Article
Biology
Francisco Prieto-Ruiz, Elisa Gomez-Gil, Rebeca Martin-Garcia, Armando Jesus Perez-Diaz, Jero Vicente-Soler, Alejandro Franco, Teresa Soto, Pilar Perez, Marisa Madrid, Jose Cansado
Summary: Under aerobic respiration conditions, the fission yeast Schizosaccharomyces pombe regulates the activity of myosin II through redundant phosphorylation of its homolog Rlc1 by the kinases Pak1 and Pak2, which is essential for cytokinesis and cell growth. Additionally, the stress-activated protein kinase pathway controls the integrity of myosin II. The fine-tuned interplay between myosin II function and actin filament availability, controlled by Rlc1 phosphorylation and environmental factors, is critical for successful cytokinesis during aerobic respiration.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Kim Kiat Lim, Hwei Yee Teo, Yuan Yee Tan, Yi Bing Zeng, Ulysses Tsz Fung Lam, Mahesh Choolani, Ee Sin Chen
Summary: MTHFR is a key enzyme in the folate metabolic pathway, linked to various human conditions. The fission yeast gene met11(+) shows similar function to MTHFR, affecting chromosome stability and meiotic fidelity. Cooperation among Met11, Rec8, and Sgo1 is crucial for proper genetic inheritance during mitosis and meiosis.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2021)
Article
Cell Biology
Ingrid Billault-Chaumartin, Laetitia Michon, Caitlin A. Anderson, Sarah E. Yde, Cristian Suarez, Justyna Iwaszkiewicz, Vincent Zoete, David R. Kovar, Sophie G. Martin
Summary: In formin-family proteins, the nucleation and elongation activities of actin filaments are located in the formin homology 1 (FH1) and FH2 domains, with varying reaction rates among different formins. This study investigates the importance of nucleation and elongation rates of formins in vivo using the formin Fus1 in Schizosaccharomyces pombe. It is found that changes in the nucleation and elongation rates have direct effects on the architecture of the actin fusion focus, and that Fus1's native high nucleation and low elongation rates are optimal for assembly of the fusion focus. A point mutant in the FH2 domain of Fus1 is also identified, which preserves the native nucleation and elongation rates in vitro but alters the function in vivo, indicating additional properties of the FH2 domain. Thus, the rates of actin assembly are tailored for assembly of specific actin structures.
JOURNAL OF CELL SCIENCE
(2022)
Article
Cell Biology
Sanju Ashraf, Ye Dee Tay, David A. Kelly, Kenneth E. Sawin
Summary: A novel microtubule-independent form of nuclear movement has been discovered in fission yeast, which relies on actin cables but not actin polymerization or myosin V forces. This movement is directed towards growing cell tips and is influenced by the proximity of the nucleus to the tip. Additionally, vesicle-associated membrane proteins are found to be critical for this microtubule-independent nuclear movement.
JOURNAL OF CELL SCIENCE
(2021)
Review
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Hokuto Ohtsuka, Yoko Otsubo, Takafumi Shimasaki, Akira Yamashita, Hirofumi Aiba
Summary: The ecl family genes in Schizosaccharomyces pombe are positive regulators of chronological lifespan and involved in various biological processes such as nutritional starvation and stress resistance.
MOLECULAR MICROBIOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Kim Kiat Lim, Nathaniel Zhi Hao Koh, Yi Bing Zeng, Jun Kai Chuan, Raechell Raechell, Ee Sin Chen
Summary: Our study identified that disruption of membrane transport, chromosome segregation, and mitochondrial oxidative phosphorylation increase cellular susceptibility towards 5-FU, while null mutants of Ino80 complex factors exhibit resistance. Modulating the function of Ino80 complex factors may potentially reverse 5-FU resistance.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2023)
Review
Cell Biology
Dan-Dan Xu, Li-Lin Du
Summary: Autophagy is a process that transports cellular components to the vacuole/lysosome, playing important roles in maintaining cellular homeostasis and stress resistance. In the fission yeast, autophagy is crucial for cell survival during nutrient depletion and ER stress. Research on fission yeast autophagy machinery has revealed similarities and differences with other eukaryotic models, such as budding yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae. Recent discoveries of selective autophagy pathways in fission yeast provide new insights into cargo selectivity in autophagy.
Review
Cell Biology
Masamitsu Sato, Yasutaka Kakui, Mika Toya
Summary: Meiosis is a specialized cell division process for gamete production in eukaryotes, with chromosomes and microtubules mutually influencing each other. Studies on the fission yeast Schizosaccharomyces pombe have revealed the organization of chromosomes, cytoskeleton, and cell cycle progression in mitosis and meiosis. Meiosis is strategically designed for faithful genetic material segregation and genetic diversity production through meiosis-specific and general factors.
FRONTIERS IN CELL AND DEVELOPMENTAL BIOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Lenka Halova, David Cobley, Mirita Franz-Wachtel, Tingting Wang, Kaitlin R. Morrison, Karsten Krug, Nicolas Nalpas, Boris Macek, Iain M. Hagan, Sean J. Humphrey, Janni Petersen
Summary: Fluctuations in TOR, AMPK and MAP-kinase signaling play a crucial role in maintaining cellular homeostasis and coordinating growth and division with environmental context. By studying the phosphorylation levels at more than 1000 sites following nitrogen stress or TOR inhibition, new targets previously not linked to nutritional or TOR control were identified. Nutritional control of gene expression, significant modulation of actin cytoskeletal components, and prevention of sexual differentiation by reduced phosphorylation of MAPKK Byr1 were observed in response to environmental stress.
Review
Microbiology
Hokuto Ohtsuka, Kazuki Imada, Takafumi Shimasaki, Hirofumi Aiba
Summary: The fission yeast S. pombe adapts to the environment and survives in nutrient-starved conditions through sexual differentiation and extension of the chronological lifespan. Spore formation in S. pombe is highly resistant to stresses and spores can survive for a long period. This minireview focuses on the molecular mechanisms of spore formation induced by starvation and highlights the presence of an effective survival mechanism.
Article
Endocrinology & Metabolism
Steffen Loke, Anna Stoll, David Machalz, Francesco Botre, Gerhard Wolber, Matthias Bureik, Maria Kristina Parr
Summary: Cytochrome P450s (CYPs) are essential enzymes in the human body, with CYP21A2 playing a key role in steroid biosynthesis. Research indicates that the interaction between the 3-oxo group and arginine-234 of the enzyme is a strict requirement in CYP21A2 substrates.
FRONTIERS IN ENDOCRINOLOGY
(2021)
Review
Biotechnology & Applied Microbiology
Hokuto Ohtsuka, Takafumi Shimasaki, Hirofumi Aiba
Summary: Studies have shown that sulfur plays essential roles in biological molecules and different yeast models exhibit varying sulfur metabolism pathways. Sulfur starvation induces various cellular responses in fission yeast, contributing to a better understanding of stress and lifespan regulation caused by sulfur depletion.
FEMS YEAST RESEARCH
(2021)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Karen Baker, Michael A. Geeves, Daniel P. Mulvihill
Summary: This study investigates the impact of amino-terminal acetylation on the structure and function of fission yeast calmodulin. The findings show that NatA-dependent acetylation stabilizes the structure and affects the ability of calmodulin to bind to myosin at endocytic foci. Furthermore, the study reveals that this conserved modification also influences the calcium-binding capacity of both yeast and human calmodulins.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Hokuto Ohtsuka, Takafumi Shimasaki, Hirofumi Aiba
Summary: This mini-review summarizes over 70 genes involved in the chronological lifespan of Schizosaccharomyces pombe and describes the signal transduction pathways affecting lifespan extension. These pathways and genes play important roles in regulating the chronological lifespan extension in S. pombe.
MOLECULAR MICROBIOLOGY
(2021)
Review
Biotechnology & Applied Microbiology
R. Sahaya Glingston, Jyoti Yadav, Jitika Rajpoot, Neha Joshi, Shirisha Nagotu
Summary: Yeast has been proven to be a valuable model system for studying viral infection and expression of viral proteins, advancing our understanding of important viruses. Through high-throughput analysis, genetic manipulation, and its compact genome, yeast provides insights into various aspects related to virus replication.
APPLIED MICROBIOLOGY AND BIOTECHNOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Biology
Karen Baker, Irene A. Gyamfi, Gregory I. Mashanov, Justin E. Molloy, Michael A. Geeves, Daniel P. Mulvihill
Article
Chemistry, Medicinal
Nyasha Allen, Lisa J. White, Jessica E. Boles, George T. Williams, Dominique F. Chu, Rebecca J. Ellaby, Helena J. Shepherd, Kendrick K. L. Ng, Laura R. Blackholly, Ben Wilson, Daniel P. Mulvihill, Jennifer R. Hiscock
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
David Seynnaeve, Daniel P. Mulvihill, Joris Winderickx, Vanessa Franssens
Summary: Our study demonstrates that the lack of Glo2 and Gre3 activity leads to increased formation of large Synphilin-1 inclusions in S. cerevisiae, correlating with enhanced oxidative stress levels and inhibitory effects on growth. Similarly, polar-localised inclusions were observed in S. pombe, but no growth defects were observed upon expression of SNCAIP. Overall, yeasts, especially S. cerevisiae, serve as valuable models for understanding the mechanisms underlying Synphilin-1 pathology in neurodegenerative diseases.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2021)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Chloe A. Johnson, Jake E. McGreig, Sarah T. Jeanfavre, Jonathan Walklate, Carlos D. Vera, Marta Farre, Daniel P. Mulvihill, Anthony J. Baines, Martin Ridout, Leslie A. Leinwand, Mark N. Wass, Michael A. Geeves
Summary: Muscle contraction speed is related to body size, with larger species contracting at slower rates. Different myosin II isoforms show adaptation to increasing body mass, with major adult isoforms adapting to increased body mass while non-muscle and developmental isoforms do not show correlation with body mass. Analysis of myosin sequences suggests limited ways in which contraction velocity can be successfully manipulated.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Karen Baker, Michael A. Geeves, Daniel P. Mulvihill
Summary: This study investigates the impact of amino-terminal acetylation on the structure and function of fission yeast calmodulin. The findings show that NatA-dependent acetylation stabilizes the structure and affects the ability of calmodulin to bind to myosin at endocytic foci. Furthermore, the study reveals that this conserved modification also influences the calcium-binding capacity of both yeast and human calmodulins.
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Theresia Reindl, Sven Giese, Johannes N. Greve, Patrick Y. Reinke, Igor Chizhov, Sharissa L. Latham, Daniel P. Mulvihill, Manuel H. Taft, Dietmar J. Manstein
Summary: This article describes the effects of N-terminal acetylation of various tropomyosin isoforms on the actin affinity and thermal stability of actin-tropomyosin cofilaments. Additionally, it explores how the exchange of cytoskeletal tropomyosin isoforms and their acetylation impacts the kinetic and chemomechanical properties of cytoskeletal actin-tropomyosin-myosin complexes. The results highlight the extent of differences in kinetic and functional properties among different actin-tropomyosin-myosin complexes.
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Andzelika Rutkauskaite, Lisa J. White, Jessica E. Boles, Kira L. F. Hilton, Melanie Clifford, Bethany Patenall, Bree R. Streather, Daniel P. Mulvihill, Samantha A. Henry, Mark Shepherd, J. Mark Sutton, Charlotte K. Hind, Jennifer R. Hiscock
Summary: We synthesized two novel adamantane appended supramolecular self-associating amphiphiles and evaluated their antimicrobial efficacy against clinically relevant bacteria. The self-associative properties of these amphiphiles were explored, and their aggregate stability, size, and concentration were determined. In addition, various studies were conducted to investigate the roles of intermolecular hydrogen bonding and lipophilicity in aggregate formation and antimicrobial efficacy. Hemolysis and Galleria mellonella toxicity assays were performed to assess the potential of these compounds as antibiotic agents.
SUPRAMOLECULAR CHEMISTRY
(2021)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Ellen Clancy, Siva Ramadurai, Sarah R. Needham, Karen Baker, Tara A. Eastwood, Julia A. Weinstein, Daniel P. Mulvihill, Stanley W. Botchway
Summary: Cytoplasmic viscosity plays a crucial role in diffusion-limited reactions, while nuclear viscosity determines gene integrity, regulation, and expression. This study investigates the impact of DNA damage on viscosity using a platinum complex, Pt[L]Cl, as a probe for nuclear viscosity. The results show that the phosphorescence lifetime of Pt[L]Cl is sensitive to viscosity, and fluorescence lifetime of green and red fluorescent proteins (FP) also exhibit sensitivity to cellular viscosity and refractive index changes. Moreover, DNA damage causes significant changes in the viscosity and refractive index of both nuclear and cytoplasmic regions, and a bystander effect is observed in adjacent un-irradiated cells.
SCIENTIFIC REPORTS
(2023)
Article
Biochemical Research Methods
Tara A. Eastwood, Karen Baker, Bree R. Streather, Nyasha Allen, Lin Wang, Stanley W. Botchway, Ian R. Brown, Jennifer R. Hiscock, Christopher Lennon, Daniel P. Mulvihill
Summary: We describe an innovative system that allows the expression of diverse recombinant proteins in membrane-bound vesicles from E. coli. These vesicles compartmentalize and enable the production of insoluble, toxic, or disulfide-bond containing proteins. The release of vesicle-packaged proteins supports isolation and long-term storage. This technology provides high yields of functional proteins for efficient downstream processing in various fields of discovery science, biotechnology, and medicine.
CELL REPORTS METHODS
(2023)
Article
Pharmacology & Pharmacy
Jessica E. Boles, George T. Williams, Nyasha Allen, Lisa J. White, Kira L. F. Hilton, Precious I. A. Popoola, Daniel P. Mulvihill, Jennifer R. Hiscock
Summary: Due to the antimicrobial resistance crisis, there is an urgent need for novel antimicrobial treatments. This study provides evidence of using anionic supramolecular self-associating amphiphiles (SSAs) as enhancers for commonly used antimicrobial agents against Gram-negative bacteria, and suggests that the drug efficacy enhancement is likely due to the membrane permeabilization effect of the SSAs.
ADVANCED THERAPEUTICS
(2022)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Lisa J. White, Jessica E. Boles, Melanie Clifford, Bethany L. Patenall, Kira H. L. F. Hilton, Kendrick K. L. Ng, Rebecca J. Ellaby, Charlotte K. Hind, Daniel P. Mulvihill, Jennifer R. Hiscock
Summary: The di-anionic supramolecular self-associating amphiphiles show antimicrobial properties against MRSA and E. coli, and can form both intra- and intermolecular hydrogen bonded macrocyclic structures in the solid state.
CHEMICAL COMMUNICATIONS
(2021)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Nova O. Dora, Edith Blackburn, Jessica E. Boles, George T. Williams, Lisa J. White, Scarlett E. G. Turner, J. Daniel Hothersall, Trevor Askwith, Jack A. Doolan, Daniel P. Mulvihill, Michelle D. Garrett, Jennifer R. Hiscock
Summary: Research demonstrates the cytotoxicity of SSAs towards cancer cells, highlighting their ability to bind to the exterior cancer cell surface, permeate the cell membrane, and enhance the cytotoxic activity of chemotherapeutic drugs.
Article
Chemistry, Organic
Rebecca J. Ellaby, Ewan R. Clark, Nyasha Allen, Faith R. Taylor, Kendrick K. L. Ng, Milan Dimitrovski, Dominique F. Chu, Daniel P. Mulvihill, Jennifer R. Hiscock
Summary: The article introduces a new method to identify hydrogen bond acceptor simulants for organophosphorus chemical warfare agents by using predictive methodologies, with the hope of aiding future countermeasure developments.
ORGANIC & BIOMOLECULAR CHEMISTRY
(2021)
Article
Materials Science, Biomaterials
Lisa J. White, Jessica E. Boles, Nyasha Allen, Luke S. Alesbrook, J. Mark Sutton, Charlotte K. Hind, Kira L. F. Hilton, L. R. Blackholly, Rebecca J. Ellaby, George T. Williams, Daniel P. Mulvihill, Jennifer R. Hiscock
JOURNAL OF MATERIALS CHEMISTRY B
(2020)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Stilyana N. Tyuleva, Nyasha Allen, Lisa J. White, Antigoni Pepes, Helena J. Shepherd, Paul J. Saines, Rebecca J. Ellaby, Daniel P. Mulvihill, Jennifer R. Hiscock
CHEMICAL COMMUNICATIONS
(2019)