ARHGAP4-SEPT2-SEPT9 complex enables both up- and down-modulation of integrin-mediated focal adhesions, cell migration, and invasion

Mol Biol Cell. 2021 Nov 1;32(21):ar28. doi: 10.1091/mbc.E21-01-0010. Epub 2021 Sep 15.

Abstract

The Rho family of GTPases are inactivated in a cell context-dependent manner by Rho-GTPase-activating proteins (Rho-GAPs), but their signaling mechanisms are poorly understood. Here we demonstrate that ARHGAP4, one of the Rho-GAPs, forms a complex with SEPT2 and SEPT9 via its Rho-GAP domain and SH3 domain to enable both up- and down-modulation of integrin-mediated focal adhesions (FAs). We show that silencing ARHGAP4 and overexpressing its two mutually independent upstream regulators, SEPT2 and SEPT9, all induce reorganization of FAs to newly express Integrin Beta 1 and also enhance both cell migration and invasion. Interestingly, even if these cell migration/invasion-associated phenotypic changes are induced upon perturbations to the complex, it does not necessarily cause enhanced clustering of FAs. Instead, its extent depends on whether the microenvironment contains ligands suitable for the up-regulated Integrin Beta 1. These results provide novel insights into cell migration, invasion, and microenvironment-dependent phenotypic changes regulated by the newly identified complex.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Cell Adhesion / genetics
  • Cell Movement / genetics
  • Cell Movement / physiology
  • Cytoskeletal Proteins / metabolism
  • Focal Adhesions / genetics
  • Focal Adhesions / physiology
  • GTPase-Activating Proteins / genetics
  • GTPase-Activating Proteins / metabolism*
  • HEK293 Cells
  • Humans
  • Integrins / metabolism
  • Neoplasm Invasiveness / genetics
  • Septins / genetics
  • Septins / metabolism*
  • Signal Transduction / genetics
  • rhoA GTP-Binding Protein / metabolism

Substances

  • ARHGAP4 protein, human
  • Cytoskeletal Proteins
  • GTPase-Activating Proteins
  • Integrins
  • SEPTIN2 protein, human
  • SEPTIN9 protein, human
  • Septins
  • rhoA GTP-Binding Protein