Bsp1, a fungal CPI motif protein, regulates actin filament capping in endocytosis and cytokinesis

Mol Biol Cell. 2024 Feb 1;35(2):br6. doi: 10.1091/mbc.E23-10-0391. Epub 2023 Dec 13.

Abstract

The capping of barbed filament ends is a fundamental mechanism for actin regulation. Capping protein controls filament growth and actin turnover in cells by binding to the barbed ends of the filaments with high affinity and slow off-rate. The interaction between capping protein and actin is regulated by capping protein interaction (CPI) motif proteins. We identified a novel CPI motif protein, Bsp1, which is involved in cytokinesis and endocytosis in budding yeast. We demonstrate that Bsp1 is an actin binding protein with a high affinity for capping protein via its CPI motif. In cells, Bsp1 regulates capping protein at endocytic sites and is a major recruiter of capping protein to the cytokinetic actin ring. Lastly, we define Bsp1-related proteins as a distinct fungi-specific CPI protein group. Our results suggest that Bsp1 promotes actin filament capping by the capping protein. This study establishes Bsp1 as a new capping protein regulator and promising candidate to regulate actin networks in fungi.

MeSH terms

  • Actin Capping Proteins / metabolism
  • Actin Cytoskeleton / metabolism
  • Actins* / metabolism
  • Cytokinesis*
  • Endocytosis
  • Microfilament Proteins / metabolism

Substances

  • Actins
  • Microfilament Proteins
  • Actin Capping Proteins