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TES is a novel focal adhesion protein with a role in cell spreading
Amanda S Coutts1, Elaine MacKenzie, Elen Griffith
1Cancer Research UK Laboratories, Beatson Institute for Cancer Research, Switchback Road, Bearsden, Glasgow, G61 1BD, UK.
Abstract:
Previously, we identified TES as a novel candidate tumour suppressor gene that mapped to human chromosome 7q31.1. In this report we demonstrate that the TES protein is localised at focal adhesions, actin stress fibres and areas of cell-cell contact. TES has three C-terminal LIM domains that appear to be important for focal adhesion targeting. Additionally, the N-terminal region is important for targeting TES to actin stress fibres. Yeast two-hybrid and biochemical analyses yielded interactions with several focal adhesion and/or cytoskeletal proteins including mena, zyxin and talin. The fact that TES localises to regions of cell adhesion suggests that it functions in events related to cell motility and adhesion. In support of this, we demonstrate that fibroblasts stably overexpressing TES have an increased ability to spread on fibronectin.
Insights
Tumor suppressor gene TES localizes to cell adhesion sites, influencing cell motility. Overexpressing TES enhances fibroblast spreading on fibronectin, suggesting a role in cell adhesion and movement.
Area of Science:
- Cell Biology
- Molecular Biology
- Cancer Research
Background:
- TES (Testis expressed) was previously identified as a candidate tumor suppressor gene.
- The gene maps to human chromosome 7q31.1.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the subcellular localization and function of the TES protein.
- To identify proteins that interact with TES.
Main Methods:
- Immunofluorescence microscopy to determine TES protein localization.
- Yeast two-hybrid and biochemical assays to identify interacting proteins.
- Fibroblast cell culture and overexpression studies.
Main Results:
- TES protein localizes to focal adhesions, actin stress fibers, and cell-cell contact sites.
- The C-terminal LIM domains are crucial for focal adhesion targeting, while the N-terminal region targets TES to actin stress fibers.
- TES interacts with cytoskeletal proteins including Mena, zyxin, and talin.
- Fibroblasts overexpressing TES exhibit enhanced spreading on fibronectin.
Conclusions:
- TES functions in cell adhesion and motility.
- The localization and interactions of TES suggest a role in regulating the cytoskeleton and cell adhesion dynamics.