Analysis of the Drosophila Ajuba LIM protein defines functions for distinct LIM domains

PLoS One. 2022 Aug 15;17(8):e0269208. doi: 10.1371/journal.pone.0269208. eCollection 2022.

Abstract

The Ajuba LIM protein Jub mediates regulation of Hippo signaling by cytoskeletal tension through interaction with the kinase Warts and participates in feedback regulation of junctional tension through regulation of the cytohesin Steppke. To investigate how Jub interacts with and regulates its distinct partners, we investigated the ability of Jub proteins missing different combinations of its three LIM domains to rescue jub phenotypes and to interact with α-catenin, Warts and Steppke. Multiple regions of Jub contribute to its ability to bind α-catenin and to localize to adherens junctions in Drosophila wing imaginal discs. Co-immunoprecipitation experiments in cultured cells identified a specific requirement for LIM2 for binding to Warts. However, in vivo, both LIM1 and LIM2, but not LIM3, were required for regulation of wing growth, Yorkie activity, and Warts localization. Conversely, LIM2 and LIM3, but not LIM1, were required for regulation of cell shape and Steppke localization in vivo, and for maximal Steppke binding in co-immunoprecipitation experiments. These observations identify distinct functions for the different LIM domains of Jub.

Publication types

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

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Cytoskeleton / chemistry
  • Cytoskeleton / physiology
  • Drosophila / growth & development
  • Drosophila / metabolism*
  • Drosophila Proteins / analysis
  • Drosophila Proteins / genetics
  • Drosophila Proteins / physiology*
  • LIM Domain Proteins / analysis
  • LIM Domain Proteins / genetics
  • LIM Domain Proteins / physiology*
  • LIM-Homeodomain Proteins / analysis
  • LIM-Homeodomain Proteins / genetics
  • LIM-Homeodomain Proteins / physiology
  • Signal Transduction
  • Transcription Factors / metabolism
  • Wings, Animal / growth & development
  • alpha Catenin / metabolism

Substances

  • Drosophila Proteins
  • LIM Domain Proteins
  • LIM-Homeodomain Proteins
  • Lim3 protein, Drosophila
  • Transcription Factors
  • alpha Catenin