HAX-1: a novel p-body protein

DNA Cell Biol. 2015 Jan;34(1):43-54. doi: 10.1089/dna.2014.2657.

Abstract

HAX-1, a multifunctional protein involved in the regulation of apoptosis, cell migration, and calcium homeostasis, binds the 3' untranslated region motifs of specific transcripts. This suggests that HAX-1 plays a role in post-transcriptional regulation, at the level of mRNA stability/transport or translation. In this study, we analyze in detail HAX-1 colocalization with processing bodies (P-bodies) and its dependence on mRNA availability. Endogenous P-body markers DCP1 and Rck/p54 were shown to colocalize with endogenous HAX-1, but in case of the overexpressed proteins, only DCP1 displayed unperturbed colocalization with HAX-1. HAX-1 colocalization with DCP1 was observed in most of the cell lines studied, but its presence was not required for P-body formation, and its silencing caused an increase in P-body number. Preliminary mapping suggested that HAX-1 has more than one short P-body-targeting sequence. The pools of P-body-localized HAX-1 and cytosolic HAX-1 were demonstrated to dynamically exchange, suggesting steady flow of the protein. Active transcription was shown to be a factor in the localization of HAX-1 to P-bodies. Also, it was observed that HAX-1 localizes to some unidentified foci, which do not contain DCP1. In addition, it was demonstrated that HAX-1 status influences vimentin expression levels. Overall, HAX-1 was shown to colocalize with P-body markers and influence P-body number per cell in a manner dependent on mRNA availability. Presented data support the hypothesis that HAX-1 is involved in mRNA processing as an element of P-body interaction network.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Adaptor Proteins, Signal Transducing / physiology*
  • Endopeptidases / metabolism
  • HeLa Cells
  • Humans
  • Jurkat Cells
  • MCF-7 Cells
  • Protein Biosynthesis
  • Protein Transport
  • RNA Interference*
  • RNA, Messenger / genetics
  • RNA, Messenger / metabolism
  • Transcription, Genetic
  • Vimentin / genetics
  • Vimentin / metabolism

Substances

  • Adaptor Proteins, Signal Transducing
  • HAX1 protein, human
  • RNA, Messenger
  • Vimentin
  • Endopeptidases
  • dipeptidyl carboxypeptidase