DLC1 interaction with α-catenin stabilizes adherens junctions and enhances DLC1 antioncogenic activity

Mol Cell Biol. 2012 Jun;32(11):2145-59. doi: 10.1128/MCB.06580-11. Epub 2012 Apr 2.

Abstract

The DLC1 (for deleted in liver cancer 1) tumor suppressor gene encodes a RhoGAP protein that inactivates Rho GTPases, which are implicated in regulation of the cytoskeleton and adherens junctions (AJs), a cell-cell adhesion protein complex associated with the actin cytoskeleton. Malignant transformation and tumor progression to metastasis are often associated with changes in cytoskeletal organization and cell-cell adhesion. Here we have established in human cells that the AJ-associated protein α-catenin is a new binding partner of DLC1. Their binding was mediated by the N-terminal amino acids 340 to 435 of DLC1 and the N-terminal amino acids 117 to 161 of α-catenin. These proteins colocalized in the cytosol and in the plasma membrane, where together they associated with E-cadherin and β-catenin, constitutive AJ proteins. Binding of DLC1 to α-catenin led to their accumulation at the plasma membrane and required DLC1 GAP activity. Knocking down α-catenin in DLC1-positive cells diminished DLC1 localization at the membrane. The DLC1-α-catenin complex reduced the Rho GTP level at the plasma membrane, increased E-cadherin's mobility, affected actin organization, and stabilized AJs. This process eventually contributed to a robust oncosuppressive effect of DLC1 in metastatic prostate carcinoma cells. Together, these results unravel a new mechanism through which DLC1 exerts its strong oncosuppressive function by positively influencing AJ stability.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Adherens Junctions / metabolism*
  • Binding Sites
  • Cadherins / metabolism
  • Cell Adhesion
  • Cell Line, Tumor
  • Cell Movement
  • GTPase-Activating Proteins / metabolism*
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Neoplasm Metastasis
  • Protein Binding
  • Tumor Suppressor Proteins / metabolism*
  • alpha Catenin / metabolism*
  • rho GTP-Binding Proteins / metabolism

Substances

  • Cadherins
  • DLC1 protein, human
  • GTPase-Activating Proteins
  • Tumor Suppressor Proteins
  • alpha Catenin
  • rho GTP-Binding Proteins