The Rho guanine nucleotide exchange factor Trio is required for neural crest cell migration and interacts with Dishevelled.

Directional migration during embryogenesis and tumor progression faces the challenge that numerous external signals need to converge to precisely control cell movement. The Rho guanine exchange factor (GEF) Trio is especially well suited to relay signals, as it features distinct catalytic domains to activate Rho GTPases. Here, we show that Trio is required for Xenopus cranial neural crest (NC) cell migration and cartilage formation. Trio cell-autonomously controls protrusion formation of NC cells and Trio morphant NC cells show a blebbing phenotype. Interestingly, the Trio GEF2 domain is sufficient to rescue protrusion formation and migration of Trio morphant NC cells. We show that this domain interacts with the DEP/C-terminus of Dishevelled (DVL). DVL - but not a deletion construct lacking the DEP domain - is able to rescue protrusion formation and migration of Trio morphant NC cells. This is likely mediated by activation of Rac1, as we find that DVL rescues Rac1 activity in Trio morphant embryos. Thus, our data provide evidence for a novel signaling pathway, whereby Trio controls protrusion formation of cranial NC cells by interacting with DVL to activate Rac1.

Analysis of binding interfaces of the human scaffold protein AXIN1 by peptide microarrays.

Intrinsically disordered regions (IDRs) are protein regions that lack persistent secondary or tertiary structure under native conditions. IDRs represent >40% of the eukaryotic proteome and play a crucial role in protein-protein interactions. The classical approach for identification of these interaction interfaces is based on mutagenesis combined with biochemical techniques such as coimmunoprecipitation or yeast two-hybrid screening. This approach either provides information of low resolution (large deletions) or very laboriously tries to precisely define the binding epitope via single amino acid substitutions. Here, we report the use of a peptide microarray based on the human scaffold protein AXIN1 for high-throughput and -resolution mapping of binding sites for several AXIN1 interaction partners in vitro For each of the AXIN1-binding partners tested, i.e. casein kinase 1 ϵ (CK1ϵ); c-Myc; peptidyl-prolyl cis/trans isomerase, NIMA-interacting 1 (Pin1); and p53, we found at least three different epitopes, predominantly in the central IDR of AXIN1. We functionally validated the specific AXIN1-CK1ϵ interaction identified here with epitope-mimicking peptides and with AXIN1 variants having deletions of short binding epitopes. On the basis of these results, we propose a model in which AXIN1 competes with dishevelled (DVL) for CK1ϵ and regulates CK1ϵ-induced phosphorylation of DVL and activation of Wnt/ß-catenin signaling.

Dishevelled enables casein kinase 1-mediated phosphorylation of Frizzled 6 required for cell membrane localization.

Frizzleds (FZDs) are receptors for secreted lipoglycoproteins of the Wingless/Int-1 (WNT) family, initiating an important signal transduction network in multicellular organisms. FZDs are G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs), which are well known to be regulated by phosphorylation, leading to specific downstream signaling or receptor desensitization. The role and underlying mechanisms of FZD phosphorylation remain largely unexplored. Here, we investigated the phosphorylation of human FZD6 Using MS analysis and a phospho-state- and -site-specific antibody, we found that Ser-648, located in the FZD6 C terminus, is efficiently phosphorylated by casein kinase 1 ϵ (CK1ϵ) and that this phosphorylation requires the scaffolding protein Dishevelled (DVL). In an overexpression system, DVL1, -2, and -3 promoted CK1ϵ-mediated FZD6 phosphorylation on Ser-648. This DVL activity required an intact DEP domain and FZD-mediated recruitment of this domain to the cell membrane. Substitution of the CK1ϵ-targeted phosphomotif reduced FZD6 surface expression, suggesting that Ser-648 phosphorylation controls membrane trafficking of FZD6 Phospho-Ser-648 FZD6 immunoreactivity in human fallopian tube epithelium was predominantly apical, associated with cilia in a subset of epithelial cells, compared with the total FZD6 protein expression, suggesting that FZD6 phosphorylation contributes to asymmetric localization of receptor function within the cell and to epithelial polarity. Given the key role of FZD6 in planar cell polarity, our results raise the possibility that asymmetric phosphorylation of FZD6 rather than asymmetric protein distribution accounts for polarized receptor signaling.

Comparative phosphorylation map of Dishevelled 3 links phospho-signatures to biological outputs.

BACKGROUND: Dishevelled (DVL) is an essential component of the Wnt signaling cascades. Function of DVL is controlled by phosphorylation but the molecular details are missing. DVL3 contains 131 serines and threonines whose phosphorylation generates complex barcodes underlying diverse DVL3 functions. In order to dissect the role of DVL phosphorylation we analyzed the phosphorylation of human DVL3 induced by previously reported (CK1ε, NEK2, PLK1, CK2α, RIPK4, PKCδ) and newly identified (TTBK2, Aurora A) DVL kinases. METHODS: Shotgun proteomics including TiO2 enrichment of phosphorylated peptides followed by liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry on immunoprecipitates from HEK293T cells was used to identify and quantify phosphorylation of DVL3 protein induced by 8 kinases. Functional characterization was performed by in-cell analysis of phospho-mimicking/non-phosphorylatable DVL3 mutants and supported by FRET assays and NMR spectroscopy. RESULTS: We used quantitative mass spectrometry and calculated site occupancies and quantified phosphorylation of > 80 residues. Functional validation demonstrated the importance of CK1ε-induced phosphorylation of S268 and S311 for Wnt-3a-induced ß-catenin activation. S630-643 cluster phosphorylation by CK1, NEK2 or TTBK2 is essential for even subcellular distribution of DVL3 when induced by CK1 and TTBK2 but not by NEK2. Further investigation showed that NEK2 utilizes a different mechanism to promote even localization of DVL3. NEK2 triggered phosphorylation of PDZ domain at S263 and S280 prevents binding of DVL C-terminus to PDZ and promotes an open conformation of DVL3 that is more prone to even subcellular localization. CONCLUSIONS: We identify unique phosphorylation barcodes associated with DVL function. Our data provide an example of functional synergy between phosphorylation in structured domains and unstructured IDRs that together dictate the biological outcome. Video Abtract.

Dishevelled is a NEK2 kinase substrate controlling dynamics of centrosomal linker proteins.

Dishevelled (DVL) is a key scaffolding protein and a branching point in Wnt signaling pathways. Here, we present conclusive evidence that DVL regulates the centrosomal cycle. We demonstrate that DVL dishevelled and axin (DIX) domain, but not DIX domain-mediated multimerization, is essential for DVL's centrosomal localization. DVL accumulates during the cell cycle and associates with NIMA-related kinase 2 (NEK2), which is able to phosphorylate DVL at a multitude of residues, as detected by a set of novel phospho-specific antibodies. This creates interfaces for efficient binding to CDK5 regulatory subunit-associated protein 2 (CDK5RAP2) and centrosomal Nek2-associated protein 1 (C-NAP1), two proteins of the centrosomal linker. Displacement of DVL from the centrosome and its release into the cytoplasm on NEK2 phosphorylation is coupled to the removal of linker proteins, an event necessary for centrosomal separation and proper formation of the mitotic spindle. Lack of DVL prevents NEK2-controlled dissolution of loose centrosomal linker and subsequent centrosomal separation. Increased DVL levels, in contrast, sequester centrosomal NEK2 and mimic monopolar spindle defects induced by a dominant negative version of this kinase. Our study thus uncovers molecular crosstalk between centrosome and Wnt signaling.

Unveiling vertebrate development dynamics in frog Xenopus laevis using micro-CT imaging.

BACKGROUND: Xenopus laevis, the African clawed frog, is a versatile vertebrate model organism in various biological disciplines, prominently in developmental biology to study body plan reorganization during metamorphosis. However, a notable gap exists in the availability of comprehensive datasets encompassing Xenopus' late developmental stages. FINDINGS: This study utilized micro-computed tomography (micro-CT), a noninvasive 3-dimensional (3D) imaging technique with micrometer-scale resolution, to explore the developmental dynamics and morphological changes in Xenopus laevis. Our approach involved generating high-resolution images and computed 3D models of developing Xenopus specimens, spanning from premetamorphosis tadpoles to fully mature adults. This dataset enhances our understanding of vertebrate development and supports various analyses. We conducted a careful examination, analyzing body size, shape, and morphological features, focusing on skeletogenesis, teeth, and organs like the brain and gut at different stages. Our analysis yielded valuable insights into 3D morphological changes during Xenopus' development, documenting details previously unrecorded. These datasets hold the solid potential for further morphological and morphometric analyses, including segmentation of hard and soft tissues. CONCLUSIONS: Our repository of micro-CT scans represents a significant resource that can enhance our understanding of Xenopus' development and the associated morphological changes in the future. The widespread utility of this amphibian species, coupled with the exceptional quality of our scans, which encompass a comprehensive series of developmental stages, opens up extensive opportunities for their broader research application. Moreover, these scans can be used in virtual reality, 3D printing, and educational contexts, further expanding their value and impact.

Spatiotemporal monitoring of hard tissue development reveals unknown features of tooth and bone development.

Mineralized tissues, such as bones or teeth, are essential structures of all vertebrates. They enable rapid movement, protection, and food processing, in addition to providing physiological functions. Although the development, regeneration, and pathogenesis of teeth and bones have been intensely studied, there is currently no tool to accurately follow the dynamics of growth and healing of these vital tissues in space and time. Here, we present the BEE-ST (Bones and tEEth Spatio-Temporal growth monitoring) approach, which allows precise quantification of development, regeneration, remodeling, and healing in any type of calcified tissue across different species. Using mouse teeth as model the turnover rate of continuously growing incisors was quantified, and role of hard/soft diet on molar root growth was shown. Furthermore, the dynamics of bones and teeth growth in lizards, frogs, birds, and zebrafish was uncovered. This approach represents an effective, highly reproducible, and versatile tool that opens up diverse possibilities in developmental biology, bone and tooth healing, tissue engineering, and disease modeling.

Roles of individual human Dishevelled paralogs in the Wnt signalling pathways.

Dishevelled (DVL) proteins are key mediators of most Wnt pathways. In all vertebrates, three DVL paralogs are present (DVL1, DVL2 and DVL3) but it is poorly defined to what extent they are functionally redundant. Here, we generated T-REx HEK 293 cells with only one DVL paralog (i.e., DVL1-only, DVL2-only, and DVL3-only) and compared their response to Wnt-3a and Wnt-5a ligands with wild type and DVL triple knockout cells. We show that DVL is essential, in addition to the previously shown Wnt-3a-induced phosphorylation of LRP6 and transcriptional activation of TCF/LEF-dependent reporter, also for Wnt-3a-induced degradation of AXIN1 and Wnt-5a-induced phosphorylation of ROR1. We have quantified the molar ratios of DVL1:DVL2:DVL3 in our model to be approximately 4:80:16. Interestingly, DVL-only cells do not compensate for the lack of other paralogs and are still fully functional in all analyzed readouts with the exception of Wnt-3a-induced transcription assessed by TopFlash assay. In this assay, the DVL1-only cell line was the most potent; on the contrary, the DVL3-only cell line exhibited only the negligible capacity to mediate Wnt signals. Using a novel model system - complementation assays in T-REx HEK 293 with amplified Wnt signal response (RNF43/ZNRF3/DVL1/DVL2/DVL3 penta KO cells) we demonstrate that it is not the total amount of DVL but ratio of individual paralogs what decides the signal strength. In sum, this study contributes to our better understanding of the role of individual human DVL paralogs in the Wnt pathway.

WNT5A is transported via lipoprotein particles in the cerebrospinal fluid to regulate hindbrain morphogenesis.

WNTs are lipid-modified proteins that control multiple functions in development and disease via short- and long-range signaling. However, it is unclear how these hydrophobic molecules spread over long distances in the mammalian brain. Here we show that WNT5A is produced by the choroid plexus (ChP) of the developing hindbrain, but not the telencephalon, in both mouse and human. Since the ChP produces and secretes the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF), we examine the presence of WNT5A in the CSF and find that it is associated with lipoprotein particles rather than exosomes. Moreover, since the CSF flows along the apical surface of hindbrain progenitors not expressing Wnt5a, we examined whether deletion of Wnt5a in the ChP controls their function and find that cerebellar morphogenesis is impaired. Our study thus identifies the CSF as a route and lipoprotein particles as a vehicle for long-range transport of biologically active WNT in the central nervous system.

Dishevelled-3 conformation dynamics analyzed by FRET-based biosensors reveals a key role of casein kinase 1.

Dishevelled (DVL) is the key component of the Wnt signaling pathway. Currently, DVL conformational dynamics under native conditions is unknown. To overcome this limitation, we develop the Fluorescein Arsenical Hairpin Binder- (FlAsH-) based FRET in vivo approach to study DVL conformation in living cells. Using this single-cell FRET approach, we demonstrate that (i) Wnt ligands induce open DVL conformation, (ii) DVL variants that are predominantly open, show more even subcellular localization and more efficient membrane recruitment by Frizzled (FZD) and (iii) Casein kinase 1 ɛ (CK1ɛ) has a key regulatory function in DVL conformational dynamics. In silico modeling and in vitro biophysical methods explain how CK1ɛ-specific phosphorylation events control DVL conformations via modulation of the PDZ domain and its interaction with DVL C-terminus. In summary, our study describes an experimental tool for DVL conformational sampling in living cells and elucidates the essential regulatory role of CK1ɛ in DVL conformational dynamics.

ß-Arrestin interacts with the beta/gamma subunits of trimeric G-proteins and dishevelled in the Wnt/Ca(2+) pathway in xenopus gastrulation.

ß-Catenin independent, non-canonical Wnt signaling pathways play a major role in the regulation of morphogenetic movements in vertebrates. The term non-canonical Wnt signaling comprises multiple, intracellularly divergent, Wnt-activated and ß-Catenin independent signaling cascades including the Wnt/Planar Cell Polarity and the Wnt/Ca(2+) cascades. Wnt/Planar Cell Polarity and Wnt/Ca(2+) pathways share common effector proteins, including the Wnt ligand, Frizzled receptors and Dishevelled, with each other and with additional branches of Wnt signaling. Along with the aforementioned proteins, ß-Arrestin has been identified as an essential effector protein in the Wnt/ß-Catenin and the Wnt/Planar Cell Polarity pathway. Our results demonstrate that ß-Arrestin is required in the Wnt/Ca(2+) signaling cascade upstream of Protein Kinase C (PKC) and Ca(2+)/Calmodulin-dependent Protein Kinase II (CamKII). We have further characterized the role of ß-Arrestin in this branch of non-canonical Wnt signaling by knock-down and rescue experiments in Xenopus embryo explants and analyzed protein-protein interactions in 293T cells. Functional interaction of ß-Arrestin, the ß subunit of trimeric G-proteins and Dishevelled is required to induce PKC activation and membrane translocation. In Xenopus gastrulation, ß-Arrestin function in Wnt/Ca(2+) signaling is essential for convergent extension movements. We further show that ß-Arrestin physically interacts with the ß subunit of trimeric G-proteins and Dishevelled, and that the interaction between ß-Arrestin and Dishevelled is promoted by the beta/gamma subunits of trimeric G-proteins, indicating the formation of a multiprotein signaling complex.