RefilinB (FAM101B) targets filamin A to organize perinuclear actin networks and regulates nuclear shape

Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A. 2011 Jul 12;108(28):11464-9. doi: 10.1073/pnas.1104211108. Epub 2011 Jun 27.

Abstract

The intracellular localization and shape of the nucleus plays a central role in cellular and developmental processes. In fibroblasts, nuclear movement and shape are controlled by a specific perinuclear actin network made of contractile actin filament bundles called transmembrane actin-associated nuclear (TAN) lines that form a structure called the actin cap. The identification of regulatory proteins associated with this specific actin cytoskeletal dynamic is a priority for understanding actin-based changes in nuclear shape and position in normal and pathological situations. Here, we first identify a unique family of actin regulators, the refilin proteins (RefilinA and RefilinB), that stabilize specifically perinuclear actin filament bundles. We next identify the actin-binding filamin A (FLNA) protein as the downstream effector of refilins. Refilins act as molecular switches to convert FLNA from an actin branching protein into one that bundles. In NIH 3T3 fibroblasts, the RefilinB/FLNA complex organizes the perinuclear actin filament bundles forming the actin cap. Finally, we demonstrate that in epithelial normal murine mammary gland (NmuMG) cells, the RefilinB/FLNA complex controls formation of a new perinuclear actin network that accompanies nuclear shape changes during the epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT). Our studies open perspectives for further functional analyses of this unique actin-based network and shed light on FLNA function during development and in human syndromes associated with FLNA mutations.

Publication types

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

MeSH terms

  • Actins / metabolism*
  • Amino Acid Sequence
  • Animals
  • Astrocytoma / metabolism
  • Astrocytoma / ultrastructure
  • Base Sequence
  • Carrier Proteins / chemistry
  • Carrier Proteins / genetics
  • Carrier Proteins / metabolism*
  • Cell Line
  • Cell Line, Tumor
  • Cell Nucleus / metabolism*
  • Cell Nucleus / ultrastructure
  • Contractile Proteins / metabolism*
  • Dimerization
  • Epithelial-Mesenchymal Transition
  • Female
  • Filamins
  • Humans
  • Mammary Glands, Animal / cytology
  • Mammary Glands, Animal / metabolism
  • Mice
  • Microfilament Proteins / chemistry
  • Microfilament Proteins / genetics
  • Microfilament Proteins / metabolism*
  • Microscopy, Electron, Transmission
  • Molecular Sequence Data
  • Multiprotein Complexes
  • NIH 3T3 Cells
  • Protein Interaction Domains and Motifs
  • RNA, Small Interfering / genetics
  • Sequence Deletion

Substances

  • Actins
  • Carrier Proteins
  • Contractile Proteins
  • F-actin-binding proteins
  • Filamins
  • Microfilament Proteins
  • Multiprotein Complexes
  • RNA, Small Interfering