Intermediate Filament Network Research Articles

Video Force Microscopy (VFM): A New Technique that Allows Cell-Level Driving Forces to Be Determined from Time-Lapse Images

For purposes of video force microscopy (VFM), the forces in the cells of an embryonic epithelium are assumed to consist of active forces, which can be mathematically resolved into equivalent forces along cell boundaries, and passive forces associated with deformation of the cytoplasm and its contained organelles and intermediate filament network, which are represented by an equivalent viscosity, mu. All triple junctions in the time-lapse images are tracked over time and finite element techniques are used to estimate the forces that must act on the passive components of each cell to deform them as observed. A mathematical inverse method is then used to determine the forces that must act along each cell edge in order to produce the net forces needed at each triple junction to drive the observed deformations. The technique has been successfully applied to multi-photon cross-sections of Drosophila embryos undergoing ventral furrow formation. There, it revealed that the ventral furrow is produced by contractions that vary smoothly with time and position in the apical surface of the presumptive mesoderm, by apical-basal contractions in the cells of this tissue and, surprisingly, by spatially more uniform basal contractions in the ectoderm. It was also able to quantify the sometimes subtle force modifications present in mutants that generate abnormal phenotypes. The indicated force alterations are consistent with known genotype-specific structural protein changes. When applied to wound healing in embryonic epithelia, it was able to quantify the forces generated in the purse string that closes the wound and the surrounding cells. It both of these contexts, VFM was able to quantify the forces that drive observed morphogenetic movements and to do so with sub-cellular spatial detail and sub-minute temporal resolution.

Defective Glial Maturation in Vanishing White Matter Disease

Vanishing white matter (VWM) disease is a genetic leukoencephalopathy linked to mutations in the eukaryotic translation initiation factor 2B. It is a disease of infants, children, and adults who experience a slowly progressive neurologic deterioration with episodes of rapid clinical worsening triggered by stress and eventually leading to death. Characteristic neuropathologic findings include cystic degeneration of the white matter with scarce reactive gliosis, dysmorphic astrocytes, and paucity of myelin despite an increase in oligodendrocytic density. To assess whether a defective maturation of macroglia may be responsible for the feeble gliosis and lack of myelin, weinvestigated the maturation status of astrocytes and oligodendrocytes in the brains of 8 VWM patients, 4 patients with other white matter disorders and 6 age-matched controls with a combination of immunocytochemistry, histochemistry, scratch-wound assays, Western blot, and quantitative polymerase chain reaction. We observed increased proliferation and a defect in the maturation of VWM astrocytes. They show an anomalous composition of their intermediate filament network with predominance of the δ-isoform of the glial fibrillary acidic protein and an increase in the heat shock protein αB-crystallin, supporting the possibility that a deficiency in astrocyte function may contribute to the loss of white matter in VWM. We also demonstrated a significant increase in numbers of premyelinating oligodendrocyte progenitors in VWM, which may explain the coexistence of oligodendrocytosis and myelin paucity in the patients' white matter.

Three-Dimensional Architecture and Immuno-Histochemistry of Intermediate Filaments in Purkinje Cells in Sheep and Humans

It has been established that Purkinje cells in the bovine heart have abundant intermediate filaments positive for desmin antibody within their cytoplasm. However, there were no reports on three-dimensional architecture of intermediate filaments in Purkinje cells. In this study, Purkinje cells in sheep and human hearts were investigated by immuno-histochemistry, transmission and scanning electron microscopy (TEM and SEM). In TEM images, Purkinje cells in sheep hearts were considerably larger in size than working cardiac myocytes, and had a few peripherally-placed myofibrils and a great number of intermediate filaments in addition to glycogen particles. Intermediate filaments showed positive reactions for desmin antibody. Although Purkinje cells in humans were somewhat larger than working cardiac myocytes and had relatively abundant myofibrils, they also showed positive reactions. The saponin or NaOH treatment of cardiac tissues resulted in digestion of both glycogen particles and cytoplasmic matrix, and enabled us to view intermediate filaments by SEM. Intermediate filaments, which formed delicate, complicated networks, surrounded nuclei, mitochondria and myofibrils. In general, intermediate filaments in sheep Purkinje cells were distributed throughout the cytoplasm, while those in human Purkinje cells were concentrated mainly near the nucleus. In Purkinje fibers, it was sugested that a delicate network of intermediate filaments acted as the cytoskeleton to maintain stable propagation of the impulse.

Synemin down-regulation in human hepatocellular carcinoma does not destabilize cytoskeletons in vivo

Synemin is a large intermediate filament protein that has been identified in all types of muscle cells. It plays a role in human muscle diseases; however, the role of synemin in tumor cell transformation has rarely been investigated. Because hepatocellular carcinoma cells are morphologically different from normal human hepatocytes, we hypothesized that altered synemin expression and cytoskeletal disorganization might underlie this pleomorphic transformation. To test this hypothesis, we studied synemin expression in hepatocellular carcinoma and liver tissues by immunohistochemistry and immunoblotting. In addition, we analyzed the expression level and organization of all cytoskeletal elements after synemin knock-down in human Chang liver cells. Previously we found that plectin knock-down in human Chang liver cells causes a reduction in cytokeratin 18 expression with effects on intermediate filament disorganization and altered cellular morphology. In this study we also compared the effects of synemin knock-down and plectin knock-down on the cytoskeleton expression and organization. The results revealed that synemin expression was down-regulated in human hepatocellular carcinoma compared with normal liver, which is similar to the plectin expression. Surprisingly, the expression of cytoskeletal elements (cytokeratin 18, actin and tubulin) was not influenced by synemin knock-down in human Chang liver cells. The organization of cytoskeletal networks was also unaltered after synemin knock-down. In conclusion, both plectin and synemin are down-regulated in human hepatocellular carcinoma in vivo and transformed human liver cell in vitro. However, the mechanism of cell transformation caused by synemin knock-down is different from that of plectin knock-down. Plectin, but not synemin, knock-down provoked liver cell transformation via suppressing cytokeratin 18 expression and disrupting intermediate filament networks. Synemin knock-down did not influence the cytoskeleton expression and organization of human Chang liver cells.

Induction of p38, tumour necrosis factor-α and RANTES by mechanical stretching of keratinocytes expressing mutant keratin 10R156H

Epidermolytic hyperkeratosis (bullous congenital ichthyosiform erythroderma), characterized by ichthyotic, rippled hyperkeratosis, erythroderma and skin blistering, is a rare autosomal dominant disease caused by mutations in keratin 1 or keratin 10 (K10) genes. A severe phenotype is caused by a missense mutation in a highly conserved arginine residue at position 156 (R156) in K10. To analyse molecular pathomechanisms of hyperproliferation and hyperkeratosis, we investigated the defects in mechanosensation and mechanotransduction in keratinocytes carrying the K10(R156H) mutation. Differentiated primary human keratinocytes infected with lentiviral vectors carrying wild-type K10 (K10(wt)) or mutated K10(R156H) were subjected to 20% isoaxial stretch. Cellular fragility and mechanosensation were studied by analysis of mitogen-activated protein kinase activation and cytokine release. Cultured keratinocytes expressing K10(R156H) showed keratin aggregate formation at the cell periphery, whereas the filament network in K10(wt) cells was normal. Under stretching conditions K10(R156H) keratinocytes exhibited about a twofold higher level of filament collapse compared with steady state. In stretched K10(R156H) cells, higher p38 activation, higher release of tumour necrosis factor-α and RANTES but reduced interleukin-1β secretion compared with K10(wt) cells was observed. These results demonstrate that the R156H mutation in K10 destabilizes the keratin intermediate filament network and affects stress signalling and inflammatory responses to mechanical stretch in differentiated cultured keratinocytes.

A Nuclear Function for Plakophilin-1 in the DNA Damage Response?

Plakophilins are proteins of the desmosomal plaque. Based on the observation that plakophilins localize not only to desmosomes but also to the cytoplasm and nucleus, additional functions in cell signaling have been proposed. In this issue, Sobolik-Delmaire et al. address the nuclear function of Plakophilin-1. The authors show that Plakophilin-1 interacts with ssDNA in vitro and may have a function in protecting cells from DNA damage.

Nestin, a neuroectodermal stem cell marker, is expressed by bovine sertoli cells

Nestin, an intermediate filament protein is expressed by neuroectodermal stem cells and tumors originating from cells of neuroectodermal and mesenchymal lineages. Nestin expression is prominent in embryos and remains upregulated until 3–6 weeks after birth but is downregulated afterward. Sertoli cells are nucleated somatic cells that are spanned in the seminiferous epithelium and play a critical role in supporting and controlling germ-cell development. In this context, we employed immunocytochemical, Western blot, and Flow cytometric analyses to demonstrate nestin expression in bovine sertoli cells. Immunostaining clearly showed that setoli cells express high levels of nestin, a result which was confirmed by Western blot analysis of purified cells. Intracellular staining of sertoli cells by flow cytometry revealed that around 74% of the cells express this marker. Given the high expression of vimentin by sertoli cells, it is proposed that the expression of nestin in these cells might be required for the formation of stable vimentin/nestin intermediate filament network. In light of these findings, it seems that sertoli cells of mature bull have potentiality of proliferation.

Mechano-topographic modulation of stem cell nuclear shape on nanofibrous scaffolds

Stem cells transit along a variety of lineage-specific routes towards differentiated phenotypes. These fate decisions are dependent not just on the soluble chemical cues that are encountered or enforced in vivo and in vitro, but also on physical cues from the cellular microenvironment. These physical cues can consist of both nano- and micro-scale topographical features, as well as mechanical inputs provided passively (from the base properties of the materials to which they adhere) or actively (from extrinsic applied mechanical deformations). A suitable tool to investigate the coordination of these cues lies in nanofibrous scaffolds, which can both dictate cellular and cytoskeletal orientation and facilitate mechanical perturbation of seeded cells. Here, we demonstrate a coordinated influence of scaffold architecture (aligned vs. randomly organized fibers) and tensile deformation on nuclear shape and orientation. Sensitivity of nuclear morphology to scaffold architecture was more pronounced in stem cell populations than in terminally differentiated fibrochondrocytes. Tension applied to the scaffold elicited further alterations in nuclear morphology, greatest in stem cells, that were mediated by the filamentous actin cytoskeleton, but not the microtubule or intermediate filament network. Nuclear perturbations were time and direction dependent, suggesting that the modality and direction of loading influenced nuclear architecture. The present work may provide additional insight into the mechanisms by which the physical microenvironment influences cell fate decisions, and has specific application to the design of new materials for regenerative medicine applications with adult stem cells.

Unraveling Enigma in the Z-Disks

See related article, pages 348–356 The Z-disk, a fascinating structure in myofibrils, demarcates sarcomeres and serves as not only a mechanical focal point but also a likely signaling nexus in mediating and regulating the functions of striated muscle. In the Z-disk, the barbed end of actin filaments and the titin filaments from the 2 opposing sarcomeres are cross-linked primarily by α-actinin, allowing transmission of tension between sarcomeres during contraction. At the Z-disk level, myofibrils are registered laterally to one another, to the cell membrane, and to the nuclear envelope by a network of desmin-containing intermediate filaments.1 Additionally, the Z-disk may forge linkages with integrin and dystrophin-glycoprotein complexes through interactions with proteins such as filamin C.2 Therefore, the Z-disk is the focal point in myofibrils that arguably best communicates with both intramyofibrillar and extramyofibrillar cytoskeletons, with physical linkages to the cell membrane where both inside-out and outside-in signaling occur, and to the nucleus where gene expression takes place. Notably, mutations of many genes encoding Z-disk constituents and associated proteins have been linked to myofibrillar myopathies.3–,4 Hence, these proteins have attracted a broad interest for a better understanding of the structure and genesis of myofibrils, signaling events and protein homeostasis in cardiomyocytes, and the function of the heart. It becomes increasingly tempting to believe that the Z-disk is not simply a mechanical joint responsible for force reception, transduction, and transmission, but also functions to sense mechanical stress and strain, and subsequently initiate signaling pathways to alter gene expression in response to this stress.5,–,7 In most cases, Z-disk proteins function as scaffolds to bring the signaling effectors to the substrates, thereby facilitating their …

Single cell mechanics of keratinocyte cells

Keratinocytes represent the major cell type of the uppermost layer of human skin, the epidermis. Using AFM-based single cell compression, the ability of individual keratinocytes to resist external pressure and global rupturing forces is investigated and compared with various cell types. Keratinocytes are found to be 6–70 times stiffer than other cell types, such as white blood, breast epithelial, fibroblast, or neuronal cells, and in contrast to other cell types they retain high mechanic strength even after the cell’s death. The absence of membrane rupturing peaks in the force-deformation profiles of keratinocytes and their high stiffness during a second load cycle suggests that their unique mechanical resistance is dictated by the cytoskeleton. A simple analytical model enables the quantification of Young’s modulus of keratinocyte cytoskeleton, as high as 120–340 kPa. Selective disruption of the two major cytoskeletal networks, actin filaments and microtubules, does not significantly affect keratinocyte mechanics. F-actin is found to impact cell deformation under pressure. During keratinocyte compression, the plasma membrane stretches to form peripheral blebs. Instead of blebbing, cells with depolymerized F-actin respond to pressure by detaching the plasma membrane from the cytoskeleton underneath. On the other hand, the compression force of keratinocytes expressing a mutated keratin (cell line, KEB-7) is 1.6–2.2 times less than that for the control cell line that has normal keratin networks. Therefore, we infer that the keratin intermediate filament network is responsible for the extremely high keratinocyte stiffness and resilience. This could manifest into the rugged protective nature of the human epidermis.

Molecular Image Analysis: Quantitative Description and Classification of the Nuclear Lamina in Human Mesenchymal Stem Cells

The nuclear lamina is an intermediate filament network that provides a structural framework for the cell nucleus. Changes in lamina structure are found during changes in cell fate such as cell division or cell death and are associated with human diseases. An unbiased method that quantifies changes in lamina shape can provide information on cells undergoing changes in cellular functions. We have developed an image processing methodology that finds and quantifies the 3D structure of the nuclear lamina. We show that measurements on such images can be used for cell classification and provide information concerning protein spatial localization in this structure. To demonstrate the efficacy of this method, we compared the lamina of unmanipulated human mesenchymal stem cells (hMSCs) at passage 4 to cells activated for apoptosis. A statistically significant classification was found between the two populations.

Absence of ataxin-3 leads to cytoskeletal disorganization and increased cell death

Ataxin-3 (ATXN3) is a widely expressed protein that binds to ubiquitylated proteins, has deubiquitylating activity in vitro and is thought to modulate substrate degradation through the ubiquitin–proteasome pathway. Expansion of a polyglutamine tract in ATXN3 causes Machado–Joseph disease, a late-onset neurodegenerative disorder characterized by ubiquitin-positive aggregate formation and specific neuronal death. Although ATXN3 has been involved in transcriptional repression and in the ubiquitin–proteasome pathway, its biological function is still unknown. In this work, we show that depletion of ATXN3 using small-interference RNA (siRNA) causes a prominent phenotype in both human and mouse cell lines. A mild increase in ubiquitylation occurs and cells exhibit ubiquitin-positive foci, which is consistent with ATXN3 putative function as a deubiquitylating enzyme. In addition, siATXN3-silenced cells exhibit marked morphological changes such as rounder shape and loss of adhesion protrusions. At a structural level, the microtubule, microfilament and intermediate filament networks are severely compromised and disorganized. This cytoskeletal phenotype is reversible and dependent on ATXN3 levels. Cell–extracellular matrix connection is also affected in ATXN3-depleted cells as talin expression is reduced in the focal adhesions and lower levels of α-1 integrin subunit are expressed at their surface. Although the cytoskeletal and adhesion problems do not originate any major change in the cell cycle of siATXN3-depleted cells, cell death is increased in siATXN3 cultures compared to controls. In summary, in this work we show that the absence of ATXN3 leads to an overt cytoskeletal/adhesion defect raising the possibility that this protein may play a role in the cytoskeleton.

Novel Electron Tomographic Methods to Study the Morphology of Keratin Filament Networks

The three-dimensional (3D) keratin filament network of pancreatic carcinoma cells was investigated with different electron microscopical approaches. Semithin sections of high-pressure frozen and freeze substituted cells were analyzed with scanning transmission electron microscope (STEM) tomography. Preservation of subcellular structures was excellent, and keratin filaments could be observed; however, it was impossible to three-dimensionally track the individual filaments. To obtain a better signal-to-noise ratio in transmission mode, we observed ultrathin sections of high-pressure frozen and freeze substituted samples with low-voltage (30 kV) STEM. Contrast was improved compared to 300 kV, and individual filaments could be observed. The filament network of samples prepared by detergent extraction was imaged by high-resolution scanning electron microscopy (SEM) with very good signal-to-noise ratio using the secondary electron signal and the 3D structure could be elucidated by SEM tomography. In freeze-dried samples it was possible to discern between keratin filaments and actin filaments because the helical arrangement of actin subunits in the F-actin could be resolved. When comparing the network structures of the differently prepared samples, we found no obvious differences in filament length and branching, indicating that the intermediate filament network is less susceptible to preparation artifacts than the actin network.

Three‐dimensional analysis of intermediate filament networks using SEM tomography

We identified tomographic reconstruction of a scanning electron microscopy tilt series recording the secondary electron signal as a well-suited method to generate high-contrast three-dimensional data of intermediate filament (IF) networks in pancreatic cancer cells. Although the tilt series does not strictly conform to the projection requirement of tomographic reconstruction, this approach is possible due to specific properties of the detergent-extracted samples. We introduce an algorithm to extract the graph structure of the IF networks from the tomograms based on image analysis tools. This allows a high-resolution analysis of network morphology, which is known to control the mechanical response of the cells to large-scale deformations. Statistical analysis of the extracted network graphs is used to investigate principles of structural network organization which can be linked to the regulation of cell elasticity.

Divalent Cations Crosslink Vimentin Intermediate Filament Tail Domains to Regulate Network Mechanics

Intermediate filament networks in the cytoplasm and nucleus are critical for the mechanical integrity of metazoan cells. However, the mechanism of crosslinking in these networks and the origins of their mechanical properties are not understood. Here, we study the elastic behavior of in vitro networks of the intermediate filament protein vimentin. Rheological experiments reveal that vimentin networks stiffen with increasing concentrations of Ca 2+ and Mg 2+, showing that divalent cations act as crosslinkers. We quantitatively describe the elastic response of vimentin networks over five decades of applied stress using a theory that treats the divalent cations as crosslinkers: at low stress, the behavior is entropic in origin, and increasing stress pulls out thermal fluctuations from single filaments, giving rise to a nonlinear response; at high stress, enthalpic stretching of individual filaments significantly modifies the nonlinearity. We investigate the elastic properties of networks formed by a series of protein variants with stepwise tail truncations and find that the last 11 amino acids of the C-terminal tail domain mediate crosslinking by divalent ions. We determined the single-filament persistence length, l P ≈ 0.5 μm, and Young's modulus, Y ≈ 9 MPa; both are consistent with literature values. Our results provide insight into a crosslinking mechanism for vimentin networks and suggest that divalent ions may help regulate the cytoskeletal structure and mechanical properties of cells.

Direct actin binding to A- and B-type lamin tails and actin filament bundling by the lamin A tail

Nuclear intermediate filament networks formed by A- and B-type lamins are major components of the nucleoskeleton. Lamins have growing links to human physiology and disease including Emery-Dreifuss muscular dystrophy (EDMD), lipodystrophy, cardiomyopathy, neuropathy, cerebellar disorders and segmental accelerated ‘aging’ syndromes. How lamins interact with other nucleoskeletal components, and even the identities of these other components, are open questions. Previous studies suggested lamins might bind actin. We report that the recombinant C- terminal tail domain of human A- and B-type lamins binds directly to purified actin in high- speed pelleting assays. This interaction maps to a conserved Actin Binding site (AB-1) comprising lamin A residues 461-536 in the Ig-fold domain, which are 54% identical in lamin B1. Two EDMD-causing missense mutations (R527P and L530P) in lamin A that are predicted to disrupt the Ig-fold, each reduced F-actin binding by ~66%, whereas the surface-exposed lipodystrophy-causing R482Q mutation had no significant effect. The lamin A tail was unique among lamins in having a second actin-binding site (AB-2). This second site was mapped to lamin A tail residues 564-608, based on actin-binding results for the lamin C tail and internal deletions in the lamin A tail that cause Hutchinson-Gilford Progeria Syndrome (Δ35, Δ50) or restrictive dermopathy (Δ90). Supporting the presence of two actin-binding sites, recombinant precursor (unmodified) and mature lamin A tails (not C or B1 tails) each bundled F-actin in vitro: furthermore F-actin bundling was reduced 25-40% by the R527P, L530P, Δ35 and Δ50 mutations, and was abolished by Δ90. Unexpectedly, the mature lamin A tail bound F-actin significantly more efficiently than did the prelamin A tail; this suggested unmodified residues 647-664, unique to prelamin A, might auto-inhibit binding to actin (and potentially other partners). These biochemical results suggest direct mechanisms by which lamins, particularly lamin A, might impact the concentration of free actin in the nucleus or pathways including transcription, nuclear export, chromatin remodeling, chromatin movement and nuclear assembly that require nuclear myosin 1c and polymerizable actin.

Actin, microtubules, and vimentin intermediate filaments cooperate for elongation of invadopodia

Invasive cancer cells are believed to breach the basement membrane (BM) using specialized protrusions called invadopodia. We found that the crossing of a native BM is a three-stage process: invadopodia indeed form and perforate the BM, elongate into mature invadopodia, and then guide the cell toward the stromal compartment. We studied the remodeling of cytoskeleton networks during invadopodia formation and elongation using ultrastructural analysis, spatial distribution of molecular markers, and RNA interference silencing of protein expression. We show that formation of invadopodia requires only the actin cytoskeleton and filopodia- and lamellipodia-associated proteins. In contrast, elongation of invadopodia is mostly dependent on filopodial actin machinery. Moreover, intact microtubules and vimentin intermediate filament networks are required for further growth. We propose that invadopodia form by assembly of dendritic/diagonal and bundled actin networks and then mature by elongation of actin bundles, followed by the entry of microtubules and vimentin filaments. These findings provide a link between the epithelial to mesenchymal transition and BM transmigration.

Abstract 5181: Forced hemidesmosome assembly blocks pancreatic cancer cell invasiveness

Abstract Hemidesmosomes (HDs) play a critical role in epithelia integrity by anchoring epithelial cells to the basement membrane (BM). These structures, present at the basal cell surface, link the intracellular intermediate filament network with the extracellular laminins of the BM. Interestingly, HDs are frequently lost in cancer cells, thereby facilitating epithelial tumor cell detachment from the BM. Surprisingly, we here provide evidence that a strong immunoreactivity for the integrin α6β4 and BP180, two specific hemidesmosomal proteins, is observed in human pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma cells, where their function served paradoxically to stimulate migration and invasion. Using human pancreatic cancer cells in culture, we described molecular events explaining why these proteins are hijacked from their primary function and, importantly, how to force back the reassembly of HDs, thereby decreasing cancer cell migration and invasion. This is achieved by introducing in these cells the somatostatin receptor sst2, whose expression is lost in 90% of pancreatic cancers, and which we have shown to have oncosuppressive functions including inhibition of tumor progression and metastasis. Cell treatment with somatostatin forced HDs reassembly by stimulating two separate critical events, as demonstrated in pancreatic cancer cells and in migrating keratinocytes: 1- the dephosphorylation of the α6β4 integrin which drives its relocalization from lamellipodia, where it is delocalised upon its phosphorylation by growth factors in migrating cells, to HDs; 2- the inhibition of the cleavage of BP180 into its pro-migratory BP120 form, which is here shown to account for the strong BP180 immunoreactivity observed in human pancreatic tumor samples as compared to normal pancreas where the full-length BP180 form is mostly expressed. BP180 cleavage into BP120 is here shown to rely at least on the activity of the MMP-9 metalloprotease whose activity is inhibited by sst2. Strikingly, knocking-down BP180 expression (siRNA) impairs somatostatin-induced HDs assembly in sst2-expressing cells. Interestingly, BP180 siRNA partially revert sst2 inhibitory role on in vitro and in vivo cell migration and invasion, as demonstrated using the chick chorioallatoic membrane model whereby tumor progression of pancreatic cancer cell xenografts is monitored. We have identified novel and original mechanisms for somatostatin-activated sst2 to revert cancer cell pro-migratory phenotype by facilitating HD assembly and cancer cell anchorage to the BM. Note: This abstract was not presented at the AACR 101st Annual Meeting 2010 because the presenter was unable to attend. Citation Format: {Authors}. {Abstract title} [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 101st Annual Meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research; 2010 Apr 17-21; Washington, DC. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2010;70(8 Suppl):Abstract nr 5181.

Oligomers of Mutant Glial Fibrillary Acidic Protein (GFAP) Inhibit the Proteasome System in Alexander Disease Astrocytes, and the Small Heat Shock Protein αB-Crystallin Reverses the Inhibition

The accumulation of the intermediate filament protein, glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP), in astrocytes of Alexander disease (AxD) impairs proteasome function in astrocytes. We have explored the molecular mechanism that underlies the proteasome inhibition. We find that both assembled and unassembled wild type (wt) and R239C mutant GFAP protein interacts with the 20 S proteasome complex and that the R239C AxD mutation does not interfere with this interaction. However, the R239C GFAP accumulates to higher levels and forms more protein aggregates than wt protein. These aggregates bind components of the ubiquitin-proteasome system and, thus, may deplete the cytosolic stores of these proteins. We also find that the R239C GFAP has a greater inhibitory effect on proteasome system than wt GFAP. Using a ubiquitin-independent degradation assay in vitro, we observed that the proteasome cannot efficiently degrade unassembled R239C GFAP, and the interaction of R239C GFAP with proteasomes actually inhibits proteasomal protease activity. The small heat shock protein, alphaB-crystallin, which accumulates massively in AxD astrocytes, reverses the inhibitory effects of R239C GFAP on proteasome activity and promotes degradation of the mutant GFAP, apparently by shifting the size of the mutant protein from larger oligomers to smaller oligomers and monomers. These observations suggest that oligomeric forms of GFAP are particularly effective at inhibiting proteasome activity.

Compound Heterozygous Desmoplakin Mutations Result in a Phenotype with a Combination of Myocardial, Skin, Hair, and Enamel Abnormalities

Desmoplakin (DP) anchors the intermediate filament cytoskeleton to the desmosomal cadherins and thereby confers structural stability to tissues. In this study, we present a patient with extensive mucocutaneous blisters, epidermolytic palmoplantar keratoderma, nail dystrophy, enamel dysplasia, and sparse woolly hair. The patient died at the age of 14 years from undiagnosed cardiomyopathy. The skin showed hyperplasia and acantholysis in the mid- and lower epidermal layers, whereas the heart showed extensive fibrosis and fibrofatty replacement in both ventricles. Immunofluorescence microscopy showed a reduction in the C-terminal domain of DP in the skin and oral mucosa. Sequencing of the DP gene showed undescribed mutations in the maternal and paternal alleles. Both mutations affected exon 24 encoding the C-terminal domain. The paternal mutation, c.6310delA, leads to a premature stop codon. The maternal mutation, c.7964 C to A, results in a substitution of an aspartic acid for a conserved alanine residue at amino acid 2655 (A2655D). Structural modeling indicated that this mutation changes the electrostatic potential of the mutated region of DP, possibly altering functions that depend on intermolecular interactions. To conclude, we describe a combination of DP mutation phenotypes affecting the skin, heart, hair, and teeth. This patient case emphasizes the importance of heart examination of patients with desmosomal genodermatoses.