The function of the NF2 tumor suppressor merlin has remained elusive despite increasing evidence for its role in actin cytoskeleton reorganization. The closely related ERM proteins (ezrin, radixin, and moesin) act as linkers between the cell membrane and cytoskeleton, and have also been implicated as active actin reorganizers. We report here that merlin and the ERMs can interact with and regulate N-WASP, a critical regulator of actin dynamics. Merlin and moesin were found to inhibit N-WASP-mediated actin assembly in vitro, a function that appears independent of their ability to bind actin. Furthermore, exogenous expression of a constitutively active ERM inhibits N-WASP-dependent Shigella tail formation, suggesting that the ERMs may function as inhibitors of N-WASP function in vivo. This novel function of merlin and the ERMs illustrates a mechanism by which these proteins directly exert their effects on actin reorganization and also provides new insight into N-WASP regulation.

Download full-text PDF

Source
http://dx.doi.org/10.1074/jbc.C400583200DOI Listing

Publication Analysis

Top Keywords

nf2 tumor
8
tumor suppressor
8
suppressor merlin
8
erm proteins
8
merlin erms
8
actin
7
function
6
merlin
5
merlin erm
4
proteins interact
4

Similar Publications

Introduction: Schwannoma is a type of slow growing benign nerve sheath tumor arising from Schwann cells. Peripherally, they are found in association with the ulnar, sciatic and posterior tibial nerves. Peripheral schwannomas, neurofibromas and malignant PNSTs are collectively grouped as peripheral nerve sheath tumors.

View Article and Find Full Text PDF

Schwannomas (SCs) are benign tumors composed of neoplastic Schwann cells and are relatively uncommon intracranially. Although these tumors are frequently associated with neurofibromatosis type 2 (NF2), they may also arise idiopathically, and their pathogenesis remains poorly understood. A 70-year-old Caucasian man presented with a two-month history of vertigo, gait imbalance, and decreased visual acuity in the left eye accompanied by photophobia, nausea, vomiting, and occasional headaches.

View Article and Find Full Text PDF

Meningioma is the most prevalent primary intracranial tumor, with approximately half of patients harboring NF2 alteration. The rationale behind the presence of NF2 alteration in meningiomas and its absence in non-nerve system tumors remains elusive. Therefore, meningiomas and several non-nerve system tumor types were analyzed using KEGG analysis and CRISPR/Cas 9 technology to determine the role of NF2 in regulating tissue specificity.

View Article and Find Full Text PDF

Therapeutic effect of novel drug candidate, PRG-N-01, on NF2 syndrome-related tumor.

Neuro Oncol

December 2024

Department of Molecular Biology, College of Natural Science, Pusan National University, Busan, Republic of Korea.

Background: NF2-related schwannomatosis (NF2-SWN) is associated with multiple benign tumors in the nervous system. NF2-SWN, caused by mutations in the NF2 gene, has developed into intracranial and spinal schwannomas. Because of the high surgical risk and frequent recurrence of multiple tumors, targeted therapy is necessary.

View Article and Find Full Text PDF

Introduction: Meningiomas are the most common primary central nervous system (CNS) tumor in adults, comprising one-third of all primary adult CNS tumors. Although several recent publications have identified molecular alterations in meningioma including characteristic mutations, copy number alterations, and gene expression signatures, our understanding of the drivers of meningioma recurrence is limited.

Objective: To identify gene expression signatures of 1p22qNF2 meningioma recurrence, with concurrent biallelic inactivation of and loss of chr1p that are heterogenous but enriched for recurrent meningiomas.

View Article and Find Full Text PDF

Want AI Summaries of new PubMed Abstracts delivered to your In-box?

Enter search terms and have AI summaries delivered each week - change queries or unsubscribe any time!