Selective termination of lncRNA transcription promotes heterochromatin silencing and cell differentiation.

Long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) regulating gene expression at the chromatin level are widespread among eukaryotes. However, their functions and the mechanisms by which they act are not fully understood. Here, we identify new fission yeast regulatory lncRNAs that are targeted, at their site of transcription, by the YTH domain of the RNA-binding protein Mmi1 and degraded by the nuclear exosome. We uncover that one of them, nam1, regulates entry into sexual differentiation. Importantly, we demonstrate that Mmi1 binding to this lncRNA not only triggers its degradation but also mediates its transcription termination, thus preventing lncRNA transcription from invading and repressing the downstream gene encoding a mitogen-activated protein kinase kinase kinase (MAPKKK) essential to sexual differentiation. In addition, we show that Mmi1-mediated termination of lncRNA transcription also takes place at pericentromeric regions where it contributes to heterochromatin gene silencing together with RNA interference (RNAi). These findings reveal an important role for selective termination of lncRNA transcription in both euchromatic and heterochromatic lncRNA-based gene silencing processes.

PepS: An Innovative Microfluidic Device for Bedside Whole Blood Processing before Plasma Proteomics Analyses.

Immunoassays have been used for decades in clinical laboratories to quantify proteins in serum and plasma samples. However, their limitations make them inappropriate in some cases. Recently, mass spectrometry (MS) based proteomics analysis has emerged as a promising alternative method when seeking to assess panels of protein biomarkers with a view to providing protein profiles to monitor health status. Up to now, however, translation of MS-based proteomics to the clinic has been hampered by its complexity and the substantial time and human resources necessary for sample preparation. Plasma matrix is particularly tricky to process as it contains more than 3000 proteins with concentrations spanning an extreme dynamic range (1010). To address this preanalytical challenge, we designed a microfluidic device (PepS) automating and accelerating blood sample preparation for bottom-up MS-based proteomics analysis. The microfluidic cartridge is operated through a dedicated compact instrument providing fully automated fluid processing and thermal control. In less than 2 h, the PepS device allows bedside plasma separation from whole blood, volume metering, depletion of albumin, protein digestion with trypsin, and stabilization of tryptic peptides on solid-phase extraction sorbent. For this first presentation, the performance of the PepS device was assessed using discovery proteomics and targeted proteomics, detecting a panel of three protein biomarkers routinely assayed in clinical laboratories (alanine aminotransferase 1, C-reactive protein, and myoglobin). This innovative microfluidic device and its associated instrumentation should help to streamline and simplify clinical proteomics studies.

Mass Spectrometry-Based Proteomics Reveal Alcohol Dehydrogenase 1B as a Blood Biomarker Candidate to Monitor Acetaminophen-Induced Liver Injury.

Acute liver injury (ALI) is a severe disorder resulting from excessive hepatocyte cell death, and frequently caused by acetaminophen intoxication. Clinical management of ALI progression is hampered by the dearth of blood biomarkers available. In this study, a bioinformatics workflow was developed to screen omics databases and identify potential biomarkers for hepatocyte cell death. Then, discovery proteomics was harnessed to select from among these candidates those that were specifically detected in the blood of acetaminophen-induced ALI patients. Among these candidates, the isoenzyme alcohol dehydrogenase 1B (ADH1B) was massively leaked into the blood. To evaluate ADH1B, we developed a targeted proteomics assay and quantified ADH1B in serum samples collected at different times from 17 patients admitted for acetaminophen-induced ALI. Serum ADH1B concentrations increased markedly during the acute phase of the disease, and dropped to undetectable levels during recovery. In contrast to alanine aminotransferase activity, the rapid drop in circulating ADH1B concentrations was followed by an improvement in the international normalized ratio (INR) within 10-48 h, and was associated with favorable outcomes. In conclusion, the combination of omics data exploration and proteomics revealed ADH1B as a new blood biomarker candidate that could be useful for the monitoring of acetaminophen-induced ALI.

A proteomics assay to detect eight CBRN-relevant toxins in food.

A proteomics assay was set up to analyze food substrates for eight toxins of the CBRN (chemical, biological, radiological and nuclear) threat, namely ricin, Clostridium perfringens epsilon toxin (ETX), Staphylococcus aureus enterotoxins (SEA, SEB and SED), shigatoxins from Shigella dysenteriae and entero-hemorragic Escherichia coli strains (STX1 and STX2) and Campylobacter jejuni cytolethal distending toxin (CDT). The assay developed was based on an antibody-free sample preparation followed by bottom-up LC-MS/MS analysis operated in targeted mode. Highly specific detection and absolute quantification were obtained using isotopically labeled proteins (PSAQ standards) spiked into the food matrix. The sensitivity of the assay for the eight toxins was lower than the oral LD50 which would likely be used in a criminal contamination of food supply. This assay should be useful in monitoring biological threats. In the public-health domain, it opens the way for multiplex investigation of food-borne toxins using targeted LC-MS/MS.

Histone deacetylase 6 is a FoxO transcription factor-dependent effector in skeletal muscle atrophy.

Skeletal muscle atrophy is a severe condition of muscle mass loss. Muscle atrophy is caused by a down-regulation of protein synthesis and by an increase of protein breakdown due to the ubiquitin-proteasome system and autophagy activation. Up-regulation of specific genes, such as the muscle-specific E3 ubiquitin ligase MAFbx, by FoxO transcription factors is essential to initiate muscle protein ubiquitination and degradation during atrophy. HDAC6 is a particular HDAC, which is functionally related to the ubiquitin proteasome system via its ubiquitin binding domain. We show that HDAC6 is up-regulated during muscle atrophy. HDAC6 activation is dependent on the transcription factor FoxO3a, and the inactivation of HDAC6 in mice protects against muscle wasting. HDAC6 is able to interact with MAFbx, a key ubiquitin ligase involved in muscle atrophy. Our findings demonstrate the implication of HDAC6 in skeletal muscle wasting and identify HDAC6 as a new downstream target of FoxO3a in stress response. This work provides new insights in skeletal muscle atrophy development and opens interesting perspectives on HDAC6 as a valuable marker of muscle atrophy and a potential target for pharmacological treatments.

Mmi1 RNA surveillance machinery directs RNAi complex RITS to specific meiotic genes in fission yeast.

RNA interference (RNAi) silences gene expression by acting both at the transcriptional and post-transcriptional levels in a broad range of eukaryotes. In the fission yeast Schizosaccharomyces pombe the RNA-Induced Transcriptional Silencing (RITS) RNAi complex mediates heterochromatin formation at non-coding and repetitive DNA. However, the targeting and role of RITS at other genomic regions, including protein-coding genes, remain unknown. Here we show that RITS localizes to specific meiotic genes and mRNAs. Remarkably, RITS is guided to these meiotic targets by the RNA-binding protein Mmi1 and its associated RNA surveillance machinery that together degrade selective meiotic mRNAs during vegetative growth. Upon sexual differentiation, RITS localization to the meiotic genes and mRNAs is lost. Large-scale identification of Mmi1 RNA targets reveals that RITS subunit Chp1 associates with the vast majority of them. In addition, loss of RNAi affects the effective repression of sexual differentiation mediated by the Mmi1 RNA surveillance machinery. These findings uncover a new mechanism for recruiting RNAi to specific meiotic genes and suggest that RNAi participates in the control of sexual differentiation in fission yeast.

Multiplex quantification of protein toxins in human biofluids and food matrices using immunoextraction and high-resolution targeted mass spectrometry.

The development of rapid methods for unambiguous identification and precise quantification of protein toxins in various matrices is essential for public health surveillance. Nowadays, analytical strategies classically rely on sensitive immunological assays, but mass spectrometry constitutes an attractive complementary approach thanks to direct measurement and protein characterization ability. We developed here an innovative multiplex immuno-LC-MS/MS method for the simultaneous and specific quantification of the three potential biological warfare agents, ricin, staphylococcal enterotoxin B, and epsilon toxin, in complex human biofluids and food matrices. At least 7 peptides were targeted for each toxin (43 peptides in total) with a quadrupole-Orbitrap high-resolution instrument for exquisite detection specificity. Quantification was performed using stable isotope-labeled toxin standards spiked early in the sample. Lower limits of quantification were determined at or close to 1 ng·mL(-1). The whole process was successfully applied to the quantitative analysis of toxins in complex samples such as milk, human urine, and plasma. Finally, we report new data on toxin stability with no evidence of toxin degradation in milk in a 48 h time frame, allowing relevant quantitative toxin analysis for samples collected in this time range.

RefilinB (FAM101B) targets filamin A to organize perinuclear actin networks and regulates nuclear shape.

The intracellular localization and shape of the nucleus plays a central role in cellular and developmental processes. In fibroblasts, nuclear movement and shape are controlled by a specific perinuclear actin network made of contractile actin filament bundles called transmembrane actin-associated nuclear (TAN) lines that form a structure called the actin cap. The identification of regulatory proteins associated with this specific actin cytoskeletal dynamic is a priority for understanding actin-based changes in nuclear shape and position in normal and pathological situations. Here, we first identify a unique family of actin regulators, the refilin proteins (RefilinA and RefilinB), that stabilize specifically perinuclear actin filament bundles. We next identify the actin-binding filamin A (FLNA) protein as the downstream effector of refilins. Refilins act as molecular switches to convert FLNA from an actin branching protein into one that bundles. In NIH 3T3 fibroblasts, the RefilinB/FLNA complex organizes the perinuclear actin filament bundles forming the actin cap. Finally, we demonstrate that in epithelial normal murine mammary gland (NmuMG) cells, the RefilinB/FLNA complex controls formation of a new perinuclear actin network that accompanies nuclear shape changes during the epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT). Our studies open perspectives for further functional analyses of this unique actin-based network and shed light on FLNA function during development and in human syndromes associated with FLNA mutations.

Effects of Silane Monolayers on Lysophosphatidylcholine (LysoPC) Detection by Desorption Ionization on Silicon Mass Spectrometry (DIOS-MS) in Solution and Plasma.

Desorption ionization on silicon mass spectrometry (DIOS-MS) enables high throughput analysis of low-molecular-weight biomolecules. However, detection of metabolite biomarkers in complex fluids such as plasma requires sample pretreatment, limiting clinical application. Here, we show that porous silicon, chemically modified using monolayers of n-propyldimethylmethoxysilane molecules, is a good candidate for fingerprinting lysophosphatidylcholine (lysoPC) in plasma, without sample pretreatment, for DIOS-MS-based diagnosis (e.g., sepsis). Results were correlated to lysoPC molecule location inside/outside the pores, determined by time-of-flight secondary ion mass spectrometry profiling, and to physicochemical properties.

Effect of Silane Monolayers and Nanoporous Silicon Surfaces on the Matrix-Assisted Laser Desorption Ionization Mass Spectrometry Detection of Sepsis Metabolites Biomarkers Mixed in Solution.

Matrix-assisted laser desorption ionization time-of-flight mass spectrometry (MALDI-ToF MS) is a promising strategy for clinical diagnosis based on metabolite detection. However, several bottlenecks (such as the lack of reproducibility in analysis, the presence of an important background in low-mass range, and the lack of organic matrix for some molecules) prevent its transfer to clinical cases. These limitations can be addressed by using nanoporous silicon surfaces chemically functionalized with silane monolayers. In the present study, sepsis metabolite biomarkers were used to investigate the effects of silane monolayers and porous silicon substrates on MALDI-ToF MS analysis (signal-to-noise value (S/N), relative standard deviation of the S/N of triplicate samples (STDmean), and intra-substrates uniformity). Also, the impact of the physicochemical properties of metabolites, with different isoelectric points and hydrophobic-hydrophilic balances, was assessed. Four different silane molecules, with various alkyl chain lengths and head-group charges, were self-assembled in monolayers on plane and porous silicon surfaces. Their surface coverage and conformity were investigated by X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) and time-of-flight secondary ion mass spectrometry (ToF-SIMS). The seven metabolites detected on the stainless-steel target plate (lysophosphatidylcholine, caffeine, phenylalanine, creatinine, valine, arginine, and glycerophosphocholine) are also detected on the silanized and bare, plane and porous silicon surfaces. Moreover, two metabolites, glycine and alanine, which are not detected on the stainless-steel target plate, are detected on all silanized surfaces, except glycine which is not detected on CH3 short-modified porous silicon and on the bare plane silicon substrate. In addition, whatever the metabolites (except phenylalanine and valine), at least one of the silicon surfaces allows to increase the S/N value in comparison with the stainless-steel target plate. Also, the heterogeneity of matrix crystallization features is linked to the STDmean which is poor on the NH3+ monolayer on plane substrate and better on the NH3+ monolayer on porous substrate, for most of the metabolites. Nevertheless, matrix crystallization features are not sufficient to systematically get high STDmean and uniformity in MALDI-ToF MS analysis. Indeed, the physicochemical properties of metabolites and surfaces, limitations in metabolite extraction from the pores, and improvement in metabolite desorption due to the pores are shown to significantly impact MS analysis. In particular, in the case of the most hydrophobic metabolites studied, the highest S/N values and the best STDmean and uniformity (the lowest values) are reached by using porous substrates, while in the case of the most hydrophilic metabolites studied, plane substrates demonstrated the highest S/N and the lowest STDmean. No clear trend of surface chemistry was evidenced.

Complex Regulation of Gamma-Hemolysin Expression Impacts Staphylococcus aureus Virulence.

Staphylococcus aureus gamma-hemolysin CB (HlgCB) is a core-genome-encoded pore-forming toxin that targets the C5a receptor, similar to the phage-encoded Panton-Valentine leucocidin (PVL). Absolute quantification by mass spectrometry of HlgCB in 39 community-acquired pneumonia (CAP) isolates showed considerable variations in the HlgC and HlgB yields between isolates. Moreover, although HlgC and HlgB are encoded on a single operon, their levels were dissociated in 10% of the clinical strains studied. To decipher the molecular basis for the variation in hlgCB expression and protein production among strains, different regulation levels were analyzed in representative clinical isolates and reference strains. Both the HlgCB level and the HlgC/HlgB ratio were found to depend on hlgC promoter activity and mRNA processing and translation. Strikingly, only one single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) in the 5' untranslated region (UTR) of hlgCB mRNA strongly impaired hlgC translation in the USA300 strain, leading to a strong decrease in the level of HlgC but not in HlgB. Finally, we found that high levels of HlgCB synthesis led to mortality in a rabbit model of pneumonia, correlated with the implication of the role of HlgCB in severe S. aureus CAP. Taken together, this work illustrates the complexity of virulence factor expression in clinical strains and demonstrates a butterfly effect where subtle genomic variations have a major impact on phenotype and virulence. IMPORTANCE S. aureus virulence in pneumonia results in its ability to produce several virulence factors, including the leucocidin PVL. Here, we demonstrate that HlgCB, another leucocidin, which targets the same receptors as PVL, highly contributes to S. aureus virulence in pvl-negative strains. In addition, considerable variations in HlgCB quantities are observed among clinical isolates from patients with CAP. Biomolecular analyses have revealed that a few SNPs in the promoter sequences and only one SNP in the 5' UTR of hlgCB mRNA induce the differential expression of hlgCB, drastically impacting hlgC mRNA translation. This work illustrates the subtlety of regulatory mechanisms in bacteria, especially the sometimes major effects on phenotypes of single nucleotide variation in noncoding regions.

Interactome of the yeast RNA polymerase III transcription machinery constitutes several chromatin modifiers and regulators of the genes transcribed by RNA polymerase II.

Eukaryotic transcription is a highly regulated fundamental life process. A large number of regulatory proteins and complexes, many of them with sequence-specific DNA-binding activity are known to influence transcription by RNA polymerase (pol) II with a fine precision. In comparison, only a few regulatory proteins are known for pol III, which transcribes genes encoding small, stable, non-translated RNAs. The pol III transcription is precisely regulated under various stress conditions. We used pol III transcription complex (TC) components TFIIIC (Tfc6), pol III (Rpc128) and TFIIIB (Brf1) as baits and mass spectrometry to identify their potential interactors in vivo. A large interactome constituting chromatin modifiers, regulators and factors of transcription by pol I and pol II supports the possibility of a crosstalk between the three transcription machineries. The association of proteins and complexes involved in various basic life processes like ribogenesis, RNA processing, protein folding and degradation, DNA damage response, replication and transcription underscores the possibility of the pol III TC serving as a signaling hub for communication between the transcription and other cellular physiological activities under normal growth conditions. We also found an equally large number of proteins and complexes interacting with the TC under nutrient starvation condition, of which at least 25% were non-identical under the two conditions. The data reveal the possibility of a large number of signaling cues for pol III transcription against adverse conditions, necessary for an efficient co-ordination of various cellular functions.

Multiplex and accurate quantification of acute kidney injury biomarker candidates in urine using Protein Standard Absolute Quantification (PSAQ) and targeted proteomics.

There is a need for multiplex, specific and quantitative methods to speed-up the development of acute kidney injury biomarkers and allow a more specific diagnosis. Targeted proteomic analysis combined with stable isotope dilution has recently emerged as a powerful option for the parallelized evaluation of candidate biomarkers. This article presents the development of a targeted proteomic assay to quantify 4 acute kidney injury biomarker candidates in urine samples. The proteins included in the assessed panel consisted of myo-inositol oxygenase (MIOX), phosphoenolpyruvate carboxykinase 1 (PCK1), neutrophil gelatinase-associated lipocalin (NGAL) and liver fatty acid-binding protein (L-FABP). The proteomic assay combined an antibody-free sample preparation and a liquid chromatography-selected reaction monitoring (LC-SRM) analysis pipeline. For accurate quantification of the selected candidates, we used PSAQ (Protein Standard Absolute Quantification) standards which are isotopically labeled versions of the target proteins. When added directly to the biological samples, these standards improve detection specificity and quantification accuracy. The multiplexed assay developed for the 4 biomarker candidates showed excellent analytical performance, in line with the recommendations of health authorities. Tests on urine from two small patient cohorts and a group of healthy donors confirmed the relevance of NGAL and L-FABP as biomarkers for AKI diagnosis. The assay is readily adaptable to other biomarker candidates and should be very useful for the simultaneous and accurate quantification of multiple biomarkers.

Assembly and mechanosensory function of focal adhesions: experiments and models.

Initial integrin-mediated cell-matrix adhesions (focal complexes) appear underneath the lamellipodia, in the regions of the "fast" centripetal flow driven by actin polymerization. Once formed, these adhesions convert the flow behind them into a "slow", myosin II-driven mode. Some focal complexes then turn into elongated focal adhesions (FAs) associated with contractile actomyosin bundles (stress fibers). Myosin II inhibition does not suppress formation of focal complexes but blocks their conversion into mature FAs and further FA growth. Application of external pulling force promotes FA growth even under conditions when myosin II activity is blocked. Thus, individual FAs behave as mechanosensors responding to the application of force by directional assembly. We proposed a thermodynamic model for the mechanosensitivity of FAs, taking into account that an elastic molecular aggregate subject to pulling forces tends to grow in the direction of force application by incorporating additional subunits. This simple model can explain a variety of processes typical of FA behavior. Assembly of FAs is triggered by the small G-protein Rho via activation of two major targets, Rho-associated kinase (ROCK) and the formin homology protein, Dia1. ROCK controls creation of myosin II-driven forces, while Dia1 is involved in the response of FAs to these forces. Expression of the active form of Dia1, allows the external force-induced assembly of mature FAs, even in conditions when Rho is inhibited. Conversely, downregulation of Dia1 by siRNA prevents FA maturation even if Rho is activated. Dia1 and other formins cap barbed (fast growing) ends of actin filaments, allowing insertion of the new actin monomers. We suggested a novel mechanism of such "leaky" capping based on an assumption of elasticity of the formin/barbed end complex. Our model predicts that formin-mediated actin polymerization should be greatly enhanced by application of external pulling force. Thus, the formin-actin complex might represent an elementary mechanosensing device responding to force by enhancement of actin assembly. In addition to its role in actin polymerization, Dia1 seems to be involved in formation of links between actin filaments and microtubules affecting microtubule dynamics. Alpha-tubulin deacetylase HDAC6 cooperates with Dia1 in formation of such links. Since microtubules are known to promote FA disassembly, the Dia1-mediated effect on microtubule dynamics may possibly play a role in the negative feedback loop controlling size and turnover of FAs.

Refilins are short-lived Actin-bundling proteins that regulate lamellipodium protrusion dynamics.

Refilins (RefilinA and RefilinB) are members of a novel family of Filamin binding proteins that function as molecular switches to conformationally alter the Actin filament network into bundles. We show here that Refilins are extremely labile proteins. An N-terminal PEST/DSG(X)2-4S motif mediates ubiquitin-independent rapid degradation. A second degradation signal is localized within the C-terminus. Only RefilinB is protected from rapid degradation by an auto-inhibitory domain that masks the PEST/DSG(X)2-4S motif. Dual regulation of RefilinA and RefilinB stability was confirmed in rat brain NG2 precursor cells (polydendrocyte). Using loss- and gain-of-function approaches we show that in these cells, and in U373MG cells, Refilins contribute to the dynamics of lamellipodium protrusion by catalysing Actin bundle formation within the lamella Actin network. These studies extend the Actin bundling function of the Refilin-Filamin complex to dynamic regulation of cell membrane remodelling.

Staphylococcal Enterotoxin O Exhibits Cell Cycle Modulating Activity.

Maintenance of an intact epithelial barrier constitutes a pivotal defense mechanism against infections. Staphylococcus aureus is a versatile pathogen that produces multiple factors including exotoxins that promote tissue alterations. The aim of the present study is to investigate the cytopathic effect of staphylococcal exotoxins SEA, SEG, SEI, SElM, SElN and SElO on the cell cycle of various human cell lines. Among all tested exotoxins only SEIO inhibited the proliferation of a broad panel of human tumor cell lines in vitro. Evaluation of a LDH release and a DNA fragmentation of host cells exposed to SEIO revealed that the toxin does not induce necrosis or apoptosis. Analysis of the DNA content of tumor cells synchronized by serum starvation after exposure to SEIO showed G0/G1 cell cycle delay. The cell cycle modulating feature of SEIO was confirmed by the flow cytometry analysis of synchronized cells exposed to supernatants of isogenic S. aureus strains wherein only supernatant of the SElO producing strain induced G0/G1 phase delay. The results of yeast-two-hybrid analysis indicated that SEIO's potential partner is cullin-3, involved in the transition from G1 to S phase. In conclusion, we provide evidence that SEIO inhibits cell proliferation without inducing cell death, by delaying host cell entry into the G0/G1 phase of the cell cycle. We speculate that this unique cell cycle modulating feature allows SEIO producing bacteria to gain advantage by arresting the cell cycle of target cells as part of a broader invasive strategy.

HDAC6-ubiquitin interaction controls the duration of HSF1 activation after heat shock.

After heat shock, HSF1 controls a major cellular transcriptional response involving the activation of early (HSP70) and late (HSP25) heat shock gene expression. Here we show that a full response to heat shock (activation of both HSP70 and HSP25) depends on the duration of HSF1 activation, which is itself controlled by HDAC6, a unique deacetylase known to bind monoubiquitin and polyubiquitin with high affinity. On the basis of a comparative analysis of the heat shock response in cells knocked out for HDAC6 or expressing HDAC6 mutants, we show that HDAC6 binding to ubiquitinated proteins controls the duration of HSF1 activation after heat shock. In cells expressing HDAC6 mutated in the ubiquitin-binding domain, the AAA ATPase factor p97/VCP mediates rapid inactivation of HSF1, precluding late activation of the HSP25 gene. In these cells, knockdown of p97/VCP rescues HSF1 from this rapid inactivation and restores HSP25 expression. We present here a new regulatory circuit that adjusts the duration of the heat shock response to the extent of protein ubiquitination after heat shock.

ATAD3B is a human embryonic stem cell specific mitochondrial protein, re-expressed in cancer cells, that functions as dominant negative for the ubiquitous ATAD3A.

Here we report on the identification of a human pluripotent embryonic stem cell (hESC) specific mitochondrial protein that is re-expressed in cancer cells, ATAD3B. ATAD3B belongs to the AAA+ ATPase ATAD3 protein family of mitochondrial proteins specific to multicellular eukaryotes. Using loss- and gain-of-function approaches, we show that ATAD3B associates with the ubiquitous ATAD3A species, negatively regulates the interaction of ATAD3A with matrix nucleoid complexes and contributes to a mitochondria fragmentation phenotype. We conclude that ATAD3B is a negative regulator of ATAD3A and may function as an adaptor of mitochondrial homeostasis and metabolism in hESCs and cancer cells.

Refilins: A link between perinuclear actin bundle dynamics and mechanosensing signaling.

Actin cytoskeleton dynamics lie at the heart of cell mechanosensing signaling. In fibroblast cells, two perinuclear acto-myosin structures, the actin cap and the transmembrane actin-associated nuclear (TAN) line, are components of a physical pathway transducing extracellular physical signals to changes in nuclear shape and movements. We recently demonstrated the existence of a previously uncharacterized third apical perinuclear actin organization in epithelial cells that forms during epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) mediated by TGFß (TGFß). A common regulatory mechanism for these different perinuclear actin architectures has emerged with the identification of a novel family of actin bundling proteins, the Refilins. Here we provide updates on some characteristics of Refilin proteins, and we discuss potential function of the Refilins in cell mechanosensing signaling.

The AAA+ ATPase ATAD3A controls mitochondrial dynamics at the interface of the inner and outer membranes.

Dynamic interactions between components of the outer (OM) and inner (IM) membranes control a number of critical mitochondrial functions such as channeling of metabolites and coordinated fission and fusion. We identify here the mitochondrial AAA(+) ATPase protein ATAD3A specific to multicellular eukaryotes as a participant in these interactions. The N-terminal domain interacts with the OM. A central transmembrane segment (TMS) anchors the protein in the IM and positions the C-terminal AAA(+) ATPase domain in the matrix. Invalidation studies in Drosophila and in a human steroidogenic cell line showed that ATAD3A is required for normal cell growth and cholesterol channeling at contact sites. Using dominant-negative mutants, including a defective ATP-binding mutant and a truncated 50-amino-acid N-terminus mutant, we showed that ATAD3A regulates dynamic interactions between the mitochondrial OM and IM sensed by the cell fission machinery. The capacity of ATAD3A to impact essential mitochondrial functions and organization suggests that it possesses unique properties in regulating mitochondrial dynamics and cellular functions in multicellular organisms.