Ena/VASP proteins have an anti-capping independent function in filopodia formation

Mol Biol Cell. 2007 Jul;18(7):2579-91. doi: 10.1091/mbc.e06-11-0990. Epub 2007 May 2.

Abstract

Filopodia have been implicated in a number of diverse cellular processes including growth-cone path finding, wound healing, and metastasis. The Ena/VASP family of proteins has emerged as key to filopodia formation but the exact mechanism for how they function has yet to be fully elucidated. Using cell spreading as a model system in combination with small interfering RNA depletion of Capping Protein, we determined that Ena/VASP proteins have a role beyond anticapping activity in filopodia formation. Analysis of mutant Ena/VASP proteins demonstrated that the entire EVH2 domain was the minimal domain required for filopodia formation. Fluorescent recovery after photobleaching data indicate that Ena/VASP proteins rapidly exchange at the leading edge of lamellipodia, whereas virtually no exchange occurred at filopodial tips. Mutation of the G-actin-binding motif (GAB) partially compromised stabilization of Ena/VASP at filopodia tips. These observations led us to propose a model where the EVH2 domain of Ena/VASP induces and maintains clustering of the barbed ends of actin filaments, which putatively corresponds to a transition from lamellipodial to filopodial localization. Furthermore, the EVH1 domain, together with the GAB motif in the EVH2 domain, helps to maintain Ena/VASP at the growing barbed ends.

Publication types

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

MeSH terms

  • Actin Capping Proteins / metabolism*
  • Actins / metabolism
  • Animals
  • COS Cells
  • Cell Adhesion Molecules / chemistry
  • Cell Adhesion Molecules / metabolism*
  • Cell Line
  • Cell Movement
  • Cell Polarity
  • Chlorocebus aethiops
  • Cytoskeletal Proteins / metabolism
  • Fluorescence Recovery After Photobleaching
  • Humans
  • Mice
  • Microfilament Proteins / chemistry
  • Microfilament Proteins / metabolism*
  • Models, Biological
  • Mutation / genetics
  • Phenotype
  • Phosphoproteins / chemistry
  • Phosphoproteins / metabolism*
  • Phosphorylation
  • Protein Structure, Tertiary
  • Pseudopodia / metabolism*
  • Serine / metabolism

Substances

  • Actin Capping Proteins
  • Actins
  • Cell Adhesion Molecules
  • Cytoskeletal Proteins
  • Enah protein, mouse
  • Microfilament Proteins
  • Phosphoproteins
  • vasodilator-stimulated phosphoprotein
  • Serine