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This study aimed to evaluate the biomass production of Spirulina sp. LEB 18 cultivated in wastewater from the desalination process. The outdoor cultivations (210 L) were performed using as culture medium 100% wastewater supplemented with 25% of Zarrouk constituents (Tcs). In parallel, it was performed a control assay using 100% Zarrouk constituents. The biomass production in Tcs assay (1.14 g L -1 ) was only 9% lower than the control assay (1.25 g L -1 ). The Tcs assay showed a higher content of carbohydrates (52.29%), lipids (12.79%) and ash (2.69%) compared to the control assay (47.91; 7.59 and 1.29%, respectively). The biomass from the control and Tcs assays had mostly monounsaturated fatty acids C15:1 and C18:2n6t. The Spirulina sp. LEB 18 could use efficiently the nutrients from the wastewater, showing high removal efficiency of NO 3- (96.99%), PO 4 (83.11%) and Z (96.43%). At the same time, high added value biomolecules were produced for different purposes., Competing Interests: Declaration of Competing Interest The authors declare that they have no known competing financial interests or personal relationships that could have appeared to influence the work reported in this paper., (Copyright © 2020 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.)

LEDs have specific wavelengths that can positively influence the production of microalga biomass and biomolecules of interest. Filling the gaps in the literature, this study evaluated the effect of different LED wavelengths and photoperiods on protein productivities and free amino acid (FAA) profile of Spirulina sp. LEB 18 cultures. The best protein productivity results were obtained in red and green LED cultures using integral and partial photoperiods, respectively. In these experiments, protein productivities increased 2 and 1.6 times, respectively, compared to the control culture using fluorescent light. Green LEDs in partial photoperiod provided also the highest concentrations of essential and non-essential FAA, about 1.8 and 2.3 times higher, respectively, than control cultures. LEDs showed to be a promising sustainable light source for increasing protein productivity and FAA concentration in Spirulina sp. LEB 18 cultures., Competing Interests: Declaration of Competing Interest The authors declare that they have no known competing financial interests or personal relationships that could have appeared to influence the work reported in this paper., (Copyright © 2020. Published by Elsevier Ltd.)

The composition of brackish groundwater from Brazilian backlands contains important elements necessary for metabolism in microalgae. This study evaluated the use of 100% brackish groundwater with different amounts of Zarrouk nutrients for Spirulina sp. LEB 18 cultivation. The growth parameters and biomass composition, including the concentrations of proteins, carbohydrates, ash, lipids, and fatty acids, were evaluated. The best growth parameter results were obtained in the assay using 100% brackish groundwater and only 25% of Zarrouk nutrients, which were equal to those obtained for the control culture. The concentrations of carbohydrates and polyunsaturated fatty acids were increased by as much as 4- and 3.3-fold, respectively, when brackish groundwater was used in the cultures. The lipid profile demonstrated that the biomass had the potential for use in biodiesel production. The use of brackish groundwater is a sustainable, economical way to obtain high-quality biomass for different applications during Spirulina sp. LEB 18 cultivation.

The increase in the CO 2 concentration in the Earth's atmosphere has been a topic of worldwide concern since anthropogenic emissions of greenhouse gases began increasing considerably during the industrial period. The effects of these mass emissions are probably the main cause of global warming, which has been observed over recent decades. Among the various techniques of CO 2 capture, microalgal biofixation by photosynthesis is considered a promising technology due to the efficiency of these microorganisms in converting this gas into organic compounds through its use as a nutrient in the culture medium. Over the years, several research centers have developed studies on this subject, which have focused on mainly the development of bioreactors, the growth conditions that increase the efficiency of the process and the production of biomass with applicability in several areas. The biological mitigation of CO 2 by microalgae has many advantages, including reductions in the concentration of an industrially sourced greenhouse gas and the energy or food obtained from the produced photosynthetic biomass. This versatility allows for the cultivation of economically useful biomass while reducing the environmental impacts of industrial facilities. In this context, this mini-review aims to discuss new technologies and strategies along with the main challenges and future prospects in the field and the ecological and economic impacts of CO 2 biofixation by microalgae.

Researches about light emitting diodes (LEDs) as energy source in microalgae cultivations has been growing in recent years due to its spectral quality, durability and reduced energy consumption. In this study, green, red and yellow LEDs were evaluated as energy source in Synechococcus nidulans LEB 115 cultures. Productivities and specific growth rates were up to 2.5 times greater than in cultures using fluorescent light. The different LED colors evaluated did not influence the chlorophyll, carotenoid or lipid productions. Biomass cultivated with LEDs showed high amounts of saturated fatty acids (above 48%), which is desirable for biodiesel production. In addition to the Synechococcus nidulans LEB 115 growth stimulation, the application of green, red and yellow LEDs in the cultivations produces potential biomass for biodiesel synthesis and other industrial interest biomolecules utilization., (Copyright © 2019 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.)

This study evaluated light emitting diodes (LEDs) as a light source in Spirulina sp. LEB 18 cultures in terms of growth parameters and biomass composition. Different photoperiods (partial and integral) and colors (blue, green, red and white) were assessed. Blue, green, red and white LEDs increased biomass productivity and maximum specific growth rate of such cultivations. The maximum biomass concentration (1.77 ± 0.02 g L -1 ) was obtained when red LEDs in integral light photoperiod were applied to cultivations. The biomass composition showed around 12.8% carbohydrates (w w -1 ), 57.4% proteins (w w -1 ) and 12.7% lipids (w w -1 ). The major fatty acids produced during cultivations were palmitic, linoleic and γ-linolenic. Green LEDs in partial light photoperiod promoted a higher concentration of phycocyanin (126.39 mg g biomass -1 ). The potential of LEDs as an energy source in Spirulina sp. LEB 18 cultures was demonstrated by the biomass and bioproducts photostimulation., (Copyright © 2018 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.)

The α-actinin proteins are a highly conserved family of actin crosslinkers that mediate interactions between several cytoskeletal and sarcomeric proteins. Nonsarcomeric α-actinin-1 and α-actinin-4 crosslink actin filaments in the cytoskeleton, while sarcomeric α-actinin-2 and α-actinin-3 serve a crucial role in anchoring actin filaments to the muscle Z-line. To assess the difference in turnover dynamics and structure/function properties between the α-actinin isoforms at the sarcomeric Z-line, we used Fluorescence Recovery After Photobleaching (FRAP) in primary myofiber cultures. We found that the recovery kinetics of these proteins followed three distinct patterns: α-actinin-2/α-actinin-3 had the slowest turn over, α-actinin-1 recovered to an intermediate degree, and α-actinin-4 had the fastest recovery. Interestingly, the isoforms' patterns of recovery were reversed at adhesion plaques in fibroblasts. This disparity suggests that the different α-actinin isoforms have unique association kinetics in myofibers and that nonmuscle isoform interactions are more dynamic at the sarcomeric Z-line. Protein domain-specific investigations using α-actinin-2/4 chimeric proteins showed that differential dynamics between sarcomeric and nonmuscle isoforms are regulated by cooperative interactions between the N-terminal actin-binding domain, the spectrin-like linker region and the C-terminal calmodulin-like EF hand domain. Together, these findings demonstrate that α-actinin isoforms are unique in binding dynamics at the Z-line and suggest differentially evolved interactive and Z-line association capabilities of each functional domain., (© 2018 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.)

LEDs have narrow wavelength bands, which can influence microalgae biomass. This study pioneers the evaluation of blue LEDs as an energy source in Chlorella fusca and Synechococcus nidulans cultures. Blue LEDs increased the specific growth rate in Synechococcus nidulans LEB 115 cultures by 80% compared to the standard light used in indoor cultivations. Moreover, blue LEDs also induced lipid accumulation in Chlorella fusca LEB 111 cells, yielding concentrations of this bioproduct of up to 23% (ww -1 ). The chlorophylls and carotenoids were photostimulated proportionally to the LED light intensity. When the intensity of the blue LEDs was increased from 50 to 150μmolm -2 s -1 , the biomass accumulated up to 4.5 and 2.4 times more chlorophylls and carotenoids, respectively. The potential of blue LEDs as an alternative environmentally friendly light source to stimulate biomass and metabolite production for different purposes was demonstrated., (Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.)

This study evaluated the intermittent addition of coal flue gas wastes (CO 2 , SO 2 , NO and ash) into a Synechococcus nidulans LEB 115 cultivation in terms of growth parameters, CO 2 biofixation and biomass characterization. The microalga from a coal thermoelectric plant showed tolerance up to 200ppm SO 2 and NO, with a maximum specific growth rate of 0.18±0.03d - 1 . The addition of thermal coal ash to the cultivation increased the Synechococcus nidulans LEB 115 maximum cell growth by approximately 1.3 times. The best CO 2 biofixation efficiency was obtained with 10% CO 2 , 60ppm SO 2 , 100ppm NO and 40ppm ash (55.0±3.1%). The biomass compositions in the assays were similar, with approximately 9.8% carbohydrates, 13.5% lipids and 62.7% proteins., (Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.)

CO 2 biofixation by microalgae and cyanobacteria is an environmentally sustainable way to mitigate coal burn gas emissions. In this work the microalga Chlorella fusca LEB 111 and the cyanobacteria Spirulina sp. LEB 18 were cultivated using CO 2 from coal flue gas as a carbon source. The intermittent flue gas injection in the cultures enable the cells growth and CO 2 biofixation by these microorganisms. The Chlorella fusca isolated from a coal power plant could fix 2.6 times more CO 2 than Spirulina sp. The maximum daily CO 2 from coal flue gas biofixation was obtained with Chlorella fusca (360.12±0.27mgL -1 d -1 ), showing a specific growth rate of 0.17±<0.01d -1 . The results demonstrated the Chlorella fusca LEB 111 and Spirulina sp. LEB 18 potential to fix CO 2 from coal flue gas, and sequential biomass production with different biotechnological destinations., (Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.)

Microalgae can use the CO2 from coal power plants in their metabolic pathways. However, these microorganisms must be able to tolerate other residues produced from burning coal. This study evaluated the wastes addition (CO2, SO2, NO and ash) present in the flue gas from a coal power plant on the growth parameters during culture, CO2 biofixation and on the biomass characterization of Chlorella fusca LEB 111. The SO2 and NO injection (until 400ppm) in cultivations did not markedly affect CO2 biofixation by microalga. The best CO2 biofixation efficiency was obtained with 10% CO2, 200ppm SO2 and NO and 40ppm ash (50.0±0.8%, w w(-1)), showing a specific growth rate of 0.18±0.01 d(-1). The C. fusca LEB 111 biomass composition was similar in all experiments with around 19.7% (w w(-1)) carbohydrates, 15.5% (w w(-1)) lipids and 50.2% (w w(-1)) proteins., (Copyright © 2016 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.)

Platelets are essential for hemostasis, and thrombocytopenia is a major clinical problem. Megakaryocytes (MKs) generate platelets by extending long processes, proplatelets, into sinusoidal blood vessels. However, very little is known about what regulates proplatelet formation. To uncover which proteins were dynamically changing during this process, we compared the proteome and transcriptome of round vs proplatelet-producing MKs by 2D difference gel electrophoresis (DIGE) and polysome profiling, respectively. Our data revealed a significant increase in a poorly-characterized MK protein, myristoylated alanine-rich C-kinase substrate (MARCKS), which was upregulated 3.4- and 5.7-fold in proplatelet-producing MKs in 2D DIGE and polysome profiling analyses, respectively. MARCKS is a protein kinase C (PKC) substrate that binds PIP2. In MKs, it localized to both the plasma and demarcation membranes. MARCKS inhibition by peptide significantly decreased proplatelet formation 53%. To examine the role of MARCKS in the PKC pathway, we treated MKs with polymethacrylate (PMA), which markedly increased MARCKS phosphorylation while significantly inhibiting proplatelet formation 84%, suggesting that MARCKS phosphorylation reduces proplatelet formation. We hypothesized that MARCKS phosphorylation promotes Arp2/3 phosphorylation, which subsequently downregulates proplatelet formation; both MARCKS and Arp2 were dephosphorylated in MKs making proplatelets, and Arp2 inhibition enhanced proplatelet formation. Finally, we used MARCKS knockout (KO) mice to probe the direct role of MARCKS in proplatelet formation; MARCKS KO MKs displayed significantly decreased proplatelet levels. MARCKS expression and signaling in primary MKs is a novel finding. We propose that MARCKS acts as a "molecular switch," binding to and regulating PIP2 signaling to regulate processes like proplatelet extension (microtubule-driven) vs proplatelet branching (Arp2/3 and actin polymerization-driven).

Filamin A (FLNA) is an actin filament crosslinking protein with multiple intracellular binding partners. Mechanical force exposes cryptic FLNA binding sites for some of these ligands. To identify new force-dependent binding interactions, we used a fusion construct composed of two FLNA domains, one of which was previously identified as containing a force-dependent binding site as a bait in a yeast two-hybrid system and identified the Rho dissociation inhibitor 2 (RhoGDI2) as a potential interacting partner. A RhoGDI2 truncate with 81 N-terminal amino acid residues and a phosphomimetic mutant, RhoGDI(Tyr153Glu) interacted with the FLNA construct. However, neither wild-type or full-length RhoGDI2 phosphorylated at Y153 interacted with FLNA. Our interpretation of these contradictions is that truncation and/or mutation of RhoGDI2 perturbs its conformation to expose a site that adventitiously binds FLNA and is not a bona-fide interaction. Therefore, previous studies reporting that a RhoGDI(Y153E) mutant suppresses the metastasis of human bladder cancer cells must be reinvestigated in light of artificial interaction of this point mutant with FLNA., (Copyright © 2015 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

Bin-Amphiphysin-Rvs (BAR) and Fes-CIP4 homology BAR (F-BAR) proteins generate tubular membrane invaginations reminiscent of the megakaryocyte (MK) demarcation membrane system (DMS), which provides membranes necessary for future platelets. The F-BAR protein PACSIN2 is one of the most abundant BAR/F-BAR proteins in platelets and the only one reported to interact with the cytoskeletal and scaffold protein filamin A (FlnA), an essential regulator of platelet formation and function. The FlnA-PACSIN2 interaction was therefore investigated in MKs and platelets. PACSIN2 associated with FlnA in human platelets. The interaction required FlnA immunoglobulin-like repeat 20 and the tip of PACSIN2 F-BAR domain and enhanced PACSIN2 F-BAR domain membrane tubulation in vitro. Most human and wild-type mouse platelets had 1 to 2 distinct PACSIN2 foci associated with cell membrane GPIbα, whereas Flna-null platelets had 0 to 4 or more foci. Endogenous PACSIN2 and transfected enhanced green fluorescent protein-PACSIN2 were concentrated in midstage wild-type mouse MKs in a well-defined invagination of the plasma membrane reminiscent of the initiating DMS and dispersed in the absence of FlnA binding. The DMS appeared less well defined, and platelet territories were not readily visualized in Flna-null MKs. We conclude that the FlnA-PACSIN2 interaction regulates membrane tubulation in MKs and platelets and likely contributes to DMS formation., (© 2015 by The American Society of Hematology.)

The actin nodule is a novel F-actin structure present in platelets during early spreading. However, only limited detail is known regarding nodule organization and function. Here we use electron microscopy, SIM and dSTORM super-resolution, and live-cell TIRF microscopy to characterize the structural organization and signalling pathways associated with nodule formation. Nodules are composed of up to four actin-rich structures linked together by actin bundles. They are enriched in the adhesion-related proteins talin and vinculin, have a central core of tyrosine phosphorylated proteins and are depleted of integrins at the plasma membrane. Nodule formation is dependent on Wiskott-Aldrich syndrome protein (WASp) and the ARP2/3 complex. WASp(-/-) mouse blood displays impaired platelet aggregate formation at arteriolar shear rates. We propose actin nodules are platelet podosome-related structures required for platelet-platelet interaction and their absence contributes to the bleeding diathesis of Wiskott-Aldrich syndrome.

Bone marrow megakaryocytes produce platelets by extending long cytoplasmic protrusions, designated proplatelets, into sinusoidal blood vessels. Although microtubules are known to regulate platelet production, the underlying mechanism of proplatelet elongation has yet to be resolved. Here we report that proplatelet formation is a process that can be divided into repetitive phases (extension, pause, and retraction), as revealed by differential interference contrast and fluorescence loss after photoconversion time-lapse microscopy. Furthermore, we show that microtubule sliding drives proplatelet elongation and is dependent on cytoplasmic dynein under static and physiological shear stress by using fluorescence recovery after photobleaching in proplatelets with fluorescence-tagged β1-tubulin. A refined understanding of the specific mechanisms regulating platelet production will yield strategies to treat patients with thrombocythemia or thrombocytopenia., (© 2015 by The American Society of Hematology.)

The hepatic Ashwell-Morell receptor (AMR) can bind and remove desialylated platelets. Here we demonstrate that platelets become desialylated as they circulate and age in blood. Binding of desialylated platelets to the AMR induces hepatic expression of thrombopoietin (TPO) mRNA and protein, thereby regulating platelet production. Endocytic AMR controls TPO expression through Janus kinase 2 (JAK2) and the acute phase response signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3) in vivo and in vitro. Recognition of this newly identified physiological feedback mechanism illuminates the pathophysiology of platelet diseases, such as essential thrombocythemia and immune thrombocytopenia, and contributes to an understanding of the mechanisms of thrombocytopenia observed with JAK1/2 inhibition.

Wiskott-Aldrich syndrome (WAS) is caused by mutations in the WAS gene and is characterized by immunodeficiency, eczema and microthrombocytopenia. The molecular link between WAS mutations and microthrombocytopenia is unknown. Profilin1 (Pfn1) is a key actin-regulating protein that, besides actin, interacts with phosphoinositides and multiple proline-rich proteins, including the WAS protein (WASp)/WASp-interacting protein (WIP) complex. Here we report that mice with a megakaryocyte/platelet-specific Pfn1 deficiency display microthrombocytopenia due to accelerated turnover of platelets and premature platelet release into the bone marrow. Both Pfn1-null mouse platelets and platelets isolated from WAS patients contained abnormally organized and hyperstable microtubules. These results reveal an unexpected function of Pfn1 as a regulator of microtubule organization and point to a previously unrecognized mechanism underlying the platelet formation defect in WAS patients.

Endogenously and externally generated mechanical forces influence diverse cellular activities, a phenomenon defined as mechanotransduction. Deformation of protein domains by application of stress, previously documented to alter macromolecular interactions in vitro, could mediate these effects. We engineered a photon-emitting system responsive to unfolding of two repeat domains of the actin filament (F-actin) crosslinker protein filamin A (FLNA) that binds multiple partners involved in cell signalling reactions and validated the system using F-actin networks subjected to myosin-based contraction. Expressed in cultured cells, the sensor-containing FLNA construct reproducibly reported FLNA domain unfolding strikingly localized to dynamic, actively protruding, leading cell edges. The unfolding signal depends upon coherence of F-actin-FLNA networks and is enhanced by stimulating cell contractility. The results establish protein domain distortion as a bona fide mechanism for mechanotransduction in vivo.

Dynamin is a 96-kDa protein that has multiple oligomerization states that influence its GTPase activity. A number of different dynamin effectors, including lipids, actin filaments, and SH3-domain-containing proteins, have been implicated in the regulation of dynamin oligomerization, though their roles in influencing dynamin oligomerization have been studied predominantly in vitro using recombinant proteins. Here, we identify higher order dynamin oligomers such as rings and helices in vitro and in live cells using fluorescence lifetime imaging microscopy (FLIM). FLIM detected GTP- and actin-dependent dynamin oligomerization at distinct cellular sites, including the cell membrane and transition zones where cortical actin transitions into stress fibers. Our study identifies a major role for direct dynamin-actin interactions and dynamin's GTPase activity in the regulation of dynamin oligomerization in cells., (© 2014 John Wiley & Sons A/S. Published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd.)

Platelets are immunologically competent cells containing cytokines such as TGF-β1 that regulate cell-mediated immunity. However, the mechanisms underlying cytokine secretion from platelets are undefined. The Wiskott-Aldrich syndrome protein (WASp) regulates actin polymerization in nucleated hematopoietic cells but has other role(s) in platelets. WASp-null (WASp(-/-)) platelets stimulated with a PAR-4 receptor agonist had increased TGF-β1 release compared with WT platelets; inhibiting WASp function with wiskostatin augmented TRAP-induced TGF-β1 release in human platelets. TGF-β1 release is dissociated from α-granule secretion (P-selectin up-regulation) and occurs more gradually, with ∼10-15% released after 30-60 min. Blockade of Src family kinase-mediated WASp Tyr-291/Tyr-293 phosphorylation increased TGF-β1 release, with no additive effect in WASp(-/-) platelets, signifying that phosphorylation is critical for WASp-limited TGF-β1 secretion. Inhibiting F-actin assembly with cytochalasin D enhanced secretion in WT platelets and further increased TGF-β1 release in WASp(-/-) platelets, indicating that WASp and actin assembly independently regulate TGF-β1 release. A permeabilized platelet model was used to test the role of upstream small GTPases in TGF-β1 release. N17Cdc42, but not Rac1 mutants, increased TGF-β1 secretion and abrogated WASp phosphorylation. We conclude that WASp function restricts TGF-β1 secretion in a Cdc42- and Src family kinase-dependent manner and independently of actin assembly.

Three isoforms of phosphatidylinositol-4-phosphate 5-kinase (PIP5KIα, PIP5KIβ, and PIP5KIγ) can each catalyze the final step in the synthesis of phosphatidylinositol-4,5-bisphosphate (PIP2), which in turn can be either converted to second messengers or bind directly to and thereby regulate proteins such as talin. A widely quoted model speculates that only p90, a longer splice form of platelet-specific PIP5KIγ, but not the shorter p87 PIP5KIγ, regulates the ligand-binding activity of integrins via talin. However, when we used mice genetically engineered to lack only p90 PIP5KIγ, we found that p90 PIP5KIγ is not critical for integrin activation or platelet adhesion on collagen. However, p90 PIP5KIγ-null platelets do have impaired anchoring of their integrins to the underlying cytoskeleton. Platelets lacking both the p90 and p87 PIP5KIγ isoforms had normal integrin activation and actin dynamics, but impaired anchoring of their integrins to the cytoskeleton. Most importantly, they formed weak shear-resistant adhesions ex vivo and unstable vascular occlusions in vivo. Together, our studies demonstrate that, although PIP5KIγ is essential for normal platelet function, individual isoforms of PIP5KIγ fulfill unique roles for the integrin-dependent integrity of the membrane cytoskeleton and for the stabilization of platelet adhesion.

The intracellular pathogen Shigella flexneri forms membrane protrusions to spread from cell to cell. As protrusions form, myosin-X (Myo10) localizes to Shigella. Electron micrographs of immunogold-labelled Shigella-infected HeLa cells reveal that Myo10 concentrates at the bases and along the sides of bacteria within membrane protrusions. Time-lapse video microscopy shows that a full-length Myo10 GFP-construct cycles along the sides of Shigella within the membrane protrusions as these structures progressively lengthen. RNAi knock-down of Myo10 is associated with shorter protrusions with thicker stalks, and causes a >80% decrease in confluent cell plaque formation. Myo10 also concentrates in membrane protrusions formed by another intracellular bacteria, Listeria, and knock-down of Myo10 also impairs Listeria plaque formation. In Cos7 cells (contain low concentrations of Myo10), the expression of full-length Myo10 nearly doubles Shigella-induced protrusion length, and lengthening requires the head domain, as well as the tail-PH domain, but not the FERM domain. The GFP-Myo10-HMM domain localizes to the sides of Shigella within membrane protrusions and the GFP-Myo10-PH domain localizes to host cell membranes. We conclude thatMyo10 generates the force to enhance bacterial-induced protrusions by binding its head region to actin filaments and its PH tail domain to the peripheral membrane., (© 2012 Blackwell Publishing Ltd.)

The cyclic nucleotides cyclic adenosine monophosphate (cAMP) and cyclic guanosine monophosphate (cGMP) regulate the activity of protein kinase A (PKA) and protein kinase G (PKG), respectively. This process helps maintain circulating platelets in a resting state. Here we studied the role of cAMP and cGMP in the regulation of megakaryocyte (MK) differentiation and platelet formation. Cultured, platelet-producing MKs were differentiated from fetal livers harvested from 13.5 days postcoital mouse embryos. MK development was accompanied by a dramatic increase in cAMP production and expression of soluble guanylate cyclase, PKG, and PKA as well as their downstream targets vasodilator-stimulated phosphoprotein (VASP) and MENA. Stimulation of prostaglandin E(1) receptor/adenylyl cyclase or soluble guanylate cyclase/PKG in cultured MKs increased VASP phosphorylation, indicating that these components share a common signaling pathway. To dissect out the role of cyclic nucleotides in MK differentiation, cAMP/PKA and cGMP/PKG signaling were alternately blocked in cultured MKs. Down-regulation of cAMP pathway effectors decreased MK numbers and ploidy. Notably, cGMP levels increased at the beginning of MK development and returned to basal levels in parallel with MK maturation. However, inhibition of cGMP pathway effectors had no effect on MK development. In addition, platelet release from mature MKs was enhanced by cGMP and inhibited by cAMP. Our data suggest that cAMP plays an important role in MK differentiation, while cAMP and cGMP have opposite effects on platelet production. Identifying the signaling pathways that underpin MK development and proplatelet formation will provide greater insights into thrombopoiesis and may potentially yield useful therapeutic targets., (Copyright © 2013 ISEH - Society for Hematology and Stem Cells. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

Filamin A (FLNa) is an actin-binding protein that cross-links F-actin into networks of orthogonally branched filaments. FLNa also directs the networks to integrins while responding to mechanochemical signaling pathways. Flexible, 160-nm-long FLNa molecules are tail-to-tail dimers, each subunit of which contains an N-terminal calponin homology (CH)/actin-binding domain connected by a series of 24 immunoglobulin (Ig) repeats to a dimerization site at their C-terminal end. Whereas the contribution of the CH domains to F-actin affinity is weak (apparent K(a)~10(5)), the binding of the intact protein to F-actin is strong (apparent K(a)~10(8)), suggesting involvement of additional parts of the molecule in this association. Indeed, previous results indicate that Ig repeats along FLNa contribute significantly to the strength of the actin filament interaction. In the current study, we used electron microscopy and three-dimensional reconstruction to elucidate the structural basis of the Ig repeat-F-actin binding. We find that FLNa density is clearly delineated in reconstructions of F-actin complexed either with a four-Ig-repeat segment of FLNa containing Ig repeat 10 or with immunoglobulin-like filamin A repeat (IgFLNa)10 alone. The mass attributable to IgFLNa10 lies peripherally along the actin helix over the N-terminus of actin subdomain 1. The IgFLNa10 interaction appears to be specific, since no other individual Ig repeat or fragment of the FLNa molecule examined, besides ones with IgFLNa10 or CH domains, decorated F-actin filaments or were detected in reconstructions. We conclude that the combined interactions of CH domains and the IgFLNa10 repeat provide the binding strength of the whole FLNa molecule and propose a model for the association of IgFLNa10 on actin filaments., (Copyright © 2012 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.)

Dynamic actin cytoskeletal reorganization is integral to cell motility. Profilins are well-characterized regulators of actin polymerization; however, functional differences among coexpressed profilin isoforms are not well defined. Here, we demonstrate that profilin-1 and profilin-2 differentially regulate membrane protrusion, motility, and invasion; these processes are promoted by profilin-1 and suppressed by profilin-2. Compared to profilin-1, profilin-2 preferentially drives actin polymerization by the Ena/VASP protein, EVL. Profilin-2 and EVL suppress protrusive activity and cell motility by an actomyosin contractility-dependent mechanism. Importantly, EVL or profilin-2 downregulation enhances invasion in vitro and in vivo. In human breast cancer, lower EVL expression correlates with high invasiveness and poor patient outcome. We propose that profilin-2/EVL-mediated actin polymerization enhances actin bundling and suppresses breast cancer cell invasion., (Copyright © 2012 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

Platelets are megakaryocyte subfragments that participate in hemostatic and host defense reactions and deliver pro- and antiangiogenic factors throughout the vascular system. Although they are anucleated cells that lack a complex secretory apparatus with distinct Golgi/endoplasmic reticulum compartments, past studies have shown that platelets have glycosyltransferase activities. In the present study, we show that members of 3 distinct glycosyltransferase families are found within and on the surface of platelets. Immunocytology and flow cytometry results indicated that megakaryocytes package these Golgi-derived glycosyltransferases into vesicles that are sent via proplatelets to nascent platelets, where they accumulate. These glycosyltransferases are active, and intact platelets glycosylate large exogenous substrates. Furthermore, we show that activation of platelets results in the release of soluble glycosyltransferase activities and that platelets contain sufficient levels of sugar nucleotides for detection of glycosylation of exogenously added substrates. Therefore, the results of the present study show that blood platelets are a rich source of both glycosyltransferases and donor sugar substrates that can be released to function in the extracellular space. This platelet-glycosylation machinery offers a pathway to a simple glycoengineering strategy improving storage of platelets and may serve hitherto unknown biologic functions.

Transfusion-related acute lung injury (TRALI) is the leading cause of transfusion-related death. The biologic processes contributing to TRALI are poorly understood. All blood products can cause TRALI, and no specific treatment is available. A "2-event model" has been proposed as the trigger. The first event may include surgery, trauma, or infection; the second involves the transfusion of antileukocyte antibodies or bioactive lipids within the blood product. Together, these events induce neutrophil activation in the lungs, causing endothelial damage and capillary leakage. Neutrophils, in response to pathogens or under stress, can release their chromatin coated with granule contents, thus forming neutrophil extracellular traps (NETs). Although protective against infection, these NETs are injurious to tissue. Here we show that NET biomarkers are present in TRALI patients' blood and that NETs are produced in vitro by primed human neutrophils when challenged with anti-HNA-3a antibodies previously implicated in TRALI. NETs are found in alveoli of mice experiencing antibody-mediated TRALI. DNase 1 inhalation prevents their alveolar accumulation and improves arterial oxygen saturation even when administered 90 minutes after TRALI onset. We suggest that NETs form in the lungs during TRALI, contribute to the disease process, and thus could be targeted to prevent or treat TRALI.

Megakaryocytes release large preplatelet intermediates into the sinusoidal blood vessels. Preplatelets convert into barbell-shaped proplatelets in vitro to undergo repeated abscissions that yield circulating platelets. These observations predict the presence of circular-preplatelets and barbell-proplatelets in blood, and two fundamental questions in platelet biology are what are the forces that determine barbell-proplatelet formation, and how is the final platelet size established. Here we provide insights into the terminal mechanisms of platelet production. We quantify circular-preplatelets and barbell-proplatelets in human blood in high-resolution fluorescence images, using a laser scanning cytometry assay. We demonstrate that force constraints resulting from cortical microtubule band diameter and thickness determine barbell-proplatelet formation. Finally, we provide a mathematical model for the preplatelet to barbell conversion. We conclude that platelet size is limited by microtubule bundling, elastic bending, and actin-myosin-spectrin cortex forces.

When refrigerated platelets are rewarmed, they secrete active sialidases, including the lysosomal sialidase Neu1, and express surface Neu3 that remove sialic acid from platelet von Willebrand factor receptor (VWFR), specifically the GPIbα subunit. The recovery and circulation of refrigerated platelets is greatly improved by storage in the presence of inhibitors of sialidases. Desialylated VWFR is also a target for metalloproteinases (MPs), because GPIbα and GPV are cleaved from the surface of refrigerated platelets. Receptor shedding is inhibited by the MP inhibitor GM6001 and does not occur in Adam17(ΔZn/ΔZn) platelets expressing inactive ADAM17. Critically, desialylation in the absence of MP-mediated receptor shedding is sufficient to cause the rapid clearance of platelets from circulation. Desialylation of platelet VWFR therefore triggers platelet clearance and primes GPIbα and GPV for MP-dependent cleavage.

Protease-activated receptors (PAR)-1 and -4 are the principal receptors for thrombin-mediated platelet activation. Functional genetic variation has been described in the human PAR1 gene, but not in the PAR4 gene (F2RL3). We sought to identify variants in and around F2RL3 and to determine their association with perioperative myocardial injury (PMI) after coronary artery bypass graft surgery. We further explored possible mechanisms for F2RL3 single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) associations with PMI including altered receptor expression and platelet activation. Twenty-three SNPs in the F2RL3 gene region were genotyped in two phases in 934 Caucasian subjects. Platelets from 43 subjects (23 major allele, 20 risk allele) homozygous for rs773857 (SNP with the strongest association with PMI) underwent flow cytometry to assess PAR4 receptor number and response to activation by a specific PAR4 activating peptide (AYPGKF) measured by von Willebrand factor (vWf) binding and P-selectin release and PAC-1 binding. We identified a novel association of SNP rs773857 with PMI (OR = 2.4, P = 0.004). rs773857 risk allele homozygotes have significantly increased platelet counts and platelets showed a significant increase in P-selectin release after activation (P = 0.004). We conclude that rs773857 risk allele homozygotes are associated with risk for increased platelet count and hyperactivity., (Copyright © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.)

Mechanical stresses elicit cellular reactions mediated by chemical signals. Defective responses to forces underlie human medical disorders such as cardiac failure and pulmonary injury. The actin cytoskeleton's connectivity enables it to transmit forces rapidly over large distances, implicating it in these physiological and pathological responses. Despite detailed knowledge of the cytoskeletal structure, the specific molecular switches that convert mechanical stimuli into chemical signals have remained elusive. Here we identify the actin-binding protein filamin A (FLNA) as a central mechanotransduction element of the cytoskeleton. We reconstituted a minimal system consisting of actin filaments, FLNA and two FLNA-binding partners: the cytoplasmic tail of β-integrin, and FilGAP. Integrins form an essential mechanical linkage between extracellular and intracellular environments, with β-integrin tails connecting to the actin cytoskeleton by binding directly to filamin. FilGAP is an FLNA-binding GTPase-activating protein specific for RAC, which in vivo regulates cell spreading and bleb formation. Using fluorescence loss after photoconversion, a novel, high-speed alternative to fluorescence recovery after photobleaching, we demonstrate that both externally imposed bulk shear and myosin-II-driven forces differentially regulate the binding of these partners to FLNA. Consistent with structural predictions, strain increases β-integrin binding to FLNA, whereas it causes FilGAP to dissociate from FLNA, providing a direct and specific molecular basis for cellular mechanotransduction. These results identify a molecular mechanotransduction element within the actin cytoskeleton, revealing that mechanical strain of key proteins regulates the binding of signalling molecules.

Filamin A (FlnA) is a large cytoplasmic protein that crosslinks actin filaments and anchors membrane receptors and signaling intermediates. FlnA(loxP) PF4-Cre mice that lack FlnA in the megakaryocyte (MK) lineage have a severe macrothrombocytopenia because of accelerated platelet clearance. Macrophage ablation by injection of clodronate-encapsulated liposomes increases blood platelet counts in FlnA(loxP) PF4-Cre mice and reveals the desintegration of FlnA-null platelets into microvesicles, a process that occurs spontaneously during storage. FlnA(loxP) PF4-Cre bone marrows and spleens have a 2.5- to 5-fold increase in MK numbers, indicating increased thrombopoiesis in vivo. Analysis of platelet production in vitro reveals that FlnA-null MKs prematurely convert their cytoplasm into large CD61(+) platelet-sized particles, reminiscent of the large platelets observed in vivo. FlnA stabilizes the platelet von Willebrand factor receptor, as surface expression of von Willebrand factor receptor components is normal on FlnA-null MKs but decreased on FlnA-null platelets. Further, FlnA-null platelets contain multiple GPIbα degradation products and have increased expression of the ADAM17 and MMP9 metalloproteinases. Together, the findings indicate that FlnA-null MKs prematurely release large and fragile platelets that are removed rapidly from the circulation by macrophages.

Megakaryocytes generate platelets by remodeling their cytoplasm first into proplatelets and then into preplatelets, which undergo fission to generate platelets. Although the functions of microtubules and actin during platelet biogenesis have been defined, the role of the spectrin cytoskeleton is unknown. We investigated the function of the spectrin-based membrane skeleton in proplatelet and platelet production in murine megakaryocytes. Electron microscopy revealed that, like circulating platelets, proplatelets have a dense membrane skeleton, the main fibrous component of which is spectrin. Unlike other cells, megakaryocytes and their progeny express both erythroid and nonerythroid spectrins. Assembly of spectrin into tetramers is required for invaginated membrane system maturation and proplatelet extension, because expression of a spectrin tetramer-disrupting construct in megakaryocytes inhibits both processes. Incorporation of this spectrin-disrupting fragment into a novel permeabilized proplatelet system rapidly destabilizes proplatelets, causing blebbing and swelling. Spectrin tetramers also stabilize the "barbell shapes" of the penultimate stage in platelet production, because addition of the tetramer-disrupting construct converts these barbell shapes to spheres, demonstrating that membrane skeletal continuity maintains the elongated, pre-fission shape. The results of this study provide evidence for a role for spectrin in different steps of megakaryocyte development through its participation in the formation of invaginated membranes and in the maintenance of proplatelet structure.

The intracellular localization and shape of the nucleus plays a central role in cellular and developmental processes. In fibroblasts, nuclear movement and shape are controlled by a specific perinuclear actin network made of contractile actin filament bundles called transmembrane actin-associated nuclear (TAN) lines that form a structure called the actin cap. The identification of regulatory proteins associated with this specific actin cytoskeletal dynamic is a priority for understanding actin-based changes in nuclear shape and position in normal and pathological situations. Here, we first identify a unique family of actin regulators, the refilin proteins (RefilinA and RefilinB), that stabilize specifically perinuclear actin filament bundles. We next identify the actin-binding filamin A (FLNA) protein as the downstream effector of refilins. Refilins act as molecular switches to convert FLNA from an actin branching protein into one that bundles. In NIH 3T3 fibroblasts, the RefilinB/FLNA complex organizes the perinuclear actin filament bundles forming the actin cap. Finally, we demonstrate that in epithelial normal murine mammary gland (NmuMG) cells, the RefilinB/FLNA complex controls formation of a new perinuclear actin network that accompanies nuclear shape changes during the epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT). Our studies open perspectives for further functional analyses of this unique actin-based network and shed light on FLNA function during development and in human syndromes associated with FLNA mutations.

Filamin A (FLNa), the first non-muscle actin filament cross-linking protein, was identified in 1975. Thirty five years of FLNa research has revealed its structure in great detail, discovered its isoforms (FLNb and c), and identified over 90 binding partners including channels, receptors, intracellular signaling molecules, and even transcription factors. Due to this diversity, mutations in human FLN genes result in a wide range of anomalies with moderate to lethal consequences. This review focuses on the structure and functions of FLNa in cell migration and adhesion.

Podosomes, important structures for adhesion and extracellular matrix degradation, are claimed to be involved in cell migration. In addition, podosomes are also reported to be of importance in tissue remodelling, e.g., in osteoclast-mediated bone resorption. Podosomes are highly dynamic actin-filament scaffolds onto which proteins important for their function, such as matrix metallo-proteases and integrins, attach. The dynamics of the podosomes require the action of many proteins regulating actin assembly and disassembly. One such protein, gelsolin, which associates to podosomes, has been reported to be important for podosome formation and function in osteoclasts. However, podosome-like structures have been reported in gelsolin-deficient dendritic cells, but the identity of these structures was not confirmed, and their dynamics and function was not investigated. Like many other cells, dendritic cells of the immune system also form matrix degrading podosomes. In the present study, we show that dendritic cells form podosomes independently of gelsolin, that there are no major alterations in their dynamics of formation and disassembly, and that they exhibit matrix-degrading function. Furthermore, we found that gelsolin is not required for TLR4-induced podosome disassembly. Thus, the actin cytoskeleton of podosomes involved in dendritic cell extracellular matrix degradation appears to be regulated differently than the cytoskeleton in podosomes of osteoclasts mediating bone resorption.

Megakaryocytes generate platelets by remodeling their cytoplasm into long proplatelet extensions, which serve as assembly lines for platelet production. Although the mechanics of proplatelet elongation have been studied, the terminal steps of proplatelet maturation and platelet release remain poorly understood. To elucidate this process, released proplatelets were isolated, and their conversion into individual platelets was assessed. This enabled us to (a) define and quantify the different stages in platelet maturation, (b) identify a new intermediate stage in platelet production, the preplatelet, (c) delineate the cytoskeletal mechanics involved in preplatelet/proplatelet interconversion, and (d) model proplatelet fission and platelet release. Preplatelets are anucleate discoid particles 2-10 µm across that have the capacity to convert reversibly into elongated proplatelets by twisting microtubule-based forces that can be visualized in proplatelets expressing GFP-β1-tubulin. The release of platelets from the ends of proplatelets occurs at an increasing rate in time during culture, as larger proplatelets undergo successive fission, and is potentiated by shear.

The cellular and molecular mechanisms orchestrating the complex process by which bone marrow megakaryocytes form and release platelets remain poorly understood. Mature megakaryocytes generate long cytoplasmic extensions, proplatelets, which have the capacity to generate platelets. Although microtubules are the main structural component of proplatelets and microtubule sliding is known to drive proplatelet elongation, the role of actin dynamics in the process of platelet formation has remained elusive. Here, we tailored a mouse model lacking all ADF/n-cofilin-mediated actin dynamics in megakaryocytes to specifically elucidate the role of actin filament turnover in platelet formation. We demonstrate, for the first time, that in vivo actin filament turnover plays a critical role in the late stages of platelet formation from megakaryocytes and the proper sizing of platelets in the periphery. Our results provide the genetic proof that platelet production from megakaryocytes strictly requires dynamic changes in the actin cytoskeleton.

Neutrophil extracellular traps (NETs) are part of the innate immune response to infections. NETs are a meshwork of DNA fibers comprising histones and antimicrobial proteins. Microbes are immobilized in NETs and encounter a locally high and lethal concentration of effector proteins. Recent studies show that NETs are formed inside the vasculature in infections and noninfectious diseases. Here we report that NETs provide a heretofore unrecognized scaffold and stimulus for thrombus formation. NETs perfused with blood caused platelet adhesion, activation, and aggregation. DNase or the anticoagulant heparin dismantled the NET scaffold and prevented thrombus formation. Stimulation of platelets with purified histones was sufficient for aggregation. NETs recruited red blood cells, promoted fibrin deposition, and induced a red thrombus, such as that found in veins. Markers of extracellular DNA traps were detected in a thrombus and plasma of baboons subjected to deep vein thrombosis, an example of inflammation-enhanced thrombosis. Our observations indicate that NETs are a previously unrecognized link between inflammation and thrombosis and may further explain the epidemiological association of infection with thrombosis.

Filamin A (FlnA) cross-links actin filaments and connects the Von Willebrand factor receptor GPIb-IX-V to the underlying cytoskeleton in platelets. Because FlnA deficiency is embryonic lethal, mice lacking FlnA in platelets were generated by breeding FlnA(loxP/loxP) females with GATA1-Cre males. FlnA(loxP/y) GATA1-Cre males have a macrothrombocytopenia and increased tail bleeding times. FlnA-null platelets have decreased expression and altered surface distribution of GPIbalpha because they lack the normal cytoskeletal linkage of GPIbalpha to underlying actin filaments. This results in approximately 70% less platelet coverage on collagen-coated surfaces at shear rates of 1,500/s, compared with wild-type platelets. Unexpectedly, however, immunoreceptor tyrosine-based activation motif (ITAM)- and ITAM-like-mediated signals are severely compromised in FlnA-null platelets. FlnA-null platelets fail to spread and have decreased alpha-granule secretion, integrin alphaIIbbeta3 activation, and protein tyrosine phosphorylation, particularly that of the protein tyrosine kinase Syk and phospholipase C-gamma2, in response to stimulation through the collagen receptor GPVI and the C-type lectin-like receptor 2. This signaling defect was traced to the loss of a novel FlnA-Syk interaction, as Syk binds to FlnA at immunoglobulin-like repeat 5. Our findings reveal that the interaction between FlnA and Syk regulates ITAM- and ITAM-like-containing receptor signaling and platelet function.

Mutations of the chloride channel cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator (CFTR) that impair its apical localization and function cause cystic fibrosis. A previous report has shown that filamin A (FLNa), an actin-cross-linking and -scaffolding protein, interacts directly with the cytoplasmic N terminus of CFTR and that this interaction is necessary for stability and confinement of the channel to apical membranes. Here, we report that the CFTR N terminus has sequence similarity to known FLNa-binding partner-binding sites. FLNa has 24 Ig (IgFLNa) repeats, and a CFTR peptide pulled down repeats 9, 12, 17, 19, 21, and 23, which share sequence similarity yet differ from the other FLNa Ig domains. Using known structures of IgFLNa.partner complexes as templates, we generated in silico models of IgFLNa.CFTR peptide complexes. Point and deletion mutants of IgFLNa and CFTR informed by the models, including disease-causing mutations L15P and W19C, disrupted the binding interaction. The model predicted that a P5L CFTR mutation should not affect binding, but a synthetic P5L mutant peptide had reduced solubility, suggesting a different disease-causing mechanism. Taken together with the fact that FLNa dimers are elongated ( approximately 160 nm) strands, whereas CFTR is compact (6 approximately 8 nm), we propose that a single FLNa molecule can scaffold multiple CFTR partners. Unlike previously defined dimeric FLNa.partner complexes, the FLNa-monomeric CFTR interaction is relatively weak, presumptively facilitating dynamic clustering of CFTR at cell membranes. Finally, we show that deletion of all CFTR interacting domains from FLNa suppresses the surface expression of CFTR on baby hamster kidney cells.