Differential Remodeling of Actin Cytoskeleton Architecture by Profilin Isoforms Leads to Distinct Effects on Cell Migration and Invasion

  • Ghassan Mouneimne
  • , Scott D. Hansen
  • , Laura M. Selfors
  • , Lara Petrak
  • , Michele M. Hickey
  • , Lisa L. Gallegos
  • , Kaylene J. Simpson
  • , James Lim
  • , Frank B. Gertler
  • , John H. Hartwig
  • , R. Dyche Mullins
  • , Joan S. Brugge

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

130 Scopus citations

Abstract

Dynamic actin cytoskeletal reorganization is integral to cell motility. Profilins are well-characterized regulators of actin polymerization; however, functional differences among coexpressed profilin isoforms are not well defined. Here, we demonstrate that profilin-1 and profilin-2 differentially regulate membrane protrusion, motility, and invasion; these processes are promoted by profilin-1 and suppressed by profilin-2. Compared to profilin-1, profilin-2 preferentially drives actin polymerization by the Ena/VASP protein, EVL. Profilin-2 and EVL suppress protrusive activity and cell motility by an actomyosin contractility-dependent mechanism. Importantly, EVL or profilin-2 downregulation enhances invasion in vitro and in vivo. In human breast cancer, lower EVL expression correlates with high invasiveness and poor patient outcome. We propose that profilin-2/EVL-mediated actin polymerization enhances actin bundling and suppresses breast cancer cell invasion.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)615-630
Number of pages16
JournalCancer Cell
Volume22
Issue number5
DOIs
StatePublished - Nov 13 2012
Externally publishedYes

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Oncology
  • Cancer Research

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