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Biomedical subjects

M A Titus

Publications and source records attributed to M A Titus.

At least 19 recordsLinked to original sources
PubMed1997

Myosin I overexpression impairs cell migration.

Dictyostelium myoB, a member of the myosin I family of motor proteins, is important for controlling the formation and retraction of membrane projections by the cell's actin cortex (Novak, K.D., M.D. Peterson, M.C. Reedy, and M.A. Titus. 1995. J. Cell Biol. 131:1205-1221). Mutants that express a three- to sevenfold excess of myoB (myoB+ cells) were generated to further analyze the role of myosin I in these processes. The myoB+ cells move with an instantaneous velocity that is 35% of the wild-type rate and exhibit a 6-8-h delay in initiation of aggregation when placed under starvation conditions. The myoB+ cells complete the developmental cycle after an extended period of time, but they form fewer fruiting bodies that appear to be small and abnormal. The myoB+ cells are also deficient in their ability both to form distinct F-actin filled projections such as crowns and to become elongate and polarized. This defect can be attributed to the presence of at least threefold more myoB at the cortex of the myoB+ cells. In contrast, threefold overexpression of a truncated myoB that lacks the src homology 3 (SH3) domain (myoB/SH3- cells) or myoB in which the consensus heavy chain phosphorylation site was mutated to an alanine (S332A-myoB) does not disturb normal cellular function. However, there is an increased concentration of myoB in the cortex of the myoB/SH3- and S332A-myoB cells comparable to that found in the myoB+ cells. These results suggest that excess full-length cortical myoB prevents the formation of the actin-filled extensions required for locomotion by increasing the tension of the F-actin cytoskeleton and/or retracting projections before they can fully extend. They also demonstrate a role for the phosphorylation site and SH3 domain in mediating the in vivo activity of myosin I.

Animals↗
PubMed1996

Dictyostelium discoideum myoJ: a member of a broadly defined myosin V class or a class XI unconventional myosin?

The simple eukaryote Dictyostelium discoideum contains at least 12 unconventional myosin genes. Here we report the characterization of one of these, myoJ, a gene initially identified through a physical mapping screen. The myoJ gene encodes a high molecular weight myosin, and analysis of the available deduced amino acid sequence reveals that it possesses six IQ motifs and sequences typical of alpha helical coiled coils in the tail region. Therefore, myoJ is predicted to exist as a dimer with up to 12 associated light chains (six per heavy chain). The 7.8 kb myoJ mRNA is expressed all throughout the life cycle of D. discoideum. The myoJ gene has been disrupted and a phenotypic analysis of the mutant cells initiated. Finally, phylogenetic analysis of the head region reveals that myoJ is most similar to two plant myosin genes, Arabidopsis MYA1 and MYA2, that have been alternatively suggested to be either members of the myosin V class or founding members of the myosin XI class.

Amino Acid Sequence↗
PubMed1996

Examination of the endosomal and lysosomal pathways in Dictyostelium discoideum myosin I mutants.

The role of myosin Is in endosomal trafficking and the lysosomal system was investigated in a Dictyostelium discoideum myosin I double mutant myoB-/C-, that has been previously shown to exhibit defects in fluid-phase endocytosis during growth in suspension culture (Novak et al., 1995). Various properties of the endosomal pathway in the myoB-/C- double mutant as well as in the myoB- and myoC- single mutants, including intravesicular pH, and intracellular retention time and exocytosis of a fluid phase marker, were found to be indistinguishable from wild-type parental cells. The intimate connection between the contractile vacuole complex and the endocytic pathway in Dictyostelium, and the localization of a myosin I to the contractile vacuole in Acanthamoeba, led us to also examine the structure and function of this organelle in the three myosin I mutants. No alteration in contractile vacuole structure or function was observed in the myoB-, myoC- or myoB-/C- cell lines. The transport, processing, and localization of a lysosomal enzyme, alpha-mannosidase, were also unaltered in all three mutants. However, the myoB- and myoB-/C- cell lines, but not the myoC- cell line, were found to oversecrete the lysosomal enzymes alpha-mannosidase and acid phosphatase, during growth and starvation. None of the mutants oversecreted proteins following the constitutive secretory pathway. Two additional myosin I mutants, myoA- and myoA-/B-, were also found to oversecrete the lysosomally localized enzymes alpha-mannosidase and acid phosphatase. Taken together, these results suggest that these myosins do not play a role in the intracellular movement of vesicles, but that they may participate in controlling events that occur at the actin-rich cortical region of the cell. While no direct evidence has been found for the association of myosin Is with lysosomes, we predict that the integrity of the lysosomal system is tied to the fidelity of the actin cortex, and changes in cortical organization could influence lysosomal-related membrane events such as internalization or transit of vesicles to the cell surface.

Animals↗
PubMed1995

Dictyostelium myosin I double mutants exhibit conditional defects in pinocytosis.

The functional relationship between three Dictyostelium myosin Is, myoA, myoB, and myoC, has been examined through the creation of double mutants. Two double mutants, myoA-/B- and myoB-/C-, exhibit similar conditional defects in fluid-phase pinocytosis. Double mutants grown in suspension culture are significantly impaired in their ability to take in nutrients from the medium, whereas they are almost indistinguishable from wild-type and single mutant strains when grown on a surface. The double mutants are also found to internalize gp126, a 116-kD membrane protein, at a slower rate than either the wild-type or single mutant cells. Ultrastructural analysis reveals that both double mutants possess numerous small vesicles, in contrast to the wild-type or myosin I single mutants that exhibit several large, clear vacuoles. The alterations in fluid and membrane internalization in the suspension-grown double mutants, coupled with the altered vesicular profile, suggest that these cells may be compromised during the early stages of pinocytosis, a process that has been proposed to occur via actin-based cytoskeletal rearrangements. Scanning electron microscopy and rhodamine-phalloidin staining indicates that the myosin I double mutants appear to extend a larger number of actin-filled structures, such as filopodia and crowns, than wild-type cells. Rhodamine-phalloidin staining of the F-actin cytoskeleton of these suspension-grown cells also reveals that the double mutant cells are delayed in the rearrangement of cortical actin-rich structures upon adhesion to a substrate. We propose that myoA, myoB, and myoC play roles in controlling F-actin filled membrane projections that are required for pinosome internalization in suspension.

Actins↗
PubMed1995

Molecular genetic analysis of myoC, a Dictyostelium myosin I.

The protozoan myosin Is are widely expressed actin-based motors, yet their in vivo roles remain poorly understood. Molecular genetic studies have been carried out to determine their in vivo function in the simple eukaryote Dictyostelium, an organism that contains a family of four myosin Is. Here we report the characterization of myoC, a gene that encodes a fifth member of this family. Analysis of the deduced amino acid sequence reveals that the myoC gene encodes a myosin that is homologous to the well-described Acanthamoeba myosin Is as well as to Dictyostelium myoB and -D. The expression pattern of the myoC mRNA is similar to that of myoB and myoD, with a peak of expression at times of maximal cell migration, around 6 hours development. Deletion of the myoB gene has been previously shown to result in mutant cells that are defective in pseudopod extension and phagocytosis. However, no obvious differences in cell growth, development, phagocytosis or motility were detected in cells in which the myoC gene had been disrupted by homologous recombination. F-actin localization and ultrastructural organization also appeared unperturbed in myoC- cells. This apparent 'lack' of phenotype in a myosin I single knockout cannot be simply explained by redundancy of function. Our results rather suggest that the present means of assessing myosin I function in vivo are insufficient to identify the unique roles of these actin-based motors.

Amino Acid Sequence↗
PubMed1995

Molecular genetic analysis of myoF, a new Dictyostelium myosin I gene.

Several new members of the Dictyostelium myosin family have been identified by physical mapping techniques in combination with PCR. Here we describe the initial molecular genetic characterization of one of these, myoF. A 1-kb segment of the myoF gene was obtained by the PCR and used as a specific probe for Northern analysis and as a vehicle for gene-targeting studies. The myoF gene is expressed as a 3.7-kb message, a size consistent with it encoding a myosin I class unconventional myosin, bringing the total of myosin is present in Dictyostelium to six. Analysis of strains in which the myoF gene has been disrupted reveals that loss of the myoF protein does not result in obvious defects either in cellular translocation, or in other readily assayed actin-based processes. The results of our investigation indicate that the myosin I family is quite large in Dictyostelium, and that several members, including myoF, may either be functionally redundant or play roles in as yet undescribed actin-based processes.

Amino Acid Sequence↗
PubMed1994

Discovery of myosin genes by physical mapping in Dictyostelium.

The diversity of the myosin family in a single organism, Dictyostelium discoideum, has been investigated by a strategy devised to rapidly identify and clone additional members of a gene family. An ordered array of yeast artificial chromosome clones that encompasses the Dictyostelium genome was probed at low stringency with conserved regions of the myosin motor domain to identify all possible myosin loci. The previously identified myosin loci (mchA, myoA-E) were detected by hybridization to the probes, as well as an additional seven previously unidentified loci (referred to as myoF-L). Clones corresponding to four of these additional loci (myoF, myoH-J) were obtained by using the isolated yeast artificial chromosomes as templates in a PCR employing degenerate primers specific for conserved regions of the myosin head. Sequence analysis and physical mapping of these clones confirm that these PCR products are derived from four previously unidentified myosin genes. Preliminary analysis of these sequences suggests that at least one of the genes (myoJ) encodes a member of a potentially different class of myosins. With the development of whole genome libraries for a variety of organisms, this approach can be used to rapidly explore the diversity of this and other gene families in a number of systems.

Amino Acid Sequence↗
PubMed1994

Baculovirus mediated high level expression of human placental aromatase (CYP19A1).

An efficient expression system for a cDNA clone of human placental aromatase has been developed using the baculovirus expression system in TN5 (Tricoplusia ni) cells. The protein was expressed at high levels, with specific aromatase activity and specific P450 content comparable to that found in human placental microsomes. To achieve these high levels of activity, hemin had to be added to the cultures of infected cells and NADPH-cytochrome P450 reductase had to be included in the assay buffer. The spectral properties of ligand bound forms of the baculovirus expressed aromatase were very similar to those exhibited by the same ligand bound forms of the enzyme purified from placental microsomes. This expression system appears to be a suitable source for the purification of milligram quantities of recombinant aromatase.

Animals↗
PubMed1993

Myosins.

The number and variety of myosins that have been identified has increased greatly over the past few years, and is still growing. Myosins have been classified into at least six distinct classes. Research during the last year has concentrated on identifying the roles of various myosins.

Amino Acid Sequence↗
PubMed1993

The unconventional myosin encoded by the myoA gene plays a role in Dictyostelium motility.

The myoA gene of Dictyostelium is a member of a gene family of unconventional myosins. The myosin Is share homologous head and basic domains, but the myoA gene product lacks the glycine-, proline-, alanine-rich and src homology 3 domains typical of several of the other myosin Is. A mutant strain of Dictyostelium lacking a functional myoA gene was produced by gene targeting, and the motility of this strain in buffer and a spatial gradient of the chemoattractant cyclic AMP was analyzed by computer-assisted methods. The myoA- cells have a normal elongate morphology in buffer but exhibit a decrease in the instantaneous velocity of cellular translocation, an increase in the frequency of lateral pseudopod formation, and an increase in turning. In a spatial gradient, in which the frequency of pseudopod formation is depressed, myoA- cells exhibit positive chemotaxis but still turn several times more frequently than control cells. These results demonstrate that the other members of the unconventional myosin family do not fully compensate for the loss of functional myoA gene product. Surprisingly, the phenotype of the myoA- strain closely resembles that of the myoB- strain, suggesting that both play a role in the frequency of pseudopod formation and turning during cellular translocation.

Animals↗
PubMed1992

Contemporary issues in the psychotherapy of women.

According to current research findings, women are more likely than men to suffer from depression, eating disorders, and multiple personality disorder. The authors review recent advances in the understanding of female psychology, family systems theory, and psychoanalytic theory to show how women's unique developmental challenges and complex social conditions interact to determine the form and expression of these disorders. After discussing contributing factors, the authors suggest appropriate approaches to diagnosis and treatment. They conclude that therapists of both genders must appreciate the complex causes of these disorders to be most helpful to their female patients.

Depressive Disorder↗
PubMed1989

Gene replacement in Dictyostelium: generation of myosin null mutants.

The eukaryotic slime mold Dictyostelium discoideum has a single conventional myosin heavy chain gene (mhcA). The elimination of the mhcA gene was achieved by homologous recombination. Two gene replacement plasmids were constructed, each carrying the G418 resistance gene as a selective marker and flanked by either 0.7 kb of 5' coding sequence and 0.9 kb of 3' coding sequence or 1.5 kb of 5' flanking sequence and 1.1 kb of 3' flanking sequence. Myosin null mutants (mhcA- cells) were obtained after transformation with either of these plasmids. The mhcA- cells are genetically stable and are capable of a variety of motile processes. Our results provide genetic proof that in Dictyostelium the conventional myosin gene is required for growth in suspension, normal cell division and sporogenesis, and illustrate how gene targeting can be used as a tool in Dictyostelium.

Dictyostelium↗
PubMed1989

SH-1 modification of rabbit myosin interferes with calcium regulation.

The reactive thiol of the myosin head, SH-1, can be selectively labelled in glycerinated rabbit muscle fibres. This residue has been used as an attachment site for either fluorescent or spectroscopic probes which report on head movements and orientations in various functional states of muscle. We have specifically modified SH-1 in vitro, using purified rabbit myosin and conditions similar to those employed in the labelling of muscle fibres (low ionic strength [40 mM NaCl] at 4 degrees C), with stoichiometric amounts of either [14C]-iodoacetamide, 5-(2[iodoacetyl)amino)ethyl) aminonaphthalene-1- sulphonic acid (IAEDANS), or 4-(2-iodoacetamido-2,2,6,6-tetramethyl piperidinooxyl (IASL). The specificity of modification was determined by measuring the well-defined alterations in the high salt ATPase activities of myosin and by localizing both IAAm and IAEDANS to the 20-kDa C-terminal subfragment 1 (S1) which contains SH-1. The low ionic strength actin-activated Mg2+-ATPase of SH-1-modified rabbit myosin was measured in the presence of the thin filament regulatory, complex, troponin-tropomyosin. A significant increase in this activity in the absence of calcium, concomitant with a decrease in activity in the presence of calcium, was observed as the extent of SH-1 modification was incrementally increased from zero to one mole of label bound per mole of SH-1. The elevated myosin Mg2+-ATPase, which results from SH-1 modification, does not account for the increased actin-activated Mg2+-ATPase in resting conditions (i.e. in the absence of calcium).(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Animals↗