Biology subjects

Hemmen, K.

Publications and source records attributed to Hemmen, K..

5 recordsLinked to original sources

bioRxiv2026

Multidomain Coupling Governs FoxP1 Assembly and Nuclear Compartmentalization

FoxP1 is a multidomain transcription factor implicated in development, immunity, and cancer, widely proposed to function as a dimer. However, the molecular mechanisms governing its assembly and nuclear organization in living cells remain unclear. Here, we combine biochemical assays and live-cell fluorescence lifetime imaging to resolve FoxP1 homotypic interactions. We show that FoxP1 forms heterogeneous complexes whose stability is governed by antagonistic coupling between its leucine-zipper (ZIP) and Forkhead (FKH) domains. The FoxP1 ZIP domain promotes dimerization while suppressing FKH-mediated interactions, revealing a competing interdomain mechanism that tunes complex formation. Pathogenic and deletion variants disrupt this intricate balance, altering interaction stability and promoting the formation of dense nuclear condensates upon loss of DNA binding. Together, our results demonstrate that FoxP1 assembly is encoded by its multidomain architecture. Our findings show how competing interaction domains regulate transcription factor complex formation, nuclear organization, and DNA binding, with implications for disease-associated dysregulation. GRAPHICAL ABSTRACT O_FIG O_LINKSMALLFIG WIDTH=200 HEIGHT=85 SRC="FIGDIR/small/728184v1_ufig1.gif" ALT="Figure 1"> View larger version (27K): org.highwire.dtl.DTLVardef@bb8cbcorg.highwire.dtl.DTLVardef@1149339org.highwire.dtl.DTLVardef@1cd87d7org.highwire.dtl.DTLVardef@9147a4_HPS_FORMAT_FIGEXP M_FIG C_FIG HIGHLIGHTSO_LIFoxP1 complexes assemble through two distinct mechanisms mediated by the FKH and ZIP domains. C_LIO_LIInterdomain coupling switches the configuration of the FoxP1 complex. C_LIO_LIFKH-mediated FoxP1 oligomers and other higher-order complexes accumulate at the nuclear periphery, whereas ZIP-mediated dimers remain more uniformly distributed. C_LIO_LIDisruption of FKH-DNA binding drives formation of protein-dense FoxP1 condensates. C_LI

biophysics↗

bioRxiv2026

Bound or unbound: Mapping and monitoring receptor oligomerization using time-resolved fluorescence

Understanding protein oligomerization in living cells is essential for elucidating cellular signaling and regulation, yet quantitative analysis remains challenging due to heterogeneous expression levels, dynamic interactions, and limited access to absolute protein concentrations. Here, we present a standardized, open-source framework for quantifying protein assemblies in living cells by integrating fluorescence lifetime and anisotropy imaging (heteroFRET and homoFRET) with molecular brightness-based concentration estimation and image analysis. Using natural variants of a vertebrate GPCR, the melanocortin-4 receptor (MC4R-A and MC4R-B2), as a model system, we demonstrate how to discriminate monomers, dimers, and higher-order oligomers, extract inter-fluorophore distance distributions, and determine association constants under physiologically relevant conditions in living cells. Standard fluorescent protein tags report on proximity and oligomerization via Homo- and HeteroFRET. Association constants are quantified using the variable protein expression in living cells and the spectroscopy readouts. By high-content imaging we overcome the biological noise and attain data qualities comparable to conventional biochemical in vitro assays. Intensity- and fluctuation-based segmentation further extends the accessible concentration range within individual cells, improving affinity analysis robustness. Our results establish quantitative image spectroscopy on living cells as quantitative tool for investigating protein-protein interactions under physiologically relevant conditions. All computational workflows are implemented in open-source software and are accompanied by detailed protocols and analysis scripts, enabling reproducible application and adaptation. Beyond GPCRs, this framework provides a practical and transferable methodology for quantitative studies on protein-protein interactions, mechanistic studies and drug discovery in complex cellular environments.

biophysics↗

bioRxiv2022

Taxanes act as vascular disrupting agents and increase rate of metastasis when combined with anti-angiogenic therapy

Taxanes are known to have a profound effect on endothelial cells and the vasculature even at low doses. Here, we show that taxanes, rather than being anti-angiogenic, function more as vascular disrupting agents (VDAs), although they exert a different mechanism of vascular permeabilization when compared to traditional VDAs such as combretastatins. In the tumor context, this VDA-effect leads to a rapid vascular collapse and acute hypoxia. Concomitant treatment with anti-VEGF drugs aggravates hypoxia by blocking vasculogenic rescue mechanisms. While this results in a strong growth-suppressing effect on the tumor, it also increases its invasiveness and metastatic potential. We demonstrate that combination of anti-angiogenic drugs with taxanes blocks tumor reperfusion, intensifies intravasation of circulating tumor cells (CTCs) and strongly increases metastasis. Anti-VEGF drugs are commonly applied in combination with cytotoxic drugs including taxanes. Our findings have significant implications for the clinical use of this drug combination.

cancer biology↗

bioRxiv2022

Deciphering the conformational dynamics of gephyrin-mediated collybistin activation

Efficient neuronal signaling depends on the proper assembly of the postsynaptic neurotransmitter machinery and at inhibitory GABAergic synapses is controlled by the scaffolding protein gephyrin and collybistin, a Dbl-family guanine nucleotide exchange factor and neuronal adaptor protein. Collybistin usually contains an N-terminal SH3 domain and exists in closed/inactive or open/active states. Here, we elucidate the molecular basis of the gephyrin-collybistin interaction with newly designed collybistin FRET sensors. Using fluorescence lifetime-based FRET measurements, we deduce the affinity of the gephyrin-collybistin complex, thereby confirming that the C-terminal dimer-forming E domain binds collybistin, an interaction, which does not require E domain dimerization. Simulations based on fluorescence lifetime and sensor distance distributions reveal a dynamic behavior of the SH3 domain already in the closed state of collybistin. Finally, our data provide strong evidence for a collybistin-gephyrin communication network, where, unexpectedly, switching of collybistin from closed/inactive to open/active states is efficiently triggered by gephyrin.

biophysics↗

bioRxiv2021

Dual-color Fluorescence Cross-Correlation Spectroscopy to study Protein-Protein Interaction and Protein Dynamics in Live Cells

We present a protocol and workflow to perform live cell dual-color fluorescence crosscorrelation spectroscopy (FCCS) combined with Forster Resonance Energy transfer (FRET) to study membrane receptor dynamics in live cells using modern fluorescence labeling techniques. In dual-color FCCS, where the fluctuations in fluorescence intensity represents the dynamical "fingerprint" of the respective fluorescent biomolecule, we can probe co-diffusion or binding of the receptors. FRET, with its high sensitivity to molecular distances, serves as a well-known "nanoruler" to monitor intramolecular changes. Taken together, conformational changes and key parameters such as local receptor concentrations, and mobility constants become accessible in cellular settings. Quantitative fluorescence approaches are challenging in cells due to high noise levels and the vulnerable sample itself. We will show how to perform the experiments including the calibration steps. We use dual-color labeled {beta}2-adrenergic receptor ({beta}2AR) labeled (eGFP and SNAPtag-TAMRA). We will guide you step-by-step through the data analysis procedure using open-source software and provide templates that are easy to customize. Our guideline enables researchers to unravel molecular interactions of biomolecules in live cells in situ with high reliability despite the limited signal-to-noise levels in live cell experiments. The operational window of FRET and particularly FCCS at low concentrations allows quantitative analysis near-physiological conditions. Link to accompanying video: https://tr240.uni-wuerzburg.de/vippclass/index.php/s/TL8aWmwE9RjGfLE

biophysics↗