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Proceedings of the National Academy of... Jun 2020Topoisomerase IIα (TOP2A) is a core component of mitotic chromosomes and important for establishing mitotic chromosome condensation. The primary roles of TOP2A in...
Topoisomerase IIα (TOP2A) is a core component of mitotic chromosomes and important for establishing mitotic chromosome condensation. The primary roles of TOP2A in mitosis have been difficult to decipher due to its multiple functions across the cell cycle. To more precisely understand the role of TOP2A in mitosis, we used the auxin-inducible degron (AID) system to rapidly degrade the protein at different stages of the human cell cycle. Removal of TOP2A prior to mitosis does not affect prophase timing or the initiation of chromosome condensation. Instead, it prevents chromatin condensation in prometaphase, extends the length of prometaphase, and ultimately causes cells to exit mitosis without chromosome segregation occurring. Surprisingly, we find that removal of TOP2A from cells arrested in prometaphase or metaphase cause dramatic loss of compacted mitotic chromosome structure and conclude that TOP2A is crucial for maintenance of mitotic chromosomes. Treatments with drugs used to poison/inhibit TOP2A function, such as etoposide and ICRF-193, do not phenocopy the effects on chromosome structure of TOP2A degradation by AID. Our data point to a role for TOP2A as a structural chromosome maintenance enzyme locking in condensation states once sufficient compaction is achieved.
Topics: Chromosome Segregation; Chromosome Structures; Chromosomes, Human; Cytokinesis; DNA Topoisomerases, Type II; HCT116 Cells; Heterochromatin; Humans; Metaphase; Mitosis
PubMed: 32414923
DOI: 10.1073/pnas.2001760117 -
Scientific Reports Oct 2019We previously showed that curcumin, a phytopolyphenol found in turmeric (Curcuma longa), targets a series of enzymes in the ROS metabolic pathway, induces irreversible...
We previously showed that curcumin, a phytopolyphenol found in turmeric (Curcuma longa), targets a series of enzymes in the ROS metabolic pathway, induces irreversible growth arrest, and causes apoptosis. In this study, we tested Pentagamavunon-1 (PGV-1), a molecule related to curcumin, for its inhibitory activity on tumor cells in vitro and in vivo. PGV-1 exhibited 60 times lower GI compared to that of curcumin in K562 cells, and inhibited the proliferation of cell lines derived from leukemia, breast adenocarcinoma, cervical cancer, uterine cancer, and pancreatic cancer. The inhibition of growth by PGV-1 remained after its removal from the medium, which suggests that PGV-1 irreversibly prevents proliferation. PGV-1 specifically induced prometaphase arrest in the M phase of the cell cycle, and efficiently induced cell senescence and cell death by increasing intracellular ROS levels through inhibition of ROS-metabolic enzymes. In a xenograft mouse model, PGV-1 had marked anti-tumor activity with little side effects by oral administration, whereas curcumin rarely inhibited tumor formation by this administration. Therefore, PGV-1 is a potential therapeutic to induce tumor cell apoptosis with few side effects and low risk of relapse.
Topics: Administration, Oral; Alcohol Oxidoreductases; Animals; Antineoplastic Agents, Phytogenic; Carrier Proteins; Cell Death; Cell Division; Cell Movement; Cell Proliferation; Cellular Senescence; Curcumin; Gene Expression Regulation, Neoplastic; Glutathione S-Transferase pi; Glutathione Transferase; HEK293 Cells; HeLa Cells; Humans; K562 Cells; Lactoylglutathione Lyase; Leukemia, Myelogenous, Chronic, BCR-ABL Positive; MCF-7 Cells; Mice, Nude; NAD(P)H Dehydrogenase (Quinone); Peroxiredoxins; Prometaphase; Reactive Oxygen Species; Tumor Burden; Xenograft Model Antitumor Assays
PubMed: 31619723
DOI: 10.1038/s41598-019-51244-3 -
Cytoskeleton (Hoboken, N.J.) Nov 2019Chromosome segregation is mediated by spindle microtubules that attach to the kinetochore via dynamic protein complexes, such as Ndc80, Ska, Cdt1 and ch-TOG during...
Chromosome segregation is mediated by spindle microtubules that attach to the kinetochore via dynamic protein complexes, such as Ndc80, Ska, Cdt1 and ch-TOG during mitotic metaphase. While experimental studies have previously shown that these proteins and protein complexes are all essential for maintaining a stable kinetochore-microtubule (kMT) interface, their exact roles in the mitotic metaphase remains elusive. In this study, we employed experimental and computational methods in order to characterize how these proteins can strengthen kMT attachments in both nonload-bearing and load-bearing conditions, typical of prometaphase and metaphase, respectively. Immunofluorescence staining of HeLa cells showed that the levels of Ska and Cdt1 significantly increased from prometaphase to metaphase, while levels of the Ndc80 complex remained unchanged. Our new computational model showed that by incorporating binding and unbinding of each protein complex coupled with a biased diffusion mechanism, the displacement of a possible complex formed by Ndc80-Ska-Cdt1 is significantly higher than that of Ndc80 alone or Ndc80-Ska. In addition, when we incorporate Ndc80/ch-TOG in the model, rupture force and time of attachment of the kMT interface increases. These results support the hypothesis that Ndc80-associated proteins strengthen kMT attachments, and that the interplay between kMT protein complexes in metaphase ensures stable attachments.
Topics: Cell Cycle Proteins; Chromosomal Proteins, Non-Histone; Computer Simulation; Cytoskeletal Proteins; HeLa Cells; Humans; Kinetochores; Metaphase; Microtubules; Mitosis; Protein Binding
PubMed: 31525284
DOI: 10.1002/cm.21562 -
Cell Cycle (Georgetown, Tex.) Sep 2019A single inner centromere protein (INCENP) found throughout eukaryotes modulates Aurora B kinase activity and chromosomal passenger complex (CPC) localization, which is...
A single inner centromere protein (INCENP) found throughout eukaryotes modulates Aurora B kinase activity and chromosomal passenger complex (CPC) localization, which is essential for timely mitotic progression. It has been proposed that INCENP might act as a rheostat to regulate Aurora B activity through mitosis, with successively higher activity threshold levels for chromosome alignment, the spindle checkpoint, anaphase spindle transfer and finally spindle elongation and cytokinesis. It remains mechanistically unclear how this would be achieved. Here, we reveal that the urochordate, , possesses two INCENP paralogs, which display distinct localizations and subfunctionalization in order to complete M-phase. INCENPa was localized on chromosome arms and centromeres by prometaphase, and modulated Aurora B activity to mediate H3S10/S28 phosphorylation, chromosome condensation, spindle assembly and transfer of the CPC to the central spindle. Polo-like kinase (Plk1) recruitment to CDK1 phosphorylated INCENPa was crucial for INCENPa-Aurora B enrichment on centromeres. The second paralog, INCENPb was enriched on centromeres from prometaphase, and relocated to the central spindle at anaphase onset. In the absence of INCENPa, meiotic spindles failed to form, and homologous chromosomes did not segregate. INCENPb was not required for early to mid M-phase events but became essential for the activity and localization of Aurora B on the central spindle and midbody during cytokinesis in order to allow abscission to occur. Together, our results demonstrate that INCENP paralog switching on centromeres modulates Aurora B kinase localization, thus chronologically regulating CPC functions during fast embryonic divisions in the urochordate . CCAN: constitutive centromere-associated network; CENPs: centromere proteins; cmRNA: capped messenger RNA; CPC: chromosomal passenger complex; INCENP: inner centromere protein; Plk1: polo-like kinase 1; PP1: protein phosphatase 1; PP2A: protein phosphatase 2A; SAC: spindle assembly checkpoint; SAH: single α-helix domain.
Topics: Aurora Kinase B; CDC2 Protein Kinase; Cell Cycle Proteins; Chromosomal Proteins, Non-Histone; Chromosome Segregation; Chromosomes; Cytokinesis; Humans; Kinetochores; Mitosis; Phosphorylation; Plankton; Protein Serine-Threonine Kinases; Proto-Oncogene Proteins; Spindle Apparatus; Polo-Like Kinase 1
PubMed: 31306061
DOI: 10.1080/15384101.2019.1634954 -
Scientific Reports Mar 2021Chemo-immunotherapy has improved survival in B-cell lymphoma patients, but refractory/relapsed diseases still represent a major challenge, urging for development of new...
Chemo-immunotherapy has improved survival in B-cell lymphoma patients, but refractory/relapsed diseases still represent a major challenge, urging for development of new therapeutics. Karonudib (TH1579) was developed to inhibit MTH1, an enzyme preventing oxidized dNTP-incorporation in DNA. MTH1 is highly upregulated in tumor biopsies from patients with diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL) and Burkitt lymphoma, hence confirming a rationale for targeting MTH1. Here, we tested the efficacy of karonudib in vitro and in preclinical B-cell lymphoma models. Using a range of B-cell lymphoma cell lines, karonudib strongly reduced viability at concentrations well tolerated by activated normal B cells. In B-cell lymphoma cells, karonudib increased incorporation of 8-oxo-dGTP into DNA, and prominently induced prometaphase arrest and apoptosis due to failure in spindle assembly. MTH1 knockout cell lines were less sensitive to karonudib-induced apoptosis, but were displaying cell cycle arrest phenotype similar to the wild type cells, indicating a dual inhibitory role of the drug. Karonudib was highly potent as single agent in two different lymphoma xenograft models, including an ABC DLBCL patient derived xenograft, leading to prolonged survival and fully controlled tumor growth. Together, our preclinical findings provide a rationale for further clinical testing of karonudib in B-cell lymphoma.
Topics: Animals; Apoptosis; Burkitt Lymphoma; Cell Cycle Checkpoints; Cell Line, Tumor; Cell Proliferation; DNA; DNA Repair Enzymes; Deoxyguanine Nucleotides; Gene Expression Regulation, Neoplastic; Humans; Lymphoma, B-Cell; Mice; Phosphoric Monoester Hydrolases; Pyrimidines; Xenograft Model Antitumor Assays
PubMed: 33737576
DOI: 10.1038/s41598-021-85613-8 -
Cells Jan 2023Conjugation with the small ubiquitin-like modifier (SUMO) modulates protein interactions and localisation. The kinase Aurora B, a key regulator of mitosis, was...
Conjugation with the small ubiquitin-like modifier (SUMO) modulates protein interactions and localisation. The kinase Aurora B, a key regulator of mitosis, was previously identified as a SUMOylation target in vitro and in assays with overexpressed components. However, where and when this modification genuinely occurs in human cells was not ascertained. Here, we have developed intramolecular Proximity Ligation Assays (PLA) to visualise SUMO-conjugated Aurora B in human cells in situ. We visualised Aurora B-SUMO products at centromeres in prometaphase and metaphase, which declined from anaphase onwards and became virtually undetectable at cytokinesis. In the mitotic window in which Aurora B/SUMO products are abundant, Aurora B co-localised and interacted with NUP358/RANBP2, a nucleoporin with SUMO ligase and SUMO-stabilising activity. Indeed, in addition to the requirement for the previously identified PIAS3 SUMO ligase, we found that NUP358/RANBP2 is also implicated in Aurora B-SUMO PLA product formation and centromere localisation. In summary, SUMOylation marks a distinctive window of Aurora B functions at centromeres in prometaphase and metaphase while being dispensable for functions exerted in cytokinesis, and RANBP2 contributes to this control, adding a novel layer to modulation of Aurora B functions during mitosis.
Topics: Humans; Centromere; Ligases; Mitosis; Molecular Chaperones; Nuclear Pore Complex Proteins; Protein Inhibitors of Activated STAT; Sumoylation
PubMed: 36766713
DOI: 10.3390/cells12030372 -
Molecular Cell Dec 2021As cells enter mitosis, chromatin compacts to facilitate chromosome segregation yet remains transcribed. Transcription supercoils DNA to levels that can impede further...
As cells enter mitosis, chromatin compacts to facilitate chromosome segregation yet remains transcribed. Transcription supercoils DNA to levels that can impede further progression of RNA polymerase II (RNAPII) unless it is removed by DNA topoisomerase 1 (TOP1). Using ChIP-seq on mitotic cells, we found that TOP1 is required for RNAPII translocation along genes. The stimulation of TOP1 activity by RNAPII during elongation allowed RNAPII clearance from genes in prometaphase and enabled chromosomal segregation. Disruption of the TOP1-RNAPII interaction impaired RNAPII spiking at promoters and triggered defects in the post-mitotic transcription program. This program includes factors necessary for cell growth, and cells with impaired TOP1-RNAPII interaction are more sensitive to inhibitors of mTOR signaling. We conclude that TOP1 is necessary for assisting transcription during mitosis with consequences for growth and gene expression long after mitosis is completed. In this sense, TOP1 ensures that cellular memory is preserved in subsequent generations.
Topics: Cell Proliferation; Chromatin Assembly and Disassembly; Chromatin Immunoprecipitation Sequencing; Colorectal Neoplasms; DNA Topoisomerases, Type I; G1 Phase; Gene Expression Regulation, Neoplastic; HCT116 Cells; Humans; MTOR Inhibitors; Mitosis; RNA Polymerase II; Transcription, Genetic
PubMed: 34767771
DOI: 10.1016/j.molcel.2021.10.015 -
Cellular Signalling Apr 2021The Neuroepithelial transforming gene 1 (Net1) is a RhoA subfamily guanine nucleotide exchange factor that is overexpressed in a number of cancers and contributes to...
The Neuroepithelial transforming gene 1 (Net1) is a RhoA subfamily guanine nucleotide exchange factor that is overexpressed in a number of cancers and contributes to cancer cell motility and proliferation. Net1 also plays a Rho GTPase independent role in mitotic progression, where it promotes centrosomal activation of Aurora A and Pak2, and aids in chromosome alignment during prometaphase. To understand regulatory mechanisms controlling the mitotic function of Net1, we examined whether it was phosphorylated by the mitotic kinase Cdk1. We observed that Cdk1 phosphorylated Net1 on multiple sites in its N-terminal regulatory domain and C-terminus in vitro. By raising phospho-specific antibodies to two of these sites, we also demonstrated that both endogenous and transfected Net1 were phosphorylated by Cdk1 in cells. Substitution of the major Cdk1 phosphorylation sites with aliphatic or acidic residues inhibited the interaction of Net1 with RhoA, and treatment of metaphase cells with a Cdk1 inhibitor increased Net1 activity. Cdk1 inhibition also increased Net1 localization to the plasma membrane and stimulated cortical F-actin accumulation. Moreover, Net1 overexpression caused spindle polarity defects that were reduced in frequency by acidic substitution of the major Cdk1 phosphorylation sites. These data indicate that Cdk1 phosphorylates Net1 during mitosis and suggest that this negatively regulates its ability to signal to RhoA and alter actin cytoskeletal organization.
Topics: Actin Cytoskeleton; Actins; CDC2 Protein Kinase; Cell Membrane; HeLa Cells; Humans; Mitosis; Mutagenesis, Site-Directed; Oncogene Proteins; Phosphorylation; Protein Stability; RNA Interference; RNA, Small Interfering; Spindle Apparatus; rhoA GTP-Binding Protein
PubMed: 33465404
DOI: 10.1016/j.cellsig.2021.109926 -
Nature Communications Jan 2020Lysosomes are membrane-surrounded cytoplasmic organelles filled with a powerful cocktail of hydrolases. Besides degrading cellular constituents inside the lysosomal...
Lysosomes are membrane-surrounded cytoplasmic organelles filled with a powerful cocktail of hydrolases. Besides degrading cellular constituents inside the lysosomal lumen, lysosomal hydrolases promote tissue remodeling when delivered to the extracellular space and cell death when released to the cytosol. Here, we show that spatially and temporally controlled lysosomal leakage contributes to the accurate chromosome segregation in normal mammalian cell division. One or more chromatin-proximal lysosomes leak in the majority of prometaphases, after which active cathepsin B (CTSB) localizes to the metaphase chromatin and cleaves a small subset of histone H3. Stabilization of lysosomal membranes or inhibition of CTSB activity during mitotic entry results in a significant increase in telomere-related chromosome segregation defects, whereas cells and tissues lacking CTSB and cells expressing CTSB-resistant histone H3 accumulate micronuclei and other nuclear defects. These data suggest that lysosomal leakage and chromatin-associated CTSB contribute to proper chromosome segregation and maintenance of genomic integrity.
Topics: Animals; Cathepsin B; Cell Line; Cell Nucleus; Chromatin; Chromosome Segregation; Female; Gene Silencing; Histones; Humans; Intracellular Membranes; Lysosomes; Metaphase; Mice; Mitosis; Permeability; Telomere
PubMed: 31932607
DOI: 10.1038/s41467-019-14009-0 -
Current Biology : CB Mar 2024The outer corona plays an essential role at the onset of mitosis by expanding to maximize microtubule attachment to kinetochores. The low-density structure of the corona...
The outer corona plays an essential role at the onset of mitosis by expanding to maximize microtubule attachment to kinetochores. The low-density structure of the corona forms through the expansion of unattached kinetochores. It comprises the RZZ complex, the dynein adaptor Spindly, the plus-end directed microtubule motor centromere protein E (CENP-E), and the Mad1/Mad2 spindle-assembly checkpoint proteins. CENP-E specifically associates with unattached kinetochores to facilitate chromosome congression, interacting with BubR1 at the kinetochore through its C-terminal region (2091-2358). We recently showed that CENP-E recruitment to BubR1 at the kinetochores is both rapid and essential for correct chromosome alignment. However, CENP-E is also recruited to the outer corona by a second, slower pathway that is currently undefined. Here, we show that BubR1-independent localization of CENP-E is mediated by a conserved loop that is essential for outer-corona targeting. We provide a structural model of the entire CENP-E kinetochore-targeting domain combining X-ray crystallography and Alphafold2. We reveal that maximal recruitment of CENP-E to unattached kinetochores critically depends on BubR1 and the outer corona, including dynein. Ectopic expression of the CENP-E C-terminal domain recruits the RZZ complex, Mad1, and Spindly, and prevents kinetochore biorientation in cells. We propose that BubR1-recruited CENP-E, in addition to its essential role in chromosome alignment to the metaphase plate, contributes to the recruitment of outer corona proteins through interactions with the CENP-E corona-targeting domain to facilitate the rapid capture of microtubules for efficient chromosome alignment and mitotic progression.
Topics: Humans; Cell Cycle Proteins; Chromosomal Proteins, Non-Histone; Kinetochores; Microtubules; Mad2 Proteins; Mitosis; Dyneins; Spindle Apparatus; HeLa Cells
PubMed: 38354735
DOI: 10.1016/j.cub.2024.01.042