Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Jamis McGrath, Chun-Yu Tung, Xiayi Liao, Inna A. Belyantseva, Pallabi Roy, Oisorjo Chakraborty, Jinan Li, Nicolas F. Berbari, Christian C. Faaborg-Andersen, Melanie Barzik, Jonathan E. Bird, Bo Zhao, Lata Balakrishnan, Thomas B. Friedman, Benjamin J. Perrin
Summary: Research indicates that actin turnover is increased at the tips of mechanotransducing stereocilia during bundle maturation. These data show that actin is remodeled, likely by a severing mechanism, in response to mechanotransduction.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Hugo Wioland, Stephane Fremont, Berengere Guichard, Arnaud Echard, Antoine Jegou, Guillaume Romet-Lemonne
Summary: MICAL1-mediated oxidation of actin filaments amplifies cofilin severing action, bypassing the need for cofilin activation. Direct post-translational oxidation modification of actin filaments in cells triggers their disassembly.
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)
Review
Plant Sciences
Yutaro Shimizu, Tomohiro Uemura
Summary: Membrane trafficking is crucial for organelle maintenance and function, and the TGN plays a critical role as a sorting station. Recent studies have identified distinct subdomains of the TGN for different trafficking pathways.
FRONTIERS IN PLANT 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
Plant Sciences
Yuxiang Jiang, Qiaonan Lu, Shanjin Huang
Summary: ADF7 and ADF10 have distinct functions in regulating actin turnover, with ADF7 exhibiting lower affinity for ADP-G-actin and less efficiency in severing and depolymerizing actin filaments. Additionally, ADF7 shows broader distribution in pollen grains and has different intracellular localization compared to ADF10.
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Tommi Kotila, Hugo Wioland, Muniyandi Selvaraj, Konstantin Kogan, Lina Antenucci, Antoine Jegou, Juha T. Huiskonen, Guillaume Romet-Lemonne, Pekka Lappalainen
Summary: The authors report the structure and function analysis of highly divergent actin from Leishmania parasite. The study reveals the rapid dynamics and molecular basis of parasite actin, providing insight into the evolution of the actin cytoskeleton. The findings show how divergent parasites achieve rapid actin dynamics using a simple set of actin-binding proteins, elucidating the evolution of the actin cytoskeleton.
NATURE COMMUNICATIONS
(2022)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Kohki Takayama, Kota Matsuda, Hiroshi Abe
Summary: This study constructed actin-cofilin rods in vitro using a physiological buffer containing methylcellulose and found that these rods have specific shapes and structures. The formation and evolution processes of these rods under different conditions were also explored, providing important clues for understanding the functions and regulatory mechanisms of cytoplasmic actin-cofilin rods.
BIOCHEMICAL AND BIOPHYSICAL RESEARCH COMMUNICATIONS
(2022)
Article
Biology
Yichen Sun, Moyi Li, Junhua Geng, Sibie Meng, Renjun Tu, Yan Zhuang, Mingkuan Sun, Menglong Rui, Mengzhu Ou, Guangling Xing, Travis K. Johnson, Wei Xie
Summary: Neuroligins, through an interaction between DNlg2 and RACK1, regulate F-Actin assembly at the Drosophila NMJ via the Cofilin signaling pathway. Deletion of DNlg2 disrupts the actin cytoskeleton and results in abnormal synaptic transmission and locomotion. Overexpression of certain forms of Cofilin can rescue these defects. These findings highlight the importance and complexity of Neuroligins in neural connectivity.
COMMUNICATIONS BIOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Biology
Yichen Sun, Moyi Li, Junhua Geng, Sibie Meng, Renjun Tu, Yan Zhuang, Mingkuan Sun, Menglong Rui, Mengzhu Ou, Guangling Xing, Travis K. Johnson, Wei Xie
Summary: Neuroligins are cell adhesion proteins with genetic links to autism spectrum disorders. They regulate F-Actin assembly through the RACK1-Cofilin signaling pathway to control synaptic morphology and function at neuromuscular junctions.
COMMUNICATIONS BIOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Tomasz Zielinski, Joanna Pabijan, Bartlomiej Zapotoczny, Joanna Zemla, Julita Wesolowska, Joanna Pera, Malgorzata Lekka
Summary: In this study, the researchers used atomic force microscopy to measure the changes in biomechanical properties of neuroblastoma SH-SY5Y cells under oxygen and glucose deprivation and reoxygenation conditions. The results showed that the metabolic activity of the cells decreased with longer periods of oxygen and glucose deprivation, and the cells became softer. However, the mechanical properties of the cells recovered after reoxygenation. These changes in the nanomechanical properties were attributed to the remodelling of actin filaments.
SCIENTIFIC REPORTS
(2022)
Article
Endocrinology & Metabolism
Ilka Wilhelmi, Stephan Grunwald, Niclas Gimber, Oliver Popp, Gunnar Dittmar, Anup Arumughan, Erich E. Wanker, Thomas Laeger, Jan Schmoranzer, Oliver Daumke, Annette Schuermann
Summary: The study reveals a previously unrecognized pathway required for insulin secretion at the level of trans-Golgi sorting, with GTPase ARFRP1 and GOPC regulating insulin secretion by controlling the plasma membrane localization of SNAP25.
MOLECULAR METABOLISM
(2021)
Article
Cell Biology
Lena Hoffmann, Marcel S. Waclawczyk, Stephan Tang, Eva-Maria Hanschmann, Manuela Gellert, Marco B. Rust, Carsten Culmsee
Summary: This study demonstrates that the actin-regulating protein cofilin1 plays a crucial role in oxidative neuronal death by affecting mitochondrial function and oxidation. Additionally, cofilin1 can influence cellular metabolic pathways and resistance to oxidative stress.
CELL DEATH & DISEASE
(2021)
Article
Cell Biology
Shashank Shekhar, Gregory J. Hoeprich, Jeff Gelles, Bruce L. Goode
Summary: This study shows that twinfilin, a member of the ADF-homology family, induces depolymerization of ADP-Pi barbed ends even under assembly-promoting conditions, bypassing filament aging prerequisites and promoting disassembly of newly polymerized actin filaments.
JOURNAL OF CELL BIOLOGY
(2021)
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
Cell Biology
Tobias Karl-Heinz Hecht, Birgit Blank, Martin Steger, Victor Lopez, Gisela Beck, Bulat Ramazanov, Matthias Mann, Vincent Tagliabracci, Julia von Blume
JOURNAL OF CELL BIOLOGY
(2020)
Article
Cell Biology
Natalia Pacheco-Fernandez, Mehrshad Pakdel, Birgit Blank, Ismael Sanchez-Gonzalez, Kathrin Weber, Mai Ly Tran, Tobias Karl-Heinz Hecht, Renate Gautsch, Gisela Beck, Franck Perez, Angelika Hausser, Stefan Linder, Julia von Blume
JOURNAL OF CELL BIOLOGY
(2020)
Review
Cell Biology
Bulat R. Ramazanov, Mai Ly Tran, Julia von Blume
Summary: The sorting and export of secreted cargo proteins at the TGN is essential for cell communication and health, with recent studies revealing novel protein and lipid machinery involved in this process. Additionally, the interplay between TGN structure, dynamics, and contact sites with the endoplasmic reticulum plays a significant role in cargo sorting and export.
CURRENT OPINION IN CELL BIOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Cell Biology
Laasya Dhandapani, Marion C. Salzer, Juan M. Duran, Gabriele Zaffagnini, Cristian De Guirior, Maria Angeles Martinez-Zamora, Elvan Boke
Summary: Oocytes spend the majority of their lifetime in a primordial state, and understanding their cellular and molecular biology is crucial for studying cellular fitness and aging. This study developed methods for comparative characterization of Xenopus, mouse, and human primordial oocytes using live imaging. The results showed that all three species have active mitochondria, Golgi, and lysosomes in their primordial oocytes. Additionally, human and Xenopus oocytes have a Balbiani body characterized by dense accumulation of mitochondria, while mouse oocytes do not. This study provides insights into the organization of the cytoplasm in mammalian primordial oocytes and clarifies the advantages and limitations of different model organisms for studying oocyte dormancy.
JOURNAL OF CELL SCIENCE
(2022)
Article
Cell Biology
Charlotte Ford, Anup Parchure, Julia von Blume, Christopher G. Burd
Summary: The Golgi apparatus plays a key role in the synthesis and transport of glycoproteins and lipids through a series of membrane sacs called cisternae. Processed glycoproteins and lipids are packaged into transport carriers derived from the trans Golgi and trans-Golgi network (TGN) for export to different organelles. Despite remaining questions, advances have been made in understanding the molecular features of cargo clients and the sorting mechanisms within the Golgi.
JOURNAL OF CELL SCIENCE
(2021)
Article
Cell Biology
Raffaella Petruzzelli, Marta Mariniello, Rossella De Cegli, Federico Catalano, Floriana Guida, Elia Di Schiavi, Roman S. Polishchuk
Summary: ATP7B is a key player in the regulation of copper homeostasis and signaling as well as chemoresistance in cancer. This study found that transcription factor EB (TFEB) binds to specific regions of ATP7B, promoting its transcription and contributing to drug resistance in cancer cells.
Article
Agriculture, Dairy & Animal Science
Julio Olivera-Muzante, Sergio Fierro, Juan Manuel Duran, Jose Antognazza, Santiago Sanchez, Fernando Dutra, Fernando Baldi, Georgget Banchero
Summary: A short-term energy-protein supplementation during the peripartum in ewes has a positive effect on colostrum volume, viscosity, and composition, as well as the blood glucose of lambs at birth. It also reduces the occurrence of dystocia/stillbirth/birth injury as a cause of lamb mortality. However, it does not affect the length of gestation, duration or type of parturition, birth weight, lamb vigour, or lamb mortality to 72 h.
SMALL RUMINANT RESEARCH
(2022)
Article
Oncology
Merce Juliachs, Mireia Pujals, Chiara Bellio, Nathalie Meo-Evoli, Juan M. Duran, Esther Zamora, Mireia Pares, Anna Sunol, Olga Mendez, Alex Sanchez-Pla, Francesc Canals, Cristina Saura, Josep Villanueva
Summary: This study aims to find circulating biomarkers for monitoring the response to cancer therapy. The research found that the release of SOD2 protein during chemotherapy treatment is associated with tumor cell death, and the increase in its circulating levels correlates with treatment response, which can be used for non-invasive monitoring of breast cancer patients.
Retraction
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Alessandro Fraldi, Fabio Annunziata, Alessia Lombardi, Hermann-Josef Kaiser, Diego Luis Medina, Carmine Spampanato, Anthony Olind Fedele, Roman Polishchuk, Nicolina Cristina Sorrentino, Kai Simons, Andrea Ballabio
Article
Cell Biology
Anup Parchure, Meng Tian, Daniele Stalder, Cierra K. Boyer, Shelby C. Bearrows, Kristen E. Rohli, Jianchao Zhang, Felix Rivera-Molina, Bulat R. Ramazanov, Sushil K. Mahata, Yanzhuang Wang, Samuel B. Stephens, David C. Gershlick, Julia von Blume
Summary: This study reveals that chromogranin proteins can form a liquid scaffold in the TGN and transport molecules like insulin to SGs. This finding provides a new receptor-independent sorting model and has important implications for understanding membrane trafficking.
JOURNAL OF CELL BIOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Cell Biology
Mai Ly Tran, Johanna Tueshaus, Yeongho Kim, Bulat R. Ramazanov, Swathi Devireddy, Stefan F. Lichtenthaler, Shawn M. Ferguson, Julia von Blume
Summary: The Golgi resident protein Cab45 plays a significant role in the sorting of secretory cargo at the trans-Golgi Network (TGN). Cab45 oligomerizes upon Ca2+ influx and recruits and packages soluble cargo molecules into transport carriers. This research discovered a new function of Cab45 in lysosomal function regulation.
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Jose Wojnacki, Agustin Leonardo Lujan, Nathalie Brouwers, Carla Aranda-Vallejo, Gonzalo Bigliani, Maria Pena Rodriguez, Ombretta Foresti, Vivek Malhotra
Summary: This study reveals that tetraspanin-8 sequesters syntaxin-2 to regulate the release of mucin and insulin, providing insights into the mechanisms of granule secretion.
NATURE COMMUNICATIONS
(2023)
Article
Biology
Agustin Leonardo Lujan, Ombretta Foresti, Conor Sugden, Nathalie Brouwers, Alex Mateo Farre, Alessio Vignoli, Mahshid Azamian, Alicia Turner, Jose Wojnacki, Vivek Malhotra, Suzanne R. Pfeffer
Summary: TANGO2 primarily localizes to mitochondria and partially to mitochondria sites adjacent to lipid droplets and the endoplasmic reticulum. Cells lacking TANGO2 exhibit enlarged lipid droplets, with an increase in lysophosphatidic acid (LPA) and a decrease in its biosynthetic precursor phosphatidic acid (PA) observed through quantitative lipidomics. Our findings suggest that TANGO2 is linked to acyl-CoA metabolism, affecting the acylation of LPA to generate PA, and subsequently impacting the metabolism of fatty acids, generating reactive oxygen species and promoting lipid peroxidation. The enlarged lipid droplets result from the accumulation of peroxidized lipids and a defect in their catabolism. These insights help understand the physiological consequences of TANGO2 mutations and their association with metabolic crises and fatality under starvation and stress conditions.
Article
Biology
Mehrshad Pakdel, Natalia Pacheco-Fernandez, Julia von Blume
Summary: The protocol describes a method to use the RUSH system for live-cell microscopy and quantitative analysis of cargo vesicles. The trafficking of protein cargoes can be evaluated by recording videos in 1-min time frames for 45 min, enabling the study of protein trafficking pathways in cells with more detail.
Article
Biology
Natalia Pacheco-Fernandez, Mehrshad Pakdel, Julia von Blume
Summary: Monitoring vesicle trafficking is crucial for evaluating protein dynamics, providing insights into protein sorting and secretion. Recent advancements in microscopy and methodologies for studying synchronized protein trafficking have enhanced understanding of signaling, regulation, and trafficking dynamics in the secretory pathway. The RUSH system is a valuable tool for evaluating synchronized cargo trafficking, allowing for quantitative assessment of protein cargo trafficking at different time points and a detailed examination of specific cargo dynamics at the secretory pathway.