The development of metastasis is a leading cause of cancer-related death that involves specific changes in the plasma membrane (PM) and nucleus of cancer cells. Elevated levels of membrane lipids, including sphingomyelin, cholesterol, and phosphatidylinositol 4,5-bisphosphate (PI(4,5)P2), in the PM, contribute to changes in membrane rigidity, lipid raft formation, and actin polymerisation dynamics, processes that drive cell invasion. This review discusses the relationship between well-studied cytoplasmic phosphoinositides and their lesser-known nuclear counterparts, highlighting their functional role in metastatic progression. Nuclear phosphoinositides, particularly PI(4,5)P2, are essential for regulating transcription factors and chromatin organisation, thereby shaping gene expression patterns. We also explore the role of PI(4,5)P2 and its metabolism in cancer cell invasiveness and metastasis, proposing a model in which the dysregulation of cytosolic and/or nuclear PI(4,5)P2 pool triggers malignant transformation. Understanding the PI(4,5)P2-related mechanisms underlying metastasis may provide insights into potential therapeutic targets, paving the way for more effective therapies and improved patient outcomes.

• Keywords
• Biocondensates, Cancer, HPV, Metastasis, Nucleus, Phosphatidylinositol 4,5-bisphosphate,
• MeSH
• Cell Membrane * metabolism   MeSH
• Cell Nucleus * metabolism   MeSH
• Phosphatidylinositol 4,5-Diphosphate * metabolism   genetics   MeSH
• Humans MeSH
• Membrane Microdomains metabolism   MeSH
• Neoplasm Metastasis MeSH
• Neoplasms * metabolism   pathology   genetics   MeSH
• Signal Transduction MeSH
• Animals MeSH
• Check Tag
• Humans MeSH
• Animals MeSH
• Publication type
• Journal Article MeSH
• Review MeSH
• Names of Substances
• Phosphatidylinositol 4,5-Diphosphate * MeSH

Lamins, the nuclear intermediate filaments, are important regulators of nuclear structural integrity as well as nuclear functional processes such as DNA transcription, replication and repair, and epigenetic regulations. A portion of phosphorylated lamin A/C localizes to the nuclear interior in interphase, forming a lamin A/C pool with specific properties and distinct functions. Nucleoplasmic lamin A/C molecular functions are mainly dependent on its binding partners; therefore, revealing new interactions could give us new clues on the lamin A/C mechanism of action. In the present study, we show that lamin A/C interacts with nuclear phosphoinositides (PIPs), and with nuclear myosin I (NM1). Both NM1 and nuclear PIPs have been previously reported as important regulators of gene expression and DNA damage/repair. Furthermore, phosphorylated lamin A/C forms a complex with NM1 in a phosphatidylinositol-4,5-bisphosphate (PI(4,5)P2)-dependent manner in the nuclear interior. Taken together, our study reveals a previously unidentified interaction between phosphorylated lamin A/C, NM1, and PI(4,5)P2 and suggests new possible ways of nucleoplasmic lamin A/C regulation, function, and importance for the formation of functional nuclear microdomains.

• Keywords
• NM1, PI(4,5)P2, cell nucleus, lamin A/C, nuclear lamina, nuclear myosin 1, nucleoplasm, phosphoinositides, phosphorylation,
• MeSH
• Cell Nucleus * metabolism   MeSH
• Interphase MeSH
• Intermediate Filaments metabolism   MeSH
• Lamin Type A * metabolism   MeSH
• Humans MeSH
• Cell Line, Tumor MeSH
• Check Tag
• Humans MeSH
• Publication type
• Journal Article MeSH
• Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't MeSH
• Names of Substances
• Lamin Type A * MeSH

Actin is a multi-functional protein that is involved in numerous cellular processes including cytoskeleton regulation, cell migration, and cellular integrity. In these processes, actin's role in respect to its structure, complex mechanical, and protein-binding properties has been studied primarily in the cytoplasmic and cellular membrane compartments. However, its role in somatic cell nuclei has recently become evident where it participates in transcription, chromatin remodeling, and DNA damage repair. What remains enigmatic is the involvement of nuclear actin in physiological processes that lead to the generation of germ cells, in general, and primary spermatocytes, in particular. Here, we will discuss the possible role and nuclear localization of actin during meiotic prophase I and its interaction with chromatin remodeling complexes, the latter being essential for the control of pairing of homologous chromosomes, cross-over formation, and recombination. It is our hope that this perspective article will extend the scope of actin's nuclear function in germ cells undergoing meiotic division.

• Keywords
• actin, chromatin remodeling, nucleoskeleton, prophase I, spermatoproteasome,
• Publication type
• Journal Article MeSH
• Review MeSH

Complex functioning of the genome in the cell nucleus is controlled at different levels: (a) the DNA base sequence containing all relevant inherited information; (b) epigenetic pathways consisting of protein interactions and feedback loops; (c) the genome architecture and organization activating or suppressing genetic interactions between different parts of the genome. Most research so far has shed light on the puzzle pieces at these levels. This article, however, attempts an integrative approach to genome expression regulation incorporating these different layers. Under environmental stress or during cell development, differentiation towards specialized cell types, or to dysfunctional tumor, the cell nucleus seems to react as a whole through coordinated changes at all levels of control. This implies the need for a framework in which biological, chemical, and physical manifestations can serve as a basis for a coherent theory of gene self-organization. An international symposium held at the Biomedical Research and Study Center in Riga, Latvia, on 25 July 2022 addressed novel aspects of the abovementioned topic. The present article reviews the most recent results and conclusions of the state-of-the-art research in this multidisciplinary field of science, which were delivered and discussed by scholars at the Riga symposium.

• Keywords
• database pattern analysis, dynamic genome organization, epigenetic interactions, fluorescence microscopy, gene activity oscillations, heterochromatin and self-organization, nucleotide k-mers, organizational and functional networks, topological genome analysis, transposon-effected regulation,
• MeSH
• Cell Differentiation genetics   MeSH
• Cell Nucleus * metabolism   MeSH
• Genome * MeSH
• Publication type
• Congress MeSH
• Review MeSH

The focal adhesion protein Vinculin (VCL) is ascribed to various cytoplasmic functions; however, its nuclear role has so far been ambiguous. We observed that VCL localizes to the nuclei of mouse primary spermatocytes undergoing first meiotic division. Specifically, VCL localizes along the meiosis-specific structure synaptonemal complex (SC) during prophase I and the centromeric regions, where it remains until metaphase I. To study the role of VCL in meiotic division, we prepared a conditional knock-out mouse (VCLcKO). We found that the VCLcKO male mice were semi-fertile, with a decreased number of offspring compared to wild-type animals. This study of events in late prophase I indicated premature splitting of homologous chromosomes, accompanied by an untimely loss of SCP1. This caused erroneous kinetochore formation, followed by failure of the meiotic spindle assembly and metaphase I arrest. To assess the mechanism of VCL involvement in meiosis, we searched for its possible interacting partners. A mass spectrometry approach identified several putative interactors which belong to the ubiquitin-proteasome pathway (UPS). The depletion of VLC leads to the dysregulation of a key subunit of the proteasome complex in the meiotic nuclei and an altered nuclear SUMOylation level. Taken together, we show for the first time the presence of VCL in the nucleus of spermatocytes and its involvement in proper meiotic progress. It also suggests the direction for future studies regarding the role of VCL in spermatogenesis through regulation of UPS.

• Keywords
• centromere synapsis, fertility, kinetochore, spermatogenesis, ubiquitin–proteasome system, vinculin,
• MeSH
• Centromere MeSH
• Focal Adhesions * MeSH
• Mice MeSH
• Proteasome Endopeptidase Complex * genetics   MeSH
• Spermatogenesis genetics   MeSH
• Vinculin genetics   metabolism   MeSH
• Animals MeSH
• Check Tag
• Male MeSH
• Mice MeSH
• Animals MeSH
• Publication type
• Journal Article MeSH
• Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't MeSH
• Names of Substances
• Proteasome Endopeptidase Complex * MeSH
• Vcl protein, mouse MeSH Browser
• Vinculin MeSH

The nuclear lamina is the main component of the nuclear cytoskeleton that maintains the integrity of the nucleus. However, it represents a natural barrier for viruses replicating in the cell nucleus. The lamina blocks viruses from being trafficked to the nucleus for replication, but it also impedes the nuclear egress of the progeny of viral particles. Thus, viruses have evolved mechanisms to overcome this obstacle. Large viruses induce the assembly of multiprotein complexes that are anchored to the inner nuclear membrane. Important components of these complexes are the viral and cellular kinases phosphorylating the lamina and promoting its disaggregation, therefore allowing virus egress. Small viruses also use cellular kinases to induce lamina phosphorylation and the subsequent disruption in order to facilitate the import of viral particles during the early stages of infection or during their nuclear egress. Another component of the nuclear cytoskeleton, nuclear actin, is exploited by viruses for the intranuclear movement of their particles from the replication sites to the nuclear periphery. This study focuses on exploitation of the nuclear cytoskeleton by viruses, although this is just the beginning for many viruses, and promises to reveal the mechanisms and dynamic of physiological and pathological processes in the nucleus.

• Keywords
• adenovirus, baculovirus, circovirus, herpesvirus, lamin, nuclear actin, nuclear cytoskeleton, papillomavirus, parvovirus, polyomavirus,
• MeSH
• Actins metabolism   MeSH
• Cell Nucleus metabolism   MeSH
• Cytoskeleton genetics   metabolism   MeSH
• Species Specificity MeSH
• Host-Pathogen Interactions * MeSH
• Nuclear Lamina metabolism   MeSH
• Nuclear Envelope metabolism   MeSH
• Lamins metabolism   MeSH
• Humans MeSH
• Disease Susceptibility * MeSH
• Gene Expression Regulation, Viral MeSH
• Virus Replication MeSH
• Virus Diseases etiology   metabolism   MeSH
• Animals MeSH
• Check Tag
• Humans MeSH
• Animals MeSH
• Publication type
• Journal Article MeSH
• Review MeSH
• Names of Substances
• Actins MeSH
• Lamins MeSH

Here, we provide evidence for the presence of Myosin phosphatase rho-interacting protein (MPRIP), an F-actin-binding protein, in the cell nucleus. The MPRIP protein binds to Phosphatidylinositol 4,5-bisphosphate (PIP2) and localizes to the nuclear speckles and nuclear lipid islets which are known to be involved in transcription. We identified MPRIP as a component of RNA Polymerase II/Nuclear Myosin 1 complex and showed that MPRIP forms phase-separated condensates which are able to bind nuclear F-actin fibers. Notably, the fibrous MPRIP preserves its liquid-like properties and reforms the spherical shaped condensates when F-actin is disassembled. Moreover, we show that the phase separation of MPRIP is driven by its long intrinsically disordered region at the C-terminus. We propose that the PIP2/MPRIP association might contribute to the regulation of RNAPII transcription via phase separation and nuclear actin polymerization.

• Keywords
• MPRIP, PIP2, actin, nucleus, phase separation,
• MeSH
• Adaptor Proteins, Signal Transducing chemistry   metabolism   MeSH
• Actins metabolism   MeSH
• Cell Nucleus drug effects   metabolism   MeSH
• Phosphatidylinositol 4,5-Diphosphate metabolism   MeSH
• Glycols pharmacology   MeSH
• Humans MeSH
• Myosin Type I metabolism   MeSH
• Cell Line, Tumor MeSH
• Protein Domains MeSH
• RNA Polymerase II metabolism   MeSH
• Subcellular Fractions metabolism   MeSH
• Protein Binding drug effects   MeSH
• Green Fluorescent Proteins metabolism   MeSH
• Check Tag
• Humans MeSH
• Publication type
• Journal Article MeSH
• Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't MeSH
• Names of Substances
• Adaptor Proteins, Signal Transducing MeSH
• Actins MeSH
• Phosphatidylinositol 4,5-Diphosphate MeSH
• Glycols MeSH
• hexamethylene glycol MeSH Browser
• MPRIP protein, human MeSH Browser
• MYO1C protein, human MeSH Browser
• Myosin Type I MeSH
• RNA Polymerase II MeSH
• Green Fluorescent Proteins MeSH

Specific nuclear sub-compartments that are regions of fundamental processes such as gene expression or DNA repair, contain phosphoinositides (PIPs). PIPs thus potentially represent signals for the localization of specific proteins into different nuclear functional domains. We performed limited proteolysis followed by label-free quantitative mass spectrometry and identified nuclear protein effectors of the most abundant PIP-phosphatidylinositol 4,5-bisphosphate (PIP2). We identified 515 proteins with PIP2-binding capacity of which 191 'exposed' proteins represent a direct PIP2 interactors and 324 'hidden' proteins, where PIP2 binding was increased upon trypsin treatment. Gene ontology analysis revealed that 'exposed' proteins are involved in the gene expression as regulators of Pol II, mRNA splicing, and cell cycle. They localize mainly to non-membrane bound organelles-nuclear speckles and nucleolus and are connected to the actin nucleoskeleton. 'Hidden' proteins are linked to the gene expression, RNA splicing and transport, cell cycle regulation, and response to heat or viral infection. These proteins localize to the nuclear envelope, nuclear pore complex, or chromatin. Bioinformatic analysis of peptides bound in both groups revealed that PIP2-binding motifs are in general hydrophilic. Our data provide an insight into the molecular mechanism of nuclear PIP2 protein interaction and advance the methodology applicable for further studies of PIPs or other protein ligands.

• Keywords
• limited proteolysis, mass spectrometry, nucleus, phosphatidylinositol 4,5-bisphosphate, phosphoinositides,
• MeSH
• Cell Nucleus metabolism   MeSH
• Phosphatidylinositol 4,5-Diphosphate metabolism   MeSH
• Gene Ontology MeSH
• HeLa Cells MeSH
• Mass Spectrometry * MeSH
• Hydrophobic and Hydrophilic Interactions MeSH
• Humans MeSH
• Peptides metabolism   MeSH
• Proteolysis * MeSH
• Proteome chemistry   metabolism   MeSH
• Gene Expression Regulation MeSH
• Amino Acid Sequence MeSH
• Trypsin metabolism   MeSH
• Check Tag
• Humans MeSH
• Publication type
• Journal Article MeSH
• Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't MeSH
• Names of Substances
• Phosphatidylinositol 4,5-Diphosphate MeSH
• Peptides MeSH
• Proteome MeSH
• Trypsin MeSH

Plasma membrane tension is an important feature that determines the cell shape and influences processes such as cell motility, spreading, endocytosis and exocytosis. Unconventional class 1 myosins are potent regulators of plasma membrane tension because they physically link the plasma membrane with adjacent cytoskeleton. We identified nuclear myosin 1 (NM1) - a putative nuclear isoform of myosin 1c (Myo1c) - as a new player in the field. Although having specific nuclear functions, NM1 localizes predominantly to the plasma membrane. Deletion of NM1 causes more than a 50% increase in the elasticity of the plasma membrane around the actin cytoskeleton as measured by atomic force microscopy. This higher elasticity of NM1 knock-out cells leads to 25% higher resistance to short-term hypotonic environment and rapid cell swelling. In contrast, overexpression of NM1 in wild type cells leads to an additional 30% reduction of their survival. We have shown that NM1 has a direct functional role in the cytoplasm as a dynamic linker between the cell membrane and the underlying cytoskeleton, regulating the degree of effective plasma membrane tension.

• MeSH
• Cell Membrane metabolism   MeSH
• Cell Nucleus metabolism   MeSH
• Exocytosis physiology   MeSH
• Fibroblasts cytology   metabolism   MeSH
• HeLa Cells MeSH
• Cells, Cultured MeSH
• Skin cytology   metabolism   MeSH
• Humans MeSH
• Actin Cytoskeleton metabolism   MeSH
• Myosin Type I metabolism   MeSH
• Mice, Knockout MeSH
• Mice MeSH
• Cell Movement MeSH
• Cell Shape MeSH
• Animals MeSH
• Check Tag
• Humans MeSH
• Mice MeSH
• Animals MeSH
• Publication type
• Journal Article MeSH
• Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't MeSH
• Names of Substances
• Myosin Type I MeSH

Although actin monomers polymerize into filaments in the cytoplasm, the form of actin in the nucleus remains elusive. We searched for the form and function of β-actin fused to nuclear localization signal and to enhanced yellow fluorescent protein (EN-actin). Our results reveal that EN-actin is either dispersed in the nucleoplasm (homogenous EN-actin) or forms bundled filaments in the nucleus (EN-actin filaments). Formation of such filaments was not connected with increased EN-actin levels. Among numerous actin-binding proteins tested, only cofilin is recruited to the EN-actin filaments. Overexpression of EN-actin causes increase in the nuclear levels of actin-related protein 3 (Arp3). Although Arp3, a member of actin nucleation complex Arp2/3, is responsible for EN-actin filament nucleation and bundling, the way cofilin affects nuclear EN-actin filaments dynamics is not clear. While cells with homogenous EN-actin maintained unaffected mitosis during which EN-actin re-localizes to the plasma membrane, generation of nuclear EN-actin filaments severely decreases cell proliferation and interferes with mitotic progress. The introduction of EN-actin manifests in two mitotic-inborn defects-formation of binucleic cells and generation of micronuclei-suggesting that cells suffer aberrant cytokinesis and/or impaired chromosomal segregation. In interphase, nuclear EN-actin filaments passed through chromatin region, but do not co-localize with either chromatin remodeling complexes or RNA polymerases I and II. Surprisingly presence of EN-actin filaments was connected with increase in the overall transcription levels in the S-phase by yet unknown mechanism. Taken together, EN-actin can form filaments in the nucleus which affect important cellular processes such as transcription and mitosis.

• MeSH
• Actins metabolism   MeSH
• Bacterial Proteins metabolism   MeSH
• Cell Nucleus metabolism   MeSH
• Actin Depolymerizing Factors MeSH
• Transcription, Genetic MeSH
• HEK293 Cells MeSH
• Humans MeSH
• Luminescent Proteins metabolism   MeSH
• Actin Cytoskeleton metabolism   MeSH
• Mitosis genetics   MeSH
• Cell Line, Tumor MeSH
• Actin-Related Protein 3 biosynthesis   metabolism   MeSH
• Chromatin Assembly and Disassembly MeSH
• RNA Polymerase I genetics   MeSH
• RNA Polymerase II genetics   MeSH
• Check Tag
• Humans MeSH
• Publication type
• Journal Article MeSH
• Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't MeSH
• Names of Substances
• Actins MeSH
• Bacterial Proteins MeSH
• Actin Depolymerizing Factors MeSH
• Luminescent Proteins MeSH
• Actin-Related Protein 3 MeSH
• RNA Polymerase I MeSH
• RNA Polymerase II MeSH
• yellow fluorescent protein, Bacteria MeSH Browser