scholarly journals The centrosome is a selective phase that nucleates microtubules by concentrating tubulin

2016 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jeffrey B. Woodruff ◽  
Beatriz Ferreira Gomes ◽  
Per O. Widlund ◽  
Julia Mahamid ◽  
Anthony A. Hyman
Keyword(s):  
Phase Separation ◽  
Effector Proteins ◽  
Nanometer Scale ◽  
C Elegans ◽  
Pericentriolar Material ◽  
Dynamic Assembly ◽  
Membrane Bound ◽  
Spherical Droplets

AbstractCentrosomes are non-membrane-bound compartments that nucleate microtubule arrays. They consist of nanometer-scale centrioles surrounded by a micron-scale, dynamic assembly of protein called the pericentriolar material (PCM). To study how PCM forms a spherical compartment that nucleates microtubules, we reconstituted PCM-dependent microtubule nucleation in vitro using recombinant C.elegans proteins. We found that macromolecular crowding drives phase separation of the key PCM scaffold protein SPD-5 into spherical droplets that morphologically and dynamically resemble in vivo PCM. These SPD-5 droplets recruited the microtubule polymerase ZYG-9 (XMAP215 homologue) and the microtubule-stabilizing protein TPXL-1 (TPX2 homologue). Together, these three proteins concentrated tubulin ~4- fold over background, which was sufficient to reconstitute nucleation of microtubule asters in vitro. Our results suggest that in vivo PCM is a selective phase that organizes microtubule arrays through localized concentration of tubulin by microtubule effector proteins.One Sentence SummaryPhase separation of C. elegans centrosome proteins drive the formation of micron-sized microtubule organizing centers.

scholarly journals Antimicrobial effectors in the nematode Caenorhabditis elegans : an outgroup to the Arthropoda

2016 ◽  
Vol 371 (1695) ◽  
pp. 20150299 ◽  
Author(s):  
Katja Dierking ◽  
Wentao Yang ◽  
Hinrich Schulenburg
Keyword(s):  
Caenorhabditis Elegans ◽  
Evolutionary Ecology ◽  
Nematode Species ◽  
Effector Proteins ◽  
Immune Effector ◽  
C Elegans ◽  
Pathogen Elimination ◽  
Antimicrobial Function

Nematodes and arthropods likely form the taxon Ecdysozoa. Information on antimicrobial effectors from the model nematode Caenorhabditis elegans may thus shed light on the evolutionary origin of these defences in arthropods. This nematode species possesses an extensive armory of putative antimicrobial effector proteins, such as lysozymes, caenopores (or saposin-like proteins), defensin-like peptides, caenacins and neuropeptide-like proteins, in addition to the production of reactive oxygen species and autophagy. As C. elegans is a bacterivore that lives in microbe-rich environments, some of its effector peptides and proteins likely function in both digestion of bacterial food and pathogen elimination. In this review, we provide an overview of C. elegans immune effector proteins and mechanisms. We summarize the experimental evidence of their antimicrobial function and involvement in the response to pathogen infection. We further evaluate the microbe-induced expression of effector genes using WormExp, a recently established database for C. elegans gene expression analysis. We emphasize the need for further analysis at the protein level to demonstrate an antimicrobial activity of these molecules both in vitro and in vivo . This article is part of the themed issue ‘Evolutionary ecology of arthropod antimicrobial peptides'.

scholarly journals Spatial patterning of P granules by RNA-induced phase separation of the intrinsically-disordered protein MEG-3

2016 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jarrett Smith ◽  
Deepika Calidas ◽  
Helen Schmidt ◽  
Tu Lu ◽  
Dominique Rasoloson ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Phase Separation ◽  
Rna Binding ◽  
Intrinsically Disordered Protein ◽  
P Granules ◽  
C Elegans ◽  
Rna Granules ◽  
Intrinsically Disordered ◽  
Disordered Protein

ABSTRACTRNA granules are non-membrane bound cellular compartments that contain RNA and RNA binding proteins. The molecular mechanisms that regulate the spatial distribution of RNA granules in cells are poorly understood. During polarization of the C. elegans zygote, germline RNA granules, called P granules, assemble preferentially in the posterior cytoplasm. We present evidence that P granule asymmetry depends on RNA-induced phase separation of the granule scaffold MEG-3. MEG-3 is an intrinsically disordered protein that binds and phase separates with RNA in vitro. In vivo, MEG-3 forms a posterior-rich concentration gradient that is anti-correlated with a gradient in the RNA-binding protein MEX-5. MEX-5 is necessary and sufficient to suppress MEG-3 granule formation in vivo, and suppresses RNA-induced MEG-3 phase separation in vitro. Our findings support a model whereby MEX-5 functions as an mRNA sink to locally suppress MEG-3 phase separation and drive P granule asymmetry.HIGHLIGHTS- The intrinsically-disordered protein MEG-3 is essential for localized assembly of P granules in C. elegans zygotes.- MEG-3 binds RNA and RNA stimulates MEG-3 phase separation.- The RNA-binding protein MEX-5 inhibits MEG-3 granule assembly in the anterior cytoplasm by sequestering RNA.

scholarly journals Polo kinase phosphorylation determines C. elegans centrosome size and density by biasing SPD-5 toward an assembly-competent conformation

2016 ◽  
Author(s):  
Oliver Wueseke ◽  
David Zwicker ◽  
Anne Schwager ◽  
Yao Liang Wong ◽  
Karen Oegema ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Theoretical Model ◽  
Wild Type ◽  
C Elegans ◽  
Polo Kinase ◽  
Supramolecular Scaffolds ◽  
Long Time ◽  
Pericentriolar Material ◽  
Kinase Phosphorylation

ABSTRACTCentrosomes are major microtubule-organizing centers composed of centrioles surrounded by an extensive proteinacious layer called the pericentriolar material (PCM). In C. elegans embryos, the mitotic PCM expands by Polo-kinase (PLK-1) phosphorylation-accelerated assembly of SPD-5 molecules into supramolecular scaffolds. However, how PLK-1 phosphorylation regulates SPD-5 assembly is not known. We found that a mutant version of SPD-5 that is insensitive to PLK-1 phosphorylation (SPD-54A) could localize to PCM but was unable to rescue the reduction in PCM size and density when wild-type SPD-5 levels were decreased. In vitro, purified SPD-54A self-assembled into functional supramolecular scaffolds over long time scales, suggesting that phosphorylation only controls the rate of SPD-5 scaffold assembly. Furthermore, the SPD-5 scaffold, once assembled, remained intact and supported microtubule nucleation in the absence of PLK-1 activity in vivo. We conclude that Polo Kinase is required for rapid assembly of the PCM scaffold but not for scaffold maintenance or function. Based on this idea, we developed a theoretical model that adequately predicted PCM growth rates in different mutant conditions in vivo. We propose that PLK-1 phosphorylation-dependent conversion of SPD-5 into an assembly-competent form underlies PCM formation in vivo and that the rate of this conversion determines final PCM size and density.

Half-Life of Platelet Factor 4 (PF-4) in Plasma and Platelets from Macaca Mulatta

1977 ◽  
Vol 37 (01) ◽  
pp. 073-080 ◽  
Author(s):  
Knut Gjesdal ◽  
Duncan S. Pepper
Keyword(s):  
Macaca Mulatta ◽  
Half Life ◽  
Human Platelet ◽  
Gel Filtration ◽  
Platelet Factor 4 ◽  
Active Protein ◽  
Platelet Factor ◽  
Membrane Bound

SummaryHuman platelet factor 4 (PF-4) showed a reaction of complete identity with PF-4 from Macaca mulatta when tested against rabbit anti-human-PF-4. Such immunoglobulin was used for quantitative precipitation of in vivo labelled PF-4 in monkey serum. The results suggest that the active protein had an intra-platelet half-life of about 21 hours. In vitro 125I-labelled human PF-4 was injected intravenously into two monkeys and isolated by immuno-precipita-tion from platelet-poor plasma and from platelets disrupted after gel-filtration. Plasma PF-4 was found to have a half-life of 7 to 11 hours. Some of the labelled PF-4 was associated with platelets and this fraction had a rapid initial disappearance rate and a subsequent half-life close to that of plasma PF-4. The results are compatible with the hypothesis that granular PF-4 belongs to a separate compartment, whereas membrane-bound PF-4 and plasma PF-4 may interchange.

scholarly journals FORMULATION AND IN VITRO, IN VIVO EVALUATION OF PRONIOSOMAL GEL OF NEOMYCIN SULPHATE

2019 ◽  
pp. 156-163
Author(s):  
AMOL SHETE ◽  
PRIYANKA THORAT ◽  
RAJENDRA DOIJAD ◽  
SACHIN SAJANE
Keyword(s):  
Phase Separation ◽  
Skin Irritation ◽  
Entrapment Efficiency ◽  
Separation Method ◽  
Gelling Agent ◽  
In Vivo Evaluation ◽  
Skin Delivery ◽  
Span 60

Objective: The objectives of present investigation were to prepare and evaluate proniosomes of neomycin sulphate (NS) by coacervation phase separation method by using sorbitan monostearate (span 60) and lecithin as a surfactant to increase the penetration through the skin and study the effect of concentration of the same. Methods: Proniosomes of neomycin sulphate (NS) were prepared by coacervation phase separation method by using span 60 and lecithin. The effect of concentration of span 60 and lecithin was studied by factorial design. The prepared proniosomes were converted to gel by using carbopol as a gelling agent. The prepared formulations were evaluated for entrapment efficiency, in vitro drug diffusion, in vitro antibacterial activity and in vivo skin irritation test etc. Results: All Formulation showed the percentage entrapment efficiency in the range 38.31±0.05% to 77.96±0.06%, good homogeneity and gel was easily spreadable with minimal of shear. Optimized formulation showed enhanced rate of diffusion in vitro, increase in zone of inhibition against staphylococcus aureus, no skin irritation and showed good stability. Conclusion: The results of present study indicates that proniosomal gel formulated by using combination of span 60, Lecithin, cholesterol can be used to enhance skin delivery of NS because of excellent permeation of drug. Developed proniosomal gel formulation was promising carrier for NS

scholarly journals Solvent Exposure and Ionic Condensation Drive Fuzzy Dimerization of Disordered Heterochromatin Protein Sequence

Biomolecules ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (6) ◽  
pp. 915
Author(s):  
Jazelli Mueterthies ◽  
Davit A. Potoyan
Keyword(s):  
Phase Separation ◽  
Low Complexity ◽  
Nuclear Bodies ◽  
Disordered Proteins ◽  
Solvent Exposure ◽  
Ion Release ◽  
Dimer Formation ◽  
Eukaryotic Organisms

Proteins with low complexity, disordered sequences are receiving increasing attention due to their central roles in the biogenesis and regulation of membraneless organelles. In eukaryotic organisms, a substantial fraction of disordered proteins reside in the nucleus, thereby facilitating the formation of nuclear bodies, nucleolus, and chromatin compartmentalization. The heterochromatin family of proteins (HP1) is an important player in driving the formation of gene silenced mesoscopic heterochromatin B compartments and pericentric regions. Recent experiments have shown that the HP1a sequence of Drosophila melanogaster can undergo liquid-liquid phase separation under both in vitro and in vivo conditions, induced by changes of the monovalent salt concentration. While the phase separation of HP1a is thought to be the mechanism underlying chromatin compartmentalization, the molecular level mechanistic picture of salt-driven phase separation of HP1a has remained poorly understood. The disordered hinge region of HP1a is seen as the driver of salt-induced condensation because of its charge enriched sequence and post-translational modifications. Here, we set out to decipher the mechanisms of salt-induced condensation of HP1a through a systematic study of salt-dependent conformations of single chains and fuzzy dimers of disordered HP1a hinge sequences. Using multiple independent all-atom simulations with and without enhanced sampling, we carry out detailed characterization of conformational ensembles of disordered HP1a chains under different ionic conditions using various polymeric and structural measures. We show that the mobile ion release, enhancement of local transient secondary structural elements, and side-chain exposure to solvent are robust trends that accompany fuzzy dimer formation. Furthermore, we find that salt-induced changes in the ensemble of conformations of HP1a disordered hinge sequence fine-tune the inter-chain vs. self-chain interactions in ways that favor fuzzy dimer formation under low salt conditions in the agreement with condensation trends seen in experiments.

scholarly journals Targeting NSD2-mediated SRC-3 liquid–liquid phase separation sensitizes bortezomib treatment in multiple myeloma

2021 ◽  
Vol 12 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Jing Liu ◽  
Ying Xie ◽  
Jing Guo ◽  
Xin Li ◽  
Jingjing Wang ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Multiple Myeloma ◽  
Drug Resistance ◽  
Phase Separation ◽  
Liquid Phase ◽  
Liquid Phase Separation ◽  
Acquired Drug Resistance ◽  
Bortezomib Treatment ◽  
Liquid Liquid Phase Separation

AbstractDevelopment of chemoresistance is the main reason for failure of clinical management of multiple myeloma (MM), but the genetic and epigenetic aberrations that interact to confer such chemoresistance remains unknown. In the present study, we find that high steroid receptor coactivator-3 (SRC-3) expression is correlated with relapse/refractory and poor outcomes in MM patients treated with bortezomib (BTZ)-based regimens. Furthermore, in immortalized cell lines, high SRC-3 enhances resistance to proteasome inhibitor (PI)-induced apoptosis. Overexpressed histone methyltransferase NSD2 in patients bearing a t(4;14) translocation or in BTZ-resistant MM cells coordinates elevated SRC-3 by enhancing its liquid–liquid phase separation to supranormally modify histone H3 lysine 36 dimethylation (H3K36me2) modifications on promoters of anti-apoptotic genes. Targeting SRC-3 or interference of its interactions with NSD2 using a newly developed inhibitor, SI-2, sensitizes BTZ treatment and overcomes drug resistance both in vitro and in vivo. Taken together, our findings elucidate a previously unrecognized orchestration of SRC-3 and NSD2 in acquired drug resistance of MM and suggest that SI-2 may be efficacious for overcoming drug resistance in MM patients.

scholarly journals 68Ga-Radiolabeling and Pharmacological Characterization of a Kit-Based Formulation of the Gastrin-Releasing Peptide Receptor (GRP-R) Antagonist RM2 for Convenient Preparation of [68Ga]Ga-RM2

Pharmaceutics ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 13 (8) ◽  
pp. 1160
Author(s):  
Adrien Chastel ◽  
Delphine Vimont ◽  
Stephane Claverol ◽  
Marion Zerna ◽  
Sacha Bodin ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Calcium Mobilization ◽  
Pharmacological Characterization ◽  
Peptide Receptor ◽  
Gastrin Releasing Peptide ◽  
Production Route ◽  
Membrane Bound ◽  
One Year ◽  
Calcium Mobilization Assay

Background: [68Ga]Ga-RM2 is a potent Gastrin-Releasing Peptide-receptor (GRP-R) antagonist for imaging prostate cancer and breast cancer, currently under clinical evaluation in several specialized centers around the world. Targeted radionuclide therapy of GRP-R-expressing tumors is also being investigated. We here report the characteristics of a kit-based formulation of RM2 that should ease the development of GRP-R imaging and make it available to more institutions and patients. Methods: Stability of the investigated kits over one year was determined using LC/MS/MS and UV-HPLC. Direct 68Ga-radiolabeling was optimized with respect to buffer (pH), temperature, reaction time and shaking time. Conventionally prepared [68Ga]Ga-RM2 using an automated synthesizer was used as a comparator. Finally, the [68Ga]Ga-RM2 product was assessed with regards to hydrophilicity, affinity, internalization, membrane bound fraction, calcium mobilization assay and efflux, which is a valuable addition to the in vivo literature. Results: The kit-based formulation, kept between 2 °C and 8 °C, was stable for over one year. Using acetate buffer pH 3.0 in 2.5–5.1 mL total volume, heating at 100 °C during 10 min and cooling down for 5 min, the [68Ga]Ga-RM2 produced by kit complies with the requirements of the European Pharmacopoeia. Compared with the module production route, the [68Ga]Ga-RM2 produced by kit was faster, displayed higher yields, higher volumetric activity and was devoid of ethanol. In in vitro evaluations, the [68Ga]Ga-RM2 displayed sub-nanomolar affinity (Kd = 0.25 ± 0.19 nM), receptor specific and time dependent membrane-bound fraction of 42.0 ± 5.1% at 60 min and GRP-R mediated internalization of 24.4 ± 4.3% at 30 min. The [natGa]Ga-RM2 was ineffective in stimulating intracellular calcium mobilization. Finally, the efflux of the internalized activity was 64.3 ± 6.5% at 5 min. Conclusion: The kit-based formulation of RM2 is suitable to disseminate GRP-R imaging and therapy to distant hospitals without complex radiochemistry equipment.

scholarly journals The double-stranded DNA-binding proteins TEBP-1 and TEBP-2 form a telomeric complex with POT-1

2021 ◽  
Vol 12 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Sabrina Dietz ◽  
Miguel Vasconcelos Almeida ◽  
Emily Nischwitz ◽  
Jan Schreier ◽  
Nikenza Viceconte ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Quantitative Proteomics ◽  
Wild Type ◽  
C Elegans ◽  
Double Stranded Dna ◽  
Telomere Sequence ◽  
Proteomics Approach ◽  
Telomeric Protein ◽  
Regulate Telomere Length

AbstractTelomeres are bound by dedicated proteins, which protect them from DNA damage and regulate telomere length homeostasis. In the nematode Caenorhabditis elegans, a comprehensive understanding of the proteins interacting with the telomere sequence is lacking. Here, we harnessed a quantitative proteomics approach to identify TEBP-1 and TEBP-2, two paralogs expressed in the germline and embryogenesis that associate to telomeres in vitro and in vivo. tebp-1 and tebp-2 mutants display strikingly distinct phenotypes: tebp-1 mutants have longer telomeres than wild-type animals, while tebp-2 mutants display shorter telomeres and a Mortal Germline. Notably, tebp-1;tebp-2 double mutant animals have synthetic sterility, with germlines showing signs of severe mitotic and meiotic arrest. Furthermore, we show that POT-1 forms a telomeric complex with TEBP-1 and TEBP-2, which bridges TEBP-1/-2 with POT-2/MRT-1. These results provide insights into the composition and organization of a telomeric protein complex in C. elegans.

scholarly journals Caenorhabditis elegans as an in vivo Model to Assess Amphetamine Tolerance

2021 ◽  
pp. 1-9
Author(s):  
Dayana Torres Valladares ◽  
Sirisha Kudumala ◽  
Murad Hossain ◽  
Lucia Carvelli
Keyword(s):  
Caenorhabditis Elegans ◽  
Molecular Mechanisms ◽  
Drugs Of Abuse ◽  
Genetic Model ◽  
In Vivo Model ◽  
C Elegans ◽  
Hyperactivity Disorder ◽  
In Vitro Data

Amphetamine is a potent psychostimulant also used to treat attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder and narcolepsy. In vivo and in vitro data have demonstrated that amphetamine increases the amount of extra synaptic dopamine by both inhibiting reuptake and promoting efflux of dopamine through the dopamine transporter. Previous studies have shown that chronic use of amphetamine causes tolerance to the drug. Thus, since the molecular mechanisms underlying tolerance to amphetamine are still unknown, an animal model to identify the neurochemical mechanisms associated with drug tolerance is greatly needed. Here we took advantage of a unique behavior caused by amphetamine in <i>Caenorhabditis elegans</i> to investigate whether this simple, but powerful, genetic model develops tolerance following repeated exposure to amphetamine. We found that at least 3 treatments with 0.5 mM amphetamine were necessary to see a reduction in the amphetamine-induced behavior and, thus, to promote tolerance. Moreover, we found that, after intervals of 60/90 minutes between treatments, animals were more likely to exhibit tolerance than animals that underwent 10-minute intervals between treatments. Taken together, our results show that <i>C. elegans</i> is a suitable system to study tolerance to drugs of abuse such as amphetamines.

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