The Rac activator STEF (Tiam2) regulates cell migration by microtubule-mediated focal adhesion disassembly

Rooney, C., White, G., Nazgiewicz, A., Woodcock, S.A., Anderson, K.I., Ballestrem, C. and Malliri, A. (2010) The Rac activator STEF (Tiam2) regulates cell migration by microtubule-mediated focal adhesion disassembly. EMBO Reports, 11(4), pp. 292-298. (doi: 10.1038/embor.2010.10)

Abstract

Focal adhesion (FA) disassembly required for optimal cell migration is mediated by microtubules (MTs); targeting of FAs by MTs coincides with their disassembly. Regrowth of MTs, induced by removal of the MT destabilizer nocodazole, activates the Rho-like GTPase Rac, concomitant with FA disassembly. Here, we show that the Rac guanine nucleotide exchange factor (GEF) Sif and Tiam1-like exchange factor (STEF) is responsible for Rac activation during MT regrowth. Importantly, STEF is required for multiple targeting of FAs by MTs. As a result, FAs in STEF-knockdown cells have a reduced disassembly rate and are consequently enlarged. This leads to reduced speed of migration. Together, these findings suggest a new role for STEF in FA disassembly and cell migration through MT-mediated mechanisms.

• Item Type: Articles
• Status: Published
• Refereed: Yes
• Glasgow Author(s) Enlighten ID: Anderson, Professor Kurt
• Authors: Rooney, C., White, G., Nazgiewicz, A., Woodcock, S.A., Anderson, K.I., Ballestrem, C., and Malliri, A.
• College/School: College of Medical Veterinary and Life Sciences > School of Cancer Sciences
• Journal Name: EMBO Reports
• ISSN: 1469-221X