GxcM-Fbp17/RacC-WASP signaling regulates polarized cortex assembly in migrating cells via Arp2/3

Li, D. et al. (2023) GxcM-Fbp17/RacC-WASP signaling regulates polarized cortex assembly in migrating cells via Arp2/3. Journal of Cell Biology, 222(6), e202208151. (doi: 10.1083/jcb.202208151) (PMID:37010470) (PMCID:PMC10072221)

Abstract

The actin-rich cortex plays a fundamental role in many cellular processes. Its architecture and molecular composition vary across cell types and physiological states. The full complement of actin assembly factors driving cortex formation and how their activities are spatiotemporally regulated remain to be fully elucidated. Using Dictyostelium as a model for polarized and rapidly migrating cells, we show that GxcM, a RhoGEF localized specifically in the rear of migrating cells, functions together with F-BAR protein Fbp17, a small GTPase RacC, and the actin nucleation-promoting factor WASP to coordinately promote Arp2/3 complex-mediated cortical actin assembly. Overactivation of this signaling cascade leads to excessive actin polymerization in the rear cortex, whereas its disruption causes defects in cortical integrity and function. Therefore, apart from its well-defined role in the formation of the protrusions at the cell front, the Arp2/3 complex-based actin carries out a previously unappreciated function in building the rear cortical subcompartment in rapidly migrating cells.

• Item Type: Articles
• Additional Information: This work was supported by grants from the Ministry of Science and Technology of China (2021YFA1300301 to H. Cai), the Strategic Priority Research Program of CAS (XDB37020304 to H. Cai), and the National Natural Science Foundation of China (92254303 and 32170701 to H. Cai, 31872828 and 32270743 to Y. Yang, and 11921002 to B. Li).
• Status: Published
• Refereed: Yes
• Glasgow Author(s) Enlighten ID: Singh, Dr Shashi

Creator Roles

Singh, S.: Investigation

• Authors: Li, D., Yang, Y., Lv, C., Wang, Y., Chao, X., Huang, J., Singh, S. P., Yuan, Y., Zhang, C., Lou, J., Gao, P., Huang, S., Li, B., and Cai, H.
• College/School: College of Medical Veterinary and Life Sciences > School of Infection & Immunity
• Journal Name: Journal of Cell Biology
• Publisher: Rockefeller University Press
• ISSN: 0021-9525
• ISSN (Online): 1540-8140
• Copyright Holders: Copyright © 2023 Li et al.
• First Published: First published in Journal of Cell Biology 22(6):e202208151
• Publisher Policy: Reproduced under a Creative Commons license