Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Heidi Ulrichs, Ignas Gaska, Shashank Shekhar
Summary: Cells regulate actin assembly by controlling reactions at actin filament barbed ends. Three proteins, formin, CP, and twinfilin, have distinct roles at these barbed ends. Using microfluidics-assisted TIRF microscopy, it was found that all three proteins can bind filament barbed ends simultaneously. Single-molecule experiments showed that twinfilin cannot bind barbed ends occupied by formin in the presence of CP. This study establishes a paradigm where polymerases, depolymerases, and cappers together tune actin assembly.
NATURE COMMUNICATIONS
(2023)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Sharad V. Jaswandkar, Kalpana S. Katti, Dinesh R. Katti
Summary: This study investigates the impact of ADF/cofilin on actin filaments using molecular dynamics simulations. The results show that the binding of ADF/cofilin modifies the conformation and alignment of actin filaments locally, leading to filament severing at the boundaries. The findings provide important insights into the cofilin-mediated actin dynamics.
COMPUTATIONAL AND STRUCTURAL BIOTECHNOLOGY JOURNAL
(2022)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Bojian Ding, Heidy Y. Narvaez-Ortiz, Yuvraj Singh, Glen M. Hocky, Saikat Chowdhury, Brad J. Nolen
Summary: Arp2/3 complex nucleates branched actin filaments and provides pushing forces for cellular processes. This study reveals the contacts between Arp2/3 complex and the mother actin filament, suggesting that actin filaments stimulate subunit flattening for complex activation. However, limited contact between the bottom half of the complex and the mother filament may explain why actin filaments are required but insufficient to trigger nucleation during WASP-mediated activation.
PROCEEDINGS OF THE NATIONAL ACADEMY OF SCIENCES OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
(2022)
Article
Cell Biology
Shuting Zhang, Dimitrios Vavylonis
Summary: The nucleation of actin filament branches by the Arp2/3 complex involves activation through nucleation promotion factors (NPFs), recruitment of actin monomers, and binding of the complex to the side of actin filaments. Our molecular dynamics simulations using a coarse-grained model revealed stable configurations of the Arp2/3 complex with actin monomers and the activating VCA domain of the NPF Wiskott-Aldrich syndrome protein, supporting prior structural studies and providing insight into mechanisms proposed in previous studies.
FRONTIERS IN CELL AND DEVELOPMENTAL BIOLOGY
(2023)
Review
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Saif S. Alqassim
Summary: The actin cytoskeleton is essential for cellular processes, and various pathogens manipulate the infected host's actin dynamics for their own benefit. Understanding the mechanisms by which pathogens interact with and control actin assembly can provide insights into fundamental determinants of actin assembly and host-pathogen interactions, and contribute to therapeutic development efforts. This review focuses on the shared and unique features of pathogen effectors that directly bind and assemble actin.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2022)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Songyu Dong, Weili Zheng, Nicholas Pinkerton, Jacob Hansen, Svetlana B. Tikunova, Jonathan P. Davis, Sarah M. Heissler, Elena Kudryashova, Edward H. Egelman, Dmitri S. Kudryashov
Summary: The bacterial toxin TccC3 modifies actin, leading to various effects on the cytoskeleton, including nucleation, recycling, and interaction with other proteins. TccC3 also induces membrane blebbing in cells.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2022)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Adnan Iqbal, Sibgha Aslam, Sidra Akhtar, Qurban Ali, Abdul Qayyum Rao, Tayyab Husnain
Summary: The overexpression of GhACTIN1 gene improves the length, strength, and micronaire value of cotton fibers. The transgenic cotton fibers show an increase in F-actin and cellulose content, and physiological factors like water use efficiency remain unchanged. Additionally, stomatal conductance and photosynthetic rate increase, and lint percentage and seed cotton yield are also improved.
SCIENTIFIC REPORTS
(2023)
Article
Oncology
Maureen Keller, Katarina Reis, Anders Hjerpe, Katalin Dobra, Pontus Aspenstrom
Summary: The cytoskeleton plays a crucial role in maintaining tissue homeostasis and its dysregulation is implicated in cancer progression, particularly in malignant mesothelioma. By studying the cytoskeletal dynamics and invasive properties of different malignant mesothelioma cell lines, it is possible to classify them into distinct categories which may aid in early diagnosis and development of new diagnostic tools. Additionally, the organization of key cytoskeletal components differs in highly malignant and invasive mesothelioma cells, with inactivation of the Hippo tumor suppressor pathway observed in invasive cells.
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Hiroshi Inaba, Kazusato Oikawa, Kazuya Ishikawa, Yutaka Kodama, Kazunori Matsuura, Keiji Numata
Summary: Studies on how exogenous molecules modulate properties of plant microtubules are important. Researchers developed a Tau-derived peptide (TP) that binds to microtubules and modulates their properties. They generated transgenic Arabidopsis thaliana plants expressing TP-fused superfolder GFP (sfGFP-TP) and studied its binding properties and effects on plant microtubules. The expressed sfGFP-TP binds to plant microtubules without inhibiting plant growth and can stabilize microtubules under depolymerizing conditions. This study provides a new tool for analyzing and modulating plant microtubules.
Article
Cell Biology
S. Iyer Meenakshi, Madan Rao, Satyajit Mayor, Ramanathan Sowdhamini
Summary: Actin filaments are essential for maintaining cell structure and coordinating cellular movements and cargo transport. They interact with various proteins and themselves to form helical filamentous actin (F-actin). Actin-binding proteins (ABPs) and actin-associated proteins (AAPs) regulate actin filament assembly and processing, control the balance between globular G-actin and F-actin in cells, and contribute to cellular structure and integrity.
FRONTIERS IN CELL AND DEVELOPMENTAL BIOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Biophysics
Deb Sankar Banerjee, Shiladitya Banerjee
Summary: Actin is a key component of the eukaryotic cytoskeleton, and its dynamic regulation is essential for various physiological processes. This study develops a theoretical model to investigate the length regulation of multiple actin filaments and reveals the competition between filament growth inhibitors and growth promoters in determining filament length distribution.
BIOPHYSICAL JOURNAL
(2022)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Liufeng Dai, Baojie Wang, Ting Wang, Etienne H. Meyer, Valentin Kettel, Natalie Hoffmann, Heather E. McFarlane, Shalan Li, Xuna Wu, Kelsey L. Picard, Patrick Giavalisco, Staffan Persson, Yi Zhang
Summary: Energy is crucial for cellular functions, but how actin dynamics are regulated by ATP levels in plant cells is not well understood. This study reveals an important role for TORC1 in coordinating ATP homeostasis and actin dynamics in plant cells.
PROCEEDINGS OF THE NATIONAL ACADEMY OF SCIENCES OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
(2022)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Yashar Bashirzadeh, Hossein Moghimianavval, Allen P. Liu
Summary: Cell shape changes during locomotion and cytokinesis are primarily driven by myosin-induced remodeling of cortical actin patterns. The architecture of actin networks, which largely determines the shape of the membrane, is influenced by passive crosslinkers such as alpha-actinin and fascin, as well as the actin nucleator Arp2/3 complex. By reconstituting actomyosin networks in cell-sized lipid bilayer vesicles, the study shows that the size of the vesicle and the concentrations of alpha-actinin and fascin can lead to the assembly of different actomyosin patterns, such as rings and aster-like structures.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Nao Yoshida, Ippo Ogura, Makoto Nagano, Tadashi Ando, Junko Y. Toshima, Jiro Toshima
Summary: Dynamic actin filaments are essential for the formation and internalization of endocytic vesicles. Pan1p and Ent1p/2p cooperatively regulate the interaction between the endocytic vesicle and the actin cable.
JOURNAL OF BIOLOGICAL CHEMISTRY
(2021)
Review
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Jing Gao, Fumihiko Nakamura
Summary: This review article introduces actin-associated proteins (AAPs) and their roles in regulating cell movement, shape change, division, organelle localization, and trafficking. The article lists all discovered AAPs and allows sorting based on various criteria. It also provides links to databases for accessing detailed information about protein structures, expression levels, mutations, and pathology. Additionally, small molecules targeting actin and AAPs with potential for treating diseases are listed.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2022)
Article
Cardiac & Cardiovascular Systems
Shavonn C. Smith, Xiaoxiao Zhang, Xiaoying Zhang, Polina Gross, Timothy Starosta, Sadia Mohsin, Michael Franti, Priyanka Gupta, David Hayes, Maria Myzithras, Julius Kahn, James Tanner, Steven M. Weldon, Ashraf Khalil, Xinji Guo, Abdelkarim Sabri, Xiongwen Chen, Scott MacDonnell, Steven R. Houser
CIRCULATION RESEARCH
(2015)
Article
Pharmacology & Pharmacy
Yu Zhou, Neel Sharma, David Dukes, Maria B. Myzithras, Priyanka Gupta, Ashraf Khalil, Julius Kahn, Jennifer S. Ahlberg, David B. Hayes, Michael Franti, Tracy Criswell
Editorial Material
Chemistry, Medicinal
William F. Weiss, John P. Gabrielson, Wasfi Al-Azzam, Guodong Chen, Darryl L. Davis, Tapan K. Das, David B. Hayes, Damian Houde, Satish K. Singh
JOURNAL OF PHARMACEUTICAL SCIENCES
(2016)
Article
Biochemical Research Methods
Maria Myzithras, Hua Li, Tammy Bigwarfe, Erica Waltz, Priyanka Gupta, Sarah Low, David B. Hayes, Scott MacDonnell, Jennifer Ahlberg, Michael Franti, Simon Roberts
Article
Biochemical Research Methods
Anil K. Padyana, Bhamini Vaidialingam, David B. Hayes, Priyanka Gupta, Michael Franti, Neil A. Farrow
ACTA CRYSTALLOGRAPHICA SECTION F-STRUCTURAL BIOLOGY COMMUNICATIONS
(2016)
Article
Biochemical Research Methods
Robert T. Wright, David B. Hayes, Walter F. Stafford, Peter J. Sherwood, John J. Correia
ANALYTICAL BIOCHEMISTRY
(2018)
Meeting Abstract
Biophysics
John J. Correia, Robert T. Wright, David Hayes, Peter J. Sherwood, Walter F. Stafford
BIOPHYSICAL JOURNAL
(2018)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Danlin Yang, John J. Correia, Walter F. Stafford, Christopher J. Roberts, Sanjaya Singh, David Hayes, Rachel Kroe-Barrett, Andrew Nixon, Thomas M. Laue
Article
Medicine, Research & Experimental
Chao Zheng, Joshuaine Toth, Tammy Bigwarfe, Margit MacDougall, Kavita Jerath, Kristin Bovat, James Smith, Peng Sun, David Hayes, Ryan Fryer, Sanjaya Singh, Rachel Kroe-Barrett
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Natalia G. Herrera, Nicholas C. Morano, Alev Celikgil, George Georgiev, Ryan J. Malonis, James H. Lee, Karen Tong, Olivia Vergnolle, Aldo B. Massimi, Laura Y. Yen, Alex J. Noble, Mykhailo Kopylov, Jeffrey B. Bonanno, Sarah C. Garrett-Thomson, David B. Hayes, Robert H. Bortz, Ariel S. Wirchnianski, Catalina Florez, Ethan Laudermilch, Denise Haslwanter, J. Maximilian Fels, M. Eugenia Dieterle, Rohit K. Jangra, Jason Barnhill, Amanda Mengotto, Duncan Kimmel, Johanna P. Daily, Liise-anne Pirofski, Kartik Chandran, Michael Brenowitz, Scott J. Garforth, Edward T. Eng, Jonathan R. Lai, Steven C. Almo
Summary: This study evaluated the expression and purification of SARS-CoV-2 S proteins in Expi293F and ExpiCHO-S cells, finding that ExpiCHO-S cells produced higher yields of S protein with high quality. Characterization of the biochemical, biophysical, and structural properties of the S proteins revealed conformational plasticity and consistent behavior in different serology assays. Additionally, the study demonstrated the specificity of S protein-mediated host cell binding and the antigenicity of the proteins through various assays, providing valuable insights for combatting the global pandemic.
Article
Biochemical Research Methods
Yangjie Wei, JangEun Lee, Michael Dziegelewski, Michael S. Marlow, David B. Hayes
Summary: SLAMF1, a cell surface glycoprotein, is a potential target for inflammatory diseases. Research shows that the dimerization KD value for human SLAMF1 is 0.48μM and its self-association is driven by specific protein-protein interaction.
ANALYTICAL BIOCHEMISTRY
(2021)
Editorial Material
Chemistry, Medicinal
David B. Hayes, David Dobnik
Summary: This article discusses the management of uncertainty in the application of AAV capsids as a vector technology for gene therapy. The importance of drug product integrity in AAV capsid products is highlighted, and the need for robust quantitative measurement to ensure efficacy and safety control is emphasized.
JOURNAL OF PHARMACEUTICAL SCIENCES
(2022)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Dmitrii Fedorov, Piotr Batys, David B. Hayes, Maria Sammalkorpi, Markus B. Linder
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF BIOLOGICAL MACROMOLECULES
(2020)
Meeting Abstract
Biophysics
Robert T. Wright, Walter F. Stafford, Peter J. Sherwood, David Hayes, John J. Correia
BIOPHYSICAL JOURNAL
(2018)
Article
Pharmacology & Pharmacy
Ashraf M. Khalil, Hyna Dotimas, Julius Kahn, Jane E. Lamerdin, David B. Hayes, Priyanka Gupta, Michael Franti
JOURNAL OF PHARMACOLOGY AND EXPERIMENTAL THERAPEUTICS
(2016)