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At least 217 records · Page 12Linked to original sources
PubMed2006

The SH3/PH domain protein AgBoi1/2 collaborates with the Rho-type GTPase AgRho3 to prevent nonpolar growth at hyphal tips of Ashbya gossypii.

Unlike most other cells, hyphae of filamentous fungi permanently elongate and lack nonpolar growth phases. We identified AgBoi1/2p in the filamentous ascomycete Ashbya gossypii as a component required to prevent nonpolar growth at hyphal tips. Strains lacking AgBoi1/2p frequently show spherical enlargement at hyphal tips with concomitant depolarization of actin patches and loss of tip-located actin cables. These enlarged tips can repolarize and resume hyphal tip extension in the previous polarity axis. AgBoi1/2p permanently localizes to hyphal tips and transiently to sites of septation. Only the tip localization is important for sustained elongation of hyphae. In a yeast two-hybrid experiment, we identified the Rho-type GTPase AgRho3p as an interactor of AgBoi1/2p. AgRho3p is also required to prevent nonpolar growth at hyphal tips, and strains deleted for both AgBOI1/2 and AgRHO3 phenocopied the respective single-deletion strains, demonstrating that AgBoi1/2p and AgRho3p function in a common pathway. Monitoring the polarisome of growing hyphae using AgSpa2p fused to the green fluorescent protein as a marker, we found that polarisome disassembly precedes the onset of nonpolar growth in strains lacking AgBoi1/2p or AgRho3p. AgRho3p locked in its GTP-bound form interacts with the Rho-binding domain of the polarisome-associated formin AgBni1p, implying that AgRho3p has the capacity to directly activate formin-driven actin cable nucleation. We conclude that AgBoi1/2p and AgRho3p support polarisome-mediated actin cable formation at hyphal tips, thereby ensuring permanent polar tip growth.

Alleles↗
PubMed1994

Diaphanous is required for cytokinesis in Drosophila and shares domains of similarity with the products of the limb deformity gene.

We show that the Drosophila gene diaphanous is required for cytokinesis. Males homozygous for the dia1 mutation are sterile due to a defect in cytokinesis in the germline. Females trans-heterozygous for dia1 and a deficiency are sterile and lay eggs with defective eggshells; failure of cytokinesis is observed in the follicle cell layer. Null alleles are lethal. Death occurs at the onset of pupation due to the absence of imaginal discs. Mitotic figures in larval neuroblasts were found to be polyploid, apparently due to a defect in cytokinesis. The predicted 123 x 10(3) M(r) protein contains two domains shared by the formin proteins, encoded by the limb deformity gene in the mouse. These formin homology domains, which we have termed FH1 and FH2, are also found in Bni1p, the product of a Saccharomyces cerevisiae gene required for normal cytokinesis in diploid yeast cells.

Amino Acid Sequence↗
PubMed2003

Identification and characterization of human FNBP3 gene in silico.

FMNL1, FMNL2, FMNL3, DAAM1, DAAM2, DIAPH1 and DIAPH2 constitute the Formin-homology subfamily with FDD, FH1 and FH2 domains. FMNL2 gene is linked to FNBP3 (also known as HYPA) gene on human chromosome 2q23.3, while FMNL3 gene to FNBP3L (also known as HYPC) gene on 12q13. Because human FNBP3 cDNA (NM_017892.2) was a 5'-truncated partial clone, we identified and characterized human FNBP3 gene by using bioinformatics. Human FNBP3 gene, consisting of 26 exons, was located within human genome sequences AC079344.5, AC012443.8, and human chromosome 2 genomic contig NT_005403.13. Nucleotide sequence of human FNBP3 cDNA was determined in silico by assembling nucleotide sequences of 26 exons of FNBP3 gene. HYPA cDNA and IMAGE cDNA clones 3356968, 4026200, 4733897 were 3'-truncated partial FNBP3 cDNAs, while FNBP3 (NM_017892.2), FLJ11559, NY-REN-6, and FLJ20585 were 5'-truncated partial FNBP3 cDNAs. Two FNBP3 isoforms with or without 126-bp region in the 3'-part of exon 1 were transcribed due to alternative splicing. FNBP3 isoform 2 without the 126-bp region was the major FNBP3 transcript. Two WW domains, two FF domains, two bipartite nuclear localization signals, FB3HM and FB3HC domains were conserved among vertebrate FNBP3 homologs, including human FNBP3, FNBP3L, mouse Fnbp3, Fnbp3l, chicken fnbp3 and zebrafish fnbp3. FNBP3, binding to TNFSF6 (Fas ligand), Huntingtin and Formin proteins, might transduce extracellular signals to the Rho-related signaling pathway. On the other hand, FNBP3 with nuclear localization signals and two tyrosine phosphorylation sites might transduce extracellular signals to the nucleus. This is the first report on comprehensive characterization of human FNBP3 gene.

Alternative Splicing↗
PubMed2004

Identification and characterization of human FNBP1L gene in silico.

FNBP1/FBP17/Rapostlin and TRIP10/CIP4 are structurally related microtubule-binding proteins involved in the regulation of cell shape, polarity, motility, and signal transduction. Here, we identified and characterized the FNBP1-like (FNBP1L) gene by using bioinformatics. Human FLJ20275 (NM_017737.1) and mouse 2610318I01Rik (NM_153118.1) were 5'-truncated partial cDNAs derived from human FNBP1L gene and mouse Fnbp1l gene, respectively. Exons 1-7 of FNBP1L gene were located within human genome sequence AL512651.13, and exons 7-15 within AL109613.11. Complete coding sequence of FNBP1L was determined in silico by assembling nucleotide sequences of FNBP1L exons. FNBP1L (547 aa) showed 59.4 and 55.4% total-amino-acid identity with FNBP1 and TRIP10, respectively. FNBP1L, FNBP1 and TRIP10 shared the common domain structure, consisting of FCH, FBH, HR1 and SH3 domains. FCH domain of FNBP1 family proteins is the microtubule-binding domain. HR1 (also known as antiparallel coiled-coil finger) is the binding domain for Rho family proteins, such as ARHN/RhoN and CDC42. SH3 domain of FNBP1 family proteins interacts with proline-rich region of Formin and WASP family proteins. FNBP1L gene was linked to SH2D3B/BCAR3 gene in tail-to-tail manner with an interval less than 8 kb within the human genome. FNBP1L-SH2D3B locus at human chromosome 1p22.1 was paralogous to GPR108-TRIP10-SH2D3A locus at 19p13.3 and GPR107-FNBP1-SH2D3C locus at 9q34.11-q34.13. This is the first report on comprehensive characterization of FNBP1L, which is predicted to function as a scaffold protein for microtubule, Rho family proteins, Formin-homology proteins and WAPS family proteins.

Amino Acid Sequence↗
PubMed2026

Rapidly progressive steroid-resistant focal segmental glomerulosclerosis associated with an INF2 exon 6 variant.

Variants in the inverted formin-2 (INF2) gene are a known cause of hereditary focal segmental glomerulosclerosis (FSGS) and Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease. We report a case of rapidly progressive FSGS associated with a rare INF2 variant. A 12-year-old boy developed proteinuria and was diagnosed with FSGS at age 14 following a renal biopsy. Steroid therapy and subsequent immunosuppressive treatments, including plasma exchange, were ineffective. At age 15, a heterozygous missense variant in exon 6 of the INF2 gene (c.763G>A, p.Asp255Asn) was identified. Despite conservative management, the patient progressed to end-stage kidney disease at age 17. Although exon 6 variants are rarely reported, the present case showed a relatively aggressive renal course.

Humans↗
PubMed1995

Limb deformity proteins during avian neurulation and sense organ development.

The nuclear Limb deformity (Ld) proteins (formins) are expressed during the avian primitive streak stages. Initially, they are detected predominantly in cells of the forming notochord, scattered mesodermal precursors and the induced neural plate. No expression is detected in endodermal cells. The subsequent graded distribution of Ld positive cells along the anterior-posterior axis of the neural tube follows the antero-posterior progression of its differentiation. The Ld proteins are also differentially expressed during induction and development of both the inner ear and eye. An unequal distribution of Ld proteins along the dorso-ventral axis of the otic vesicle is observed during its initial patterning. In the eye, the Ld proteins are expressed by the optic vesicle during secondary induction of the lens placode. Following induction, the proteins are also expressed by the newly formed lens placode, a process which is reminiscent of homeogenetic induction. During differentiation of the retina and lens, the Ld domains seem to demarcate territories, giving rise to specific eye structures. A comparative analysis of the Ld distribution and BrdU incorporation in the two sense organs indicates that the proteins are predominantly expressed by committed and/or differentiating (post-mitotic) cells. In general, expression of Ld proteins is induced during determination and remains during differentiation of particular cell-types. This study implies that the nuclear Ld proteins are involved in morphogenesis of both neuro-ectodermal and mesodermal structures.

Animals↗
PubMed2004

Identification of FHOD1-binding proteins and mechanisms of FHOD1-regulated actin dynamics.

Formin homology-2-domain containing protein 1 (FHOD1) regulates gene transcription, actin-cytoskeleton structure, and cell migration. To gain insight into the mechanisms by which FHOD1 mediates these diverse activities, a yeast-two-hybrid screen was performed to identify FHOD1-binding proteins. Three proteins specifically interacted with the carboxy-terminal two-thirds of FHOD1, which includes the FH1, FH2, and diaphanous activating domains (DAD). The newly identified FHOD1-binding proteins are protein kinase C binding protein 1 (PRKCBP1), cyclophilin B, and an isoform of WASP-interacting SH3-domain protein/diaphanous-interacting protein 1 (WISH/DIP1), named WISH-B. The proline-rich FH1 domain of FHOD1 was sufficient to interact with the central portion of PRKCP1 and full-length cyclophilin B. The FH1 domain also interacted with full-length WISH-B, but the extreme amino-terminus was sufficient to associate with WISH-B as well. WISH-B altered the solubility of FHOD1 in vitro and a truncation mutant containing the amino-terminal 227 residues of WISH-B disrupted FHOD1-induced stress fibers. WISH-B did not affect FHOD1-induced gene transcription through the serum response factor (SRF) recognition site on the skeletal alpha actin promoter (SkA). However, stabilization of F-actin prevented FHOD1 dependent activation of this promoter in presence of high, but not low serum concentrations. Thus, the identification of a new FHOD1-binding protein provides insight into the mechanisms by which FHOD1 regulates actin polymerization and transcription.

Actins↗
PubMed2000

Rho small G-protein-dependent binding of mDia to an Src homology 3 domain-containing IRSp53/BAIAP2.

mDia1 is a downstream effector of Rho small G protein that is implicated in stress fiber formation and cytokinesis. We isolated an mDia1-binding protein and identified it to be IRSp53/BAIAP2. IRSp53 and BAIAP2 have independently been isolated as a 58/53-kDa protein tyrosine phosphorylated in response to insulin and a BAI1-binding protein, respectively. BAI1 is a brain-specific seven-span transmembrane protein capable of inhibiting angiogenesis. The proline-rich formin homology 1 domain of mDia1 bound the Src homology 3 domain of IRSp53/BAIAP2 in a GTP-Rho-dependent manner. The results suggest that IRSp53/BAIAP2 is a downstream effector of mDia1.

Animals↗
PubMed2006

Rho GTPases in animal cell mitosis.

The Rho GTPases have been thought to influence cell morphogenesis through remodeling of the actin cytoskeleton. Consistently, downstream targets such as the mDia family of formins and the WASP family proteins induce actin nucleation and polymerization, and another set of downstream effectors, the ROCK family protein kinases, are involved in regulation of actomyosin contractility. However, evidence has now accumulated that Rho GTPases also regulate local dynamics of microtubules. The mDia family proteins, for example, function downstream of Rho to stabilize and align microtubules in interphase cells. Concomitantly, the role of Rho GTPases in animal cell division, once thought to be limited to cytokinesis, has now been shown to extend to mitosis. Recent work indicates that they may function during both spindle orientation and chromosome congression. However, their involvement is cell-type-specific, raising arguments for and against a mitotic role for Rho GTPases.

Animals↗
PubMed2005

The Rho family GTPase Rif induces filopodia through mDia2.

Eukaryotic cells produce a variety of specialized actin-rich surface protrusions. These include filopodia-thin, highly dynamic projections that help cells to sense their external environment. Filopodia consist of parallel filaments of actin, bundled by actin crosslinking proteins. The filaments are oriented with their rapidly growing "barbed" ends at the protruding tip and their slowly growing "pointed" ends at the base. Extension occurs by polymerization at the tip and is controlled by regulation of filament capping. The Rho GTPase Cdc42 is a key mediator of filopodia formation, which it regulates through binding CRIB domain-containing effectors. Cdc42 binds and activates the WASP proteins, which in turn activate the actin-nucleating complex Arp2/3. It also binds and activates IRSp53, which recruits the Ena/WASP family protein Mena to the filopodial tip and protects elongating actin filaments from capping. Previously, we identified another Rho family GTPase, Rif, as a potent stimulator of filopodial protrusion through a mechanism that does not require Cdc42. Here we characterize the differences between filopodia induced by these two small GTPases and show that the Rif effector in this pathway is the Diaphanous-related formin mDia2. Thus, Rif and Cdc42 represent two distinct routes to the induction of filopodia-producing structures with both shared and unique properties.

Animals↗
PubMed2005

Microtubule tips redirect actin assembly.

In fission yeast, a protein complex that rides on the plus end of growing microtubules regulates establishment of new sites of actin cable assembly, necessary for cell growth, from one to both ends of the rod-shaped cells. Martin et al. describe a direct molecular link between the microtubule tip complex and the formin for3p, the nucleator for assembly of actin cables, which is necessary for this regulatory switch.

Actins↗
PubMed2006

Rho GTPase signaling in Dictyostelium discoideum: insights from the genome.

Rho GTPases are ubiquitously expressed across the eukaryotes where they act as molecular switches participating in the regulation of many cellular processes. We present an inventory of proteins involved in Rho-regulated signaling pathways in Dictyostelium discoideum that have been identified in the completed genome sequence. In Dictyostelium the Rho family is encoded by 18 genes and one pseudogene. Some of the Rho GTPases (Rac1a/b/c, RacF1/F2 and RacB) are members of the Rac subfamily, and one, RacA, belongs to the RhoBTB subfamily. The Cdc42 and Rho subfamilies, characteristic of metazoa and fungi, are absent. The activities of these GTPases are regulated by two members of the RhoGDI family, by eight members of the Dock180/zizimin family and by a surprisingly large number of proteins carrying RhoGEF (42 genes) or RhoGAP (43 genes) domains or both (three genes). Most of these show domain compositions not found in other organisms, although some have clear homologs in metazoa and/or fungi. Among the (in many cases putative) effectors found in Dictyostelium are the CRIB domain proteins (WASP and two related proteins, eight PAK kinases and a novel gelsolin-related protein), components of the Scar/WAVE complex, 10 formins, four IQGAPs, two members of the PCH family, numerous lipid kinases and phospholipases, and components of the NADPH oxidase and the exocyst complexes. In general, the repertoire of Rho signaling components of Dictyostelium is similar to that of metazoa and fungi.

1-Alkyl-2-acetylglycerophosphocholine Esterase↗
PubMed2004

Beginning and ending an actin filament: control at the barbed end.

Dynamic actin filaments contribute to cell migration, organelle movements, memory, and gene regulation. These dynamic processes are often regulated by extracellular and?or cell cycle signals. Regulation targets, not actin itself, but the factors that determine it's dynamic properties. Thus, filament nucleation, rate and duration of elongation, and depolymerization are each controlled with regard to time and?or space. Two mechanisms exist for nucleating filaments de novo, the Arp23 complex and the formins; multiple pathways regulate each. A new filament elongates rapidly but transiently before its barbed end is capped. Rapid capping allows the cell to maintain fine temporal and spatial control over F-actin distribution. Modulation of capping protein activity and its access to barbed ends is emerging as a site of local regulation. Finally, to maintain a steady state filaments must depolymerize. Depolymerization can limit the rate of new filament nucleation and elongation. The activity of ADF?cofilin, which facilitates depolymerization, is also regulated by multiple inputs. This chapter describes (1) mechanism and regulation of new filament formation, (2) mechanism of enhancing elongation at barbed ends, (3) capping proteins and their regulators, and (4) recycling of actin monomers from filamentous actin (F-actin) back to globular actin (G-actin).

Actin Cytoskeleton↗
PubMed2004

EB1 and APC bind to mDia to stabilize microtubules downstream of Rho and promote cell migration.

Lysophosphatidic acid (LPA) stimulates Rho GTPase and its effector, the formin mDia, to capture and stabilize microtubules in fibroblasts. We investigated whether mammalian EB1 and adenomatous polyposis coli (APC) function downstream of Rho-mDia in microtubule stabilization. A carboxy-terminal APC-binding fragment of EB1 (EB1-C) functioned as a dominant-negative inhibitor of microtubule stabilization induced by LPA or active mDia. Knockdown of EB1 with small interfering RNAs also prevented microtubule stabilization. Expression of either full-length EB1 or APC, but not an APC-binding mutant of EB1, was sufficient to stabilize microtubules. Binding and localization studies showed that EB1, APC and mDia may form a complex at stable microtubule ends. Furthermore, EB1-C, but not an APC-binding mutant, inhibited fibroblast migration in an in vitro wounding assay. These results show an evolutionarily conserved pathway for microtubule capture, and suggest that mDia functions as a scaffold protein for EB1 and APC to stabilize microtubules and promote cell migration.

Adenomatous Polyposis Coli Protein↗
PubMed2001

The formin/diaphanous-related protein, FHOS, interacts with Rac1 and activates transcription from the serum response element.

FHOS is a member of the formin homology (FH) family of proteins and is expressed at high levels in splenic cells. FH proteins link cellular signaling pathways to the actin cytoskeleton and serum response factor-dependent transcription. In these studies, the role of FHOS in Rho family GTPase signaling pathways was analyzed. FHOS interacted with the polybasic domain in the Rac1 C terminus in a guanine nucleotide-independent manner but did not interact with RhoA, Cdc42Hs, Rac2, or Rac3. Intramolecular autoinhibitory interactions between the C terminus of FHOS and an N-terminal region partially overlapping the Rac1 interaction domain were also identified. FHOS truncation mutants lacking the N- or C-terminal autoregulatory domains stimulated transcription of a c-fos serum response element (SRE)-driven reporter. Overexpression of wild-type and mutant (N17 and V12) Rac1 proteins repressed SRE induction by the N-terminal FHOS deletion mutant but not by the C-terminal FHOS deletion mutant. Immunofluorescence studies indicated that the localization of the mutant FHOS proteins might contribute to their differential responses to Rac1. Wild-type FHOS and the N-terminal deletion mutant localized to the perinuclear region and membrane edges. In contrast, the C-terminal FHOS mutants were diffusely localized. These data suggest that FHOS induces transcription from SREs by multiple pathways and that Rac1 may influence the course of some FHOS-induced signaling events.

3T3 Cells↗
PubMed2001

mDia-interacting protein acts downstream of Rho-mDia and modifies Src activation and stress fiber formation.

The formin homology protein mDia is a Rho GTPase effector protein that participates in stress fiber formation, cytokinesis, and transcriptional activation of the serum response factor. Although the function of another effector of Rho, Rho-associated kinase, is well established, relatively little is known about the functional mechanism and the downstream targets of mDia. Our recent report of a Rho-mDia-Src-tyrosine kinase pathway suggested an important role for mDia in cell adhesion turnover. We identified a new mDia-interacting protein which is expressed ubiquitously. The new protein mainly binds to the proline-rich region of mDia through its Src homology 3 domain and also binds to Grb2 through its proline-rich domain. The protein is localized at the cell periphery and membrane ruffles and co-localizes with mDia. Co-expression of vSrc and the mDia-interacting protein induces significant morphological changes at focal contacts and activation of vSrc. Furthermore, we found that the mDia-interacting protein plays an important role in stress fiber formation induced by active mDia1. Our results suggest that this new protein regulates actin polymerization and cell adhesion turnover in the downstream portion of the Rho-mDia pathway by interacting with Grb2 and Src.

3T3 Cells↗
PubMed2005

Galpha12/13 is essential for directed cell migration and localized Rho-Dia1 function.

Scratch-wound assays are frequently used to study directed cell migration, a process critical for embryogenesis, invasion, and tissue repair. The function and identity of trimeric G-proteins in cell behavior during wound healing is not known. Here we show that Galpha12/13, but not Galphaq/11 or Galphai, is indispensable for coordinated and directed cell migration. In mouse embryonic fibroblasts endogenous Rho activity is present at the rear of migrating cells but also at the leading edge, whereas it is undetectable at the cell front of Galpha12/13-deficient mouse embryonic fibroblasts. Spatial activation of Rho at the wound edge can be stimulated by lysophosphatidic acid. Active Rho colocalizes with the diaphanous-related formin Dia1 at the cell front. Galpha12/13-deficient cells lack Dia1 localization to the wound edge and are unable to form orientated, stable microtubules during wound healing. Knock down of Dia1 reveals its requirement for microtubule stabilization as well as polarized cell migration. Thus, we identified Galpha12/13-proteins as essential components linking extracellular signals to localized Rho-Dia1 function during directed cell movement.

Affinity Labels↗
PubMed2001

Focal contacts as mechanosensors: externally applied local mechanical force induces growth of focal contacts by an mDia1-dependent and ROCK-independent mechanism.

The transition of cell-matrix adhesions from the initial punctate focal complexes into the mature elongated form, known as focal contacts, requires GTPase Rho activity. In particular, activation of myosin II-driven contractility by a Rho target known as Rho-associated kinase (ROCK) was shown to be essential for focal contact formation. To dissect the mechanism of Rho-dependent induction of focal contacts and to elucidate the role of cell contractility, we applied mechanical force to vinculin-containing dot-like adhesions at the cell edge using a micropipette. Local centripetal pulling led to local assembly and elongation of these structures and to their development into streak-like focal contacts, as revealed by the dynamics of green fluorescent protein-tagged vinculin or paxillin and interference reflection microscopy. Inhibition of Rho activity by C3 transferase suppressed this force-induced focal contact formation. However, constitutively active mutants of another Rho target, the formin homology protein mDia1 (Watanabe, N., T. Kato, A. Fujita, T. Ishizaki, and S. Narumiya. 1999. Nat. Cell Biol. 1:136-143), were sufficient to restore force-induced focal contact formation in C3 transferase-treated cells. Force-induced formation of the focal contacts still occurred in cells subjected to myosin II and ROCK inhibition. Thus, as long as mDia1 is active, external tension force bypasses the requirement for ROCK-mediated myosin II contractility in the induction of focal contacts. Our experiments show that integrin-containing focal complexes behave as individual mechanosensors exhibiting directional assembly in response to local force.

3T3 Cells↗