The Experts below are selected from a list of 228 Experts worldwide ranked by ideXlab platform

Georgine Faulkner - One of the best experts on this subject based on the ideXlab platform.

  • BPAG1 isoform-b: Complex distribution pattern in striated and heart muscle and association with plectin and α-Actinin
    Experimental cell research, 2009
    Co-Authors: Marie-france Steiner-champliaud, Georgine Faulkner, Yann Schneider, Bertrand Favre, Frédérique Paulhe, Silke Praetzel-wunder, Patryk Konieczny, Marianne Raith, Gerhard Wiche, Adijat Adebola
    Abstract:

    BPAG1-b is the major muscle-specific isoform encoded by the dystonin gene, which expresses various protein isoforms belonging to the plakin protein family with complex, tissue-specific expression profiles. Recent observations in mice with either engineered or spontaneous mutations in the dystonin gene indicate that BPAG1-b serves as a cytolinker important for the establishment and maintenance of the cytoarchitecture and integrity of striated muscle. Here, we studied in detail its distribution in skeletal and cardiac muscles and assessed potential binding partners. BPAG1-b was detectable in vitro and in vivo as a high molecular mass protein in striated and heart muscle cells, co-localizing with the sarcomeric Z-disc protein Alpha-Actinin-2 and partially with the cytolinker plectin as well as with the intermediate filament protein desmin. Ultrastructurally, like Alpha-Actinin-2, BPAG1-b was predominantly localized at the Z-discs, adjacent to desmin-containing structures. BPAG1-b was able to form complexes with both plectin and Alpha-Actinin-2, and its NH(2)-terminus, which contains an actin-binding domain, directly interacted with that of plectin and Alpha-Actinin. Moreover, the protein level of BPAG1-b was reduced in muscle tissues from plectin-null mutant mice versus wild-type mice. These studies provide new insights into the role of BPAG1-b in the cytoskeletal organization of striated muscle.

  • Solution structure of ZASP PDZ domain; implications for sarcomere ultrastructure and enigma family redundancy.
    Structure (London England : 1993), 2004
    Co-Authors: R. Andrew Atkinson, Georgine Faulkner, Remo Guerrini, Geoff Kelly, Catherine Joseph, Steven R. Martin, Frederick W. Muskett, Alberto Pallavicini, Annalisa Pastore
    Abstract:

    Z band alternately spliced PDZ-containing protein (ZASP) is a sarcomere Z disk protein expressed in human cardiac and skeletal muscle that is thought to be involved in a dominant familial dilated cardiomyopathy. The N-terminal PDZ domain of ZASP interacts with the C terminus of Alpha-Actinin-2, the major component of the Z disk, probably by forming a ternary complex with titin Z repeats. We have determined the structure of ZASP PDZ by NMR and showed that it is a classical class 1 PDZ domain that recognizes the carboxy-terminal sequence of an Alpha-Actinin-2 calmodulin-like domain with micromolar affinity. We also characterized the role of each component in the ternary complex ZASP/Alpha-Actinin-2/titin, showing that the Alpha-Actinin-2/ZASP PDZ interaction involves a binding surface distinct from that recognized by the titin Z repeats. ZASP PDZ structure was used to model other members of the enigma family by homology and to predict their abilities to bind Alpha-Actinin-2.

  • Telethonin protein expression in neuromuscular disorders.
    Biochimica et biophysica acta, 2002
    Co-Authors: Mariz Vainzof, Alan H Beggs, Georgine Faulkner, Eloisa S. Moreira, Oscar T. Suzuki, Georgio Valle, Olli Carpén, Alberto F. Ribeiro, Edmar Zanoteli, Juliana Gurgel-gianneti
    Abstract:

    Telethonin is a 19-kDa sarcomeric protein, localized to the Z-disc of skeletal and cardiac muscles. Mutations in the telethonin gene cause limb-girdle muscular dystrophy type 2G (LGMD2G). We investigated the sarcomeric integrity of muscle fibers in LGMD2G patients, through double immunofluorescence analysis for telethonin with three sarcomeric proteins: titin, Alpha-Actinin-2, and myotilin and observed the typical cross striation pattern, suggesting that the Z-line of the sarcomere is apparently preserved, despite the absence of telethonin. Ultrastructural analysis confirmed the integrity of the sarcomeric architecture. The possible interaction of telethonin with other proteins responsible for several forms of neuromuscular disorders was also analyzed. Telethonin was clearly present in the rods in nemaline myopathy (NM) muscle fibers, confirming its localization to the Z-line of the sarcomere. Muscle from patients with absent telethonin showed normal expression for the proteins dystrophin, sarcoglycans, dysferlin, and calpain-3. Additionally, telethonin showed normal localization in muscle biopsies from patients with LGMD2A, LGMD2B, sarcoglycanopathies, and Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD). Therefore, the primary deficiency of calpain-3, dysferlin, sarcoglycans, and dystrophin do not seem to alter telethonin expression.

  • Telethonin and other new proteins of the Z-disc of skeletal muscle.
    IUBMB life, 2001
    Co-Authors: Georgine Faulkner, Gerolamo Lanfranchi, Giorgio Valle
    Abstract:

    This brief review outlines some of the most relevant proteins of the Z-disc and the complex network of interactions that link them together in a stable structure. Apart from the well-known Z-disc proteins such as actin, cap-Z, titin, nebulin, and Alpha-Actinin 2, several other Z-disc proteins have been recently discovered, including telethonin and myotilin that have been linked to limb girdle muscular dystrophies. Some proteins including ALP and ZASP have known interaction domains (PDZ and LIM motifs), whereas others like FATZ have no canonical interaction domains, although they are known to bind several proteins. Another new Z-disc protein is gamma-filamin that could provide a link between the plasma membrane and myofibrils because it binds directly to gamma- and delta-sarcoglycans and indirectly to Alpha-Actinin 2 via FATZ and myotilin. A greater knowledge of Z-disc proteins and their interactions is essential for understanding their role in the structure and function of muscle.

Hofmann Franz - One of the best experts on this subject based on the ideXlab platform.

  • Abstract 17124: Myoscape Controls Cardiomyocyte Calcium Cycling and Contractile Function in vivo via Regulation of L-type Calcium Channel Surface Expression
    Circulation, 2014
    Co-Authors: Matthias Eden, Benjamin Meder, Mirko Voelkers, Rainer Will, Montatip Poomvanicha, Katrin Domes, Alexander Bernt, Christophe Heymes, Wolfgang Rottbauer, Hofmann Franz
    Abstract:

    Alterations in cardiomyocyte calcium cycling have been shown to play a major role in the pathophysiology of contractile dysfunction, hypertrophy and the progression of heart failure. The L-type Ca2+channel controls calcium entry and subsequent calcium-induced calcium release. Here we report a novel muscle enriched protein termed Myoscape which directly interacts with the distal C-terminus of the L-type Ca2+channel (LTCC) and cardiac Alpha-Actinin 2. Knockdown of Myoscape in adult rat ventricular cardiomyocytes (ARVCMs) leads to a decrease in global calcium transients, with smaller Ca2+ amplitudes (n=4, p

  • abstract 17124 myoscape controls cardiomyocyte calcium cycling and contractile function in vivo via regulation of l type calcium channel surface expression
    Circulation, 2014
    Co-Authors: Matthias Eden, Benjamin Meder, Mirko Voelkers, Rainer Will, Montatip Poomvanicha, Katrin Domes, Alexander Bernt, Christophe Heymes, Wolfgang Rottbauer, Hofmann Franz
    Abstract:

    Alterations in cardiomyocyte calcium cycling have been shown to play a major role in the pathophysiology of contractile dysfunction, hypertrophy and the progression of heart failure. The L-type Ca2+channel controls calcium entry and subsequent calcium-induced calcium release. Here we report a novel muscle enriched protein termed Myoscape which directly interacts with the distal C-terminus of the L-type Ca2+channel (LTCC) and cardiac Alpha-Actinin 2. Knockdown of Myoscape in adult rat ventricular cardiomyocytes (ARVCMs) leads to a decrease in global calcium transients, with smaller Ca2+ amplitudes (n=4, p<0.001), lower diastolic Ca2+content and a prolonged time to peak. Consistently, analysis of single LTCC currents in ARVCM confirmed a significant reduction upon Myoscape ablation. Conversely, overexpression of Myoscape significantly increases global Ca2+transients and enhances LTCC currents. Moreover, overexpression of Myoscape almost completely restores decreased LTCC currents in failing ARVCMs. As a functional consequence, knockdown of Myoscape significantly reduced contractility of ARVCM, as assessed by fractional shortening measurements (n=3, p<0.001). Myoscape knockout mice develop reduced fractional shortening after 8 weeks which progresses to advanced cardiomyopathy after one year follow up (FS 51.7% ±4.2. vs. 33.3%±3.7, n=10). After 4 weeks of aortic constriction Myoscape null mice showed deteriorated contractile function with ventricular dilatation, enhanced fibrosis and increased pulmonary blood congestion as compared to wildtype mice. Myoscape KO’s showed increased heart weight to tibia length ratios and developed significantly exaggerated cardiomyocyte hypertrophy. Mechanistically, myoscape KO mice showed significantly reduced L-Type Ca2+currents, cell capacity and current densities (pA/pF 3.72±0.4 vs. 2.48±0.2) without affection of CDI and CDF. Instead, loss of Myoscape leads to reduced plasma membrane content of LTCC and its stabilizing agent Alpha Actinin 2 in vitro and in vivo, as assessed by surface membrane biotinylation assays and confocal immunofluorescence microscopy. Taken together, we have identified a novel modulator of cardiomyocyte L-type calcium channels and contractile function.

Alan H Beggs - One of the best experts on this subject based on the ideXlab platform.

  • Cell Membrane Expression of Cardiac Sodium Channel Nav1.5 Is Modulated by α-Actinin-2 Interaction
    Biochemistry, 2010
    Co-Authors: Rahima Ziane, Alan H Beggs, Hai Huang, Behzad Moghadaszadeh, Georges Levesque, Mohamed Chahine
    Abstract:

    Cardiac sodium channel Na(v)1.5 plays a critical role in heart excitability and conduction. The molecular mechanism that underlies the expression of Na(v)1.5 at the cell membrane is poorly understood. Previous studies demonstrated that cytoskeleton proteins can be involved in the regulation of cell surface expression and localization of several ion channels. We performed a yeast two-hybrid screen to identify Na(v)1.5-associated proteins that may be involved in channel function and expression. We identified Alpha-Actinin-2 as an interacting partner of the cytoplasmic loop connecting domains III and IV of Na(v)1.5 (Na(v)1.5/LIII-IV). Co-immunoprecipitation and His(6) pull-down assays confirmed the physical association between Na(v)1.5 and Alpha-Actinin-2 and showed that the spectrin-like repeat domain is essential for binding of Alpha-Actinin-2 to Na(v)1.5. Patch-clamp studies revealed that the interaction with Alpha-Actinin-2 increases sodium channel density without changing their gating properties. Consistent with these findings, coexpression of Alpha-Actinin-2 and Na(v)1.5 in tsA201 cells led to an increase in the level of expression of Na(v)1.5 at the cell membrane as determined by cell surface biotinylation. Lastly, immunostaining experiments showed that Alpha-Actinin-2 was colocalized with Na(v)1.5 along the Z-lines and in the plasma membrane. Our data suggest that Alpha-Actinin-2, which is known to regulate the functional expression of the potassium channels, may play a role in anchoring Na(v)1.5 to the membrane by connecting the channel to the actin cytoskeleton network.

  • Dynamic regulation of endothelial NOS mediated by competitive interaction with α-Actinin-4 and calmodulin
    FASEB journal : official publication of the Federation of American Societies for Experimental Biology, 2008
    Co-Authors: Yukio Hiroi, Alan H Beggs, Zhongmin Guo, James K. Liao
    Abstract:

    Alpha-Actinins are critical components of the actin cytoskeleton. Here we show that Alpha-Actinins serve another important biological function by binding to and competitively inhibiting calcium-dependent activation of endothelial NOS (eNOS). Alpha-Actinin-2 was found to associate with eNOS in a yeast two-hybrid screen. In vascular endothelial cells, which only express Alpha-Actinin-1 and -4, Alpha-Actinin-4 interacted and colocalized with eNOS. Addition of Alpha-Actinin-4 directly inhibited eNOS recombinant protein, and overexpression of Alpha-Actinin-4 inhibited eNOS activity in eNOS-transfected COS-7 cells and bovine aortic endothelial cells (BAECs). In contrast, knockdown of Alpha-Actinin-4 by siRNA increased eNOS activity in BAECs. The Alpha-Actinin-4-binding site on eNOS was mapped to a central region comprising the calmodulin-binding domain, and the eNOS-binding site on Alpha-Actinin-4 was mapped to the fourth spectrin-like rod domain, R4. Treatment of endothelial cells with a calcium ionophore, A23187, decreased Alpha-Actinin-4-eNOS interaction, leading to translocation of Alpha-Actinin-4 from plasma membrane to cytoplasm. Indeed, addition of calmodulin displaced Alpha-Actinin-4 binding to eNOS and increased eNOS activity. These findings indicate that eNOS activity in vascular endothelial cells is tonically and dynamically regulated by competitive interaction with Alpha-Actinin-4 and calmodulin.

  • Telethonin protein expression in neuromuscular disorders.
    Biochimica et biophysica acta, 2002
    Co-Authors: Mariz Vainzof, Alan H Beggs, Georgine Faulkner, Eloisa S. Moreira, Oscar T. Suzuki, Georgio Valle, Olli Carpén, Alberto F. Ribeiro, Edmar Zanoteli, Juliana Gurgel-gianneti
    Abstract:

    Telethonin is a 19-kDa sarcomeric protein, localized to the Z-disc of skeletal and cardiac muscles. Mutations in the telethonin gene cause limb-girdle muscular dystrophy type 2G (LGMD2G). We investigated the sarcomeric integrity of muscle fibers in LGMD2G patients, through double immunofluorescence analysis for telethonin with three sarcomeric proteins: titin, Alpha-Actinin-2, and myotilin and observed the typical cross striation pattern, suggesting that the Z-line of the sarcomere is apparently preserved, despite the absence of telethonin. Ultrastructural analysis confirmed the integrity of the sarcomeric architecture. The possible interaction of telethonin with other proteins responsible for several forms of neuromuscular disorders was also analyzed. Telethonin was clearly present in the rods in nemaline myopathy (NM) muscle fibers, confirming its localization to the Z-line of the sarcomere. Muscle from patients with absent telethonin showed normal expression for the proteins dystrophin, sarcoglycans, dysferlin, and calpain-3. Additionally, telethonin showed normal localization in muscle biopsies from patients with LGMD2A, LGMD2B, sarcoglycanopathies, and Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD). Therefore, the primary deficiency of calpain-3, dysferlin, sarcoglycans, and dystrophin do not seem to alter telethonin expression.

  • Differential expression of the actin-binding proteins, α-Actinin-2 and -3, in different species: implications for the evolution of functional redundancy
    Human molecular genetics, 2001
    Co-Authors: Michelle A. Mills, Alan H Beggs, Nan Yang, Ron P. Weinberger, Douglas L. Vander Woude, Simon Easteal, Kathryn N North
    Abstract:

    The Alpha-Actinins are a multigene family of four actin-binding proteins related to dystrophin. The two skeletal muscle isoforms of Alpha-Actinin (ACTN2 and ACTN3) are major structural components of the Z-line involved in anchoring the actin-containing thin filaments. In humans, ACTN2 is expressed in all muscle fibres, while ACTN3 expression is restricted to a subset of type 2 fibres. We have recently demonstrated that Alpha-Actinin-3 is absent in approximately 18% of individuals in a range of human populations, and that homozygosity for a premature stop codon (577X) accounts for most cases of true Alpha-Actinin-3 deficiency. Absence of Alpha-Actinin-3 is not associated with an obvious disease phenotype, raising the possibility that ACTN3 is functionally redundant in humans, and that Alpha-Actinin-2 is able to compensate for Alpha-Actinin-3 deficiency. We now present data concerning the expression of ACTN3 in other species. Genotyping of non-human primates indicates that the 577X null mutation has likely arisen in humans. The mouse genome contains four orthologues which all map to evolutionarily conserved syntenic regions for the four human genes. Murine Actn2 and Actn3 are differentially expressed, spatially and temporally, during embryonic development and, in contrast to humans, Alpha-Actinin-2 expression does not completely overlap Alpha-Actinin-3 in postnatal skeletal muscle, suggesting independent function. Furthermore, sequence comparison of human, mouse and chicken Alpha-Actinin genes demonstrates that ACTN3 has been conserved over a long period of evolutionary time, implying a constraint on evolutionary rate imposed by continued function of the gene. These observations provide a real framework in which to test theoretical models of genetic redundancy as they apply to human populations. In addition we highlight the need for caution in making conclusions about gene function from the phenotypic consequences of loss-of-function mutations in animal knockout models.

  • Human Skeletal Muscle-Specific α-Actinin-2 and -3 Isoforms Form Homodimers and Heterodimersin Vitroandin Vivo
    Biochemical and biophysical research communications, 1998
    Co-Authors: Yiu-mo Chan, Alan H Beggs, Hui-qi Tong, Louis M. Kunkel
    Abstract:

    Alpha-Actinins belong to a family of actin-binding and crosslinking proteins and are expressed in many different cell types. Multiple isoforms of Alpha-Actinin are found in humans and are encoded by at least four distinct genes. Human skeletal muscle contains two sarcomeric isoforms, Alpha-Actinin-2 and -3. Previous studies have shown that the Alpha-Actinins function as anti-parallel homodimers but the question of heterodimer formation between two different isoforms expressed in the same cell type has not been explored. To address this issue, we expressed both Alpha-Actinin-2 and -3 in vitro and were able to detect their interaction by both blot overlay and co-immunoprecipitation methods. We were also able to demonstrate the presence of heterodimers in vivo in human skeletal muscle and in COS-1 cells transiently transfected with both isoforms. Our results clearly demonstrate the potential for Alpha-Actinin isoforms to form heterodimers which might have unique functional characteristics.

Matthias Eden - One of the best experts on this subject based on the ideXlab platform.

  • Abstract 17124: Myoscape Controls Cardiomyocyte Calcium Cycling and Contractile Function in vivo via Regulation of L-type Calcium Channel Surface Expression
    Circulation, 2014
    Co-Authors: Matthias Eden, Benjamin Meder, Mirko Voelkers, Rainer Will, Montatip Poomvanicha, Katrin Domes, Alexander Bernt, Christophe Heymes, Wolfgang Rottbauer, Hofmann Franz
    Abstract:

    Alterations in cardiomyocyte calcium cycling have been shown to play a major role in the pathophysiology of contractile dysfunction, hypertrophy and the progression of heart failure. The L-type Ca2+channel controls calcium entry and subsequent calcium-induced calcium release. Here we report a novel muscle enriched protein termed Myoscape which directly interacts with the distal C-terminus of the L-type Ca2+channel (LTCC) and cardiac Alpha-Actinin 2. Knockdown of Myoscape in adult rat ventricular cardiomyocytes (ARVCMs) leads to a decrease in global calcium transients, with smaller Ca2+ amplitudes (n=4, p

  • abstract 17124 myoscape controls cardiomyocyte calcium cycling and contractile function in vivo via regulation of l type calcium channel surface expression
    Circulation, 2014
    Co-Authors: Matthias Eden, Benjamin Meder, Mirko Voelkers, Rainer Will, Montatip Poomvanicha, Katrin Domes, Alexander Bernt, Christophe Heymes, Wolfgang Rottbauer, Hofmann Franz
    Abstract:

    Alterations in cardiomyocyte calcium cycling have been shown to play a major role in the pathophysiology of contractile dysfunction, hypertrophy and the progression of heart failure. The L-type Ca2+channel controls calcium entry and subsequent calcium-induced calcium release. Here we report a novel muscle enriched protein termed Myoscape which directly interacts with the distal C-terminus of the L-type Ca2+channel (LTCC) and cardiac Alpha-Actinin 2. Knockdown of Myoscape in adult rat ventricular cardiomyocytes (ARVCMs) leads to a decrease in global calcium transients, with smaller Ca2+ amplitudes (n=4, p<0.001), lower diastolic Ca2+content and a prolonged time to peak. Consistently, analysis of single LTCC currents in ARVCM confirmed a significant reduction upon Myoscape ablation. Conversely, overexpression of Myoscape significantly increases global Ca2+transients and enhances LTCC currents. Moreover, overexpression of Myoscape almost completely restores decreased LTCC currents in failing ARVCMs. As a functional consequence, knockdown of Myoscape significantly reduced contractility of ARVCM, as assessed by fractional shortening measurements (n=3, p<0.001). Myoscape knockout mice develop reduced fractional shortening after 8 weeks which progresses to advanced cardiomyopathy after one year follow up (FS 51.7% ±4.2. vs. 33.3%±3.7, n=10). After 4 weeks of aortic constriction Myoscape null mice showed deteriorated contractile function with ventricular dilatation, enhanced fibrosis and increased pulmonary blood congestion as compared to wildtype mice. Myoscape KO’s showed increased heart weight to tibia length ratios and developed significantly exaggerated cardiomyocyte hypertrophy. Mechanistically, myoscape KO mice showed significantly reduced L-Type Ca2+currents, cell capacity and current densities (pA/pF 3.72±0.4 vs. 2.48±0.2) without affection of CDI and CDF. Instead, loss of Myoscape leads to reduced plasma membrane content of LTCC and its stabilizing agent Alpha Actinin 2 in vitro and in vivo, as assessed by surface membrane biotinylation assays and confocal immunofluorescence microscopy. Taken together, we have identified a novel modulator of cardiomyocyte L-type calcium channels and contractile function.

Kathryn N North - One of the best experts on this subject based on the ideXlab platform.

  • The evolution of skeletal muscle performance: gene duplication and divergence of human sarcomeric α-Actinins
    BioEssays : news and reviews in molecular cellular and developmental biology, 2010
    Co-Authors: Monkol Lek, Kate G. R. Quinlan, Kathryn N North
    Abstract:

    In humans, there are two skeletal muscle Alpha-Actinins, encoded by ACTN2 and ACTN3, and the ACTN3 genotype is associated with human athletic performance. Remarkably, approximately 1 billion people worldwide are deficient in Alpha-Actinin-3 due to the common ACTN3 R577X polymorphism. The Alpha-Actinins are an ancient family of actin-binding proteins with structural, signalling and metabolic functions. The skeletal muscle Alpha-Actinins diverged approximately 250-300 million years ago, and ACTN3 has since developed restricted expression in fast muscle fibres. Despite ACTN2 and ACTN3 retaining considerable sequence similarity, it is likely that following duplication there was a divergence in function explaining why Alpha-Actinin-2 cannot completely compensate for the absence of Alpha-Actinin-3. This paper focuses on the role of skeletal muscle Alpha-Actinins, and how possible changes in functions between these duplicates fit in the context of gene duplication paradigms.

  • Mechanisms underlying intranuclear rod formation.
    Brain : a journal of neurology, 2007
    Co-Authors: Ana Domazetovska, Sandra T. Cooper, Majid Ghoddusi, Edna C. Hardeman, Biljana Ilkovski, Laurie S Minamide, Peter W Gunning, James R Bamburg, Kathryn N North
    Abstract:

    Specific mutations within the Alpha-skeletal actin gene (ACTA1) result in intranuclear rod myopathy (IRM), characterized by rod-like aggregates containing actin and Alpha-Actinin-2 inside the nucleus of muscle cells. The mechanism leading to formation of intranuclear aggregates containing sarcomeric proteins and their impact on cell function and contribution to disease pathogenesis is unknown. In this study, we transfected muscle and non-muscle cells with mutants of Alpha-skeletal actin (Val163Leu, Val163Met) associated with intranuclear rod myopathy. By live-cell imaging we demonstrate that nuclear aggregates of actin form within the nuclear compartment, rather than entering the nucleus after formation in the cytoplasm, and are highly motile and dynamic structures. Thus, the nuclear environment supports the polymerization of actin and the movement and coalescence of the polymerized actin into larger structures. We show that the organization of actin within these aggregates is influenced by the binding of Alpha-Actinin, and that Alpha-Actinin is normally present in the nucleus of muscle and non-muscle cells. Furthermore, we demonstrate that, under conditions of cell stress (cytoskeletal disruption and ATP depletion), WT skeletal actin forms aggregates within the nucleus that are similar in morphology to those formed by the mutant actin, suggesting a common pathogenic mechanism for aggregate formation. Finally, we show that the presence of intranuclear actin aggregates significantly decreases the mitotic index and hence impacts on the function of the cell. Intranuclear aggregates thus likely contribute to the pathogenesis of muscle weakness in intranuclear rod myopathy.

  • C2C12 Co‐culture on a fibroblast substratum enables sustained survival of contractile, highly differentiated myotubes with peripheral nuclei and adult fast myosin expression
    Cell motility and the cytoskeleton, 2004
    Co-Authors: Sandra T. Cooper, Adam Maxwell, Eddy Kizana, Majid Ghoddusi, Edna C. Hardeman, Ian E. Alexander, David G. Allen, Kathryn N North
    Abstract:

    We describe a simple culture method for obtaining highly differentiated clonal C2C12 myotubes using a feeder layer of confluent fibroblasts, and document the expression of contractile protein expression and aspects of myofibre morphology using this system. Traditional culture methods using collagen- or laminin-coated tissue-culture plastic typically results in a cyclic pattern of detachment and reformation of myotubes, rarely producing myotubes of a mature adult phenotype. C2C12 co-culture on a fibroblast substratum facilitates the sustained culture of contractile myotubes, resulting in a mature sarcomeric register with evidence for peripherally migrating nuclei. Immunoblot analysis demonstrates that desmin, tropomyosin, sarcomeric actin, Alpha-Actinin-2 and slow myosin are detected throughout myogenic differentiation, whereas adult fast myosin heavy chain isoforms, members of the dystrophin-associated complex, and Alpha-Actinin-3 are not expressed at significant levels until >6 days of differentiation, coincident with the onset of contractile activity. Electrical stimulation of mature myotubes reveals typical and reproducible calcium transients, demonstrating functional maturation with respect to calcium handling proteins. Immunocytochemical staining demonstrates a well-defined sarcomeric register throughout the majority of myotubes (70-80%) and a striated staining pattern is observed for desmin, indicating alignment of the intermediate filament network with the sarcomeric register. We report that culture volume affects the fusion index and rate of sarcomeric development in developing myotubes and propose that a fibroblast feeder layer provides an elastic substratum to support contractile activity and likely secretes growth factors and extracellular matrix proteins that assist myotube development.

  • Differential expression of the actin-binding proteins, α-Actinin-2 and -3, in different species: implications for the evolution of functional redundancy
    Human molecular genetics, 2001
    Co-Authors: Michelle A. Mills, Alan H Beggs, Nan Yang, Ron P. Weinberger, Douglas L. Vander Woude, Simon Easteal, Kathryn N North
    Abstract:

    The Alpha-Actinins are a multigene family of four actin-binding proteins related to dystrophin. The two skeletal muscle isoforms of Alpha-Actinin (ACTN2 and ACTN3) are major structural components of the Z-line involved in anchoring the actin-containing thin filaments. In humans, ACTN2 is expressed in all muscle fibres, while ACTN3 expression is restricted to a subset of type 2 fibres. We have recently demonstrated that Alpha-Actinin-3 is absent in approximately 18% of individuals in a range of human populations, and that homozygosity for a premature stop codon (577X) accounts for most cases of true Alpha-Actinin-3 deficiency. Absence of Alpha-Actinin-3 is not associated with an obvious disease phenotype, raising the possibility that ACTN3 is functionally redundant in humans, and that Alpha-Actinin-2 is able to compensate for Alpha-Actinin-3 deficiency. We now present data concerning the expression of ACTN3 in other species. Genotyping of non-human primates indicates that the 577X null mutation has likely arisen in humans. The mouse genome contains four orthologues which all map to evolutionarily conserved syntenic regions for the four human genes. Murine Actn2 and Actn3 are differentially expressed, spatially and temporally, during embryonic development and, in contrast to humans, Alpha-Actinin-2 expression does not completely overlap Alpha-Actinin-3 in postnatal skeletal muscle, suggesting independent function. Furthermore, sequence comparison of human, mouse and chicken Alpha-Actinin genes demonstrates that ACTN3 has been conserved over a long period of evolutionary time, implying a constraint on evolutionary rate imposed by continued function of the gene. These observations provide a real framework in which to test theoretical models of genetic redundancy as they apply to human populations. In addition we highlight the need for caution in making conclusions about gene function from the phenotypic consequences of loss-of-function mutations in animal knockout models.

  • Deficiency of a skeletal muscle isoform of α-Actinin (α-Actinin-3) in merosin-positive congenital muscular dystrophy
    Neuromuscular disorders : NMD, 1996
    Co-Authors: Kathryn N North, Alan H Beggs
    Abstract:

    Abstract A subset of patients with congenital muscular dystrophy (CMD) are deficient for the extracellular matrix protein, merosin. Although the aetiology of merosin-positive CMD is as yet unknown, abnormalities of other structural muscle-specific proteins are likely to be involved. The α-Actinins are actin-binding proteins related to dystrophin. We studied expression of the skeletal muscle isoforms of α-Actinin (α-Actinin-2 and α-Actinin-3) in muscle biopsies from 12 patients with pure CMD (including one with a merosin abnormality), two with unclassified CMD and central nervous system (CNS) involvement, and three with other neuromuscular disorders. Four specimens exhibited deficient α-Actinin-3 staining by immunofluorescence and/or Western blot analysis. In one, this pattern may be a secondary consequence of marked type 1 fibre predominance, but the other three biopsies contained abundant type 2 fibres where α-Actinin-3 is normally expressed. Three α-Actinin-3-deficient patients had pure CMD and presented in the newborn period with muscle weakness, hypotonia and arthrogryposis. The fourth had a dystrophic muscle biopsy and CNS involvement. These results suggest that deficiency of α-Actinin-3 may be a marker for a subset of patients with CMD. It remains to be determined whether the deficiency of α-Actinin-3 reflects ACTN3 gene mutations or is a secondary phenomenon.