scholarly journals Selective axonal translation of the mRNA isoform encoding prenylated Cdc42 supports axon growth

2021 ◽  
Vol 134 (7) ◽  
Author(s):  
Seung Joon Lee ◽  
Matthew D. Zdradzinski ◽  
Pabitra K. Sahoo ◽  
Amar N. Kar ◽  
Priyanka Patel ◽  
...  

ABSTRACT The small Rho-family GTPase Cdc42 has long been known to have a role in cell motility and axon growth. The eukaryotic Ccd42 gene is alternatively spliced to generate mRNAs with two different 3′ untranslated regions (UTRs) that encode proteins with distinct C-termini. The C-termini of these Cdc42 proteins include CaaX and CCaX motifs for post-translational prenylation and palmitoylation, respectively. Palmitoyl-Cdc42 protein was previously shown to contribute to dendrite maturation, while the prenyl-Cdc42 protein contributes to axon specification and its mRNA was detected in neurites. Here, we show that the mRNA encoding prenyl-Cdc42 isoform preferentially localizes into PNS axons and this localization selectively increases in vivo during peripheral nervous system (PNS) axon regeneration. Functional studies indicate that prenyl-Cdc42 increases axon length in a manner that requires axonal targeting of its mRNA, which, in turn, needs an intact C-terminal CaaX motif that can drive prenylation of the encoded protein. In contrast, palmitoyl-Cdc42 has no effect on axon growth but selectively increases dendrite length. Together, these data show that alternative splicing of the Cdc42 gene product generates an axon growth promoting, locally synthesized prenyl-Cdc42 protein. This article has an associated First Person interview with one of the co-first authors of the paper.

2018 ◽  
Author(s):  
Seung Joon Lee ◽  
Amar N. Kar ◽  
Matthew D. Zdradzinski ◽  
Priyanka Patel ◽  
Pabitra K. Sahoo ◽  
...  

ABSTRACTThe small Rho-family GTPase Cdc42 has long been known to have a role in cell motility and axon growth. The eukaryotic CDC42 gene is alternatively spliced to generate mRNAs with two different 3’UTRs that encode proteins with distinct C-termini. The C-termini of these Cdc42 proteins include CAAX and CCAX motifs for post-translational prenylation and palmitoylation, respectively. Palmitoyl-Cdc42 protein was previously shown to contribute to dendrite maturation, while the prenyl-Cdc42 protein contributes to axon specification and its mRNA was detected in neurites. Here, we show that the mRNA encoding prenyl-Cdc42 isoform preferentially localizes into PNS axons and this localization selectively increases in vivo during PNS axon regeneration. Isoform specific siRNA knockdowns, rescue experiments with siRNA-resistant Cdc42 isoforms, and pharmacologically targeting Cdc42 activity indicate that prenyl-Cdc42 promotes axon growth while the palmitoyl-Cdc42 has little growth promoting activity. The growth promotion by prenyl-Cdc42 requires axonal mRNA localization with localized translation and an intact C-terminal CaaX motif for localized prenylation of the encoded protein. Together, these data show that alternative splicing of the CDC42 gene product generates an axon growth promoting locally synthesized prenyl-Cdc42 protein.SUMMARY STATEMENTAxon regeneration drives selective localization of alternatively spliced CDC42 isoform to PNS axons.


2010 ◽  
Vol 16 (3) ◽  
pp. 160-167 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jens Madsen ◽  
Jan Mollenhauer ◽  
Uffe Holmskov

Deleted in Malignant Brain Tumour 1 (DMBT1) is a gene that encodes alternatively spliced proteins involved in mucosal innate immunity. It also encodes a glycoprotein with a molecular mass of 340 kDa, and is referred to as gp-340 (DMBT1gp340) and salivary agglutinin (DMBT1SAG). DMBT1gp340 is secreted into broncho-alveolar surface lining fluid whereas DMBTSAG is present in the saliva. The two molecules were shown to be identical and both interact with and agglutinate several Gram-negative and Gram-positive bacteria including Streptococcus mutans, a bacterium responsible for caries in the oral cavity. DMBT1gp340 interacts with surfactant proteins A and D (SP-D). DMBT1gp340 and SP-D can individually and together interact and agglutinate influenza A virus. DMBT1gp340 also binds to HIV-1 and facilitates transcytosis of the virus into epithelial cells. DMBT1 binds to a variety of other host proteins, including serum and secretory IgA, C1q, lactoferrin, MUC5B and trefoil factor 2 (TFF2), all molecules with involvement in innate immunity and/or wound-healing processes. Recent generation of Dmbt1-deficient mice has provided the research field of DMBT1 with a model that allows research to progress from in vitro studies to in vivo functional studies of the multifunctional proteins encoded by the DMBT1 gene.


2007 ◽  
Vol 81 (8) ◽  
pp. 4166-4176 ◽  
Author(s):  
Linda Mark ◽  
O. Brad Spiller ◽  
Marcin Okroj ◽  
Simon Chanas ◽  
Jim A. Aitken ◽  
...  

ABSTRACT The diversity of viral strategies to modulate complement activation indicates that this component of the immune system has significant antiviral potential. One example is the Kaposi's sarcoma-associated herpesvirus (KSHV) complement control protein (KCP), which inhibits progression of the complement cascade. Rhesus rhadinovirus (RRV), like KSHV, is a member of the subfamily Gammaherpesvirinae and currently provides the only in vivo model of KSHV pathobiology in primates. In the present study, we characterized the KCP homologue encoded by RRV, RRV complement control protein (RCP). Two strains of RRV have been sequenced to date (H26-95 and 17577), and the RCPs they encode differ substantially in structure: RCP from strain H26-95 has four complement control protein (CCP) domains, whereas RCP from strain 17577 has eight CCP domains. Transcriptional analyses of the RCP gene (ORF4, referred to herein as RCP) in infected rhesus macaque fibroblasts mapped the ends of the transcripts of both strains. They revealed that H26-95 encodes a full-length, unspliced RCP transcript, while 17577 RCP generates a full-length unspliced mRNA and two alternatively spliced transcripts. Western blotting confirmed that infected cells express RCP, and immune electron microscopy disclosed this protein on the surface of RRV virions. Functional studies of RCP encoded by both RRV strains revealed their ability to suppress complement activation by the classical (antibody-mediated) pathway. These data provide the foundation for studies into the biological significance of gammaherpesvirus complement regulatory proteins in a tractable, non-human primate model.


Diabetes ◽  
1986 ◽  
Vol 35 (9) ◽  
pp. 973-978 ◽  
Author(s):  
L. Capron ◽  
J. Jarnet ◽  
S. Kazandjian ◽  
E. Housset

2007 ◽  
Vol 30 (4) ◽  
pp. 77
Author(s):  
Y. Y. Chen ◽  
C. L. Hehr ◽  
K. Atkinson-Leadbeater ◽  
J. C. Hocking ◽  
S. McFarlane

Background: The growth cone interprets cues in its environment in order to reach its target. We want to identify molecules that regulate growth cone behaviour in the developing embryo. We investigated the role of A disintegrin and metalloproteinase 10 (ADAM10) in axon guidance in the developing visual system of African frog, Xenopus laevis. Methods: We first examined the expression patterns of adam10 mRNA by in situ hybridization. We then exposed the developing optic tract to an ADAM10 inhibitor, GI254023X, in vivo. Lastly, we inhibited ADAM10 function in diencephalic neuroepithelial cells (through which retinal ganglion cell (RGC) axons extend) or RGCs by electroporating or transfecting an ADAM10 dominant negative (dn-adam10). Results: We show that adam10 mRNA is expressed in the dorsal neuroepithelium over the time RGC axons extend towards their target, the optic tectum. Second, pharmacological inhibition of ADAM10 in an in vivo exposed brain preparation causes the failure of RGC axons to recognize their target at low concentrations (0.5, 1 μM), and the failure of the axons to make a caudal turn in the mid-diencephalon at higher concentration (5 μM). Thus, ADAM10 function is required for RGC axon guidance at two key guidance decisions. Finally, molecular inhibition of ADAM10 function by electroporating dn-adam10 in the brain neuroepithelium causes defects in RGC axon target recognition (57%) and/or defects in caudal turn (12%), as seen with the pharmacological inhibitor. In contrast, molecular inhibition of ADAM10 within the RGC axons has no effect. Conclusions: These data argue strongly that ADAM10 acts cell non-autonomously within the neuroepithelium to regulate the guidance of RGC axons. This study shows for the first time that a metalloproteinase acts in a cell non-autonomous fashion to direct vertebrate axon growth. It will provide important insights into candidate molecules that could be used to reform nerve connections if destroyed because of injury or disease. References Hattori M, Osterfield M, Flanagan JG. Regulated cleavage of a contact-mediated axon repellent. Science 2000; 289(5483):1360-5. Janes PW, Saha N, Barton WA, Kolev MV, Wimmer-Kleikamp SH, Nievergall E, Blobel CP, Himanen JP, Lackmann M, Nikolov DB. Adam meets Eph: an ADAM substrate recognition module acts as a molecular switch for ephrin cleavage in trans. Cell 2005; 123(2):291-304. Pan D, Rubin GM. Kuzbanian controls proteolytic processing of Notch and mediates lateral inhibition during Drosophila and vertebrate neurogenesis. Cell 1997; 90(2):271-80.


2021 ◽  
Vol 12 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Monika Oláhová ◽  
Bradley Peter ◽  
Zsolt Szilagyi ◽  
Hector Diaz-Maldonado ◽  
Meenakshi Singh ◽  
...  

AbstractWhile >300 disease-causing variants have been identified in the mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) polymerase γ, no mitochondrial phenotypes have been associated with POLRMT, the RNA polymerase responsible for transcription of the mitochondrial genome. Here, we characterise the clinical and molecular nature of POLRMT variants in eight individuals from seven unrelated families. Patients present with global developmental delay, hypotonia, short stature, and speech/intellectual disability in childhood; one subject displayed an indolent progressive external ophthalmoplegia phenotype. Massive parallel sequencing of all subjects identifies recessive and dominant variants in the POLRMT gene. Patient fibroblasts have a defect in mitochondrial mRNA synthesis, but no mtDNA deletions or copy number abnormalities. The in vitro characterisation of the recombinant POLRMT mutants reveals variable, but deleterious effects on mitochondrial transcription. Together, our in vivo and in vitro functional studies of POLRMT variants establish defective mitochondrial transcription as an important disease mechanism.


2018 ◽  
Vol 300 ◽  
pp. 247-258 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ioana Goganau ◽  
Beatrice Sandner ◽  
Norbert Weidner ◽  
Karim Fouad ◽  
Armin Blesch

eLife ◽  
2013 ◽  
Vol 2 ◽  
Author(s):  
Liang Ge ◽  
David Melville ◽  
Min Zhang ◽  
Randy Schekman

Autophagy is a catabolic process for bulk degradation of cytosolic materials mediated by double-membraned autophagosomes. The membrane determinant to initiate the formation of autophagosomes remains elusive. Here, we establish a cell-free assay based on LC3 lipidation to define the organelle membrane supporting early autophagosome formation. In vitro LC3 lipidation requires energy and is subject to regulation by the pathways modulating autophagy in vivo. We developed a systematic membrane isolation scheme to identify the endoplasmic reticulum–Golgi intermediate compartment (ERGIC) as a primary membrane source both necessary and sufficient to trigger LC3 lipidation in vitro. Functional studies demonstrate that the ERGIC is required for autophagosome biogenesis in vivo. Moreover, we find that the ERGIC acts by recruiting the early autophagosome marker ATG14, a critical step for the generation of preautophagosomal membranes.


1991 ◽  
Vol 113 (1) ◽  
pp. 13-23 ◽  
Author(s):  
G T Kitten ◽  
E A Nigg

Recent evidence suggests that the conserved COOH-terminal CaaX motif of nuclear lamins may play a role in targeting newly synthesized proteins to the nuclear envelope. We have shown previously that in rabbit reticulocyte lysates the cysteine residue of the CaaX motif of chicken lamin B2 is necessary for incorporation of a derivative of mevalonic acid, the precursor of isoprenoids. Here we have analyzed the properties of normal and mutated forms of chicken lamin B2 stably expressed in mouse L cells. Mutation of the cysteine residue of the CaaX motif to alanine or introduction of a stop codon immediately after the cysteine residue was found to abolish both isoprenylation and carboxyl methylation of transfected lamin B2. Concomitantly, although nuclear import of the mutant lamin B2 proteins was preserved, their association with the inner nuclear membrane was severely impaired. From these results we conclude that the COOH-terminal CaaX motif is required for isoprenylation and carboxyl methylation of lamins in vivo, and that these modifications are important for association of B-type lamins with the nucleoplasmic surface of the inner nuclear membrane.


2004 ◽  
Vol 381 (2) ◽  
pp. 453-462 ◽  
Author(s):  
Maria PRASKOVA ◽  
Andrei KHOKLATCHEV ◽  
Sara ORTIZ-VEGA ◽  
Joseph AVRUCH

MST1 (mammalian Sterile20-like 1) and MST2 are closely related Class II GC (protein Ser/Thr) kinases that initiate apoptosis when transiently overexpressed in mammalian cells. In the present study, we show that recombinant MST1/2 undergo a robust autoactivation in vitro, mediated by an intramolecular autophosphorylation of a single site [MST1(Thr183)/MST2(Thr180)] on the activation loop of an MST dimer. Endogenous full-length MST1 is activated by a variety of stressful stimuli, accompanied by the secondary appearance of a 36 kDa Thr183-phosphorylated, caspase-cleaved catalytic fragment. Recombinant MST1 exhibits only 2–5% activation during transient expression; endogenous MST1 in the cycling HeLa or KB cells has a similar low fractional activation, but 2 h incubation with okadaic acid (1 μM) results in 100% activation. Endogenous MST1 immunoprecipitated from KB cells is specifically associated with substoichiometric amounts of the growth inhibitory polypeptides RASSF1A and NORE1A (novel Ras effector 1A; a Ras-GTP-binding protein). Co-expression of RASSF1A, RASSF1C, NORE1A and NORE1B with MST1 markedly suppresses MST1(Thr183) phosphorylation in vivo and abolishes the ability of MST1 to undergo Mg-ATP-mediated autoactivation in vitro; direct addition of purified NORE1A in vitro also inhibits MST1 activation. In contrast, co-transfection of MST1 with NORE1A modified by the addition of a C-terminal CAAX motif results in a substantial increase in MST1(Thr183) phosphorylation, as does fusion of a myristoylation motif directly on to the MST1 N-terminus. Moreover, MST1 polypeptides, bound via wild-type NORE1A to Ras(G12V) (where G12V stands for Gly12→Val), exhibit higher Thr183 phosphorylation compared with MST1 bound to NORE1A alone. Nevertheless, serum stimulation of KB cells does not detectably increase the activation state of endogenous MST1 or MST2 despite promoting the recruitment of the endogenous NORE1–MST1 complex to endogenous Ras. We propose that the NORE1/RASSF1 polypeptides, in addition to their role in maintaining the low activity of MST1 in vivo, direct MST1 to sites of activation and perhaps co-localization with endogenous substrates.


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