Binding of the WASP/N-WASP-interacting protein WIP to actin regulates focal adhesion assembly and adhesion

Mol Cell Biol. 2014 Jul;34(14):2600-10. doi: 10.1128/MCB.00017-14.

Abstract

The actin cytoskeleton is essential for cell adhesion and migration, functions important for tumor invasion. In addition to binding N-WASP/WASP, WIP binds and stabilizes F-actin. WIP(-/-) fibroblasts were used to test the role of WIP in F-actin function. WIP(-/-) cells had defective focal adhesion (FA), stress fiber assembly, and adherence to substrates, functions that were restored by transduction of wild-type WIP. Protein and mRNA levels of several FA constituents regulated by the myocardin-related transcription factor (MRTF)–serum response factor (SRF) transcription factor complex were reduced in WIP(-/-) fibroblasts. The level of G-actin, which sequesters MRTF in the cytoplasm, was increased, and nuclear localization of MRTF-A and SRF was reduced, in WIP(-/-) fibroblasts. Transfection of an MRTF-A mutant that constitutively translocates to the nucleus or transfection of constitutively active SRF restored FA and stress fiber assembly. Fibroblasts from knock-in mice expressing a WIP mutant that fails to bind actin phenocopied WIP(-/-) fibroblasts. Thus, WIP is a novel regulator of FA assembly and cell adhesion.

Publication types

  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural

MeSH terms

  • Actin Cytoskeleton / metabolism*
  • Animals
  • Binding Sites
  • Carrier Proteins / genetics
  • Carrier Proteins / metabolism*
  • Cell Adhesion
  • Cytoskeletal Proteins
  • Fibroblasts / metabolism
  • Focal Adhesions / genetics
  • Focal Adhesions / metabolism*
  • Gene Knock-In Techniques
  • Lung / cytology
  • Mice
  • Serum Response Factor / metabolism*
  • Transcription Factors / metabolism*

Substances

  • Carrier Proteins
  • Cytoskeletal Proteins
  • Serum Response Factor
  • Transcription Factors
  • Waspip protein, mouse