Spatial control of actin organization at adherens junctions by a synaptotagmin-like protein Btsz

Epithelial tissues maintain a robust architecture during development. This fundamental property relies on intercellular adhesion through the formation of adherens junctions containing E-cadherin molecules. Localization of E-cadherin is stabilized through a pathway involving the recruitment of actin filaments by E-cadherin. Here we identify an additional pathway that organizes actin filaments in the apical junctional region (AJR) where adherens junctions form in embryonic epithelia. This pathway is controlled by Bitesize (Btsz), a synaptotagmin-like protein that is recruited in the AJR independently of E-cadherin and is required for epithelial stability in Drosophila embryos. On loss of btsz, E-cadherin is recruited normally to the AJR, but is not stabilized properly and actin filaments fail to form a stable continuous network. In the absence of E-cadherin, actin filaments are stable for a longer time than they are in btsz mutants. We identify two polarized cues that localize Btsz: phosphatidylinositol (4,5)-bisphosphate, to which Btsz binds; and Par-3. We show that Btsz binds to the Ezrin-Radixin-Moesin protein Moesin, an F-actin-binding protein that is localized apically and is recruited in the AJR in a btsz-dependent manner. Expression of a dominant-negative form of Ezrin that does not bind F-actin phenocopies the loss of btsz. Thus, our data indicate that, through their interaction, Btsz and Moesin may mediate the proper organization of actin in a local domain, which in turn stabilizes E-cadherin. These results provide a mechanism for the spatial order of actin organization underlying junction stabilization in primary embryonic epithelia.     

Planar polarized actomyosin contractile flows control epithelial junction remodelling

Force generation by Myosin-II motors on actin filaments drives cell and tissue morphogenesis. In epithelia, contractile forces are resisted at apical junctions by adhesive forces dependent on E-cadherin, which also transmits tension. During Drosophila embryonic germband extension, tissue elongation is driven by cell intercalation, which requires an irreversible and planar polarized remodelling of epithelial cell junctions. We investigate how cell deformations emerge from the interplay between force generation and cortical force transmission during this remodelling in Drosophila melanogaster. The shrinkage of dorsal-ventral-oriented ('vertical') junctions during this process is known to require planar polarized junctional contractility by Myosin II (refs 4, 5, 7, 12). Here we show that this shrinkage is not produced by junctional Myosin II itself, but by the polarized flow of medial actomyosin pulses towards 'vertical' junctions. This anisotropic flow is oriented by the planar polarized distribution of E-cadherin complexes, in that medial Myosin II flows towards 'vertical' junctions, which have relatively less E-cadherin than transverse junctions. Our evidence suggests that the medial flow pattern reflects equilibrium properties of force transmission and coupling to E-cadherin by α-Catenin. Thus, epithelial morphogenesis is not properly reflected by Myosin II steady state distribution but by polarized contractile actomyosin flows that emerge from interactions between E-cadherin and actomyosin networks.     

Reciprocal regulation of CD4/CD8 expression by SWI/SNF-like BAF complexes

Thymic development produces two sub-lineages of T cells expressing either CD4 or CD8 co-receptors that assist antibody production and mediate cell killing, respectively. The mechanisms for mutually exclusive co-receptor expression remain poorly defined. We find that mutations in the high mobility group (HMG) domain of BAF57--a DNA-binding subunit of the mammalian SWI/SNF-like chromatin-remodelling BAF complexes--or in the BAF complex ATPase subunit Brg, impair both CD4 silencing and CD8 activation. Brg is haploinsufficient for CD8 activation, but not for CD4 silencing, whereas BAF57 mutations preferentially impair CD4 silencing, pointing to target- and subunit-specific mechanisms of chromatin remodelling. BAF complexes directly bind the CD4 silencer, but the BAF57 HMG domain is dispensable for tethering BAF complexes to the CD4 silencer or other chromatin loci in vivo, or for remodelling reconstituted templates in vitro, suggesting that chromatin remodelling in vivo requires HMG-dependent DNA bending. These results indicate that BAF complexes contribute to lineage bifurcation by reciprocally regulating lineage-specific genes, reminiscent of the role of the yeast SWI/SNF complex in mediating mating-type switching.     

Expression of N-cadherin adhesion molecules associated with early morphogenetic events in chick development

Selective adhesive properties of cells are thought to have a key role in animal morphogenesis, but the molecular bases underlying these properties remain to be determined. Our studies have demonstrated that cell-type-specific adhesiveness resides in a class of cell-cell adhesion molecules, termed cadherins, which were defined as the molecular components of the Ca2+-dependent cell adhesion system (CADS). For example, a cadherin molecule identified in mouse teratocarcinoma cells, termed E-cadherin (this molecule seems to be identical to uvomorulin or cell-CAM 120/80 and equivalent to chicken L-CAM), was detected only in epithelial cells of various organs; it did not cross-react with cadherins on other cell types. We recently described a novel type of cadherin, N-cadherin, which is found in mouse cells and whose tissue distribution is distinct from that of E-cadherin. In the present study, we have identified a molecular component of N-cadherin in the chicken and determined its distribution in the tissues of early embryos. The results suggest that expression of this adhesion molecule is associated with separation and sealing of cell layers in morphogenesis.     

聚氨酯粘合剂的粘接强度与红外光谱分析

运用红外光谱法跟踪由特种接枝聚醚和多异氰酸酯预聚体反应生成的聚氨酯粘合剂的化学反应全过程 ,从而分析出各基团之间的化学反应及其产物随时间变化的定性、定量分析。并对特征基团变化与粘接强度的关系进行了分析。本文目的在于探讨粘接机理 ,以期得到特征基团的反应对粘接性能的影响。除对基团特征峰进行了指认 ,还利用积分方法对特征峰做定量测定。通过将特征基团吸收峰积分面积比与粘合剂的剥离强度对比 ,得到以特征基团吸收峰积分面积比来判定粘合剂的粘接强度的半定量方法     

The expression of N-cadherin /catenins /actin complex in human lung normal and carcinoma cells

The difference between human normal and carcinoma lung cells was studied with regard to the protein expression level and localization of the cadherin/catenin/actin complex. Results demonstrated that normal lung cell RF expressed high levels of N-cadherin, β-catenin, α-catenin. These 3 proteins were colocalized at AJs and their submembrane adhesion plaques where they link the Rho-phalloidin-positive actin stress fibers, indicating the existence of N-cadherin/catenin/actin complexes at the AJs. Aberrant expression of AJ proteins and the actin cytoskelecton in carcinoma PG cells was observed: (1) inhibition of N-cadherin and to a degree of inhibition of α-catenin protein expression; (2) varied protein modification of β-catenin in cytoplasm soluble fraction and altered distribution of immunofluorescence: majorly in the cytoplasm and minorly on the membrane; (3) disassembly of actin stress fibers and formation of actin bodies in the cytoplasm. The data suggest that inhibited expression of AJ proteins is correlated with the disruption of the AJ complexes and the actin cytoskeleton in carcinoma PG cells, and responsible for its metastasis behaviors.     

Nanoscale architecture of integrin-based cell adhesions

Cell adhesions to the extracellular matrix (ECM) are necessary for morphogenesis, immunity and wound healing. Focal adhesions are multifunctional organelles that mediate cell-ECM adhesion, force transmission, cytoskeletal regulation and signalling. Focal adhesions consist of a complex network of trans-plasma-membrane integrins and cytoplasmic proteins that form a?<200-nm plaque linking the ECM to the actin cytoskeleton. The complexity of focal adhesion composition and dynamics implicate an intricate molecular machine. However, focal adhesion molecular architecture remains unknown. Here we used three-dimensional super-resolution fluorescence microscopy (interferometric photoactivated localization microscopy) to map nanoscale protein organization in focal adhesions. Our results reveal that integrins and actin are vertically separated by a ～40-nm focal adhesion core region consisting of multiple protein-specific strata: a membrane-apposed integrin signalling layer containing integrin cytoplasmic tails, focal adhesion kinase and paxillin; an intermediate force-transduction layer containing talin and vinculin; and an uppermost actin-regulatory layer containing zyxin, vasodilator-stimulated phosphoprotein and α-actinin. By localizing amino- and carboxy-terminally tagged talins, we reveal talin's polarized orientation, indicative of a role in organizing the focal adhesion strata. The composite multilaminar protein architecture provides a molecular blueprint for understanding focal adhesion functions.     

Type I gamma phosphatidylinositol phosphate kinase targets and regulates focal adhesions

The ability of cells to form cell contacts, adhere to the extracellular matrix, change morphology, and migrate is essential for development, wound healing, metastasis, cell survival and the immune response. These events depend on the binding of integrin to the extracellular matrix, and assembly of focal adhesions, which are complexes comprising scaffolding and signalling proteins organized by adhesion to the extracellular matrix. Phosphatidylinositol-4,5-bisphosphate (PtdIns(4,5)P(2)) regulates interactions between these proteins, including the interaction of vinculin with actin and talin. The binding of talin to beta-integrin is strengthened by PtdIns(4,5)P(2), suggesting that the basis of focal adhesion assembly is regulated by this lipid mediator. Here we show that the type I phosphatidylinositol phosphate kinase isoform-gamma 661 (PIPKI gamma 661), an enzyme that makes PtdIns(4,5)P(2), is targeted to focal adhesions by an association with talin. PIPKI gamma 661 is tyrosine phosphorylated by focal adhesion associated kinase signalling, increasing both the activity of phosphatidylinositol phosphate kinase and its association with talin. This defines a mechanism for spatial generation of PtdIns(4,5)P(2) at focal adhesions.     

Neuronal cell-cell adhesion depends on interactions of N-CAM with heparin-like molecules

Cell-cell interactions are of critical importance during neural development, particularly since the migration of neural cells and the establishment of functional interactions between growing axons and their target cells has been suggested to depend upon cell recognition processes. Neurone-neurone adhesion has been well studied in vitro, and is mediated in part by the neural cell adhesion molecule N-CAM. N-CAM-mediated cell-cell adhesion has been postulated to occur by a homophilic binding mechanism, in which N-CAM on the surface of one cell binds to N-CAM on a neighbouring cell. Studies in our laboratory have identified a cell surface glycoprotein, now known to be N-CAM, which participates in cell-substratum interactions in the developing chicken nervous system. Although this adhesion involves a homophilic binding mechanism, the binding of the cell surface proteoglycan heparan sulphate to the glycoprotein is also required. This raises the question of whether the binding of heparan sulphate to N-CAM is also required for cell-cell adhesion. Here we show that the binding of retinal probe cells to retinal cell monolayers is inhibited by heparin, a functional analogue of heparan sulphate, but not by chondroitin sulphate. Monoclonal antibodies that recognize two different domains on N-CAM, the homophilic-binding and heparin-binding domains, inhibit cell-cell adhesion. The heparin-binding domain isolated from N-CAM by selective proteolysis also inhibits cell-cell adhesion when bound to the probe cells.     

Class 3 semaphorins control vascular morphogenesis by inhibiting integrin function

The motility and morphogenesis of endothelial cells is controlled by spatio-temporally regulated activation of integrin adhesion receptors, and integrin activation is stimulated by major determinants of vascular remodelling. In order for endothelial cells to be responsive to changes in activator gradients, the adhesiveness of these cells to the extracellular matrix must be dynamic, and negative regulators of integrins could be required. Here we show that during vascular development and experimental angiogenesis, endothelial cells generate autocrine chemorepulsive signals of class 3 semaphorins (SEMA3 proteins) that localize at nascent adhesive sites in spreading endothelial cells. Disrupting endogenous SEMA3 function in endothelial cells stimulates integrin-mediated adhesion and migration to extracellular matrices, whereas exogenous SEMA3 proteins antagonize integrin activation. Misexpression of dominant negative SEMA3 receptors in chick embryo endothelial cells locks integrins in an active conformation, and severely impairs vascular remodelling. Sema3a null mice show vascular defects as well. Thus during angiogenesis endothelial SEMA3 proteins endow the vascular system with the plasticity required for its reshaping by controlling integrin function.     

Alteration of cadherin isoform expression and inhibition of gap junctions in stomach carcinoma cells

To explore cell malignant phenotype correlated changes of cell surface adhesion molecules and cell-cell communication in carcinogenesis, human stomach transformed and cancer cell lines were investigated. Expressions of E-cadherin, N-cadherin,α-catenin, β-catenin as well as gap junction (GJ) protein Cx32 were studied by utilization of immunoblotting, immunocytochemical and fluorescent dye transfer methods. Mammalian normal stomach mucosal cells expressed E-cadherin but not N-cadherin. E-cadherin im-munofluorescence was detected at cell membranous adher-ens junctions (AJ) where colocalization with immunofluo-rescent staining of inner surface adhesion plaque proteins αnd β-catenins was observed. The existence of E-cadherin/ catenin (α-, β-) protein complexes as AJ was suggested. In transformed and stomach cancer cells E-cadherin was inhibited, instead, N-cadherin was expressed and localized at membranous AJ where co-staining with α- and β-catenin fluorescence was observed. Formation of N-cadherin/catenin (α-, β-) protein complex at AJs of transformed and cancer cells was suggested. The above observations were further supported by immunoblotting results. Normal stomach muscosal and transformed cells expressed Cx32 at membranous GJ and were competent of gap junction communication (GJIC). In stomach cancer cells, Cx32 was inhibited and GJIC was defective. The results suggested that changes of signal pathways mediated by both cell adhesion and cell communication systems are associated intracellular events of stomach carcinogenesis. The alteration of cadherin isoform from E- to N-cadherin in transformed and stomach cancer cells is the first report.     

Role of myelin P0 protein as a homophilic adhesion molecule.

Peripheral nervous system myelin is an extension of the Schwann cell's plasma membrane that tightly enwraps axons in many layers and permits nerve impulses to be rapidly conducted. It is not known how these multiple membrane layers are held together in this compact form. Here we present evidence supporting the hypothesis that the extracellular leaflets of myelin are held together by the most abundant protein of myelin of the peripheral nervous system, P0, by homophilic interaction of its extracellular domains. Transfected Chinese hamster ovary cells expressing P0 protein adhere to each other in suspension, to form large aggregates, whereas cells that are identical but which do not express P0 do not. We also show that this aggregation is mediated by homophilic binding between P0-expressing cells and that the apposing plasma membranes of these cells specifically form desmosomes, whereas control transfected cells do not. As the only difference between the two cell populations is the expression of P0, this protein is apparently responsible for the changes in morphology and adhesion in the cells that express it. The idea that P0 is a homophilic adhesion molecule is supported by its inclusion in the immunoglobulin supergene family, all members of which are involved in recognition and/or adhesion.     

An interaction between vinculin and talin

In cultured fibroblasts, microfilament bundles terminate at adhesion plaques (focal contacts), the specialized regions where the cells adhere most tightly to the underlying substrate. Vinculin is a protein concentrated in adhesion plaques and has been suggested as a possible link between the ends of the bundles of actin filaments and the plasma membrane. If vinculin is one protein in a chain of attachment between the bundles of microfilaments and the plasma membrane, it is important to identify other components which interact with vinculin. We have recently discovered a new protein in adhesion plaques which we refer to as talin. Here we show that talin binds to vinculin, which suggests that talin may be involved with vinculin in the attachment of microfilament bundles to the plasma membrane at the adhesion plaques.     

Structure of Cdc42 in complex with the GTPase-binding domain of the 'Wiskott-Aldrich syndrome' protein.

The Rho-family GTP-hydrolysing proteins (GTPases), Cdc42, Rac and Rho, act as molecular switches in signalling pathways that regulate cytoskeletal architecture, gene expression and progression of the cell cycle. Cdc42 and Rac transmit many signals through GTP-dependent binding to effector proteins containing a Cdc42/Rac-interactive-binding (CRIB) motif. One such effector, the Wiskott-Aldrich syndrome protein (WASP), is postulated to link activation of Cdc42 directly to the rearrangement of actin. Human mutations in WASP cause severe defects in haematopoletic cell function, leading to clinical symptoms of thrombocytopenia, immunodeficiency and eczema. Here we report the solution structure of a complex between activated Cdc42 and a minimal GTPase-binding domain (GBD) from WASP. An extended amino-terminal GBD peptide that includes the CRIB motif contacts the switch I, beta2 and alpha5 regions of Cdc42. A carboxy-terminal beta-hairpin and alpha-helix pack against switch II. The Phe-X-His-X2-His portion of the CRIB motif and the alpha-helix appear to mediate sensitivity to the nucleotide switch through contacts to residues 36-40 of Cdc42. Discrimination between the Rho-family members is likely to be governed by GBD contacts to the switch I and alpha5 regions of the GTPases. Structural and biochemical data suggest that GBD-sequence divergence outside the CRIB motif may reflect additional regulatory interactions with functional domains that are specific to individual effectors.     

TM_nCOT(n+1)层状团簇的结构及其电磁性质

应用密度泛函理论研究了TM-COT(TM:Ti,Zr,Hf;cyclooctatetraene,COT,环辛四烯)层状团簇(TMnCOTn+1,n=1～3),发现这些团簇具有很好的热力学稳定性;团簇的HOMO-LUMO能隙呈现奇偶交替变化的趋势,且TM2COT3团簇的HOMO-LUMO能隙最大,暗示这种团簇的电子结构最稳定.计算得到TMCOT2团簇的结合能最大,除了TiCOT的磁矩为2μB以外,其他所有团簇的磁矩均为0,尤其重要的是,它们的自旋稳定性要比EunCOTn+1好.     

A homochiral metal-organic porous material for enantioselective separation and catalysis

Inorganic zeolites are used for many practical applications that exploit the microporosity intrinsic to their crystal structures. Organic analogues, which are assembled from modular organic building blocks linked through non-covalent interactions, are of interest for similar applications. These range from catalysis, separation and sensor technology to optoelectronics, with enantioselective separation and catalysis being especially important for the chemical and pharmaceutical industries. The modular construction of these analogues allows flexible and rational design, as both the architecture and chemical functionality of the micropores can, in principle, be precisely controlled. Porous organic solids with large voids and high framework stability have been produced, and investigations into the range of accessible pore functionalities have been initiated. For example, catalytically active organic zeolite analogues are known, as are chiral metal-organic open-framework materials. However, the latter are only available as racemic mixtures, or lack the degree of framework stability or void space that is required for practical applications. Here we report the synthesis of a homochiral metal-organic porous material that allows the enantioselective inclusion of metal complexes in its pores and catalyses a transesterification reaction in an enantioselective manner. Our synthesis strategy, which uses enantiopure metal-organic clusters as secondary building blocks, should be readily applicable to chemically modified cluster components and thus provide access to a wide range of porous organic materials suitable for enantioselective separation and catalysis.     

大豆蛋白改性脲醛树脂胶的合成及降解性研究

以碱水解后的大豆分离蛋白(SPI)为改性剂,替代一定量的尿素,制备大豆分离蛋白改性脲醛树脂,以改善脲醛树脂的胶合强度、游离甲醛释放及储存稳定性。分析了SPI的甲醛反应能力,以及改性脲醛树脂的胶合强度、热稳定性和生物降解性。结果表明,当SPI水解时间40 min,甲醛的反应能力达到59.23 mg/g,水解SPI尿素替代率对脲醛树脂的黏结性影响最大; 当水解温度85 ℃,SPI取代尿素质量的15%时,优化后的树脂胶合强度达1.16 MPa。DSC分析表明改性树脂(SPI/UF)与脲醛树脂(UF)相比,比热容差减少了18.7%,SPI/UF树脂具有较好的热稳定性。SPI/UF树脂经微生物接种培养后,20 d时树脂表层有霉菌生成。     

Crystal structure at 2.8 A resolution of a soluble form of the cell adhesion molecule CD2.

The crystal structure of a soluble form of the T lymphocyte antigen CD2 provides the first complete view of the extracellular region of a cell adhesion molecule. The topology of the molecule, which comprises two immunoglobulin-like domains, is the same as that of the first two domains of CD4 but the relative domain orientation is altered by a fairly flexible linker region. The putative ligand-binding beta-sheet forms a flat surface towards the top of the molecule. Crystal contacts between these surfaces suggest a plausible model for the adhesive interaction.