Drosophila actin-Capping Protein limits JNK activation by the Src proto-oncogene

Oncogene. 2014 Apr 17;33(16):2027-39. doi: 10.1038/onc.2013.155. Epub 2013 May 6.

Abstract

The Src family kinases c-Src, and its downstream effectors, the Rho family of small GTPases RhoA and Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK) have a significant role in tumorigenesis. In this report, using the Drosophila wing disc epithelium as a model system, we demonstrate that the actin-Capping Protein (CP) αβ heterodimer, which regulates actin filament (F-actin) polymerization, limits Src-induced apoptosis or tissue overgrowth by restricting JNK activation. We show that overexpressing Src64B drives JNK-independent loss of epithelial integrity and JNK-dependent apoptosis via Btk29A, p120ctn and Rho1. However, when cells are kept alive with the Caspase inhibitor P35, JNK acts as a potent inducer of proliferation via activation of the Yorkie oncogene. Reducing CP levels direct apoptosis of overgrowing Src64B-overexpressing tissues. Conversely, overexpressing capping protein inhibits Src64B and Rho1, but not Rac1-induced JNK signaling. CP requires the actin-binding domain of the α-subunit to limit Src64B-induced apoptosis, arguing that the control of F-actin mediates this effect. In turn, JNK directs F-actin accumulation. Moreover, overexpressing capping protein also prevents apoptosis induced by ectopic JNK expression. Our data are consistent with a model in which the control of F-actin by CP limits Src-induced apoptosis or tissue overgrowth by acting downstream of Btk29A, p120ctn and Rho1, but upstream of JNK. In turn, JNK may counteract the effect of CP on F-actin, providing a positive feedback, which amplifies JNK activation. We propose that cytoskeletal changes triggered by misregulation of F-actin modulators may have a significant role in Src-mediated malignant phenotypes during the early stages of cellular transformation.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Actin Capping Proteins / chemistry
  • Actin Capping Proteins / genetics
  • Actin Capping Proteins / metabolism*
  • Actins / genetics
  • Actins / metabolism
  • Animals
  • Animals, Genetically Modified
  • Apoptosis / genetics
  • Blotting, Western
  • Catenins / genetics
  • Catenins / metabolism
  • Delta Catenin
  • Drosophila Proteins / genetics
  • Drosophila Proteins / metabolism*
  • Drosophila melanogaster / genetics
  • Drosophila melanogaster / metabolism*
  • Epithelium / metabolism
  • Green Fluorescent Proteins / genetics
  • Green Fluorescent Proteins / metabolism
  • Imaginal Discs / metabolism
  • JNK Mitogen-Activated Protein Kinases / genetics
  • JNK Mitogen-Activated Protein Kinases / metabolism*
  • Microscopy, Confocal
  • Mutation
  • Protein Multimerization
  • Protein Subunits / chemistry
  • Protein Subunits / genetics
  • Protein Subunits / metabolism
  • Protein-Tyrosine Kinases / genetics
  • Protein-Tyrosine Kinases / metabolism*
  • Proto-Oncogene Proteins / genetics
  • Proto-Oncogene Proteins / metabolism*
  • Wings, Animal / metabolism
  • rho GTP-Binding Proteins / genetics
  • rho GTP-Binding Proteins / metabolism

Substances

  • Actin Capping Proteins
  • Actins
  • Catenins
  • Drosophila Proteins
  • Protein Subunits
  • Proto-Oncogene Proteins
  • Green Fluorescent Proteins
  • Protein-Tyrosine Kinases
  • Btk29A protein, Drosophila
  • Src64B protein, Drosophila
  • JNK Mitogen-Activated Protein Kinases
  • Rho1 protein, Drosophila
  • rho GTP-Binding Proteins
  • Delta Catenin