Polarisome scaffolder Spa2-mediated macromolecular condensation of Aip5 for actin polymerization

Nat Commun. 2019 Nov 7;10(1):5078. doi: 10.1038/s41467-019-13125-1.

Abstract

A multiprotein complex polarisome nucleates actin cables for polarized cell growth in budding yeast and filamentous fungi. However, the dynamic regulations of polarisome proteins in polymerizing actin under physiological and stress conditions remains unknown. We identify a previously functionally unknown polarisome member, actin-interacting-protein 5 (Aip5), which promotes actin assembly synergistically with formin Bni1. Aip5-C terminus is responsible for its activities by interacting with G-actin and Bni1. Through N-terminal intrinsically disordered region, Aip5 forms high-order oligomers and generate cytoplasmic condensates under the stresses conditions. The molecular dynamics and reversibility of Aip5 condensates are regulated by scaffolding protein Spa2 via liquid-liquid phase separation both in vitro and in vivo. In the absence of Spa2, Aip5 condensates hamper cell growth and actin cable structures under stress treatment. The present study reveals the mechanisms of actin assembly for polarity establishment and the adaptation in stress conditions to protect actin assembly by protein phase separation.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Actins / metabolism*
  • Actins / ultrastructure
  • Cell Enlargement
  • Cell Polarity
  • Crystallography, X-Ray
  • Cytoskeletal Proteins / metabolism*
  • Microfilament Proteins / metabolism*
  • Microfilament Proteins / ultrastructure
  • Polymerization
  • Saccharomyces cerevisiae
  • Saccharomyces cerevisiae Proteins / metabolism*
  • Saccharomyces cerevisiae Proteins / ultrastructure

Substances

  • Actins
  • Aip5 protein, S cerevisiae
  • Bni1 protein, S cerevisiae
  • Cytoskeletal Proteins
  • Microfilament Proteins
  • SPA2 protein, S cerevisiae
  • Saccharomyces cerevisiae Proteins