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PubMed1997

Molecular requirements for bi-directional movement of phagosomes along microtubules.

Microtubules facilitate the maturation of phagosomes by favoring their interactions with endocytic compartments. Here, we show that phagosomes move within cells along tracks of several microns centrifugally and centripetally in a pH- and microtubule-dependent manner. Phagosome movement was reconstituted in vitro and required energy, cytosol and membrane proteins of this organelle. The activity or presence of these phagosome proteins was regulated as the organelle matured, with "late" phagosomes moving threefold more frequently than "early" ones. The majority of moving phagosomes were minus-end directed; the remainder moved towards microtubule plus-ends and a small subset moved bi-directionally. Minus-end movement showed pharmacological characteristics expected for dyneins, was inhibited by immunodepletion of cytoplasmic dynein and could be restored by addition of cytoplasmic dynein. Plus-end movement displayed pharmacological properties of kinesin, was inhibited partially by immunodepletion of kinesin and fully by addition of an anti-kinesin IgG. Immunodepletion of dynactin, a dynein-activating complex, inhibited only minus-end directed motility. Evidence is provided for a dynactin-associated kinase required for dynein-mediated vesicle transport. Movement in both directions was inhibited by peptide fragments from kinectin (a putative kinesin membrane receptor), derived from the region to which a motility-blocking antibody binds. Polypeptide subunits from these microtubule-based motility factors were detected on phagosomes by immunoblotting or immunoelectron microscopy. This is the first study using a single in vitro system that describes the roles played by kinesin, kinectin, cytoplasmic dynein, and dynactin in the microtubule-mediated movement of a purified membrane organelle.

Adenosine Triphosphate↗

PubMed1996

A complex of NuMA and cytoplasmic dynein is essential for mitotic spindle assembly.

NuMA is a nuclear protein during interphase but redistributes to the spindle poles early in mitosis. To investigate its role during spindle formation, we tested spindle assembly in frog egg extracts from which NuMA was immunodepleted. Immunodepletion revealed that NuMA forms a complex with cytoplasmic dynein and dynactin. The depleted extracts failed to assemble normal mitotic spindles, producing, instead, chromatin-associated irregular arrays of microtubules lacking characteristic spindle poles. A subdomain of the NuMA tail was shown to induce microtubule aster formation by mediating microtubule bundling. Our findings suggest that NuMA forms bifunctional complexes with cytoplasmic dynein and dynactin that can tether microtubules at the spindle poles and that are essential for mitotic spindle pole assembly and stabilization.

Amino Acid Sequence↗

PubMed2002

Evidence that an interaction between EB1 and p150(Glued) is required for the formation and maintenance of a radial microtubule array anchored at the centrosome.

EB1 is a microtubule tip-associated protein that interacts with the APC tumor suppressor protein and components of the dynein/dynactin complex. We have found that the C-terminal 50 and 84 amino acids (aa) of EB1 were sufficient to mediate the interactions with APC and dynactin, respectively. EB1 formed mutually exclusive complexes with APC and dynactin, and a direct interaction between EB1 and p150(Glued) was identified. EB1-GFP deletion mutants demonstrated a role for the N-terminus in mediating the EB1-microtubule interaction, whereas C-terminal regions contributed to both its microtubule tip localization and a centrosomal localization. Cells expressing the last 84 aa of EB1 fused to GFP (EB1-C84-GFP) displayed profound defects in microtubule organization and centrosomal anchoring. EB1-C84-GFP expression severely inhibited microtubule regrowth, focusing, and anchoring in transfected cells during recovery from nocodazole treatment. The recruitment of gamma-tubulin and p150(Glued) to centrosomes was also inhibited. None of these effects were seen in cells expressing the last 50 aa of EB1 fused to GFP. Furthermore, EB1-C84-GFP expression did not induce Golgi apparatus fragmentation. We propose that a functional interaction between EB1 and p150(Glued) is required for microtubule minus end anchoring at centrosomes during the assembly and maintenance of a radial microtubule array.

Adenomatous Polyposis Coli Protein↗

PubMed1999

Self-regulated polymerization of the actin-related protein Arp1.

The actin-related protein Arp1 (or centractin, actin RPV) is the major subunit of dynactin, a key component of the cytoplasmic dynein motor machinery [1] [2] [3]. Of the ubiquitously expressed members of the Arp superfamily, Arp1 is most similar to conventional actin [4] [5] [6] and, on the basis of conserved sequence features, is predicted to bind ATP and possibly polymerize. In vivo, all cytosolic Arp1 sediments at 20S [7] suggesting that it assembles into oligomers, most likely dynactin - a multiprotein complex known to contain eight or nine Arp1 monomers in a 37 nm filament [8]. The uniform length of Arp1 polymers suggests a novel assembly mechanism that may be governed by a 'ruler' activity. In dynactin, the Arp1 filament is bounded by actin-capping protein at one end and a heterotetrameric protein complex containing the p62 subunit (D.M. Eckley, S.R. Gill, J.B.B., J.E. Heuser, T.A.S., unpublished observations) at the other [8]. In the present study, we analyzed the behavior of highly purified, native Arp1. Arp1 was found to polymerize rapidly into short filaments that were similar, but not identical, in length to those in dynactin. With time, these filaments appeared to anneal to form longer assemblies but never attained the length of conventional actin filaments.

Actins↗

PubMed2005

Live imaging of Drosophila brain neuroblasts reveals a role for Lis1/dynactin in spindle assembly and mitotic checkpoint control.

Lis1 is required for nuclear migration in fungi, cell cycle progression in mammals, and the formation of a folded cerebral cortex in humans. Lis1 binds dynactin and the dynein motor complex, but the role of Lis1 in many dynein/dynactin-dependent processes is not clearly understood. Here we generate and/or characterize mutants for Drosophila Lis1 and a dynactin subunit, Glued, to investigate the role of Lis1/dynactin in mitotic checkpoint function. In addition, we develop an improved time-lapse video microscopy technique that allows live imaging of GFP-Lis1, GFP-Rod checkpoint protein, green fluorescent protein (GFP)-labeled chromosomes, or GFP-labeled mitotic spindle dynamics in neuroblasts within whole larval brain explants. Our mutant analyses show that Lis1/dynactin have at least two independent functions during mitosis: first promoting centrosome separation and bipolar spindle assembly during prophase/prometaphase, and subsequently generating interkinetochore tension and transporting checkpoint proteins off kinetochores during metaphase, thus promoting timely anaphase onset. Furthermore, we show that Lis1/dynactin/dynein physically associate and colocalize on centrosomes, spindle MTs, and kinetochores, and that regulation of Lis1/dynactin kinetochore localization in Drosophila differs from both Caenorhabditis elegans and mammals. We conclude that Lis1/dynactin act together to regulate multiple, independent functions in mitotic cells, including spindle formation and cell cycle checkpoint release.

Animals↗

PubMed2003

Interactions between the evolutionarily conserved, actin-related protein, Arp11, actin, and Arp1.

The dynein activator dynactin is a multiprotein complex with distinct microtubule- and cargo-binding domains. The cargo-binding domain contains a short, actin-like filament of the actin-related protein Arp1, a second actin-related protein, Arp11, and conventional actin. The length of this filament is invariant in dynactin isolated from multiple species and tissues, suggesting that activities that regulate Arp1 polymerization are important for dynactin assembly. Arp11 is present in a protein complex localized at the pointed end of the Arp1 minifilament, whereas actin capping protein (CapZ) is present at the barbed end. Either might cooperate with conventional actin to cap Arp1. We tested the ability of Arp11 to interact with conventional actin and found it could coassemble. Like Arp1, cytosolic Arp11 is found only in dynactin, suggesting that Arp11 and free cytosolic actin do not interact significantly. Recombinant Arp11 and Arp1 were demonstrated to interact by coprecipitation. We developed an in vivo assay for Arp11-Arp1 interaction based on previous observations that Arp1 forms filamentous assemblies when overexpressed in cultured cells. Arp11 significantly decreases the formation of these organized Arp1 assemblies. Finally, this assay was used to confirm the identity of a putative Arp11 homolog in Drosophila melanogaster.

Actin-Related Protein 3↗

PubMedDate not supplied

Cytoplasmic dynein and microtubule transport in the axon: the action connection.

The neuron uses two families of microtubule-based motors for fast axonal transport, kinesin, and cytoplasmic dynein. Cytoplasmic dynein moves membranous organelles from the distal regions of the axon to the cell body. Because dynein is synthesized in the cell body, it must first be delivered to the axon tip. It has recently been shown that cytoplasmic dynein is moved from the cell body along the axon by two different mechanisms. A small amount is associated with fast anterograde transport, the membranous organelles moved by kinesin. Most of the dynein is transported in slow component b, the actin-based transport compartment. Dynactin, a protein complex that binds dynein, is also transported in slow component b. The dynein in slow component b binds to microtubules in an ATP-dependent manner in vitro, suggesting that this dynein is enzymatically active. The finding that functionally active dynein, and dynactin, are associated with the actin-based transport compartment suggests a mechanism whereby dynein anchored to the actin cytoskeleton via dynactin provides the motive force for microtubule movement in the axon.

Animals↗

PubMed2004

Dynactin.

Dynactin is a multisubunit protein complex that is required for most, if not all, types of cytoplasmic dynein activity in eukaryotes. Dynactin binds dynein directly and allows the motor to traverse the microtubule lattice over long distances. A single dynactin subunit, p150Glued, is sufficient for both activities, yet dynactin contains several other subunits that are organized into an elaborate structure. It is currently believed that the bulk of the dynactin structure participates in interactions with a wide range of cellular structures, many of which are cargoes of the dynein motor. Genetic studies verify the importance of all elements of dynactin structure to its function. Although dynein can bind some membranous cargoes independently of dynactin, establishment of a fully functional dynein-cargo link appears to depend on dynactin. In this review, I summarize what is presently known about dynactin structure, the cellular structures with which it associates, and the intermolecular interactions that underlie and regulate binding. Although the molecular details of dynactin's interactions with membranous organelles and other molecules are complex, the framework provided here is intended to distill what is presently known and to be of use to dynactin specialists and beginners alike.

Animals↗

PubMed2003

The highly conserved Ndc80 complex is required for kinetochore assembly, chromosome congression, and spindle checkpoint activity.

We show that the Xenopus homologs of Ndc80/Tid3/HEC1 (xNdc80) and Nuf2/MPP1/Him-10 (xNuf2) proteins physically interact in a 190-kD complex that associates with the outer kinetochore from prometaphase through anaphase. Injecting function-blocking antibodies to either xNdc80 or xNuf2 into XTC cells caused premature exit from mitosis without detectable chromosome congression or anaphase movements. Injected cells did not arrest in response to microtubule drugs, showing that the complex is required for the spindle checkpoint. Kinetochores assembled in Xenopus extracts after immunodepletion of the complex did not contain xRod, xZw10, xP150 glued (Dynactin), xMad1, xMad2, xBub1, and xBub3, demonstrating that the xNdc80 complex is required for functional kinetochore assembly. In contrast, function-blocking antibodies did not affect the localization of other kinetochore proteins when added to extracts containing previously assembled kinetochores. These extracts with intact kinetochores were deficient in checkpoint signaling, suggesting that the Ndc80 complex participates in the spindle checkpoint. We also demonstrate that the spindle checkpoint can arrest budding yeast cells lacking Ndc80 or Nuf2, whereas yeast lacking both proteins fail to arrest in mitosis. Systematic deletion of yeast kinetochore genes suggests that the Ndc80 complex has a unique role in spindle checkpoint signaling. We propose that the Ndc80 complex has conserved roles in kinetochore assembly, chromosome congression, and spindle checkpoint signaling.

Anaphase↗

PubMed1996

Functionally distinct isoforms of dynactin are expressed in human neurons.

P150Glued is the largest subunit of dynactin, which binds to cytoplasmic dynein and activates vesicle transport along microtubules. We have isolated human cDNAs encoding p150Glued as well as a 135-kDa isoform; these isoforms are expressed in human brain by alternative mRNA splicing of the human DCTN1 gene. The p135 isoform lacks the consensus microtubule-binding motif shared by members of the p150Glued/Glued/CLIP-170/BIK1 family of microtubule-associated proteins and, therefore, is predicted not to bind directly to microtubules. We used transient transfection assays and in vitro microtubule-binding assays to demonstrate that the p150 isoform binds to microtubules, but the p135 isoform does not. However, both isoforms bind to cytoplasmic dynein, and both partition similarly into cytosolic and membrane cellular fractions. Sequential immunoprecipitations with an isoform-specific antibody for p150 followed by a pan-isoform antibody revealed that, in brain, these polypeptides assemble to form distinct complexes, each of which sediments at approximately 20 S. On the basis of these observations, we hypothesize that there is a conserved neuronal function for a distinct form of the dynactin complex that cannot bind directly to cellular microtubules.

Alternative Splicing↗

PubMed1996

Genetic interactions among cytoplasmic dynein, dynactin, and nuclear distribution mutants of Neurospora crassa.

Cytoplasmic dynein is a multisubunit, microtubule-associated, mechanochemical enzyme that has been identified as a retrograde transporter of various membranous organelles. Dynactin, an additional multisubunit complex, is required for efficient dynein-mediated transport of vesicles in vitro. Recently, we showed that three genes defined by a group of phenotypically identical mutants of the filamentous fungus Neurospora crassa encode proteins that are apparent subunits of either cytoplasmic dynein or dynactin. These mutants, designated ropy (ro), display abnormal hyphal growth and are defective in nuclear distribution. We propose that mutations in other genes encoding dynein/dynactin subunits are likely to result in a ropy phenotype and have devised a genetic screen for the isolation of additional ro mutants. Cytoplasmic dynein/dynactin is the largest and most complex of the cytoplasmic motor proteins, and the genetic system described here is unique in its potentiality for identifying mutations in undefined genes encoding dynein/dynactin subunits or regulators. We used this screen to isolate > 1000 ro mutants, which were found to define 23 complementation groups. Unexpectedly, interallelic complementation was observed with some allele pairs of ro-1 and ro-3, which are predicted to encode the largest subunits of cytoplasmic dynein and dynactin, respectively. The results suggest that the Ro1 and Ro3 polypeptides may consist of multiple, functionally independent domains. In addition, approximately 10% of all newly isolated ro mutantsdisplay unlinked noncomplementation with two or more of the mutants that define the 23 complementation groups. The frequent appearance of ro mutants showing noncomplementation with multiple ro mutants having unlinked mutations suggests that nuclear distribution in filamentous fungi is a process that is easily disrupted by affecting either dosage or activity of cytoplasmic dynein, dynactin, and perhaps other cytoskeletal proteins or regulators.

Alleles↗

PubMed2006

Key interaction modes of dynamic +TIP networks.

Dynamic microtubule plus-end tracking protein (+TIP) networks are implicated in all functions of microtubules, but the molecular determinants of their interactions are largely unknown. Here, we have explored key binding modes of +TIPs by analyzing the interactions between selected CAP-Gly, EB-like, and carboxy-terminal EEY/F-COO(-) sequence motifs. X-ray crystallography and biophysical binding studies demonstrate that the beta2-beta3 loop of CAP-Gly domains determines EB-like motif binding specificity. They further show how CAP-Gly domains serve as recognition domains for EEY/F-COO(-) motifs, which represent characteristic and functionally important sequence elements in EB, CLIP-170, and alpha-tubulin. Our findings provide a molecular basis for understanding the modular interaction modes between alpha-tubulin, CLIPs, EB proteins, and the dynactin-dynein motor complex and suggest that multiple low-affinity binding sites in different combinations control dynamic +TIP networks at microtubule ends. They further offer insights into the structural consequences of genetic CAP-Gly domain defects found in severe human disorders.

Amino Acid Motifs↗

PubMed2002

Intact microtubules support adenovirus and herpes simplex virus infections.

Capsids and the enclosed DNA of adenoviruses, including the species C viruses adenovirus type 2 (Ad2) and Ad5, and herpesviruses, such as herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV-1), are targeted to the nuclei of epithelial, endothelial, fibroblastic, and neuronal cells. Cytoplasmic transport of fluorophore-tagged Ad2 and immunologically detected HSV-1 capsids required intact microtubules and the microtubule-dependent minus-end-directed motor complex dynein-dynactin. A recent study with epithelial cells suggested that Ad5 was transported to the nucleus and expressed its genes independently of a microtubule network. To clarify the mechanisms by which Ad2 and, as an independent control, HSV-1 were targeted to the nucleus, we treated epithelial cells with nocodazole (NOC) to depolymerize microtubules and measured viral gene expression at different times and multiplicities of infections. Our results indicate that in NOC-treated cells, viral transgene expression was significantly reduced at up to 48 h postinfection (p.i.). A quantitative analysis of subcellular capsid localization indicated that NOC blocked the nuclear targeting of Ad2 and also HSV-1 by more than 90% at up to 7 h p.i. About 10% of the incoming Texas Red-coupled Ad2 (Ad2-TR) was enriched at the nucleus in microtubule-depleted cells at 5 h p.i. This result is consistent with earlier observations that Ad2-TR capsids move randomly in NOC-treated cells at less than 0.1 micro m/s and over distances of less than 5 micro m, characteristic of Brownian motion. We conclude that fluorophore-tagged Ad2 and HSV-1 particles are infectious and that microtubules play a prominent role in efficient nuclear targeting during entry and gene expression of species C Ads and HSV-1.

Adenoviridae↗

PubMed2005

Arp10p is a pointed-end-associated component of yeast dynactin.

In metazoans, dynein-dependent vesicle transport is mediated by dynactin, containing an actin-related protein, Arp1p, together with a cargo-selection complex containing a second actin-related protein, Arp11. Paradoxically, in budding yeast, models of dynactin function imply an interaction with membranes, whereas the lack of microtubule-based vesicle transport implies the absence of a cargo-selection complex. Using both genetic and biochemical approaches, we demonstrate that Arp10p is the functional yeast homologue of Arp11, suggesting the possible existence of a pointed-end complex in yeast. Specifically, Arp10p interacts with Arp1p and other dynactin subunits and is dependent on Arp1p for stability. Conversely, Arp10p stabilizes the dynactin complex by association with the Arp1p filament pointed end. Using a novel hRAS-Arp1p one-hybrid assay, we show that Arp1p associates with the plasma membrane dependent on dynactin subunits, but independent of dynein, and sensitive to cell wall damage. We directly show the association of Arp1p with not only the plasma membrane but also with a less dense membrane fraction. Based on the hRAS-Arp1p assay, loss of Arp10p enhances the apparent association of dynactin with the plasma membrane and suppresses the loss of signaling conferred by cell wall damage.

Cell Membrane↗

PubMed2003

The microtubule plus-end proteins EB1 and dynactin have differential effects on microtubule polymerization.

Several microtubule-binding proteins including EB1, dynactin, APC, and CLIP-170 localize to the plus-ends of growing microtubules. Although these proteins can bind to microtubules independently, evidence for interactions among them has led to the hypothesis of a plus-end complex. Here we clarify the interaction between EB1 and dynactin and show that EB1 binds directly to the N-terminus of the p150(Glued) subunit. One function of a plus-end complex may be to regulate microtubule dynamics. Overexpression of either EB1 or p150(Glued) in cultured cells bundles microtubules, suggesting that each may enhance microtubule stability. The morphology of these bundles, however, differs dramatically, indicating that EB1 and dynactin may act in different ways. Disruption of the dynactin complex augments the bundling effect of EB1, suggesting that dynactin may regulate the effect of EB1 on microtubules. In vitro assays were performed to elucidate the effects of EB1 and p150(Glued) on microtubule polymerization, and they show that p150(Glued) has a potent microtubule nucleation effect, whereas EB1 has a potent elongation effect. Overall microtubule dynamics may result from a balance between the individual effects of plus-end proteins. Differences in the expression and regulation of plus-end proteins in different cell types may underlie previously noted differences in microtubule dynamics.

Animals↗

PubMed2003

Phagosomes fuse with late endosomes and/or lysosomes by extension of membrane protrusions along microtubules: role of Rab7 and RILP.

Nascent phagosomes must undergo a series of fusion and fission reactions to acquire the microbicidal properties required for the innate immune response. Here we demonstrate that this maturation process involves the GTPase Rab7. Rab7 recruitment to phagosomes was found to precede and to be essential for their fusion with late endosomes and/or lysosomes. Active Rab7 on the phagosomal membrane associates with the effector protein RILP (Rab7-interacting lysosomal protein), which in turn bridges phagosomes with dynein-dynactin, a microtubule-associated motor complex. The motors not only displace phagosomes in the centripetal direction but, strikingly, promote the extension of phagosomal tubules toward late endocytic compartments. Fusion of tubules with these organelles was documented by fluorescence and electron microscopy. Tubule extension and fusion with late endosomes and/or lysosomes were prevented by expression of a truncated form of RILP lacking the dynein-dynactin-recruiting domain. We conclude that full maturation of phagosomes requires the retrograde emission of tubular extensions, which are generated by activation of Rab7, recruitment of RILP, and consequent association of phagosomes with microtubule-associated motors.

Adaptor Proteins, Signal Transducing↗

PubMedDate not supplied

Interaction of the p62 subunit of dynactin with Arp1 and the cortical actin cytoskeleton.

Targeting of the minus-end directed microtubule motor cytoplasmic dynein to a wide array of intracellular substrates appears to be mediated by an accessory factor known as dynactin [1-4]. Dynactin is a multi-subunit complex that contains a short actin-related protein 1 (Arp 1) filament with capZ at the barbed end and p62 at the pointed end [5]. The location of the p62 subunit and the proposed role for dynactin as a multifunctional targeting complex raise the possibility of a dual role for p62 in dynein targeting and in Arp1 pointed-end capping. In order to gain further insight into the role of p62 in dynactin function, we have cloned cDNAs that encode two full-length isoforms of the protein from rat brain. We found that p62 is homologous to the nuclear migration protein Ropy-2 from Neurospora [6]; both proteins contain a zinc-binding motif that resembles the LIM domain of several other cytoskeletal proteins [7]. Overexpression of p62 in cultured mammalian cells revealed colocalization with cortical actin, stress fibers, and focal adhesion sites, sites of potential interaction between microtubules and the cell cortex [8,9]. The p62 protein also colocalized with polymers of overexpressed wild-type or barbed-end-mutant Arp1, but not with a pointed-end mutant. Deletion of the LIM domain abolished targeting of p62 to focal-adhesion sites but did not interfere with binding of p62 to actin or Arp1. These data implicate p62 in Arp1 pointed-end binding and suggest additional roles in linking dynein and dynactin to the cortical cytoskeleton.

Actins↗

PubMed1997

Glued participates in distinct microtubule-based activities in Drosophila eye development.

A C-terminal truncation of Glued, the Drosophila homolog of the cytoplasmic dynein activating protein, dynactin, results in a severe and complex retinal phenotype, including a roughening of the facet array, malformation of the photosensitive rhabdomeres, and a general deficit and disorder of retinal cells. We have characterized the developmental phenotype in Glued1 and found defects in multiple stages of eye development, including mitosis, nuclear migration, cell fate determination, rhabdomere morphogenesis and cell death. Transgenic flies that express dominant negative Glued under heat-shock control reproduce distinct features of the original Glued1 phenotype depending on the stage of development. The multiple phenotypes effected by truncated Glued point to the multiple roles served by dynactin/dynein during eye development.

Animals↗