Functional characterization of spectrin-actin-binding domains in 4.1 family of proteins

Protein 4.1R is the prototypical member of a protein family that includes 4.1G, 4.1B, and 4.1N. 4.1R plays a crucial role in maintaining membrane mechanical integrity by binding cooperatively to spectrin and actin through its spectrin-actin-binding (SAB) domain. While the binary interaction between 4.1R and spectrin has been well characterized, the actin binding site in 4.1R remains unidentified. Moreover, little is known about the interaction of 4.1R homologues with spectrin and actin. In the present study, we showed that the 8 aa motif (LKKNFMES) within the 10 kDa spectrin-actin-binding domain of 4.1R plays a critical role in binding of 4.1R to actin. Recombinant 4.1R SAB domain peptides with mutations in this motif showed a marked decrease in their ability to form ternary complexes with spectrin and actin. Binary protein-protein interaction studies revealed that this decrease resulted from the inability of mutant SAB peptides to bind to actin filaments while affinity for spectrin was unchanged. We also documented that the 14 C-terminal residues of the 21 amino acid cassette encoded by exon 16 in conjunction with residues 27-43 encoded by exon 17 constituted a fully functional minimal spectrin-binding motif. Finally, we showed that 4.1N SAB domain was unable to form a ternary complex with spectrin and actin, while 4.1G and 4.1B SAB domains were able to form such a complex but less efficiently than 4.1R SAB. This was due to a decrease in the ability of 4.1G and 4.1B SAB domain to interact with actin but not with spectrin. These data enabled us to propose a model for the 4.1R-spectrin-actin ternary complex which may serve as a general paradigm for regulation of spectrin-based cytoskeleton interaction in various cell types.     

Protein 4.1 in forebrain postsynaptic density preparations: enrichment of 4.1 gene products and detection of 4.1R binding proteins.

4.1 Proteins are a family of multifunctional cytoskeletal components (4.1R, 4.1G, 4.1N and 4.1B) derived from four related genes, each of which is expressed in the nervous system. Using subcellular fractionation, we have investigated the possibility that 4.1 proteins are components of forebrain postsynaptic densities, cellular compartments enriched in spectrin and actin, whose interaction is regulated by 4.1R. Antibodies to each of 4.1R, 4.1G, 4.1N and 4.1B recognize polypeptides in postsynaptic density preparations. Of these, an 80-kDa 4.1R polypeptide is enriched 11-fold in postsynaptic density preparations relative to brain homogenate. Polypeptides of 150 and 125 kDa represent 4.1B; of these, only the 125 kDa species is enriched (threefold). Antibodies to 4.1N recognize polypeptides of approximately 115, 100, 90 and 65 kDa, each enriched in postsynaptic density preparations relative to brain homogenate. Minor 225 and 200 kDa polypeptides are recognized selectively by specific anti-4.1G antibodies; the 200 kDa species is enriched 2.5-fold. These data indicate that specific isoforms of all four 4.1 proteins are components of postsynaptic densities. Blot overlay analyses indicate that, in addition to spectrin and actin, postsynaptic density polypeptides of 140, 115, 72 and 66 kDa are likely to be 4.1R-interactive. Of these, 72 kDa and 66 kDa polypeptides were identified as neurofilament L and alpha-internexin, respectively. A complex containing 80 kDa 4.1R, alpha-internexin and neurofilament L was immunoprecipitated with anti-4.1R antibodies from brain extract. We conclude that 4.1R interacts with the characteristic intermediate filament proteins of postsynaptic densities, and that the 4.1 proteins have the potential to mediate the interactions of diverse components of postsynaptic densities.     

Protein 4.1R expression in normal and dystrophic skeletal muscle

4.1R pre-mRNA alternative splicing results in multiple mRNA and protein isoforms that are expressed in virtually all tissues. More specifically, isoforms containing the alternative exon 17a, are exclusively expressed in muscle tissues. In this report, we show that these isoforms are preferentially present in the myoplasm of fast myofibres. 4.1R epitopes are also found at the sarcolemma of both slow and fast myofibres in normal muscle. Interestingly, they are absent from dystrophin-deficient sarcolemma of DMD muscle, and colocalize with partially expressed dystrophin in BMD muscle. We also show that alternative splicing of exons 16 and 17a is regulated during muscle differentiation in an asynchronous fashion, with an early inclusion of exon 16 in forming myotubes, and a late inclusion of exon 17a. Consistently, Western blot analysis led to characterize mainly an approximately 96/98-kDa doublet bearing exons 16-17a-encoding peptide, exclusively occurring in the differentiated muscle.     

Protein 4.1R, a microtubule-associated protein involved in microtubule aster assembly in mammalian mitotic extract

Non-erythroid protein 4.1R (4.1R) consists of a complex family of isoforms. We have shown that 4.1R isoforms localize at the mitotic spindle/spindle poles and associate in a complex with the mitotic-spindle organization proteins Nuclear Mitotic Apparatus protein (NuMA), dynein, and dynactin. We addressed the mitotic function of 4.1R by investigating its association with microtubules, the main component of the mitotic spindles, and its role in mitotic aster assembly in vitro. 4.1R appears to partially co-localize with microtubules throughout the mitotic stages of the cell cycle. In vitro sedimentation assays showed that 4.1R isoforms directly interact with microtubules. Glutathione S-transferase (GST) pull-down assays using GST-4.1R fusions and mitotic cell extracts further showed that the association of 4.1R with tubulin results from both the membrane-binding domain and C-terminal domain of 4.1R. Moreover, 4.1R, but not actin, is a mitotic microtubule-associated protein; 4.1R associates with microtubules in the microtubule pellet of the mitotic asters assembled in mammalian cell-free mitotic extract. The organization of microtubules into asters depends on 4.1R in that immunodepletion of 4.1R from the extract resulted in randomly dispersed microtubules. Furthermore, adding a 135-kDa recombinant 4.1R reconstituted the mitotic asters. Finally, we demonstrated that a mitotic 4.1R isoform appears to form a complex in vivo with tubulin and NuMA in highly synchronized mitotic HeLa extracts. Our results suggest that a 135-kDa non-erythroid 4.1R is important to cell division, because it participates in the formation of mitotic spindles and spindle poles through its interaction with mitotic microtubules.     

Characterization of the interaction between protein 4.1R and ZO-2. A possible link between the tight junction and the actin cytoskeleton

Multiple isoforms of the red cell protein 4.1R are expressed in nonerythroid cells, including novel 135-kDa isoforms. Using a yeast two-hybrid system, immunocolocalization, immunoprecipitation, and in vitro binding studies, we found that two 4.1R isoforms of 135 and 150 kDa specifically interact with the protein ZO-2 (zonula occludens-2). 4.1R is colocalized with ZO-2 and occludin at Madin-Darby canine kidney (MDCK) cell tight junctions. Both isoforms of 4.1R coprecipitated with proteins that organize tight junctions such as ZO-2, ZO-1, and occludin. Western blot analysis also revealed the presence of actin and alpha-spectrin in these immunoprecipitates. Association of 4.1R isoforms with these tight junction and cytoskeletal proteins was found to be specific for the tight junction and was not seen in nonconfluent MDCK cells. The amino acid residues that sustain the interaction between 4.1R and ZO-2 reside within the amino acids encoded by exons 19-21 of 4.1R and residues 1054-1118 of ZO-2. Exogenously expressed 4.1R containing the spectrin/actin- and ZO-2-binding domains was recruited to tight junctions in confluent MDCK cells. Taken together, our results suggest that 4.1R might play an important role in organization and function of the tight junction by establishing a link between the tight junction and the actin cytoskeleton.     

Organization of the Human Protein 4.1 Genomic Locus: New Insights into the Tissue-Specific Alternative Splicing of the Pre-mRNA

Protein 4.1 is a globular 80-kDa component of the erythrocyte membrane skeleton that enhances spectrin–actin interaction via its internal 10-kDa domain. Previous studies have shown that protein 4.1 mRNA is expressed as multiple alternatively spliced isoforms, resulting from the inclusion or exclusion of small cassette sequences called motifs. By tissue screening for protein 4.1 isoforms, we have observed new features of an already complex pattern of alternative splicing within the spectrin/actin binding domain. In particular, we found a new 51-nt exon that is present almost exclusively in muscle tissue. In addition, we have isolated multiple genomic clones spanning over 200 kb, containing the entire erythroid and nonerythroid coding sequence of the human locus. The exon/intron structure has now been characterized; with the exception of a 17-nt motif, all of the alternatively spliced motifs correspond to individual exons. The 3′-untranslated region (UTR) has also been completely sequenced using various PCR and genomic-sequencing methods. The 3′ UTR, over 3 kb, accounts for one-half of the mature mRNA.     

Mechanochemistry of protein 4.1's spectrin-actin-binding domain: ternary complex interactions, membrane binding, network integration, structural strengthening

Mechanical strength of the red cell membrane is dependent on ternary interactions among the skeletal proteins, spectrin, actin, and protein 4.1. Protein 4.1's spectrin-actin-binding (SAB) domain is specified by an alternatively spliced exon encoding 21 amino acid (aa) and a constitutive exon encoding 59 aa. A series of truncated SAB peptides were engineered to define the sequences involved in spectrin-actin interactions, and also membrane strength. Analysis of in vitro supramolecular assemblies showed that gelation activity of SAB peptides correlates with their ability to recruit a critical amount of spectrin into the complex to cross-link actin filaments. Also, several SAB peptides appeared to exhibit a weak, cooperative actin-binding activity which mapped to the first 26 residues of the constitutive 59 aa. Fluorescence-imaged microdeformation was used to show SAB peptide integration into the elastic skeletal network of spectrin, actin, and protein 4.1. In situ membrane-binding and membrane-strengthening abilities of the SAB peptides correlated with their in vitro gelation activity. The findings imply that sites for strong spectrin binding include both the alternative 21-aa cassette and a conserved region near the middle of the 59 aa. However, it is shown that only weak SAB affinity is necessary for physiologically relevant action. Alternatively spliced exons can thus translate into strong modulation of specific protein interactions, economizing protein function in the cell without, in and of themselves, imparting unique function.     

4.1R proteins associate with interphase microtubules in human T cells: a 4.1R constitutive region is involved in tubulin binding

Red blood cell protein 4.1 (4.1R) is an 80-kDa protein that stabilizes the spectrin-actin network and anchors it to the plasma membrane. To contribute to the characterization of functional roles and partners of specific nonerythroid 4.1R isoforms, we analyzed 4.1R in human T cells and found that endogenous 4.1R was distributed to the microtubule network. Transfection experiments of T cell 4.1R cDNAs in conjunction with confocal microscopy analysis revealed the colocalization of exogenous 4.1R isoforms with the tubulin skeleton. Biochemical analyses using Taxol (paclitaxel)-polymerized microtubules from stably transfected T cells confirmed the association of the exogenous 4.1R proteins with microtubules. Consistent with this, endogenous 4.1R immunoreactive proteins were also detected in the microtubule-containing fraction. In vitro binding assays using glutathione S-transferase-4.1R fusion proteins showed that a constitutive domain of the 4.1R molecule, one that is therefore present in all 4.1R isoforms, is responsible for the association with tubulin. A 22-amino acid sequence comprised in this domain and containing heptad repeats of leucine residues was essential for tubulin binding. Furthermore, ectopic expression of 4.1R in COS-7 cells provoked microtubule disorganization. Our results suggest an involvement of 4.1R in interphase microtubule architecture and support the hypothesis that some 4.1R functional activities are cell type-regulated.     

An alternative domain containing a leucine-rich sequence regulates nuclear cytoplasmic localization of protein 4.1R

In red blood cells, protein 4.1 (4.1R) is an 80-kDa protein that stabilizes the spectrin-actin network and anchors it to the plasma membrane. The picture is more complex in nucleated cells, in which many 4.1R isoforms, varying in size and intracellular location, have been identified. To contribute to the characterization of signals involved in differential intracellular localization of 4.1R, we have analyzed the role the exon 5-encoded sequence plays in 4.1R distribution. We show that exon 5 encodes a leucine-rich sequence that shares key features with nuclear export signals (NESs). This sequence adopts the topology employed for NESs of other proteins and conserves two hydrophobic residues that are shown to be critical for NES function. A 4.1R isoform expressing the leucine-rich sequence binds to the export receptor CRM1 in a RanGTP-dependent fashion, whereas this does not occur in a mutant whose two conserved hydrophobic residues are substituted. These two residues are also essential for 4.1R intracellular distribution, because the 4.1R protein containing the leucine-rich sequence localizes in the cytoplasm, whereas the mutant protein predominantly accumulates in the nucleus. We hypothesize that the leucine-rich sequence in 4.1R controls distribution and concomitantly function of a specific set of 4.1R isoforms.     

Identification and functional characterization of protein 4.1R and actin-binding sites in erythrocyte beta spectrin: regulation of the interactions by phosphatidylinositol-4,5-bisphosphate

The ternary complex of spectrin, F-actin, and protein 4.1R defines the erythrocyte membrane skeletal network, which governs the stability and elasticity of the membrane. It has been shown that both 4.1R and actin bind to the N-terminal region (residues 1-301) of the spectrin beta chain, which contains two calponin homology domains, designated CH1 and CH2. Here, we show that 4.1R also binds to the separate CH1 and CH2 domains. Unexpectedly, truncation of the CH2 domain by its 20 amino acids, corresponding to its N-terminal alpha helix, was found to greatly enhance its binding to 4.1R. The intact N terminus and the CH1 but not the CH2 domain bind to F-actin, but again, deletion of the first 20 amino acids of the latter exposes an actin-binding activity. As expected, the polypeptide 1-301 inhibits the binding of spectrin dimer to actin and formation of the spectrin-actin-4.1R ternary complex in vitro. Furthermore, the binding of 4.1R to 1-301 is greatly enhanced by PIP(2), implying the existence of a regulatory switch in the cell.     

A 130-kDa Protein 4.1B Regulates Cell Adhesion,Spreading, and Migration of Mouse Embryo Fibroblasts by Influencing Actin Cytoskeleton Organization

Protein 4.1B is a member of protein 4.1 family, adaptor proteins at the interface of membranes and the cytoskeleton. It is expressed in most mammalian tissues and is known to be required in formation of nervous and cardiac systems; it is also a tumor suppressor with a role in metastasis. Here, we explore functions of 4.1B using primary mouse embryonic fibroblasts (MEF) derived from wild type and 4.1B knock-out mice. MEF cells express two 4.1B isoforms: 130 and 60-kDa. 130-kDa 4.1B was absent from 4.1B knock-out MEF cells, but 60-kDa 4.1B remained, suggesting incomplete knock-out. Although the 130-kDa isoform was predominantly located at the plasma membrane, the 60-kDa isoform was enriched in nuclei. 130-kDa-deficient 4.1B MEF cells exhibited impaired cell adhesion, spreading, and migration; they also failed to form actin stress fibers. Impaired cell spreading and stress fiber formation were rescued by re-expression of the 130-kDa 4.1B but not the 60-kDa 4.1B. Our findings document novel, isoform-selective roles for 130-kDa 4.1B in adhesion, spreading, and migration of MEF cells by affecting actin organization, giving new insight into 4.1B functions in normal tissues as well as its role in cancer.     

Beta spectrin bestows protein 4.1 sensitivity on spectrin-actin interactions

The ability of protein 4.1 to stimulate the binding of spectrin to F-actin has been compared by cosedimentation analysis for three avian (erythrocyte, brain, and brush border) and two mammalian (erythrocyte and brain) spectrin isoforms. Human erythroid protein 4.1 stimulated actin binding of all spectrins except the brush border isoform (TW 260/240). These results suggested that the beta subunit determined the protein 4.1 sensitivity of the heterodimer, since all avian alpha subunits are encoded by a single gene. Tissue-specific posttranslational modification of the alpha subunit was excluded by examining the properties of hybrid spectrins composed of the purified alpha subunit from avian erythrocyte or brush border spectrin and the beta subunit of human erythrocyte spectrin. A hybrid composed of avian brush border alpha and human erythroid beta spectrin ran on nondenaturing gels as a discrete band, migrating near human erythroid spectrin tetramers. The actin-binding activity of this hybrid was stimulated by protein 4.1, while either chain alone was devoid of activity. Therefore, although both subunits were required for actin binding, the sensitivity of the spectrin-actin interaction to protein 4.1 is a property uniquely bestowed on the heterodimer by the beta subunit. The singular insensitivity of brush border spectrin to stimulation by erythroid protein 4.1 was also consistent with the absence of proteins in avian intestinal epithelial cells which were immunoreactive with polyclonal antisera sensitive to all of the known avian and human erythroid 4.1 isoforms.     

Identification of the functional site of erythrocyte protein 4.1 involved in spectrin-actin associations

Peptides produced by mild chymotryptic digestion of human erythrocyte protein 4.1 mimic the ability of intact 4.1 to promote the binding of spectrin to F-actin. This complex-promoting activity was found to reside in an 8-kDa peptide which was fully functional when dissociated from other protein 4.1-derived peptides, indicating that noncovalent complexes of multiple peptides were not essential for activity. The 8-kDa peptide was incorporated into a ternary complex with spectrin and F-actin in approximately stoichiometric amounts. Amino acid composition and two-dimensional peptide mapping show that the 8-kDa active peptide is located within the 10-kDa region of protein 4.1 which contains a cAMP-dependent phosphorylated site.     

Deciphering the Nuclear Import Pathway for the Cytoskeletal Red Cell Protein 4.1R

The erythroid membrane cytoskeletal protein 4.1 is the prototypical member of a genetically and topologically complex family that is generated by combinatorial alternative splicing pathways and is localized at diverse intracellular sites including the nucleus. To explore the molecular determinants for nuclear localization, we transfected COS-7 cells with epitope-tagged versions of natural red cell protein 4.1 (4.1R) isoforms as well as mutagenized and truncated derivatives. Two distant topological sorting signals were required for efficient nuclear import of the 4.1R80 isoform: a basic peptide, KKKRER, encoded by alternative exon 16 and acting as a weak core nuclear localization signal (4.1R NLS), and an acidic peptide, EED, encoded by alternative exon 5. 4.1R80 isoforms lacking either of these two exons showed decreased nuclear import. Fusion of various 4.1R80 constructs to the cytoplasmic reporter protein pyruvate kinase confirmed a requirement for both motifs for full NLS function. 4.1R80 was efficiently imported in the nuclei of digitonin-permeabilized COS-7 cells in the presence of recombinant Rch1 (human importin alpha2), importin beta, and GTPase Ran. Quantitative analysis of protein-protein interactions using a resonant mirror detection technique showed that 4.1R80 bound to Rch1 in vitro with high affinity (KD = 30 nM). The affinity decreased at least 7- and 20-fold, respectively, if the EED motif in exon 5 or if 4.1R NLS in exon 16 was lacking or mutated, confirming that both motifs were required for efficient importin-mediated nuclear import of 4.1R80.     

Tissue- and development-specific alternative RNA splicing regulates expression of multiple isoforms of erythroid membrane protein 4.1

Protein 4.1, a multifunctional structural protein originally described as an 80-kDa component of the erythroid membrane skeleton, exhibits tissue- and development-specific heterogeneity in molecular weight, subcellular localization, and primary amino acid sequence. Earlier reports suggested that some of this impressive heterogeneity is generated by alternative RNA splicing (Conboy, J. G., Chan, J., Mohandas, N., and Kan, Y. W. (1988) Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. U. S. A. 85, 9062-9065; Tang, T. K., Leto, T., Marchesi, V. T., and Benz, E. J. (1990) J. Cell Biol. 110, 617-624). We have now completed a systematic analysis of 4.1 mRNA isoforms expressed in erythroid cells, and have generated an "alternative splicing map" which summarizes diagrammatically a multitude of polypeptide isoforms potentially generated by combinatorial splicing of nine alternative exons. Complex 5' splicing events yield mRNA isoforms that may initiate translation at different sites and thus generate elongated or truncated NH2 termini; elongated approximately 135-kDa and prototypical approximately 80-kDa species were detected in both erythrocytes and T-lymphocytes, but in very different ratios. Among the functional domains of 4.1 responsible for interaction with other membrane skeletal elements, four variants of the 10-kDa spectrin-actin-binding region and four variants of the putative 30-kDa glycophorin-binding region are predicted. Developmentally controlled alternative RNA splicing in the spectrin-actin-binding region may help regulate remodeling of membrane architecture and mechanical properties that occur during erythropoiesis.     

Biochemical characterization of complex formation by human erythrocyte spectrin, protein 4.1, and actin

Ternary complex formation between the major human erythrocyte membrane skeletal proteins spectrin, protein 4.1, and actin was quantified by measuring cosedimentation of spectrin and band 4.1 with F-actin. Complex formation was dependent upon the concentration of spectrin and band 4.1, each of which promoted the binding of the other to F-actin. Simultaneous measurement of the concentrations of spectrin and band 4.1 in the sedimentable complex showed that a single molecule of band 4.1 was sufficient to promote the binding of a spectrin dimer to F-actin. However, the molar ratio of band 4.1/spectrin in the complex was not fixed, ranging from approximately 0.6 to 2.2 as the relative concentration of added spectrin to band 4.1 was decreased. A mole ratio of 0.6 band 4.1/spectrin suggests that a single molecule of band 4.1 can promote the binding of more than one spectrin dimer to an actin filament. Saturation binding studies showed that in the presence of band 4.1 every actin monomer in a filament could bind at least one molecule of spectrin, yielding ternary complexes with spectrin/actin mole ratios as high as 1.4. Electron microscopy of such complexes showed them to consist of actin filaments heavily decorated with spectrin dimers. Ternary complex formation was not affected by alteration in Mg2+ or Ca2+ concentration but was markedly inhibited by KCl above 100 mM and nearly abolished by 10 mM 2,3-diphosphoglycerate or 10 mM adenosine 5'-triphosphate. Our data are used to refine the molecular model of the red cell membrane skeleton.     

4.1B蛋白的抑制肿瘤作用

4.1 R和Merlin是4.1蛋白超家族中两个功能比较清楚的成员,前者通过结合肌动蛋白和血影蛋白维持红细胞骨架结构的完整性:后者为抑癌蛋白,其缺失与脑膜瘤发生有关.4.1B蛋白是4.1R和Merlin的同源蛋白,与二者的结构和功能具有相似性.4.1B蛋白由三个保守的结构域构成,即FERM、SABD和CTD,通过这三个结构域,能与一系列蛋白质相互作用.4.1 B蛋白表达缺失与脑膜瘤、乳腺癌和非小细胞肺癌的发生相关,而过量表达则可激活JNK信号途径,促进细胞凋亡;此外,4.1 B蛋白还具有抑制肿瘤转移的功能.因此,目前多认为4.1B基因可能是一个抑癌基因.