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Recent studies showed an interphase chromosome architecture-a specific coiled nucleosome structure-derived from cryopreserved EM tomograms, and dispersed throughout the nucleus. The images were computationally processed to fill in the missing wedges of data caused by incomplete tomographic tilts. The resulting structures increased z-resolution enabling an extension of the proposed architecture to that of mitotic chromosomes. Here, we provide additional insights into the chromosome architecture that was recently published [M. Elbaum et al., Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. U.S.A. 119, e2119101119 (2022)]. We build on the defined chromosomes time-dependent structures in an effort to probe their dynamics. Variants of the coiled chromosome structures, possibly further defining specific regions, are discussed. We propose, based on generalized specific uncoiling of mitotic chromosomes in telophase, large-scale reorganization of interphase chromosomes. Chromosome territories, organized as micron-sized small patches, are constructed, satisfying complex volume considerations. Finally, we unveiled the structures of replicated coiled chromosomes, still attached to centromeres, as part of chromosome architecture.

Impaired control of the G1/S checkpoint allows initiation of DNA replication under non-permissive conditions. Unscheduled S-phase entry is associated with DNA replication stress, demanding for other checkpoints or cellular pathways to maintain proliferation. Here, we uncovered a requirement for ADARp150 to sustain proliferation of G1/S-checkpoint-defective cells under growth-restricting conditions. Besides its well-established mRNA editing function in inversely oriented short interspersed nuclear elements (SINEs), we found ADARp150 to exert a critical function in mitosis. ADARp150 depletion resulted in tetraploidization, impeding cell proliferation in mitogen-deprived conditions. Mechanistically we show that ADAR1 depletion induced aberrant expression of Cyclin B3, which was causative for mitotic failure and whole-genome duplication. Finally, we find that also in vivo ADAR1-depletion-provoked tetraploidization hampers tumor outgrowth.

Thymidine analogs such as ethynyl deoxyuridine (EdU) or bromodeoxyuridine (BrdU) can be used to label mitosis of mammary epithelial cells (MEC) and to quantify their proliferation. However, labeling cells in larger animals requires considerable amounts of chemical that can be costly and hazardous. We developed a strategy to infuse EdU into the mammary glands of ewes to directly label mitotic MEC. First, each udder half of nulliparous ewes (n = 2) received an intramammary infusion of one of four different concentrations of EdU (0, 0.1, 1.0 or 10 mM) which was compared to BrdU IV (5 mg/kg) 24 h later. Tissues were analyzed by immunofluorescent histochemistry to detect EdU, BrdU, and total MEC. Of the EdU doses tested, 10 mM EdU yielded the greatest labeling index, while a proportion of MEC were labeled by both EdU and BrdU. We next sought to establish whether intramammary labeling could detect the induction of mitosis after exposure to exogenous estrogen and progesterone (E + P). We first infused EdU (10 mM) into the right udder half of ewes (n = 6) at t 0, followed by thymidine (100 mM) 24 h later to prevent further labeling. Three ewes were then administered E + P for 5 d, while n = 3 ewes served as controls. On d 5, EdU was infused into the left udder half of all mammary glands alongside BrdU IV (5 mg/kg). By the time of necropsy 24 h later an average MEC labeling index of 2.9% resulted from EdU delivered at t 0. In the left half of the udder on d 5, CON glands had a final EdU labeling index of 3.4% while glands exposed to E + P had a labeling index of 4.6% (p = 0.05). The corresponding degree of labeling with BrdU was 5.6% in CON glands, and 12% following E + P (p

The α-Aurora kinase is a crucial regulator of spindle microtubule organization during mitosis in plants. Here, we report a post-mitotic role for α-Aurora in reorganizing the phragmoplast microtubule array. In Arabidopsis thaliana, α-Aurora relocated from spindle poles to the phragmoplast midzone, where it interacted with the microtubule cross-linker MAP65-3. In a hypomorphic α-Aurora mutant, MAP65-3 was detected on spindle microtubules, followed by a diffuse association pattern across the phragmoplast midzone. Simultaneously, phragmoplast microtubules remained belatedly in a solid disk array before transitioning to a ring shape. Microtubules at the leading edge of the matured phragmoplast were often disengaged, accompanied by conspicuous retentions of MAP65-3 at the phragmoplast interior edge. Specifically, α-Aurora phosphorylated two residues towards the C-terminus of MAP65-3. Mutation of these residues to alanines resulted in an increased association of MAP65-3 with microtubules within the phragmoplast. Consequently, the expansion of the phragmoplast was notably slower compared to wild-type cells or cells expressing a phospho-mimetic variant of MAP65-3. Moreover, mimicking phosphorylation reinstated disrupted MAP65-3 behaviors in plants with compromised α-Aurora function. Overall, our findings reveal a mechanism in which α-Aurora facilitates cytokinesis progression through phosphorylation-dependent restriction of MAP65-3 associating with microtubules at the phragmoplast midzone.

Mitosis is a critical criterion for meningioma grading. However, pathologists assessment of mitoses is subject to significant inter-observer variation due to challenges in locating mitosis hotspots and accurately detecting mitotic figures. To address this issue, we leverage digital pathology and propose a computational strategy to enhance pathologists mitosis assessment. The strategy has two components: (1) A depth-first search algorithm that quantifies the mathematically maximum mitotic count in 10 consecutive high-power fields, which can enhance the preciseness, especially in cases with borderline mitotic count. (2) Implementing a collaborative sphere to group a set of pathologists to detect mitoses under each high-power field, which can mitigate subjective random errors in mitosis detection originating from individual detection errors. By depth-first search algorithm (1) , we analyzed 19 meningioma slides and discovered that the proposed algorithm upgraded two borderline cases verified at consensus conferences. This improvement is attributed to the algorithms ability to quantify the mitotic count more comprehensively compared to other conventional methods of counting mitoses. In implementing a collaborative sphere (2) , we evaluated the correctness of mitosis detection from grouped pathologists and/or pathology residents, where each member of the group annotated a set of 48 high-power field images for mitotic figures independently. We report that groups with sizes of three can achieve an average precision of 0.897 and sensitivity of 0.699 in mitosis detection, which is higher than an average pathologist in this study (precision: 0.750, sensitivity: 0.667). The proposed computational strategy can be integrated with artificial intelligence workflow, which envisions the future of achieving a rapid and robust mitosis assessment by interactive assisting algorithms that can ultimately benefit patient management.

The kinetochore scaffold 1 (KNL1) protein recruits spindle assembly checkpoint (SAC) proteins to ensure accurate chromosome segregation during mitosis. Despite such a conserved function among eukaryotic organisms, its molecular architectures have rapidly evolved so that the functional mode of plant KNL1 is largely unknown. To understand how SAC signaling is regulated at kinetochores, we characterized the function of the KNL1 gene in Arabidopsis thaliana. The KNL1 protein was detected at kinetochores throughout the mitotic cell cycle, and null knl1 mutants were viable and fertile but exhibited severe vegetative and reproductive defects. The mutant cells showed serious impairments of chromosome congression and segregation, that resulted in the formation of micronuclei. In the absence of KNL1, core SAC proteins were no longer detected at the kinetochores, and the SAC was not activated by unattached or misaligned chromosomes. Arabidopsis KNL1 interacted with SAC essential proteins BUB3.3 and BMF3 through specific regions that were not found in known KNL1 proteins of other species, and recruited them independently to kinetochores. Furthermore, we demonstrated that upon ectopic expression, the KNL1 homolog from the dicot tomato was able to functionally substitute KNL1 in A. thaliana, while others from the monocot rice or moss associated with kinetochores but were not functional, as reflected by sequence variations of the kinetochore proteins in different plant lineages. Our results brought insights into understanding the rapid evolution and lineage-specific connection between KNL1 and the SAC signaling molecules.

Large-scale cell flow characterizes gastrulation in animal development. In amniote gastrulation, particularly in avian gastrula, a bilateral vortex-like counter-rotating cell flow, called 'polonaise movements', appears along the midline. Here, through experimental manipulations, we addressed relationships between the polonaise movements and morphogenesis of the primitive streak, the earliest midline structure in amniotes. Suppression of the Wnt/planar cell polarity (PCP) signaling pathway maintains the polonaise movements along a deformed primitive streak. Mitotic arrest leads to diminished extension and development of the primitive streak and maintains the early phase of the polonaise movements. Ectopically induced Vg1, an axis-inducing morphogen, generates the polonaise movements, aligned to the induced midline, but disturbs the stereotypical cell flow pattern at the authentic midline. Despite the altered cell flow, induction and extension of the primitive streak are preserved along both authentic and induced midlines. Finally, we show that ectopic axis-inducing morphogen, Vg1, is capable of initiating the polonaise movements without concomitant PS extension under mitotic arrest conditions. These results are consistent with a model wherein primitive streak morphogenesis is required for the maintenance of the polonaise movements, but the polonaise movements are not necessarily responsible for primitive streak morphogenesis. Our data describe a previously undefined relationship between the large-scale cell flow and midline morphogenesis in gastrulation.

The mitotic spindle is the bipolar, microtubule-based structure that segregates chromosomes at each cell division. Aberrant spindles are frequently observed in cancer cells, but how oncogenic transformation affects spindle mechanics and function, particularly in the mechanical context of solid tumors, remains poorly understood. Here, we constitutively overexpress the oncogene cyclin D1 in human MCF10A cells to probe its effects on spindle architecture and response to compressive force. We find that cyclin D1 overexpression increases the incidence of spindles with extra poles, centrioles, and chromosomes. However, it also protects spindle poles from fracturing under compressive force, a deleterious outcome linked to multipolar cell divisions. Our findings suggest that cyclin D1 overexpression may adapt cells to increased compressive stress, possibly contributing to its prevalence in cancers such as breast cancer by allowing continued proliferation in mechanically challenging environments.

Paclitaxel-resistant triple negative breast cancer (TNBC) remains one of the most challenging breast cancers to treat. Here, using an epigenetic chemical probe screen, we uncover an acquired vulnerability of paclitaxel-resistant TNBC cells to protein arginine methyltransferases (PRMTs) inhibition. Analysis of cell lines and in-house clinical samples demonstrates that resistant cells evade paclitaxel killing through stabilizing mitotic chromatin assembly. Genetic or pharmacologic inhibition of PRMT5 alters RNA splicing, particularly intron retention of aurora kinases B (AURKB), leading to a decrease in protein expression, and finally results in selective mitosis catastrophe in paclitaxel-resistant cells. In addition, type I PRMT inhibition synergies with PRMT5 inhibition in suppressing tumor growth of drug-resistant cells through augmenting perturbation of AURKB-mediated mitotic signaling pathway. These findings are fully recapitulated in a patient-derived xenograft (PDX) model generated from a paclitaxel-resistant TNBC patient, providing the rationale for targeting PRMTs in paclitaxel-resistant TNBC. [Display omitted] • Paclitaxel-resistant triple-negative breast cancer is vulnerable to PRMTs inhibition • Inhibiting type I PRMTs and PRMT5 synergizes to suppress paclitaxel-resistant TNBC growth • Targeting PRMTs induces intron retention in AURKB, leading to mitotic catastrophe Paclitaxel-resistant triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) remains challenging to treat. Zhang et al. discover that resistant TNBC cells are vulnerable to PRMT inhibition, which decreases AURKB protein levels and induces mitotic catastrophe. Inhibiting type I PRMTs and PRMT5 synergizes to suppress tumor growth, suggesting a promising strategy for treating paclitaxel-resistant TNBC. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To ensure an even segregation of chromosomes during somatic cell division, eukaryotes rely on mitotic spindles. Here, we measured prime characteristics of the Arabidopsis mitotic spindle and built a three-dimensional dynamic model using Cytosim. We identified the cell-cycle regulator CYCLIN-DEPENDENT KINASE B1 (CDKB1) together with its cyclin partner CYCB3;1 as key regulators of spindle morphology in Arabidopsis. We found that the augmin component ENDOSPERM DEFECTIVE1 (EDE1) is a substrate of the CDKB1;1-CYCB3;1 complex. A non-phosphorylatable mutant rescue of ede1 resembled the spindle phenotypes of cycb3;1 and cdkb1 mutants and the protein associated less efficiently with spindle microtubules. Accordingly, reducing the level of augmin in simulations recapitulated the phenotypes observed in the mutants. Our findings emphasize the importance of cell-cycle-dependent phospho-control of the mitotic spindle in plant cells and support the validity of our model as a framework for the exploration of mechanisms controlling the organization of the eukaryotic spindle. [Display omitted] • Generation of a 3D simulation of the Arabidopsis spindle • B1-type CDKs together with a B3-type cyclin control spindle morphology via augmin • The requirement of augmin for spindle morphology is recapitulated by 3D simulations Romeiro Motta et al. show that spindle morphology is controlled by the phosphorylation of augmin performed by a cell-cycle regulator complex in Arabidopsis. By constructing a tridimensional simulation of the Arabidopsis mitotic spindle, combined with several experimental approaches, they show that changes in augmin activity largely impact spindle organization. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Mitosis in early embryos often proceeds at a rapid pace, but how this pace is achieved is not understood. Here, we show that cyclin B3 is the dominant driver of rapid embryonic mitoses in the C. elegans embryo. Cyclins B1 and B2 support slow mitosis (NEBD to anaphase ~600 s), but the presence of cyclin B3 dominantly drives the approximately threefold faster mitosis observed in wildtype. Multiple mitotic events are slowed down in cyclin B1 and B2-driven mitosis, and cyclin B3-associated Cdk1 H1 kinase activity is ~25-fold more active than cyclin B1-associated Cdk1. Addition of cyclin B1 to fast cyclin B3-only mitosis introduces an ~60-s delay between completion of chromosome alignment and anaphase onset; this delay, which is important for segregation fidelity, is dependent on inhibitory phosphorylation of the anaphase activator Cdc20. Thus, cyclin B3 dominance, coupled to a cyclin B1-dependent delay that acts via Cdc20 phosphorylation, sets the rapid pace and ensures mitotic fidelity in the early C. elegans embryo. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the brains of adult rodents, the cells arising in the subventricular zone of the lateral ventricles maintain the ability to divide when migrating to the olfactory bulb along the rostral migratory stream (RMS). Dividing cells in the RMS are most frequently revealed through immunohistochemical detection of an exogenous marker of proliferation, 5-Bromo-2-deoxyuridine (BrdU), which incorporates into DNA during the S-phase of mitosis. The more recently recognized antigen Ki-67 (also known as Kiel-67 and MKI67), an endogenous protein expressed in nuclei at all stages of mitosis, is also used for proliferation detection. BrdU and Ki-67 are often used as alternative methods, but they have not previously been compared in the RMS. We analyzed the numbers and distribution of cells labeled either with BrdU or Ki-67 within the RMS of adult rats. The first group of animals received a single i.p. dose of BrdU. In the second group, dividing cells were visualized by Ki-67 immunohistochemistry. Some sections from brains of BrdU-treated rats were also immunostained for Ki-67. Labeled cells were counted in the three anatomical parts of the RMS (vertical arm, elbow and horizontal arm) using a method for unbiased estimation of cell density. The distribution of proliferating cells was similar for both markers. Most BrdU and Ki-67 positive cells were located in the vertical arm and in the elbow, but a caudo-rostral reduction in cell divisions was more evident with Ki-67 labeling. The number of Ki-67 positive cells significantly exceeded the number of BrdU positive cells in all parts of the RMS. Our results indicate that BrdU and Ki-67 are not interchangeable markers for evaluation of proliferative activity in the RMS. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

MAD2L2 is a small HORMA domain protein that plays a crucial role in DNA repair and mitosis. In both TLS and shieldin, the dimerization of MAD2L2 via its HORMA domain is critical for the stability and function of these complexes. However, in mitosis, the dimerization state of MAD2L2 remains unknown. To assess the importance of MAD2L2's dimerization during mitosis, we utilized CRISPR/Cas9 to generate MAD2L2 knockout cells, which were subsequently complemented with MAD2L2 species carrying different dimer-disrupting point mutations. We assessed the ability of these MAD2L2 dimer-disrupting mutants to regulate mitosis by evaluating early mitotic events and mitotic fidelity. Our findings indicate that MAD2L2 can function in its monomeric form during mitosis, suggesting that MAD2L2 homodimerization is dispensable for early mitotic regulation. Furthermore, our results suggest that the binding of CDH1 to MAD2L2 is a key regulating factor in mitosis that may actively prevent the formation of MAD2L2 dimers, thereby shifting the cellular balance toward MAD2L2-CDH1 interaction. Thus, the equilibrium between the monomeric and dimeric forms of MAD2L2 is an important cellular factor regulating the MAD2L2-containing complexes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Simple Summary: Engagement of an advanced immunofluorescence technology demonstrated, for the first time, the cell cycle-dependent control of TRBP2 protein, a major component of the RNAi machinery. TRBP2 expression is lost during mitosis and restored in the cell nucleus upon interphase entry. None of the post-translational modifications, such as ubiquitination or phosphorylation, herein examined proved able to play an essential role in TRBP2 loss from the nucleus of mitotic cells. Different types of cancer cells, with diverse tissue origin, malignancy grade, metastatic potential, and mutational load, are shown to lack TRBP2 nuclear compartmentalization during mitosis, thereby opening new diagnostic and therapeutic windows for human malignancies in the clinic. Background: Transactivation Response Element RNA-binding Protein (TRBP2) is a double-stranded RNA-binding protein widely known for its critical contribution to RNA interference (RNAi), a conserved mechanism of gene-expression regulation mediated through small non-coding RNA moieties (ncRNAs). Nevertheless, TRBP2 has also proved to be involved in other molecular pathways and biological processes, such as cell growth, organism development, spermatogenesis, and stress response. Mutations or aberrant expression of TRBP2 have been previously associated with diverse human pathologies, including Alzheimer's disease, cardiomyopathy, and cancer, with TRBP2 playing an essential role(s) in proliferation, invasion, and metastasis of tumor cells. Methods: Hence, the present study aims to investigate, via employment of advanced flow cytometry, immunofluorescence, cell transgenesis and bioinformatics technologies, new, still elusive, functions and properties of TRBP2, particularly regarding its cell cycle-specific control during cancer cell division. Results: We have identified a novel, mitosis-dependent regulation of TRBP2 protein expression, as clearly evidenced by the lack of its immunofluorescence-facilitated detection during mitotic phases, in several human cancer cell lines of different tissue origin. Notably, the obtained TRBP2-downregulation patterns seem to derive from molecular mechanisms that act independently of oncogenic activities (e.g., malignancy grade), metastatic capacities (e.g., low versus high), and mutational signatures (e.g., p53−/− or p53ΔΥ126) of cancer cells. Conclusions: Taken together, we herein propose that TRBP2 serves as a novel cell cycle-dependent regulator, likely exerting mitosis-suppression functions, and, thus, its mitosis-specific downregulation can hold strong promise to be exploited for the efficient and successful prognosis, diagnosis, and (radio-/chemo-)therapy of diverse human malignancies, in the clinic. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cell tracking in microscopy images is fundamental to new biological and medical discoveries today. It facilitates the study of the properties of living cells over time. Due to the temporal nature of the cell tracking task, data association is the most difficult aspect of automated cell tracking. Due to the intricate nature of biological, imaging, and algorithmic factors that influence cell segmentation and tracking results, it is challenging to provide a simple and efficient method to determine the appropriate approach for a specific dataset. For example, mitosis, a crucial biological process, plays a key role in correcting trajectories. This research looked at all the challenges of the cell tracking task and the current solutions that have been proposed so far. In this paper, we carefully identified the sources of the tracking challenges and categorized them in a hierarchical diagram to explain the impact of challenges at different levels on the different cell tracking subtasks. Then, after identifying the solutions provided so far, we classified them into three levels: strategic, tactical, and technical. At the strategy level, tracking before detection and tracking by detection are two main approaches. The tactics can be based on cell distance, similarity, overlap, motions, probability, model evaluation, and deep-learning methods. The techniques identified in our analysis include contour evolution, nearest-neighbor linking, morphological-operator-based tracking, similarity-based label propagation, overlap-based label propagation, motion-prediction-based label propagation, graph-based multiple hypothesis tracking, probability-graph-based global optimization, probability-model-based global optimization, and recently developed deep-learning models. By merging cell tracking methods at different levels in one diagram, this classification will help to understand current solutions and provide new insights for cell tracking algorithms. Overall, in this study, we conducted a comprehensive investigation of the challenges of cell tracking and its corresponding solutions, offering a unique source of information. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Kinesin-5 motors play an essential role during mitotic spindle assembly in many organisms 1,2,3,4,5,6,7,8,9,10,11 : they crosslink antiparallel spindle microtubules, step toward plus ends, and slide the microtubules apart. 12,13,14,15,16,17 This activity separates the spindle poles and chromosomes. Kinesin-5s are not only plus-end-directed but can walk or be carried toward MT minus ends, 18,19,20,21,22,23,24,25,26,27,28,29,30,31,32,33,34 where they show enhanced localization. 3,5,7,27,29,32 The kinesin-5 C-terminal tail interacts with and regulates the motor, affecting structure, motility, and sliding force of purified kinesin-5 35,36,37 along with motility and spindle assembly in cells. 27,38,39 The tail contains phosphorylation sites, particularly in the conserved BimC box. 6,7,40,41,42,43,44 Nine mitotic tail phosphorylation sites were identified in the kinesin-5 motor of the fission yeast Schizosaccharomyces pombe , 45,46,47,48 suggesting that multi-site phosphorylation may regulate kinesin-5s. Here, we show that mutating all nine sites to either alanine or glutamate causes temperature-sensitive lethality due to a failure of bipolar spindle assembly. We characterize kinesin-5 localization and sliding force in the spindle based on Cut7-dependent microtubule minus-end protrusions in cells lacking kinesin-14 motors. 39,49,50,51,52 Imaging and computational modeling show that Cut7p simultaneously moves toward the minus ends of protrusion MTs and the plus ends of spindle midzone MTs. Phosphorylation mutants show dramatic decreases in protrusions and sliding force. Comparison to a model of force to create protrusions suggests that tail truncation and phosphorylation mutants decrease Cut7p sliding force similarly to tail-truncated human Eg5. 36 Our results show that C-terminal tail phosphorylation is required for kinesin-5/Cut7 sliding force and bipolar spindle assembly in fission yeast. [Display omitted] • Phosphorylation site mutations in the kinesin-5 tail affect motor function • Phosphorylation site mutants show impaired mitotic spindle assembly and elongation • Kinesin-5 sliding force is reduced in phosphorylation mutants • Computational modeling reproduces kinesin-5 accumulation in protrusions Jones et al. show that phosphorylation of the kinesin-5 C-terminal tail is required for proper spindle assembly in fission yeast. Mutations in multiple tail phosphorylation sites impair both spindle function and motor sliding force, similarly to full tail truncations of fission yeast and (by comparison to a model of force) human kinesin-5s. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Chromothripsis describes the catastrophic shattering of mis-segregated chromosomes trapped within micronuclei. Although micronuclei accumulate DNA double-strand breaks and replication defects throughout interphase, how chromosomes undergo shattering remains unresolved. Using CRISPR-Cas9 screens, we identify a non-canonical role of the Fanconi anemia (FA) pathway as a driver of chromothripsis. Inactivation of the FA pathway suppresses chromosome shattering during mitosis without impacting interphase-associated defects within micronuclei. Mono-ubiquitination of FANCI-FANCD2 by the FA core complex promotes its mitotic engagement with under-replicated micronuclear chromosomes. The structure-selective SLX4-XPF-ERCC1 endonuclease subsequently induces large-scale nucleolytic cleavage of persistent DNA replication intermediates, which stimulates POLD3-dependent mitotic DNA synthesis to prime shattered fragments for reassembly in the ensuing cell cycle. Notably, FA-pathway-induced chromothripsis generates complex genomic rearrangements and extrachromosomal DNA that confer acquired resistance to anti-cancer therapies. Our findings demonstrate how pathological activation of a central DNA repair mechanism paradoxically triggers cancer genome evolution through chromothripsis. [Display omitted] • The FA pathway promotes the catastrophic shattering of micronuclear chromosomes • SLX4-XPF-ERCC1 cleaves mitotic DNA replication intermediates from micronuclei • MiDAS facilitates the mutagenic reassembly of shattered chromosomes in interphase • FA-induced mitotic shattering drives genome rearrangements and ecDNA formation A genetic screen uncovers the Fanconi anemia pathway as a driver of chromothripsis by shattering under-replicated micronuclear chromosomes during mitosis. This process involves chromosome-scale cleavage by the SLX4-XPF-ERCC1 endonuclease coupled to mitotic DNA synthesis, resulting in complex rearrangements and ecDNAs that fuel cancer genome evolution and/or resistance to anti-cancer therapies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Simple Summary: In this review, we introduce and summarize the canonical roles of Ataxia Telangiectasia and Rad3-related protein (ATR) in the DNA damage response (DDR) pathway. More importantly, we also summarize the most recent discoveries of ATR's non-canonical roles in regulating nuclear membrane integrity, mechanical force, chromosome segregation, and its role in PML bodies and discuss how they are relevant to the current progress of ATR inhibitors in clinical trials. Ataxia Telangiectasia and Rad3-related protein (ATR) is an apical kinase of the DNA Damage Response (DDR) pathway responsible for detecting and resolving damaged DNA. Because cancer cells depend heavily on the DNA damage checkpoint for their unchecked proliferation and propagation, ATR has gained enormous popularity as a cancer therapy target in recent decades. Yet, ATR inhibitors have not been the silver bullets as anticipated, with clinical trials demonstrating toxicity and mixed efficacy. To investigate whether the toxicity and mixed efficacy of ATR inhibitors arise from their off-target effects related to ATR's multiple roles within and outside the DDR pathway, we have analyzed recently published studies on ATR's non-canonical roles. Recent studies have elucidated that ATR plays a wide role throughout the cell cycle that is separate from its function in the DDR. This includes maintaining nuclear membrane integrity, detecting mechanical forces, and promoting faithful chromosome segregation during mitosis. In this review, we summarize the canonical, DDR-related roles of ATR and also focus on the non-canonical, multifaceted roles of ATR throughout the cell cycle and their clinical relevance. Through this summary, we also address the need for re-assessing clinical strategies targeting ATR as a cancer therapy based on these newly discovered roles for ATR. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The asymmetric cell division determines cell diversity and distinct sibling cell fates by mechanisms linked to mitosis. Many adult stem cells divide asymmetrically to balance self‐renewal and differentiation. The process of asymmetric cell division involves an axis of polarity and, second, the localization of cell fate determinants at the cell poles. Asymmetric division of stem cells is achieved by intrinsic and extrinsic fate determinants such as signaling molecules, epigenetics factors, molecules regulating gene expression, and polarized organelles. At least some stem cells perform asymmetric and symmetric cell divisions during development. Asymmetric division ensures that the number of stem cells remains constant throughout life. The asymmetric division of stem cells plays an important role in biological events such as embryogenesis, tissue regeneration and carcinogenesis. This review summarizes recent advances in the regulation of asymmetric stem cell division in model organisms. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cytoskeleton-associated protein 2 (CKAP2) gene is located on human chromosome 13q14.3 and encodes cytoskeleton associated protein 2, which is involved in regulating the separation of mitotic chromosomes. CKAP2 has been confirmed in multiple studies to be an oncogenic gene that can regulate JAK2/STAT3, FAK-ERK2, and NF-κB signaling pathway affects the biological behaviors of tumor cells such as proliferation, apoptosis, and invasion, alters the tumor microenvironment, and regulates tumor immunity. CKAP2 is also closely related to the formation of spindle bodies during mitosis, and dysregulation of CKAP2 can lead to incorrect chromosome separation, promoting tumor development. In addition, CKAP2 is closely related to chemotherapy resistance in tumors, and the underlying mechanisms are not yet clear.CKAP2 may become a novel tumor marker and effective therapeutic target, playing an important role in the diagnosis and treatment of tumors. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

G-protein signaling modulator 2 (GPSM2) is a negative regulator of G protein coupled receptor signaling pathway, which plays an important role in cell growth. In recent years, it has been found that GPSM2 is abnormally expressed in a variety of malignant tumors and is related to many clinical symptoms of tumors. Based on the structure and function of GPSM2, this paper discusses its role and mechanism in tumor development, so as to identify new targets for tumor diagnosis and treatment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Hematologic abnormalities are the most common symptoms of Shwachman-Diamond syndrome (SDS). The causative gene for SDS is the Shwachman-Bodian-Diamond syndrome (SBDS) gene; however, the function of SBDS and pathogenesis of each condition in SDS are largely unknown. SBDS is known to be localized at mitotic spindles and stabilizes microtubules. Previously, we demonstrated that SBDS is ubiquitinated and subsequently degraded in the mitotic phase, thereby accelerating mitotic progression. In this study, we examined mitosis in a myeloid cell model of SDS (SDS cells). 4',6-Diamidino-2-phenylindole (DAPI)-stained chromosome observation and cell cycle analysis of nocodazolesynchronized cells revealed that the SDS cells have abnormally rapid mitosis. In addition, many lagging chromosomes and micronuclei were detected. Moreover, the phosphorylation of threonine tyrosine kinase, the crucial kinase of the spindle assembly checkpoint (SAC), was suppressed. Chromosomal instability caused by SAC dysfunction may cause a variety of clinical conditions, including hematologic tumors in patients with SDS. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The relationship between O-linked N-acetylglucosamine (O-GlcNAc) transferase (OGT) and mitosis is intertwined. Besides the numerous mitotic OGT substrates that have been identified, OGT itself is also a target of the mitotic machinery. Previously, our investigations have shown that Checkpoint kinase 1 (Chk1) phosphorylates OGT at Ser-20 to increase OGT levels during cytokinesis, suggesting that OGT levels oscillate as mitosis progresses. Herein we studied its underlying mechanism. We set out from an R17C mutation of OGT, which is a uterine carcinoma mutation in The Cancer Genome Atlas. We found that R17C abolishes the S20 phosphorylation of OGT, as it lies in the Chk1 phosphorylating consensus motif. Consistent with our previous report that pSer-20 is essential for OGT level increases during cytokinesis, we further demonstrate that the R17C mutation renders OGT less stable, decreases vimentin phosphorylation levels and results in cytokinesis defects. Based on bioinformatic predictions, pSer-20 renders OGT more likely to interact with 14-3-3 proteins, the phospho-binding signal adaptor/scaffold protein family. By screening the seven isoforms of 14-3-3 family, we show that 14-3-3e specifically associates with Ser-20-phosphorylated OGT. Moreover, we studied the R17C and S20A mutations in xenograft models and demonstrated that they both inhibit uterine carcinoma compared to wild-type OGT, probably due to less cellular reproduction. Our work is a sequel of our previous report on pS20 of OGT and is in line with the notion that OGT is intricately regulated by the mitotic network. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The proper control of mitosis depends on the ubiquitin-mediated degradation of the right mitotic regulator at the right time. This is effected by the Anaphase Promoting Complex/Cyclosome (APC/C) ubiquitin ligase that is regulated by the Spindle Assembly Checkpoint (SAC). The SAC prevents the APC/C from recognising Cyclin B1, the essential anaphase and cytokinesis inhibitor, until all chromosomes are attached to the spindle. Once chromosomes are attached, Cyclin B1 is rapidly degraded to enable chromosome segregation and cytokinesis. We have a good understanding of how the SAC inhibits the APC/C, but relatively little is known about how the APC/C recognises Cyclin B1 as soon as the SAC is turned off. Here, by combining live-cell imaging, in vitro reconstitution biochemistry, and structural analysis by cryo-electron microscopy, we provide evidence that the rapid recognition of Cyclin B1 in metaphase requires spatial regulation of the APC/C. Using fluorescence cross-correlation spectroscopy, we find that Cyclin B1 and the APC/C primarily interact at the mitotic apparatus. We show that this is because Cyclin B1, like the APC/C, binds to nucleosomes, and identify an 'arginine-anchor' in the N-terminus as necessary and sufficient for binding to the nucleosome. Mutating the arginine anchor on Cyclin B1 reduces its interaction with the APC/C and delays its degradation: cells with the mutant, non-nucleosome-binding Cyclin B1 become aneuploid, demonstrating the physiological relevance of our findings. Together, our data demonstrate that mitotic chromosomes promote the efficient interaction between Cyclin B1 and the APC/C to ensure the timely degradation of Cyclin B1 and genomic stability. Synopsis: How the anaphase-promoting complex/cyclosome (APC/C) ubiquitin ligase initiates Cyclin B1 degradation as soon as the spindle assembly checkpoint is switched off remains mysterious. This work reveals chromosomes as the crucial platform for inactivating the major mitotic kinase Cyclin B1-CDK1. Cyclin B1 binds to nucleosomes through an 'arginine anchor' motif in its amino terminus. APC/C binds to nucleosomes through an arginine anchor in its APC3 subunit. Fluorescence cross-correlation shows that the APC/C primarily binds Cyclin B1 at chromosomes. Preventing Cyclin B1 chromosome binding by arginine anchor mutations interferes with its binding to the APC/C and delays its degradation by several minutes, leading to aneuploidy. Chromosomes are the crucial platform for timely inactivation of CDK1-Cyclin B1, the major kinase that keeps cells in mitosis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The accuracy of cell division requires precise regulation of the cellular machinery governing DNA/genome duplication, ensuring its equal distribution among the daughter cells. The control of the centrosome cycle is crucial for the formation of a bipolar spindle, ensuring error‐free segregation of the genome. The cell and centrosome cycles operate in close synchrony along similar principles. Both require a single duplication round in every cell cycle, and both are controlled by the activity of key protein kinases. Nevertheless, our comprehension of the precise cellular mechanisms and critical regulators synchronizing these two cycles remains poorly defined. Here, we present our hypothesis that the spatiotemporal regulation of a dynamic equilibrium of mitotic kinases activities forms a molecular clock that governs the synchronous progression of both the cell and the centrosome cycles. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Key message: Upregulation of genes involved in DNA damage repair and sperm cell differentiation leads to restoration of pollen viability in synthetic allotetraploid B. carinata after chromosome doubling. Apart from the well-known contribution of polyploidy to crop improvement, polyploids can also be induced for other purposes, such as to restore the viability of sterile hybrids. The mechanism related to viability transition between the sterile allodiploid and the fertile allotetraploid after chromosome doubling are not well understood. Here, we synthesised allodiploid B. carinata (2n = 2x = 17) and allotetraploid B. carinata (2n = 4x = 34) as models to investigate the cytological and transcriptomic differences during pollen development. The results showed that after chromosome doubling, the recovery of pollen viability in allotetraploid was mainly reflected in the stabilisation of microtubule spindle morphology, normal meiotic chromosome behaviour, and normal microspore development. Interestingly, the deposition and degradation of synthetic anther tapetum were not affected by polyploidy. Transcription analysis showed that the expression of genes related to DNA repair (DMC1, RAD51, RAD17, SPO11-2), cell cycle differentiation (CYCA1;2, CYCA2;3) and ubiquitination proteasome pathway (UBC4, PIRH2, CDC53) were positively up-regulated during pollen development of synthetic allotetraploid B. carinata. In summary, these results provide some refreshing updates about the ploidy-related restoration of pollen viability in newly synthesised allotetraploid B. carinata. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Roots are usually underground plant organs, responsible for anchoring to the soil, absorbing water and nutrients, and interacting with the rhizosphere. During root development, roots respond to a variety of environmental signals, contributing to plant survival. Histone post-translational modifications play essential roles in gene expression regulation, contributing to plant responses to environmental cues. Histone acetylation is one of the most studied post-translational modifications, regulating numerous genes involved in various biological processes, including development and stress responses. Although the effect of histone acetylation on plant responses to biotic and abiotic stimuli has been extensively reviewed, no recent reviews exist focusing on root development regulation by histone acetylation. Therefore, this review brings together all the knowledge about the impact of histone acetylation on root development in several plant species, mainly focusing on Arabidopsis thaliana. Here, we summarize the role of histone acetylation and deacetylation in numerous aspects of root development, such as stem cell niche maintenance, cell division, expansion and differentiation, and developmental zone determination. We also emphasize the gaps in current knowledge and propose new perspectives for research toward deeply understanding the role of histone acetylation in root development. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Saccharomyces cerevisiae is an excellent model to study the effect of external cues on cell division and stress response. 5‐Fluorocuracil (5‐FU) has been used to treat solid tumors since several decades. The drug was initially designed to interfere with DNA replication but was later found to exert its antiproliferative effect also via RNA‐dependent processes. Since 5‐FU inhibits the activity of the 3′−5′‐exoribonuclease Rrp6 in yeast and mammals, earlier work has compared the effect of 5‐FU treatment and RRP6 deletion at the transcriptome level in diploid synchronized yeast cells. To facilitate interpreting the expression data we have developed an improved 5‐Fluorouracil RNA (5‐FUR) expression viewer. Users can access information via genome coordinates and systematic or standard names for mRNAs and Xrn1‐dependent‐, stable‐, cryptic‐, and meiotic unannotated transcripts (XUTs, SUTs, CUTs, and MUTs). Normalized log2‐transformed or linear data can be displayed as filled diagrams, line graphs or color‐coded heatmaps. The expression data are useful for researchers interested in processes such as cell cycle regulation, mitotic repression of meiotic genes, the effect of 5‐FU treatment and Rrp6 deficiency on the transcriptome and expression profiles of sense/antisense loci that encode overlapping transcripts. The viewer is accessible at http://5fur.genouest.org. Take away: We present an improved 5‐Fluorouracil RNA (5‐FUR) expression viewerStrand‐specific RNA‐Seq data are available for mRNAs and different classes of lncRNAsNormalized data are displayed as filled diagrams, line graphs or heatmapsThe expression data are pertinent for regulation of mitotic and meiotic genesUsers can interpret the expression profiles of sense/antisense transcripts [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Maternal Embryonic Leucine Zipper Kinase (MELK) has been studied intensively in recent years due to its overexpression in multiple cancers. However, the cell biology of MELK remains less characterized despite its well-documented association with mitosis. Here we report a distinctive pattern of human MELK that translocates from the cytoplasm to cell cortex within 3 min of anaphase onset. The cortex association lasts about 30 min till telophase. The spatiotemporal specific localization of MELK depends on the interaction between its Threonine-Proline (TP) rich domain and kinase associated 1 (KA1) domain, which is regulated by CDK1 kinase and PP4 protein phosphatase. KA1 domains are known to regulate kinase activities through various intramolecular interactions. Our results revealed a new role for KA1 domain to control subcellular localization of a protein kinase. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background/Objectives: Melanoma is an aggressive skin malignancy, and the majority of deaths associated with melanoma result from malignant skin lesions. Our study aims to evaluate the expression of the markers CD133 and NANOG, associated with tumor stem cells, and to analyze their link with epidemiological and histological parameters, thus contributing to early diagnosis and the development of targeted therapies. Methods: We performed a retrospective study in the Mureș Clinical County Hospital, Romania, which included 66 cases of melanoma: 50 primary cutaneous melanomas, 10 metastases, and 6 local recurrences. CD133 and NANOG marker expression was assessed by immunohistochemistry and quantified using the H score. Statistical analyses were applied to determine the correlations between marker expression and clinicopathological parameters. Results: CD133 expression was identified in six cases (12%) of primary melanoma, with a mean H-Score of 29, and was associated with an increased Breslow index and a higher number of mitoses. NANOG expression was positive in 30 cases (60%) of primary melanoma, with a median H-Score of 15 and with increased expression observed in cases with pagetoid migration and lesions in situ. In metastases, eight cases (80%) were positive for NANOG and four (40%) for CD133. Local recurrences showed positive expression for NANOG in four cases (66%). Conclusions: The expression of CD133 and NANOG markers highlights the role of tumor stem cells in melanoma progression. Early identification of these markers could improve diagnosis and treatment, including the application of targeted therapies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The centrosome of the amoebozoan model Dictyostelium discoideum provides the best-established model for an acentriolar centrosome outside the Opisthokonta. Dictyostelium exhibits an unusual centrosome cycle, in which duplication is initiated only at the G2/M transition and occurs entirely during the M phase. Little is known about the role of conserved centrosomal kinases in this process. Therefore, we have generated knock-in strains for Aurora (AurK), CDK1, cyclin B, Nek2, and Plk, replacing the endogenous genes with constructs expressing the respective green fluorescent Neon fusion proteins, driven by the endogenous promoters, and studied their behavior in living cells. Our results show that CDK1 and cyclin B arrive at the centrosome first, already during G2, followed by Plk, Nek2, and AurK. Furthermore, CDK1/cyclin B and AurK were dynamically localized at kinetochores, and AurK in addition at nucleoli. The putative roles of all four kinases in centrosome duplication, mitosis, cytokinesis, and nucleolar dynamics are discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The ubiquitin ligase Anaphase-Promoting Complex/Cyclosome (APC/C) and its regulatory protein Cdc20 play important roles in the control of different stages of mitosis. APC/C associated with Cdc20 is active and promotes metaphase-anaphase transition by targeting for degradation inhibitors of anaphase initiation. Earlier in mitosis, premature action of APC/C is prevented by the mitotic checkpoint (or spindle assembly checkpoint) system, which ensures that anaphase is not initiated until all chromosomes are properly attached to the mitotic spindle. The active mitotic checkpoint system promotes the assembly of a Mitotic Checkpoint Complex (MCC), which binds to APC/C and inhibits its activity. The interaction of MCC with APC/C is strongly enhanced by Cdc20 bound to APC/C. While the association of Cdc20 with APC/C was known to be essential for both these stages of mitosis, it was not known how Cdc20 remains bound in spite of ongoing processes, phosphorylation and ubiquitylation, that stimulate its release from APC/C. We find that MCC strongly inhibits the release of Cdc20 from APC/C by the action of mitotic protein kinase Cdk1-cyclin B. This is not due to protection from phosphorylation of specific sites in Cdc20 that affect its interaction with APC/C. Rather, MCC stabilizes the binding to APC/C of partially phosphorylated forms of Cdc20. MCC also inhibits the autoubiquitylation of APC/C-bound Cdc20 and its ubiquitylation-promoted release from APC/C. We propose that these actions of MCC to maintain Cdc20 bound to APC/C in mitosis are essential for the control of mitosis during active mitotic checkpoint and in subsequent anaphase initiation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

BACKGROUND: Recent interest in understanding cardiomyocyte cell cycle has been driven by potential therapeutic applications in cardiomyopathy. However, despite recent advances, cardiomyocyte mitosis remains a poorly understood process. For example, it is unclear how sarcomeres are disassembled during mitosis to allow the abscission of daughter cardiomyocytes. METHODS: Here, we use a proteomics screen to identify adducin, an actin capping protein previously not studied in cardiomyocytes, as a regulator of sarcomere disassembly. We generated many adeno-associated viruses and cardiomyocyte-specific genetic gain-of-function models to examine the role of adducin in neonatal and adult cardiomyocytes in vitro and in vivo. RESULTS: We identify adducin as a regulator of sarcomere disassembly during mammalian cardiomyocyte mitosis. a/y-adducins are selectively expressed in neonatal mitotic cardiomyocytes, and their levels decline precipitously thereafter. Cardiomyocyte-specific overexpression of various splice isoforms and phospho-isoforms of a-adducin in vitro and in vivo identified Thr445/Thr480 phosphorylation of a short isoform of a-adducin as a potent inducer of neonatal cardiomyocyte sarcomere disassembly. Concomitant overexpression of this a-adducin variant along with y-adducin resulted in stabilization of the adducin complex and persistent sarcomere disassembly in adult mice, which is mediated by interaction with a-actinin. CONCLUSIONS: These results highlight an important mechanism for coordinating cytoskeletal morphological changes during cardiomyocyte mitosis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

During cell division, the mitotic spindle moves dynamically through the cell to position the chromosomes and determine the ultimate spatial position of the two daughter cells. These movements have been attributed to the action of cortical force generators which pull on the astral microtubules to position the spindle, as well as pushing events by these same microtubules against the cell cortex and plasma membrane. Attachment and detachment of cortical force generators working antagonistically against centring forces of microtubules have been modelled previously (Grill et al. in Phys Rev Lett 94:108104, 2005) via stochastic simulations and mean-field Fokker–Planck equations (describing random motion of force generators) to predict oscillations of a spindle pole in one spatial dimension. Using systematic asymptotic methods, we reduce the Fokker–Planck system to a set of ordinary differential equations (ODEs), consistent with a set proposed by Grill et al., which can provide accurate predictions of the conditions for the Fokker–Planck system to exhibit oscillations. In the limit of small restoring forces, we derive an algebraic prediction of the amplitude of spindle-pole oscillations and demonstrate the relaxation structure of nonlinear oscillations. We also show how noise-induced oscillations can arise in stochastic simulations for conditions in which the mean-field Fokker–Planck system predicts stability, but for which the period can be estimated directly by the ODE model and the amplitude by a related stochastic differential equation that incorporates random binding kinetics. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cytoskeleton‐associated protein 2‐like (CKAP2L) is a paralogue of cytoskeleton‐associated protein 2 (CKAP2). We characterized the expression pattern, subcellular localization, and microtubule‐stabilizing properties of human CKAP2L. The levels of both CKAP2L transcript and protein were cell cycle phase‐dependent, peaking during the G2/M phase and relatively high in certain human tissues, including testis, intestine, and spleen. CKAP2L protein was detectable in all human cancer cell lines we tested. CKAP2L localized to the mitotic spindle apparatus during mitosis, as reported previously. During interphase, however, CKAP2L localized mainly to the nucleus. Ectopic overexpression of CKAP2L resulted in 'microtubule bundling', and, consequently, an elevated CKAP2L level led to prolonged mitosis. These findings support the mitotic role of CKAP2L during the human cell cycle. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

SMAD4 is a tumor suppressor mutated or silenced in multiple cancers, including oral cavity squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC). Human clinical samples and cell lines, mouse models and organoid culture were used to investigate the role that SMAD4 plays in progression from benign disease to invasive OSCC. Human OSCC lost detectable SMAD4 protein within tumor epithelium in 24% of cases, and this loss correlated with worse progression‐free survival independent of other major clinical and pathological features. A mouse model engineered for KrasG12D expression in the adult oral epithelium induced benign papillomas, however the combination of KrasG12D with loss of epithelial Smad4 expression resulted in rapid development of invasive carcinoma with features of human OSCC. Examination of regulatory pathways in 3D organoid cultures of SMAD4+ and SMAD4− mouse tumors with Kras mutation found that either loss of SMAD4 or inhibition of TGFβ signaling upregulated the WNT pathway and altered the extracellular matrix. The gene signature of the mouse tumor organoids lacking SMAD4 was highly similar to the gene signature of human head and neck squamous cell carcinoma. In summary, this work has uncovered novel mechanisms by which SMAD4 acts as a tumor suppressor in OSCC. © 2024 The Author(s). The Journal of Pathology published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd on behalf of The Pathological Society of Great Britain and Ireland. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Increased proliferation is a driver of tumorigenesis, and quantification of mitotic activity is a standard task for prognostication. This systematic review is an analysis of all available references on mitotic activity in feline tumors to provide an overview of the assessment methods and prognostic value. A systematic literature search in PubMed and Scopus and a nonsystematic search in Google Scholar were conducted. All articles on feline tumors that correlated mitotic activity with patient outcome were identified. Data analysis revealed that of the 42 eligible articles, mitotic count (MC, mitotic figures/tumor area) was evaluated in 39 studies, and mitotic index (MI, mitotic figures/tumor cells) in 3 studies. The risk of bias was considered high for most studies (26/42, 62%) based on small study populations, insufficient details of the MC/MI methods, and lack of statistical measures for diagnostic accuracy or effect on outcome. The MC/MI methods varied between studies. A significant association of MC with survival was determined in 20 of 28 (71%) studies (10 studies evaluated other outcome metrics or provided individual patient data), while 1 study found an inverse effect. Three tumor types had at least 4 studies, and a prognostic association with survival was found in 5 of 6 studies on mast cell tumors, 5 of 5 on mammary tumors, and 3 of 4 on soft-tissue sarcomas. MI was shown to correlate with survival for mammary tumors by 2 research groups; however, comparisons to MC were not conducted. Further studies with standardized mitotic activity methods and appropriate statistical analysis for discriminant ability of patient outcome are needed to infer the prognostic value of MC and MI. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

One of the most relevant prognostic indices for tumors is cellular proliferation, which is most commonly measured by the mitotic activity in routine tumor sections. The goal of this systematic review was to analyze the methods and prognostic relevance of histologically measuring mitotic activity that have been reported for canine tumors in the literature. A total of 137 articles that correlated the mitotic activity in canine tumors with patient outcome were identified through a systematic (PubMed and Scopus) and nonsystematic (Google Scholar) literature search and eligibility screening process. Mitotic activity methods encompassed the mitotic count (MC, number of mitotic figures per tumor area) in 126 studies, presumably the MC (method not specified) in 6 studies, and the mitotic index (MI, number of mitotic figures per number of tumor cells) in 5 studies. A particularly high risk of bias was identified based on the available details of the MC methods and statistical analyses, which often did not quantify the prognostic discriminative ability of the MC and only reported P values. A significant association of the MC with survival was found in 72 of 109 (66%) studies. However, survival was evaluated by at least 3 studies in only 7 tumor types/groups, of which a prognostic relevance is apparent for mast cell tumors of the skin, cutaneous melanoma, and soft tissue tumor of the skin and subcutis. None of the studies using the MI found a prognostic relevance. This review highlights the need for more studies with standardized methods and appropriate analysis of the discriminative ability to prove the prognostic value of the MC and MI in various tumor types. Future studies are needed to evaluate the influence of the performance of individual pathologists on the appropriateness of prognostic thresholds and investigate methods to improve interobserver reproducibility. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The number of chromosomes varies tremendously across species. It is not clear whether having more or fewer chromosomes could be advantageous. The probability of non-disjunction should theoretically decrease with smaller karyotypes, but too long chromosomes should enforce spatial constraint for their segregation during the mitotic anaphase. Here, we propose a new experimental cell system to acquire novel insights into the mechanisms underlying chromosome segregation. We collected the endemic Australian ant Myrmecia croslandi, the only known species with the simplest possible karyotype of a single chromosome in the haploid males (and one pair of chromosomes in the diploid females), since males are typically haploid in hymenopteran insects. Five colonies, each with a queen and a few hundreds of workers, were collected in the Canberra district (Australia), underwent karyotype analysis to confirm the presence of a single pair of chromosomes in worker pupae, and were subsequently maintained in the laboratory in Paris (France). Starting from dissociated male embryos, we successfully conducted primary cell cultures comprised of single-chromosome cells. This could be developed into a unique model that will be of great interest for future genomic and cell biology studies related to mitosis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cytoskeleton-associated protein 2 (CKAP2) gene is located on human chromosome 13q14.3 and encodes cytoskeleton associated protein 2, which is involved in regulating the separation of mitotic chromosomes. CKAP2 has been confirmed in multiple studies to be an oncogenic gene that can regulate JAK2/STAT3, FAK-ERK2, and NF-κB signaling pathway affects the biological behaviors of tumor cells such as proliferation, apoptosis, and invasion, alters the tumor microenvironment, and regulates tumor immunity. CKAP2 is also closely related to the formation of spindle bodies during mitosis, and dysregulation of CKAP2 can lead to incorrect chromosome separation, promoting tumor development. In addition, CKAP2 is closely related to chemotherapy resistance in tumors, and the underlying mechanisms are not yet clear.CKAP2 may become a novel tumor marker and effective therapeutic target, playing an important role in the diagnosis and treatment of tumors.

G-protein signaling modulator 2 (GPSM2) is a negative regulator of G protein coupled receptor signaling pathway, which plays an important role in cell growth. In recent years, it has been found that GPSM2 is abnormally expressed in a variety of malignant tumors and is related to many clinical symptoms of tumors. Based on the structure and function of GPSM2, this paper discusses its role and mechanism in tumor development, so as to identify new targets for tumor diagnosis and treatment.

Cytoskeleton‐associated protein 2‐like (CKAP2L) is a paralogue of cytoskeleton‐associated protein 2 (CKAP2). We characterized the expression pattern, subcellular localization, and microtubule‐stabilizing properties of human CKAP2L. The levels of both CKAP2L transcript and protein were cell cycle phase‐dependent, peaking during the G2/M phase and relatively high in certain human tissues, including testis, intestine, and spleen. CKAP2L protein was detectable in all human cancer cell lines we tested. CKAP2L localized to the mitotic spindle apparatus during mitosis, as reported previously. During interphase, however, CKAP2L localized mainly to the nucleus. Ectopic overexpression of CKAP2L resulted in ‘microtubule bundling’, and, consequently, an elevated CKAP2L level led to prolonged mitosis. These findings support the mitotic role of CKAP2L during the human cell cycle.

Cytoplasmic divisions are thought to rely on nuclear divisions and mitotic signals. We demonstrate in Drosophila embryos that cytoplasm can divide repeatedly without nuclei and mitotic CDK/cyclin complexes. Cdk1 normally slows an otherwise faster cytoplasmic division cycle, coupling it with nuclear divisions, and when uncoupled, cytoplasm starts dividing before mitosis. In developing embryos where CDK/cyclin activity can license mitotic microtubule (MT) organizers like the spindle, cytoplasmic divisions can occur without the centrosome, a principal organizer of interphase MTs. However, centrosomes become essential in the absence of CDK/cyclin activity, implying that the cytoplasm can employ either the centrosome-based interphase or CDK/cyclin-dependent mitotic MTs to facilitate its divisions. Finally, we present evidence that autonomous cytoplasmic divisions occur during unperturbed fly embryogenesis and that they may help extrude mitotically stalled nuclei during blastoderm formation. We postulate that cytoplasmic divisions occur in cycles governed by a yet-to-be-uncovered clock mechanism autonomous from CDK/cyclin complexes.

Introduction. The identification of mitotic figures is essential for the diagnosis, grading, and classification of various different tumors. Despite its importance, there is a paucity of literature reporting the consistency in interpreting mitotic figures among pathologists. This study leverages publicly accessible datasets and social media to recruit an international group of pathologists to score an image database of more than 1000 mitotic figures collectively. Materials and Methods. Pathologists were instructed to randomly select a digital slide from The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) datasets and annotate 10-20 mitotic figures within a 2 mm2 area. The first 1010 submitted mitotic figures were used to create an image dataset, with each figure transformed into an individual tile at 40x magnification. The dataset was redistributed to all pathologists to review and determine whether each tile constituted a mitotic figure. Results. Overall pathologists had a median agreement rate of 80.2% (range 42.0%-95.7%). Individual mitotic figure tiles had a median agreement rate of 87.1% and a fair inter-rater agreement across all tiles (kappa = 0.284). Mitotic figures in prometaphase had lower percentage agreement rates compared to other phases of mitosis. Conclusion. This dataset stands as the largest international consensus study for mitotic figures to date and can be utilized as a training set for future studies. The agreement range reflects a spectrum of criteria that pathologists use to decide what constitutes a mitotic figure, which may have potential implications in tumor diagnostics and clinical management. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Isocitrate dehydrogenase 1 (IDH1) is a metabolic enzyme that converts isocitrate to α-ketoglutarate in cells. However, research on IDH1 is more focused on the metabolite D-2-hydroxyglutarate than the cellular roles of the IDH1 protein. Metabolic enzymes can moonlight by participating in diverse cellular processes in cancer cells. This moonlighting function of the metabolic enzymes can contribute to changes in gene expression. It is unknown whether IDH1 associates with any transcription factor. We asked whether IDH1 coordinates with forkhead box protein M1 (FOXM1) in mitotic cells to regulate late genes expression. We found that depletion of IDH1 reduces canonical FOXM1-target expression in mitotic cells. Also, IDH1 binds to FOXM1 and a subset of MuvB proteins, Lin-9 and Lin-54, in mitotic cells. Based on these observations, we suggest that IDH1 coordinates with FOXM1 in mitotic cells to regulate late genes expression. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract This review aims to outline mitotic kinase inhibitors’ roles as potential therapeutic targets and assess their suitability as a stand-alone clinical therapy or in combination with standard treatments for advanced-stage solid tumors, including triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC). Breast cancer poses a significant global health risk, with TNBC standing out as the most aggressive subtype. Comprehending the role of mitosis is crucial for understanding how TNBC advances from a solid tumor to metastasis. Chemotherapy is the primary treatment used to treat TNBC. Some types of chemotherapeutic agents target cells in mitosis, thus highlighting the need to comprehend the molecular mechanisms governing mitosis in cancer. This understanding is essential for devising targeted therapies to disrupt these mitotic processes, prevent or treat metastasis, and improve patient outcomes. Mitotic kinases like Aurora kinase A, Aurora Kinase B, never in mitosis gene A-related kinase 2, Threonine-Tyrosine kinase, and Polo-kinase 1 significantly impact cell cycle progression by contributing to chromosome separation and centrosome homeostasis. When these kinases go awry, they can trigger chromosome instability, increase cell proliferation, and activate different molecular pathways that culminate in a transition from epithelial to mesenchymal cells. Ongoing clinical trials investigate various mitotic kinase inhibitors as potential biological treatments against advanced solid tumors. While clinical trials against mitotic kinases have shown some promise in the clinic, more investigation is necessary, since they induce severe adverse effects, particularly affecting the hematopoietic system.

Abstract In filamentous fungi, microtubules are important for polar growth and morphological maintenance and serve as rails for intracellular trafficking. The molecular mechanisms associated with microtubules have been analyzed. However, little is known about when and where tubulin, a component of microtubules, is biosynthesized in multinuclear and multicellular filamentous fungi. In this study, we visualized microtubules based on the enhanced green fluorescence protein (EGFP)-labeled α-tubulin and β-tubulin mRNA tagged by the EGFP-mediated MS2 system in living yellow Koji mold Aspergillus oryzae cells in order to understand the spatiotemporal production mechanism of tubulin. We found that mRNA of btuA, encoding for β-tubulin, localized at dot-like structures through the apical, middle and basal regions of the hyphal cells. In addition, some btuA mRNA dots showed microtubule-dependent motor protein-like dynamics in the cells. Furthermore, it was found that btuA mRNA dots were decreased in the cytoplasm just before mitosis but increased immediately after mitosis, followed by a gradual decrease. In summary, the localization and abundance of β-tubulin mRNA is spatiotemporally regulated in living A. oryzae hyphal cells.

Chromosomal instability (CIN) is a hallmark of cancer aggressiveness, providing genetic plasticity and tumor heterogeneity that allows the tumor to evolve and adapt to stress conditions. CIN is considered a cancer therapeutic biomarker because healthy cells do not exhibit CIN. Despite recent efforts to identify therapeutic strategies related to CIN, the results obtained have been very limited. CIN is characterized by a genetic signature where a collection of genes, mostly mitotic regulators, are overexpressed in CIN‐positive tumors, providing aggressiveness and poor prognosis. We attempted to identify new therapeutic strategies related to CIN genes by performing a drug screen, using cells that individually express CIN‐associated genes in an inducible manner. We find that the overexpression of targeting protein for Xklp2 (TPX2) enhances sensitivity to the proto‐oncogene c‐Src (SRC) inhibitor dasatinib due to activation of the Yes‐associated protein 1 (YAP) pathway. Furthermore, using breast cancer data from The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) and a cohort of cancer‐derived patient samples, we find that both TPX2 overexpression and YAP activation are present in a significant percentage of cancer tumor samples and are associated with poor prognosis; therefore, they are putative biomarkers for selection for dasatinib therapy.

A functional female gametophyte is the basis of successful sexual reproduction in flowering plants. During female gametophyte development, the megaspore mother cell (MMC), which differentiates from a single subepidermal somatic cell in the nucellus, undergoes meiosis to produce four megaspores; only the one at the chalazal end, referred to as the functional megaspore (FM), then undergoes three rounds of mitosis and develops into a mature embryo sac. Here, we report that RING1A and RING1B (RING1A/B), two functionally redundant Polycomb proteins in Arabidopsis, are critical for female gametophyte development. Mutations of RING1A/B resulted in defects in the specification of the MMC and the FM, and in the subsequent mitosis of the FM, thereby leading to aborted ovules. Detailed analysis revealed that several genes essential for female gametophyte development were ectopically expressed in the ring1a ring1b mutant, including Argonaute (AGO) family genes and critical transcription factors. Furthermore, RING1A/B bound to some of these genes to promote H2A monoubiquitination (H2Aub). Taken together, our study shows that RING1A/B promote H2Aub modification at key genes for female gametophyte development, suppressing their expression to ensure that the development progresses correctly. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper deals with the free boundary problem for a double‐layered tumor filled with quiescent cells and proliferating cells, where time delay τ>0$$ \tau >0 $$ in cell proliferation is taken into account. These two types of living cells exhibit different metabolic responses and consume nutrients σ$$ \sigma $$ at different rates λ1$$ {\lambda}_1 $$ and λ2$$ {\lambda}_2 $$ ( λ1⩽λ2$$ {\lambda}_1\leqslant {\lambda}_2 $$). Time delay happens between the time at which a cell commences mitosis and the time at which the daughter cells are produced. The problem is reduced to a delay differential equation on the tumor radius R(t)$$ R(t) $$ over time, and the difficulty arises from the jump discontinuity of the consumption rate function. We give rigorous analysis on this new model and study the dynamical behavior of the global solutions for any initial φ(t)$$ \varphi (t) $$. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]