AGO2 localizes to cytokinetic protrusions in a p38-dependent manner and is needed for accurate cell division

Commun Biol. 2021 Jun 11;4(1):726. doi: 10.1038/s42003-021-02130-0.

Abstract

Argonaute 2 (AGO2) is an indispensable component of the RNA-induced silencing complex, operating at the translational or posttranscriptional level. It is compartmentalized into structures such as GW- and P-bodies, stress granules and adherens junctions as well as the midbody. Here we show using immunofluorescence, image and bioinformatic analysis and cytogenetics that AGO2 also resides in membrane protrusions such as open- and close-ended tubes. The latter are cytokinetic bridges where AGO2 colocalizes at the midbody arms with cytoskeletal components such as α-Τubulin and Aurora B, and various kinases. AGO2, phosphorylated on serine 387, is located together with Dicer at the midbody ring in a manner dependent on p38 MAPK activity. We further show that AGO2 is stress sensitive and important to ensure the proper chromosome segregation and cytokinetic fidelity. We suggest that AGO2 is part of a regulatory mechanism triggered by cytokinetic stress to generate the appropriate micro-environment for local transcript homeostasis.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Actins / metabolism
  • Argonaute Proteins / metabolism
  • Argonaute Proteins / physiology*
  • Cell Division*
  • Cell Line
  • Cytokinesis
  • Cytoskeleton / metabolism
  • Fluorescent Antibody Technique
  • HCT116 Cells
  • Hep G2 Cells
  • Humans
  • Pseudopodia / metabolism
  • Tubulin / metabolism
  • p38 Mitogen-Activated Protein Kinases / metabolism*
  • p38 Mitogen-Activated Protein Kinases / physiology

Substances

  • AGO2 protein, human
  • Actins
  • Argonaute Proteins
  • Tubulin
  • p38 Mitogen-Activated Protein Kinases