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The NESH/Abi-3-based WAVE2 complex is functionally distinct from the Abi-1-based WAVE2 complex
Saki Sekino1, Yuriko Kashiwagi2, Hitoshi Kanazawa3
1School of Life Sciences, Tokyo University of Pharmacy and Life Sciences, Hachioji, Tokyo, 192-0392, Japan. pupa72040320@yahoo.co.jp.
The NESH/Abi-3 protein forms a WAVE2 complex distinct from Abi-1, impairing lamellipodial protrusions but promoting invadopodia formation in specific conditions. This highlights functional differences in Abl interactor (Abi) family proteins.
Area of Science:
- Cell Biology
- Molecular Biology
- Biochemistry
Background:
- Abl interactor (Abi) proteins are crucial for actin cytoskeleton organization via the WAVE complex.
- Mammalian cells express three Abi proteins: Abi-1, Abi-2, and NESH/Abi-3.
- Abi-1 interacts with c-Abl tyrosine kinase to mediate WAVE2 phosphorylation and actin remodeling.
Purpose of the Study:
- To characterize NESH/Abi-3 and compare its functions with Abi-1 and Abi-2.
- To investigate the role of NESH/Abi-3 in WAVE2 complex formation and cellular protrusions.
- To elucidate the structural basis for c-Abl interaction with Abi proteins.
Main Methods:
- Ectopic expression of NESH/Abi-3 in NIH3T3 cells.
- Analysis of WAVE2 complex formation and cellular morphology on fibronectin.
- Expression of Abi proteins in v-src-transformed NIH3T3 cells and treatment with Abl kinase inhibitors or siRNA.
- Structural analysis of Abi-1 interaction with c-Abl.
Main Results:
- NESH/Abi-3 expression led to endogenous Abi-1 degradation and formation of a NESH/Abi-3-based WAVE2 complex.
- The NESH/Abi-3-based WAVE2 complex impaired WAVE2 translocation to the plasma membrane and lamellipodial protrusion.
- NESH/Abi-3 expression, combined with c-Abl inhibition or knockdown, promoted invadopodia formation.
- A specific linker region in Abi-1 is essential for c-Abl interaction and WAVE2 phosphorylation.
Conclusions:
- The NESH/Abi-3-based WAVE2 complex exhibits distinct functions compared to the Abi-1-based complex.
- NESH/Abi-3 plays a role in the formation of ventral protrusions under specific cellular conditions.
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