Identification of erythrocyte p55/MPP1 as a binding partner of NF2 tumor suppressor protein/Merlin

Exp Biol Med (Maywood). 2009 Mar;234(3):255-62. doi: 10.3181/0809-RM-275. Epub 2009 Jan 14.

Abstract

Neurofibromatosis type 2 is an inherited disorder characterized by the development of benign and malignant tumors on the auditory nerves and central nervous system with symptoms including hearing loss, poor balance, skin lesions, and cataracts. Here, we report a novel protein-protein interaction between NF2 protein (merlin or schwannomin) and erythrocyte p55, also designated as MPP1. The p55 is a conserved scaffolding protein with postulated functions in cell shape, hair cell development, and neural patterning of the retina. The FERM domain of NF2 protein binds directly to p55, and surface plasmon resonance analysis indicates a specific interaction with a kD value of 3.7 nM. We developed a specific monoclonal antibody against human erythrocyte p55, and found that both p55 and NF2 proteins are colocalized in the non-myelin-forming Schwann cells. This finding suggests that the p55-NF2 protein interaction may play a functional role in the regulation of apico-basal polarity and tumor suppression pathways in non-erythroid cells.

Publication types

  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, Non-P.H.S.

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Antibodies, Monoclonal / biosynthesis
  • Blood Proteins / chemistry
  • Blood Proteins / metabolism*
  • Humans
  • Immunohistochemistry
  • Membrane Proteins / chemistry
  • Membrane Proteins / metabolism*
  • Mice
  • Myelin Sheath / metabolism
  • Neurofibromin 2 / metabolism*
  • Neurons / metabolism
  • Neurons / pathology
  • Protein Binding
  • Protein Structure, Tertiary
  • Protein Transport
  • Rats
  • Schwann Cells / metabolism
  • Surface Plasmon Resonance

Substances

  • Antibodies, Monoclonal
  • Blood Proteins
  • MPP1 protein, human
  • Membrane Proteins
  • Neurofibromin 2