WHIMP links the actin nucleation machinery to Src-family kinase signaling during protrusion and motility

PLoS Genet. 2020 Mar 20;16(3):e1008694. doi: 10.1371/journal.pgen.1008694. eCollection 2020 Mar.

Abstract

Cell motility is governed by cooperation between the Arp2/3 complex and nucleation-promoting factors from the Wiskott-Aldrich Syndrome Protein (WASP) family, which together assemble actin filament networks to drive membrane protrusion. Here we identify WHIMP (WAVE Homology In Membrane Protrusions) as a new member of the WASP family. The Whimp gene is encoded on the X chromosome of a subset of mammals, including mice. Murine WHIMP promotes Arp2/3-dependent actin assembly, but is less potent than other nucleation factors. Nevertheless, WHIMP-mediated Arp2/3 activation enhances both plasma membrane ruffling and wound healing migration, whereas WHIMP depletion impairs protrusion and slows motility. WHIMP expression also increases Src-family kinase activity, and WHIMP-induced ruffles contain the additional nucleation-promoting factors WAVE1, WAVE2, and N-WASP, but not JMY or WASH. Perturbing the function of Src-family kinases, WAVE proteins, or Arp2/3 complex inhibits WHIMP-driven ruffling. These results suggest that WHIMP-associated actin assembly plays a direct role in membrane protrusion, but also results in feedback control of tyrosine kinase signaling to modulate the activation of multiple WASP-family members.

Publication types

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

MeSH terms

  • Actin Cytoskeleton / metabolism*
  • Actin-Related Protein 2-3 Complex / metabolism
  • Actins / metabolism
  • Animals
  • Cell Line
  • Cell Movement / physiology*
  • Cell Surface Extensions / physiology*
  • Endocytosis / physiology
  • Male
  • Mice
  • Mice, Inbred C57BL
  • NIH 3T3 Cells
  • Protein Domains
  • Signal Transduction
  • Wiskott-Aldrich Syndrome Protein / metabolism*
  • Wiskott-Aldrich Syndrome Protein Family / metabolism
  • src-Family Kinases / metabolism*

Substances

  • Actin-Related Protein 2-3 Complex
  • Actins
  • Was protein, mouse
  • Wasf1 protein, mouse
  • Wiskott-Aldrich Syndrome Protein
  • Wiskott-Aldrich Syndrome Protein Family
  • src-Family Kinases