The large GTPase dynamin regulates actin comet formation and movement in living cells

Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A. 2002 Jan 8;99(1):167-72. doi: 10.1073/pnas.012607899.

Abstract

The large GTPase dynamin (Dyn2) has been demonstrated by us and others to interact with several different actin-binding proteins. To define how Dyn2 might participate in actin dynamics in livings cells we have expressed green fluorescent protein (GFP)-tagged Dyn2 in cultured cells and observed labeling of comet-like vesicles and macropinosomes. The comet structures progressed with a constant velocity and were reminiscent of actin comets associated with motile vesicles in cells expressing type I phosphatidylinositol phosphate 5-kinases. Based on these observations we sought to determine whether Dyn2 is an integral component of actin comets. Cells expressing type I phosphatidylinositol phosphate 5-kinase and Dyn2-GFP revealed a prominent colocalization of Dyn2 and actin in comet structures. Interestingly, comet formation and motility were normal in cells expressing wild-type Dyn2-GFP but altered markedly in Dyn2 mutant-expressing cells. Dyn2K44A-GFP mutant cells displayed a significant reduction in comet number, length, velocity, and efficiency of movement. In contrast, comets in cells expressing Dyn2DeltaPRD-GFP appeared dark and did not incorporate the mutant Dyn2 protein, indicating that the proline-rich domain (PRD) is required for Dyn2 recruitment. Further, these comets were significantly longer and slower than those in control cells. These findings demonstrate a role for Dyn2 in actin-based vesicle motility.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, P.H.S.

MeSH terms

  • Actins / chemistry*
  • Actins / metabolism*
  • Animals
  • Cell Movement*
  • Dynamins
  • Fibroblasts / metabolism
  • GTP Phosphohydrolases / chemistry*
  • GTP Phosphohydrolases / genetics
  • GTP Phosphohydrolases / physiology*
  • Green Fluorescent Proteins
  • Hepatocytes / metabolism
  • Immunohistochemistry
  • Luminescent Proteins / metabolism
  • Mice
  • Microscopy, Fluorescence
  • Microscopy, Video
  • Models, Biological
  • Mutation
  • Phosphotransferases (Alcohol Group Acceptor) / metabolism
  • Plasmids / metabolism
  • Proline / chemistry
  • Protein Structure, Tertiary
  • Rats
  • Recombinant Fusion Proteins / metabolism
  • Time Factors
  • Transfection

Substances

  • Actins
  • Luminescent Proteins
  • Recombinant Fusion Proteins
  • Green Fluorescent Proteins
  • Proline
  • Phosphotransferases (Alcohol Group Acceptor)
  • 1-phosphatidylinositol-4-phosphate 5-kinase
  • GTP Phosphohydrolases
  • Dynamins