Review
Cell Biology
Abesh Bera, Mohan L. Gupta
Summary: Microtubules are dynamic polymers assembled from alpha- and beta-tubulin subunits, with diverse properties determined by different tubulin isotypes and posttranslational modifications. Research in microorganisms has provided valuable insights into the distinct properties of tubulin isotypes and their roles in facilitating specific cellular processes.
FRONTIERS IN CELL AND DEVELOPMENTAL BIOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Cell Biology
Kristen Park, Katelyn J. Hoff, Linnea Wethekam, Nicholas Stence, Margarita Saenz, Jeffrey K. Moore
Summary: Mutations in beta-tubulin genes TUBB2A or TUBB3, specifically the T178M missense mutation, were found in two patients with brain malformations characteristic of tubulinopathies. The T178M mutation results in kinetically stabilized microtubules with decreased intrinsic assembly activity and fewer transitions to disassembly. This disruption of GTPase-dependent conformational changes in tubulin provides a mechanistic explanation for the kinetic stabilization observed.
FRONTIERS IN CELL AND DEVELOPMENTAL BIOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Cell Biology
Ryoma Ohi, Claire Strothman, Marija Zanic
Summary: The microtubule cytoskeleton is assembled from a finite pool of alpha, beta-tubulin controlled by autoregulation. Tubulin in its unassembled state plays a crucial role in regulating the formation and organization of microtubules. Tubulin also regulates microtubule-associated proteins and kinesin motors, forming feedback loops that connect the tubulin assembly cycle to the organization and dynamics of microtubule networks in a concept known as the 'tubulin economy'.
CURRENT OPINION IN CELL BIOLOGY
(2021)
Review
Cell Biology
Ruixin Ge, Minghui Cao, Miao Chen, Min Liu, Songbo Xie
Summary: Primary cilia function as sensory organelles that monitor extracellular signals and transduce them into intracellular responses. Actin and microtubule networks play critical roles in primary ciliogenesis and maintenance. Targeting cytoskeleton-associated proteins may be a promising therapeutic strategy for treating ciliopathies.
JOURNAL OF CELLULAR PHYSIOLOGY
(2022)
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)
Article
Cell Biology
Sofia Nolasco, Javier Bellido, Marina Serna, Bruno Carmona, Helena Soares, Juan Carlos Zabala
Summary: Colchicine is used to treat gout and prevent inflammatory diseases like pericarditis. Its anti-inflammatory action is achieved by inhibiting tubulin polymerization and affecting the activities of tubulin folding cofactors, particularly TBCA, TBCB, and TBCE. Manipulation of these activities impacts tubulin recycling and dynamics, leading to beneficial effects in treating inflammation.
FRONTIERS IN CELL AND DEVELOPMENTAL BIOLOGY
(2021)
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
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Brieuc Chauvin, Koyomi Nakazawa, Alexandre Beber, Aurelie Di Cicco, Bassam Hajj, Francois Iv, Manos Mavrakis, Gijsje H. Koenderink, Joao T. Cabral, Michael Trichet, Stephanie Mangenot, Aurelie Bertin
Summary: This article aims to study the interplay between septins and membrane remodeling. By studying yeast and mammalian septin complexes, a combination of in vitro assays was used to analyze the self-assembly of septins at the membrane and their relationship with membrane reshaping and curvature.
JOVE-JOURNAL OF VISUALIZED EXPERIMENTS
(2022)
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
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.
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
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
David Hernandez-Toledano, Libia Vega
Summary: Current research on organophosphate (OP) toxicity has shifted focus to potential non-cholinergic mechanisms as the inhibition of acetylcholinesterase (AChE) alone does not account for all adverse effects. New strategies for OP detection have identified cytoskeletal proteins as potential molecular targets, with evidence showing alterations in the cytoskeleton following OP exposure.
CHEMICO-BIOLOGICAL INTERACTIONS
(2021)
Review
Cell Biology
Noa Beatriz Martin-Cofreces, Jose Maria Valpuesta, Francisco Sanchez-Madrid
Summary: Lymphocytes undergo shape and organelle rearrangements during interaction with antigen-presenting cells, leading to activation and division through nuclear factors activation. Coordinated enrichment of chaperonin CCT and tubulins at the centrosome area support T cell activation and cytoskeletal dynamics. Proteasome enrichment in activated T cells' centrosome balances protein synthesis and degradation.
FRONTIERS IN CELL AND DEVELOPMENTAL BIOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Philipp Grad, Katarina Edwards, Lars Gedda, Victor Agmo Hernandez
Summary: This study investigates the effects of polyethylene glycol-(PEG) modified lipids and gangliosides on the Ca2+ induced interaction between liposomes composed of palmitoyl-oleoyl phosphatidylethanolamine (POPE) and palmitoyl-oleoyl phosphatidylserine (POPS) at physiological ionic strength. The results show that naked liposomes tend to adhere, rupture, and collapse on each other's surfaces upon addition of Ca2+, eventually resulting in the formation of large multilamellar aggregates and bilayer sheets. However, the presence of gangliosides or PEGylated lipids leads to the formation of small, long-lived bilayer fragments/disks. PEGylated lipids seem to be more effective than gangliosides at stabilizing these structures. The study suggests that direct liposome-liposome fusion is not the dominating process triggered by Ca2+ in the systems studied.
BIOCHIMICA ET BIOPHYSICA ACTA-BIOMEMBRANES
(2024)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Saurabh Saraswat, Archana Chugh
Summary: Cell penetrating peptides (CPP) are important tools for intracellular delivery of molecules. In this study, a novel marine-derived CPP from Engraulis japonicus, called Engraulisin, was reported. Engraulisin demonstrated successful cellular uptake and selective antimicrobial activity against Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA), making it a potential candidate for drug delivery.
BIOCHIMICA ET BIOPHYSICA ACTA-BIOMEMBRANES
(2024)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Emanuela Efodili, Ashlynn Knight, Maryem Mirza, Cedric Briones, Il-Hyung Lee
Summary: This study demonstrates the spontaneous transfer of small membrane-bound peptides between a supported lipid bilayer and giant unilamellar vesicles in vitro. The transfer occurs through the formation of hemi-fusion stalks and is limited to small peptides due to the highly curved structure of the stalk. This system provides a synthetic platform for studying peptide trafficking between synthetic membranes.
BIOCHIMICA ET BIOPHYSICA ACTA-BIOMEMBRANES
(2024)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Yueqi Niu, Si Jia Chen, Jeffery B. Klauda
Summary: Macrophage membranes in the activated state are more tightly packed, exhibit increased chain order across lipid species, and form specific lipid clusters. These findings provide physiologically accurate models for future computational studies of macrophage membranes and their proteins.
BIOCHIMICA ET BIOPHYSICA ACTA-BIOMEMBRANES
(2024)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Niki Baccile, Vincent Chaleix, Ingo Hoffmann
Summary: This study measured the bending rigidity of self-assembled structures formed by a new biobased glucolipid bioamphiphile using neutron spin-echo (NSE) technology. The results showed that the bending rigidity of these structures is lower or higher compared to phospholipid membranes, providing a new theoretical basis for the application of these new molecular systems.
BIOCHIMICA ET BIOPHYSICA ACTA-BIOMEMBRANES
(2024)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Alain Bolano Alvares, Pablo E. A. Rodriguez, Gerardo D. Fidelio
Summary: The behavior of amphiphilic molecules at the air/water interface was studied to evaluate the arrangement formed in a confined area. The surface properties of zwitterionic DPPC lipid and A beta(1-40) amyloid peptide in mixed films were investigated at different temperatures. DPPC undergoes a phase transition depending on temperature and lateral pressure, which allows for the study of its influence on amyloid structure formation.
BIOCHIMICA ET BIOPHYSICA ACTA-BIOMEMBRANES
(2024)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Lukasz Plachta, Marzena Mach, Magdalena Kowalska, Pawel Wydro
Summary: Resveratrol, a popular phytoalexin found in grapes and red wine, has beneficial effects on the cardiovascular system, exhibits antiviral, antibacterial, and antifungal properties, and may have therapeutic effects against cancer. This study investigates the interaction of resveratrol with model cell membranes, demonstrating changes in their physicochemical parameters and highlighting the role of cholesterol content in resveratrol incorporation. The findings suggest that the molecular mechanism of action of resveratrol may involve interactions with lipid rafts.
BIOCHIMICA ET BIOPHYSICA ACTA-BIOMEMBRANES
(2024)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Edurne Rujas, Beatriz Apellaniz, Johana Torralba, David Andreu, Jose M. M. Caaveiro, Shixia Wang, Shan Lu, Jose L. Nieva
Summary: This study investigates the role of fusion peptide and Trp-rich membrane proximal external region in HIV-1 fusion and demonstrates that liposome-based formulations containing FP-MPER hybrid peptides can induce the production of specific neutralizing antibodies in rabbits. The results support the use of liposomes as vaccine carriers and the inclusion of lipid membranes in immunogens to elicit specific humoral responses.
BIOCHIMICA ET BIOPHYSICA ACTA-BIOMEMBRANES
(2024)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Dailin Li, Dingyuan Shi, Lei Wang
Summary: G protein-gated inwardly rectifying potassium (GIRK) channels play a significant role in regulating cell excitability. This study investigated the ion permeation mechanism in GIRK2 mutants using molecular dynamic simulations and QM/MM methods. The results revealed the importance of a multi-ion distribution for ion conduction.
BIOCHIMICA ET BIOPHYSICA ACTA-BIOMEMBRANES
(2024)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Max J. den Uijl, Arnold J. M. Driessen
Summary: Membrane protein insertion into and translocation across the bacterial cytoplasmic membrane are essential processes facilitated by the Sec translocon. The phospholipid dependence of membrane protein insertion has remained mostly unknown. This study reveals that the insertion of the mannitol permease MtlA into the membrane depends on the presence of phosphatidylglycerol and is stimulated by phosphatidylethanolamine.
BIOCHIMICA ET BIOPHYSICA ACTA-BIOMEMBRANES
(2024)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Patrick Allen, Adam C. Smith, Vernon Benedicto, Abbas Abdulhasan, Vasanthy Narayanaswami, Enrico Tapavicza
Summary: We explore the stability, size, and structure of nanodiscs formed by the N-terminal domain of apolipoprotein E3 and a variable number of 1,2-dimyristoyl-sn-glycero-3-phosphocholine molecules. Our simulations suggest that nanodiscs containing 240 to 420 DMPC molecules are stable. The antiparallel configuration shows more protein-protein interactions and ionic contacts, as well as greater stability and rigidity compared to the parallel configuration.
BIOCHIMICA ET BIOPHYSICA ACTA-BIOMEMBRANES
(2024)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Patrick M. Keating, Nicholas P. Schifano, Xinrui Wei, Matthew Y. Kong, Jinwoo Lee
Summary: Lassa virus (LASV) infection is dependent on the fusion of its viral membrane with the host cell membrane, and our study reveals that this fusion process involves pH-dependent conformational changes in the transmembrane domain of LASV. These findings provide valuable insights into the fusion mechanism of LASV and can be utilized in the design of therapeutics to combat Lassa virus infections and prevent its potential spread.
BIOCHIMICA ET BIOPHYSICA ACTA-BIOMEMBRANES
(2024)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Ashley L. Bennett, Kristen N. Cranford, Austin L. Bates, Christopher R. Sabatini, Hee-Seung Lee
Summary: This study employed molecular dynamics simulations to elucidate the binding, folding, and insertion details of TP10W in the cell membrane. The simulations revealed that TP10W can translocate across the lipid membrane as a monomer, and the charged amino acid side chains can move between lipid leaflets. Comparison with point mutated variants demonstrated significant conformational changes due to charge distribution.
BIOCHIMICA ET BIOPHYSICA ACTA-BIOMEMBRANES
(2024)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Jessica H. van Wonderen, Jason C. Crack, Marcus J. Edwards, Thomas A. Clarke, Gerhard Saalbach, Carlo Martins, Julea N. Butt
Summary: Electrogenic bacteria transfer excess respiratory electrons to metal oxide particles and electrodes through the MtrCAB complex. The crystal structure of MtrCAB from S. baltica OS185 was resolved, and liquid chromatography mass spectrometry was used to determine the mass values of the three proteins in purified MtrCAB complexes.
BIOCHIMICA ET BIOPHYSICA ACTA-BIOMEMBRANES
(2024)
Review
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Yi-Ming Chen, Ching-Tai Lu, Chia-Wen Wang, Wolfgang B. Fischer
Summary: A series of dye ligands were ranked based on docking experiments, selecting the most suitable ligands for binding with different proteins. Additionally, a comparison study was conducted on a series of repurposing drugs and known antivirals.
BIOCHIMICA ET BIOPHYSICA ACTA-BIOMEMBRANES
(2024)