Rac1 and Cdc42 capture microtubules through IQGAP1 and CLIP-170

Cell. 2002 Jun 28;109(7):873-85. doi: 10.1016/s0092-8674(02)00800-0.

Abstract

Linkage of microtubules to special cortical regions is essential for cell polarization. CLIP-170 binds to the growing ends of microtubules and plays pivotal roles in orientation. We have found that IQGAP1, an effector of Rac1 and Cdc42, interacts with CLIP-170. In Vero fibroblasts, IQGAP1 localizes at the polarized leading edge. Expression of carboxy-terminal fragment of IQGAP1, which includes the CLIP-170 binding region, delocalizes GFP-CLIP-170 from the tips of microtubules and alters the microtubule array. Activated Rac1/Cdc42, IQGAP1, and CLIP-170 form a tripartite complex. Furthermore, expression of an IQGAP1 mutant defective in Rac1/Cdc42 binding induces multiple leading edges. These results indicate that Rac1/Cdc42 marks special cortical spots where the IQGAP1 and CLIP-170 complex is targeted, leading to a polarized microtubule array and cell polarization.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Actins / chemistry
  • Actins / metabolism
  • Animals
  • COS Cells
  • Carrier Proteins / genetics
  • Carrier Proteins / metabolism*
  • Cattle
  • Cell Polarity
  • Cell Size
  • Chlorocebus aethiops
  • Macromolecular Substances
  • Microscopy, Fluorescence
  • Microtubule-Associated Proteins / metabolism*
  • Microtubules / chemistry
  • Microtubules / metabolism*
  • Neoplasm Proteins
  • Protein Binding
  • Pseudopodia / chemistry
  • Pseudopodia / metabolism
  • Vero Cells
  • cdc42 GTP-Binding Protein / metabolism*
  • rac1 GTP-Binding Protein / metabolism*
  • ras GTPase-Activating Proteins*

Substances

  • Actins
  • Carrier Proteins
  • IQ motif containing GTPase activating protein 1
  • Macromolecular Substances
  • Microtubule-Associated Proteins
  • Neoplasm Proteins
  • ras GTPase-Activating Proteins
  • cytoplasmic linker protein 170
  • cdc42 GTP-Binding Protein
  • rac1 GTP-Binding Protein