scholarly journals Substrate Stiffness Mediates Formation of Novel Cytoskeletal Structures in Fibroblasts during Cell–Microspheres Interaction

2021 ◽  
Vol 22 (2) ◽  
pp. 960
Author(s):  
Olga Adamczyk ◽  
Zbigniew Baster ◽  
Maksymilian Szczypior ◽  
Zenon Rajfur
Keyword(s):  
Mechanical Properties ◽  
Optical Tweezers ◽  
Specific Protein ◽  
Molecular Response ◽  
Microtubule Cytoskeleton ◽  
Regulatory Pathways ◽  
Cellular Processes ◽  
Cell Functions ◽  
Cellular Environment ◽  
Latex Beads

It is well known that living cells interact mechanically with their microenvironment. Many basic cell functions, like migration, proliferation, gene expression, and differentiation, are influenced by external forces exerted on the cell. That is why it is extremely important to study how mechanical properties of the culture substrate influence the cellular molecular regulatory pathways. Optical microscopy is one of the most common experimental method used to visualize and study cellular processes. Confocal microscopy allows to observe changes in the 3D organization of the cytoskeleton in response to a precise mechanical stimulus applied with, for example, a bead trapped with optical tweezers. Optical tweezers-based method (OT) is a microrheological technique which employs a focused laser beam and polystyrene or latex beads to study mechanical properties of biological systems. Latex beads, functionalized with a specific protein, can interact with proteins located on the surface of the cellular membrane. Such interaction can significantly affect the cell’s behavior. In this work, we demonstrate that beads alone, placed on the cell surface, significantly change the architecture of actin, microtubule, and intermediate filaments. We also show that the observed molecular response to such stimulus depends on the duration of the cell–bead interaction. Application of cytoskeletal drugs: cytochalasin D, jasplakinolide, and docetaxel, abrogates remodeling effects of the cytoskeleton. More important, when cells are plated on elastic substrates, which mimic the mechanical properties of physiological cellular environment, we observe formation of novel, “cup-like” structures formed by the microtubule cytoskeleton upon interaction with latex beads. These results provide new insights into the function of the microtubule cytoskeleton. Based on these results, we conclude that rigidity of the substrate significantly affects the cellular processes related to every component of the cytoskeleton, especially their architecture.

Actin Dynamics, Architecture, and Mechanics in Cell Motility

2014 ◽  
Vol 94 (1) ◽  
pp. 235-263 ◽  
Author(s):  
Laurent Blanchoin ◽  
Rajaa Boujemaa-Paterski ◽  
Cécile Sykes ◽  
Julie Plastino
Keyword(s):  
Mechanical Properties ◽  
Actin Filaments ◽  
Molecular Motor ◽  
Actin Dynamics ◽  
Tight Coupling ◽  
Actin Organization ◽  
Cellular Processes ◽  
Shock Absorbers ◽  
Cellular Environment

Tight coupling between biochemical and mechanical properties of the actin cytoskeleton drives a large range of cellular processes including polarity establishment, morphogenesis, and motility. This is possible because actin filaments are semi-flexible polymers that, in conjunction with the molecular motor myosin, can act as biological active springs or “dashpots” (in laymen's terms, shock absorbers or fluidizers) able to exert or resist against force in a cellular environment. To modulate their mechanical properties, actin filaments can organize into a variety of architectures generating a diversity of cellular organizations including branched or crosslinked networks in the lamellipodium, parallel bundles in filopodia, and antiparallel structures in contractile fibers. In this review we describe the feedback loop between biochemical and mechanical properties of actin organization at the molecular level in vitro, then we integrate this knowledge into our current understanding of cellular actin organization and its physiological roles.

scholarly journals The Actin-Bundling Protein L-Plastin: A Critical Regulator of Immune Cell Function

2012 ◽  
Vol 2012 ◽  
pp. 1-10 ◽  
Author(s):  
Sharon Celeste Morley
Keyword(s):  
B Lymphocyte ◽  
Cell Function ◽  
Immune Cell ◽  
Specific Protein ◽  
Cellular Processes ◽  
Cell Functions ◽  
Antigen Receptor Signaling ◽  
Cross Links ◽  
The Stability ◽  
And Function

L-plastin is a leukocyte-specific protein that cross-links actin filaments into tight bundles, increasing the stability of actin-based structures such as podosomes and lamellipodia. While first identified as an abundant cytoplasmic protein in hematopoietically derived cells over 25 years ago, the requirement for L-plastin in multiple functions critical for immunity, such as antigen receptor signaling, adhesion, and motility, has only recently become clear. L-plastin has been identified as an important component in cellular processes critical for neutrophil, macrophage, osteoclast, eosinophil, and T- and B-lymphocyte biology. Following a brief description of the structure and function of L-plastin, the regulation of immune cell functions by L-plastin will be reviewed in detail.

scholarly journals DDRE-09. DEVELOPING IDO-PROTACS TO IMPROVE IMMUNOTHERAPEUTIC EFFICACY IN PATIENTS WITH GLIOBLASTOMA

2020 ◽  
Vol 22 (Supplement_2) ◽  
pp. ii63-ii63
Author(s):  
Lakshmi Bollu ◽  
Derek Wainwright ◽  
Lijie Zhai ◽  
Erik Ladomersky ◽  
Kristen Lauing ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Protein Degradation ◽  
Time Course ◽  
Immune Cell ◽  
Enzyme Inhibitors ◽  
Tumor Development ◽  
Ubiquitin Proteasome System ◽  
Degradation Pathway ◽  
Specific Protein ◽  
Cell Functions

Abstract INTRODUCTION Indoleamine 2,3-dioxygenase 1 (IDO; IDO1) is a rate-limiting enzyme that metabolizes the essential amino acid tryptophan into kynurenine. Recent work by our group has revealed that IDO promotes tumor development and suppresses immune cell functions independent of its enzyme activity. Moreover, pharmacologic IDO enzyme inhibitors that currently serve as the only class of drugs available for targeting immunosuppressive IDO activity, fail to improve the survival of patients with GBM. Here, we developed IDO-Proteolysis Targeting Chimeras (IDO-PROTACs). PROTACs bind to a specific protein and recruit an E3 ubiquitin ligase that enhance proteasome-mediated degradation of the target protein. METHODS A library of ≥100 IDO-PROTACs were developed by joining BMS986205 (IDO binder) with a linker group to various E3-ligase ligands. Western blot analysis of PROTAC-induced IDO degradation was tested in vitro among multiple human and mouse GBM cell lines including U87, GBM6, GBM43 and GL261 along a time course ranging between 1–96 hours of treatment and at varying concentrations. The mechanism of IDO protein degradation was investigated using pharmacologic ligands that inhibit or compete with the proteasome-mediated protein degradation pathway. RESULTS Primary screening identified several IDO-PROTACs with IDO protein degradation potential. Secondary screening showed that our lead compound has a DC50 value of ~0.5µM with an ability to degrade IDO in all GBM cells analyzed, and an initial activity within 12 hours of treatment that extended for up to 96 hours. Mutating the CRBN-binding ligand, pretreatment with the ubiquitin proteasome system inhibitors MG132 or MLN4924 or using unmodified parental compound all inhibited IDO protein degradation. CONCLUSIONS This study developed an initial IDO-PROTAC technology that upon further optimization, can neutralize both IDO enzyme and non-enzyme immunosuppressive effects. When combined with other forms of immunotherapy, IDO-PROTACs have the potential to substantially enhance immunotherapeutic efficacy in patients with GBM.

High-throughput microfluidic compressibility cytometry using multi-tilted-angle surface acoustic wave

Lab on a Chip ◽  
2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Yanqi Wu ◽  
Alastair Stewart ◽  
Peter Vee-Sin Lee
Keyword(s):  
Mechanical Properties ◽  
Acoustic Wave ◽  
Surface Acoustic Wave ◽  
High Throughput ◽  
Mechanical Measurement ◽  
Cellular Processes ◽  
Tilted Angle

Cellular mechanical properties (e.g. compressibility) are important biophysical markers in relation to cellular processes and functionality. Among the methods for cell mechanical measurement, acoustofluidic methods appear to be advantageous due...

scholarly journals Integrated genomic analysis reveals regulatory pathways and dynamic landscapes of the tRNA transcriptome

2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Zefang Sun ◽  
Jia Tan ◽  
Minqiong Zhao ◽  
Qiyao Peng ◽  
Mingqing Zhou ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Expression Profiles ◽  
Genomic Analysis ◽  
Rna Seq ◽  
Regulatory Pathways ◽  
Cellular Processes ◽  
Dynamic Landscapes ◽  
Rna Fragments ◽  
A Cell ◽  
Considerable Impact ◽  
New Algorithms

AbstracttRNAs and tRNA-derived RNA fragments (tRFs) play various roles in many cellular processes outside of protein synthesis. However, comprehensive investigations of tRNA/tRF regulation are rare. In this study, we used new algorithms to extensively analyze the publicly available data from 1332 ChIP-Seq and 42 small-RNA-Seq experiments in human cell lines and tissues to investigate the transcriptional and posttranscriptional regulatory mechanisms of tRNAs. We found that histone acetylation, cAMP, and pluripotency pathways play important roles in the regulation of the tRNA gene transcription in a cell-specific manner. Analysis of RNA-Seq data identified 950 high-confidence tRFs, and the results suggested that tRNA pools are dramatically distinct across the samples in terms of expression profiles and tRF composition. The mismatch analysis identified new potential modification sites and specific modification patterns in tRNA families. The results also show that RNA library preparation technologies have a considerable impact on tRNA profiling and need to be optimized in the future.

scholarly journals Lysosomal Calcium Channels in Autophagy and Cancer

Cancers ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 13 (6) ◽  
pp. 1299
Author(s):  
Yi Wu ◽  
Peng Huang ◽  
Xian-Ping Dong
Keyword(s):  
Calcium Channels ◽  
Cancer Progression ◽  
Human Cancer ◽  
Human Diseases ◽  
Cellular Processes ◽  
Cell Functions ◽  
Multiple Cell ◽  
Dependent Processes ◽  
Intracellular Messenger

Ca2+ is pivotal intracellular messenger that coordinates multiple cell functions such as fertilization, growth, differentiation, and viability. Intracellular Ca2+ signaling is regulated by both extracellular Ca2+ entry and Ca2+ release from intracellular stores. Apart from working as the cellular recycling center, the lysosome has been increasingly recognized as a significant intracellular Ca2+ store that provides Ca2+ to regulate many cellular processes. The lysosome also talks to other organelles by releasing and taking up Ca2+. In lysosomal Ca2+-dependent processes, autophagy is particularly important, because it has been implicated in many human diseases including cancer. This review will discuss the major components of lysosomal Ca2+ stores and their roles in autophagy and human cancer progression.

Structure, Function, Involvement in Diseases and Targeting of 14-3-3 Proteins: An Update

2018 ◽  
Vol 25 (1) ◽  
pp. 5-21 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ylenia Cau ◽  
Daniela Valensin ◽  
Mattia Mori ◽  
Sara Draghi ◽  
Maurizio Botta
Keyword(s):  
Protein Interactions ◽  
Molecular Mechanisms ◽  
Physiological Role ◽  
Specific Protein ◽  
Protein Protein Interactions ◽  
Cellular Processes ◽  
Protein Partners ◽  
High Sequence Homology ◽  
Small Molecule Modulators

14-3-3 is a class of proteins able to interact with a multitude of targets by establishing protein-protein interactions (PPIs). They are usually found in all eukaryotes with a conserved secondary structure and high sequence homology among species. 14-3-3 proteins are involved in many physiological and pathological cellular processes either by triggering or interfering with the activity of specific protein partners. In the last years, the scientific community has collected many evidences on the role played by seven human 14-3-3 isoforms in cancer or neurodegenerative diseases. Indeed, these proteins regulate the molecular mechanisms associated to these diseases by interacting with (i) oncogenic and (ii) pro-apoptotic proteins and (iii) with proteins involved in Parkinson and Alzheimer diseases. The discovery of small molecule modulators of 14-3-3 PPIs could facilitate complete understanding of the physiological role of these proteins, and might offer valuable therapeutic approaches for these critical pathological states.

Intrinsic mechanical properties of the extracellular matrix affect the behavior of pre-osteoblastic MC3T3-E1 cells

2006 ◽  
Vol 290 (6) ◽  
pp. C1640-C1650 ◽  
Author(s):  
Chirag B. Khatiwala ◽  
Shelly R. Peyton ◽  
Andrew J. Putnam
Keyword(s):  
Mechanical Properties ◽  
Type I Collagen ◽  
Focal Adhesions ◽  
Microscopic Analysis ◽  
Maximal Activity ◽  
Type I ◽  
Cell Functions ◽  
Collagen Density ◽  
Cells Cultured ◽  
In Cells

Mechanical cues present in the ECM have been hypothesized to provide instructive signals that dictate cell behavior. We probed this hypothesis in osteoblastic cells by culturing MC3T3-E1 cells on the surface of type I collagen-modified hydrogels with tunable mechanical properties and assessed their proliferation, migration, and differentiation. On gels functionalized with a low type I collagen density, MC3T3-E1 cells cultured on polystyrene proliferated twice as fast as those cultured on the softest substrate. Quantitative time-lapse video microscopic analysis revealed random motility speeds were significantly retarded on the softest substrate (0.25 ± 0.01 μm/min), in contrast to maximum speeds on polystyrene substrates (0.42 ± 0.04 μm/min). On gels functionalized with a high type I collagen density, migration speed exhibited a biphasic dependence on ECM compliance, with maximum speeds (0.34 ± 0.02 μm/min) observed on gels of intermediate stiffness, whereas minimum speeds (0.24 ± 0.03 μm/min) occurred on both the softest and most rigid (i.e., polystyrene) substrates. Immature focal contacts and a poorly organized actin cytoskeleton were observed in cells cultured on the softest substrates, whereas those on more rigid substrates assembled mature focal adhesions and robust actin stress fibers. In parallel, focal adhesion kinase (FAK) activity (assessed by detecting pY397-FAK) was influenced by compliance, with maximal activity occurring in cells cultured on polystyrene. Finally, mineral deposition by the MC3T3-E1 cells was also affected by ECM compliance, leading to the conclusion that altering ECM mechanical properties may influence a variety of MC3T3-E1 cell functions, and perhaps ultimately, their differentiated phenotype.

scholarly journals Hanks-Type Serine/Threonine Protein Kinases and Phosphatases in Bacteria: Roles in Signaling and Adaptation to Various Environments

2018 ◽  
Vol 19 (10) ◽  
pp. 2872 ◽  
Author(s):  
Monika Janczarek ◽  
José-María Vinardell ◽  
Paulina Lipa ◽  
Magdalena Karaś
Keyword(s):  
Dna Binding ◽  
Essential Role ◽  
Current Knowledge ◽  
Response Regulator ◽  
Protein Targets ◽  
Regulatory Pathways ◽  
Translational Machinery ◽  
Signaling Systems ◽  
Cellular Processes ◽  
Division Cell

Reversible phosphorylation is a key mechanism that regulates many cellular processes in prokaryotes and eukaryotes. In prokaryotes, signal transduction includes two-component signaling systems, which involve a membrane sensor histidine kinase and a cognate DNA-binding response regulator. Several recent studies indicate that alternative regulatory pathways controlled by Hanks-type serine/threonine kinases (STKs) and serine/threonine phosphatases (STPs) also play an essential role in regulation of many different processes in bacteria, such as growth and cell division, cell wall biosynthesis, sporulation, biofilm formation, stress response, metabolic and developmental processes, as well as interactions (either pathogenic or symbiotic) with higher host organisms. Since these enzymes are not DNA-binding proteins, they exert the regulatory role via post-translational modifications of their protein targets. In this review, we summarize the current knowledge of STKs and STPs, and discuss how these enzymes mediate gene expression in prokaryotes. Many studies indicate that regulatory systems based on Hanks-type STKs and STPs play an essential role in the regulation of various cellular processes, by reversibly phosphorylating many protein targets, among them several regulatory proteins of other signaling cascades. These data show high complexity of bacterial regulatory network, in which the crosstalk between STK/STP signaling enzymes, components of TCSs, and the translational machinery occurs. In this regulation, the STK/STP systems have been proved to play important roles.

scholarly journals MiRNA-143 mediates the proliferative signaling pathway of FSH and regulates estradiol production

2017 ◽  
Vol 234 (1) ◽  
pp. 1-14 ◽  
Author(s):  
Li Zhang ◽  
XiaoXin Zhang ◽  
Xuejing Zhang ◽  
Yu Lu ◽  
Lei Li ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Signaling Pathway ◽  
Granulosa Cell ◽  
Granulosa Cells ◽  
Loss Of Function ◽  
Cellular Processes ◽  
Cell Functions ◽  
Genes Expression ◽  
Underlying Mechanisms

MicroRNAs (MiRNAs) play important regulatory roles in many cellular processes. MiR-143 is highly enriched in the mouse ovary, but its roles and underlying mechanisms are not well understood. In the current study, we show that miR-143 is located in granulosa cells of primary, secondary and antral follicles. To explore the specific functions of miR-143, we transfected miR-143 inhibitor into primary cultured granulosa cells to study the loss of function of miR-143 and the results showed that miR-143 silencing significantly increased estradiol production and steroidogenesis-related gene expression. Moreover, our in vivo and in vitro studies showed that follicular stimulating hormone (FSH) significantly decreased miR-143 expression. This function of miR-143 is accomplished by its binding to the 3’-UTR of KRAS mRNA. Furthermore, our results demonstrated that miR-143 acts as a negative regulating molecule mediating the signaling pathway of FSH and affecting estradiol production by targeting KRAS. MiR-143 also negatively acts in regulating granulosa cells proliferation and cell cycle-related genes expression. These findings indicate that miR-143 plays vital roles in FSH-induced estradiol production and granulosa cell proliferation, providing a novel mechanism that involves miRNA in regulating granulosa cell functions.

Sign in / Sign up

Export Citation Format

Share Document