Pushing with actin: from cells to pathogens

2015 ◽  
Vol 43 (1) ◽  
pp. 84-91 ◽  
Author(s):  
J. Victor Small
Keyword(s):  
Actin Filaments ◽  
Actin Polymerization ◽  
Electron Tomography ◽  
Function Analysis ◽  
Host Cells ◽  
Actin Networks ◽  
Resolution Model ◽  
Image Averaging ◽  
Actin Comet Tails

Actin polymerization is harnessed by cells to generate lamellipodia for movement and by a subclass of pathogens to facilitate invasion of their infected hosts. Using electron tomography (ET), we have shown that lamellipodia are formed via the generation of subsets of actin filaments joined by branch junctions. Image averaging produced a 2.9 nm resolution model of branch junctions in situ and revealed a close fit to the electron density map of the actin-related protein 2/3 (Arp2/3)–actin complex in vitro. Correlated live-cell imaging and ET was also used to determine how actin networks are created and remodelled during the initiation and inhibition of protrusion in lamellipodia. Listeria, Rickettsia and viruses, such as vaccinia virus and baculovirus, exploit the actin machinery of host cells to generate propulsive actin comet tails to disseminate their infection. By applying ET, we have shown that baculovirus generates at its rear a fishbone-like array of subsets of branched actin filaments, with an average of only four filaments engaged in pushing at any one time. In both of these studies, the application of ET of negatively stained cytoskeletons for higher filament resolution and cryo-ET for preserving overall 3D morphology was crucial for obtaining a complete structure–function analysis of actin-driven propulsion.

scholarly journals Elasticity of dense actin networks produces nanonewton protrusive forces

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Marion Jasnin ◽  
Jordan Hervy ◽  
Stéphanie Balor ◽  
Anais Bouissou ◽  
Amsha Proag ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Actin Filaments ◽  
Actin Polymerization ◽  
Electron Tomography ◽  
Force Production ◽  
Basal Membrane ◽  
Theoretical Modelling ◽  
Elastic Behavior ◽  
Integrative Approach ◽  
Cellular Functions ◽  
Actin Networks

AbstractActin filaments assemble into force-generating systems involved in diverse cellular functions, including cell motility, adhesion, contractility and division. It remains unclear how networks of actin filaments, which individually generate piconewton forces, can produce forces reaching tens of nanonewtons. Here we use in situ cryo-electron tomography to unveil how the nanoscale architecture of macrophage podosomes enables basal membrane protrusion. We show that the sum of the actin polymerization forces at the membrane is not sufficient to explain podosome protrusive forces. Quantitative analysis of podosome organization demonstrates that the core is composed of a dense network of bent actin filaments storing elastic energy. Theoretical modelling of the network as a spring-loaded elastic material reveals that it exerts forces of up to tens of nanonewtons, similar to those evaluated experimentally. Thus, taking into account not only the interface with the membrane but also the bulk of the network, is crucial to understand force generation by actin machineries. Our integrative approach sheds light on the elastic behavior of dense actin networks and opens new avenues to understand force production inside cells.

scholarly journals Nebulin Interacts with CapZ and Regulates Thin Filament Architecture within the Z-Disc

2008 ◽  
Vol 19 (5) ◽  
pp. 1837-1847 ◽  
Author(s):  
Christopher T. Pappas ◽  
Nandini Bhattacharya ◽  
John A. Cooper ◽  
Carol C. Gregorio
Keyword(s):  
Actin Filaments ◽  
Thin Filament ◽  
Actin Polymerization ◽  
Striated Muscle ◽  
Solid Phase ◽  
Molecular Model ◽  
Direct Interaction ◽  
Tryptophan Fluorescence ◽  
Actin Binding

The barbed ends of actin filaments in striated muscle are anchored within the Z-disc and capped by CapZ; this protein blocks actin polymerization and depolymerization in vitro. The mature lengths of the thin filaments are likely specified by the giant “molecular ruler” nebulin, which spans the length of the thin filament. Here, we report that CapZ specifically interacts with the C terminus of nebulin (modules 160–164) in blot overlay, solid-phase binding, tryptophan fluorescence, and SPOTs membrane assays. Binding of nebulin modules 160–164 to CapZ does not affect the ability of CapZ to cap actin filaments in vitro, consistent with our observation that neither of the two C-terminal actin binding regions of CapZ is necessary for its interaction with nebulin. Knockdown of nebulin in chick skeletal myotubes using small interfering RNA results in a reduction of assembled CapZ, and, strikingly, a loss of the uniform alignment of the barbed ends of the actin filaments. These data suggest that nebulin restricts the position of thin filament barbed ends to the Z-disc via a direct interaction with CapZ. We propose a novel molecular model of Z-disc architecture in which nebulin interacts with CapZ from a thin filament of an adjacent sarcomere, thus providing a structural link between sarcomeres.

scholarly journals Actin depolymerizing factor controls actin turnover and gliding motility in Toxoplasma gondii

2011 ◽  
Vol 22 (8) ◽  
pp. 1290-1299 ◽  
Author(s):  
Simren Mehta ◽  
L. David Sibley
Keyword(s):  
Toxoplasma Gondii ◽  
Actin Filaments ◽  
Gliding Motility ◽  
Conditional Knockout ◽  
Host Cells ◽  
Actin Binding ◽  
Actin Depolymerizing Factor

Apicomplexan parasites rely on actin-based gliding motility to move across the substratum, cross biological barriers, and invade their host cells. Gliding motility depends on polymerization of parasite actin filaments, yet ∼98% of actin is nonfilamentous in resting parasites. Previous studies suggest that the lack of actin filaments in the parasite is due to inherent instability, leaving uncertain the role of actin-binding proteins in controlling dynamics. We have previously shown that the single allele of Toxoplasma gondii actin depolymerizing factor (TgADF) has strong actin monomer–sequestering and weak filament-severing activities in vitro. Here we used a conditional knockout strategy to investigate the role of TgADF in vivo. Suppression of TgADF led to accumulation of actin-rich filaments that were detected by immunofluorescence and electron microscopy. Parasites deficient in TgADF showed reduced speed of motility, increased aberrant patterns of motion, and inhibition of sustained helical gliding. Lack of TgADF also led to severe defects in entry and egress from host cells, thus blocking infection in vitro. These studies establish that the absence of stable actin structures in the parasite are not simply the result of intrinsic instability, but that TgADF is required for the rapid turnover of parasite actin filaments, gliding motility, and cell invasion.

Side-chain amino acid based cationic polymer induced actin polymerization

2017 ◽  
Vol 5 (6) ◽  
pp. 1218-1226 ◽  
Author(s):  
Binoy Maiti ◽  
Priyanka Dutta ◽  
Soma Seal ◽  
Sunirmal Pal ◽  
Priyadarsi De ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Amino Acid ◽  
Actin Filaments ◽  
Actin Polymerization ◽  
Cationic Polymer ◽  
Side Chain

A side-chain amino acid (alanine) based cationic polymer is able to nucleate, polymerize and stabilize actin filaments in vitro and in vivo.

scholarly journals The toxofilin–actin–PP2C complex of Toxoplasma: identification of interacting domains

2007 ◽  
Vol 401 (3) ◽  
pp. 711-719 ◽  
Author(s):  
Gaelle Jan ◽  
Violaine Delorme ◽  
Violaine David ◽  
Celine Revenu ◽  
Angelita Rebollo ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Protein Interactions ◽  
Actin Filaments ◽  
Function Analysis ◽  
Protozoan Parasite ◽  
Actin Binding ◽  
Protein Protein Interactions ◽  
The Third ◽  
Parasite Motility

Toxofilin is a 27 kDa protein isolated from the human protozoan parasite Toxoplasma gondii, which causes toxoplasmosis. Toxofilin binds to G-actin, and in vitro studies have shown that it controls elongation of actin filaments by sequestering actin monomers. Toxofilin affinity for G-actin is controlled by the phosphorylation status of its Ser53, which depends on the activities of a casein kinase II and a type 2C serine/threonine phosphatase (PP2C). To get insights into the functional properties of toxofilin, we undertook a structure–function analysis of the protein using a combination of biochemical techniques. We identified a domain that was sufficient to sequester G-actin and that contains three peptide sequences selectively binding to G-actin. Two of these sequences are similar to sequences present in several G- and F-actin-binding proteins, while the third appears to be specific to toxofilin. Additionally, we identified two toxofilin domains that interact with PP2C, one of which contains the Ser53 substrate. In addition to characterizing the interacting domains of toxofilin with its partners, the present study also provides information on an in vivo-based approach to selectively and competitively disrupt the protein–protein interactions that are important to parasite motility.

scholarly journals Burkholderia pseudomalleitype III secreted protein BipC: role in actin modulation and translocation activities required for the bacterial intracellular lifecycle

PeerJ ◽  
2016 ◽  
Vol 4 ◽  
pp. e2532 ◽  
Author(s):  
Wen Tyng Kang ◽  
Kumutha Malar Vellasamy ◽  
Lakshminarayanan Rajamani ◽  
Roger W. Beuerman ◽  
Jamuna Vadivelu
Keyword(s):  
Actin Polymerization ◽  
Cell Interaction ◽  
Binding Activity ◽  
Host Cells ◽  
Actin Dynamics ◽  
Actin Binding ◽  
Virulence Determinants ◽  
Secretion Systems ◽  
Number Of Patients

Melioidosis, an infection caused by the facultative intracellular pathogenBurkholderia pseudomallei, has been classified as an emerging disease with the number of patients steadily increasing at an alarming rate.B. pseudomalleipossess various virulence determinants that allow them to invade the host and evade the host immune response, such as the type III secretion systems (TTSS). The products of this specialized secretion system are particularly important for theB. pseudomalleiinfection. Lacking in one or more components of the TTSS demonstrated different degrees of defects in the intracellular lifecycle ofB. pseudomallei. Further understanding the functional roles of proteins involved inB. pseudomalleiTTSS will enable us to dissect the enigma ofB. pseudomallei-host cell interaction. In this study, BipC (a translocator), which was previously reported to be involved in the pathogenesis ofB. pseudomallei, was further characterized using the bioinformatics and molecular approaches. ThebipCgene, coding for a putative invasive protein, was first PCR amplified fromB. pseudomalleiK96243genomic DNA and cloned into an expression vector for overexpression inEscherichia coli. The soluble protein was subsequently purified and assayed for actin polymerization and depolymerization. BipC was verified to subvert the host actin dynamics as demonstrated by the capability to polymerize actinin vitro. Homology modeling was also attempted to predict the structure of BipC. Overall, our findings identified that the protein encoded by thebipCgene plays a role as an effector involved in the actin binding activity to facilitate internalization ofB. pseudomalleiinto the host cells.

scholarly journals Crosslinking actin networks produces compressive force

2019 ◽  
Author(s):  
Rui Ma ◽  
Julien Berro
Keyword(s):  
Actin Filaments ◽  
Brownian Dynamics ◽  
Actin Polymerization ◽  
Turgor Pressure ◽  
Compressive Force ◽  
Yeast Cells ◽  
Actin Networks ◽  
Dynamics Simulations ◽  
Brownian Dynamics Simulations ◽  
Over Time

AbstractActin has been shown to be essential for clathrin-mediated endocytosis in yeast. However, actin polymerization alone is likely insufficient to produce enough force to deform the membrane against the huge turgor pressure of yeast cells. In this paper, we used Brownian dynamics simulations to demonstrate that crosslinking of a meshwork of non-polymerizing actin filaments is able to produce compressive forces. We show that the force can be up to thousands of piconewtons if the crosslinker has a high stiffness. The force decays over time as a result of crosslinker turnover, and is a result of converting chemical binding energy into elastic energy.

scholarly journals Synergy between Cyclase-associated protein and Cofilin accelerates actin filament depolymerization by two orders of magnitude

2019 ◽  
Vol 10 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Shashank Shekhar ◽  
Johnson Chung ◽  
Jane Kondev ◽  
Jeff Gelles ◽  
Bruce L. Goode
Keyword(s):  
Actin Filament ◽  
Single Molecule ◽  
Actin Filaments ◽  
Binding Protein ◽  
Actin Dynamics ◽  
Actin Network ◽  
Cellular Mechanisms ◽  
Actin Networks ◽  
Binding Event

AbstractCellular actin networks can be rapidly disassembled and remodeled in a few seconds, yet in vitro actin filaments depolymerize slowly over minutes. The cellular mechanisms enabling actin to depolymerize this fast have so far remained obscure. Using microfluidics-assisted TIRF, we show that Cyclase-associated protein (CAP) and Cofilin synergize to processively depolymerize actin filament pointed ends at a rate 330-fold faster than spontaneous depolymerization. Single molecule imaging further reveals that hexameric CAP molecules interact with the pointed ends of Cofilin-decorated filaments for several seconds at a time, removing approximately 100 actin subunits per binding event. These findings establish a paradigm, in which a filament end-binding protein and a side-binding protein work in concert to control actin dynamics, and help explain how rapid actin network depolymerization is achieved in cells.

scholarly journals A barbed end interference mechanism reveals how capping protein promotes nucleation in branched actin networks

2021 ◽  
Vol 12 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Johanna Funk ◽  
Felipe Merino ◽  
Matthias Schaks ◽  
Klemens Rottner ◽  
Stefan Raunser ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Structural Biology ◽  
Actin Filaments ◽  
Actin Network ◽  
Essential Factor ◽  
Actin Networks ◽  
Capping Protein ◽  
Cellular Processes ◽  
In Vitro Reconstitution ◽  
Interference Mechanism

AbstractHeterodimeric capping protein (CP/CapZ) is an essential factor for the assembly of branched actin networks, which push against cellular membranes to drive a large variety of cellular processes. Aside from terminating filament growth, CP potentiates the nucleation of actin filaments by the Arp2/3 complex in branched actin networks through an unclear mechanism. Here, we combine structural biology with in vitro reconstitution to demonstrate that CP not only terminates filament elongation, but indirectly stimulates the activity of Arp2/3 activating nucleation promoting factors (NPFs) by preventing their association to filament barbed ends. Key to this function is one of CP’s C-terminal “tentacle” extensions, which sterically masks the main interaction site of the terminal actin protomer. Deletion of the β tentacle only modestly impairs capping. However, in the context of a growing branched actin network, its removal potently inhibits nucleation promoting factors by tethering them to capped filament ends. End tethering of NPFs prevents their loading with actin monomers required for activation of the Arp2/3 complex and thus strongly inhibits branched network assembly both in cells and reconstituted motility assays. Our results mechanistically explain how CP couples two opposed processes—capping and nucleation—in branched actin network assembly.

Movement of spotted fever rickettsiae through tick host cells in vitro

1996 ◽  
Vol 54 ◽  
pp. 810-811
Author(s):  
U. G. Munderloh ◽  
S. F. Hayes ◽  
J. Cummings ◽  
T. J. Kurtti
Keyword(s):  
Mammalian Cells ◽  
Actin Polymerization ◽  
Spotted Fever ◽  
Shigella Flexneri ◽  
Light And Electron Microscopy ◽  
Host Cells ◽  
Spotted Fever Group ◽  
Symbiotic Association ◽  
Obligate Intracellular

Spotted fever group (SFG) rickettsiae are obligate intracellular prokaryotes that include tick-borne pathogens of animals and man as well as organisms that live in symbiotic association with their tick hosts. A striking feature of the behavior of pathogenic rickettsiae in the vertebrate is their ability to quickly disseminate between cells from the original site of entry shortly after infection, and before severe lesions are detected. Similarly, ticks become systemically infected with SFG rickettsiae, indicating that an efficient mechanism of dispersal also exists in the vector. This is accomplished despite the fact that rickettsiae are not motile.Kadurugamuwa et al. (1991) have used light and electron microscopy to show that Shigella flexneri utilize host cytoskeletal components to travel through cytoplasmic extensions and penetrate into neighboring cells. Using mammalian cells cultured in vitro, Heinzen et al. (1993) have demonstrated that SFG rickettsiae cause host cell actin polymerization at one rickettsial pole causing them to be propelled through the cytoplasm, and to transfer rapidly from cell to cell.

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