Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Yuka Terada, Katsutoshi Yayama
Summary: The study revealed that Ang II induces vasoconstriction in pressure-overloaded rat thoracic aortas through activation of Rho kinase and involvement of EGFR, Erk1/2, and JAK2. Additionally, the increased protein levels of MYPT1 and JAK2 in thoracic aortas of pressure-overloaded rats may contribute to the enhanced Ang II-induced contraction.
Article
Cell Biology
Indranil Ghosh, Raman K. Singh, Manjari Mishra, Shobhna Kapoor, Siddhartha S. Jana
Summary: Cells can transition between blebbing and lamellipodia modes of migration by regulating the activity of ROCK and MLCK, which play a key role in determining cell migration behaviors.
JOURNAL OF CELL SCIENCE
(2021)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Jason A. Wagoner, Ken A. Dill
Summary: Myosin II is a biomolecular machine responsible for muscle contraction. Multiple motors act cooperatively on a single actin filament, and filament backsliding is crucial for the speed and efficiency of muscle contraction. Evolutionary adaptations have reduced backsliding, optimizing the collective action of myosin II motors.
PROCEEDINGS OF THE NATIONAL ACADEMY OF SCIENCES OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
(2021)
Review
Peripheral Vascular Disease
Masaaki Ito, Ryuji Okamoto, Hiromasa Ito, Ye Zhe, Kaoru Dohi
Summary: Regulation of muscle contraction is essential in the cardiovascular system, with the interaction between myosin and actin filaments being a common mechanism. The phosphorylation of myosin regulatory light chain plays a crucial role in smooth muscle contraction, while in cardiac muscle, troponin C is the primary target protein for Ca2+ with RLC phosphorylation also modulating contraction. Recent advances have improved our understanding of the regulatory role of RLC phosphorylation in smooth and cardiac muscles.
HYPERTENSION RESEARCH
(2022)
Review
Physiology
Perihan Nalbant, Jessica Wagner, Leif Dehmelt
Summary: Cell contraction plays a crucial role in various physiological and pathophysiological processes. While the regulatory processes for muscle cell contraction are well understood, the mechanisms controlling cell contraction in non-muscle cells remain less known. This review focuses on the spatial and temporal mechanisms of cell contraction in non-muscle cells and discusses how light-based methods can be used to investigate these mechanisms. The review highlights the signal networks and cytoskeletal components involved in subcellular contraction patterns and emphasizes the importance of experimental strategies that capitalize on the features of light-based methods to uncover causal relationships in complex signal networks.
PFLUGERS ARCHIV-EUROPEAN JOURNAL OF PHYSIOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Oncology
Fan Wu, Hui Li, Heng Zhang, Yusheng Liao, Huanping Ren, Jie Wu, Dan Zheng
Summary: In a D-GalN/LPS-induced ALF model, TNF-alpha and IL-6 signaling may increase MLCK and ROCK expression levels, further mediate phosphorylation of MLC, resulting in tight junction dysregulation and intestinal barrier dysfunction.
MOLECULAR MEDICINE REPORTS
(2021)
Article
Neurosciences
Irene Pertici, Giulio Bianchi, Lorenzo Bongini, Dan Cojoc, Manuel H. Taft, Dietmar J. Manstein, Vincenzo Lombardi, Pasquale Bianco
Summary: This study introduced a nanomachine made from frog muscle myosin, capable of mimicking the force and velocity effects seen in muscle, and found its performance to be dependent on Ca2+ concentration. The Ca2+-sensitivity was identified as a class-specific property of muscle myosin, as the performance was Ca2+-independent when using myosin from mammalian skeletal muscle, which was further supported by simulation models.
JOURNAL OF PHYSIOLOGY-LONDON
(2021)
Article
Cell Biology
Jeeho Kim, Young Jin Jeon, Sung-Chul Lim, Joohyun Ryu, Jung-Hee Lee, In-Youb Chang, Ho Jin You
Summary: Ephexin1 is highly expressed in patient tissues of colorectal cancer (CRC) and lung cancer (LC), and plays a critical role in promoting tumorigenesis through the Ras-mediated signaling pathway. Phosphorylated Ephexin1 at Ser16 and Ser18 (pSer16/18) may serve as an effective therapeutic target for CRC and LC as it interacts with oncogenic K-Ras to promote downstream MAPK signaling.
CELL DEATH & DISEASE
(2021)
Article
Biology
Daan Vorselen, Sarah R. Barger, Yifan Wang, Wei Cai, Julie A. Theriot, Nils C. Gauthier, Mira Krendel
Summary: The study reveals that during macrophage phagocytosis of antibody-opsonized targets, there is a prominent constriction driven by Arp2/3-mediated assembly of discrete actin protrusions. Contractile myosin-II activity contributes to late-stage phagocytic force generation and target ingestion. Observations of partial target eating attempts and sudden target release suggest that constriction may play a critical role in resolving complex in vivo target encounters.
Article
Cell Biology
Jianmin Liu, Daoquan Liu, Junchao Zhang, Weixiang He, Yuhang Guo, Yan Li, Ping Chen, Michael E. DiSanto, Xinhua Zhang
Summary: Prostate volume (PV) varies greatly among benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) patients, and estimating PV is crucial for determining the most suitable treatment approach. However, the mechanisms underlying these PV differences are still unknown. Our study examined the expression and functional activities of myosin II isoforms in hyperplastic prostates of varying volumes. The findings suggest that alterations in the myosin II system may play a role in the pathophysiological mechanisms responsible for PV differences in BPH patients.
CELLULAR SIGNALLING
(2023)
Review
Cell Biology
James M. Cowan, Jacob J. Duggan, Breanne R. Hewitt, Ryan J. Petrie
Summary: This review discusses the distinct modes of 3D cell migration and the role of non-muscle myosin II (NMII) in generating mechanical forces for migration. It also highlights the potential roles of tropomyosins and septins in regulating NMII activity during 3D cell migration. Investigating the mechanisms controlling NMII activity is important for understanding how cells transition between different modes of 3D migration in response to the physical environment.
FRONTIERS IN CELL AND DEVELOPMENTAL BIOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Oncology
Moon Hee Yang, Timothy H. Tran, Bethany Hunt, Rebecca Agnor, Christian W. Johnson, Bing Shui, Timothy J. Waybright, Jonathan A. Nowak, Andrew G. Stephen, Dhirendra K. Simanshu, Kevin M. Haigis
Summary: An allosteric network involving lysine 104 and residues in the switch-II domain is essential for KRAS oncogenicity, which could be utilized in the development of inhibitors targeting the activated oncoprotein.
Article
Oncology
Chenjing Wang, Xiaodong Nan, Shuyan Pei, Yu Zhao, Xiaokun Wang, Shijie Ma, Guoyan Ma
Summary: The study showed that salidroside, isorhamnetin, and their combination can reduce the inflammatory response induced by UII and inhibit the RhoA/ROCK II pathway. However, the combination did not have a stronger effect compared to using them individually.
Article
Plant Sciences
Xue Pan, Patricio Perez-Henriquez, Jaimie M. Van Norman, Zhenbiao Yang
Summary: Cell polarity is vital for various biological processes in plants, but the underlying molecular and cellular mechanisms are not fully understood. Recent studies suggest that membrane protein/lipid nanodomains play a critical role in polarized morphogenesis. The regulation of spatiotemporal dynamics of signaling nanodomains remains a key question for achieving robust cell polarization in plants.
Article
Cell Biology
Naruchit Thanuthanakhun, Masahiro Kino-Oka, Suparerk Borwornpinyo, Yuzuru Ito, Mee-Hae Kim
Summary: This study investigated the epigenetic modifications and signaling pathways involved in maintaining pluripotency of hiPSCs under 3D culture conditions, showing alterations in the Rho-Rho kinase-phospho-myosin pathway and expression of pluripotency-associated factors. These findings suggest the potential for designing culture environments that support stable and high-quality hiPSCs.
JOURNAL OF CELLULAR PHYSIOLOGY
(2021)
Editorial Material
Cell Biology
Klemens Rottner, Miguel Vicente-Manzanares
EUROPEAN JOURNAL OF CELL BIOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Medicine, General & Internal
Marta Lozano-Prieto, David Adlam, Marcos Garcia-Guimaraes, Ancor Sanz-Garcia, Paula Vera-Tome, Fernando Rivero, Javier Cuesta, Teresa Bastante, Anna A. Baranowska-Clarke, Alicia Vara, Enrique Martin-Gayo, Miguel Vicente-Manzanares, Pilar Martin, Nilesh J. Samani, Francisco Sanchez-Madrid, Fernando Alfonso, Hortensia de la Fuente
Summary: The study found that specific miRNAs have significantly different expression in the plasma of SCAD and AT-AMI patients, and the combined expression of these four miRNAs can better distinguish between the two diseases. Functional analysis revealed an association of these miRNAs with blood vessel biology, TGF-beta pathway, and cytoskeletal traction force.
Review
Genetics & Heredity
Cristina Cuesta, Cristina Arevalo-Alameda, Esther Castellano
Summary: Ras proteins play a crucial role in cellular processes and their dysregulation is often associated with cancer. While the approval of the first Ras G12C inhibitor is a significant milestone, only a small percentage of patients will benefit. Understanding the context in which Ras operates in different tumor types, along with the outcomes mediated by each effector pathway, may help identify additional strategies and targets for treating Ras-driven tumors.
Article
Cell Biology
Frieda Kage, Miguel Vicente-Manzanares, Brennan C. McEwan, Arminja N. Kettenbach, Henry N. Higgs
Summary: The formin INF2 polymerizes a calcium-activated cytoplasmic network of actin filaments, known as calcium-induced actin polymerization (CIA). Nonmuscle myosin II (NMII) is activated within 60 s of calcium stimulation and recruited to the CIA network. Knockout of any NMII affects the organization of the CIA network and its downstream effects. NMIIC, despite being the least abundant NMII, is equally important for CIA.
MOLECULAR BIOLOGY OF THE CELL
(2022)
Editorial Material
Cell Biology
Paul Trevorrow, Andy Maldonado, Miguel Vicente-Manzanares
Article
Cell Biology
Maria Millan-Salanova, Miguel Vicente-Manzanares
Summary: This article reviews the mechanisms that enable T lymphocytes to survive and thrive under different mechanical conditions encountered during their life cycle. During migration and activation, T cells are exposed to diverse biochemical inputs and different mechanical conditions, including fluid flow and viscoelastic media. Through multiple signaling pathways and morphological changes, T cells can adapt to diverse mechanical environments, converting mechanical forces into biochemical signals and achieving survival, homing, and activation.
EUROPEAN JOURNAL OF CELL BIOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Maria Ovejero-Sanchez, Gloria Asensio-Juarez, Myriam Gonzalez, Pilar Puebla, Miguel Vicente-Manzanares, Rafael Pelaez, Rogelio Gonzalez-Sarmiento, Ana Belen Herrero
Summary: This study synthesized and characterized a new microtubule-destabilizing agent, PILA9, which showed strong cytotoxicity against OC cells. Additionally, the combination of microtubule-destabilizing agents with Panobinostat synergistically enhanced cytotoxicity, potentially through inducing alpha-tubulin acetylation.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2022)
Article
Immunology
Raul Izquierdo-Serrano, Irene Fernandez-Delgado, Olga Moreno-Gonzalo, Enrique Martin-Gayo, Diego Calzada-Fraile, Marta Ramirez-Huesca, Inmaculada Jorge, Emilio Camafeita, Joaquin Abian, Miguel Vicente-Manzanares, Esteban Veiga, Jesus Vazquez, Francisco Sanchez-Madrid
Summary: Communication through cell-cell contacts and extracellular vesicles allows immune cells to coordinate their responses against pathogens. The proteins and nucleic acids loaded into extracellular vesicles play a crucial role in this process. Acetylation, controlled by HDAC6, is a mechanism of cellular retention during protein sorting to exosomes. During infection, protein content of dendritic cells and their secreted extracellular vesicles change and become enriched in antiviral proteins. These extracellular vesicles can induce anti-pathogenic gene expression in recipient cells, leading to protection against subsequent viral infection.
FRONTIERS IN IMMUNOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Laura Clavain, Isabel Fernandez-Pisonero, Nieves Movilla, L. Francisco Lorenzo-Martin, Blanca Nieto, Antonio Abad, Rosula Garcia-Navas, Clara Llorente-Gonzalez, Manuel Sanchez-Martin, Miguel Vicente-Manzanares, Eugenio Santos, Balbino Alarcon, Jose M. Garcia-Aznar, Mercedes Dosil, Xose R. Bustelo
Summary: A study found that RRAS2 mutations discovered in human cancers have high transforming ability in cell lines, affecting adhesion, invasiveness, proliferation, and mitochondrial respiration of ovarian and breast cancer cells. These mutations also regulate gene expression programs related to cell adhesion and inflammatory/immune-related responses, and play a role in the in vivo tumorigenic activity of these cells.
Review
Virology
Vicky C. Roa-Linares, Manuela Escudero-Florez, Miguel Vicente-Manzanares, Juan C. Gallego-Gomez
Summary: The recent COVID-19 crisis has highlighted the importance of RNA-based viruses and the challenges they pose in terms of vaccination and treatment due to their high mutation capacity and ability to manipulate the host immune system.
Article
Virology
Manuela Escudero-Florez, David Torres-Hoyos, Yaneth Miranda-Brand, Juan Carlos Gallego-Gomez, Miguel Vicente-Manzanares
Summary: This study demonstrates that DENV infection induces endothelial dysfunction by activating c-ABL kinase, leading to disruption of intercellular junctions and increased cell motility. Inhibition or silencing of c-ABL reverses these effects, indicating that c-ABL plays a crucial role in DENV-induced endothelial phenotypic changes.
Editorial Material
Genetics & Heredity
Esther Castellano
Correction
Virology
Manuela Escudero-Florez, David Torres-Hoyos, Yaneth Miranda-Brand, Ryan L. Boudreau, Juan Carlos Gallego-Gomez, Miguel Vicente-Manzanares