Article
Cell Biology
Joseph Atherton, Melissa Stouffer, Fiona Francis, Carolyn A. Moores
Summary: We used cryo-electron tomography to investigate the subcellular architecture of mouse hippocampal neuron growth cones. Our findings revealed the penetration of hexagonal arrays of actin bundles and the modulation of actin bundles by altering individual F-actin helical structures. Microtubules with different end structures and lattice defects were observed in the growth cone. Absence of the cytoskeleton regulator doublecortin had no major effect on growth cone organization but highlighted the importance of microtubule integrity during growth cone migration.
JOURNAL OF CELL SCIENCE
(2022)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Ryan K. Hylton, Jessica E. Heebner, Michael A. Grillo, Matthew T. Swulius
Summary: In this study, the authors demonstrate that filopodial actin filaments switch between bundles of fascin-crosslinked actin and cofilin-decorated filaments. The authors also observe that cofilactin is associated with various dynamic events within filopodia. Furthermore, the hyper-twisting of actin due to cofilin binding leads to a rearrangement of filament packing, which excludes fascin from the base of filopodia.
NATURE COMMUNICATIONS
(2022)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
R. A. Degiosio, P. G. Needham, O. A. Andrews, H. Tristan, M. J. Grubisha, J. L. Brodsky, C. Camacho, R. A. Sweet
Summary: MAP2 phosphorylation plays a critical role in regulating cytoskeletal functions in neurons. Recent research has shown that phosphorylation of MAP2 in the proline-rich and C-terminal domains of the protein affects cellular functions including microtubule assembly, microtubule binding, actin binding, and actin polymerization.
Article
Cell Biology
Mason Parkes, Nathan L. Landers, Michael W. Gramlich
Summary: Presynapses efficiently communicate information by locally recycling synaptic vesicles. This study investigates the mechanisms of trafficking older synaptic vesicles back to the soma for recycling, and shows that the choice of microtubule or actin cytoskeleton networks depends on the speed of vesicle trafficking and the direction of transport. The loss of synaptic vesicle with bound myosin V is identified as the differentiating mechanism. These findings provide insights into the maintenance and plasticity of presynaptic function.
FRONTIERS IN CELL AND DEVELOPMENTAL BIOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Neurosciences
Rita Pinto-Costa, Monica Mendes Sousa
Summary: Cytolinkers play a crucial role in ensuring the integration of different cytoskeleton components in neurons, which is essential for proper function and connectivity of high order circuits. Several cytoskeleton regulatory proteins with actin-microtubule crosslinking activity have been identified as important players in axon outgrowth and guidance.
NEUROSCIENCE LETTERS
(2021)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Siwen Wu, Linxi Li, Xiaolong Wu, Chris K. C. Wong, Fei Sun, C. Yan Cheng
Summary: AKAP9 is a crucial regulatory protein in rat testes, supporting spermatogenesis by regulating MT and actin polymerization. Its function in Sertoli cells is essential for maintaining cytoskeleton homeostasis and adhesion between Sertoli cells and GC in the testis.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Wen Lu, Margot Lakonishok, Vladimir Gelfand
Summary: The study demonstrates that the Drosophila Shot protein controls the flow direction from nurse cells to the oocyte, and its loss changes transport direction resulting in halted oocyte growth. Shot is localized at the asymmetrical actin baskets on the ring canals, regulating microtubule polarity to facilitate transport driven by the minus-end-directed motor cytoplasmic dynein.
Review
Biology
John Gardiner
Summary: Life on Earth has evolved to adapt to a substantial gravitational field, so venturing into space requires a reevaluation of adaptability. Astronauts' physiological changes in space may be related to the cytoskeletal tensegrity architecture, affecting both physical and mental functions.
Review
Plant Sciences
Camila Goldy, Marie-Cecile Caillaud
Summary: Plants have developed cellular mechanisms to respond to signals by rearranging the cytoskeleton, regulated by phospholipids such as phosphatidic acid and phosphoinositides. This review focuses on the emerging role of phosphatidylinositol 4,5-bisphosphate in regulating the peripheral cytoskeleton during cellular processes.
CURRENT OPINION IN PLANT BIOLOGY
(2023)
Review
Endocrinology & Metabolism
Tibor Szenasi, Gabor Turu, Laszlo Hunyady
Summary: beta-arrestins, initially known for their role in desensitizing rhodopsin and other G protein-coupled receptors, interact with the cytoskeletal system, including microtubules, actin filaments, and intermediate filaments. They regulate the activity of microtubules by recruiting signaling proteins and interacting with assembly proteins that control the actin cytoskeleton and intermediate filaments. Dysregulation of the cytoskeletal system is implicated in the development of neurodegenerative diseases, such as Alzheimer's and Parkinson's. Therefore, beta-arrestins are potential targets for future treatments of these diseases.
FRONTIERS IN ENDOCRINOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Cell Biology
Mira Kuzmic, Gerard Castro Linares, Jindriska Leischner Fialova, Francois Iv, Daniele Salaun, Alex Llewellyn, Maxime Gomes, Mayssa Belhabib, Yuxiang Liu, Keisuke Asano, Magda Rodrigues, Daniel Isnardon, Taro Tachibana, Gijsje H. Koenderink, Ali Badache, Manos Mavrakis, Pascal Verdier-Pinard
Summary: This study identified the key molecular determinants and potential regulatory roles of septin-microtubule interaction, providing new insights into the mechanisms underlying septin-associated pathologies.
JOURNAL OF CELL SCIENCE
(2022)
Review
Cell Biology
Beatrice Benoit, Christian Pous, Anita Baillet
Summary: The cytoskeleton is composed of different structures, including actin microfilaments, microtubules, intermediate filaments, and recently studied dynamic assemblies such as septins and the ESCRT complex. These filament-forming proteins control various cell functions through interactions with each other and with membranes. Recent research has focused on understanding how septins bind to membranes and influence their properties and functions, either directly or indirectly through other cytoskeleton elements.
FRONTIERS IN CELL AND DEVELOPMENTAL BIOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Biology
Mengjing Bao, Ruth E. Doerig, Paula Maria Vazquez-Pianzola, Dirk Beuchle, Beat Suter
Summary: In this study, the glutamylation of a-tubulin isotypes in Drosophila ovaries was investigated. It was found that the C-terminal ends of alpha Tub84B/D were glutamylated, while alpha Tub67C was not. TTLL5 was identified as the protein responsible for mono- and poly-glutamylation of alpha Tub84B/D and its proper localization. This study also demonstrated the dependence of kinesin-1 distribution, as well as other cellular functions such as axonal transport and ooplasmic streaming, on TTLL5 and alpha-tubulin glutamylation.
Review
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Hirotomo Takatsuka, Takumi Higaki, Masaki Ito
Summary: Large vacuoles are crucial cell organelles in plants, accounting for over 90% of cell volume. They generate turgor pressure for cell growth and act as storage for waste products and apoptotic enzymes. Vacuoles undergo dynamic transformations controlled by cytoskeletons. However, the molecular mechanism of this process remains unclear. This review summarizes the behavior of cytoskeletons and vacuoles during plant development, their response to environmental stresses, and introduces potential key molecules in the vacuole-cytoskeleton interaction.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Florian Kuellmer, Nynke A. Veprek, Malgorzata Borowiak, Veselin Nasufovic, Sebastian Barutzki, Oliver Thorn-Seshold, Hans-Dieter Arndt, Dirk Trauner
Summary: We have developed a new generation of photoswitchable jasplakinolides that can be activated with visible light and rapidly return to an inactive state through thermal relaxation. This reversible control of F-actin dynamics has been demonstrated in live-cell imaging, cell migration, and cell proliferation assays. Our optical tool offers excellent spatiotemporal resolution and can be useful in various fields.
ANGEWANDTE CHEMIE-INTERNATIONAL EDITION
(2022)
