Steering cell migration: lamellipodium dynamics and the regulation of directional persistence. Nat Rev Mol Cell Biol. 2014;15:577-590. [PMID: 25145849 DOI: 10.1038/nrm3861]

GOLPH3 drives cell migration by promoting Golgi reorientation and directional trafficking to the leading edge

The GOLPH3 oncogene functions in Golgi trafficking. GOLPH3 promotes cell migration, which is important in cancer. GOLPH3, by linking the Golgi to F-actin, promotes both Golgi reorientation and forward trafficking, which together drive trafficking to the leading edge. These findings provide insight into how GOLPH3 drives cell migration.

The mechanism of directional cell migration remains an important problem, with relevance to cancer invasion and metastasis. GOLPH3 is a common oncogenic driver of human cancers, and is the first oncogene that functions at the Golgi in trafficking to the plasma membrane. Overexpression of GOLPH3 is reported to drive enhanced cell migration. Here we show that the phosphatidylinositol-4-phosphate/GOLPH3/myosin 18A/F-actin pathway that is critical for Golgi–to–plasma membrane trafficking is necessary and limiting for directional cell migration. By linking the Golgi to the actin cytoskeleton, GOLPH3 promotes reorientation of the Golgi toward the leading edge. GOLPH3 also promotes reorientation of lysosomes (but not other organelles) toward the leading edge. However, lysosome function is dispensable for migration and the GOLPH3 dependence of lysosome movement is indirect, via GOLPH3’s effect on the Golgi. By driving reorientation of the Golgi to the leading edge and driving forward trafficking, particularly to the leading edge, overexpression of GOLPH3 drives trafficking to the leading edge of the cell, which is functionally important for directional cell migration. Our identification of a novel pathway for Golgi reorientation controlled by GOLPH3 provides new insight into the mechanism of directional cell migration with important implications for understanding GOLPH3’s role in cancer.

Rho GTPases: Regulation and roles in cancer cell biology

Rho GTPases are well known for their roles in regulating cell migration, and also contribute to a variety of other cellular responses. They are subdivided into 2 groups: typical and atypical. The typical Rho family members, including RhoA, Rac1 and Cdc42, cycle between an active GTP-bound and inactive GDP-bound conformation, and are regulated by GEFs, GAPs and GDIs, whereas atypical Rho family members have amino acid substitutions that alter their ability to interact with GTP/GDP and hence are regulated by different mechanisms. Both typical and atypical Rho GTPases contribute to cancer progression. In a few cancers, RhoA or Rac1 are mutated, but in most cancers expression levels and/or activity of Rho GTPases is altered. Rho GTPase signaling could therefore be therapeutically targeted in cancer treatment.

Clathrin regulates lymphocyte migration by driving actin accumulation at the cellular leading edge

Lymphocyte migration, which is essential for effective immune responses, belongs to the so-called amoeboid migration. The lymphocyte migration is up to 100 times faster than between mesenchymal and epithelial cell types. Migrating lymphocytes are highly polarized in three well-defined structural and functional zones: uropod, medial zone, and leading edge (LE). The actiomyosin-dependent driving force moves forward the uropod, whereas massive actin rearrangements protruding the cell membrane are observed at the LE. These actin rearrangements resemble those observed at the immunological synapse driven by clathrin, a protein normally involved in endocytic processes. Here, we used cell lines as well as primary lymphocytes to demonstrate that clathrin and clathrin adaptors colocalize with actin at the LE of migrating lymphocytes, but not in other cellular zones that accumulate both clathrin and actin. Moreover, clathrin and clathrin adaptors, including Hrs, the clathrin adaptor for multivesicular bodies, drive local actin accumulation at the LE. Clathrin recruitment at the LE resulted necessary for a complete cell polarization and further lymphocyte migration in both 2D and 3D migration models. Therefore, clathrin, including the clathrin population associated to internal vesicles, controls lymphocyte migration by regulating actin rearrangements occurring at the LE.

Cancer-associated mutations in the protrusion-targeting region of p190RhoGAP impact tumor cell migration

p190RhoGAP (p190A) is a negative regulator of RhoA and localizes to membrane protrusions, where its GAP activity is required for directional migration. Here, Binamé et al. identify the protrusion-localization sequence in p190A and show that cancer-associated mutations in this region affect p190A localization and function as well as tumor cell migration.

Spatiotemporal regulation of RhoGTPases such as RhoA is required at the cell leading edge to achieve cell migration. p190RhoGAP (p190A) is the main negative regulator of RhoA and localizes to membrane protrusions, where its GTPase-activating protein (GAP) activity is required for directional migration. In this study, we investigated the molecular processes responsible for p190A targeting to actin protrusions. By analyzing the subcellular localization of truncated versions of p190A in hepatocellular carcinoma cells, we identified a novel functional p190A domain: the protrusion localization sequence (PLS) necessary and sufficient for p190A targeting to leading edges. Interestingly, the PLS is also required for the negative regulation of p190A RhoGAP activity. Further, we show that the F-actin binding protein cortactin binds the PLS and is required for p190A targeting to protrusions. Lastly, we demonstrate that cancer-associated mutations in PLS affect p190A localization and function, as well as tumor cell migration. Altogether, our data unveil a new mechanism of regulation of p190A in migrating tumor cells.

The Diverse Family of Arp2/3 Complexes

The Arp2/3 complex has so far been considered to be a single seven-subunit protein complex required for actin nucleation and actin filament polymerization in diverse critical cellular functions including phagocytosis, vesicular trafficking and lamellipodia extension. The Arp2/3 complex is also exploited by bacterial pathogens and viruses during cellular infectious processes. Recent studies suggest that some subunits of the complex are dispensable in specific cellular contexts, pointing to the existence of alternative 'hybrid Arp2/3 complexes' containing other components such as vinculin or α-actinin, as well as different isoforms or phosphorylation variants of canonical Arp2/3 subunits. Therefore, this diversity should be now considered when assigning specific Arp2/3 assemblies to different actin-dependent cellular processes.

Phosphoinositides in Control of Membrane Dynamics

Most functions of eukaryotic cells are controlled by cellular membranes, which are not static entities but undergo frequent budding, fission, fusion, and sculpting reactions collectively referred to as membrane dynamics. Consequently, regulation of membrane dynamics is crucial for cellular functions. A key mechanism in such regulation is the reversible recruitment of cytosolic proteins or protein complexes to specific membranes at specific time points. To a large extent this recruitment is orchestrated by phosphorylated derivatives of the membrane lipid phosphatidylinositol, known as phosphoinositides. The seven phosphoinositides found in nature localize to distinct membrane domains and recruit distinct effectors, thereby contributing strongly to the maintenance of membrane identity. Many of the phosphoinositide effectors are proteins that control membrane dynamics, and in this review we discuss the functions of phosphoinositides in membrane dynamics during exocytosis, endocytosis, autophagy, cell division, cell migration, and epithelial cell polarity, with emphasis on protein effectors that are recruited by specific phosphoinositides during these processes.

Tyrosine Phosphorylation of SGEF Regulates RhoG Activity and Cell Migration

SGEF and Ephexin4 are members of the Ephexin subfamily of RhoGEFs that specifically activate the small GTPase RhoG. It is reported that Ephexin1 and Ephexin5, two well-characterized Ephexin subfamily RhoGEFs, are tyrosine-phosphorylated by Src, and that their phosphorylation affect their activities and functions. In this study, we show that SGEF, but not Ephexin4, is tyrosine-phosphorylated by Src. Tyrosine phosphorylation of SGEF suppresses its interaction with RhoG, the elevation of RhoG activity, and SGEF-mediated promotion of cell migration. We identified tyrosine 530 (Y530), which is located within the Dbl homology domain, as a major phosphorylation site of SGEF by Src, and Y530F mutation blocked the inhibitory effect of Src on SGEF. Taken together, these results suggest that the activity of SGEF is negatively regulated by tyrosine phosphorylation of the DH domain.

The WASF3-NCKAP1-CYFIP1 Complex Is Essential for Breast Cancer Metastasis

Inactivation of the WASF3 gene suppresses invasion and metastasis of breast cancer cells. WASF3 function is regulated through a protein complex that includes the NCKAP1 and CYFIP1 proteins. Here, we report that silencing NCKAP1 destabilizes the WASF3 complex, resulting in a suppression of the invasive capacity of breast, prostate, and colon cancer cells. In an in vivo model of spontaneous metastasis in immunocompromized mice, loss of NCKAP1 also suppresses metastasis. Activation of the WASF protein complex occurs through interaction with RAC1, and inactivation of NCKAP1 prevents the association of RAC1 with the WASF3 complex. Thus, WASF3 depends on NCKAP1 to promote invasion and metastasis. Here, we show that stapled peptides targeting the interface between NCKAP1 and CYFIP1 destabilize the WASF3 complex and suppress RAC1 binding, thereby suppressing invasion. Using a complex-disrupting compound identified in this study termed WANT3, our results offer a mechanistic proof of concept to target this interaction as a novel approach to inhibit breast cancer metastasis. Cancer Res; 76(17); 5133-42. ©2016 AACR.

LOVTRAP: an optogenetic system for photoinduced protein dissociation

Here we introduce LOVTRAP, an optogenetic approach for reversible, light-induced protein dissociation. LOVTRAP is based on protein A fragments that bind to the LOV domain only in the dark, with tunable kinetics and a >150-fold change in K_d. By reversibly sequestering proteins at mitochondria, we precisely modulated the proteins’ access to the cell edge, demonstrating a naturally occurring 3 mHz cell edge oscillation driven by interactions of Vav2, Rac1 and PI3K.

Guidance of Axons by Local Coupling of Retrograde Flow to Point Contact Adhesions

Growth cones interact with the extracellular matrix (ECM) through integrin receptors at adhesion sites termed point contacts. Point contact adhesions link ECM proteins to the actin cytoskeleton through numerous adaptor and signaling proteins. One presumed function of growth cone point contacts is to restrain or "clutch" myosin-II-based filamentous actin (F-actin) retrograde flow (RF) to promote leading edge membrane protrusion. In motile non-neuronal cells, myosin-II binds and exerts force upon actin filaments at the leading edge, where clutching forces occur. However, in growth cones, it is unclear whether similar F-actin-clutching forces affect axon outgrowth and guidance. Here, we show in Xenopus spinal neurons that RF is reduced in rapidly migrating growth cones on laminin (LN) compared with non-integrin-binding poly-d-lysine (PDL). Moreover, acute stimulation with LN accelerates axon outgrowth over a time course that correlates with point contact formation and reduced RF. These results suggest that RF is restricted by the assembly of point contacts, which we show occurs locally by two-channel imaging of RF and paxillin. Further, using micropatterns of PDL and LN, we demonstrate that individual growth cones have differential RF rates while interacting with two distinct substrata. Opposing effects on RF rates were also observed in growth cones treated with chemoattractive and chemorepulsive axon guidance cues that influence point contact adhesions. Finally, we show that RF is significantly attenuated in vivo, suggesting that it is restrained by molecular clutching forces within the spinal cord. Together, our results suggest that local clutching of RF can control axon guidance on ECM proteins downstream of axon guidance cues.

SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENT

Here, we correlate point contact adhesions directly with clutching of filamentous actin retrograde flow (RF), which our findings strongly suggest guides developing axons. Acute assembly of new point contact adhesions is temporally and spatially linked to attenuation of RF at sites of forward membrane protrusion. Importantly, clutching of RF is modulated by extracellular matrix (ECM) proteins and soluble axon guidance cues, suggesting that it may regulate axon guidance in vivo. Consistent with this notion, we found that RF rates of spinal neuron growth cones were slower in vivo than what was observed in vitro. Together, our study provides the best evidence that growth cone-ECM adhesions clutch RF locally to guide axons in vivo.

N-Cadherin and Fibroblast Growth Factor Receptors crosstalk in the control of developmental and cancer cell migrations

Cell migrations are diverse. They constitutemajor morphogenetic driving forces during embryogenesis, but they contribute also to the loss of tissue homeostasis and cancer growth. Capabilities of cells to migrate as single cells or as collectives are controlled by internal and external signalling, leading to the reorganisation of their cytoskeleton as well as by the rebalancing of cell-matrix and cell-cell adhesions. Among the genes altered in numerous cancers, cadherins and growth factor receptors are of particular interest for cell migration regulation. In particular, cadherins such as N-cadherin and a class of growth factor receptors, namely FGFRs cooperate to regulate embryonic and cancer cell behaviours. In this review, we discuss on reciprocal crosstalk between N-cadherin and FGFRs during cell migration. Finally, we aim at clarifying the synergy between N-cadherin and FGFR signalling that ensure cellular reorganization during cell movements, mainly during cancer cell migration and metastasis but also during developmental processes.

The Structurally Plastic CH2 Domain Is Linked to Distinct Functions of Fimbrins/Plastins

Fimbrins/plastins have been implicated in the generation of distinct actin structures, which are linked to different cellular processes. Historically, fimbrins/plastins were mainly considered as generating tight actin bundles. Here, we demonstrate that different members of the fimbrin/plastin family have diverged biochemically during evolution to generate either tight actin bundles or loose networks with distinct biochemical and biophysical properties. Using the phylogenetically and functionally distinct Arabidopsis fimbrins FIM4 and FIM5 we found that FIM4 generates both actin bundles and cross-linked actin filaments, whereas FIM5 only generates actin bundles. The distinct functions of FIM4 and FIM5 are clearly observed at single-filament resolution. Domain swapping experiments showed that cooperation between the conformationally plastic calponin-homology domain 2 (CH2) and the N-terminal headpiece determines the function of the full-length protein. Our study suggests that the structural plasticity of fimbrins/plastins has biologically meaningful consequences, and provides novel insights into the structure-function relationship of fimbrins/plastins as well as shedding light on how cells generate distinct actin structures.

A hemidesmosomal protein regulates actin dynamics and traction forces in motile keratinocytes

During wound healing of the skin, keratinocytes disassemble hemidesmosomes and reorganize their actin cytoskeletons in order to exert traction forces on and move directionally over the dermis. Nonetheless, the transmembrane hemidesmosome component collagen XVII (ColXVII) is found in actin-rich lamella, situated behind the lamellipodium. A set of actin bundles, along which ColXVII colocalizes with actinin4, is present at each lamella. Knockdown of either ColXVII or actinin4 not only inhibits directed migration of keratinocytes but also relieves constraints on actin bundle retrograde movement at the site of lamella, such that actin bundle movement is enhanced more than 5-fold. Moreover, whereas control keratinocytes move in a stepwise fashion over a substrate by generating alternating traction forces, of up to 1.4 kPa, at each flank of the lamellipodium, ColXVII knockdown keratinocytes fail to do so. In summary, our data indicate that ColXVII-actinin4 complexes at the lamella of a moving keratinocyte regulate actin dynamics, thereby determining the direction of cell movement.-Hiroyasu, S., Colburn, Z. T., Jones, J. C. R. A hemidesmosomal protein regulates actin dynamics and traction forces in motile keratinocytes.

Mechano-reciprocity is maintained between physiological boundaries by tuning signal flux through the Rho-associated protein kinase

The mechanical properties of the ECM strongly influence the behavior of all cell types within a given tissue. Increased matrix tension promotes epithelial cell proliferation by engaging mitogenic mechanotransduction signaling including the Salvador/Warts/Hippo, PI 3-kinase, Rho, Wnt and MAP kinase pathways. The Rho signaling pathways in particular are capable of increasing intra-cellular tension by elevating the production and contractility of the actomyosin cytoskeleton, which counteracts tension changes within the matrix in a process termed mechano-reciprocity. We have discovered that Rho-ROCK signaling increases the production of ECM through paracrine signaling between the epithelium and fibroblasts and also the remodeling of the ECM by regulating focal adhesion dynamics in fibroblasts. These two phenomena together cause increased ECM tension. Enhanced mechano-reciprocity results in ever-increasing intra- and extra-cellular tension in a vicious cycle that promotes cell proliferation and tumor progression. These insights reveal that inhibiting mechano-reciprocity, reducing ECM tension and targeting cancer-associated fibroblasts in a coordinated fashion has potential as cancer therapy.

Cellular immune defenses of Drosophila melanogaster

Drosophila melanogaster is a widely used model for the characterization of blood cell development and function, with an array of protocols for the manipulation and visualization of fixed or live cells in vitro or in vivo. Researchers have deployed these techniques to reveal Drosophila hemocytes as a remarkably versatile cell type that engulfs apoptotic corpses; neutralizes invading parasites; seals epithelial wounds; and deposits extracellular matrix proteins. In this review, we will discuss the key features of Drosophila hemocyte development and function, and identify similarities with vertebrate counterparts.

Cell adhesion and invasion mechanisms that guide developing axons

Axon extension, guidance and tissue invasion share many similarities to normal cell migration and cancer cell metastasis. Proper cell and growth cone migration requires tightly regulated adhesion complex assembly and detachment from the extracellular matrix (ECM). In addition, many cell types actively remodel the ECM using matrix metalloproteases (MMPs) to control tissue invasion and cell dispersal. Targeting and activating MMPs is a tightly regulated process, that when dysregulated, can lead to cancer cell metastasis. Interestingly, new evidence suggests that growth cones express similar cellular and molecular machinery as migrating cells to clutch retrograde actin flow on ECM proteins and target matrix degradation, which may be used to facilitate axon pathfinding through the basal lamina and across tissues.

Lamellipodin promotes invasive 3D cancer cell migration via regulated interactions with Ena/VASP and SCAR/WAVE

Cancer invasion is a hallmark of metastasis. The mesenchymal mode of cancer cell invasion is mediated by elongated membrane protrusions driven by the assembly of branched F-actin networks. How deregulation of actin regulators promotes cancer cell invasion is still enigmatic. We report that increased expression and membrane localization of the actin regulator Lamellipodin correlate with reduced metastasis-free survival and poor prognosis in breast cancer patients. In agreement, we find that Lamellipodin depletion reduced lung metastasis in an orthotopic mouse breast cancer model. Invasive 3D cancer cell migration as well as invadopodia formation and matrix degradation was impaired upon Lamellipodin depletion. Mechanistically, we show that Lamellipodin promotes invasive 3D cancer cell migration via both actin-elongating Ena/VASP proteins and the Scar/WAVE complex, which stimulates actin branching. In contrast, Lamellipodin interaction with Scar/WAVE but not with Ena/VASP is required for random 2D cell migration. We identified a phosphorylation-dependent mechanism that regulates selective recruitment of these effectors to Lamellipodin: Abl-mediated Lamellipodin phosphorylation promotes its association with both Scar/WAVE and Ena/VASP, whereas Src-dependent phosphorylation enhances binding to Scar/WAVE but not to Ena/VASP. Through these selective, regulated interactions Lamellipodin mediates directional sensing of epidermal growth factor (EGF) gradients and invasive 3D migration of breast cancer cells. Our findings imply that increased Lamellipodin levels enhance Ena/VASP and Scar/WAVE activities at the plasma membrane to promote 3D invasion and metastasis.

Substrate engagement of integrins α5β1 and αvβ3 is necessary, but not sufficient, for high directional persistence in migration on fibronectin

The interplay between specific integrin-mediated matrix adhesion and directional persistence in cell migration is not well understood. Here, we characterized fibroblast adhesion and migration on the extracellular matrix glycoproteins fibronectin and vitronectin, focusing on the role of α₅β₁ and α_vβ₃ integrins. Fibroblasts manifested high directional persistence in migration on fibronectin-, but not vitronectin-coated substrates, in a ligand density-dependent manner. Fibronectin stimulated α₅β₁-dependent organization of the actin cytoskeleton into oriented, ventral stress fibers, and assembly of dynamic, polarized protrusions, characterized as regions free of stress fibers and rich in nascent adhesions at their edge. Such protrusions correlated with persistent, local leading edge advancement, but were not sufficient, nor necessary for directional migration over longer times. Selective blocking of α_vβ₃ or α₅β₁ integrins using small molecule integrin antagonists reduced directional persistence on fibronectin, indicating integrin cooperativity in maintaining directionality. On the other hand, patterned substrates, designed to selectively engage either integrin, or their combination, were not sufficient to establish directional migration. Overall, our study demonstrates adhesive coating-dependent regulation of directional persistence in fibroblast migration and challenges the generality of the previously suggested role of β₁ and β₃ integrins in directional migration.

Collective invasion of cancer: Perspectives from pathology and development

Clinical pathologists have long been aware that in many types of human malignant tumors, the cells are often connected and form groups of various sizes or "nests". In this way, they achieve "collective invasion" into the surrounding stroma, rather than spreading out individually. Such collective behavior is also a common feature of migration during embryonic and postnatal developmental stages, suggesting there are advantages gained by collective cell migration in the organisms. Recent studies have revealed the mechanisms underlying the collective invasion of cancer cells. These mechanisms differ from those observed in the migration of single cells in culture, including reliance on the epithelial-mesenchymal transition program. Whereas intercellular adhesion appears to be coordinated, cancer cell groups can be heterogenous, including cells that are leaders and those that are followers. There is also interaction with the tumor microenvironment that is a prerequisite for collective invasion of cancer. In this review, we describe recently emerging mechanisms underlying the collective migration of cells, with a particular focus in our studies on the actin-binding protein Girdin/GIV and the transcriptional regulator tripartite motif containing 27. These studies provide new perspectives on the mechanistic analogy between cancer and development.

Tyrosine kinase-mediated axial motility of basal cells revealed by intravital imaging

Epithelial cells are generally considered to be static relative to their neighbours. Basal cells in pseudostratified epithelia display a single long cytoplasmic process that can cross the tight junction barrier to reach the lumen. Using in vivo microscopy to visualize the epididymis, a model system for the study of pseudostratified epithelia, we report here the surprising discovery that these basal cell projections--which we call axiopodia--periodically extend and retract over time. We found that axiopodia extensions and retractions follow an oscillatory pattern. This movement, which we refer to as periodic axial motility (PAM), is controlled by c-Src and MEK1/2-ERK1/2. Therapeutic inhibition of tyrosine kinase activity induces a retraction of these projections. Such unexpected cell motility may reflect a novel mechanism by which specialized epithelial cells sample the luminal environment.

Protrusive waves guide 3D cell migration along nanofibers

Reductionist approaches based on 3D fibers reveal that single-cell migration along fibers is driven by lateral actin-based waves for various cell types.

In vivo, cells migrate on complex three-dimensional (3D) fibrous matrices, which has made investigation of the key molecular and physical mechanisms that drive cell migration difficult. Using reductionist approaches based on 3D electrospun fibers, we report for various cell types that single-cell migration along fibronectin-coated nanofibers is associated with lateral actin-based waves. These cyclical waves have a fin-like shape and propagate up to several hundred micrometers from the cell body, extending the leading edge and promoting highly persistent directional movement. Cells generate these waves through balanced activation of the Rac1/N-WASP/Arp2/3 and Rho/formins pathways. The waves originate from one major adhesion site at leading end of the cell body, which is linked through actomyosin contractility to another site at the back of the cell, allowing force generation, matrix deformation and cell translocation. By combining experimental and modeling data, we demonstrate that cell migration in a fibrous environment requires the formation and propagation of dynamic, actin based fin-like protrusions.

Arpin downregulation in breast cancer is associated with poor prognosis

Background:

The Arp2/3 complex is required for cell migration and invasion. The Arp2/3 complex and its activators, such as the WAVE complex, are deregulated in diverse cancers. Here we investigate the expression of Arpin, the Arp2/3 inhibitory protein that antagonises the WAVE complex.

Methods:

We used qRT–PCR and reverse phase protein arrays in a patient cohort with known clinical parameters and outcome, immunofluorescence in breast biopsy cryosections and breast cancer cell lines.

Results:

Arpin was downregulated at the mRNA and protein levels in mammary carcinoma cells. Arpin mRNA downregulation was associated with poor metastasis-free survival (MFS) on univariate analysis (P=0.022). High expression of the NCKAP1 gene that encodes a WAVE complex subunit was also associated with poor MFS on univariate analysis (P=0.0037) and was mutually exclusive with Arpin low. Arpin low or NCKAP1 high was an independent prognosis factor on multivariate analysis (P=0.0012) and was strongly associated with poor MFS (P=0.000064).

Conclusions:

Loss of the Arp2/3 inhibitory protein Arpin produces a similar poor outcome in breast cancer as high expression of the NCKAP1 subunit of the Arp2/3 activatory WAVE complex.

Mechanotransduction During Vertebrate Neurulation

Vertebrate neural tube formation is a complex morphogenetic process, which involves hundreds of genes dynamically coordinating various behaviors in different cell populations of neural tissue. The challenge remains to determine the relative contributions of physical forces and biochemical signaling events to neural tube closure and accompanying cell fate specification. Planar cell polarity (PCP) molecules are prime candidate factors for the production of actomyosin-dependent mechanical signals necessary for morphogenesis. Conversely, physical forces may contribute to the polarized distribution of PCP proteins. Understanding mechanosensory and mechanotransducing properties of diverse molecules should help define the direction and amplitude of physical stresses that are critical for neurulation.

Hybrid Structural Analysis of the Arp2/3 Regulator Arpin Identifies Its Acidic Tail as a Primary Binding Epitope

Arpin is a newly discovered regulator of actin polymerization at the cell leading edge, which steers cell migration by exerting a negative control on the Arp2/3 complex. Arpin proteins have an acidic tail homologous to the acidic motif of the VCA domain of nucleation-promoting factors (NPFs). This tail is predicted to compete with the VCA of NPFs for binding to the Arp2/3 complex, thereby mitigating activation and/or tethering of the complex to sites of actin branching. Here, we investigated the structure of full-length Arpin using synchrotron small-angle X-ray scattering, and of its acidic tail in complex with an ankyrin repeats domain using X-ray crystallography. The data were combined in a hybrid model in which the acidic tail extends from the globular core as a linear peptide and forms a primary epitope that is readily accessible in unbound Arpin and suffices to tether Arpin to interacting proteins with high affinity.

The front and rear of collective cell migration

Collective cell migration has a key role during morphogenesis and during wound healing and tissue renewal in the adult, and it is involved in cancer spreading. In addition to displaying a coordinated migratory behaviour, collectively migrating cells move more efficiently than if they migrated separately, which indicates that a cellular interplay occurs during collective cell migration. In recent years, evidence has accumulated confirming the importance of such intercellular communication and exploring the molecular mechanisms involved. These mechanisms are based both on direct physical interactions, which coordinate the cellular responses, and on the collective cell behaviour that generates an optimal environment for efficient directed migration. The recent studies have described how leader cells at the front of cell groups drive migration and have highlighted the importance of follower cells and cell-cell communication, both between followers and between follower and leader cells, to improve the efficiency of collective movement.

Signalling Pathways Controlling Cellular Actin Organization

The actin cytoskeleton is essential for morphogenesis and virtually all types of cell shape changes. Reorganization is per definition driven by continuous disassembly and re-assembly of actin filaments, controlled by major, ubiquitously operating machines. These are specifically employed by the cell to tune its activities in accordance with respective environmental conditions or to satisfy specific needs.Here we sketch some fundamental signalling pathways established to contribute to the reorganization of specific actin structures at the plasma membrane. Rho-family GTPases are at the core of these pathways, and dissection of their precise contributions to actin reorganization in different cell types and tissues will thus continue to improve our understanding of these important signalling nodes. Furthermore, we will draw your attention to the emerging theme of actin reorganization on intracellular membranes, its functional relation to Rho-GTPase signalling, and its relevance for the exciting phenomenon autophagy.

SHIP2 controls plasma membrane PI(4,5)P2 thereby participating in the control of cell migration in 1321 N1 glioblastoma

Phosphoinositides, particularly PI(3,4,5)P3, and PI(4,5)P2, are recognized by SHIP2 a member of the inositol polyphosphate 5-phosphatase family. SHIP2 dephosphorylates PI(3,4,5)P3 to form PI(3,4)P2; the latter interacts with specific target proteins (e.g. lamellipodin). Although the SHIP2 preferred substrate is PI(3,4,5)P3, PI(4,5)P2 could also be dephosphorylated to PI4P. Through depletion of SHIP2 in a glioblastoma cell line 1321 N1 cells, we show that SHIP2 inhibits cell migration. In different glioblastoma cell lines and primary cultures, SHIP2 staining at the plasma membrane partly overlaps with PI(4,5)P2 immunoreactivity. PI(4,5)P2 was upregulated in SHIP2-deficient N1 cells as compared to control cells; in contrast, PI4P was very much decreased in SHIP2-deficient cells. Therefore, SHIP2 controls both PI(3,4,5)P3 and PI(4,5)P2 levels in intact cells. In N1 cells, the PI(4,5)P2 binding protein myosin-1c was identified as a new interactor of SHIP2. Regulation of PI(4,5)P2 and PI4P content by SHIP2 controls N1 cell migration through the organization of focal adhesions. Thus, our results reveal a novel role of SHIP2 in the control of PI(4,5)P2, PI4P and cell migration in PTEN-deficient glioblastoma N1 cells.

Common Themes in Cytoskeletal Remodeling by Intracellular Bacterial Effectors

Bacterial pathogens interact with various types of tissues to promote infection. Because it controls the formation of membrane extensions, adhesive processes, or the junction integrity, the actin cytoskeleton is a key target of pathogens during infection. We will highlight common and specific functions of the actin cytoskeleton during bacterial infections, by first reviewing the mechanisms of intracellular motility of invasive Shigella, Listeria, and Rickettsia. Through the models of EPEC/EHEC, Shigella, Salmonella, and Chlamydia spp., we will illustrate various strategies of diversion of actin cytoskeletal processes used by these bacteria to colonize or breach epithelial/endothelial barriers.

Molecular Control of Actin Dynamics In Vivo: Insights from Drosophila

The actin cytoskeleton provides mechanical support for cells and generates forces to drive cell shape changes and cell migration in morphogenesis. Molecular understanding of actin dynamics requires a genetically traceable model system that allows interdisciplinary experimental approaches to elucidate the regulatory network of cytoskeletal proteins in vivo. Here, we will discuss some examples of how advances in Drosophila genetics and high-resolution imaging techniques contribute to the discovery of new actin functions, signaling pathways, and mechanisms of actin regulation in vivo.

Formins at the Junction

The actin cytoskeleton and adhesion junctions are physically and functionally coupled at the cell-cell interface between epithelial cells. The actin regulatory complex Arp2/3 has an established role in the turnover of junctional actin; however, the role of formins, the largest group of actin regulators, is less clear. Formins dynamically shape the actin cytoskeleton and have various functions within cells. In this review we describe recent progress on how formins regulate actin dynamics at cell-cell contacts and highlight formin functions during polarized protein traffic necessary for epithelialization.

Comprehensive Proteomic and Metabolomic Signatures of Nontypeable Haemophilus influenzae-Induced Acute Otitis Media Reveal Bacterial Aerobic Respiration in an Immunosuppressed Environment

A thorough understanding of the molecular details of the interactions between bacteria and host are critical to ultimately prevent disease. Recent technological advances allow simultaneous analysis of host and bacterial protein and metabolic profiles from a single small tissue sample to provide insight into pathogenesis. We used the chinchilla model of human otitis media to determine, for the first time, the most expansive delineation of global changes in protein and metabolite profiles during an experimentally induced disease. After 48 h of infection with nontypeable Haemophilus influenzae, middle ear tissue lysates were analyzed by high-resolution quantitative two-dimensional liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry. Dynamic changes in 105 chinchilla proteins and 66 metabolites define the early proteomic and metabolomic signature of otitis media. Our studies indicate that establishment of disease coincides with actin morphogenesis, suppression of inflammatory mediators, and bacterial aerobic respiration. We validated the observed increase in the actin-remodeling complex, Arp2/3, and experimentally showed a role for Arp2/3 in nontypeable Haemophilus influenzae invasion. Direct inhibition of actin branch morphology altered bacterial invasion into host epithelial cells, and is supportive of our efforts to use the information gathered to modify outcomes of disease. The twenty-eight nontypeable Haemophilus influenzae proteins identified participate in carbohydrate and amino acid metabolism, redox homeostasis, and include cell wall-associated metabolic proteins. Quantitative characterization of the molecular signatures of infection will redefine our understanding of host response driven developmental changes during pathogenesis. These data represent the first comprehensive study of host protein and metabolite profiles in vivo in response to infection and show the feasibility of extensive characterization of host protein profiles during disease. Identification of novel protein targets and metabolic biomarkers will advance development of therapeutic and diagnostic options for treatment of disease.

α5β1 integrin recycling promotes Arp2/3-independent cancer cell invasion via the formin FHOD3

Rab-coupling protein–mediated integrin trafficking promotes filopodia formation via RhoA-ROCK-FHOD3, generating non-lamellipodial actin spike protrusions that drive cancer cell migration in 3D extracellular matrix and in vivo.

Invasive migration in 3D extracellular matrix (ECM) is crucial to cancer metastasis, yet little is known of the molecular mechanisms that drive reorganization of the cytoskeleton as cancer cells disseminate in vivo. 2D Rac-driven lamellipodial migration is well understood, but how these features apply to 3D migration is not clear. We find that lamellipodia-like protrusions and retrograde actin flow are indeed observed in cells moving in 3D ECM. However, Rab-coupling protein (RCP)-driven endocytic recycling of α5β1 integrin enhances invasive migration of cancer cells into fibronectin-rich 3D ECM, driven by RhoA and filopodial spike-based protrusions, not lamellipodia. Furthermore, we show that actin spike protrusions are Arp2/3-independent. Dynamic actin spike assembly in cells invading in vitro and in vivo is regulated by Formin homology-2 domain containing 3 (FHOD3), which is activated by RhoA/ROCK, establishing a novel mechanism through which the RCP–α5β1 pathway reprograms the actin cytoskeleton to promote invasive migration and local invasion in vivo.

Connexin 43 reboots meiosis and reseals blood-testis barrier following toxicant-mediated aspermatogenesis and barrier disruption

Earlier studies have shown that rats treated with an acute dose of 1-(2,4-dichlorobenzyl)-1H-indazole-3-carbohydrazide (adjudin, a male contraceptive under development) causes permanent infertility due to irreversible blood-testis barrier (BTB) disruption even though the population of undifferentiated spermatogonia remains similar to normal rat testes, because spermatogonia fail to differentiate into spermatocytes to enter meiosis. Since other studies have illustrated the significance of connexin 43 (Cx43)-based gap junction in maintaining the homeostasis of BTB in the rat testis and the phenotypes of Sertoli cell-conditional Cx43 knockout mice share many of the similarities of the adjudin-treated rats, we sought to examine if overexpression of Cx43 in these adjudin-treated rats would reseal the disrupted BTB and reinitiate spermatogenesis. A full-length Cx43 cloned into mammalian expression vector pCI-neo was used to transfect testes of adjudin-treated ratsversusempty vector. It was found that overexpression of Cx43 indeed resealed the Sertoli cell tight junction-permeability barrier based on a functionalin vivoassay in tubules displaying signs of meiosis as noted by the presence of round spermatids. Thus, these findings suggest that overexpression of Cx43 reinitiated spermatogenesis at least through the steps of meiosis to generate round spermatids in testes of rats treated with an acute dose of adjudin that led to aspermatogenesis. It was also noted that the round spermatids underwent eventual degeneration with the formation of multinucleated cells following Cx43 overexpression due to the failure of spermiogenesis because no elongating/elongated spermatids were detected in any of the tubules examined. The mechanism by which overexpression of Cx43 reboots meiosis and rescues BTB function was also examined. In summary, overexpression of Cx43 in the testis with aspermatogenesis reboots meiosis and reseals toxicant-induced BTB disruption, even though it fails to support round spermatids to enter spermiogenesis.-Li, N., Mruk, D. D., Mok, K.-W., Li, M. W. M., Wong, C. K. C., Lee, W. M., Han, D., Silvestrini, B., Cheng, C. Y. Connexin 43 reboots meiosis and reseals blood-testis barrier following toxicant-mediated aspermatogenesis and barrier disruption.

Phototriggered fibril-like environments arbitrate cell escapes and migration from endothelial monolayers

Cell detachment and migration from the endothelium occurs during vasculogenesis and also in pathological states. Here, we use a novel approach to trigger single cell release from an endothelial monolayer by in-situ opening of adhesive, fibril-like environment using light-responsive ligands and scanning lasers. Cell escapes from the monolayer were observed on the fibril-like adhesive tracks with 3-15 μm width. The frequency of endothelial cell escapes increased monotonically with the fibril width and with the density of the light-activated adhesive ligand. Interestingly, treatment with VEGF induced cohesiveness within the cell layer, preventing cell leaks. When migrating through the tracks, cells presented body lateral reduction and nuclear deformation imposed by the line width and dependent on myosin contractility. Cell migration mode changed from mesenchymal to amoeboid-like when the adhesive tracks narrowed (≤5 μm). Moreover, cell nucleus was shrunk showing packed DNA on lines narrower than the nuclear dimensions in a mechanisms intimately associated with the stress fibers. This platform allows the detailed study of escapes and migratory transitions of cohesive cells, which are relevant processes in development and during diseases such as organ fibrosis and carcinomas.

WHAMY is a novel actin polymerase promoting myoblast fusion, macrophage cell motility and sensory organ development in Drosophila

Wiskott-Aldrich syndrome proteins (WASPs) are nucleation-promoting factors (NPF) that differentially control the Arp2/3 complex. In Drosophila, three different family members, SCAR (also known as WAVE), WASP and WASH (also known as CG13176), have been analyzed so far. Here, we characterized WHAMY, the fourth Drosophila WASP family member. whamy originated from a wasp gene duplication and underwent a sub-neofunctionalization. Unlike WASP, we found that WHAMY specifically interacted with activated Rac1 through its two CRIB domains, which were sufficient for targeting WHAMY to lamellipodial and filopodial tips. Biochemical analyses showed that WHAMY promoted exceptionally fast actin filament elongation, although it did not activate the Arp2/3 complex. Loss- and gain-of-function studies revealed an important function of WHAMY in membrane protrusions and cell migration in macrophages. Genetic data further implied synergistic functions between WHAMY and WASP during morphogenesis. Double mutants were late-embryonic lethal and showed severe defects in myoblast fusion. Trans-heterozygous mutant animals showed strongly increased defects in sensory cell fate specification. Thus, WHAMY is a novel actin polymerase with an initial partitioning of ancestral WASP functions in development and subsequent acquisition of a new function in cell motility during evolution.

Aberrant expression of Arpin in human breast cancer and its clinical significance

Arpin (Arp2/3 complex inhibitor), a novel protein found in 2013, plays a pivotal role in cell motility and migration. However, the precise role of Arpin in cancer is unclear. This study investigated the expression of Arpin in breast cancer and evaluated its correlation with the characteristics of clinical pathology and prognosis of breast cancer patients. Immunohistochemistry (IHC) for Arpin protein was performed on formalin‐fixed, paraffin‐embedded 176 breast cancer tissues and 43 normal breast tissues while qRT‐PCR for Arpin mRNA with 104 paired tumour and paratumoural tissues from breast cancer patients respectively. The association of Arpin expression with clinical pathological features and survival was assessed in a retrospective cohort analysis of patients. The results showed that the expression of Arpin protein in cancer tissues was lower compared to that in normal breast and the expression of Arpin mRNA was also lower in cancer tissues than that in the matched paratumoural tissues. Among the 176 breast cancer patients, the lower expression of Arpin was significantly associated with advanced tumour, nodes and metastasis system stage, and the reduced Arpin expression was strongly associated with axillary lymph node metastasis using univariate and multivariate logistic regression analysis [odds ratio: 3.242; 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.526, 6.888; P < 0.05]. Furthermore, Arpin expression was an independent risk factor for recurrence‐free survival (HR: 0.373; 95% CI: 0.171, 0.813; P < 0.05). As Arpin expression was first examined in human breast cancer tissues with qRT‐PCR and IHC, our results suggest that Arpin downregulation may contribute to the initiation and development of breast cancer metastasis. Therefore, as a potential predictive marker, Arpin deserves future studies.

Shape control of lipid bilayer membranes by confined actin bundles

In living cells, lipid membranes and biopolymers determine each other's conformation in a delicate force balance. Cellular polymers such as actin filaments are strongly confined by the plasma membrane in cell protrusions such as lamellipodia and filopodia. Conversely, protrusion formation is facilitated by actin-driven membrane deformation and these protrusions are maintained by dense actin networks or bundles of actin filaments. Here we investigate the mechanical interplay between actin bundles and lipid bilayer membranes by reconstituting a minimal model system based on cell-sized liposomes with encapsulated actin filaments bundled by fascin. To address the competition between the deformability of the membrane and the enclosed actin bundles, we tune the bundle stiffness (through the fascin-to-actin molar ratio) and the membrane rigidity (through protein decoration). Using confocal microscopy and quantitative image analysis, we show that actin bundles deform the liposomes into a rich set of morphologies. For liposomes having a small membrane bending rigidity, the actin bundles tend to generate finger-like membrane protrusions that resemble cellular filopodia. Stiffer bundles formed at high crosslink density stay straight in the liposome body, whereas softer bundles formed at low crosslink density are bent and kinked. When the membrane has a large bending rigidity, membrane protrusions are suppressed. In this case, membrane enclosure forces the actin bundles to organize into cortical rings, to minimize the energy cost associated with filament bending. Our results highlight the importance of taking into account mechanical interactions between the actin cytoskeleton and the membrane to understand cell shape control.

Distinct predictive performance of Rac1 and Cdc42 in cell migration

We propose a new computation-based approach for elucidating how signaling molecules are decoded in cell migration. In this approach, we performed FRET time-lapse imaging of Rac1 and Cdc42, members of Rho GTPases which are responsible for cell motility, and quantitatively identified the response functions that describe the conversion from the molecular activities to the morphological changes. Based on the identified response functions, we clarified the profiles of how the morphology spatiotemporally changes in response to local and transient activation of Rac1 and Cdc42, and found that Rac1 and Cdc42 activation triggers laterally propagating membrane protrusion. The response functions were also endowed with property of differentiator, which is beneficial for maintaining sensitivity under adaptation to the mean level of input. Using the response function, we could predict the morphological change from molecular activity, and its predictive performance provides a new quantitative measure of how much the Rho GTPases participate in the cell migration. Interestingly, we discovered distinct predictive performance of Rac1 and Cdc42 depending on the migration modes, indicating that Rac1 and Cdc42 contribute to persistent and random migration, respectively. Thus, our proposed predictive approach enabled us to uncover the hidden information processing rules of Rho GTPases in the cell migration.

Integration of linear and dendritic actin nucleation in Nck-induced actin comets

The role of the Nck adaptor protein in balancing linear versus branched actin nucleation in comet tails is evaluated. Nck recruits both linear and branched nucleation-promoting factors, both of which are necessary for the formation of actin comets. The findings highlight a novel role for Nck in pathogen-like actin motility.

The Nck adaptor protein recruits cytosolic effectors such as N-WASP that induce localized actin polymerization. Experimental aggregation of Nck SH3 domains at the membrane induces actin comet tails—dynamic, elongated filamentous actin structures similar to those that drive the movement of microbial pathogens such as vaccinia virus. Here we show that experimental manipulation of the balance between unbranched/branched nucleation altered the morphology and dynamics of Nck-induced actin comets. Inhibition of linear, formin-based nucleation with the small-molecule inhibitor SMIFH2 or overexpression of the formin FH1 domain resulted in formation of predominantly circular-shaped actin structures with low mobility (actin blobs). These results indicate that formin-based linear actin polymerization is critical for the formation and maintenance of Nck-dependent actin comet tails. Consistent with this, aggregation of an exclusively branched nucleation-promoting factor (the VCA domain of N-WASP), with density and turnover similar to those of N-WASP in Nck comets, did not reconstitute dynamic, elongated actin comets. Furthermore, enhancement of branched Arp2/3-mediated nucleation by N-WASP overexpression caused loss of the typical actin comet tail shape induced by Nck aggregation. Thus the ratio of linear to dendritic nucleation activity may serve to distinguish the properties of actin structures induced by various viral and bacterial pathogens.

SCARN a Novel Class of SCAR Protein That Is Required for Root-Hair Infection during Legume Nodulation

Rhizobial infection of legume root hairs requires a rearrangement of the actin cytoskeleton to enable the establishment of plant-made infection structures called infection threads. In the SCAR/WAVE (Suppressor of cAMP receptor defect/WASP family verpolin homologous protein) actin regulatory complex, the conserved N-terminal domains of SCAR proteins interact with other components of the SCAR/WAVE complex. The conserved C-terminal domains of SCAR proteins bind to and activate the actin-related protein 2/3 (ARP2/3) complex, which can bind to actin filaments catalyzing new actin filament formation by nucleating actin branching. We have identified, SCARN (SCAR-Nodulation), a gene required for root hair infection of Lotus japonicus by Mesorhizobium loti. Although the SCARN protein is related to Arabidopsis thaliana SCAR2 and SCAR4, it belongs to a distinct legume-sub clade. We identified other SCARN-like proteins in legumes and phylogeny analyses suggested that SCARN may have arisen from a gene duplication and acquired specialized functions in root nodule symbiosis. Mutation of SCARN reduced formation of infection-threads and their extension into the root cortex and slightly reduced root-hair length. Surprisingly two of the scarn mutants showed constitutive branching of root hairs in uninoculated plants. However we observed no effect of scarn mutations on trichome development or on the early actin cytoskeletal accumulation that is normally seen in root hair tips shortly after M. loti inoculation, distinguishing them from other symbiosis mutations affecting actin nucleation. The C-terminal domain of SCARN binds to ARPC3 and ectopic expression of the N-terminal SCAR-homology domain (but not the full length protein) inhibited nodulation. In addition, we found that SCARN expression is enhanced by M. loti in epidermal cells and that this is directly regulated by the NODULE INCEPTION (NIN) transcription factor.

Characterization of Lotus japonicus mutants defective for nodule infection by rhizobia led to the identification of a gene we named SCARN. Two of the five alleles caused formation of branched root-hairs in uninoculated seedlings, suggesting SCARN plays a role in the microtubule and actin-regulated polar growth of root hairs. SCARN is one of three L. japonicus proteins containing the conserved N and C terminal domains predicted to be required for rearrangement of the actin cytoskeleton. SCARN expression is induced in response to rhizobial nodulation factors by the NIN (NODULE INCEPTION) transcription factor and appears to be adapted to promoting rhizobial infection, possibly arising from a gene duplication event. SCARN binds to ARPC3, one of the predicted components in the actin-related protein complex involved in the activation of actin nucleation.

Quantifying Modes of 3D Cell Migration

Although it is widely appreciated that cells migrate in a variety of diverse environments in vivo, we are only now beginning to use experimental workflows that yield images with sufficient spatiotemporal resolution to study the molecular processes governing cell migration in 3D environments. Since cell migration is a dynamic process, it is usually studied via microscopy, but 3D movies of 3D processes are difficult to interpret by visual inspection. In this review, we discuss the technologies required to study the diversity of 3D cell migration modes with a focus on the visualization and computational analysis tools needed to study cell migration quantitatively at a level comparable to the analyses performed today on cells crawling on flat substrates.

Stonin1 mediates endocytosis of the proteoglycan NG2 and regulates focal adhesion dynamics and cell motility

Cellular functions, ranging from focal adhesion (FA) dynamics and cell motility to tumour growth, are orchestrated by signals cells receive from outside via cell surface receptors. Signalling is fine-tuned by the exo–endocytic cycling of these receptors to control cellular responses such as FA dynamics, which determine cell motility. How precisely endocytosis regulates turnover of the various cell surface receptors remains unclear. Here we identify Stonin1, an endocytic adaptor of unknown function, as a regulator of FA dynamics and cell motility, and demonstrate that it facilitates the internalization of the oncogenic proteoglycan NG2, a co-receptor of integrins and platelet-derived growth factor receptor. Embryonic fibroblasts obtained from Stonin1-deficient mice display a marked surface accumulation of NG2, increased cellular signalling and defective FA disassembly as well as altered cellular motility. These data establish Stonin1 as a specific adaptor for the endocytosis of NG2 and as an important factor for FA dynamics and cell migration.

Signalling is often fine-tuned by the exo-endocytic cycling of cell surface receptors. Here, the authors show that the endocytic adaptor protein Stonin1 is important for the endocytosis of NG2, a co-receptor for extracellular matrix and growth factors, and that loss of Stonin1 alters cell motility.

Rho GTPase signalling in cell migration

Cells migrate in multiple different ways depending on their environment, which includes the extracellular matrix composition, interactions with other cells, and chemical stimuli. For all types of cell migration, Rho GTPases play a central role, although the relative contribution of each Rho GTPase depends on the environment and cell type. Here, I review recent advances in our understanding of how Rho GTPases contribute to different types of migration, comparing lamellipodium-driven versus bleb-driven migration modes. I also describe how cells migrate across the endothelium. In addition to Rho, Rac and Cdc42, which are well known to regulate migration, I discuss the roles of other less-well characterized members of the Rho family.

The mechanisms of spatial and temporal patterning of cell-edge dynamics

Adherent cells migrate and change their shape by means of protrusion and retraction at their edges. When and where these activities occur defines the shape of the cell and the way it moves. Despite a great deal of knowledge about the structural organization, components, and biochemical reactions involved in protrusion and retraction, the origins of their spatial and temporal patterns are still poorly understood. Chemical signaling circuitry is believed to be an important source of patterning, but recent studies highlighted mechanisms based on physical forces, motion, and mechanical feedback.

Overexpression of adenylate cyclase-associated protein 2 is a novel prognostic marker in malignant melanoma

Malignant melanoma is one of the lethal malignant tumors worldwide. Previously we reported that adenylate cyclase-associated protein 2 (CAP2), which is a well-conserved actin regulator, was overexpressed in hepatocellular carcinoma; however, CAP2 expression in other clinical cancers remains unclear. The aim of the current study was to clarify the clinicopathological significance of CAP2 overexpression in malignant melanoma. Immunohistochemical analyses revealed that many melanoma cells exhibited diffuse cytoplasmic expression of CAP2, whereas no normal melanocytes showed detectable immunostaining for CAP2. A high level of CAP2 expression was seen in 14 of 50 melanomas and was significantly correlated with greater tumor thickness and nodular melanoma subtypes. In addition, a high level of CAP2 expression was associated with poor overall survival in univariate and multivariate analyses. For 13 patients, samples of primary and metastatic melanoma tissue were available: four patients exhibited higher levels of CAP2 expression in metastatic tumor compared to the primary site, whereas no patient showed lower levels of CAP2 expression in metastatic melanomas. Our findings show that CAP2 overexpression is a novel prognostic marker in malignant melanoma and that CAP2 expression seems to increase stepwise during tumor progression, suggesting the involvement of CAP2 in the aggressive behavior of malignant melanoma.

Rho GTPase signalling in cell migration

Cells migrate in multiple different ways depending on their environment, which includes the extracellular matrix composition, interactions with other cells, and chemical stimuli. For all types of cell migration, Rho GTPases play a central role, although the relative contribution of each Rho GTPase depends on the environment and cell type. Here, I review recent advances in our understanding of how Rho GTPases contribute to different types of migration, comparing lamellipodium-driven versus bleb-driven migration modes. I also describe how cells migrate across the endothelium. In addition to Rho, Rac and Cdc42, which are well known to regulate migration, I discuss the roles of other less-well characterized members of the Rho family.