RESUMEN
The microtubule (MT) cytoskeleton and its dynamics play an important role in cell migration. Depletion of the microtubule-severing enzyme Fidgetin-like 2 (FL2), a regulator of MT dynamics at the leading edge of migrating cells, leads to faster and more efficient cell migration. Here we examine how siRNA knockdown of FL2 increases cell motility. Förster resonance energy transfer biosensor studies shows that FL2 knockdown decreases activation of the p21 Rho GTPase, RhoA, and its activator GEF-H1. Immunofluorescence studies reveal that GEF-H1 is sequestered by the increased MT density resulting from FL2 depletion. Activation of the Rho GTPase, Rac1, however, does not change after FL2 knockdown. Furthermore, FL2 depletion leads to an increase in focal adhesion kinase activation at the leading edge, as shown by immunofluorescence studies, but no change in actin dynamics, as shown by fluorescence recovery after photobleaching. We believe these results expand our understanding of the role of MT dynamics in cell migration and offer new insights into RhoA and Rac1 regulation.
Asunto(s)
Microtúbulos , Proteína de Unión al GTP rhoA , Factores de Intercambio de Guanina Nucleótido Rho/genética , Factores de Intercambio de Guanina Nucleótido Rho/metabolismo , Microtúbulos/metabolismo , Movimiento Celular , Proteína de Unión al GTP rhoA/genética , Proteína de Unión al GTP rhoA/metabolismo , Actinas/metabolismo , Proteínas de Unión al GTP rho/metabolismoRESUMEN
The microtubule (MT) cytoskeleton plays a critical role in axon growth and guidance. Here, we identify the MT-severing enzyme fidgetin-like 2 (FL2) as a negative regulator of axon regeneration and a therapeutic target for promoting nerve regeneration after injury. Genetic knockout of FL2 in cultured adult dorsal root ganglion neurons resulted in longer axons and attenuated growth cone retraction in response to inhibitory molecules. Given the axonal growth-promoting effects of FL2 depletion in vitro, we tested whether FL2 could be targeted to promote regeneration in a rodent model of cavernous nerve (CN) injury. The CNs are parasympathetic nerves that regulate blood flow to the penis, which are commonly damaged during radical prostatectomy (RP), resulting in erectile dysfunction (ED). Application of FL2-siRNA after CN injury significantly enhanced functional nerve recovery. Remarkably, following bilateral nerve transection, visible and functional nerve regeneration was observed in 7 out of 8 animals treated with FL2-siRNA, while no control-treated animals exhibited regeneration. These studies identify FL2 as a promising therapeutic target for enhancing regeneration after peripheral nerve injury and for mitigating neurogenic ED after RP - a condition for which, at present, only poor treatment options exist.
Asunto(s)
ATPasas Asociadas con Actividades Celulares Diversas/fisiología , Orientación del Axón/genética , Axones/metabolismo , Ganglios Espinales/citología , Proteínas Asociadas a Microtúbulos/fisiología , Regeneración Nerviosa/genética , Neuronas/metabolismo , Traumatismos de los Nervios Periféricos/metabolismo , ATPasas Asociadas con Actividades Celulares Diversas/genética , Animales , Células Cultivadas , Masculino , Ratones Noqueados , Proteínas Asociadas a Microtúbulos/genética , Microtúbulos , Pene/inervación , Prostatectomía , Interferencia de ARN , ARN Interferente PequeñoRESUMEN
Purpose: The purpose of this study was to determine the efficacy of nanoparticle-encapsulated Fidgetin-like 2 (FL2) siRNA (FL2-NPsi), a novel therapeutic agent targeting the FL2 gene, for the treatment of corneal alkaline chemical injury. Methods: Eighty 12-week-old, male Sprague-Dawley rats were divided evenly into 8 treatment groups: prednisolone, empty nanoparticles, control-NPsi (1 µM, 10 µM, and 20 µM) and FL2-NPsi (1 µM, 10 µM, and 20 µM). An alkaline burn was induced onto the cornea of each rat, which was then treated for 14 days according to group assignment. Clinical, histopathologic, and immunohistochemical analyses were conducted to assess for wound healing. FL2-NPsi-mediated knockdown of FL2 was confirmed by in vitro quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR). Toxicity assays were performed to assess for apoptosis (terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase-mediated deoxyuridine triphosphate nick-end labeling [TUNEL] assay) and nerve damage (whole mount immunochemical staining). Statistical analyses were performed using Student's t-test and ANOVA. Results: Compared with controls, FL2-NPsi-treated groups demonstrated enhanced corneal wound healing, with the 10 and 20 µM FL2-NPsi-treated groups demonstrating maximum rates of corneal re-epithelialization as assessed by ImageJ software, enhanced corneal transparency, and improved stromal organization on histology. Immunohistochemical analysis of vascular endothelial cells, macrophages, and neutrophils did not show significant differences between treatment groups. FL2-NPsi was not found to be toxic to nerves or induce apoptosis (p = 0.917). Conclusions: Dose-response studies found both 10 and 20 µM FL2-NPsi to be efficacious in this rat model. FL2-NPsi may offer a novel treatment for corneal alkaline chemical injuries. Translational Relevance: Basic cell biology findings about the microtubule cytoskeleton were used to design a therapeutic to enhance corneal cell migration, highlighting the promise of targeting microtubules to regulate corneal wound healing.
Asunto(s)
Células Endoteliales , Quemaduras Oculares , Animales , Córnea , Quemaduras Oculares/inducido químicamente , Masculino , Microtúbulos , Ratas , Ratas Sprague-DawleyRESUMEN
Microtubules (MTs) are intracellular polymers that provide structure to the cell, serve as railways for intracellular transport, and regulate many cellular activities, including cell migration. The dynamicity and function of the MT cytoskeleton are determined in large part by its regulatory proteins, including the recently discovered MT severing enzyme Fidgetin-like 2 (FL2). Downregulation of FL2 expression with small interfering RNA (siRNA) results in a more than twofold increase in cell migration rate in vitro as well as translates into improved wound-healing outcomes in in vivo mouse models. Here we utilized a commercially available surfactant polymer dressing (SPD) as a vehicle to deliver FL2 siRNA. To this end we incorporated collagen microparticles containing FL2 siRNA into SPD (SPD-FL2-siRNA) for direct application to the injury site. Topical application of SPD-FL2 siRNA to murine models of full-thickness excision wounds and full-thickness burn wounds resulted in significant improvements in the rate and quality of wound healing, as measured clinically and histologically, compared with controls. Wound healing occurred more rapidly and with high fidelity, resulting in properly organized collagen substructure. Taken together, these findings indicate that the incorporation of FL2 siRNA into existing treatment options is a promising avenue to improve wound outcomes.
RESUMEN
Coronary artery anomalies may cause life-threatening cardiac complications; however, developmental mechanisms underpinning coronary artery formation remain ill-defined. Here we identify an angiogenic cell population for coronary artery formation in mice. Regulated by a DLL4/NOTCH1/VEGFA/VEGFR2 signaling axis, these angiogenic cells generate mature coronary arteries. The NOTCH modulator POFUT1 critically regulates this signaling axis. POFUT1 inactivation disrupts signaling events and results in excessive angiogenic cell proliferation and plexus formation, leading to anomalous coronary arteries, myocardial infarction and heart failure. Simultaneous VEGFR2 inactivation fully rescues these defects. These findings show that dysregulated angiogenic precursors link coronary anomalies to ischemic heart disease.Though coronary arteries are crucial for heart function, the mechanisms guiding their formation are largely unknown. Here, Wang et al. identify a unique, endocardially-derived angiogenic precursor cell population for coronary artery formation in mice and show that a DLL4/NOTCH1/VEGFA/VEGFR2 signaling axis is key for coronary artery development.
Asunto(s)
Enfermedad de la Arteria Coronaria/genética , Fucosiltransferasas/genética , Neovascularización Fisiológica/genética , Transducción de Señal/genética , Animales , Proliferación Celular/genética , Enfermedad de la Arteria Coronaria/fisiopatología , Ecocardiografía , Fucosiltransferasas/deficiencia , Péptidos y Proteínas de Señalización Intracelular/deficiencia , Péptidos y Proteínas de Señalización Intracelular/genética , Proteínas de la Membrana/deficiencia , Proteínas de la Membrana/genética , Ratones Endogámicos C57BL , Ratones Noqueados , Receptor 2 de Factores de Crecimiento Endotelial Vascular/deficiencia , Receptor 2 de Factores de Crecimiento Endotelial Vascular/genética , Receptor 3 de Factores de Crecimiento Endotelial Vascular/deficiencia , Receptor 3 de Factores de Crecimiento Endotelial Vascular/genéticaRESUMEN
A mechanistic relationship exists between protein localisation, activity and cellular differentiation. Understanding the contribution of these molecular mechanisms is required for elucidation of conditions that drive development. Literature suggests non-canonical translocation of the Signal Transducer and Activator of Transcription 3 (STAT3) to the mitochondria contributes to the regulation of the electron transport chain, cellular respiration and reactive oxygen species production. Based on this we investigated the role of mitochondrial STAT3, specifically the serine 727 phosphorylated form, in cellular differentiation using the well-defined mouse adipogenic model 3T3-L1. Relative levels of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and the levels and dynamic localization of pSTAT3S727 were investigated during the initiation of adipogenesis. As a signalling entity, ROS is known to regulate the activation of C/EBPß to stimulate a critical cascade of events prior to differentiation of 3T3-L1. Results indicate that upon induction of the differentiation programme, relative levels of mitochondrial pSTAT3S727 dramatically decrease in the mitochondria; in contrast the total cellular pSTAT3S727 levels increase. A positive correlation between increasing levels of ROS and dynamic changes in C/EBPß indicate that mitochondrial STAT3 plays a potential critical role as an initiator of the process. Based on these findings we propose a model for mitochondrial STAT3 as a regulator of ROS in adipogenesis.
Asunto(s)
Adipogénesis , Mitocondrias/metabolismo , Especies Reactivas de Oxígeno/metabolismo , Factor de Transcripción STAT3/metabolismo , Células 3T3 , Animales , Proteína beta Potenciadora de Unión a CCAAT/metabolismo , Regulación de la Expresión Génica , Ratones , Fosforilación , Serina/metabolismoRESUMEN
The balance between cellular lineages can be controlled by reactive oxygen species (ROS). Cellular differentiation into adipocytes is highly dependent on the production of ROS to initiate the process through activation of multiple interlinked factors that stimulate mitotic clonal expansion and cellular maturation. The signal transducer and activator of transcription family of signaling proteins have accepted roles in adipogenesis and associated lipogenesis. Non-canonical mitochondrial localization of STAT3 and other members of the STAT family however opens up new avenues for investigation of its role in the aforementioned processes. Following recent observations of differences in mitochondrially localized serine 727 phosphorylated STAT3 (mtSTAT3-pS727) in preadipocytes and adipocytes, here, we hypothesize and speculate further on the role of mitochondrial STAT3 in adipogenesis.
RESUMEN
Real-time analysis offers multiple benefits over traditional end point assays. Here, we present a method of monitoring the optimisation of the growth and differentiation of murine 3T3-L1 preadipocytes to adipocytes using the commercially available ACEA xCELLigence Real-Time Cell Analyser Single Plate (RTCA SP) system. Our findings indicate that the ACEA xCELLigence RTCA SP can reproducibly monitor the primary morphological changes in pre- and post-confluent 3T3-L1 fibroblasts induced to differentiate using insulin, dexamethasone, 3-isobutyl-1-methylxanthine and rosiglitazone; and may be a viable primary method of screening compounds for adipogenic factors.
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Adipocitos/citología , Técnicas Biosensibles/instrumentación , Diferenciación Celular , Técnicas Citológicas/instrumentación , 1-Metil-3-Isobutilxantina/farmacología , Células 3T3-L1 , Adipocitos/efectos de los fármacos , Adipogénesis/efectos de los fármacos , Animales , Técnicas Biosensibles/métodos , Diferenciación Celular/efectos de los fármacos , Sistemas de Computación , Dexametasona/farmacología , Impedancia Eléctrica , Insulina/farmacología , Ratones , Rosiglitazona , Tiazolidinedionas/farmacologíaRESUMEN
Mitochondria are key to eukaryotic cell survival and their activity is linked to generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) which in turn acts as both an intracellular signal and an effective executioner of cells with regards to cellular senescence. The mitochondrial molecular chaperone tumor necrosis factor receptor associated protein 1 (TRAP1) is often termed the cytoprotective chaperone for its role in cancer cell survival and protection from apoptosis. Here, we hypothesize that TRAP1 serves to modulate mitochondrial activity in stem cell maintenance, survival and differentiation.
Asunto(s)
Proteínas HSP90 de Choque Térmico/metabolismo , Mitocondrias/metabolismo , Chaperonas Moleculares/metabolismo , Especies Reactivas de Oxígeno/metabolismo , Células Madre/metabolismo , Humanos , Estrés OxidativoRESUMEN
Heat shock protein 90 (Hsp90) functionally modulates signal transduction. The signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3) mediates interleukin-6 family cytokine signaling. Aberrant activation and mutation of STAT3 is associated with oncogenesis and immune disorders, respectively. Hsp90 and STAT3 have previously been shown to colocalize and coimmunoprecipitate in common complexes. Surface plasmon resonance spectroscopy revealed a direct, high affinity specific interaction between recombinant Hsp90ß and STAT3ß in the presence and absence of adenosine triphosphate (ATP) in molar excess. Furthermore, comparative analysis using a phosphomimetic mutation at tyrosine 705 showed that the direct interaction appeared to favor neither unactivated nor activated STAT3. Destabilizing mutation of STAT3 at arginine residues 414/417 to alanine in the DNA-binding domain, previously shown to disrupt nuclear translocation in vivo, reduced interaction with a STAT3 DNA binding site oligonucleotide and Hsp90ß in vitro, indicating that STAT3 requires a functional DNA-binding domain for full direct interaction with Hsp90. Site-directed mutagenesis of a mammalian STAT3-EGFP-N1 fusion construct at RR414/417 and subsequent transfection into human MCF7 epithelial breast cancer cells showed no impaired nuclear translocation when observed by confocal laser scanning microscopy. However, costaining for Hsp90α/ß isoforms and colocalization analysis revealed a defined decrease in pixel-on-pixel colocalization compared with the wild-type confirming the requirement of the DNA-binding domain for high-affinity interaction.