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  • Centrosome repositioning in T cells is biphasic and driven by microtubule end-on capture-shrinkage.

Centrosome repositioning in T cells is biphasic and driven by microtubule end-on capture-shrinkage.

The Journal of cell biology (2013-08-28)
Jason Yi, Xufeng Wu, Andrew H Chung, James K Chen, Tarun M Kapoor, John A Hammer
ABSTRACT

T cells rapidly reposition their centrosome to the center of the immunological synapse (IS) to drive polarized secretion in the direction of the bound target cell. Using an optical trap for spatial and temporal control over target presentation, we show that centrosome repositioning in Jurkat T cells exhibited kinetically distinct polarization and docking phases and required calcium flux and signaling through both the T cell receptor and integrin to be robust. In "frustrated" conjugates where the centrosome is stuck behind the nucleus, the center of the IS invaginated dramatically to approach the centrosome. Consistently, imaging of microtubules during normal repositioning revealed a microtubule end-on capture-shrinkage mechanism operating at the center of the IS. In agreement with this mechanism, centrosome repositioning was impaired by inhibiting microtubule depolymerization or dynein. We conclude that dynein drives centrosome repositioning in T cells via microtubule end-on capture-shrinkage operating at the center of the IS and not cortical sliding at the IS periphery, as previously thought.

MATERIALS
Product Number
Brand
Product Description

Sigma-Aldrich
Fetal Bovine Serum, USA origin, Dialyzed by ultrafiltration against 0.15 M NaCl, sterile-filtered, suitable for cell culture
Sigma-Aldrich
Monoclonal Anti-Dynein (Heavy Chain) antibody produced in mouse, clone 440.4, ascites fluid
Sigma-Aldrich
Nocodazole, ≥99% (TLC), powder