PaperPlayer biorxiv cell biology

Link to bioRxiv paper: http://biorxiv.org/cgi/content/short/2023.08.04.551608v1?rss=1 Authors: Gomez-Ferrer, M., Amaro-Prellezo, E., Albiach-Delgado, A., Ten-Domenech, I., Kuligowski, J., Sepulveda, P. Abstract: Premature infants (PIs) are at risk of suffering necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC), and infants consuming human milk (HM) show a lower incidence than infants receiving formula. The composition of HM has been studied in depth, but the lipid content of HM-derived small extracellular vesicles (HM sEVs) remains unexplored. We isolated HM sEVs from HM samples and analyzed their oxylipin content using liquid chromatography coupled to mass spectrometry, which revealed the presence of anti-inflammatory oxylipins. We then examined the efficacy of a mixture of these oxylipins in combating inflammation and fibrosis, in vitro and and in a murine model of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). HM-related sEVs contained higher concentrations of oxylipins derived from docosahexaenoic acid, an omega-3 fatty acid. Three anti-inflammatory oxylipins, 14-HDHA, 17-HDHA, and 19,20-DiHDPA ({omega}3 OXLP), demonstrated similar efficacy to HM sEVs in preventing cell injury, inducing re-epithelialization, mitigating fibrosis, and modulating immune responses. Both {omega}3 OXLP and HM sEVs effectively reduced inflammation in IBD-model mice, preventing colon shortening, infiltration of inflammatory cells and tissue fibrosis. Incorporating this unique cocktail of oxylipins into fortified milk formulas might reduce the risk of NEC in PIs and also provide immunological and neurodevelopmental support. Copy rights belong to original authors. Visit the link for more info Podcast created by Paper Player, LLC

Link to bioRxiv paper: http://biorxiv.org/cgi/content/short/2023.08.03.551824v1?rss=1 Authors: Qin, K., Wu, X. Abstract: The nuclear mitochondrial DNA (NUMT) is found in cancer cells, but the mitochondrial DNAs entering the nuclei in normal cells have not been captured. Here, we utilized super-resolution optical imaging to capture the phenomenon by the probe PicoGreen and found mitochondrial DNAs and mitochondria accumulated in the nucleoli by four probes and overexpressing the MRPL58-DsRed. Our results provide an new explanation for mtDNA carryover and lay the foundation for the involvement of nuclear export of nucleoli in de novo mitochondrial biogenesis in another of our unpublished articles. Copy rights belong to original authors. Visit the link for more info Podcast created by Paper Player, LLC

Link to bioRxiv paper: http://biorxiv.org/cgi/content/short/2023.08.02.551383v1?rss=1 Authors: Cohen, M. L., Brumwell, A. N., Ho, T. C., Montas, G., Golden, J. A., Jones, K. D., Wolters, P. J., Wei, Y., Chapman, H. A., Le Saux, C. J. Abstract: Reciprocal interactions between alveolar fibroblasts and epithelial cells are crucial for lung homeostasis, injury repair, and fibrogenesis, but underlying mechanisms remain unclear. To investigate this, we administered the fibroblast-selective TGF{beta}1 signaling inhibitor, epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG), to Interstitial Lung Disease (ILD) patients undergoing diagnostic lung biopsy and conducted single-cell RNA sequencing on spare tissue. Unexposed biopsy samples showed higher fibroblast TGF{beta}1 signaling compared to non-disease donor or end-stage ILD tissues. In vivo, EGCG significantly downregulated TGF{beta}1 signaling and several pro-inflammatory and stress pathways in biopsy samples. Notably, EGCG reduced fibroblast secreted Frizzle-like Receptor Protein 2 (sFRP2), an unrecognized TGF{beta}1 fibroblast target gene induced near type II alveolar epithelial cells (AEC2s). In human AEC2-fibroblast coculture organoids, sFRP2 was essential for AEC2 trans-differentiation to basal cells. Precision cut lung slices (PCLS) from normal donors demonstrated that TGF{beta}1 promoted KRT17 expression and AEC2 morphological change, while sFRP2 was necessary for KRT5 expression in AEC2-derived basaloid cells. Wnt-receptor Frizzled 5 (Fzd5) expression and downstream calcineurin-related signaling in AEC2s were required for sFRP2-induced KRT5 expression. These findings highlight stage-specific TGF{beta}1 signaling in ILD, the therapeutic potential of EGCG in reducing IPF-related transcriptional changes, and identify the TGF{beta}1-non-canonical Wnt pathway crosstalk via sFRP2 as a novel mechanism for dysfunctional epithelial signaling in Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis/ILD. Copy rights belong to original authors. Visit the link for more info Podcast created by Paper Player, LLC

Link to bioRxiv paper: http://biorxiv.org/cgi/content/short/2023.08.04.552008v1?rss=1 Authors: Talavera, R. A., Prichard, B. E., Sommer, R. A., Leitao, R. M., Sarabia, C. J., Hazir, S., Paulo, J. A., Gygi, S., Kellogg, D. Abstract: Cell growth is required for cell cycle progression. The amount of growth required for cell cycle progression is reduced in poor nutrients, which leads to a reduction in cell size. In budding yeast, nutrients influence cell size by modulating the duration and extent of bud growth, which occurs predominantly in mitosis. However, the mechanisms are unknown. Here, we used mass spectrometry to identify proteins that mediate the effects of nutrients on bud growth. This led to the discovery that nutrients regulate numerous components of the Mitotic Exit Network (MEN), which controls exit from mitosis. A key component of the MEN undergoes gradual multi-site phosphorylation during bud growth that is dependent upon growth and correlated with the extent of growth. Furthermore, activation of the MEN is sufficient to over-ride a growth requirement for mitotic exit. The data suggest a model in which the MEN integrates signals regarding cell growth and nutrient availability to ensure that mitotic exit occurs only when sufficient growth has occurred. Copy rights belong to original authors. Visit the link for more info Podcast created by Paper Player, LLC

Link to bioRxiv paper: http://biorxiv.org/cgi/content/short/2023.08.02.551232v1?rss=1 Authors: Nguyen, T. P., Otani, T., Tsutsumi, M., Fujiwara, S., Nemoto, T., Fujimori, T., Furuse, M. Abstract: Epithelia must be able to resist mechanical force to preserve tissue integrity. While intercellular junctions are known to be important for the mechanical resistance of epithelia, the roles of tight junctions (TJs) remain to be established. We previously demonstrated that epithelial cells devoid of the TJ membrane proteins claudins and JAM-A completely lack TJs and exhibit focal breakages of their apical junctions. Here, we demonstrate that apical junctions undergo spontaneous fracture when claudin/JAM-A-deficient cells are exposed to mechanical stress. The junction fracture was accompanied by actin disorganization, and actin polymerization was required for apical junction integrity in the claudin/JAM-A-deficient cells. Further deletion of CAR resulted in the disruption of ZO-1 molecule ordering at cell junctions, accompanied by severe defects in apical junction integrity. These results demonstrate that TJ membrane proteins regulate the mechanical resistance of the apical junctional complex in epithelial cells. Copy rights belong to original authors. Visit the link for more info Podcast created by Paper Player, LLC

Link to bioRxiv paper: http://biorxiv.org/cgi/content/short/2023.08.04.551943v1?rss=1 Authors: Bagley, D. C., Russell, T., Ortiz-Zapater, E., Fox, K., Redd, P. F., Joseph, M., Rice, C. D., Reilly, C. A., Parsons, M., Rosenblatt, J. Abstract: Asthma is a common disease characterized by airway constriction, excess mucus, and inflammation. Although asthma is an inflammatory disease, subclassed by different endotypes, triggers, and immune responses, the defining diagnostic symptom is mechanical bronchoconstriction from uncontrolled smooth muscle contraction. We previously discovered a conserved process that drives epithelial cell death in response to mechanical cell crowding called epithelial cell extrusion (1,2). Because modest crowding triggers extrusion to maintain constant homeostatic epithelial cell densities, we reasoned that the pathological crowding from bronchoconstriction might potentially destroy the airway epithelial barrier, causing the typical inflammatory period that follows an asthma attack. Here, using immune-primed mice, we show that the crowding of bronchoconstriction causes excess epithelial cell extrusion and damage, resulting in inflammation in distal airways, and mucus secretion in proximal airways. Surprisingly, relaxing airways following bronchoconstriction with the current rescue treatment, albuterol, did not prevent epithelial extrusion and destruction, inflammation, or mucus secretion. However, inhibiting canonical live cell extrusion signaling during bronchoconstriction with stretch-activated/TRP channel or sphingosine 1-phosphate (S1P) inhibitors blocked all downstream symptoms. Our findings propose a new etiology for asthma where the extreme mechanical crowding from a bronchoconstrictive attack causes inflammation by wounding airway epithelium. Whereas most therapies focus on modulating downstream inflammatory symptoms, our studies suggest that blocking epithelial extrusion could prevent the feed-forward asthma inflammatory cycle. Copy rights belong to original authors. Visit the link for more info Podcast created by Paper Player, LLC

Link to bioRxiv paper: http://biorxiv.org/cgi/content/short/2023.08.04.551992v1?rss=1 Authors: Quiroz, E. J., Kim, S., Gautam, L. K., Borok, Z., Kintner, C., Ryan, A. L. Abstract: A core pathophysiologic feature underlying many respiratory diseases is multiciliated cell dysfunction, leading to inadequate mucociliary clearance. Due to the prevalence and highly variable etiology of mucociliary dysfunction in respiratory diseases, it is critical to understand the mechanisms controlling multiciliogenesis that may be targeted to restore functional mucociliary clearance. Multicilin, in a complex with E2F4, is necessary and sufficient to drive multiciliogenesis in airway epithelia, however this does not apply to all cell types, nor does it occur evenly across all cells in the same cell population. In this study we further investigated how co-factors regulate the ability of Multicilin to drive multiciliogenesis. Combining data in mouse embryonic fibroblasts and human bronchial epithelial cells, we identify RBL2 as a repressor of the transcriptional activity of Multicilin. Knockdown of RBL2 in submerged cultures or phosphorylation of RBL2 in response to apical air exposure, in the presence of Multicilin, allows multiciliogenesis to progress. These data demonstrate a dynamic interaction between RBL2 and Multicilin that regulates the capacity of cells to differentiate and multiciliate. Identification of this mechanism has important implications for facilitating MCC differentiation in diseases with impaired mucociliary clearance. Copy rights belong to original authors. Visit the link for more info Podcast created by Paper Player, LLC

Link to bioRxiv paper: http://biorxiv.org/cgi/content/short/2023.08.02.551716v1?rss=1 Authors: Ilyinsky, N. S., Bukhalovich, S. M., Bagaeva, D. F., Nesterov, S. V., Alekseev, A. A., Tsybrov, F. M., Bogorodskiy, A. O., Moiseeva, O. V., Vlasova, A. D., Kovalev, K. V., Mikhailov, A. E., Rogachev, A. V., Bamberg, E., Ivanovich, V., Borshchevskiy, V. I. Abstract: Lysosome protective, metabolic, signaling functions are highly dependent on their pH. A lack of tools of high spatial and temporal resolution for pH control is a bottleneck of lysosome related cell research. Light-driven inward proton pump NsXeR, targeted to the lysosomes of mammalian cells, produces lysosome alkalization simply by light. Complementary use of outward proton pumping Arch3 rhodopsins in lysosomes offers an approach to vary pH in a range from around 5 to 6.5 in both directions (alkalization and acidification). Lyso-NsXeR optogenetics efficiency was demonstrated, in particular, by its ability to inhibit lysosome proteolytic enzymes. Unprecedented time resolution of the optogenetic approach allowed direct in situ monitoring of vATPase activity. Thus, optogenetic monitoring and regulation of the lysosome function, through pH control over a wide range, could serve as an approach to studying fundamental cell processes, and rational drug design. Copy rights belong to original authors. Visit the link for more info Podcast created by Paper Player, LLC

Link to bioRxiv paper: http://biorxiv.org/cgi/content/short/2023.08.03.551705v1?rss=1 Authors: Murray, R., Navarrete, N. R. R., Desai, K., Chowdhury, M. R., Chilakapati, S. R., Chong, B., Messana, A., Sobon, H., Rocha, J., Musenge, F., Camblin, A., Ciaramella, G., Sitkovsky, M., Maldini, C., Hatfield, S. Abstract: Biochemical and immunological negative regulators converge to inhibit tumor-reactive Chimeric Antigen Receptor T (CAR-T) cells, which may explain clinical failures of CAR-T cell therapies against solid tumors. Here, we developed a multifaceted approach to genetically engineer allogeneic ("off-the-shelf") CAR-T cells resistant to both biochemical (adenosine) and immunological (PD-L1 and TGF-{beta}) inhibitory signaling. We multiplexed an adenine base editor with a CRISPR-Cas12b nuclease to manufacture a CAR-T cell product comprising six gene edits to evade allorejection (B2M, CIITA), prevent graft-versus-host disease (CD3E) and resist major biochemical (ADORA2A) and immunological (PDCD1, TGFBR2) immunosuppressive barriers in solid tumors. Combinatorial genetic disruption in CAR-T cells enabled superior anti-tumor efficacy leading to improved tumor elimination and survival in humanized mouse models that recapitulated the suppressive features of a human tumor microenvironment (TME). This novel engineering strategy conferred CAR-T cells resistance to a diverse TME, which may unlock the therapeutic potential of CAR-T cells against solid tumors. Copy rights belong to original authors. Visit the link for more info Podcast created by Paper Player, LLC

Link to bioRxiv paper: http://biorxiv.org/cgi/content/short/2023.08.04.551933v1?rss=1 Authors: Muller-McNicoll, M., Zarnack, K., McNicoll, F., Keller, M., Sliskovic, I., Okuda, E. K., Riegger, R. J., Arnold, B. Abstract: Nuclear RNA binding proteins (RBPs) are difficult to study because they often belong to large protein families and form extensive networks of auto- and cross-regulation. They are highly abundant and often localize to condensates with a slow turnover, requiring long depletion times or knockouts that cannot distinguish between direct and indirect or compensatory effects. Here, we developed a system that is optimized for the rapid degradation of nuclear RBPs, called hGRAD. It comes as a 'one-fits-all' plasmid, and integration into any cell line that expresses endogenously GFP-tagged proteins allows an inducible, rapid and complete knockdown. We show that the nuclear RBPs SRSF3, SRSF5, SRRM2 and NONO are completely cleared from nuclear speckles and paraspeckles within two hours. hGRAD works in various cell types, is more efficient than other methods and does not require the expression of exogenous ubiquitin ligases. Combining SRSF5 hGRAD degradation with Nascent-seq uncovered highly dynamic transient transcript changes, compensatory mechanisms and that SRSF5 promotes transcript stability. Copy rights belong to original authors. Visit the link for more info Podcast created by Paper Player, LLC

Link to bioRxiv paper: http://biorxiv.org/cgi/content/short/2023.08.04.551988v1?rss=1 Authors: Zhang, Z., Huang, Y., Tao, W., Wei, Y., Xu, L., Gong, W., Zhang, Y., Han, Y., Kuang, C., Liu, X. Abstract: Stimulated emission depletion microscopy (STED) is a powerful tool for studying nanoscale cell structure and activity, but the difficulties it encounters in multicolor imaging limit its application in biological research. To overcome the disadvantages of limited number of channels and high cost of multicolor STED imaging based on spectral identity, we introduced lifetime into live-cell multicolor STED imaging by separating selected dyes of the same spectrum by phasor analysis. Experimental results show that our method enables live-cell STED imaging with at least 4 colors, enabling observation of cellular activity beyond the diffraction limit. Copy rights belong to original authors. Visit the link for more info Podcast created by Paper Player, LLC

Link to bioRxiv paper: http://biorxiv.org/cgi/content/short/2023.08.03.551916v1?rss=1 Authors: Takenaka, Y., Kakinuma, Y., Inoue, I. Abstract: We have previously identified the novel splicing variant of mouse Ppar{gamma} (Ppar{gamma}1sv) and proposed the synergistic regulation of the early stage of adipocyte differentiation by Ppar{gamma}1sv and Ppar{gamma}2. Here, we report the finding of PPAR{gamma}-binding sites within the Ppar{gamma} gene locus and its importance in adipogenesis and propose the positive feedback regulation of Ppar{gamma}1sv and Ppar{gamma}2 expression during the adipocyte differentiation of 3T3-L1 cells. Copy rights belong to original authors. Visit the link for more info Podcast created by Paper Player, LLC

Link to bioRxiv paper: http://biorxiv.org/cgi/content/short/2023.08.03.551815v1?rss=1 Authors: Salvador-Garcia, D., Jin, L., Hensley, A., Golcuk, M., Gallaud, E., Chaaban, S., Port, F., Vagnoni, A., Planelles-Herrero, V. J., McClintock, M. A., Derivery, E., Carter, A. P., Giet, R., Gur, M., Yildiz, A., Bullock, S. L. Abstract: The cytoplasmic dynein-1 (dynein) motor organizes cells by shaping microtubule networks and moving a large variety of cargoes along them. However, dynein's diverse roles complicate in vivo studies of its functions significantly. To address this issue, we have used gene editing to generate a series of missense mutations in Drosophila Dynein heavy chain (Dhc). We find that mutations associated with human neurological disease cause a range of defects in larval and adult flies, including impaired cargo trafficking in neurons. We also describe a novel mutation in the microtubule-binding domain (MTBD) of Dhc that, remarkably, causes metaphase arrest of mitotic spindles in the embryo but does not impair other dynein-dependent processes. We demonstrate that the mitotic arrest is independent of dynein's well-established roles in silencing the spindle assembly checkpoint. In vitro reconstitution and optical trapping assays reveal that the mutation only impairs the performance of dynein under load. In silico all-atom molecular dynamics simulations show that this effect correlates with increased flexibility of the MTBD, as well as an altered orientation of the stalk domain, with respect to the microtubule. Collectively, our data point to a novel role of dynein in anaphase progression that depends on the motor operating in a specific load regime. More broadly, our work illustrates how cytoskeletal transport processes can be dissected in vivo by manipulating mechanical properties of motors. Copy rights belong to original authors. Visit the link for more info Podcast created by Paper Player, LLC

Link to bioRxiv paper: http://biorxiv.org/cgi/content/short/2023.08.03.551853v1?rss=1 Authors: Chen, J., Yue, F., Kim, K. H., Zhu, P., Qiu, J., Tao, W. A., Kuang, S. Abstract: Mitochondria are not only essential for energy production in eukaryocytes but also a key regulator of intracellular signaling. Here, we report an unappreciated role of mitochondria in regulating cytosolic protein translation in skeletal muscle cells (myofibers). We show that the expression of mitochondrial protein FAM210A (Family With Sequence Similarity 210 Member A) is positively associated with muscle mass in mice and humans. Muscle-specific Myl1Cre-driven Fam210a knockout (Fam210aMKO) in mice reduces mitochondrial density and function, leading to progressive muscle atrophy and premature death. Metabolomic and biochemical analyses reveal that Fam210aMKO reverses the oxidative TCA cycle towards the reductive direction, resulting in acetyl-CoA accumulation and hyperacetylation of cytosolic proteins. Specifically, hyperacetylation of several ribosomal proteins leads to disassembly of ribosomes and translational defects. Transplantation of Fam210aMKO mitochondria into wildtype myoblasts is sufficient to elevate protein acetylation in recipient cells. These findings reveal a novel crosstalk between the mitochondrion and ribosome mediated by FAM210A. Copy rights belong to original authors. Visit the link for more info Podcast created by Paper Player, LLC

Link to bioRxiv paper: http://biorxiv.org/cgi/content/short/2023.08.03.551216v1?rss=1 Authors: Zaharija, B., Bradshaw, N. J. Abstract: An emerging approach to studying major mental illness is through proteostasis, with the identification of several proteins that form insoluble aggregates in the brains of patients. One of these is Disrupted in Schizophrenia 1 (DISC1), a neurodevelopmentally-important scaffold protein, and the product of a classic schizophrenia risk gene. DISC1 was seen to aggregate in post mortem tissue from patients with schizophrenia, bipolar disorder and major depressive disorder, as well as in a variety of model systems, although the mechanism by which it does so is still unclear. Aggregation of two other proteins implicated in mental illness, TRIOBP-1 and NPAS3, was shown to be dependent on very specific structural regions of the protein. We therefore looked to the recently determined domain structure of DISC1, and investigated which structural elements were key for its aggregation. While none of the known DISC1 regions (named D, I, S and C respectively) formed aggregates individually when expressed in neuroblastoma cells, the combination of the D and I regions, plus the linker region between them, formed visible aggregates. Further refinement revealed that a region of approximately 30 amino acids between these two regions is critical to aggregation, with deletion of this region from full length DISC1 sufficient to abolish its aggregation propensity. This finding from mammalian cell culture contrasts with the recent determination that the extreme C-terminal of DISC1 can aggregate in vitro, although we did see some indication that combinations of C-terminal DISC1 regions can also aggregate in our system. It therefore appears likely that DISC1 aggregation, implicated in mental illness, can occur through at least two distinct mechanisms. Copy rights belong to original authors. Visit the link for more info Podcast created by Paper Player, LLC

Link to bioRxiv paper: http://biorxiv.org/cgi/content/short/2023.08.03.550647v1?rss=1 Authors: Ibtisam, I., Kisselev, A. F. Abstract: Rapid recovery of proteasome activity may contribute to intrinsic and acquired resistance to FDA-approved proteasome inhibitors. Previous studies have demonstrated that the expression of proteasome genes in cells treated with sub-lethal concentrations of proteasome inhibitors is upregulated by the transcription factor Nrf1 (NFE2L1), which is activated by a novel DDI2 protease. Here we demonstrate that the recovery of proteasome activity is DDI2-independent and occurs before the upregulation of proteasome gene expression. The recovery requires protein translation, but the efficiency of translation of proteasomal mRNA does not increase upon proteasome inhibition. Based on this data, we propose that the increased efficiency of proteasome assembly is responsible for the recovery of proteasome activity. Copy rights belong to original authors. Visit the link for more info Podcast created by Paper Player, LLC

Link to bioRxiv paper: http://biorxiv.org/cgi/content/short/2023.08.04.552058v1?rss=1 Authors: Lesiak, L., Dadina, N., Zheng, S., Schelvis, M., Schepartz, A. Abstract: Lysosomes have long been known for their acidic lumen and efficient degradation of cellular byproducts. In recent years it has become clear that their function is far more sophisticated, involving multiple cell signaling pathways and interactions with other organelles. Unfortunately, their acidic interior, fast dynamics, and small size makes lysosomes difficult to image with fluorescence microscopy. Here we report a far-red small molecule, HMSiR680-Me, that fluoresces only under acidic conditions, causing selective labeling of acidic organelles in live cells. HMSiR680-Me can be used alongside other far-red dyes in multicolor imaging experiments and is superior to existing lysosome probes in terms of photostability and maintaining cell health and lysosome motility. We demonstrate that HMSiR680-Me is compatible with overnight time lapse experiments, as well as time lapse super- resolution microscopy with a fast frame rate for at least 1000 frames. HMSiR680-Me can also be used alongside silicon rhodamine dyes in a multiplexed super-resolution microscopy experiment to visualize interactions between the inner mitochondrial membrane and lysosomes with only a single excitation laser and simultaneous depletion. We envision this dye permitting more detailed study of the role of lysosomes in dynamic cellular processes and disease. Copy rights belong to original authors. Visit the link for more info Podcast created by Paper Player, LLC

Link to bioRxiv paper: http://biorxiv.org/cgi/content/short/2023.08.04.552031v1?rss=1 Authors: Lang, C. F., Anneken, A., Munro, E. Abstract: The PAR polarity network is a paradigmatic example of how systems of mutually antagonism interactions among peripheral membrane binding proteins allow them to form and maintain complementary polar domains in response to a transient polarizing cue. The oligomeric scaffolding protein PAR-3 has emerged as a keystone member of the PAR network in many different contexts. In early C. elegans embryos, PAR-3 is required for all other PAR asymmetries, and it can form stable unipolar asymmetries when its known inhibitors are absent and all other members of the PAR network are cytoplasmic or spatially uniform on the membrane. But how PAR-3 forms stable unipolar asymmetries absent mutual antagonism is unknown. Here we combine single particle analysis with quantitative modeling and experimental manipulations to determine how the dynamics of PAR-3 membrane binding, oligomerization and dissociation allow PAR-3 to maintain stable asymmetries in the one cell C. elegans embryo. We find that two forms of positive feedback contribute to sustaining PAR-3 asymmetries: First, a sharp size-dependent decrease in oligomer dissociation rates makes the effective dissociation rate of PAR-3 decrease sharply with its membrane density. Second, membrane-bound PAR-3 promotes additional binding of PAR-3 to the membrane through a mechanism that requires the presence of anterior polarity proteins CDC-42, PAR-6 and PKC-3. Through a combination of modeling and quantitative measurements, we show that these two feedback loops are sufficient to dynamically stabilize asymmetries of the magnitude observed in polarized C. elegans zygotes. These results establish a dynamic basis for stabilizing monopolar PAR-3 asymmetries; they underscore a crucial role for the oligomerization and add to the growing body of evidence that point to a central role for oligomerization of peripheral membrane proteins in the establishment and maintenance of cell polarity. Copy rights belong to original authors. Visit the link for more info Podcast created by Paper Player, LLC

Link to bioRxiv paper: http://biorxiv.org/cgi/content/short/2023.08.03.551778v1?rss=1 Authors: Ohno, Y., Nakamura, T., Iwasaki, T., Katsuyama, A., Ichikawa, S., Kihara, A. Abstract: Protein-bound ceramides, specialized ceramides covalently bound to corneocyte surface proteins, are essential for skin permeability barrier function. However, their exact structure and target amino acid residues are unknown. Here, we found that epoxy-enone (EE) ceramides, precursors of protein-bound ceramides, as well as their synthetic analog, formed stable conjugates only with Cys among nucleophilic amino acids. NMR spectroscopy revealed that the beta-carbon of the enone was attached by the thiol group of Cys via a Michael addition reaction. We confirmed the presence of Cys-bound EE ceramides in mouse epidermis by mass spectrometry analysis of protease-digested epidermis samples. EE-ceramides were reversibly released from protein-bound ceramides via sulfoxide elimination. We found that protein-bound ceramides with reversible release properties accounted for approximately 60% of total protein-bound ceramides, indicating that Cys-bound EE ceramides are the predominant protein-bound ceramides. Our findings provide clues to the molecular mechanism of skin barrier formation by protein-bound ceramides. Copy rights belong to original authors. Visit the link for more info Podcast created by Paper Player, LLC

Link to bioRxiv paper: http://biorxiv.org/cgi/content/short/2023.08.03.551868v1?rss=1 Authors: Lin, Z., Zhang, X., Nandi, P., Lin, Y., Wang, L., Chu, Y., Paape, T., Yang, Y., Xiao, X., Liu, Q. Abstract: X-ray tomography and x-ray fluorescence imaging are two non-invasive imaging techniques to study cellular structures and chemical element distributions, respectively. However, correlative X-ray tomography and fluorescence imaging for the same cell has yet to be routinely realized due to challenges in sample preparation and X-ray radiation damage. Here we report an integrated experimental and computational workflow for achieving correlative multi-modality X-ray imaging of a single cell. The method consists of the preparation of radiation-resistant single-cell samples using live-cell imaging-assisted chemical fixation and freeze-drying procedures, targeting and labeling cells for correlative x-ray tomography and x-ray fluorescence measurement, and computational reconstruction of the correlative and multi-modality images. With X-ray tomography, cellular structures including the overall structure and intracellular organelles are visualized, while X-ray fluorescence imaging reveals the distribution of multiple chemical elements within the same cell. Our correlative method demonstrates the feasibility and broad applicability of using X-rays to understand cellular structures and the roles of multiple chemical elements and related proteins in signaling and other biological processes. Copy rights belong to original authors. Visit the link for more info Podcast created by Paper Player, LLC