Involvement of the small GTPases XRhoA and XRnd1 in cell adhesion and head formation in early Xenopus development

Development ◽  
1999 ◽  
Vol 126 (23) ◽  
pp. 5339-5351 ◽  
Author(s):  
K. Wunnenberg-Stapleton ◽  
I.L. Blitz ◽  
C. Hashimoto ◽  
K.W. Cho
Keyword(s):  
Cell Adhesion ◽  
Membrane Trafficking ◽  
Ventral Side ◽  
Small Gtpases ◽  
Dominant Negative ◽  
Axis Formation ◽  
Adhesion Properties ◽  
Bmp Receptor ◽  
Xenopus Development ◽  
Head Formation

The Rho family of small GTPases regulates a variety of cellular functions, including the dynamics of the actin cytoskeleton, cell adhesion, transcription, cell growth and membrane trafficking. We have isolated the first Xenopus homologs of the Rho-like GTPases RhoA and Rnd1 and examined their potential roles in early Xenopus development. We found that Xenopus Rnd1 (XRnd1) is expressed in tissues undergoing extensive morphogenetic changes, such as marginal zone cells involuting through the blastopore, somitogenic mesoderm during somite formation and neural crest cells. XRnd1 also causes a severe loss of cell adhesion in overexpression experiments. These data and the expression pattern suggest that XRnd1 regulates morphogenetic movements by modulating cell adhesion in early embryos. Xenopus RhoA (XRhoA) is a potential XRnd1 antagonist, since overexpression of XRhoA increases cell adhesion in the embryo and reverses the disruption of cell adhesion caused by XRnd1. In addition to the potential roles of XRnd1 and XRhoA in the regulation of cell adhesion, we find a role for XRhoA in axis formation. When coinjected with dominant-negative BMP receptor (tBR) in the ventral side of the embryo, XRhoA causes the formation of head structures resembling the phenotype seen after coinjection of wnt inhibitors with dominant-negative BMP receptor. Since dominant-negative XRhoA is able to reduce the formation of head structures, we propose that XRhoA activity is essential for head formation. Thus, XRhoA may have a dual role in the embryo by regulating cell adhesion properties and pattern formation.

scholarly journals Force measurements in E-cadherin–mediated cell doublets reveal rapid adhesion strengthened by actin cytoskeleton remodeling through Rac and Cdc42

2004 ◽  
Vol 167 (6) ◽  
pp. 1183-1194 ◽  
Author(s):  
Yeh-Shiu Chu ◽  
William A. Thomas ◽  
Olivier Eder ◽  
Frederic Pincet ◽  
Eric Perez ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Cell Adhesion ◽  
Actin Cytoskeleton ◽  
Actin Polymerization ◽  
Small Gtpases ◽  
Dominant Negative ◽  
Dominant Negative Form ◽  
Cytoskeleton Remodeling ◽  
Dependent Cell ◽  
Separation Force ◽  
E Cadherin

We have used a modified, dual pipette assay to quantify the strength of cadherin-dependent cell–cell adhesion. The force required to separate E-cadherin–expressing paired cells in suspension was measured as an index of intercellular adhesion. Separation force depended on the homophilic interaction of functional cadherins at the cell surface, increasing with the duration of contact and with cadherin levels. Severing the link between cadherin and the actin cytoskeleton or disrupting actin polymerization did not affect initiation of cadherin-mediated adhesion, but prevented it from developing and becoming stronger over time. Rac and Cdc42, the Rho-like small GTPases, were activated when E-cadherin–expressing cells formed aggregates in suspension. Overproduction of the dominant negative form of Rac or Cdc42 permitted initial E-cadherin–based adhesion but affected its later development; the dominant active forms prevented cell adhesion outright. Our findings highlight the crucial roles played by Rac, Cdc42, and actin cytoskeleton dynamics in the development and regulation of strong cell adhesion, defined in terms of mechanical forces.

scholarly journals Interactions of Lipid Droplets with the Intracellular Transport Machinery

2021 ◽  
Vol 22 (5) ◽  
pp. 2776
Author(s):  
Selma Yilmaz Dejgaard ◽  
John F. Presley
Keyword(s):  
Membrane Trafficking ◽  
Lipid Droplets ◽  
Intracellular Transport ◽  
Neutral Lipids ◽  
Small Gtpases ◽  
Lipid Phase ◽  
Intracellular Organelles ◽  
And Function ◽  
Lipid Phase Separation ◽  
Endocytic Pathways

Historically, studies of intracellular membrane trafficking have focused on the secretory and endocytic pathways and their major organelles. However, these pathways are also directly implicated in the biogenesis and function of other important intracellular organelles, the best studied of which are peroxisomes and lipid droplets. There is a large recent body of work on these organelles, which have resulted in the introduction of new paradigms regarding the roles of membrane trafficking organelles. In this review, we discuss the roles of membrane trafficking in the life cycle of lipid droplets. This includes the complementary roles of lipid phase separation and proteins in the biogenesis of lipid droplets from endoplasmic reticulum (ER) membranes, and the attachment of mature lipid droplets to membranes by lipidic bridges and by more conventional protein tethers. We also discuss the catabolism of neutral lipids, which in part results from the interaction of lipid droplets with cytosolic molecules, but with important roles for both macroautophagy and microautophagy. Finally, we address their eventual demise, which involves interactions with the autophagocytotic machinery. We pay particular attention to the roles of small GTPases, particularly Rab18, in these processes.

scholarly journals Microgravity Induces Transient EMT in Human Keratinocytes by Early Down-Regulation of E-Cadherin and Cell-Adhesion Remodeling

2020 ◽  
Vol 11 (1) ◽  
pp. 110
Author(s):  
Giulia Ricci ◽  
Alessandra Cucina ◽  
Sara Proietti ◽  
Simona Dinicola ◽  
Francesca Ferranti ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Cell Adhesion ◽  
Human Keratinocytes ◽  
Short Exposure ◽  
Migration And Invasion ◽  
Hacat Cells ◽  
Invasive Phenotype ◽  
Adhesion Properties ◽  
Mesenchymal Transition ◽  
Cell Matrix ◽  
E Cadherin

Changes in cell–matrix and cell-to-cell adhesion patterns are dramatically fostered by the microgravity exposure of living cells. The modification of adhesion properties could promote the emergence of a migrating and invasive phenotype. We previously demonstrated that short exposure to the simulated microgravity of human keratinocytes (HaCaT) promotes an early epithelial–mesenchymal transition (EMT). Herein, we developed this investigation to verify if the cells maintain the acquired invasive phenotype after an extended period of weightlessness exposure. We also evaluated cells’ capability in recovering epithelial characteristics when seeded again into a normal gravitational field after short microgravity exposure. We evaluated the ultra-structural junctional features of HaCaT cells by Transmission Electron Microscopy and the distribution pattern of vinculin and E-cadherin by confocal microscopy, observing a rearrangement in cell–cell and cell–matrix interactions. These results are mirrored by data provided by migration and invasion biological assay. Overall, our studies demonstrate that after extended periods of microgravity, HaCaT cells recover an epithelial phenotype by re-establishing E-cadherin-based junctions and cytoskeleton remodeling, both being instrumental in promoting a mesenchymal–epithelial transition (MET). Those findings suggest that cytoskeletal changes noticed during the first weightlessness period have a transitory character, given that they are later reversed and followed by adaptive modifications through which cells miss the acquired mesenchymal phenotype.

scholarly journals Small GTPases of the Rab and Arf Families: Key Regulators of Intracellular Trafficking in Neurodegeneration

2021 ◽  
Vol 22 (9) ◽  
pp. 4425
Author(s):  
Alazne Arrazola Arrazola Sastre ◽  
Miriam Luque Luque Montoro ◽  
Hadriano M. Lacerda ◽  
Francisco Llavero ◽  
José L. Zugaza
Keyword(s):  
Membrane Trafficking ◽  
Neurodegenerative Disorders ◽  
Synaptic Vesicles ◽  
Intracellular Trafficking ◽  
Small Gtpases ◽  
Constant Flow ◽  
Parkinson’S Diseases ◽  
The Central Nervous System ◽  
Arf Gtpases

Small guanosine triphosphatases (GTPases) of the Rab and Arf families are key regulators of vesicle formation and membrane trafficking. Membrane transport plays an important role in the central nervous system. In this regard, neurons require a constant flow of membranes for the correct distribution of receptors, for the precise composition of proteins and organelles in dendrites and axons, for the continuous exocytosis/endocytosis of synaptic vesicles and for the elimination of dysfunctional proteins. Thus, it is not surprising that Rab and Arf GTPases have been associated with neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s. Both pathologies share characteristics such as the presence of protein aggregates and/or the fragmentation of the Golgi apparatus, hallmarks that have been related to both Rab and Arf GTPases functions. Despite their relationship with neurodegenerative disorders, very few studies have focused on the role of these GTPases in the pathogenesis of neurodegeneration. In this review, we summarize their importance in the onset and progression of Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s diseases, as well as their emergence as potential therapeutical targets for neurodegeneration.

Osmotic stress-induced remodeling of the cortical cytoskeleton

2002 ◽  
Vol 283 (3) ◽  
pp. C850-C865 ◽  
Author(s):  
Caterina Di Ciano ◽  
Zilin Nie ◽  
Katalin Szászi ◽  
Alison Lewis ◽  
Takehito Uruno ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Osmotic Stress ◽  
De Novo ◽  
Small Gtpases ◽  
Dominant Negative ◽  
Actin Binding ◽  
Cell Cortex ◽  
Actin Assembly ◽  
Signaling Mechanism ◽  
Actin Binding Domain ◽  
Cytoskeleton Remodeling

Osmotic stress is known to affect the cytoskeleton; however, this adaptive response has remained poorly characterized, and the underlying signaling pathways are unexplored. Here we show that hypertonicity induces submembranous de novo F-actin assembly concomitant with the peripheral translocation and colocalization of cortactin and the actin-related protein 2/3 (Arp2/3) complex, which are key components of the actin nucleation machinery. Additionally, hyperosmolarity promotes the association of cortactin with Arp2/3 as revealed by coimmunoprecipitation. Using various truncation or phosphorylation-incompetent mutants, we show that cortactin translocation requires the Arp2/3- or the F-actin binding domain, but the process is independent of the shrinkage-induced tyrosine phosphorylation of cortactin. Looking for an alternative signaling mechanism, we found that hypertonicity stimulates Rac and Cdc42. This appears to be a key event in the osmotically triggered cytoskeletal reorganization, because 1) constitutively active small GTPases translocate cortactin, 2) Rac and cortactin colocalize at the periphery of hypertonically challenged cells, and 3) dominant-negative Rac and Cdc42 inhibit the hypertonicity-provoked cortactin and Arp3 translocation. The Rho family-dependent cytoskeleton remodeling may be an important osmoprotective response that reinforces the cell cortex.

Redistribution and dysfunction of integrins in cultured renal epithelial cells exposed to oxidative stress

1993 ◽  
Vol 264 (1) ◽  
pp. F149-F157 ◽  
Author(s):  
J. Gailit ◽  
D. Colflesh ◽  
I. Rabiner ◽  
J. Simone ◽  
M. S. Goligorsky
Keyword(s):  
Oxidative Stress ◽  
Cell Adhesion ◽  
Epithelial Cell ◽  
Epithelial Cells ◽  
Cell Surface ◽  
Apical Cell ◽  
Flow Cytometric Analysis ◽  
Adhesion Properties ◽  
Renal Tubular Cells ◽  
Renal Tubular

Tubular obstruction by detached renal tubular epithelial cells is a major cause of oliguria in acute renal failure. Viable renal tubular cells can be recovered from urine of patients with acute tubular necrosis, suggesting a possible defect in cell adhesion to the basement membrane. To study this process of epithelial cell desquamation in vitro, we investigated the effect of nonlethal oxidative stress on the integrin adhesion receptors of the primate kidney epithelial cell line BS-C-1. Morphological and functional studies of cell adhesion properties included the following: interference reflection microscopy, intravital confocal microscopy and immunocytochemistry, flow cytometric analysis of integrin receptor abundance, and cell-matrix attachment assay. High levels of the integrin subunits alpha 3, alpha v, and beta 1 were detected on the cell surface by fluorescence-activated cell sorting (FACS) analysis, as well as lower levels of alpha 1, alpha 2, alpha 4, alpha 5, alpha 6, and beta 3. Exposure of BS-C-1 cells to nonlethal oxidative stress resulted in the disruption of focal contacts, disappearance of talin from the basal cell surface, and in the redistribution of integrin alpha 3-subunits from predominantly basal location to the apical cell surface. As measured in a quantitative cell attachment assay, oxidative stress decreased BS-C-1 cell adhesion to type IV collagen, laminin, fibronectin, and vitronectin. Defective adhesion was not associated with a loss of alpha 3-, alpha 4-, or alpha v-integrin subunits from the cell surface.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

scholarly journals Structural and Functional Regulation of Tight Junctions by RhoA and Rac1 Small GTPases

1998 ◽  
Vol 142 (1) ◽  
pp. 101-115 ◽  
Author(s):  
Tzuu-Shuh Jou ◽  
Eveline E. Schneeberger ◽  
W. James Nelson
Keyword(s):  
Tight Junctions ◽  
Spatial Organization ◽  
Mdck Cells ◽  
Protein Localization ◽  
Freeze Fracture ◽  
Tracer Diffusion ◽  
Small Gtpases ◽  
Dominant Negative ◽  
Solute Diffusion ◽  
Fence Function

Tight junctions (TJ) govern ion and solute diffusion through the paracellular space (gate function), and restrict mixing of membrane proteins and lipids between membrane domains (fence function) of polarized epithelial cells. We examined roles of the RhoA and Rac1 GTPases in regulating TJ structure and function in MDCK cells using the tetracycline repressible transactivator to regulate RhoAV14, RhoAN19, Rac1V12, and Rac1N17 expression. Both constitutively active and dominant negative RhoA or Rac1 perturbed TJ gate function (transepithelial electrical resistance, tracer diffusion) in a dose-dependent and reversible manner. Freeze-fracture EM and immunofluoresence microscopy revealed abnormal TJ strand morphology and protein (occludin, ZO-1) localization in RhoAV14 and Rac1V12 cells. However, TJ strand morphology and protein localization appeared normal in RhoAN19 and Rac1N17 cells. All mutant GTPases disrupted the fence function of the TJ (interdomain diffusion of a fluorescent lipid), but targeting and organization of a membrane protein in the apical membrane were unaffected. Expression levels and protein complexes of occludin and ZO-1 appeared normal in all mutant cells, although ZO-1 was more readily solubilized from RhoAV14-expressing cells with Triton X-100. These results show that RhoA and Rac1 regulate gate and fence functions of the TJ, and play a role in the spatial organization of TJ proteins at the apex of the lateral membrane.

scholarly journals The Small GTPase Rap1b: A Bidirectional Regulator of Platelet Adhesion Receptors

2012 ◽  
Vol 2012 ◽  
pp. 1-9 ◽  
Author(s):  
Gianni Francesco Guidetti ◽  
Mauro Torti
Keyword(s):  
Cell Adhesion ◽  
Signaling Pathways ◽  
Platelet Adhesion ◽  
Thrombus Formation ◽  
Small Gtpases ◽  
Small Gtpase ◽  
Complex Pattern ◽  
Adhesive Properties ◽  
Adhesion Receptors ◽  
Inside Out

Integrins and other families of cell adhesion receptors are responsible for platelet adhesion and aggregation, which are essential steps for physiological haemostasis, as well as for the development of thrombosis. The modulation of platelet adhesive properties is the result of a complex pattern of inside-out and outside-in signaling pathways, in which the members of the Rap family of small GTPases are bidirectionally involved. This paper focuses on the regulation of the main Rap GTPase expressed in circulating platelets, Rap1b, downstream of adhesion receptors, and summarizes the most recent achievements in the investigation of the function of this protein as regulator of platelet adhesion and thrombus formation.

scholarly journals The Heparin-Binding Activity of Secreted Modular Calcium-Binding Protein 1 (SMOC-1) Modulates Its Cell Adhesion Properties

PLoS ONE ◽  
2013 ◽  
Vol 8 (2) ◽  
pp. e56839 ◽  
Author(s):  
Marina Klemenčič ◽  
Marko Novinec ◽  
Silke Maier ◽  
Ursula Hartmann ◽  
Brigita Lenarčič
Keyword(s):  
Cell Adhesion ◽  
Calcium Binding ◽  
Binding Protein ◽  
Binding Activity ◽  
Calcium Binding Protein ◽  
Heparin Binding ◽  
Adhesion Properties
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