Amer2 protein interacts with EB1 protein and adenomatous polyposis coli (APC) and controls microtubule stability and cell migration

J Biol Chem. 2012 Oct 12;287(42):35333-35340. doi: 10.1074/jbc.M112.385393. Epub 2012 Aug 16.

Abstract

EB1 is key factor in the organization of the microtubule cytoskeleton by binding to the plus-ends of microtubules and serving as a platform for a number of interacting proteins (termed +TIPs) that control microtubule dynamics. Together with its direct binding partner adenomatous polyposis coli (APC), EB1 can stabilize microtubules. Here, we show that Amer2 (APC membrane recruitment 2), a previously identified membrane-associated APC-binding protein, is a direct interaction partner of EB1 and acts as regulator of microtubule stability together with EB1. Amer2 binds to EB1 via specific (S/T)xIP motifs and recruits it to the plasma membrane. Coexpression of Amer2 and EB1 generates stabilized microtubules at the plasma membrane, whereas knockdown of Amer2 leads to destabilization of microtubules. Knockdown of Amer2, APC, or EB1 reduces cell migration, and morpholino-mediated down-regulation of Xenopus Amer2 blocks convergent extension cell movements, suggesting that the Amer2-EB1-APC complex regulates cell migration by altering microtubule stability.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Adaptor Proteins, Signal Transducing / genetics
  • Adaptor Proteins, Signal Transducing / metabolism*
  • Adenomatous Polyposis Coli Protein / genetics
  • Adenomatous Polyposis Coli Protein / metabolism*
  • Animals
  • Cell Line
  • Cell Membrane / genetics
  • Cell Membrane / pathology
  • Cell Movement / physiology*
  • Gene Knockdown Techniques
  • Humans
  • Mice
  • Microtubule-Associated Proteins / genetics
  • Microtubule-Associated Proteins / metabolism*
  • Microtubules / genetics
  • Microtubules / metabolism*
  • Multiprotein Complexes / genetics
  • Multiprotein Complexes / metabolism
  • Protein Binding
  • Protein Structure, Tertiary
  • Rats
  • Tumor Suppressor Proteins / genetics
  • Tumor Suppressor Proteins / metabolism*
  • Xenopus Proteins / genetics
  • Xenopus Proteins / metabolism*
  • Xenopus laevis

Substances

  • AMER2 protein, human
  • APC protein, human
  • Adaptor Proteins, Signal Transducing
  • Adenomatous Polyposis Coli Protein
  • MAPRE1 protein, human
  • Mapre1 protein, rat
  • Microtubule-Associated Proteins
  • Multiprotein Complexes
  • Tumor Suppressor Proteins
  • Xenopus Proteins