Actin-independent behavior and membrane deformation exhibited by the four-transmembrane protein M6a

PLoS One. 2011;6(12):e26702. doi: 10.1371/journal.pone.0026702. Epub 2011 Dec 5.

Abstract

M6a is a four-transmembrane protein that is abundantly expressed in the nervous system. Previous studies have shown that over-expression of this protein induces various cellular protrusions, such as neurites, filopodia, and dendritic spines. In this detailed characterization of M6a-induced structures, we found their varied and peculiar characteristics. Notably, the M6a-induced protrusions were mostly devoid of actin filaments or microtubules and exhibited free random vibrating motion. Moreover, when an antibody bound to M6a, the membrane-wrapped protrusions were suddenly disrupted, leading to perturbation of the surrounding membrane dynamics involving phosphoinositide signaling. During single-molecule analysis, M6a exhibited cytoskeleton-independent movement and became selectively entrapped along the cell perimeter in an actin-independent manner. These observations highlight the unusual characteristics of M6a, which may have a significant yet unappreciated role in biological systems.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Actins / metabolism*
  • Animals
  • CHO Cells
  • COS Cells
  • Cell Adhesion
  • Cell Membrane / metabolism*
  • Cells, Cultured
  • Chlorocebus aethiops
  • Cricetinae
  • DNA, Complementary / metabolism
  • Green Fluorescent Proteins / metabolism
  • Hippocampus / cytology
  • Membrane Glycoproteins / chemistry*
  • Membrane Lipids / chemistry
  • Membrane Proteins / chemistry*
  • Mice
  • Microscopy, Fluorescence / methods
  • Models, Statistical
  • Nerve Tissue Proteins / chemistry*
  • Neurons / metabolism
  • Phosphatidylinositols / chemistry
  • Time Factors
  • Transfection

Substances

  • Actins
  • DNA, Complementary
  • Gpm6a protein, mouse
  • Membrane Glycoproteins
  • Membrane Lipids
  • Membrane Proteins
  • Nerve Tissue Proteins
  • Phosphatidylinositols
  • Green Fluorescent Proteins