Exocyst complex component 3-like 2 (EXOC3L2) associates with the exocyst complex and mediates directional migration of endothelial cells

J Biol Chem. 2011 Jul 8;286(27):24189-99. doi: 10.1074/jbc.M110.212209. Epub 2011 May 12.

Abstract

The exocyst is a protein complex that ensures spatial targeting of exocytotic vesicles to the plasma membrane. We present microarray data obtained from differentiating mouse embryonic stem cell cultures that identify an up-regulation of exocyst complex component 3-like 2 (exoc3l2) mRNA in sprouting blood vessels. Vascular expression of exoc3l2 is confirmed by qPCR analysis of different mouse tissues and immunofluorescence analyses of mouse brain sections. We detect an up-regulation of exoc3l2 mRNA synthesis in primary human endothelial cells in response to VEGFA, and this response is enhanced when the cells are grown on a three-dimensional collagen I matrix. Myc-tagged EXOC3L2 co-precipitates with the exocyst protein EXOC4, and immunofluorescence detection of EXOC3L2 shows partial subcellular colocalization with EXOC4 and EXOC7. Finally, we show that exoc3l2 silencing inhibits VEGF receptor 2 phosphorylation and VEGFA-directed migration of cultured endothelial cells.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Cell Movement / physiology*
  • Cells, Cultured
  • Endothelial Cells
  • Gene Expression Profiling
  • Gene Expression Regulation / physiology*
  • Gene Silencing
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Mice
  • Oligonucleotide Array Sequence Analysis
  • RNA, Messenger / biosynthesis
  • Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor A / genetics
  • Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor A / metabolism
  • Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor Receptor-2 / genetics
  • Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor Receptor-2 / metabolism
  • Vesicular Transport Proteins / biosynthesis*
  • Vesicular Transport Proteins / genetics

Substances

  • RNA, Messenger
  • VEGFA protein, human
  • Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor A
  • Vesicular Transport Proteins
  • vascular endothelial growth factor A, mouse
  • Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor Receptor-2