Drosophila Fascin is a novel downstream target of prostaglandin signaling during actin remodeling

Mol Biol Cell. 2012 Dec;23(23):4567-78. doi: 10.1091/mbc.E12-05-0417. Epub 2012 Oct 10.

Abstract

Although prostaglandins (PGs)-lipid signals produced downstream of cyclooxygenase (COX) enzymes-regulate actin cytoskeletal dynamics, their mechanisms of action are unknown. We previously established Drosophila oogenesis, in particular nurse cell dumping, as a new model to determine how PGs regulate actin remodeling. PGs, and thus the Drosophila COX-like enzyme Pxt, are required for both the parallel actin filament bundle formation and the cortical actin strengthening required for dumping. Here we provide the first link between Fascin (Drosophila Singed, Sn), an actin-bundling protein, and PGs. Loss of either pxt or fascin results in similar actin defects. Fascin interacts, both pharmacologically and genetically, with PGs, as reduced Fascin levels enhance the effects of COX inhibition and synergize with reduced Pxt levels to cause both parallel bundle and cortical actin defects. Conversely, overexpression of Fascin in the germline suppresses the effects of COX inhibition and genetic loss of Pxt. These data lead to the conclusion that PGs regulate Fascin to control actin remodeling. This novel interaction has implications beyond Drosophila, as both PGs and Fascin-1, in mammalian systems, contribute to cancer cell migration and invasion.

Publication types

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

MeSH terms

  • Actin Cytoskeleton / metabolism
  • Actins* / genetics
  • Actins* / metabolism
  • Animals
  • Carrier Proteins* / genetics
  • Carrier Proteins* / metabolism
  • Cyclooxygenase Inhibitors / pharmacology
  • Drosophila Proteins* / genetics
  • Drosophila Proteins* / metabolism
  • Drosophila melanogaster / genetics
  • Drosophila melanogaster / growth & development
  • Drosophila melanogaster / metabolism
  • Germ Cells / cytology
  • Germ Cells / growth & development
  • Germ Cells / metabolism
  • Humans
  • Microfilament Proteins* / genetics
  • Microfilament Proteins* / metabolism
  • Mutation
  • Oogenesis / genetics
  • Peroxidases* / genetics
  • Peroxidases* / metabolism
  • Prostaglandin-Endoperoxide Synthases* / genetics
  • Prostaglandin-Endoperoxide Synthases* / metabolism
  • Prostaglandins* / metabolism
  • Prostaglandins* / physiology
  • Signal Transduction / drug effects

Substances

  • Actins
  • Carrier Proteins
  • Cyclooxygenase Inhibitors
  • Drosophila Proteins
  • Microfilament Proteins
  • Prostaglandins
  • fascin
  • Peroxidases
  • Pxt protein, Drosophila
  • Prostaglandin-Endoperoxide Synthases