Cytoskeletal Regulation Research Articles

Cyclosporine A Modulates LSP1 Protein Levels in Human B Cells to Attenuate B Cell Migration at Low O2 Levels.

Coordinated migration of B cells within and between secondary lymphoid tissues is required for robust antibody responses to infection or vaccination. Secondary lymphoid tissues normally expose B cells to a low O (hypoxic) environment. Recently, we have shown that human B cell migration is modulated by an O-dependent molecular switch, centrally controlled by the hypoxia-induced (transcription) factor-1 (HIF1A), which can be disrupted by the immunosuppressive calcineurin inhibitor, cyclosporine A (CyA). However, the mechanisms by which low O environments attenuate B cell migration remain poorly defined. Proteomics analysis has linked CXCR4 chemokine receptor signaling to cytoskeletal rearrangement. We now hypothesize that the pathways linking the O sensing molecular switch to chemokine receptor signaling and cytoskeletal rearrangement would likely contain phosphorylation events, which are typically missed in traditional transcriptomic and/or proteomic analyses. Hence, we have performed a comprehensive phosphoproteomics analysis of human B cells treated with CyA after engagement of the chemokine receptor CXCR4 with CXCL12. Statistical analysis of the separate and synergistic effects of CyA and CXCL12 revealed 116 proteins whose abundance is driven by a synergistic interaction between CyA and CXCL12. Further, we used our previously described algorithm BONITA to reveal a critical role for Lymphocyte Specific Protein 1 (LSP1) in cytoskeletal rearrangement. LSP1 is known to modulate neutrophil migration. Validating these modeling results, we show experimentally that LSP1 levels in B cells increase with low O exposure, and CyA treatment results in decreased LSP1 protein levels. This correlates with the increased chemotactic activity observed after CyA treatment. Lastly, we directly link LSP1 levels to chemotactic capacity, as shRNA knock-down of LSP1 results in significantly increased B cell chemotaxis at low O levels. These results directly link CyA to LSP1-dependent cytoskeletal regulation, demonstrating a previously unrecognized mechanism by which CyA modulates human B cell migration. Data are available via ProteomeXchange with identifier PXD036167.

Alterations to the broad-spectrum formin inhibitor SMIFH2 modulate potency but not specificity

SMIFH2 is a small molecule inhibitor of the formin family of cytoskeletal regulators that was originally identified in a screen for suppression of actin polymerization induced by the mouse formin Diaphanous 1 (mDia1). Despite widespread use of this compound, it is unknown whether SMIFH2 inhibits all human formins. Additionally, the nature of protein/inhibitor interactions remains elusive. We assayed SMIFH2 against human formins representing six of the seven mammalian classes and found inhibitory activity against all formins tested. We synthesized a panel of SMIFH2 derivatives and found that, while many alterations disrupt SMIFH2 activity, substitution of an electron-donating methoxy group in place of the bromine along with halogenation of the furan ring increases potency by approximately five-fold. Similar to SMIFH2, the active derivatives are also pan-inhibitors for the formins tested. This result suggests that while potency can be improved, the goal of distinguishing between highly conserved FH2 domains may not be achievable using the SMIFH2 scaffold.

Abstract P1118: Genetic Validation Of Cardiac Cytoskeleton And Extracellular Matrix Targets For Drug Discovery

Currently, cardiovascular disease (CVD) drug discovery has focused primarily on addressing the inflammation and immunopathology aspects inherent to various CVD phenotypes such as cardiac fibrosis and coronary artery disease. However, recent findings suggest new biological pathways for cytoskeletal and extracellular matrix (ECM) regulation across diverse CVDs, such as the roles of matricellular proteins (e.g. tenascin-C) in regulating the cellular microenvironment. The success of anti-inflammatory drugs like colchicine, which targets microtubule polymerization, further suggests that the cardiac cytoskeleton and ECM provide prospective therapeutic opportunities. In this Abstract, we will present genetic validation evidence supporting the efficacy of pharmaceutical modulation of the cytoskeleton and the associated ECM that supports its cellular architecture to find new computationally-derived therapeutics in the treatment of CVD using integrated in-silico, in-vitro, and in-vivo methods. Our focus will be on the dynamic role that the cytoskeleton and ECM play in CVD pathophysiology, highlighting how novel target discovery in cytoskeletal and ECM-related genes enables new therapeutics development to alter the regulation of cellular architecture in plaque formation and rupture, cardiac contractility, and other molecular mechanisms.

Mitochondrial behavior when things go wrong in the axon.

Axonal homeostasis is maintained by processes that include cytoskeletal regulation, cargo transport, synaptic activity, ionic balance, and energy supply. Several of these processes involve mitochondria to varying degrees. As a transportable powerplant, the mitochondria deliver ATP and Ca2+-buffering capabilities and require fusion/fission to maintain proper functioning. Taking into consideration the long distances that need to be covered by mitochondria in the axons, their transport, distribution, fusion/fission, and health are of cardinal importance. However, axonal homeostasis is disrupted in several disorders of the nervous system, or by traumatic brain injury (TBI), where the external insult is translated into physical forces that damage nervous tissue including axons. The degree of damage varies and can disconnect the axon into two segments and/or generate axonal swellings in addition to cytoskeletal changes, membrane leakage, and changes in ionic composition. Cytoskeletal changes and increased intra-axonal Ca2+ levels are the main factors that challenge mitochondrial homeostasis. On the other hand, a proper function and distribution of mitochondria can determine the recovery or regeneration of the axonal physiological state. Here, we discuss the current knowledge regarding mitochondrial transport, fusion/fission, and Ca2+ regulation under axonal physiological or pathological conditions.

Differential DNA methylation in Pacific oyster reproductive tissue in response to ocean acidification

BackgroundThere is a need to investigate mechanisms of phenotypic plasticity in marine invertebrates as negative effects of climate change, like ocean acidification, are experienced by coastal ecosystems. Environmentally-induced changes to the methylome may regulate gene expression, but methylome responses can be species- and tissue-specific. Tissue-specificity has implications for gonad tissue, as gonad-specific methylation patterns may be inherited by offspring. We used the Pacific oyster (Crassostrea gigas) — a model for understanding pH impacts on bivalve molecular physiology due to its genomic resources and importance in global aquaculture— to assess how low pH could impact the gonad methylome. Oysters were exposed to either low pH (7.31 ± 0.02) or ambient pH (7.82 ± 0.02) conditions for 7 weeks. Whole genome bisulfite sequencing was used to identify methylated regions in female oyster gonad samples. C- > T single nucleotide polymorphisms were identified and removed to ensure accurate methylation characterization.ResultsAnalysis of gonad methylomes revealed a total of 1284 differentially methylated loci (DML) found primarily in genes, with several genes containing multiple DML. Gene ontologies for genes containing DML were involved in development and stress response, suggesting methylation may promote gonad growth homeostasis in low pH conditions. Additionally, several of these genes were associated with cytoskeletal structure regulation, metabolism, and protein ubiquitination — commonly-observed responses to ocean acidification. Comparison of these DML with other Crassostrea spp. exposed to ocean acidification demonstrates that similar pathways, but not identical genes, are impacted by methylation.ConclusionsOur work suggests DNA methylation may have a regulatory role in gonad and larval development, which would shape adult and offspring responses to low pH stress. Combined with existing molluscan methylome research, our work further supports the need for tissue- and species-specific studies to understand the potential regulatory role of DNA methylation.

Quantitative proteomic analysis of gingival crevicular fluids to identify novel biomarkers of gingival recession in orthodontic patients

ObjectiveTo identify gingival recession-related biomarkers in orthodontic patients, we compared the proteome of gingival crevicular fluids (GCF) from healthy gingiva without orthodontic treatment (GH), healthy gingiva undergoing orthodontic treatment (OGH), and recessed gingiva undergoing orthodontic treatment (OGR). MethodsGCF samples were obtained from the anterior teeth of 15 volunteers (n = 5/group). Quantitative proteomic analysis was performed using DIA-based liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS). Gene Ontology (GO) terms and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) pathways were used to annotate differentially expressed proteins (DEPs). Receiver-operating characteristic (ROC) analysis was performed to detect and filter biomarker candidates, while Protein-Protein Interaction (PPI) Networks were utilized to determine the interactions between these DEPs. ResultsA total of 253, 238, and 101 DEPs were found in OGR vs. OGH, OGR vs. GH, and OGH vs. GH groups, respectively. Based on the Venn diagram of three groups, 128 DEPs in OGR vs. OGH group were identified as specific proteins associated with progressive gingival recession (GR) during orthodontic treatment. Molecular function analysis showed that 128 DEPs were enriched in “molecular binding”, including antigen binding, RNA binding, double-stranded RNA binding, cadherin binding involved in cell-cell adhesion, vinculin binding, S100 protein binding, and Ral GTPase binding. The majority of these DEPs were also involved in cytoskeletal regulation. In addition, biological process analysis showed an enrichment in translation, while cellular component analysis indicated that 128 DEPs were related to extracellular exosome. Furthermore, Ribosome and Phagosome were the top two terms in KEGG analysis. The results of ROC analysis demonstrated that 26 proteins could be potential biomarker candidates for GR. PPI networks analysis predicted that IQGAP1, ACTN1, TLN1, VASP, FN1, FERMT3, MYO1C, RALA, RPL35, SEC61G, KPNB1, and NPM1 could be involved in the development of GR via cytoskeletal regulation. ConclusionsIn summary, we identified several GCF proteins associated with GR after orthodontic treatment. These findings could contribute to the prevention of GR in susceptible patients before the initiation of orthodontic treatment. SignificanceOrthodontic patients with GR often report esthetic defects or root hypersensitivity during orthodontic treatment, especially at the anterior teeth site. GCF, rich in protein, is an easily accessible source of potential biomarkers for the diagnosis of periodontal diseases; however, little is known about the changes in GCF proteome associated with GR in orthodontic patients. In this study we firstly used DIA-based LC-MS/MS to evaluate the proteome and to identify the biomarker candidates for GR in orthodontic patients. These findings will improve our understanding of GR during orthodontic treatment, and could contribute to an earlier diagnosis, or even prevention, of GR in susceptible populations before orthodontic treatment.

S290: ATRA CAN CORRECT DEFECTIVE HIF-1Α/S1P AXIS-MEDIATED CYTOSKELETAL REORGANIZATION IN PROPLATELET FORMATION OF ITP

Background: Bone marrow physiological hypoxia plays a crucial role in haematopoietic stem cell homeostasis. Hypoxia inducible factor (HIF) is central to mediating the cellular response to hypoxia. HIF-1α expression was decreased in the bone marrow of patients with immune thrombocytopenia (ITP), and HIF-1α activation was shown to enhance megakaryopoiesis in mice. Recent studies suggest that “inside-out” signalling by S1P in megakaryocytes (MKs) plays a critical role in proplatelet formation (PPF) (Blood, 2013; J EXP MED, 2012). Our previous data indicated that impaired PPF contributed to the development of thrombocytopenia in ITP. To further explore the underlying mechanism of impaired PPF in ITP, we found that HIF-1α/S1P axis-mediated cytoskeletal reorganization was defective in the PPF of ITP. All-trans retinoic acid (ATRA), which has been shown to be a promising treatment option for ITP patients in our clinical studies (Blood, 2021; Lancet haematology, 2017; Lancet haematology, 2021), could restore cytoskeletal reorganization and correct impaired PPF. Aims: This study aimed to explore the role of hypoxia inducible factor-1α (HIF-1α) in proplatelet formation (PPF) and the underlying mechanisms of ATRA treatment in ITP patients. Methods: Thirty consecutive patients with newly diagnosed ITP and 30 healthy donors were included in our study. MKs were isolated from bone marrow samples. Targeted and untargeted metabolomic profiling through metabolomic analysis was performed to explore the relationship between the metabolome and ITP. Confocal microscopy and transmission electron microscopy were used to observe the PPF and cytoskeleton structure of ITP MKs. An ITP mouse model was established to observe the therapeutic effects of ATRA in the PPF. Results: In the present study, we observed that MKs displayed altered cytoskeletal reorganization and impaired proplatelet formation (PPF) in ITP patients. Targeted and untargeted metabolite profiling revealed a decreased sphingosine-1-phosphate (S1P) level in ITP. Downregulated sphingosine kinase 2 (SPHK2) expression in MKs accounted for the low level of S1P in ITP. S1P is essential for S1P receptor 1 (S1PR1) and Rac1 activation, Src family kinases (SFKs) activity, and subsequent cytoskeletal reorganization and PPF regulation. Moreover, we demonstrated that HIF-1α mediated SPHK2 activation and S1P production. Decreased HIF-1α levels were found in the MKs of patients with ITP, contributing to impaired PPF. We then investigated the effect of ATRA on PPF in ITP patients. ATRA upregulated HIF-1α and SPHK2 expression, increased S1P production and corrected impaired PPF in vitro. In an ITP mouse model, ATRA alleviated thrombocytopenia and restored cytoskeletal reorganization. ATRA corrected impaired PPF by upregulating HIF-1α expression. The exposure of ITP MKs to selective RARα (AM580) or RARγ (BMS961) agonists did not change PPF. However, the treatment of ITP MKs with a selective RARβ agonist (CD2314) significantly increased PPF. Furthermore, we found that the effect of ATRA on enhancing PPF in ITP MKs was reversed in the presence of an RARβ antagonist (CD2665). These data suggest that impaired PPF in ITP MKs is corrected by ATRA in a RARβ-dependent manner. Summary/Conclusion: Together, our data show that the HIF-1α/S1P axis mediates altered cytoskeletal reorganization and impaired PPF in ITP and suggest that ATRA correction of impaired PPF is a potential mechanistic explanation for the clinical efficacy of ATRA in ITP.

Cytoskeletal regulation of a transcription factor by DNA mimicry via coiled-coil interactions.

A long-established strategy for transcription regulation is the tethering of transcription factors to cellular membranes. By contrast, the principal effectors of Hedgehog signalling, the GLI transcription factors, are regulated by microtubules in the primary cilium and the cytoplasm. How GLI is tethered to microtubules remains unclear. Here, we uncover DNA mimicry by the ciliary kinesin KIF7 as a mechanism for the recruitment of GLI to microtubules, wherein the coiled-coil dimerization domain of KIF7, characterized by its striking shape, size and charge similarity to DNA, forms a complex with the DNA-binding zinc fingers in GLI, thus revealing a mode of tethering a DNA-binding protein to the cytoskeleton. GLI increases KIF7 microtubule affinity and consequently modulates the localization of both proteins to microtubules and the cilium tip. Thus, the kinesin-microtubule system is not a passive GLI tether but a regulatable platform tuned by the kinesin-transcription factor interaction. We retooled this coiled-coil-based GLI-KIF7 interaction to inhibit the nuclear and cilium localization of GLI. This strategy can potentially be exploited to downregulate erroneously activated GLI in human cancers.

A versatile cortical pattern-forming circuit based on Rho, F-actin, Ect2, and RGA-3/4.

Many cells can generate complementary traveling waves of actin filaments (F-actin) and cytoskeletal regulators. This phenomenon, termed cortical excitability, results from coupled positive and negative feedback loops of cytoskeletal regulators. The nature of these feedback loops, however, remains poorly understood. We assessed the role of the Rho GAP RGA-3/4 in the cortical excitability that accompanies cytokinesis in both frog and starfish. RGA-3/4 localizes to the cytokinetic apparatus, "chases" Rho waves in an F-actin-dependent manner, and when coexpressed with the Rho GEF Ect2, is sufficient to convert the normally quiescent, immature Xenopus oocyte cortex into a dramatically excited state. Experiments and modeling show that changing the ratio of RGA-3/4 to Ect2 produces cortical behaviors ranging from pulses to complex waves of Rho activity. We conclude that RGA-3/4, Ect2, Rho, and F-actin form the core of a versatile circuit that drives a diverse range of cortical behaviors, and we demonstrate that the immature oocyte is a powerful model for characterizing these dynamics.

3D Interfacial and Spatiotemporal Regulation of Human Neuroepithelial Organoids.

Neuroepithelial (NE) organoids with dorsal–ventral patterning provide a useful three‐dimensional (3D) in vitro model to interrogate neural tube formation during early development of the central nervous system. Understanding the fundamental processes behind the cellular self‐organization in NE organoids holds the key to the engineering of organoids with higher, more in vivo‐like complexity. However, little is known about the cellular regulation driving the NE development, especially in the presence of interfacial cues from the microenvironment. Here a simple 3D culture system that allows generation and manipulation of NE organoids from human‐induced pluripotent stem cells (hiPSCs), displaying developmental phases of hiPSC differentiation and self‐aggregation, first into NE cysts with lumen structure and then toward NE organoids with floor‐plate patterning, is established. Longitudinal inhibition reveals distinct and dynamic roles of actomyosin contractility and yes‐associated protein (YAP) signaling in governing these phases. By growing NE organoids on culture chips containing anisotropic surfaces or confining microniches, it is further demonstrated that interfacial cues can sensitively exert dimension‐dependent influence on luminal cyst and organoid morphology, successful floor‐plate patterning, as well as cytoskeletal regulation and YAP activity. This study therefore sheds new light on how organoid and tissue architecture can be steered through intracellular and extracellular means.

ITRAQ-Based Quantitative Proteomics Analysis Reveals the Invasion Mechanism of Spiroplasma eriocheiris in 3T6 Cells

Background: Spiroplasma eriocheiris is a novel pathogen of freshwater crustaceans and is closely related to S. mirum. They have no cell wall and a helical morphology. They have the ability to infect mammals with an unclear mechanism. Objective: In this study, our aim was to investigate the profile of protein expression in 3T6 cells infected with S. eriocheiris. Methods: The proteome of 3T6 cells infected by S. eriocheiris was systematically investigated by iTRAQ. Results: We identified and quantified 4915 proteins, 67 differentially proteins were found, including 30 up-regulated proteins and 37 down-regulated proteins. GO term analysis shows that dysregulation of adhesion protein , interferon and cytoskeletal regulation are associated with apoptosis. Adhesion protein Vcam1 and Interferon-induced protein GBP2, Ifit1, TAPBP, CD63 ,Arhgef2 were up-regulated. A key cytoskeletal regulatory protein, ARHGEF17 was down-regulated. KEGG pathway analysis showed the NF-kappa B signaling pathway, the MAPK signaling pathway , the Jak-STAT signaling pathway and NOD-like receptor signaling are closely related to apoptosis in vivo. Conclusion: Analysis of the signaling pathways involved in invasion may provide new insights for understanding the infection mechanisms of S. eriocheiris.

JADE2 Is Essential for Hippocampal Synaptic Plasticity and Cognitive Functions in Mice

BackgroundImpairment of synaptic plasticity is closely correlated with a range of pathological conditions, such as cognitive deficits. However, how synaptic efficacy is regulated remains incompletely understood. Here, we report that the epigenetic factor JADE2 was indispensable for the maintenance of hippocampal synaptic plasticity and cognitive functions in mice. MethodsWe used the Morris water maze and the fear conditioning test to examine learning-related behaviors. In addition, Western blotting, viral-mediated JADE2 manipulations, RNA sequencing, and electrophysiological recordings were used to address our questions. ResultsJADE2 expression is increased upon enhanced neuronal activity in vitro and in vivo. Knockdown or genetic deletion of Jade2 in hippocampal CA1 results in impaired structural and functional synaptic plasticity, leading to memory impairment, whereas overexpression of JADE2 in CA1 neurons facilitates hippocampal-dependent learning and memory. Mechanistically, our data show that JADE2 modulates synaptic functions mainly by transcriptional activation of cytoskeletal regulator Rac1, and this activity is dependent on its interaction with histone acetyltransferase HBO1. Finally, we demonstrate that restoring RAC1 expression in Jade2 knockout mice could rescue the deficits in synaptic plasticity and learning-related behaviors. ConclusionsOur findings reveal that JADE2 plays a critical role in regulating synaptic plasticity and memory formation, suggesting that activity-dependent epigenetic regulation is an important molecular mechanism in controlling synaptic plasticity.

Dissecting The Structural Contribution of The Cofilin N‐Terminus to Actin Filament Severing and Phosphorylation by LIMK

Cofilin/ADF (actin depolymerizing factor) is a small actin‐binding protein important for cytoskeletal regulation within eukaryotic organisms. Cofilin promotes actin filament severing by disrupting interactions between adjacent actin subunits. Localized regulation of actin dynamics by cofilin phosphorylation is key to cell motility. Cofilin severing activity, and its regulation by phosphorylation, is mediated by an essential actin binding site within its N‐terminus (acetyl‐Ala2‐Ser3‐Gly4‐Val5 in humans). Phosphorylation of Ser3 by LIM domain kinases (LIMKs) is sufficient to inhibit actin binding and severing. Despite the importance of the cofilin N‐terminal peptide sequence, its functional contribution to the mechanism of actin severing has yet to be fully explored. We hypothesize that the cofilin N‐terminus contains evolutionarily conserved structural features that are necessary for actin severing activity and its regulation by LIMK. To identify key features of the cofilin N‐terminal sequence, we constructed a saturation mutagenesis library randomizing the first, third, and fourth residues of human cofilin, while maintaining a phosphorylatable Ser or Thr as the third residue. This combinatorial library of 16,000 (2 x 203) variants was screened as a pool for growth rescue in a strain of S. cerevisiaecontaining a silenced COF1gene. In parallel, we conducted the screen in yeast expressing exogenous human LIMK1 to identify cofilin variants that were inhibited by LIMK activity. In the absence of LIMK, the screen selected cofilin sequences with a Gly as the third residue and beta‐branched or hydrophobic residues for the fourth residue, including the native sequences from animal, plant, and yeast cofilins. In yeast expressing LIMK1, otherwise functional cofilin sequences containing a serine as the phosphoacceptor residue were unable to rescue growth. In contrast, Thr residues at the phosphoacceptor position and bulky hydrophobic residues at the third position imparted a protective effect that allowed cofilin variants to rescue growth despite the presence of LIMK activity. While LIMK1 was unable to phosphorylate a cofilin mutant with a Thr phosphoaccetor in vitro, large hydrophobic residues were tolerated at the third position, suggesting that they render cofilin functional even when phosphorylated. These results expand our understanding of actin regulation by providing structural insights about cofilin and by extension other proteins containing ADF‐homology domains.

MICAL1 Monooxygenase in Autosomal Dominant Lateral Temporal Epilepsy: Role in Cytoskeletal Regulation and Relation to Cancer.

Autosomal dominant lateral temporal epilepsy (ADLTE) is a genetic focal epilepsy associated with mutations in the LGI1, RELN, and MICAL1 genes. A previous study linking ADLTE with two MICAL1 mutations that resulted in the substitution of a highly conserved glycine residue for serine (G150S) or a frameshift mutation that swapped the last three C-terminal amino acids for 59 extra residues (A1065fs) concluded that the mutations increased enzymatic activity and promoted cell contraction. The roles of the Molecule Interacting with CasL 1 (MICAL1) protein in tightly regulated semaphorin signaling pathways suggest that activating MICAL1 mutations could result in defects in axonal guidance during neuronal development. Further studies would help to illuminate the causal relationships of these point mutations with ADLTE. In this review, we discuss the proposed pathogenesis caused by mutations in these three genes, with a particular emphasis on the G150S point mutation discovered in MICAL1. We also consider whether these types of activating MICAL1 mutations could be linked to cancer.

Increased cell stiffness contributes to complement-mediated injury of choroidal endothelial cells in a monkey model of early age-related macular degeneration.

Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is the leading cause of blindness in the aging population. Yet no therapies exist for ~85% of all AMD patients who have the dry form that is marked by degeneration of the retinal pigmented epithelium (RPE) and underlying choroidal vasculature. As the choroidal vessels are crucial for RPE development and maintenance, understanding how they degenerate may lead to effective therapies for dry AMD. One likely causative factor for choroidal vascular loss is the cytolytic membrane attack complex (MAC) of the complement pathway that is abundant on choroidal vessels of humans with early dry AMD. To examine this possibility, we studied the effect of complement activation on choroidal endothelial cells (ECs) isolated from a rhesus monkey model of early AMD that, we report, exhibits MAC deposition and choriocapillaris endothelial loss similar to that seen in human early AMD. Treatment of choroidal ECs from AMD eyes with complement-competent normal human serum caused extensive actin cytoskeletal injury that was significantly less pronounced in choroidal ECs from young normal monkey eyes. We further show that ECs from AMD eyes are significantly stiffer than their younger counterparts and exhibit peripheral actin organization that is distinct from the longitudinal stress fibers in young ECs. Finally, these differences in complement susceptibility and mechanostructural properties were found to be regulated by the differential activity of the small GTPases Rac and Rho, because Rac inhibition in AMD cells led to simultaneous reduction in stiffness and complement susceptibility, while Rho inhibition in young cells exacerbated complement injury. Thus, by identifying cell stiffness and cytoskeletal regulators Rac and Rho as important determinants of complement susceptibility, the current findings offer a new mechanistic insight into choroidal vascular loss in early AMD that warrants further investigation for assessment of translational potential. © 2022 The Pathological Society of Great Britain and Ireland.

LPA suppresses T cell function by altering the cytoskeleton and disrupting immune synapse formation

Cancer and chronic infections often increase levels of the bioactive lipid, lysophosphatidic acid (LPA), that we have demonstrated acts as an inhibitory ligand upon binding LPAR5 on CD8 T cells, suppressing cytotoxic activity and tumor control. This study, using human and mouse primary T lymphocytes, reveals how LPA disrupts antigen-specific CD8 T cell:target cell immune synapse (IS) formation and T cell function via competing for cytoskeletal regulation. Specifically, we find upon antigen-specific T cell:target cell formation, IP3R1 localizes to the IS by a process dependent on mDia1 and actin and microtubule polymerization. LPA not only inhibited IP3R1 from reaching the IS but also altered T cell receptor (TCR)–induced localization of RhoA and mDia1 impairing F-actin accumulation and altering the tubulin code. Consequently, LPA impeded calcium store release and IS-directed cytokine secretion. Thus, targeting LPA signaling in chronic inflammatory conditions may rescue T cell function and promote antiviral and antitumor immunity.

O-GlcNAcylation and Its Role in Cancer-Associated Inflammation.

Cancer cells, as well as surrounding stromal and inflammatory cells, form an inflammatory tumor microenvironment (TME) to promote all stages of carcinogenesis. As an emerging post-translational modification (PTM) of serine and threonine residues of proteins, O-linked-N-Acetylglucosaminylation (O-GlcNAcylation) regulates diverse cancer-relevant processes, such as signal transduction, transcription, cell division, metabolism and cytoskeletal regulation. Recent studies suggest that O-GlcNAcylation regulates the development, maturation and functions of immune cells. However, the role of protein O-GlcNAcylation in cancer-associated inflammation has been less explored. This review summarizes the current understanding of the influence of protein O-GlcNAcylation on cancer-associated inflammation and the mechanisms whereby O-GlcNAc-mediated inflammation regulates tumor progression. This will provide a theoretical basis for further development of anti-cancer therapies.

44 Endothelial Monolayers Treated with Burn Patient Plasma Exhibit Differential Gene Expression Linked to Cytoskeletal Rearrangement

IntroductionBurn shock is one of the most serious and complex complications suffered by patients following thermal injury. Endothelial dysfunction may play a role in the pathogenesis of burn shock. However, the mechanisms underlying the contribution to pathophysiology are still largely unknown. Previous studies have shown a connection between the rearrangement of cytoskeletal elements leading to increased vascular permeability. The aim of this study was to examine the differential expression of genes involved in cytoskeletal arrangement in endothelial cell monolayers treated with plasma from burn patients.MethodsHuman umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) were seeded into transwell plates to form confluent monolayers. Plasma was collected from burn patients 4 hours post-admission. HUVEC cells were exposed to 10% multi-donor pooled healthy human plasma (HHP) or burn patient plasma. Monolayers were subsequently incubated with FIT-C Dextran (40,000 kD) for 2 hours. Monolayer permeability was measured with indices calculated by normalizing values to blank wells (transwell inserts) and HHP-treated monolayer FIT-C diffusion. RNA was isolated from these same cells that had increased monolayer permeability and PCR analysis was carried out using an 84 gene array of human cytoskeletal regulators (Qiagen). A Ct value of 35 was used to indicate expression and a fold change of 1.5 to indicate differential expression in the control vs. injured groups.ResultsFour burn patient plasma samples were utilized to create injuries. Patients were mostly male (75%) with a mean age of 50±20 years and mean %TBSA burn of 37±34%. Differential gene expression in burn vs. HHP was compared. Ten genes showed significant upregulation (ARHGDIB, AURKA, AURKB, CCNB2, CIT, IQGAP2, VASP, SSH2, MYLK and DIAPH1). Four genes showed significant downregulation in (FSCN2, ARHGAP6, CYFIP2, CCNA1). Monolayer permeability indices showed statistically significant increases when compared to controls ranging from 3-13.33% (p < .05).ConclusionsThe interplay of burn shock and endothelial dysfunction remains a complex process of which much is unknown. However, RNA analyses of burn patient plasma reveals involvement of multiple cytoskeletal regulators. Furthermore, all these samples show a concurrent increase in permeability indices when compared to controls, further strengthening the association between cytoskeletal rearrangement and endotheliopathy. Future research to better understand the specifics of these pathways could help aid in the development of more targeted treatments of endotheliopathy and burn shock. Cytoskeletal rearrangement may be an interesting target for future work to understand this mechanistic interplay.

Systematic Discovery of FBXW7-Binding Phosphodegrons Highlights Mitogen-Activated Protein Kinases as Important Regulators of Intracellular Protein Levels.

A FBXW7 is an F-box E3 ubiquitin-ligase affecting cell growth by controlling protein degradation. Mechanistically, its effect on its substrates depends on the phosphorylation of degron motifs, but the abundance of these phosphodegrons has not been systematically explored. We used a ratiometric protein degradation assay geared towards the identification of FBXW7-binding degron motifs phosphorylated by mitogen-activated protein kinases (MAPKs). Most of the known FBXW7 targets are localized in the nucleus and function as transcription factors. Here, in addition to more transcription affecting factors (ETV5, KLF4, SP5, JAZF1, and ZMIZ1 CAMTA2), we identified phosphodegrons located in proteins involved in chromatin regulation (ARID4B, KMT2E, KMT2D, and KAT6B) or cytoskeletal regulation (MAP2, Myozenin-2, SMTL2, and AKAP11), and some other proteins with miscellaneous functions (EIF4G3, CDT1, and CCAR2). We show that the protein level of full-length ARID4B, ETV5, JAZF1, and ZMIZ1 are affected by different MAPKs since their FBXW7-mediated degradation was diminished in the presence of MAPK-specific inhibitors. Our results suggest that MAPK and FBXW7 partnership plays an important cellular role by directly affecting the level of key regulatory proteins. The data also suggest that the p38α-controlled phosphodegron in JAZF1 may be responsible for the pathological regulation of the cancer-related JAZF1-SUZ12 fusion construct implicated in endometrial stromal sarcoma.

Cytoskeletal dynamics regulates stromal invasion behavior of distinct liver cancer subtypes

Drug treatment against liver cancer has limited efficacy due to heterogeneous response among liver cancer subtypes. In addition, the functional biophysical phenotypes which arise from this heterogeneity and contribute to aggressive invasive behavior remain poorly understood. This study interrogated how heterogeneity in liver cancer subtypes contributes to differences in invasive phenotypes and drug response. Utilizing histological analysis, quantitative 2D invasion metrics, reconstituted 3D hydrogels, and bioinformatics, our study linked cytoskeletal dynamics to differential invasion profiles and drug resistance in liver cancer subtypes. We investigated cytoskeletal regulation in 2D and 3D culture environments using two liver cancer cell lines, SNU-475 and HepG2, chosen for their distinct cytoskeletal features and invasion profiles. For SNU-475 cells, a model for aggressive liver cancer, many cytoskeletal inhibitors abrogated 2D migration but only some suppressed 3D migration. For HepG2 cells, cytoskeletal inhibition did not significantly affect 3D migration but did affect proliferative capabilities and spheroid core growth. This study highlights cytoskeleton driven phenotypic variation, their consequences and coexistence within the same tumor, as well as efficacy of targeting biophysical phenotypes that may be masked in traditional screens against tumor growth.