding influence signaling specificity in Saccharomyces cerevisiae

Scaffold proteins are believed to enhance specificity in cell signaling when different pathways share common components. The prototype scaffold Ste5 binds to multiple components of the Saccharomyces cerevisiae mating pheromone response pathway, thereby conducting the mating signal to the Fus3 mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK). Some of the kinases that Ste5 binds to, however, are also shared with other pathways. Thus, it has been presumed that Ste5 prevents its bound kinases from transgressing into other pathways and protects them from intrusions from those pathways. Here we found that Fus3MAPK required Ste5 scaffolding to receive legitimate signals from the mating pathway as well as misdirected signals leaking from other pathways. Furthermore, increasing the cellular concentration of active Ste5 enhanced the channeling of inappropriate stimuli to Fus3. This aberrant signal crossover resulted in the erroneous induction of cell cycle arrest and mating. In contrast to Fus3, the Kss1 MAPK did not require Ste5 scaffolding to receive either authentic or leaking signals. Furthermore, the Ste11 kinase, once activated via Ste5, was able to signal to Kss1 independently of Ste5 scaffolding. These results argue that Ste5 does not act as a barrier that actively prevents signal crossover to Fus3 and that Ste5 may not effectively sequester its activated kinases away from other pathways. Rather, we suggest that specificity in this network is promoted by the selective activation of Ste5 and the distinct requirements of the MAPKs for Ste5 scaffolding.     

Accumulation and post‐translational modifications of plant tubulins

The microtubular cytoskeleton of plant cells provides support for several functions (including the anchoring of proteins, assembly of the mitotic spindle, cytoplasmic streaming and construction of cell walls). Both α‐ and β‐tubulins are encoded through multigene families that are differentially expressed in different organs and tissues. To increase the variability of expression, both protein subunits are subjected to post‐translational modifications, which could contribute to the assembly of specific microtubule structures. This review aims to highlight the role of specific post‐translational modifications of tubulin in plant cells. We initially describe the expression and accumulation of α‐ and β‐tubulin isoforms in different plants and at different stages of plant development. Second, we discuss the different types of post‐translational modifications that, by adding or removing specific functional groups, increase the isoform heterogeneity and functional variability of tubulin. Modifications are proposed to form a ‘code’ that can be read by proteins interacting with microtubules. Therefore, the subpopulations of microtubules may bind to different associated proteins (motor and non‐motor), thus creating the physical support for various microtubule functions.     

Ajuba: a new microtubule-associated protein that interacts with BUBR1 and Aurora B at kinetochores in metaphase

Background information. The role of the LIM‐domain‐containing protein Ajuba was initially described in cell adhesion and migration processes and recently in mitosis as an activator of the Aurora A kinase. Results. In the present study, we show that Ajuba localizes to centrosomes and kinetochores during mitosis. This localization is microtubule‐dependent and Ajuba binds microtubules in vitro. A microtubule regrowth assay showed that Ajuba follows nascent microtubules from centrosomes to kinetochores. Owing to its contribution to mitotic commitment and its microtubule‐dependent localization, Ajuba could also play a role during the metaphase—anaphase transition. We show that Ajuba interacts with Aurora B and BUBR1 [BUB (budding uninhibited by benomyl)‐related 1], two major components of the mitotic checkpoint. Inhibition of BUBR1 by siRNA (small interfering RNA) disrupts chromosome alignment at the metaphase plate and modifies Ajuba localization due to premature mitotic exit. Conclusions. Ajuba is a microtubule‐associated protein that collaborates with Aurora B and BUBR1 at the metaphase—anaphase transition and this may be important to ensure proper chromosome segregation.     

Role of Tau,a microtubule associated protein,in Drosophila photoreceptor morphogenesis

Cell polarity genes have important functions in photoreceptor morphogenesis. Based on recent discovery of stabilized microtubule cytoskeleton in developing photoreceptors and its role in photoreceptor cell polarity, microtubule associated proteins might have important roles in controlling cell polarity proteins' localizations in developing photoreceptors. Here, Tau, a microtubule associated protein, was analyzed to find its potential role in photoreceptor cell polarity. Tau colocalizes with acetylated/stabilized microtubules in developing pupal photoreceptors. Although it is known that tau mutant photoreceptor has no defects in early eye differentiation and development, it shows dramatic disruptions of cell polarity proteins, adherens junctions, and the stable microtubules in developing pupal photoreceptors. This role of Tau in cell polarity proteins' localization in photoreceptor cells during the photoreceptor morphogenesis was further supported by Tau's overexpression studies. Tau overexpression caused dramatic expansions of apical membrane domains where the polarity proteins localize in the developing pupal photoreceptors. It is also found that Tau's role in photoreceptor cell polarity depends on Par‐1 kinase. Furthermore, a strong genetic interaction between tau and crumbs was found. It is found that Tau has a crucial role in cell polarity protein localization during pupal photoreceptor morphogenesis stage, but not in early eye development including eye cell differentiation.     

The role of docking interactions in mediating signaling input, output, and discrimination in the yeast MAPK network

Cells use a network of mitogen-activated protein kinases (MAPKs) to coordinate responses to diverse extracellular signals. Here, we examine the role of docking interactions in determining connectivity of the yeast MAPKs Fus3 and Kss1. These closely related kinases are activated by the common upstream MAPK kinase Ste7 yet generate distinct output responses, mating and filamentous growth, respectively. We find that docking interactions are necessary for communication with the kinases and that they can encode subtle differences in pathway-specific input and output. The cell cycle arrest mediator Far1, a mating-specific substrate, has a docking motif that selectively binds Fus3. In contrast, the shared partner Ste7 has a promiscuous motif that binds both Fus3 and Kss1. Structural analysis reveals that Fus3 interacts with specific and promiscuous peptides in conformationally distinct modes. Induced fit recognition may allow docking peptides to achieve discrimination by exploiting subtle differences in kinase flexibility.     

A ROP2‐RIC1 pathway fine‐tunes microtubule reorganization for salt tolerance in Arabidopsis

The reorganization of microtubules induced by salt stress is required for Arabidopsis survival under high salinity conditions. RIC1 is an effector of Rho‐related GTPase from plants (ROPs) and a known microtubule‐associated protein. In this study, we demonstrated that RIC1 expression decreased with long‐term NaCl treatment, and ric1‐1 seedlings exhibited a higher survival rate under salt stress. We found that RIC1 reduced the frequency of microtubule transition from shortening to growing status and knockout of RIC1 improved the reassembly of depolymerized microtubules caused by either oryzalin treatment or salt stress. Further investigation showed that constitutively active ROP2 promoted the reassembly of microtubules and the survival of seedlings under salt stress. A rop2‐1 ric1‐1 double mutant rescued the salt‐sensitive phenotype of rop2‐1, indicating that ROP2 functions in salt tolerance through RIC1. Although ROP2 did not regulate RIC1 expression upon salt stress, a quick but mild increase of ROP2 activity was induced, led to reduction of RIC1 on microtubules. Collectively, our study reveals an ROP2‐RIC1 pathway that fine‐tunes microtubule dynamics in response to salt stress in Arabidopsis. This finding not only reveals a new regulatory mechanism for microtubule reorganization under salt stress but also the importance of ROP signalling for salinity tolerance.     

Robust intestinal homeostasis relies on cellular plasticity in enteroblasts mediated by miR‐8–Escargot switch

The intestinal epithelium is remarkably robust despite perturbations and demand uncertainty. Here, we investigate the basis of such robustness using novel tracing methods that allow simultaneously capturing the dynamics of stem and committed progenitor cells (called enteroblasts) and intestinal cell turnover with spatiotemporal resolution. We found that intestinal stem cells (ISCs) divide “ahead” of demand during Drosophila midgut homeostasis. Their newborn enteroblasts, on the other hand, take on a highly polarized shape, acquire invasive properties and motility. They extend long membrane protrusions that make cell–cell contact with mature cells, while exercising a capacity to delay their final differentiation until a local demand materializes. This cellular plasticity is mechanistically linked to the epithelial–mesenchymal transition (EMT) programme mediated by escargot, a snail family gene. Activation of the conserved microRNA miR‐8/miR‐200 in “pausing” enteroblasts in response to a local cell loss promotes timely terminal differentiation via a reverse MET by antagonizing escargot. Our findings unveil that robust intestinal renewal relies on hitherto unrecognized plasticity in enteroblasts and reveal their active role in sensing and/or responding to local demand.