G-Protein Gα Functions with Abl Kinase to Regulate Actin Cytoskeletal Reorganization.

Heterotrimeric G-proteins are essential cellular signal transducers. One of the G-proteins, Gα, is critical for actin cytoskeletal reorganization, cell migration, cell proliferation, and apoptosis. Previously, we have shown that Gα is essential for both G-protein-coupled receptor and receptor tyrosine kinase-induced actin cytoskeletal reorganization such as dynamic dorsal ruffle turnover and cell migration. However, the mechanism by which Gα signals to actin cytoskeletal reorganization is not completely understood. Here we show that Gα directly interacts with Abl tyrosine kinase, which is a critical regulator of actin cytoskeleton. This interaction is critical for Gα-induced dorsal ruffle turnover, endothelial cell remodeling, and cell migration. Our data uncover a new molecular signaling pathway by which Gα controls actin cytoskeletal reorganization.