scholarly journals Association of polo-like kinase with α-, β- and γ-tubulins in a stable complex

1999 ◽  
Vol 339 (2) ◽  
pp. 435-442 ◽  
Author(s):  
Yang FENG ◽  
David R. HODGE ◽  
Giuseppe PALMIERI ◽  
Dan L. CHASE ◽  
Dan L. LONGO ◽  
...  

The polo-like kinase (Plk) family has been shown to have an important role in the regulation of the cell-division cycle, especially in organization of the spindle structure, in species from fungi to humans. Recent reports have demonstrated that in mammalian cells Plk is associated with components of the anaphase-promoting complex and a peptidyl-prolyl isomerase, Pin1. To characterize a putative Plk-containing complex, we fractionated mitotic cell lysates on a gel-filtration column. The Plk complex was eluted from the column at molecular sizes ranging from 669 to 2500 kDa in the presence of detergent and high concentrations of salt. Specific associations of Plk with α-, β- and γ-tubulins in both interphase and mitotic cells were shown by reciprocal immunoprecipitations and immunoblottings and were independent of the microtubule polymerization state, whereas binding assays in vitro indicated that Plk interacts with α- and β-tubulins directly. In addition, mitotic Plk was able to phosphorylate associated tubulins in vitro. Finally, we show that the kinase domain of the Plk molecule is both required and sufficient for its binding to tubulins in vivo. The specific interaction between Plk and tubulins might provide a molecular basis for the physiological functions of Plk in regulating the cell cycle, particularly in establishing the normal bipolar spindle.

2009 ◽  
Vol 20 (1) ◽  
pp. 410-418 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ulf R. Klein ◽  
Markus Haindl ◽  
Erich A. Nigg ◽  
Stefan Muller

The ubiquitin-like SUMO system controls cellular key functions, and several lines of evidence point to a critical role of SUMO for mitotic progression. However, in mammalian cells mitotic substrates of sumoylation and the regulatory components involved are not well defined. Here, we identify Borealin, a component of the chromosomal passenger complex (CPC), as a mitotic target of SUMO. The CPC, which additionally comprises INCENP, Survivin, and Aurora B, regulates key mitotic events, including chromosome congression, the spindle assembly checkpoint, and cytokinesis. We show that Borealin is preferentially modified by SUMO2/3 and demonstrate that the modification is dynamically regulated during mitotic progression, peaking in early mitosis. Intriguingly, the SUMO ligase RanBP2 interacts with the CPC, stimulates SUMO modification of Borealin in vitro, and is required for its modification in vivo. Moreover, the SUMO isopeptidase SENP3 is a specific interaction partner of Borealin and catalyzes the removal of SUMO2/3 from Borealin. These data thus delineate a mitotic SUMO2/3 conjugation–deconjugation cycle of Borealin and further assign a regulatory function of RanBP2 and SENP3 in the mitotic SUMO pathway.


1983 ◽  
Vol 212 (2) ◽  
pp. 249-257 ◽  
Author(s):  
M J Imber ◽  
S V Pizzo

These studies explore the role of carbohydrate recognition systems and the direct involvement of terminal alpha 1-3-linked fucose in the clearance of lactoferrin from the murine circulation and in the specific binding of lactoferrin to receptors on murine peritoneal macrophages. As previously reported, radiolabelled lactoferrin cleared very rapidly (t1/2 less than 1 min) after intravenous injection into mice. However, competing levels of ligands specific for the hepatic galactose receptor (asialo-orosomucoid), the hepatic fucose receptor (fucosyl-bovine serum albumin), and the mononuclear-phagocyte system pathway recognizing mannose, N-acetylglucosamine and fucose (mannosyl-, N-acetylglucosaminyl- and fucosyl-bovine serum albumin) did not block radiolabelled lactoferrin clearance in vivo or binding to mouse peritoneal macrophage monolayers in vitro. Almond emulsin alpha 1-3-fucosidase was used to prepare defucosylated lactoferrin in which 88% of the alpha 1-3-linked fucose was hydrolysed. No difference in clearance or receptor binding was observed between radiolabelled native and defucosylated lactoferrin. Fucoidin, a fucose-rich algal polysaccharide, completely inhibits the clearance in vivo and macrophage binding in vitro of lactoferrin. This effect, however, is probably not the result of competition for binding to the fucose receptor, since gel-filtration studies demonstrated formation of a stable complex between lactoferrin and fucoidin. The present results indicate that the lactoferrin-clearance pathway is distinct from several pathways mediating glycoprotein clearance through recognition of terminal galactose, fucose, N-acetylglucosamine or mannose. Furthermore, alpha 1-3-linked fucose on lactoferrin is not essential for lactoferrin clearance in vivo or specific binding to macrophage receptors in vitro.


2019 ◽  
Author(s):  
Srivastav Ranganathan ◽  
Eugene Shakhnovich

AbstractProteins and nucleic acids can spontaneously self-assemble into membraneless droplet-like compartments, both in vitro and in vivo. A key component of these droplets are multi-valent proteins that possess several adhesive domains with specific interaction partners (whose number determines total valency of the protein) separated by disordered regions. Here, using multi-scale simulations we show that such proteins self-organize into micro-phase separated droplets of various sizes as opposed to the Flory-like macro-phase separated equilibrium state of homopolymers or equilibrium physical gels. We show that the micro-phase separated state is a dynamic outcome of the interplay between two competing processes: a diffusion-limited encounter between proteins, and the dynamics within small clusters that results in exhaustion of available valencies whereby all specifically interacting domains find their interacting partners within smaller clusters, leading to arrested phase separation. We first model these multi-valent chains as bead-spring polymers with multiple adhesive domains separated by semi-flexible linkers and use Langevin Dynamics (LD) to assess how key timescales depend on the molecular properties of associating polymers. Using the time-scales from LD simulations, we develop a coarse-grained kinetic model to study this phenomenon at longer times. Consistent with LD simulations, the macro-phase separated state was only observed at high concentrations and large interaction valencies. Further, in the regime where cluster sizes approach macro-phase separation, the condensed phase becomes dynamically solid-like, suggesting that it might no longer be biologically functional. Therefore, the micro-phase separated state could be a hallmark of functional droplets formed by proteins with the sticker-spacer architecture.Significance statementMembraneless organells (MO) are ubiquitous in ‘healthy’ living cells, with an altered state in disease. Their formation is likened to liquid-liquid phase separation (LLPS) between MO-forming proteins. However most models of LLPS predict complete macrophase separation while in reality MO’s are small droplets of various sizes, which are malleable to rapid morphological changes. Here we present a microscopic multiscale theoretical study of thermodynamics and kinetics of formation of MO. We show that MO’s are long-living dynamic structures formed as a result of arrested macrophase separation. Our study provides a direct link beween the molecular properies of MO-forming proteins and the morphology and dynamics of MO paving a path to rational design and control of MO.


2008 ◽  
Vol 410 (2) ◽  
pp. 319-330 ◽  
Author(s):  
You Lee Son ◽  
Ok Gu Park ◽  
Gwang Sik Kim ◽  
Jae Woon Lee ◽  
Young Chul Lee

ASC-2 (activating signal co-integrator-2) is a transcriptional co-activator that mediates the transactivation of NRs (nuclear receptors) via direct interactions with these receptors. ASC-2 contains two separate NR-interaction domains harbouring a core signature motif, LXXLL (where X is any amino acid), named the NR box. Although the first NR box (NR box-1) of ASC-2 interacts with many different NRs, the second NR box (NR box-2) specifically interacts with only LXR (liver X receptor), whose transactivation in vivo requires heterodimerization with RXR (retinoid X receptor). Interestingly, RXR has been shown to enhance the LXR transactivation, even in the absence of LXR ligand via a unique mechanism of allosteric regulation. In the present study we demonstrate that LXR binding to an ASC-2 fragment containing NR box-2 (Co4aN) is enhanced by RXR and even further by liganded RXR. We also identified specific residues in Co4aN involved in its interaction with LXR that were also required for the ASC-2-mediated transactivation of LXR in mammalian cells. Using these mutants, we found that the Co4aN–LXR interaction surface is not altered by the presence of RXR and RXR ligand and that the Ser1490 residue is the critical determinant for the LXR-specific interaction of Co4aN. Notably the NR box-2, but not the NR box-1, is essential for ASC-2-mediated transactivation of LXR in vivo and for the interaction between LXR–RXR and ASC-2 in vitro. These results indicate that RXR does not interact directly with NR box-1 of ASC-2, but functions as an allosteric activator of LXR binding to NR box-2 of ASC-2.


2008 ◽  
Vol 19 (1) ◽  
pp. 216-225 ◽  
Author(s):  
Edward Avezov ◽  
Zehavit Frenkel ◽  
Marcelo Ehrlich ◽  
Annette Herscovics ◽  
Gerardo Z. Lederkremer

We had previously shown that endoplasmic reticulum (ER)-associated degradation (ERAD) of glycoproteins in mammalian cells involves trimming of three to four mannose residues from the N-linked oligosaccharide Man9GlcNAc2. A possible candidate for this activity, ER mannosidase I (ERManI), accelerates the degradation of ERAD substrates when overexpressed. Although in vitro, at low concentrations, ERManI removes only one specific mannose residue, at very high concentrations it can excise up to four α1,2-linked mannose residues. Using small interfering RNA knockdown of ERManI, we show that this enzyme is required for trimming to Man5–6GlcNAc2 and for ERAD in cells in vivo, leading to the accumulation of Man9GlcNAc2 and Glc1Man9GlcNAc2 on a model substrate. Thus, trimming by ERManI to the smaller oligosaccharides would remove the glycoprotein from reglucosylation and calnexin binding cycles. ERManI is strikingly concentrated together with the ERAD substrate in the pericentriolar ER-derived quality control compartment (ERQC) that we had described previously. ERManI knockdown prevents substrate accumulation in the ERQC. We suggest that the ERQC provides a high local concentration of ERManI, and passage through this compartment would allow timing of ERAD, possibly through a cycling mechanism. When newly made glycoproteins cannot fold properly, transport through the ERQC leads to trimming of a critical number of mannose residues, triggering a signal for degradation.


2003 ◽  
Vol 23 (22) ◽  
pp. 8030-8041 ◽  
Author(s):  
Lee Ann Cooper ◽  
Tang-Long Shen ◽  
Jun-Lin Guan

ABSTRACT We have investigated a role for the amino-terminal FERM-like domain of the focal adhesion kinase (FAK) as a negative regulator of its own activity and phosphorylation state. Deletion of the first 375 amino acids from the amino terminus of FAK increases its catalytic activity in vitro, its phosphorylation when expressed in mammalian cells, and the phosphorylation of a FAK substrate, paxillin. Deletion mutants are phosphorylated in suspension, suggesting that they are no longer regulated by adhesion. The amino terminus of FAK can interact with the kinase domain of FAK in vitro and in vivo, suggesting that it might act as an autoinhibitor of FAK activity. The amino terminus of FAK can act in trans to inhibit FAK phosphorylation when expressed in mammalian cells or to directly inhibit FAK activity in vitro. Expression of the amino terminus of FAK inhibits cell cycle progression in CHO cells, consistent with its inhibition of FAK phosphorylation and function in trans. A glutathione S-transferase fusion protein containing the cytoplasmic tail of the β1 integrin stimulates FAK activity in vitro, suggesting that FAK could be regulated by molecular interactions with the amino terminus. Based on these and previous data, we propose a working model for activation of FAK in cell adhesion.


1998 ◽  
Vol 334 (1) ◽  
pp. 269-273 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ian C. BOULTON ◽  
Andrew R. GORRINGE ◽  
Nigel ALLISON ◽  
Andrew ROBINSON ◽  
Beatrice GORINSKY ◽  
...  

Neisseria meningitidis utilization of human serum transferrin (hTF)-bound iron is an important pathogenicity determinant. The efficiency of this system would clearly be increased through preferential binding of diferric hTF over the iron-free form. To characterize this process, functionally active meningococcal transferrin-binding protein A (TbpA) and TbpB have been purified from N. meningitidis using a novel purification procedure. The association of isolated Tbps and Tbps in the presence of hTF was investigated by gel filtration. Co-purified TbpA+B formed a complex of molecular mass 300 kDa which bound 1–2 molecules of hTF. Purified TbpA formed a complex of 200 kDa, indicating association as a dimer, whereas TbpB aggregated to form multimers of variable sizes. On recombining TbpA and TbpB, a stable complex of equivalent size to co-purified TbpA+B was formed. This complex may be composed of a single TbpA dimer and 1 molecule of TbpB. The technique of surface plasmon resonance (SPR) was used to demonstrate clearly that TbpB of either high (85 kDa) or low (68 kDa) molecular-mass preferentially bound diferric hTF in comparison with iron-free hTF. This selectivity was not observed with TbpA, but was found at low levels with co-purified TbpA+B. Individual TbpA and TbpB, recombined in a 1:1 molecular ratio, showed iron-mediated discriminatory binding at an intermediate level. SPR was also used to show that TbpA and TbpB bound to distinct regions of hTF, and that prior saturation with TbpB reduced subsequent TbpA binding. The results demonstrated that hTF bound more TbpA than TbpB, with an approximate ratio of 2:1. We have demonstrated that in vitro, TbpA+B exists as a receptor complex composed of a TbpA dimer and one molecule of TbpB, and that TbpB selectively binds diferric hTF. We propose that, in vivo, TbpA and TbpB also exist as a receptor complex, with TbpB selectively binding diferric hTF, bringing it close to TbpA, the transmembrane component, where the ferric iron can be transported to the periplasm.


2011 ◽  
Vol 439 (1) ◽  
pp. 151-159 ◽  
Author(s):  
Chia-Lun Wu ◽  
Bree Buszard ◽  
Chun-Hung Teng ◽  
Wei-Lin Chen ◽  
Coral G. Warr ◽  
...  

PTP1B (protein tyrosine phosphatase 1B) is a negative regulator of IR (insulin receptor) activation and glucose homoeostasis, but the precise molecular mechanisms governing PTP1B substrate selectivity and the regulation of insulin signalling remain unclear. In the present study we have taken advantage of Drosophila as a model organism to establish the role of the SH3 (Src homology 3)/SH2 adaptor protein Dock (Dreadlocks) and its mammalian counterpart Nck in IR regulation by PTPs. We demonstrate that the PTP1B orthologue PTP61F dephosphorylates the Drosophila IR in S2 cells in vitro and attenuates IR-induced eye overgrowth in vivo. Our studies indicate that Dock forms a stable complex with PTP61F and that Dock/PTP61F associate with the IR in response to insulin. We report that Dock is required for effective IR dephosphorylation and inactivation by PTP61F in vitro and in vivo. Furthermore, we demonstrate that Nck interacts with PTP1B and that the Nck/PTP1B complex inducibly associates with the IR for the attenuation of IR activation in mammalian cells. Our studies reveal for the first time that the adaptor protein Dock/Nck attenuates insulin signalling by recruiting PTP61F/PTP1B to its substrate, the IR.


1998 ◽  
Vol 18 (4) ◽  
pp. 1978-1984 ◽  
Author(s):  
Peteranne B. Joel ◽  
Jeffrey Smith ◽  
Thomas W. Sturgill ◽  
Tracey L. Fisher ◽  
John Blenis ◽  
...  

ABSTRACT The estrogen receptor α (ER), a member of the steroid receptor superfamily, contains an N-terminal hormone-independent transcriptional activation function (AF-1) and a C-terminal hormone-dependent transcriptional activation function (AF-2). Here, we used in-gel kinase assays to determine that pp90rsk1 activated by either epidermal growth factor (EGF) or phorbol myristate acetate specifically phosphorylates Ser-167 within AF-1. In vitro kinase assays demonstrated that pp90rsk1 phosphorylates the N terminus of the wild-type ER but not of a mutant ER in which Ser-167 was replaced by Ala. In vivo, EGF stimulated phosphorylation of Ser-167 as well as Ser-118. Ectopic expression of active pp90rsk1increased the level of phosphorylation of Ser-167 compared to that of either a mutant pp90rsk1, which is catalytically inactive in the N-terminal kinase domain, or to that of vector control. The ER formed a stable complex with the mutant pp90rsk1in vivo. Transfection of the mutant pp90rsk1 depressed ER-dependent transcription of both a wild-type ER and a mutant ER that had a defective AF-2 domain (ER TAF-1). Furthermore, replacing either Ser-118 or Ser-167 with Ala in ER TAF-1 showed similar decreases in transcription levels. A double mutant in which both Ser-118 and Ser-167 were replaced with Ala demonstrated a further decrease in transcription compared to either of the single mutations. Taken together, our results strongly suggest that pp90rsk1 phosphorylates Ser-167 of the human ER in vivo and that Ser-167 aids in regulating the transcriptional activity of AF-1 in the ER.


1993 ◽  
Vol 120 (5) ◽  
pp. 1101-1112 ◽  
Author(s):  
C R Brown ◽  
R L Martin ◽  
W J Hansen ◽  
R P Beckmann ◽  
W J Welch

Mammalian cells constitutively express a cytosolic and nuclear form of heat shock protein (hsp) 70, referred to here as hsp 73. In response to heat shock or other metabolic insults, increased expression of another cytosolic and nuclear form of hsp 70, hsp 72, is observed. The constitutively expressed hsp 73, and stress-inducible hsp 72, are highly related proteins. Still unclear, however, is exactly why most eukaryotic cells, in contrast to prokaryotic cells, express a novel form of hsp 70 (i.e., hsp 72) after experiencing stress. To address this question, we prepared antibodies specific to either hsp 72 or hsp 73 and have compared a number of biological properties of the two proteins, both in vivo and in vitro. Using metabolic pulse-chase labeling and immunoprecipitation analysis, both the hsp 72 and hsp 73 specific antibodies were found to coprecipitate a significant number of newly synthesized proteins. Such interactions appeared transient and sensitive to ATP. Consequently, we suspect that both hsp 72 and hsp 73 function as molecular chaperones, interacting transiently with nascent polypeptides. During the course of these studies, we routinely observed that antibodies specific to hsp 73 resulted in the coprecipitation of hsp 72. Similarly, antibodies specific to hsp 72 were capable of coprecipitating hsp 73. Using a number of different approaches, we show that the constitutively expressed, pre-existing hsp 73 rapidly forms a stable complex with the newly synthesized stress inducible hsp 72. As is demonstrated by double-label indirect immunofluorescence, both proteins exhibit a coincident locale within the cell. Moreover, injection of antibodies specific to hsp 73 into living cells effectively blocks the ability of both hsp 73 and hsp 72 to redistribute from the cytoplasm into the nucleus and nucleolus after heat shock. These results are discussed as they relate to the possible structure and function of the constitutive (hsp 73) and highly stress inducible (hsp 72) forms of hsp 70, both within the normal cell as well as in the cell experiencing stress.


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