Binding of APC and dishevelled mediates Wnt5a-regulated focal adhesion dynamics in migrating cells

EMBO J. 2010 Apr 7;29(7):1192-204. doi: 10.1038/emboj.2010.26. Epub 2010 Mar 11.

Abstract

Wnt5a is a representative ligand that activates the Wnt/beta-catenin-independent pathway, resulting in the regulation of cell adhesion, migration, and polarity, but its molecular mechanism is poorly understood. This report shows that Dishevelled (Dvl) binds to adenomatous polyposis coli (APC) gene product, and this binding is enhanced by Wnt5a. Dvl was involved in the stabilization of the plus end dynamics of microtubules as well as APC. Frizzled2 (Fz2) was present with Wnt5a at the leading edge of migrating cells and formed a complex with APC through Dvl. Fz2 also interacted with integrins at the leading edge, and Dvl and APC associated with and activated focal adhesion kinase and paxillin. The binding of APC to Dvl enhanced the localization of paxillin to the leading edge and was involved in Wnt5a-dependent focal adhesion turnover. Furthermore, this new Wnt5a signalling pathway was important for the epithelial morphogenesis in the three-dimensional culture. These results suggest that the functional and physical interaction of Dvl and APC is involved in Wnt5a/Fz2-dependent focal adhesion dynamics during cell migration and epithelial morphogenesis.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Adaptor Proteins, Signal Transducing / metabolism*
  • Animals
  • COS Cells
  • Cell Adhesion
  • Cell Line
  • Cell Movement*
  • Chlorocebus aethiops
  • Dishevelled Proteins
  • Epithelial Cells / cytology
  • Epithelial Cells / metabolism
  • Focal Adhesions / metabolism*
  • Frizzled Receptors / metabolism
  • Genes, APC*
  • HeLa Cells
  • Humans
  • Phosphoproteins / metabolism*
  • Protein Binding
  • Vero Cells
  • Wnt Proteins / metabolism*

Substances

  • Adaptor Proteins, Signal Transducing
  • Dishevelled Proteins
  • Frizzled Receptors
  • Phosphoproteins
  • Wnt Proteins