Requirement for annexin A1 in plasma membrane repair

J Biol Chem. 2006 Nov 17;281(46):35202-7. doi: 10.1074/jbc.M606406200. Epub 2006 Sep 19.

Abstract

Ca2+ entering a cell through a torn or disrupted plasma membrane rapidly triggers a combination of homotypic and exocytotic membrane fusion events. These events serve to erect a reparative membrane patch and then anneal it to the defect site. Annexin A1 is a cytosolic protein that, when activated by micromolar Ca2+, binds to membrane phospholipids, promoting membrane aggregation and fusion. We demonstrate here that an annexin A1 function-blocking antibody, a small peptide competitor, and a dominant-negative annexin A1 mutant protein incapable of Ca2+ binding all inhibit resealing. Moreover, we show that, coincident with a resealing event, annexin A1 becomes concentrated at disruption sites. We propose that Ca2+ entering through a disruption locally induces annexin A1 binding to membranes, initiating emergency fusion events whenever and wherever required.

MeSH terms

  • Annexin A1 / metabolism*
  • Calcium / metabolism
  • Cell Membrane / metabolism*
  • Gene Expression Regulation
  • HeLa Cells
  • Humans
  • Intracellular Membranes
  • Micromanipulation
  • Mutation
  • Protein Transport

Substances

  • Annexin A1
  • Calcium