The endosomal adaptor protein APPL1 impairs the turnover of leading edge adhesions to regulate cell migration

Mol Biol Cell. 2012 Apr;23(8):1486-99. doi: 10.1091/mbc.E11-02-0124. Epub 2012 Feb 29.

Abstract

Cell migration is a complex process that requires the integration of signaling events that occur in distinct locations within the cell. Adaptor proteins, which can localize to different subcellular compartments, where they bring together key signaling proteins, are emerging as attractive candidates for controlling spatially coordinated processes. However, their function in regulating cell migration is not well understood. In this study, we demonstrate a novel role for the adaptor protein containing a pleckstrin-homology (PH) domain, phosphotyrosine-binding (PTB) domain, and leucine zipper motif 1 (APPL1) in regulating cell migration. APPL1 impairs migration by hindering the turnover of adhesions at the leading edge of cells. The mechanism by which APPL1 regulates migration and adhesion dynamics is by inhibiting the activity of the serine/threonine kinase Akt at the cell edge and within adhesions. In addition, APPL1 significantly decreases the tyrosine phosphorylation of Akt by the nonreceptor tyrosine kinase Src, which is critical for Akt-mediated cell migration. Thus, our results demonstrate an important new function for APPL1 in regulating cell migration and adhesion turnover through a mechanism that depends on Src and Akt. Moreover, our data further underscore the importance of adaptor proteins in modulating the flow of information through signaling pathways.

Publication types

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

MeSH terms

  • Adaptor Proteins, Signal Transducing / genetics
  • Adaptor Proteins, Signal Transducing / metabolism*
  • Cell Adhesion*
  • Cell Line
  • Cell Movement / physiology*
  • Humans
  • Phosphorylation
  • Proto-Oncogene Proteins c-akt / antagonists & inhibitors
  • Proto-Oncogene Proteins c-akt / metabolism*
  • RNA Interference
  • RNA, Small Interfering
  • src-Family Kinases / metabolism

Substances

  • APPL1 protein, human
  • Adaptor Proteins, Signal Transducing
  • RNA, Small Interfering
  • src-Family Kinases
  • Proto-Oncogene Proteins c-akt