Actin polymerization: Where the WASP stings

WASp Is Crucial for the Unique Architecture of the Immunological Synapse in Germinal Center B-Cells

B-cells undergo somatic hypermutation and affinity maturation in germinal centers. Somatic hypermutated germinal center B-cells (GCBs) compete to engage with and capture antigens on follicular dendritic cells. Recent studies show that when encountering membrane antigens, GCBs generate actin-rich pod-like structures with B-cell receptor (BCR) microclusters to facilitate affinity discrimination. While deficiencies in actin regulators, including the Wiskott-Aldrich syndrome protein (WASp), cause B-cell affinity maturation defects, the mechanism by which actin regulates BCR signaling in GBCs is not fully understood. Using WASp knockout (WKO) mice that express Lifeact-GFP and live-cell total internal reflection fluorescence imaging, this study examined the role of WASp-mediated branched actin polymerization in the GCB immunological synapse. After rapid spreading on antigen-coated planar lipid bilayers, GCBs formed microclusters of phosphorylated BCRs and proximal signaling molecules at the center and the outer edge of the contact zone. The centralized signaling clusters localized at actin-rich GCB membrane protrusions. WKO reduced the centralized micro-signaling clusters by decreasing the number and stability of F-actin foci supporting GCB membrane protrusions. The actin structures that support the spreading membrane also appeared less frequently and regularly in WKO than in WT GCBs, which led to reductions in both the level and rate of GCB spreading and antigen gathering. Our results reveal essential roles for WASp in the generation and maintenance of unique structures for GCB immunological synapses.

PGE2 mediates cytoskeletal rearrangement of hemocytes via Cdc42, a small G protein, to activate actin-remodeling factors in Spodoptera exigua (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae)

Prostaglandin E₂ (PGE₂ ) mediates cellular immune responses in insects by stimulating hemocyte-spreading behavior that is driven by actin remodeling to form filopodial or lamellipodial cytoplasmic extensions. In Spodoptera exigua (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae), Cdc42, a small G protein, played a crucial role in mediating PGE₂ signal on hemocyte-spreading behavior. Hemocyte-spreading behavior requires actin cytoskeletal rearrangement. A plethora of actin-related proteins have been predicted to have functional links with Cdc42. Here, we selected four actin-associated genes (Actin-related protein 2 [Arp2], Profilin, Cofilin, and Fascin) and evaluated their influences on cytoskeletal rearrangement in S. exigua. Bioinformatic analysis confirmed their gene identities. Transcript analysis using reverse-transcription polymerase chain reaction indicated that all four actin-associated genes were expressed in most developmental stages, showing high expression levels in larval hemocytes. RNA interference (RNAi) against these genes was performed by injecting double-stranded RNA (dsRNA) to hemocoel. Under RNAi condition, the hemocyte-spreading behavior was significantly impaired except for dsRNA treatment against Cofilin, an actin-depolymerizing factor. Alteration of cytoskeletal rearrangement appeared to vary after different RNAi treatments. RNAi against Arp2 markedly suppressed lamellipodial extension while RNAi against Profilin or Fascin adversely influenced filopodial extension. RNAi of these actin-associated factors prevented cellular immune responses measured by nodule formation against bacterial challenge. Under RNAi conditions, addition of PGE₂ did not well induce hemocyte-spreading behavior, suggesting that these actin-associated factors might act downstream of the hormone signaling pathway. These results suggest that PGE₂ can mediate hemocyte-spreading behavior via Cdc42 to activate downstream actin polymerization/branching/bundling factors, thus inducing actin cytoskeletal rearrangement.

Evidence for two CRIB domains in phospholipase D2 (PLD2) that the enzyme uses to specifically bind to the small GTPase Rac2

Phospholipase D (PLD) and small GTPases are vital to cell signaling. We report that the Rac2 and the PLD2 isoforms exist in the cell as a lipase-GTPase complex that enables the two proteins to elicit their respective functionalities. A strong association between the two molecules was demonstrated by co-immunoprecipitation and was confirmed in living cells by FRET with CFP-Rac2 and YFP-PLD2 fluorescent chimeras. We have identified the amino acids in PLD2 that define a specific binding site to Rac2. This site is composed of two CRIB (Cdc42-and Rac-interactive binding) motifs that we have named "CRIB-1" and "CRIB-2" in and around the PH domain in PLD2. Deletion mutants PLD2-ΔCRIB-1/2 negate co-immunoprecipitation with Rac2 and diminish the FRET signal in living cells. The PLD2-Rac2 association was further confirmed in vitro using affinity-purified recombinant proteins. Binding was saturable with an apparent K(d) of 3 nm and was diminished with PLD2-ΔCRIB mutants. Furthermore, PLD2 bound more efficiently to Rac2-GTP than to Rac2-GDP or to a GDP-constitutive Rac2-N17 mutant. Increasing concentrations of recombinant Rac2 in vitro and in vivo during cell adhesion inhibit PLD2. Conversely, Rac2 activity is increased in the presence of PLD2-WT but not in PLD2-ΔCRIB. We propose that in activated cells PLD2 affects Rac2 in an initial positive feedback, but as Rac2-GTP accumulates in the cell, this constitutes a "termination signal" leading to PLD2 inactivation.

Fluid shear stress-induced JNK activity leads to actin remodeling for cell alignment

Fluid shear stress (FSS) exerted on endothelial cell (EC) surfaces induces actin cytoskeleton remodeling through mechanotransduction. This study was designed to determine whether FSS activates Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK), to examine the spatial and temporal distribution of active JNK relative to the actin cytoskeleton in ECs exposed to different FSS conditions, and to evaluate the effects of active JNK on actin realignment. Exposure to 15 and 20 dyn/cm(2) FSS induced higher activity levels of JNK than the lower 2 and 4 dyn/cm(2) flow conditions. At the higher FSS treatments, JNK activity increased with increasing exposure time, peaking 30 min after flow onset with an eightfold activity increase compared to cells in static culture. FSS-induced phospho-JNK co-localized with actin filaments at cell peripheries, as well as with stress fibers. Pharmacologically blocking JNK activity altered FSS-induced actin structure and distribution as a response to FSS. Our results indicate that FSS-induced actin remodeling occurs in three phases, and that JNK plays a role in at least one, suggesting that this kinase activity is involved in mechanotransduction from the apical surface to the actin cytoskeleton in ECs.

Regulatory mimicry in Listeria monocytogenes actin-based motility

The actin-based motility of the intracellular pathogen Listeria monocytogenes relies on ActA, a bacterial factor with a structural domain allowing it to mimic the actin nucleation-promoting activity of host cell proteins of the WASP/WAVE family. Here, we used an RNAi-based genetic approach in combination with computer-assisted image analysis to investigate the role of host factors in L. monocytogenes cell-to-cell spread. We showed that the host cell serine/threonine kinase CK2 is required for efficient actin tail formation by L. monocytogenes. Furthermore, CK2-mediated phosphorylation of ActA regulated its affinity for the actin-nucleating ARP2/3 complex, as is the case for CK2-mediated phosphorylation of WASP and WAVE. Thus, ActA not only displays structural mimicry of WASP/WAVE family members, but also regulatory mimicry, having precisely co-opted the host machinery regulating these proteins. Comparisons based on ActA amino acid sequence suggest that unrelated pathogens that display actin-based motility may have evolved a similar strategy of regulatory mimicry.

Cofilin/ADF is required for retinal elongation and morphogenesis of the Drosophila rhabdomere

Drosophila photoreceptors undergo marked changes in their morphology during pupal development. These changes include a five-fold elongation of the retinal cell body and the morphogenesis of the rhabdomere, the light sensing structure of the cell. Here we show that twinstar (tsr), which encodes Drosophila cofilin/ADF (actin-depolymerizing factor), is required for both of these processes. In tsr mutants, the retina is shorter than normal, the result of a lack of retinal elongation. In addition, in a strong tsr mutant, the rhabdomere structure is disorganized and the microvilli are short and occasionally unraveled. In an intermediate tsr mutant, the rhabdomeres are not disorganized but have a wider than normal structure. The adherens junctions connecting photoreceptor cells to each other are also found to be wider than normal. We propose, and provide data supporting, that these wide rhabdomeres and adherens junctions are secondary events caused by the inhibition of retinal elongation. These results provide insight into the functions of the actin cytoskeleton during morphogenesis of the Drosophila eye.

Modeling of granulocyte cytoskeletal responses following fMLP challenging

Formyl peptides released from Gram-negative bacteria ligate a group of specific mammalian receptors, expressed mainly on granulocytes, monocytes, and macrophages. Receptor ligation activates different transduction cascades, eventually leading to the release of reactive oxygen species and other bactericidal chemical species, and the activation of the actin cytoskeleton with extension of lamellipodia and migration toward the sites of maximal formyl peptide concentration. In vitro, under conditions of nongradient formyl peptide concentrations, lamellipodia form all around the cell contour (chemokinesis). In granulocytes challenged under these conditions with N-formyl-methionyl-leucyl-phenylalanine, (i) the power spectrum of the contour of activated cells shows a peak at a specific periodicity, indicating that the lamellipodial extension is not completely random but stochastically conforms to a deterministic scheme, and (ii) the morphological response (percent of cells exhibiting chemokinesis) tends to reach a maximum at certain drug concentrations, then declining at higher concentrations. Accordingly, the logarithm of the drug concentration-polarizing effect curve is bell-shaped. Herein we illustrate theoretical models for the simulation of these two components of the chemokinetic responses. We show that the main traits of the general morphology and arrangement of lamellipodia may be simulated by an algorithm that starting from a situation of random distribution of active receptors on the cell membrane, encompasses in the successive calculation cycles both a local autocatalytic enhancement of the actin polymerization and a relative inhibition of the actin polymerization at some distance from the more active polymerization foci. In addition, a drug log concentration-polarizing effect bell-shaped curve may be simulated by assuming that the N-formyl-methionyl-leucyl-phenylalanine, while binding with high affinity to the specific receptor, is also able to bind to another lower affinity receptor that may effect depolarizing actions or, more generally, metabolic blocking effects. Under these conditions, at low drug concentrations the polarizing effect brought about by the ligation of the specific receptor is largely predominant. However, as the drug concentration increases and the specific receptors approach saturation, the inhibitory effects become more and more powerful and the net polarizing effect is reduced.

M-CSF Regulates the Cytoskeleton via Recruitment of a Multimeric Signaling Complex to c-Fms Tyr-559/697/721

M-CSF is known to induce cytoskeletal reorganization in macrophages and osteoclasts by activation of phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI3K) and c-Src, but the detailed mechanisms remain unclear. We find, unexpectedly, that tyrosine (Tyr) to phenylalanine (Phe) mutation of Tyr-721, the PI3K binding site in the M-CSF receptor c-Fms, fails to suppress cytoskeletal remodeling or actin ring formation. In contrast, mutation of c-Fms Tyr-559 to Phe blocks M-CSF-induced cytoskeletal reorganization by inhibiting formation of a Src Family Kinase SFK.c-Cbl.PI3K complex and the downstream activation of Vav3 and Rac, two key mediators of actin remodeling. Using an add-back approach in which specific Tyr residues are reinserted into c-Fms inactivated by the absence of all seven functionally important Tyr residues, we find that Tyr-559 is necessary but not sufficient to transduce M-CSF-dependent cytoskeletal reorganization. Furthermore, this same add-back approach identifies important roles for Tyr-697 and Tyr-721 in collaborating with Tyr-559 to recruit a multimeric signaling complex that can transduce signals from c-Fms to the actin cytoskeleton.

WASP family proteins act between cytoskeleton and cellular signaling pathways

This review considers the proteins of the WASP (Wiskott-Aldrich syndrome protein) family and their role in the regulation of actin-based motility. It contains detailed classification of the WASP family proteins and data on their subcellular localization. Impairments of expression of the WASP family proteins cause certain cell pathologies. The review also deals with domain organization of these proteins and proteins interacting with various domains of the WASP proteins. Special attention is given to analysis of the role of the WASP family proteins in initiating directed actin assembly in the leading edge of the migrating cell and on the surface of some bacteria. Putative pathways of regulation of WASP proteins by various protein ligands and their links with cell signaling systems are considered.

Actin polymerization in the equatorial and postacrosomal regions of guinea pig spermatozoa during the acrosome reaction is regulated by G proteins

The acrosome reaction (AR) is an exocytotic process of spermatozoa, and an absolute requirement for fertilization. During AR, actin polymerization is necessary in the equatorial and postacrosomal regions of guinea pig sperm for spermatozoa incorporation deep into the egg cytoplasm, but not for plasma membrane (PM) fusion nor the early steps of egg activation. To identify the mechanisms involved in this sperm actin polymerization, we searched for the protein members, known to be involved in a highly conserved model, that may apply to any cellular process in which de novo actin polymerization occurs from G protein activation. WASP, Arp 2/3, profilins I and II, and Cdc42, RhoA and RhoB GTPases were localized by indirect immunofluorescence (IIF) in guinea pig spermatozoa and their presence corroborated by Western blotting. WASP and profilin II were translocated to the postacrosomal region (Arp2/3 already were there) in long-term capacitated and acrosome-reacted spermatozoa, at the same time as actin polymerization occurred. These events were inhibited by GDP-beta-S and promoted by lysophosphatidic acid (LPA) and GTP-gamma-S, a small GTPase inhibitor and two activators, respectively. By immunoprecipitation, Cdc42-WASp association was identified in capacitated but not in noncapacitated gametes. Polymerized actin in the postacrosomal region is apparently anchored both to the postacrosomal perinuclear theca region and the overlying PM. Results suggest that GTPases are involved in sperm actin polymerization, in the postacrosomal region and the mechanism for polymerization might fit a previously proposed model (Mullins, 2000: Curr Opin Cell Biol 12:91-96).

Cdc42-dependent nuclear translocation of non-receptor tyrosine kinase, ACK

Ras signals for the transformation of mammalian cells are apparently transduced through Rho GTPases. The Rho GTPase family member Cdc42 generates independent signals that regulate the rearrangement of the actin cytoskeleton and the transcription of genes. However, the molecular mechanism of signal transduction from Cdc42 to the nucleus remains to be understood. The non-receptor tyrosine kinases ACK-1 and ACK-2 have been found to bind specifically to Cdc42. In this paper we studied whether ACKs transduce Cdc42 signals to the nucleus directly, or through other cytoplasmic proteins. Using immunocytochemistry and Western blot analysis, we found a nuclear localization of ACKs in semi-confluent glioblastoma (U251) cells, as opposed to a cytosolic localization in confluent cells. In agreement with the nuclear localization, a putative nuclear export signal was identified in ACK-1 and ACK-2. Furthermore, the interaction of Cdc42 with ACKs was shown to be essential for the nuclear localization of ACKs. Overexpression of ACK42 (a Cdc42 binding domain of ACK) inhibited cell growth and movement, indicating that Cdc42 signals are transduced to the nucleus through ACKs. This is the first report providing evidence of a novel role for ACKs in transducing Cdc42 signals directly to the nucleus.

Regulation of SPIN90 Phosphorylation and Interaction with Nck by ERK and Cell Adhesion

SPIN90 is a widely expressed Nck-binding protein that contains one Src homology 3 (SH3) domain, three Pro-rich motifs, and a serine/threonine-rich region, and is known to participate in sarcomere assembly during cardiac myocyte differentiation. We used in vitro binding assays and yeast two-hybrid screening analysis to identify Nck, betaPIX, Wiscott-Aldrich syndrome protein (WASP), and ERK1 as SPIN90-binding proteins. It appears that betaPIX, WASP, and SPIN90 form a complex that interacts with Nck in a manner dependent upon cell adhesion to extracellular matrix. The betaPIX.WASP.SPIN90.Nck interaction was abolished in suspended and cytochalasin D-treated cells, but was recovered when cells were replated on fibronectin-coated dishes. The SPIN90.betaPIX.WASP complex was stable, even in suspended cells, suggesting SPIN90 serves as an adaptor molecule to recruit other proteins to Nck at focal adhesions. In addition, we found that overexpression of the SPIN90 SH3 domain or Pro-rich region, respectively, abolished SPIN90.Nck and SPIN90.betaPIX interactions, resulting in detachment of cells from extracellular matrix. SPIN90 was phosphorylated by ERK1, which was, itself, activated by cell adhesion and platelet-derived growth factor. Such phosphorylation of SPIN90 likely promotes the interaction of the SPIN90.betaPIX.WASP complex and Nck. It thus appears that the interaction of the betaPIX.WASP.SPIN90 complex with Nck is crucial for stable cell adhesion and can be dynamically modulated by SPIN90 phosphorylation that is dependent on cell adhesion and ERK activation.

Phagocytosis by neutrophils

Phagocytosis is central to the microbicidal function of neutrophils. Pathogens are initially engulfed into a plasma membrane-derived vacuole, the phagosome, which proceeds to acquire degradative properties by a complex process termed maturation. In this chapter, we discuss the current knowledge of the molecular mechanisms underlying phagosome formation and maturation in neutrophils.

Constitutive JNK activation in NIH 3T3 fibroblasts induces a partially transformed phenotype

The c-Jun N-terminal kinases (JNKs) (also known as stress-activated protein kinases or SAPKs), members of the mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) family, regulate gene expression in response to a variety of physiological and unphysiological stimuli. Gene knockout experiments and the use of dominant interfering mutants have pointed to a role for JNKs in the processes of cell differentiation and survival as well as oncogenic transformation. Direct analysis of the transforming potential of JNKs has been hampered so far by the lack of constitutively active forms of these kinases. Recently, such mutants have become available by fusion of the MAPK with its direct upstream activator kinase. We have generated a constitutively active SAPK beta-MKK7 hybrid protein and, using this constitutively active kinase, we are able to demonstrate the transforming potential of activated JNK, which is weaker than that of classical oncogenes such as Ras or Raf. The inducible expression of SAPK beta-MKK7 caused morphological transformation of NIH 3T3 fibroblasts. Additionally, these cells formed small foci of transformed cells and grew anchorage-independent in soft agar. Furthermore, similar to oncogenic Ras and Raf, the expression of activated SAPK beta resulted in the disassembly of F-actin stress fibers. Our data suggest that constitutive JNK activation elicits major aspects of cellular transformation but is unable to induce the complete set of changes which are required to establish the fully transformed phenotype.

Arp2/3 complex is required for actin polymerization during platelet shape change

Platelets undergo a series of actin-dependent morphologic changes when activated by thrombin receptor activating peptide (TRAP) or when spreading on glass. Polymerization of actin results in the sequential formation of filopodia, lamellipodia, and stress fibers, but the molecular mechanisms regulating this polymerization are unknown. The Arp2/3 complex nucleates actin polymerization in vitro and could perform this function inside cells as well. To test whether Arp2/3 regulated platelet actin polymerization, we used recombinant Arp2 protein (rArp2) to generate Arp2-specific antibodies (alpha Arp2). Intact and Fab fragments of alpha Arp2 inhibited TRAP-stimulated actin-polymerizing activity in platelet extracts as measured by the pyrene assay. Inhibition was reversed by the addition of rArp2 protein. To test the effect of Arp2/3 inhibition on the formation of specific actin structures, we designed a new method to permeabilize resting platelets while preserving their ability to adhere and to form filopodia and lamellipodia on exposure to glass. Inhibition of Arp2/3 froze platelets at the rounded, early stage of activation, before the formation of filopodia and lamellipodia. By morphometric analysis, the proportion of platelets in the rounded stage rose from 2.85% in untreated to 63% after treatment with alpha Arp2. This effect was also seen with Fab fragments and was reversed by the addition of rArp2 protein. By immunofluorescence of platelets at various stages of spreading, the Arp2/3 complex was found in filopodia and lamellipodia. These results suggest that activation of the Arp2/3 complex at the cortex by TRAP stimulation initiates an explosive polymerization of actin filaments that is required for all subsequent actin-dependent events.

Regulation of actin filament network formation through ARP2/3 complex: activation by a diverse array of proteins

Actin filament assembly and turnover drive many forms of cellular motility, particularly extension of the leading edge of locomoting cells and rocketing of pathogenic microorganisms through host cell cytoplasm. De novo nucleation of actin filaments appears to be required for these movements. A complex of seven proteins called Arp2/3 complex is the best characterized cellular initiator of actin filament nucleation. Arp2/3 complex is intrinsically inactive, relying on nucleation promoting factors for activation. WASp/Scar family proteins are prominent cellular nucleation promoting factors. They bring together an actin monomer and Arp2/3 complex in solution or on the side of an existing actin filament to initiate a new filament that grows in the barbed end direction. WASp and N-WASP are intrinsically autoinhibited, and their activity is regulated by Rho-family GTPases such as Cdc42, membrane polyphosphoinositides, WIP/verprolin, and SH3 domain proteins. These interactions provide a final common pathway for many signaling inputs to regulate actin polymerization. Microorganisms either activate Arp2/3 complex directly or usurp N-WASP to initiate actin polymerization.

Power spectral analysis of the shape of fMLP-stimulated granulocytes. A tool for the study of cytoskeletal organization under normal and pathological conditions

fMLP (N-formyl-methionyl-leucyl-phenylalanine) is a powerful activator of granulocytes, eliciting different metabolic responses, such as generation of reactive oxygen species, production of arachidonic acid metabolites, and release of lysosomal enzymes. fMLP determines also a dramatic rearrangement of the actin cytoskeleton; under non-gradient conditions this entails characteristic alterations in cell shape (chemokinesis), while under gradient conditions it is instrumental in promoting cell migration up the gradient (chemotaxis). Here we analyze mathematically the cell contour of fMLP-stimulated human granulocytes stimulated with fMLP under non-gradient conditions, using the methods for study of stochastic series. The cell contours were drawn and divided into 200 segments of equal linear length and the angles between consecutive segments were computed. The derived series of angles were examined for autocorrelations and from the autocorrelation function the power spectrum was calculated. Our results show that the pattern of lamellipodial extensions of the cell membrane is not entirely randomly-designed, but it is partly regulated by deterministic components, as revealed by the presence of statistically significant periodicities. Soon after fMLP stimulation, the power spectrum of the cell contours exhibits a single distinct peak at frequency 0.07, indicating a prevalence of prominent lamellipodia, each one covering in the average 1/15 of the linearized cell contour. Some 30 min after fMLP stimulation the power spectrum becomes flatter (indicating a general decrement of the deterministic component), but still presents one single peak; the latter is shifted to the right (frequency 0.13), indicating the prevalence of less prominent and regular, but more numerous, protrusions, each one covering 1/20 to 1/30 of the cell contour.

Septin ring assembly involves cycles of GTP loading and hydrolysis by Cdc42p

At the beginning of the budding yeast cell cycle, the GTPase Cdc42p promotes the assembly of a ring of septins at the site of future bud emergence. Here, we present an analysis of cdc42 mutants that display specific defects in septin organization, which identifies an important role for GTP hydrolysis by Cdc42p in the assembly of the septin ring. The mutants show defects in basal or stimulated GTP hydrolysis, and the septin misorganization is suppressed by overexpression of a Cdc42p GTPase-activating protein (GAP). Other mutants known to affect GTP hydrolysis by Cdc42p also caused septin misorganization, as did deletion of Cdc42p GAPs. In performing its roles in actin polarization and transcriptional activation, GTP-Cdc42p is thought to function by activating and/or recruiting effectors to the site of polarization. Excess accumulation of GTP-Cdc42p due to a defect in GTP hydrolysis by the septin-specific alleles might cause unphysiological activation of effectors, interfering with septin assembly. However, the recessive and dose-sensitive genetic behavior of the septin-specific cdc42 mutants is inconsistent with the septin defect stemming from a dominant interference of this type. Instead, we suggest that assembly of the septin ring involves repeated cycles of GTP loading and GTP hydrolysis by Cdc42p. These results suggest that a single GTPase, Cdc42p, can act either as a ras-like GTP-dependent "switch" to turn on effectors or as an EF-Tu-like "assembly factor" using the GTPase cycle to assemble a macromolecular structure.

The rat homologue of Wiskott-Aldrich syndrome protein (WASP)-interacting protein (WIP) associates with actin filaments, recruits N-WASP from the nucleus, and mediates mobilization of actin from stress fibers in favor of filopodia formation

We cloned and characterized the rat homologue of the Wiskott-Aldrich syndrome protein (WASP)-interacting protein (WIP). Rat WIP shows 86% amino acid sequence identity to human WIP. Northern analyses revealed two major mRNA species of 5.0 and 3.8 kb, which were ubiquitously expressed, though predominantly in spleen and lung. Minor species of 2.4, 1.8, 1.4, and 1.1 kb were also detected in some tissues and cell lines. Thus, WIP is subject to tissue-specific alternative splicing. WIP bound to N-WASP in vivo, as revealed by co-immunoprecipitation. Expression of WIP in rat fibroblasts revealed a clear co-localization with actin stress fibers. However, expression in tumor cells lacking actin cables did not restore these structures. Interestingly, co-expression of WIP and N-WASP resulted in redistribution of N-WASP, abrogating its dominant nuclear expression and leading to co-localization with WIP in the perinuclear area and with actin in membrane protrusions. Moreover, stress fibers and, concomitantly, the associated WIP were largely dissolved. Very similar effects were seen upon epidermal growth factor stimulation of serum-starved cells. Our results suggest that WIP might be involved in transmitting mitogenic signals to cytoskeletal functions, perhaps by modulating the subcellular localization of N-WASP. Interaction of N-WASP with WIP may in turn lead to mobilization of actin from stress fibers and nucleation of new actin filaments in filopodia.

Pivotal role of VASP in Arp2/3 complex-mediated actin nucleation, actin branch-formation, and Listeria monocytogenes motility

The Listeria monocytogenes ActA protein mediates actin-based motility by recruiting and stimulating the Arp2/3 complex. In vitro, the actin monomer-binding region of ActA is critical for stimulating Arp2/3-dependent actin nucleation; however, this region is dispensable for actin-based motility in cells. Here, we provide genetic and biochemical evidence that vasodilator-stimulated phosphoprotein (VASP) recruitment by ActA can bypass defects in actin monomer-binding. Furthermore, purified VASP enhances the actin-nucleating activity of wild-type ActA and the Arp2/3 complex while also reducing the frequency of actin branch formation. These data suggest that ActA stimulates the Arp2/3 complex by both VASP-dependent and -independent mechanisms that generate distinct populations of actin filaments in the comet tails of L. monocytogenes. The ability of VASP to contribute to actin filament nucleation and to regulate actin filament architecture highlights the central role of VASP in actin-based motility.

Isolation and characterization of effector-loop mutants of CDC42 in yeast

The highly conserved small GTPase Cdc42p is a key regulator of cell polarity and cytoskeletal organization in eukaryotic cells. Multiple effectors of Cdc42p have been identified, although it is unclear how their activities are coordinated to produce particular cell behaviors. One strategy used to address the contributions made by different effector pathways downstream of small GTPases has been the use of "effector-loop" mutants of the GTPase that selectively impair only a subset of effector pathways. We now report the generation and preliminary characterization of a set of effector-loop mutants of Saccharomyces cerevisiae CDC42. These mutants define genetically separable pathways influencing actin or septin organization. We have characterized the phenotypic defects of these mutants and the binding defects of the encoded proteins to known yeast Cdc42p effectors in vitro. The results suggest that these effectors cannot account for the observed phenotypes, and therefore that unknown effectors exist that affect both actin and septin organization. The availability of partial function alleles of CDC42 in a genetically tractable system serves as a useful starting point for genetic approaches to identify such novel effectors.

Intermolecular and intramolecular interactions regulate catalytic activity of myotonic dystrophy kinase-related Cdc42-binding kinase alpha

Myotonic dystrophy kinase-related Cdc42-binding kinase (MRCK) is a Cdc42-binding serine/threonine kinase with multiple functional domains. We had previously shown MRCKalpha to be implicated in Cdc42-mediated peripheral actin formation and neurite outgrowth in HeLa and PC12 cells, respectively. Here we demonstrate that native MRCK exists in high-molecular-weight complexes. We further show that the three independent coiled-coil (CC) domains and the N-terminal region preceding the kinase domain are responsible for intermolecular interactions leading to MRCKalpha multimerization. N terminus-mediated dimerization and consequent transautophosphorylation are critical processes regulating MRCKalpha catalytic activities. A region containing the two distal CC domains (CC2 and CC3; residues 658 to 930) was found to interact intramolecularly with the kinase domain and negatively regulates its activity. Its deletion also resulted in an active kinase, confirming a negative autoregulatory role. We provide evidence that the N terminus-mediated dimerization and activation of MRCK and the negative autoregulatory kinase-distal CC interaction are two mutually exclusive events that tightly regulate the catalytic state of the kinase. Disruption of this interaction by a mutant kinase domain resulted in increased kinase activity. MRCK kinase activity was also elevated when cells were treated with phorbol ester, which can interact directly with a cysteine-rich domain next to the distal CC domain. We therefore suggest that binding of phorbol ester to MRCK releases its autoinhibition, allowing N-terminal dimerization and subsequent kinase activation.

Primary immunodeficiency mutation databases

Primary immunodeficiencies are intrinsic defects of immune systems. Mutations in a large number of cellular functions can lead to impaired immune responses. More than 80 primary immunodeficiencies are known to date. During the last years genes for several of these disorders have been identified. Here, mutation information for 23 genes affected in 14 immunodefects is presented. The proteins produced are employed in widely diverse functions, such as signal transduction, cell surface receptors, nucleotide metabolism, gene diversification, transcription factors, and phagocytosis. Altogether, the genetic defect of 2,140 families has been determined. Diseases with X-chromosomal origin constitute about 70% of all the cases, presumably due to full penetrance and because the single affected allele causes the phenotype. All types of mutations have been identified; missense mutations are the most common mutation type, and truncation is the most common effect on the protein level. Mutational hotspots in many disorders appear in CPG dinucleotides. The mutation data for the majority of diseases are distributed on the Internet with a special database management system, MUTbase. Despite large numbers of mutations, it has not been possible to make genotype-phenotype correlations for many of the diseases.

Stimulation of M3 muscarinic receptors induces phosphorylation of the Cdc42 effector activated Cdc42Hs-associated kinase-1 via a Fyn tyrosine kinase signaling pathway

The tyrosine kinase, activated Cdc42Hs-associated kinase-1 (ACK-1), is a specific effector of the Rho family GTPase Cdc42. GTP-bound Cdc42 has been shown to facilitate neurite outgrowth elicited by activation of muscarinic cholinergic receptors (mAChRs). Because tyrosine kinase activity is a requirement for neuritogenesis in several cell systems, we investigated whether endogenous mAChRs (principally of the M3 subtype) expressed in human SH-SY5Y neuroblastoma cells would signal to ACK-1. Incubation of cells with the cholinergic agonist oxotremorine-M (Oxo-M) induced an approximately 6-fold increase in the tyrosine phosphorylation of ACK-1 which was inhibited by atropine. ACK-1 phosphorylation was blocked by Clostridium difficile toxin B, an inhibitor of Rho family GTPases. In contrast, disruption of the actin cytoskeleton with cytochalasin D stimulated ACK-1 phosphorylation, and moreover, addition of Oxo-M to cells preincubated with this agent elicited a further increase in phosphorylation, indicating that an intact cytoskeleton is not required for mAChR signaling to ACK-1. Although stimulation of M3 mAChRs induces both an increase in intracellular Ca2+ and activation of protein kinase C (PKC), neither of these second messenger pathways was required for receptor-stimulated ACK-1 phosphorylation. Instead, inhibition of PKC resulted in a 2-fold increase in Oxo-M-stimulated ACK-1 phosphorylation, whereas acute activation of PKC with phorbol ester decreased ACK-1 phosphorylation. The agonist-induced tyrosine phosphorylation of ACK-1 was blocked by inhibitors of Src family kinases, and ACK-1 was coprecipitated with Fyn (but not Src) in an agonist-dependent manner. Finally, scrape loading cells with glutathione S-transferase fusion proteins of either the Fyn-SH2 or Fyn-SH3 domain significantly attenuated mAChR-stimulated ACK-1 tyrosine phosphorylation. The data are the first to show phosphorylation of ACK-1 after stimulation of a receptor coupled to neurite outgrowth and indicate that a Rho family GTPase (i.e. Cdc42) and Fyn are essential upstream elements of this signaling pathway.

Small GTP-binding proteins

Small GTP-binding proteins (G proteins) exist in eukaryotes from yeast to human and constitute a superfamily consisting of more than 100 members. This superfamily is structurally classified into at least five families: the Ras, Rho, Rab, Sar1/Arf, and Ran families. They regulate a wide variety of cell functions as biological timers (biotimers) that initiate and terminate specific cell functions and determine the periods of time for the continuation of the specific cell functions. They furthermore play key roles in not only temporal but also spatial determination of specific cell functions. The Ras family regulates gene expression, the Rho family regulates cytoskeletal reorganization and gene expression, the Rab and Sar1/Arf families regulate vesicle trafficking, and the Ran family regulates nucleocytoplasmic transport and microtubule organization. Many upstream regulators and downstream effectors of small G proteins have been isolated, and their modes of activation and action have gradually been elucidated. Cascades and cross-talks of small G proteins have also been clarified. In this review, functions of small G proteins and their modes of activation and action are described.

Two tandem verprolin homology domains are necessary for a strong activation of Arp2/3 complex-induced actin polymerization and induction of microspike formation by N-WASP

All WASP family proteins share a common C terminus that consists of the verprolin homology domain (V), cofilin homology domain (C), and acidic region (A), through which they activate Arp2/3 complex-induced actin polymerization. In this study, we characterized the Arp2/3 complex-mediated actin polymerization activity of VCA fragments of all of the WASP family proteins: WASP, N-WASP, WAVE1, WAVE2, and WAVE3. All of the VCA fragments stimulated the nucleating activity of Arp2/3 complex. Among them, N-WASP VCA, which possesses two tandem V motifs, had a more potent activity than other VCA proteins. The chimeric protein experiments revealed that the V motif was more important to the activation potency than the CA region; two V motifs were required for full activity of N-WASP. COS7 cells overexpressing N-WASP form microspikes in response to epidermal growth factor. However, when a chimeric protein in which the VCA region of N-WASP is replaced with WAVE1 VCA was overexpressed, microspike formation was suppressed. Interestingly, when the N-WASP VCA region was replaced with WAVE1 VCA, having two V motifs, this chimeric protein could induce microspike formation. These results indicate that strong activation of Arp2/3 complex by N-WASP is mainly caused by its two tandem V motifs, which are essential for actin microspike formation.

Cortactin localization to sites of actin assembly in lamellipodia requires interactions with F-actin and the Arp2/3 complex

Cortactin is an actin-binding protein that is enriched within the lamellipodia of motile cells and in neuronal growth cones. Here, we report that cortactin is localized with the actin-related protein (Arp) 2/3 complex at sites of actin polymerization within the lamellipodia. Two distinct sequence motifs of cortactin contribute to its interaction with the cortical actin network: the fourth of six tandem repeats and the amino-terminal acidic region (NTA). Cortactin variants lacking either the fourth tandem repeat or the NTA failed to localize at the cell periphery. Tandem repeat four was necessary for cortactin to stably bind F-actin in vitro. The NTA region interacts directly with the Arp2/3 complex based on affinity chromatography, immunoprecipitation assays, and binding assays using purified components. Cortactin variants containing the NTA region were inefficient at promoting Arp2/3 actin nucleation activity. These data provide strong evidence that cortactin is specifically localized to sites of dynamic cortical actin assembly via simultaneous interaction with F-actin and the Arp2/3 complex. Cortactin interacts via its Src homology 3 (SH3) domain with ZO-1 and the SHANK family of postsynaptic density 95/dlg/ZO-1 homology (PDZ) domain-containing proteins, suggesting that cortactin contributes to the spatial organization of sites of actin polymerization coupled to selected cell surface transmembrane receptor complexes.

Mechanism of N-WASP activation by CDC42 and phosphatidylinositol 4, 5-bisphosphate

Neuronal Wiskott-Aldrich Syndrome protein (N-WASP) transmits signals from Cdc42 to the nucleation of actin filaments by Arp2/3 complex. Although full-length N-WASP is a weak activator of Arp2/3 complex, its activity can be enhanced by upstream regulators such as Cdc42 and PI(4,5)P(2). We dissected this activation reaction and found that the previously described physical interaction between the NH(2)-terminal domain and the COOH-terminal effector domain of N-WASP is a regulatory interaction because it can inhibit the actin nucleation activity of the effector domain by occluding the Arp2/3 binding site. This interaction between the NH(2)- and COOH termini must be intramolecular because in solution N-WASP is a monomer. Phosphatidylinositol 4,5-bisphosphate (PI(4,5)P(2)) influences the activity of N-WASP through a conserved basic sequence element located near the Cdc42 binding site rather than through the WASp homology domain 1. Like Cdc42, PI(4,5)P(2) reduces the affinity between the NH(2)- and COOH termini of the molecule. The use of a mutant N-WASP molecule lacking this basic stretch allowed us to delineate a signaling pathway in Xenopus extracts leading from PI(4, 5)P(2) to actin nucleation through Cdc42, N-WASP, and Arp2/3 complex. In this pathway, PI(4,5)P(2) serves two functions: first, as an activator of N-WASP; and second, as an indirect activator of Cdc42.

Mutations of arginine residues within the 146-KKRRK-150 motif of the ActA protein of Listeria monocytogenes abolish intracellular motility by interfering with the recruitment of the Arp2/3 complex

The recruitment of actin to the surface of intracellular Listeria monocytogenes and subsequent tail formation is dependent on the expression of the bacterial surface protein ActA. Of the different functional domains of ActA identified thus far, the N-terminal region is absolutely required for actin filament recruitment and intracellular motility. Mutational analysis of this domain which abolished actin recruitment by intracellular Listeria monocytogenes identified two arginine residues within the 146-KKRRK-150 motif that are essential for its activity. More specifically, recruitment of the Arp2/3 complex to the bacterial surface, as assessed by immunofluorescence staining with antibodies raised against the p21-Arc protein, was not obtained in these mutants. Consistently, treatment of infected cells with latrunculin B, which abrogated actin filament formation, did not affect association of ActA with p21-Arc at the bacterial surface. Thus, the initial recruitment of the Arp2/3 complex to the bacterial surface is independent of, and precedes, actin polymerisation. Our data suggest that binding of the Arp2/3 complex is mediated by specific interactions dependent on arginine residues within the 146-KKRRK-150 motif present in ActA.

Profilin is required for sustaining efficient intra- and intercellular spreading of Shigella flexneri

The ability of Shigella to mediate actin-based motility within the host cell is a prominent pathogenic feature of bacillary dysentery. The ability is dependent on the interaction of VirG with neural Wiskott-Aldrich syndrome protein (N-WASP), which in turn mediates recruitment of Arp2/3 complex and several actin-related proteins. In the present study, we show that profilin I is essential to the rapid movement of Shigella in epithelial cells, for which the capacity of profilin to interact with G-actin and N-WASP is critical. In COS-7 cells overexpressing either mutated profilin H119E, which failed to bind G-actin, or H133S, which is unable to interact with poly-l-proline, Shigella motility was significantly inhibited. Similarly, depletion of profilin from Xenopus egg extracts resulted in a decrease in bacterial motility that was completely rescued by adding back profilin I but not H119E or H133S. In COS-7 cells overexpressing a N-WASP mutant lacking the proline-rich domain (Deltap) unable to interact with profilin, the actin tail formation of intracellular Shigella was inhibited. In N-WASP-depleted extracts, addition of Deltap but not full-length N-WASP was unable to restore the bacterial motility. Furthermore, in a plaque formation assay with Madin-Darby canine kidney cell monolayers infected by Shigella, Madin-Darby canine kidney cells stably expressing H119E, H133S, or Deltap reduced the bacterial cell-to-cell spreading. These results indicate that profilin I associated with N-WASP is an essential host factor for sustaining efficient intra- and intercellular spreading of Shigella.

Three regions within ActA promote Arp2/3 complex-mediated actin nucleation and Listeria monocytogenes motility

The Listeria monocytogenes ActA protein induces actin-based motility by enhancing the actin nucleating activity of the host Arp2/3 complex. Using systematic truncation analysis, we identified a 136-residue NH(2)-terminal fragment that was fully active in stimulating nucleation in vitro. Further deletion analysis demonstrated that this fragment contains three regions, which are important for nucleation and share functional and/or limited sequence similarity with host WASP family proteins: an acidic stretch, an actin monomer-binding region, and a cofilin homology sequence. To determine the contribution of each region to actin-based motility, we compared the biochemical activities of ActA derivatives with the phenotypes of corresponding mutant bacteria in cells. The acidic stretch functions to increase the efficiency of actin nucleation, the rate and frequency of motility, and the effectiveness of cell-cell spread. The monomer-binding region is required for actin nucleation in vitro, but not for actin polymerization or motility in infected cells, suggesting that redundant mechanisms may exist to recruit monomer in host cytosol. The cofilin homology sequence is critical for stimulating actin nucleation with the Arp2/3 complex in vitro, and is essential for actin polymerization and motility in cells. These data demonstrate that each region contributes to actin-based motility, and that the cofilin homology sequence plays a principal role in activation of the Arp2/3 complex, and is an essential determinant of L. monocytogenes pathogenesis.

GRB2 links signaling to actin assembly by enhancing interaction of neural Wiskott-Aldrich syndrome protein (N-WASp) with actin-related protein (ARP2/3) complex

Proteins of the Wiskott-Aldrich Syndrome protein (WASp) family connect signaling pathways to the actin polymerization-driven cell motility. The ubiquitous homolog of WASp, N-WASp, is a multidomain protein that interacts with the Arp2/3 complex and G-actin via its C-terminal WA domain to stimulate actin polymerization. The activity of N-WASp is enhanced by the binding of effectors like Cdc42-guanosine 5'-3-O-(thio)triphosphate, phosphatidylinositol bisphosphate, or the Shigella IcsA protein. Here we show that the SH3-SH2-SH3 adaptor Grb2 is another activator of N-WASp that stimulates actin polymerization by increasing the amount of N-WASp. Arp2/3 complex. The concentration dependence of N-WASp activity, sedimentation velocity and cross-linking experiments together suggest that N-WASp is subject to self-association, and Grb2 enhances N-WASp activity by binding preferentially to its active monomeric form. Use of peptide inhibitors, mutated Grb2, and isolated SH3 domains demonstrate that the effect of Grb2 is mediated by the interaction of its C-terminal SH3 domain with the proline-rich region of N-WASp. Cdc42 and Grb2 bind simultaneously to N-WASp and enhance actin polymerization synergistically. Grb2 shortens the delay preceding the onset of Escherichia coli (IcsA) actin-based reconstituted movement. These results suggest that Grb2 may activate Arp2/3 complex-mediated actin polymerization downstream from the receptor tyrosine kinase signaling pathway.

Cdc42 is required for PIP(2)-induced actin polymerization and early development but not for cell viability

BACKGROUND

Cdc42 and other Rho GTPases are conserved from yeast to humans and are thought to regulate multiple cellular functions by inducing coordinated changes in actin reorganization and by activating signaling pathways leading to specific gene expression. Direct evidence implicating upstream signals and components that regulate Cdc42 activity or for required roles of Cdc42 in activation of downstream protein kinase signaling cascades is minimal, however. Also, whereas genetic analyses have shown that Cdc42 is essential for cell viability in yeast, its potential roles in the growth and development of mammalian cells have not been directly assessed.

RESULTS

To elucidate potential functions of Cdc42 mammalian cells, we used gene-targeted mutation to inactivate Cdc42 in mouse embryonic stem (ES) cells and in the mouse germline. Surprisingly, Cdc42-deficient ES cells exhibited normal proliferation and phosphorylation of mitogen- and stress-activated protein kinases. Yet Cdc42 deficiency caused very early embryonic lethality in mice and led to aberrant actin cytoskeletal organization in ES cells. Moreover, extracts from Cdc42-deficient cells failed to support phosphatidylinositol 4,5-bisphosphate (PIP(2))-induced actin polymerization.

CONCLUSIONS

Our studies clearly demonstrate that Cdc42 mediates PIP(2)-induced actin assembly, and document a critical and unique role for Cdc42 in this process. Moreover, we conclude that, unexpectedly, Cdc42 is not necessary for viability or proliferation of mammalian early embryonic cells. Cdc42 is, however, absolutely required for early mammalian development.

Actin-based motility of pathogens: the Arp2/3 complex is a central player

Bacterial actin-based motility has provided cell biologists with tools that led to the recent discovery that, in many forms of actin-based motilities, a key player is a protein complex named the Arp2/3 complex. The Arp2/3 complex is evolutionally conserved and made up of seven polypeptides involved in both actin filament nucleation and organization. Interestingly, this complex is inactive by itself and recent work has highlighted the fact that its activation is achieved differently in the different types of actin-based motilities, including the well-known examples of Listeria and Shigella motilities. Proteins of the WASP family and small G-proteins are involved in most cases. It is interesting that bacteria bypass or mimic some of the events occurring in eukaryotic systems. The Shigella protein IcsA recruits N-WASP and activates it in a Cdc42-like fashion. This activation leads to Arp2/3 complex recruitment, activation of the complex and ultimately actin polymerization and movement. The Listeria ActA protein activates Arp2/3 directly and, thus, seems to mimic proteins of the WASP family. A breakthrough in the field is the recent reconstitution of the actin-based motilities of Listeria and N-WASP-coated E. coli (IcsA) using a restricted number of purified cellular proteins including F-actin, the Arp2/3 complex, actin depolymerizing factor (ADF or cofilin) and capping protein. The movement was more effective upon addition of profilin, alpha-actinin and VASP (for Listeria). Bacterial actin-based motility is now one of the best-documented examples of the exploitation of mammalian cell machineries by bacterial pathogens.

Accumulation of profilin II at the surface of Listeria is concomitant with the onset of motility and correlates with bacterial speed

The spatial and temporal activity of the actin cytoskeleton is precisely regulated during cell motility by several microfilament-associated proteins of which profilin plays an essential role. We have analysed the distribution of green fluorescent protein (GFP)-tagged profilins in cultured and in Listeria-infected cells. Among the different GFP-profilin fusion proteins studied, only the construct in which the GFP moiety was fused to the carboxy terminus of profilin II (profilin II-GFP) was recruited by intracellular Listeria. The in vitro ligand-binding properties of this construct, e.g. the binding to monomeric actin, poly-L-proline and phosphatidylinositol 4,5-bisphosphate (PIP2), were unaffected by GFP. Profilin II-GFP co-localised with vinculin and Mena to the focal adhesions in REF-52 fibroblasts and was distributed as a thin line at the front of protruding lamellipodia in B16-F1 mouse melanoma cells. In Listeria-infected cells, profilin II-GFP was recruited, in an asymmetric fashion, to the surface of Listeria at the onset of motility whereas it was not detectable on non-motile bacteria. In contrast to the vasodilator-stimulated phosphoprotein (VASP), profilin II-GFP localised at the bacterial surface only on motile Listeria. Moreover, the fluorescence intensity of profilin II-GFP directly correlated with the speed of the bacteria. Thus, the use of GFP-tagged profilin II provides new insights into the role of profilins in cellular motility.

The p150-Spir protein provides a link between c-Jun N-terminal kinase function and actin reorganization

The Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK) is a downstream effector of Rac and Cdc42 GTPases involved in actin reorganization [1-3]. A role of the Drosophila JNK homologue, Basket (DJNK/Bsk), in the regulation of cell shape changes and actin reorganization arises from its function in the process of dorsal closure [4-6]. One potential mechanism for induction of cytoskeletal changes by JNK is via transcriptional activation of the decapentaplegic gene (dpp, a member of the TGFbeta superfamily) [6]. A direct link between JNK signalling and actin organization has not yet been found, however. We have identified a novel DJNK-interacting protein, p150-Spir, that belongs to the Wiscott-Aldrich syndrome protein (WASP) homology domain 2 (WH2) family of proteins involved in actin reorganization [7] [8]. It is a multidomain protein with a cluster of four WH2 domains, a modified FYVE zinc-finger motif [9], and a DEJL motif, a docking site for JNK [10], at its carboxy-terminal end. In mouse fibroblasts, p150-Spir colocalized with F-actin and its overexpression induced clustering of filamentous actin around the nucleus. When coexpressed with p150-Spir in NIH 3T3 cells, JNK translocated to and colocalizes with p150-Spir at discrete spots around the nucleus. Carboxy-terminal sequences of p150-Spir were phosphorylated by JNK both in vitro and in vivo. We conclude that p150-Spir is a downstream target of JNK function and provides a direct link between JNK and actin organization.

Autoinhibition and activation mechanisms of the Wiskott-Aldrich syndrome protein

The Rho-family GTPase, Cdc42, can regulate the actin cytoskeleton through activation of Wiskott-Aldrich syndrome protein (WASP) family members. Activation relieves an autoinhibitory contact between the GTPase-binding domain and the carboxy-terminal region of WASP proteins. Here we report the autoinhibited structure of the GTPase-binding domain of WASP, which can be induced by the C-terminal region or by organic co-solvents. In the autoinhibited complex, intramolecular interactions with the GTPase-binding domain occlude residues of the C terminus that regulate the Arp2/3 actin-nucleating complex. Binding of Cdc42 to the GTPase-binding domain causes a dramatic conformational change, resulting in disruption of the hydrophobic core and release of the C terminus, enabling its interaction with the actin regulatory machinery. These data show that 'intrinsically unstructured' peptides such as the GTPase-binding domain of WASP can be induced into distinct structural and functional states depending on context.

Polarization of chemoattractant receptor signaling during neutrophil chemotaxis

Morphologic polarity is necessary for chemotaxis of mammalian cells. As a probe of intracellular signals responsible for this asymmetry, the pleckstrin homology domain of the AKT protein kinase (or protein kinase B), tagged with the green fluorescent protein (PHAKT-GFP), was expressed in neutrophils. Upon exposure of cells to chemoattractant, PHAKT-GFP is recruited selectively to membrane at the cell's leading edge, indicating an internal signaling gradient that is much steeper than that of the chemoattractant. Translocation of PHAKT-GFP is inhibited by toxin-B from Clostridium difficile, indicating that it requires activity of one or more Rho guanosine triphosphatases.

Identification of novel, evolutionarily conserved Cdc42p-interacting proteins and of redundant pathways linking Cdc24p and Cdc42p to actin polarization in yeast

In the yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae, Cdc24p functions at least in part as a guanine-nucleotide-exchange factor for the Rho-family GTPase Cdc42p. A genetic screen designed to identify possible additional targets of Cdc24p instead identified two previously known genes, MSB1 and CLA4, and one novel gene, designated MSB3, all of which appear to function in the Cdc24p-Cdc42p pathway. Nonetheless, genetic evidence suggests that Cdc24p may have a function that is distinct from its Cdc42p guanine-nucleotide-exchange factor activity; in particular, overexpression of CDC42 in combination with MSB1 or a truncated CLA4 in cells depleted for Cdc24p allowed polarization of the actin cytoskeleton and polarized cell growth, but not successful cell proliferation. MSB3 has a close homologue (designated MSB4) and two more distant homologues (MDR1 and YPL249C) in S. cerevisiae and also has homologues in Schizosaccharomyces pombe, Drosophila (pollux), and humans (the oncogene tre17). Deletion of either MSB3 or MSB4 alone did not produce any obvious phenotype, and the msb3 msb4 double mutant was viable. However, the double mutant grew slowly and had a partial disorganization of the actin cytoskeleton, but not of the septins, in a fraction of cells that were larger and rounder than normal. Like Cdc42p, both Msb3p and Msb4p localized to the presumptive bud site, the bud tip, and the mother-bud neck, and this localization was Cdc42p dependent. Taken together, the data suggest that Msb3p and Msb4p may function redundantly downstream of Cdc42p, specifically in a pathway leading to actin organization. From previous work, the BNI1, GIC1, and GIC2 gene products also appear to be involved in linking Cdc42p to the actin cytoskeleton. Synthetic lethality and multicopy suppression analyses among these genes, MSB, and MSB4, suggest that the linkage is accomplished by two parallel pathways, one involving Msb3p, Msb4p, and Bni1p, and the other involving Gic1p and Gic2p. The former pathway appears to be more important in diploids and at low temperatures, whereas the latter pathway appears to be more important in haploids and at high temperatures.

Control of actin assembly and disassembly at filament ends

The most important discovery in the field is that the Arp2/3 complex nucleates assembly of actin filaments with free barbed ends. Arp2/3 also binds the sides of actin filaments to create a branched network. Arp2/3's nucleation activity is stimulated by WASP family proteins, some of which mediate signaling from small G-proteins. Listeria movement caused by actin polymerization can be reconstituted in vitro using purified proteins: Arp2/3 complex, capping protein, actin depolymerizing factor/cofilin, and actin. actin depolymerizing factor/cofilin increases the rate at which actin subunits leave pointed ends, and capping protein caps barbed ends.

Activation of the small GTPases, rac and cdc42, after ligation of the platelet PAR-1 receptor

Stimulation of platelet PAR-1 receptors results in the rapid (10 to 30 seconds) and extensive (30% to 40% of total) guanosine triphosphate (GTP) charging of endogenous platelet rac, previously identified as a possible key intermediate in the signal pathway between PAR-1 and actin filament barbed-end uncapping, leading to actin assembly. During PAR-1–mediated platelet activation, rac distributes from the cell interior to the cell periphery, and this reorganization is resistant to the inhibition of PI-3-kinase activity. Rac, in resting or activated platelets, is Triton X-100 soluble, suggesting that it does not form tight complexes with actin cytoskeletal proteins, though its retention in octyl-glucoside-treated platelets and ultrastructural observations of activated platelets implies that rac binds to plasma membranes, where it can interact with phosphoinositide kinases implicated in actin assembly reactions. PAR-1 stimulation also rapidly and extensively activates cdc42, though, in contrast to rac, some cdc42 associates with the actin cytoskeleton in resting platelets, and the bound fraction increases during stimulation. The differences in subcellular distribution and previous evidence showing quantitatively divergent effects of rac and cdc42 on actin nucleation in permeabilized platelets indicate different signaling roles for these GTPases.

A role for myosin-I in actin assembly through interactions with Vrp1p, Bee1p, and the Arp2/3 complex

Type I myosins are highly conserved actin-based molecular motors that localize to the actin-rich cortex and participate in motility functions such as endocytosis, polarized morphogenesis, and cell migration. The COOH-terminal tail of yeast myosin-I proteins, Myo3p and Myo5p, contains an Src homology domain 3 (SH3) followed by an acidic domain. The myosin-I SH3 domain interacted with both Bee1p and Vrp1p, yeast homologues of human WASP and WIP, adapter proteins that link actin assembly and signaling molecules. The myosin-I acidic domain interacted with Arp2/3 complex subunits, Arc40p and Arc19p, and showed both sequence similarity and genetic redundancy with the COOH-terminal acidic domain of Bee1p (Las17p), which controls Arp2/3-mediated actin nucleation. These findings suggest that myosin-I proteins may participate in a diverse set of motility functions through a role in actin assembly.

Actin and phosphoinositide binding by the ActA protein of the bacterial pathogen Listeria monocytogenes

The surface protein ActA of the pathogenic bacterium Listeria monocytogenes induces actin-driven movement of bacteria in the cytoplasm of infected host cells and serves as a model for actin-based motility in general. We generated and purified soluble recombinant fragments of ActA and assessed their ability to interact with the acidic phospholipids phosphatidylinositol 4,5-bisphosphate and phosphatidylinositol 3,4,5-trisphosphate, both implicated in the regulation of actin polymerization. Purified ActA consisted of biologically active, elongated molecules with an alpha-helix and beta-sheet content of 11 and 32%, respectively. In the presence of either phosphatidylinositol 4,5-bisphosphate or phosphatidylinositol 3,4,5-trisphosphate, but not phosphatidylcholine, ActA molecules underwent a structural change that raised the alpha-helix content to 19% and lowered the beta-sheet content to 27%. Co-sedimentation experiments with phosphatidylcholine vesicles containing different acidic phospholipids demonstrated that ActA binds preferentially to D-3 phosphoinositides. The D-3 phosphoinositide binding activity was mapped to a small subregion in the N-terminal domain of ActA. This subregion comprised 19 amino acids and showed homology to cecropins. In addition, we found that amino acids 33 to 74 of ActA mediated actin binding by the whole, folded ActA molecule. These findings shed new light on ActA function.

Progress in protrusion: the tell-tale scar

The crawling movement of a cell involves protrusion of its leading edge, in coordination with the translocation of its cell body, and depends upon a cytoplasmic machinery able to respond to signals from the environment. Protrusion is now understood to be driven by actin polymerization, and signalling from membrane receptors to actin has been shown to be mediated by the Rho family of GTPases. However, a major gap in our understanding of regulated motility has been how to connect the signalling pathway to the motile machinery itself. Recent structural, biochemical and genetic studies have identified some of the missing links and provided a strong working model for the pathways and mechanisms by which the signals are interpreted and implemented.

Activation of the CDC42 effector N-WASP by the Shigella flexneri IcsA protein promotes actin nucleation by Arp2/3 complex and bacterial actin-based motility

To propel itself in infected cells, the pathogen Shigella flexneri subverts the Cdc42-controlled machinery responsible for actin assembly during filopodia formation. Using a combination of bacterial motility assays in platelet extracts with Escherichia coli expressing the Shigella IcsA protein and in vitro analysis of reconstituted systems from purified proteins, we show here that the bacterial protein IcsA binds N-WASP and activates it in a Cdc42-like fashion. Dramatic stimulation of actin assembly is linked to the formation of a ternary IcsA-N-WASP-Arp2/3 complex, which nucleates actin polymerization. The Arp2/3 complex is essential in initiation of actin assembly and Shigella movement, as previously observed for Listeria monocytogenes. Activation of N-WASP by IcsA unmasks two domains acting together in insertional actin polymerization. The isolated COOH-terminal domain of N-WASP containing a verprolin-homology region, a cofilin-homology sequence, and an acidic terminal segment (VCA) interacts with G-actin in a unique profilin-like functional fashion. Hence, when N-WASP is activated, its COOH-terminal domain feeds barbed end growth of filaments and lowers the critical concentration at the bacterial surface. On the other hand, the NH(2)-terminal domain of N-WASP interacts with F-actin, mediating the attachment of the actin tail to the bacterium surface. VASP is not involved in Shigella movement, and the function of profilin does not require its binding to proline-rich regions.

Signal-regulated activation of serum response factor is mediated by changes in actin dynamics

Serum response factor (SRF) regulates transcription of many serum-inducible and muscle-specific genes. Using a functional screen, we identified LIM kinase-1 as a potent activator of SRF. We show that SRF activation by LIM kinase-1 is dependent on its ability to regulate actin treadmilling. LIM kinase activity is not essential for SRF activation by serum, but signals depend on alterations in actin dynamics. Studies with actin-binding drugs, the actin-specific C2 toxin, and actin overexpression demonstrate that G-actin level controls SRF. Regulation of actin dynamics is necessary for serum induction of a subset of SRF target genes, including vinculin, cytoskeletal actin, and srf itself, and also suffices for their activation. Actin treadmilling provides a convergence point for both serum- and LIM kinase-1-induced signaling to SRF.

The interaction between N-WASP and the Arp2/3 complex links Cdc42-dependent signals to actin assembly

Although small GTP-binding proteins of the Rho family have been implicated in signaling to the actin cytoskeleton, the exact nature of the linkage has remained obscure. We describe a novel mechanism that links one Rho family member, Cdc42, to actin polymerization. N-WASP, a ubiquitously expressed Cdc42-interacting protein, is required for Cdc42-stimulated actin polymerization in Xenopus egg extracts. The C terminus of N-WASP binds to the Arp2/3 complex and dramatically stimulates its ability to nucleate actin polymerization. Although full-length N-WASP is less effective, its activity can be greatly enhanced by Cdc42 and phosphatidylinositol (4,5) bisphosphate. Therefore, N-WASP and the Arp2/3 complex comprise a core mechanism that directly connects signal transduction pathways to the stimulation of actin polymerization.