Loss of the ssp1 protein kinase (CAMKK) gene results in stress sensitivity, cell elongation, slow growth and in some cases cell cycle arrest. In order to identify new components of the ssp1 stress response pathway, a transposon mediated suppressor screen was used to identify loss of function suppressors of a Schizosaccharomyces pombe ssp1 gene disruption. The Musca domestica Hermes transposon was used to randomly insert the KanMx6 selectable marker in the genome. The selection was for Hermes insertions which rescued the G2 cell cycle arrest phenotype of ssp1- when grown at pH 3.5 and 36 C. Second site mutations that rescued the cell cycle arrest and allowed for colony formation were identified. In total 121 mutant strains with elongated morphology but capable of colony formation at pH 3.5 and 36 C were isolated and 22 insertion sites were identified by inverse PCR and sequencing. Genes for a transcriptional suppressor, scr1 (SPBC1D7.02c ), a spermidine transporter (SPCC569.05c ), cyp9 cyclophilin 9 (SPCC553.04), complexed with cdc5 (cwf4) (SPBC31F10.11c), ptr8 (SPAC17A5.06), (SPBC1921.07c), and set7 (SPCC297.04c) were identified as second site loss of function suppressors of the ssp1 deletion. Identifying these genes and their phenotype in conjunction with loss of ssp1, substantially improves our understanding of the Ssp1 molecular pathway in cell cycle control and cell stress response / Thesis (Master, Biology) -- Queen's University, 2014-01-27 15:55:29.75

L'AMPK est un senseur cellulaire des réserves énergétiques de l’organisme. Les spermatozoïdes, mobilisent beaucoup d’énergie pour leur mobilité et la fécondation de l’ovocyte. L’objectif de ce travail était de caractériser et décrire des éléments clés de la voie de signalisation de l'AMPK, de comprendre leur implication dans les spermatozoïdes de coq et d’étudier comment leurs modulateurs peuvent impacter les fonctions des gamètes conservés in vitro. Nous avons montré une augmentation de la mobilité et de la réaction acrosomique dans les spermatozoïdes exposés à l'AICAR et à la metformine, des activateur de l’AMPK, y compris après avoir été congelés. Ces activateurs ont partiellement restauré les activités des enzymes antioxydantes (SOD, GPx, GR): et diminué les ROS et la LPO dans les spermatozoïdes décongelés. Nous avons établi la présence des CaMKKs (α et β) et de CaMKI dans les spermatozoïdes et leur rôle lié au calcium extracellulaire (via les canaux calcique SOCs) dans la voie de régulation de l'AMPK et dans la mobilité et la réaction acrosomique des spermatozoïdes. En conclusion, ce travail confirme le rôle de différents acteurs de signalisation liés au métabolisme énergétique et aux flux calciques dans les fonctions des spermatozoïdes. / AMPK is a cellular sensor of body energy reserves. Spermatozoa mobilize a lot of energy for their motility and the fertilization of the oocyte. The objective of this work was to characterize and describe key elements of the signaling pathway of AMPK, understand their involvement in chicken spermatozoa and study how their modulators may impact the functions of in vitro preserved gametes. We showed an increase in mobility and acrosome reaction in spermatozoa exposed to AICAR and metformin, activators of AMPK, including after freezing. These activators have partially restored the activities of antioxidant enzymes (SOD, GPx, GR): and decreased ROS and LPO in thawed spermatozoa. We have established the presence of CaMKKs (α and β) and CaMKI in sperm and their role related to extracellular calcium (via calcium channels SOCs) in the control channel of AMPK and in motility and acrosome reaction of spermatozoa. In conclusion, this work confirms the role of different signaling actors related to energy metabolism and calcium fluxes in spermatozoa functions.

Through binding interactions with more than 300 binding partners, 14-3-3 proteins regulate large amount of biologically relevant processes, such as apoptosis, cell cycle progression, signal transduction or metabolic pathways. The research discussed in this dissertation thesis was focussed on investigating the role of 14-3-3 proteins in the regulation of two selected protein kinases ASK1 and CaMKK2. The main goal was to elucidate the mechanisms by which phosphorylation and 14-3-3 binding regulate functions of these protein kinases using various biochemical and biophysical methods, such as site-directed mutagenesis, enzyme activity measurements, analytical ultracentrifugation, small-angle X-ray scattering, chemical crosslinking, nuclear magnetic resonance and fluorescence spectroscopy. A structural model of the complex between the catalytic domain of protein kinase ASK1 with 14-3-3ζ, which was calculated using the small-angle X-ray scattering and chemical crosslinking data, suggested that this complex is conformationally heterogeneous in solution. This structural model together with data from time-resolved fluorescence and nuclear magnetic resonance suggested that the 14-3-3ζ protein interacts with the catalytic domain of ASK1 in the close vicinity of its active site, thus indicating that the complex...

The longitudinal muscle layer in gut is the functional opponent to the circular muscle layer during the peristalsis reflex. Differences in innervation of the layers allow for the contraction of one layer that corresponds with the simultaneous relaxation of the other, enabling the passage of gut contents in a controlled fashion. Differences in development have given the cells of the two layers differences in receptor populations, membrane lipid handling, and calcium handling profiles/behaviors. The kinase signaling differences between the two layers is not as well characterized. Upon activation of cells from the circular muscle layer, it is known that Rho kinase and ERK1/2 promote contraction, while CaMKK/AMPK and CaMKII perform inhibitory/self-inhibitory roles. Such behaviors are poorly understood in the longitudinal muscle layer. In longitudinal muscle strips, we measured muscarinic receptor-mediated contraction following incubation with kinase inhibitors. Upon comparison to control, contributions of Rho Kinase and ERK1/2 were similar to those seen in circular muscle. Inhibition of both of these enzymes leads to diminished contraction. However, CaMKK/AMPK and CaMKII have effects in longitudinal muscle opposite to their regulation in circular muscle – their inhibition also diminishes the contractile response. These contractile data from strips were supported by immunokinase assay measurements of MLCK activity from strip homogenates with and without kinase inhibition. Therefore, we suggest that the activities of CaMKK/AMPK and CaMKII in longitudinal muscle are indeed different from their regulatory roles in circular muscle, perhaps a consequence of the different calcium handling modalities of the two muscle types.

AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) is known as a pivotal cellular energy sensor, mediating the adaptation to low energy levels by deactivating anabolic processes and activating catabolic processes in order to restore the cellular ATP supply when the cellular AMP/ATP ratio is increased. Besides this well-known role, it has also been shown to exert protective effects under hypoxia. While an insufficient supply with oxygen might easily deplete cellular energy levels, i.e., ATP concentration, manifold other mechanisms have been suggested and are heavily disputed regarding the activation of AMPK under hypoxia independently from cellular AMP concentrations. However, an activation of AMPK preceding energy depletion could induce a timely adaptation reaction preventing more serious damage. A connection between AMPK and the master regulator of hypoxic adaptation via gene transcription, hypoxia-inducible factor (HIF), has also been taken into account, orchestrating their concerted protective action. This review will summarize the current knowledge on mechanisms of AMPK activation under hypoxia and its interrelationship with HIF.