mRNA encoding WAVE-Arp2/3-associated proteins is co-localized with foci of active protein synthesis at the leading edge of MRC5 fibroblasts during cell migration

Willett, Mark, Brocard, Michele, Pollard, Hilary J. and Morley, Simon J. (2013) mRNA encoding WAVE-Arp2/3-associated proteins is co-localized with foci of active protein synthesis at the leading edge of MRC5 fibroblasts during cell migration. Biochemical Journal, 452 (1), 45-55. (doi:10.1042/BJ20121803). (PMID:23452202)

Abstract

During cell spreading, mammalian cells migrate using lamellipodia formed from a large dense branched actin network which produces the protrusive force required for leading edge advancement. The formation of lamellipodia is a dynamic process and is dependent on a variety of protein cofactors that mediate their local regulation, structural characteristics and dynamics. In the present study, we show that mRNAs encoding some structural and regulatory components of the WAVE [WASP (Wiskott-Aldrich syndrome protein) verprolin homologous] complex are localized to the leading edge of the cell and associated with sites of active translation. Furthermore, we demonstrate that steady-state levels of ArpC2 and Rac1 proteins increase at the leading edge during cell spreading, suggesting that localized protein synthesis has a pivotal role in controlling cell spreading and migration.

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