β-Actin mRNA localization is regulated by signal transduction mechanisms

Vaughan M. Latham, Edward H. Kislauskis, Robert H. Singer, Anthony F. Ross

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

119 Scopus citations

Abstract

β-actin mRNA is localized in the leading lamellae of chicken embryo fibroblasts (CEFs) (Lawrence, J., and R. Singer. 1986. Cell. 45:407-415), close to where actin polymerization in the lamellipodia drives cellular motility. During serum starvation β-actin mRNA becomes diffuse and nonlocalized. Addition of FCS induces a rapid (within 2-5 min) redistribution of β-actin mRNA into the leading lamellae. A similar redistribution was seen with PDGF, a fibroblast chemotactic factor. PDGF-induced β-actin mRNA redistribution was inhibited by the tyrosine kinase inhibitor herbimycin, indicating that this process requires intact tyrosine kinase activity, similar to actin filament polymerization and chemotaxis. Lysophosphatidic acid, which has been shown to rapidly induce actin stress fiber formation (Ridley, A., and A. Hall. 1992. Cell. 790:389-399), also increases peripheral β-actin mRNA localization within minutes. This suggests that actin polymerization and mRNA localization may be regulated by similar signaling pathways. Additionally, activators or inhibitors of kinase A or C can also delocalize steady-state β-actin mRNA in cells grown in serum, and can inhibit the serum induction of peripherally localized β-actin mRNA in serum- starved CEFs. These data show that physiologically relevant extracellular factors operating through a signal transduction pathway can regulate spatial sites of actin protein synthesis, which may in turn affect cellular polarity and motility.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)1211-1219
Number of pages9
JournalJournal of Cell Biology
Volume126
Issue number5
DOIs
StatePublished - Sep 1994
Externally publishedYes

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Cell Biology

Fingerprint

Dive into the research topics of 'β-Actin mRNA localization is regulated by signal transduction mechanisms'. Together they form a unique fingerprint.

Cite this