Suzanna L. Prosser

Centriolar satellites are assembly points for proteins implicated in human ciliopathies, including oral-facial-digital syndrome 1

Ciliopathies are caused by mutations in genes encoding proteins required for cilia organization or function. We show through colocalization with PCM-1, that OFD1 (the product of the gene mutated in oral-facial-digital syndrome 1) as well as BBS4 and CEP290 (proteins encoded by other ciliopathy genes) are primarily components of centriolar satellites, the particles surrounding centrosomes and basal bodies. RNA interference experiments reveal that satellite integrity is mutually dependent upon each of these proteins. Upon satellite dispersal, through mitosis or forced microtubule depolymerization, OFD1 and CEP290 remain centrosomal, whereas BBS4 and PCM-1 do not. OFD1 interacts via its fifth coiled-coil motif with the N-terminal coiled-coil domain of PCM-1, which itself interacts via its C-terminal non-coiled-coil region with BBS4. OFD1 localization to satellites requires its N-terminal region, encompassing the LisH motif, whereas expression of OFD1 C-terminal constructs causes PCM-1 and CEP290 mislocalization. Moreover, in embryonic zebrafish, OFD1 and BBS4 functionally synergize, determining morphogenesis. Our observation that satellites are assembly points for several mutually dependent ciliopathy proteins provides a further possible explanation as to why the clinical spectrum of OFD1, Bardet–Biedl and Joubert syndromes overlap. Furthermore, definition of how OFD1 and PCM-1 interact helps explain why different OFD1 mutations lead to clinically variable phenotypes.

Mitotic spindle assembly in animal cells: a fine balancing act

The mitotic spindle has a crucial role in ensuring the accurate segregation of chromosomes into the two daughter cells during cell division, which is paramount for maintaining genome integrity. It is a self-organized and dynamic macromolecular structure that is constructed from microtubules, microtubule-associated proteins and motor proteins. Thirty years of research have led to the identification of centrosome-, chromatin- and microtubule-mediated microtubule nucleation pathways that each contribute to mitotic spindle assembly. Far from being redundant pathways, data are now emerging regarding how they function together to ensure the timely completion of mitosis. We are also beginning to comprehend the multiple mechanisms by which cells regulate spindle scaling. Together, this research has increased our understanding of how cells coordinate hundreds of proteins to assemble the dynamic, precise and robust structure that is the mitotic spindle.

Molecular Dissection of the Centrosome Overduplication Pathway in S-Phase-Arrested Cells

ABSTRACT Cancer cells frequently exhibit overduplicated centrosomes that lead to formation of multipolar spindles, chromosome missegregation, and aneuploidy. However, the molecular events involved in centrosome overduplication remain largely unknown. Experimentally, centrosome overduplication is observed in p53-deficient cells arrested in S phase with hydroxyurea. Using this assay, we have identified distinct roles for Cdk2, microtubules, dynein, and Hsp90 in the overduplication of functional centrosomes in mammalian cells and show that Cdk2 is also required for the generation of centriolar satellites. Moreover, we demonstrate that nuclear export is required for centriolar satellite formation and centrosome overduplication, with export inhibitors causing a Cdk-dependent accumulation of nuclear centrin granules. Hence, we propose that centrosome precursors may arise in the nucleus, providing a novel mechanistic explanation for how nuclear Cdk2 can promote centrosome overduplication in the cytoplasm. Furthermore, this study defines a molecular pathway that may be targeted to prevent centrosome overduplication in S-phase-arrested cancer cells.

Oscillation of APC/C activity during cell cycle arrest promotes centrosome amplification

Summary Centrosome duplication is licensed by the disengagement, or ‘uncoupling’, of centrioles during late mitosis. However, arrest of cells in G2 can trigger premature centriole disengagement. Here, we show that premature disengagement results from untimely activation of the anaphase-promoting complex (APC/C), leading to securin degradation and release of active separase. Although APC/C activation during G2 arrest is dependent on polo-like kinase 1 (Plk1)-mediated degradation of the APC/C inhibitor, early mitotic inhibitor 1 (Emi1), Plk1 also has a second APC/C-independent role in promoting disengagement. Importantly, APC/C and Plk1 activity also stimulates centriole disengagement in response to hydroxyurea or DNA damage-induced cell-cycle arrest and this leads to centrosome amplification. However, the reduplication of disengaged centrioles is dependent on cyclin-dependent kinase 2 (Cdk2) activity and Cdk2 activation coincides with a subsequent inactivation of the APC/C and re-accumulation of cyclin A. Although release from these arrests leads to mitotic entry, the presence of disengaged and/or amplified centrosomes results in the formation of abnormal mitotic spindles that lead to chromosome mis-segregation. Thus, oscillation of APC/C activity during cell cycle arrest promotes both centrosome amplification and genome instability.

Centrin2 regulates CP110 removal in primary cilium formation.

Centrin2 is required for efficient ciliogenesis in lymphocytes and epithelial cells through the removal of the ciliation inhibitor CP110.

Multisite phosphorylation of C-Nap1 releases it from Cep135 to trigger centrosome disjunction

ABSTRACT During mitotic entry, centrosomes separate to establish the bipolar spindle. Delays in centrosome separation can perturb chromosome segregation and promote genetic instability. However, interphase centrosomes are physically tethered by a proteinaceous linker composed of C-Nap1 (also known as CEP250) and the filamentous protein rootletin. Linker disassembly occurs at the onset of mitosis in a process known as centrosome disjunction and is triggered by the Nek2-dependent phosphorylation of C-Nap1. However, the mechanistic consequences of C-Nap1 phosphorylation are unknown. Here, we demonstrate that Nek2 phosphorylates multiple residues within the C-terminal domain of C-Nap1 and, collectively, these phosphorylation events lead to loss of oligomerization and centrosome association. Mutations in non-phosphorylatable residues that make the domain more acidic are sufficient to release C-Nap1 from the centrosome, suggesting that it is an increase in overall negative charge that is required for this process. Importantly, phosphorylation of C-Nap1 also perturbs interaction with the core centriolar protein, Cep135, and interaction of endogenous C-Nap1 and Cep135 proteins is specifically lost in mitosis. We therefore propose that multisite phosphorylation of C-Nap1 by Nek2 perturbs both oligomerization and Cep135 interaction, and this precipitates centrosome disjunction at the onset of mitosis.

Mitotic phosphorylation of SUN1 loosens its connection with the nuclear lamina while the LINC complex remains intact.

At the onset mitosis in higher eukaryotes, the nuclear envelope (NE) undergoes dramatic deconstruction to allow separation of duplicated chromosomes. Studies have shown that during this process of nuclear envelope breakdown (NEBD), the extensive protein networks of the nuclear lamina are disassembled through phosphorylation of lamins and several inner nuclear membrane (INM) proteins. The LINC complex, composed of SUN and nesprin proteins, is involved in multiple interactions at the NE and plays vital roles in nuclear and cellular mechanics by connecting the nucleus to the cytoskeleton. Here, we show that SUN1, located in the INM, undergoes mitosis-specific phosphorylation on at least 3 sites within its nucleoplasmic N-terminus. We further identify Cdk1 as the kinase responsible for serine 48 and 333 phosphorylation, while serine 138 is phosphorylated by Plk1. In mitotic cells, SUN1 loses its interaction with N-terminal domain binding partners lamin A/C, emerin, and short nesprin-2 isoforms. Furthermore, a triple phosphomimetic SUN1 mutant displays increased solubility and reduced retention at the NE. In contrast, the central LINC complex interaction between the SUN1 C-terminus and the KASH domain of nesprin-2 is maintained during mitosis. Together, these data support a model whereby mitotic phosphorylation of SUN1 disrupts interactions with nucleoplasmic binding partners, promoting disassembly of the nuclear lamina and, potentially, its chromatin interactions. At the same time, our data add to an emerging picture that the core LINC complex plays an active role in NEBD.

Nek5 promotes centrosome integrity in interphase and loss of centrosome cohesion in mitosis

The Nek5 protein kinase contributes not only to uncoupling of the centrosome linker but also to integrity of the pericentriolar material and centrosomal microtubule nucleation, which together ensure the timely separation of centrosomes during early mitosis.

Ciliary abnormalities in senescent human fibroblasts impair proliferative capacity.

Somatic cells senesce in culture after a finite number of divisions indefinitely arresting their proliferation. DNA damage and senescence increase the cellular number of centrosomes, the 2 microtubule organizing centers that ensure bipolar mitotic spindles. Centrosomes also provide the basal body from which primary cilia extend to sense and transduce various extracellular signals, notably Hedgehog. Primary cilium formation is facilitated by cellular quiescence a temporary cell cycle exit, but the impact of senescence on cilia is unknown. We found that senescent human fibroblasts have increased frequency and length of primary cilia. Levels of the negative ciliary regulator CP110 were reduced in senescent cells, as were levels of key elements of the Hedgehog pathway. Hedgehog inhibition reduced proliferation in young cells with increased cilium length accompanying cell cycle arrest suggesting a regulatory function for Hedgehog in primary ciliation. Depletion of CP110 in young cell populations increased ciliation frequencies and reduced cell proliferation. These data suggest that primary cilia are potentially novel determinants of the reduced cellular proliferation that initiates senescence.

Fluorescence Imaging of the Centrosome Cycle in Mammalian Cells

The formation of a bipolar spindle is essential for the equal segregation of duplicated DNA into two daughter cells during mitosis. Spindle bipolarity is largely dependent on the mitotic cell possessing two centrosomes that can each establish one spindle pole. The centrosome is also now known to regulate many other aspects of cell cycle progression, including G1/S progression, spindle orientation and symmetry, cytokinesis, and checkpoint signalling. As a result, defects in centrosome arrangement or number can lead to loss of cell polarity, defective cell division, and abnormal chromosome segregation, all events that are typical of cancer cells. Indeed, cancer cells often exhibit overduplicated centrosomes and multipolar spindles. Here, we outline a number of fluorescence imaging methodologies that can be used to study events of the centrosome duplication cycle, as well as the dynamics of individual centrosome proteins. Specifically, we discuss the generation and imaging of cell lines with fluorescently labelled centrosomes, the use of photobleaching methods to measure the dynamics of centrosome proteins, and assays for observing centrosome overduplication and centrosome separation in fixed and live cells. These experimental approaches can provide important information on the regulation of centrosomes, their role in normal cell cycle progression and how their deregulation might contribute to the deleterious phenotypes of malignant cancer cells.