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Published on: June 13, 2014
CLIC4 regulates cell adhesion and β1 integrin trafficking
Elisabetta Argenzio1, Coert Margadant2, Daniela Leyton-Puig2
1Division of Cell Biology, The Netherlands Cancer Institute, Plesmanlaan 121, 1066CX Amsterdam, The Netherlands e.argenzio@nki.nl w.moolenaar@nki.nl.
Abstract:
Chloride intracellular channel protein 4 (CLIC4) exists in both soluble and membrane-associated forms, and is implicated in diverse cellular processes, ranging from ion channel formation to intracellular membrane remodeling. CLIC4 is rapidly recruited to the plasma membrane by lysophosphatidic acid (LPA) and serum, suggesting a possible role for CLIC4 in exocytic-endocytic trafficking. However, the function and subcellular target(s) of CLIC4 remain elusive. Here, we show that in HeLa and MDA-MB-231 cells, CLIC4 knockdown decreases cell-matrix adhesion, cell spreading and integrin signaling, whereas it increases cell motility. LPA stimulates the recruitment of CLIC4 to β1 integrin at the plasma membrane and in Rab35-positive endosomes. CLIC4 is required for both the internalization and the serum- or LPA-induced recycling of β1 integrin, but not for EGF receptor trafficking. Furthermore, we show that CLIC4 suppresses Rab35 activity and antagonizes Rab35-dependent regulation of β1 integrin trafficking. Our results define CLIC4 as a regulator of Rab35 activity and serum- and LPA-dependent integrin trafficking.
Insights
Chloride intracellular channel protein 4 (CLIC4) regulates cell adhesion and motility by controlling β1 integrin trafficking. This protein suppresses Rab35 activity, impacting cell movement and signaling pathways.
Area of Science:
- Cell Biology
- Molecular Biology
- Biochemistry
Background:
- Chloride intracellular channel protein 4 (CLIC4) has diverse cellular roles, including ion channel formation and membrane remodeling.
- CLIC4's recruitment to the plasma membrane by lysophosphatidic acid (LPA) and serum suggests involvement in exocytic-endocytic trafficking, but its precise function and targets are unclear.
Purpose of the Study:
- To elucidate the function and subcellular targets of CLIC4 in cellular processes.
- To investigate CLIC4's role in integrin trafficking and its relationship with Rab35.
Main Methods:
- CLIC4 knockdown in HeLa and MDA-MB-231 cells.
- Analysis of cell-matrix adhesion, cell spreading, cell motility, and integrin signaling.
- Immunofluorescence microscopy to track CLIC4 and β1 integrin localization.
- Assessment of β1 integrin internalization and recycling.
- Investigation of CLIC4's effect on Rab35 activity.
Main Results:
- CLIC4 knockdown reduced cell-matrix adhesion, cell spreading, and integrin signaling, while increasing cell motility.
- LPA stimulated CLIC4 recruitment to β1 integrin at the plasma membrane and in Rab35-positive endosomes.
- CLIC4 is essential for β1 integrin internalization and recycling, but not for EGF receptor trafficking.
- CLIC4 suppresses Rab35 activity, antagonizing Rab35-dependent β1 integrin trafficking.
Conclusions:
- CLIC4 regulates cell adhesion, spreading, and motility.
- CLIC4 is a key regulator of β1 integrin trafficking, controlling its internalization and recycling.
- CLIC4 acts as a suppressor of Rab35 activity, thereby influencing integrin-mediated cellular processes.
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