Mechanisms Underlying Oxytocin-Induced Excitation of Supraoptic Neurons: Prostaglandin Mediation of Actin Polymerization

2006 ◽  
Vol 95 (6) ◽  
pp. 3933-3947 ◽  
Author(s):  
Yu-Feng Wang ◽  
Glenn I. Hatton
Keyword(s):  
Actin Polymerization ◽  
Cyclooxygenase 2 ◽  
Filamentous Actin ◽  
Excitatory Effect ◽  
Actin Networks ◽  
Oxytocin Receptors ◽  
Activating Agent ◽  
Supraoptic Neurons ◽  
Pm 10 ◽  
Actin Expression

In nonneuronal tissues, activation of oxytocin receptors (OTRs), like other Gαq/11 type G-protein-coupled receptors (Gαq/11/GPCRs), increase prostaglandin (PG) expression. This is not known for the OTRs expressed by central OT neurons. We examined mechanisms underlying OT's effects on supraoptic nucleus (SON) OT and vasopressin (VP) neurons in hypothalamic slices from lactating rats. OT application (10 pM, 10 min) significantly increased firing rates of OT and VP neurons, both of which expressed OTRs. Indomethacin, an inhibitor of PG synthetases, blocked these increases. OTR (but not a V1 receptor) antagonist blocked OT effects without blocking the excitatory effect of PGE2. Tetanus toxin blocked OT effects on fast synaptic inputs and firing activity of SON neurons but not OT-evoked depolarization, suggesting involvement of both pre- and postsynaptic neurons. Indomethacin also blocked the excitatory effects of phenylephrine, another Gαq/11/GPCR activating agent but not those of PGE2, a non-Gαq/11/GPCR activating agent in the SON. OT or phenylephrine, but not glutamate or KCl, enhanced cyclooxygenase 2 expression at cytosolic loci in SON neurons and nearby astrocytes, as revealed by immunocytochemistry. This OT effect was not blocked by TTX. Western blot analyses showed that OT significantly increased cyclooxygenase 2 but not actin expression. OT promoted the formation of filamentous actin (F-actin) networks at membrane subcortical areas of both OT and VP neurons. Indomethacin blocked enhancement of F-actin networks by OT but not by PGE2. These results indicate that PGs serve as a common mediator of Gαq/11/GPCR-activating agents in neuronal function.

scholarly journals Characterization of the megakaryocyte demarcation membrane system and its role in thrombopoiesis

Blood ◽  
2006 ◽  
Vol 107 (10) ◽  
pp. 3868-3875 ◽  
Author(s):  
Harald Schulze ◽  
Manav Korpal ◽  
Jonathan Hurov ◽  
Sang-We Kim ◽  
Jinghang Zhang ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Actin Polymerization ◽  
Plasma Membranes ◽  
Blood Platelets ◽  
Membrane Surface ◽  
Cell Mass ◽  
Membrane System ◽  
Dominant Negative ◽  
Filamentous Actin ◽  
Local Assembly ◽  
Actin Expression

To produce blood platelets, megakaryocytes elaborate proplatelets, accompanied by expansion of membrane surface area and dramatic cytoskeletal rearrangements. The invaginated demarcation membrane system (DMS), a hallmark of mature cells, has been proposed as the source of proplatelet membranes. By direct visualization of labeled DMS, we demonstrate that this is indeed the case. Late in megakaryocyte ontogeny, the DMS gets loaded with PI-4,5-P2, a phospholipid that is confined to plasma membranes in other cells. Appearance of PI-4,5-P2 in the DMS occurs in proximity to PI-5-P-4-kinase α (PIP4Kα), and short hairpin (sh) RNA-mediated loss of PIP4Kα impairs both DMS development and expansion of megakaryocyte size. Thus, PI-4,5-P2 is a marker and possibly essential component of internal membranes. PI-4,5-P2 is known to promote actin polymerization by activating Rho-like GTPases and Wiskott-Aldrich syndrome (WASp) family proteins. Indeed, PI-4,5-P2 in the megakaryocyte DMS associates with filamentous actin. Expression of a dominant-negative N-WASp fragment or pharmacologic inhibition of actin polymerization causes similar arrests in proplatelet formation, acting at a step beyond expansion of the DMS and cell mass. These observations collectively suggest a signaling pathway wherein PI-4,5-P2 might facilitate DMS development and local assembly of actin fibers in preparation for platelet biogenesis.

scholarly journals HEM1 deficiency disrupts mTORC2 and F-actin control in inherited immunodysregulatory disease

Science ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 369 (6500) ◽  
pp. 202-207 ◽  
Author(s):  
Sarah A. Cook ◽  
William A. Comrie ◽  
M. Cecilia Poli ◽  
Morgan Similuk ◽  
Andrew J. Oler ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Actin Polymerization ◽  
Synapse Formation ◽  
Immune Cell ◽  
Filamentous Actin ◽  
Cortical Actin ◽  
Akt Phosphorylation ◽  
Actin Networks ◽  
Evolutionarily Conserved ◽  
Regulatory Complex ◽  
Immune Cell Migration

Immunodeficiency often coincides with hyperactive immune disorders such as autoimmunity, lymphoproliferation, or atopy, but this coincidence is rarely understood on a molecular level. We describe five patients from four families with immunodeficiency coupled with atopy, lymphoproliferation, and cytokine overproduction harboring mutations in NCKAP1L, which encodes the hematopoietic-specific HEM1 protein. These mutations cause the loss of the HEM1 protein and the WAVE regulatory complex (WRC) or disrupt binding to the WRC regulator, Arf1, thereby impairing actin polymerization, synapse formation, and immune cell migration. Diminished cortical actin networks caused by WRC loss led to uncontrolled cytokine release and immune hyperresponsiveness. HEM1 loss also blocked mechanistic target of rapamycin complex 2 (mTORC2)–dependent AKT phosphorylation, T cell proliferation, and selected effector functions, leading to immunodeficiency. Thus, the evolutionarily conserved HEM1 protein simultaneously regulates filamentous actin (F-actin) and mTORC2 signaling to achieve equipoise in immune responses.

scholarly journals Chlamydomonas reinhardtii formin FOR1 and profilin PRF1 are optimized for acute rapid actin filament assembly

2016 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jenna R. Christensen ◽  
Evan W. Craig ◽  
Michael J. Glista ◽  
David M. Mueller ◽  
Yujie Li ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Chlamydomonas Reinhardtii ◽  
Actin Filaments ◽  
Actin Polymerization ◽  
Apical Cell ◽  
Actin Assembly ◽  
Filamentous Actin ◽  
Tubule Formation ◽  
Actin Networks ◽  
Cellular Processes ◽  
The Right

ABSTRACTThe regulated assembly of multiple filamentous actin (F-actin) networks from an actin monomer pool is important for a variety of cellular processes. Chlamydomonas reinhardtii is a unicellular green alga expressing a conventional and divergent actin that is an emerging system for investigating the complex regulation of actin polymerization. One actin network that contains exclusively conventional F-actin in Chlamydomonas is the fertilization tubule, a mating structure at the apical cell surface in gametes. In addition to two actin genes, Chlamydomonas expresses a profilin (PRF1) and four formin genes (FOR1-4), one of which (FOR1) we have characterized for the first time. We found that unlike typical profilins, PRF1 prevents unwanted actin assembly by strongly inhibiting both F-actin nucleation and barbed end elongation at equimolar concentrations to actin. However, FOR1 stimulates the assembly of rapidly elongating actin filaments from PRF1-bound actin. PRF1 further favors FOR1-mediated actin assembly by potently inhibiting Arp2/3 complex-mediated actin assembly. Furthermore, for1 and prf1-1 mutants, as well as the small molecule formin inhibitor SMIFH2, prevent fertilization tubule formation in gametes, suggesting that polymerization of F-actin for fertilization tubule formation is a primary function of FOR1. Together, these findings indicate that FOR1 and PRF1 cooperate to selectively and rapidly assemble F-actin at the right time and place.SUMMARY STATEMENTThe Chlamydomonas reinhardtii formin FOR1 initiates rapid assembly of fertilization tubule actin filaments from monomers associated with the actin-assembly inhibitor profilin PRF1.

scholarly journals Reconstitution of contractile actomyosin rings in vesicles

2021 ◽  
Vol 12 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Thomas Litschel ◽  
Charlotte F. Kelley ◽  
Danielle Holz ◽  
Maral Adeli Koudehi ◽  
Sven K. Vogel ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Large Scale ◽  
Actin Polymerization ◽  
Living Cells ◽  
Actin Ring ◽  
Actin Networks ◽  
Mechanical Transformation ◽  
Myosin Motors ◽  
Spherical Vesicles ◽  
Theoretical Considerations ◽  
Encapsulation Methods

AbstractOne of the grand challenges of bottom-up synthetic biology is the development of minimal machineries for cell division. The mechanical transformation of large-scale compartments, such as Giant Unilamellar Vesicles (GUVs), requires the geometry-specific coordination of active elements, several orders of magnitude larger than the molecular scale. Of all cytoskeletal structures, large-scale actomyosin rings appear to be the most promising cellular elements to accomplish this task. Here, we have adopted advanced encapsulation methods to study bundled actin filaments in GUVs and compare our results with theoretical modeling. By changing few key parameters, actin polymerization can be differentiated to resemble various types of networks in living cells. Importantly, we find membrane binding to be crucial for the robust condensation into a single actin ring in spherical vesicles, as predicted by theoretical considerations. Upon force generation by ATP-driven myosin motors, these ring-like actin structures contract and locally constrict the vesicle, forming furrow-like deformations. On the other hand, cortex-like actin networks are shown to induce and stabilize deformations from spherical shapes.

scholarly journals Contribution of Filopodia to Cell Migration: A Mechanical Link between Protrusion and Contraction

2010 ◽  
Vol 2010 ◽  
pp. 1-13 ◽  
Author(s):  
Fei Xue ◽  
Deanna M. Janzen ◽  
David A. Knecht
Keyword(s):  
Cell Migration ◽  
Actin Polymerization ◽  
Myosin Ii ◽  
Temporal Distribution ◽  
Leading Edge ◽  
Distal Portion ◽  
Actin Binding ◽  
Actin Networks ◽  
Motile Cells ◽  
A Cell

Numerous F-actin containing structures are involved in regulating protrusion of membrane at the leading edge of motile cells. We have investigated the structure and dynamics of filopodia as they relate to events at the leading edge and the function of the trailing actin networks. We have found that although filopodia contain parallel bundles of actin, they contain a surprisingly nonuniform spatial and temporal distribution of actin binding proteins. Along the length of the actin filaments in a single filopodium, the most distal portion contains primarily T-plastin, while the proximal portion is primarily bound byα-actinin and coronin. Some filopodia are stationary, but lateral filopodia move with respect to the leading edge. They appear to form a mechanical link between the actin polymerization network at the front of the cell and the myosin motor activity in the cell body. The direction of lateral filopodial movement is associated with the direction of cell migration. When lateral filopodia initiate from and move toward only one side of a cell, the cell will turn opposite to the direction of filopodial flow. Therefore, this filopodia-myosin II system allows actin polymerization driven protrusion forces and myosin II mediated contractile force to be mechanically coordinated.

scholarly journals Small GTP-binding Protein TC10 Differentially Regulates Two Distinct Populations of Filamentous Actin in 3T3L1 Adipocytes

2002 ◽  
Vol 13 (7) ◽  
pp. 2334-2346 ◽  
Author(s):  
Makoto Kanzaki ◽  
Robert T. Watson ◽  
June Chunqiu Hou ◽  
Mark Stamnes ◽  
Alan R. Saltiel ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Protein Trafficking ◽  
Actin Polymerization ◽  
Coat Proteins ◽  
Filamentous Actin ◽  
Cortical Actin ◽  
Amino Terminal ◽  
Gtp Binding ◽  
Subcellular Compartmentalization ◽  
Constitutively Active

TC10 is a member of the Rho family of small GTP-binding proteins that has previously been implicated in the regulation of insulin-stimulated GLUT4 translocation in adipocytes. In a manner similar to Cdc42-stimulated actin-based motility, we have observed that constitutively active TC10 (TC10/Q75L) can induce actin comet tails in Xenopus oocyte extracts in vitro and extensive actin polymerization in the perinuclear region when expressed in 3T3L1 adipocytes. In contrast, expression of TC10/Q75L completely disrupted adipocyte cortical actin, which was specific for TC10, because expression of constitutively active Cdc42 was without effect. The effect of TC10/Q75L to disrupt cortical actin was abrogated after deletion of the amino terminal extension (ΔN-TC10/Q75L), whereas this deletion retained the ability to induce perinuclear actin polymerization. In addition, alteration of perinuclear actin by expression of TC10/Q75L, a dominant-interfering TC10/T31N mutant or a mutant N-WASP protein (N-WASP/ΔVCA) reduced the rate of VSV G protein trafficking to the plasma membrane. Furthermore, TC10 directly bound to Golgi COPI coat proteins through a dilysine motif in the carboxyl terminal domain consistent with a role for TC10 regulating actin polymerization on membrane transport vesicles. Together, these data demonstrate that TC10 can differentially regulate two types of filamentous actin in adipocytes dependent on distinct functional domains and its subcellular compartmentalization.

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 Coxiella burnetii Induces Reorganization of the Actin Cytoskeleton in Human Monocytes

1998 ◽  
Vol 66 (11) ◽  
pp. 5527-5533 ◽  
Author(s):  
Sonia Meconi ◽  
Véronique Jacomo ◽  
Patrice Boquet ◽  
Didier Raoult ◽  
Jean-Louis Mege ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Actin Cytoskeleton ◽  
Coxiella Burnetii ◽  
Actin Polymerization ◽  
Q Fever ◽  
Morphological Changes ◽  
Critical Role ◽  
Filamentous Actin ◽  
Cytoskeleton Reorganization ◽  
Membrane Protrusions ◽  
Actin Protrusions

ABSTRACT Coxiella burnetii, an obligate intracellular bacterium which survives in myeloid cells, causes Q fever in humans. We previously demonstrated that virulent C. burnetiiorganisms are poorly internalized by monocytes compared to avirulent variants. We hypothesized that a differential mobilization of the actin cytoskeleton may account for this distinct phagocytic behavior. Scanning electron microscopy demonstrated that virulent C. burnetii stimulated profound and polymorphic changes in the morphology of THP-1 monocytes, consisting of membrane protrusions and polarized projections. These changes were transient, requiring 5 min to reach their maximum extent and vanishing after 60 min of incubation. In contrast, avirulent variants of C. burnetii did not induce any significant changes in cell morphology. The distribution of filamentous actin (F-actin) was then studied with a specific probe, bodipy phallacidin. Virulent C. burnetii induced a profound and transient reorganization of F-actin, accompanied by an increase in the F-actin content of THP-1 cells. F-actin was colocalized with myosin in cell protrusions, suggesting that actin polymerization and the tension of actin-myosin filaments play a role in C. burnetii-induced morphological changes. In addition, contact between the cell and the bacterium seems to be necessary to induce cytoskeleton reorganization. Bacterial supernatants did not stimulate actin remodeling, and virulent C. burnetii organisms were found in close apposition with F-actin protrusions. The manipulation of the actin cytoskeleton by C. burnetiimay therefore play a critical role in the internalization strategy of this bacterium.

scholarly journals Three F-actin assembly centers regulate organelle inheritance, cell-cell communication and motility in Toxoplasma gondii

eLife ◽  
2019 ◽  
Vol 8 ◽  
Author(s):  
Nicolò Tosetti ◽  
Nicolas Dos Santos Pacheco ◽  
Dominique Soldati-Favre ◽  
Damien Jacot
Keyword(s):  
Protein Kinase ◽  
Toxoplasma Gondii ◽  
Actin Polymerization ◽  
Cell Communication ◽  
Residual Body ◽  
Filamentous Actin ◽  
Calcium Dependent ◽  
Actin Regulatory Proteins ◽  
Parasite Motility ◽  
Cell Cell

Toxoplasma gondii possesses a limited set of actin-regulatory proteins and relies on only three formins (FRMs) to nucleate and polymerize actin. We combined filamentous actin (F-actin) chromobodies with gene disruption to assign specific populations of actin filaments to individual formins. FRM2 localizes to the apical juxtanuclear region and participates in apicoplast inheritance. Restricted to the residual body, FRM3 maintains the intravacuolar cell-cell communication. Conoidal FRM1 initiates a flux of F-actin crucial for motility, invasion and egress. This flux depends on myosins A and H and is controlled by phosphorylation via PKG (protein kinase G) and CDPK1 (calcium-dependent protein kinase 1) and by methylation via AKMT (apical lysine methyltransferase). This flux is independent of microneme secretion and persists in the absence of the glideosome-associated connector (GAC). This study offers a coherent model of the key players controlling actin polymerization, stressing the importance of well-timed post-translational modifications to power parasite motility.

scholarly journals Shape oscillations of human neutrophil leukocytes: characterization and relationship to cell motility.

1996 ◽  
Vol 199 (4) ◽  
pp. 741-747
Author(s):  
M U Ehrengruber ◽  
D A Deranleau ◽  
T D Coates
Keyword(s):  
Light Scattering ◽  
Actin Polymerization ◽  
Cellular Migration ◽  
Human Neutrophils ◽  
Filamentous Actin ◽  
Cytoskeletal Component ◽  
Morphological Polarity ◽  
Shape Oscillations ◽  
Shape Changes ◽  
Neutrophil Leukocytes

When neutrophil leukocytes are stimulated by chemotactic factors or by substratum contact, they change their shape. Shape changes are a prerequisite for cellular migration and typically involve the extrusion of thin, veil-like lamellipods and the development of morphological polarity. Stimulation also leads to changes in the neutrophil content of filamentous actin (F-actin), which is the major cytoskeletal component. Suspensions of human neutrophils stimulated with chemoattractants exhibit sinusoidal light-scattering oscillations with a period of approximately 8 s at 37 degrees C. These oscillations arise from periodic fluctuations in the cell body size caused by lamellipod extension and retraction cycles. The light-scattering oscillations are paralleled by corresponding oscillations in F-actin content. This raises the interesting possibility that cyclic actin polymerization constitutes the driving force for shape oscillations of suspended neutrophils. Similar periodic shape changes are present in neutrophils crawling on a surface, suggesting that shape oscillations are important for neutrophil motion. This review summarizes our present knowledge about shape oscillations in suspended and crawling neutrophils and discusses a possible role for these oscillations in neutrophil motility.

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