The WASP homologue Las17 activates the novel actin-regulatory activity of Ysc84 to promote endocytosis in yeast

Mol Biol Cell. 2009 Mar;20(6):1618-28. doi: 10.1091/mbc.e08-09-0982. Epub 2009 Jan 21.

Abstract

Actin plays an essential role in many eukaryotic cellular processes, including motility, generation of polarity, and membrane trafficking. Actin function in these roles is regulated by association with proteins that affect its polymerization state, dynamics, and organization. Numerous proteins have been shown to localize with cortical patches of yeast actin during endocytosis, but the role of many of these proteins remains poorly understood. Here, we reveal that the yeast protein Ysc84 represents a new class of actin-binding proteins, conserved from yeast to humans. It contains a novel N-terminal actin-binding domain termed Ysc84 actin binding (YAB), which can bind and bundle actin filaments. Intriguingly, full-length Ysc84 alone does not bind to actin, but binding can be activated by a specific motif within the polyproline region of the yeast WASP homologue Las17. We also identify a new monomeric actin-binding site on Las17. Together, the polyproline region of Las17 and Ysc84 can promote actin polymerization. Using live cell imaging, kinetics of assembly and disassembly of proteins at the endocytic site were analyzed and reveal that loss of Ysc84 and its homologue Lsb3 decrease inward movement of vesicles consistent with a role in actin polymerization during endocytosis.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Actins / metabolism*
  • Actins / ultrastructure
  • Endocytosis*
  • Gene Deletion
  • Gene Expression Regulation, Fungal
  • Microfilament Proteins
  • Microscopy, Electron
  • Protein Binding
  • Saccharomyces cerevisiae / genetics
  • Saccharomyces cerevisiae / metabolism*
  • Saccharomyces cerevisiae Proteins / classification
  • Saccharomyces cerevisiae Proteins / genetics
  • Saccharomyces cerevisiae Proteins / metabolism*
  • Wiskott-Aldrich Syndrome Protein / classification
  • Wiskott-Aldrich Syndrome Protein / genetics
  • Wiskott-Aldrich Syndrome Protein / metabolism*

Substances

  • Actins
  • LAS17 protein, S cerevisiae
  • Microfilament Proteins
  • Saccharomyces cerevisiae Proteins
  • Wiskott-Aldrich Syndrome Protein
  • YSC84 protein, S cerevisiae