TorsinA binds the KASH domain of nesprins and participates in linkage between nuclear envelope and cytoskeleton

J Cell Sci. 2008 Oct 15;121(Pt 20):3476-86. doi: 10.1242/jcs.029454. Epub 2008 Sep 30.

Abstract

A specific mutation (DeltaE) in torsinA underlies most cases of the dominantly inherited movement disorder, early-onset torsion dystonia (DYT1). TorsinA, a member of the AAA+ ATPase superfamily, is located within the lumen of the nuclear envelope (NE) and endoplasmic reticulum (ER). We investigated an association between torsinA and nesprin-3, which spans the outer nuclear membrane (ONM) of the NE and links it to vimentin via plectin in fibroblasts. Mouse nesprin-3alpha co-immunoprecipitated with torsinA and this involved the C-terminal region of torsinA and the KASH domain of nesprin-3alpha. This association with human nesprin-3 appeared to be stronger for torsinADeltaE than for torsinA. TorsinA also associated with the KASH domains of nesprin-1 and -2 (SYNE1 and 2), which link to actin. In the absence of torsinA, in knockout mouse embryonic fibroblasts (MEFs), nesprin-3alpha was localized predominantly in the ER. Enrichment of yellow fluorescent protein (YFP)-nesprin-3 in the ER was also seen in the fibroblasts of DYT1 patients, with formation of YFP-positive globular structures enriched in torsinA, vimentin and actin. TorsinA-null MEFs had normal NE structure, but nuclear polarization and cell migration were delayed in a wound-healing assay, as compared with wild-type MEFs. These studies support a role for torsinA in dynamic interactions between the KASH domains of nesprins and their protein partners in the lumen of the NE, with torsinA influencing the localization of nesprins and associated cytoskeletal elements and affecting their role in nuclear and cell movement.

Publication types

  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Actins / genetics
  • Actins / metabolism
  • Animals
  • Cell Line
  • Cell Movement / genetics
  • Cytoskeletal Proteins
  • Dystonia Musculorum Deformans / genetics
  • Dystonia Musculorum Deformans / metabolism
  • Embryo, Mammalian / metabolism
  • Endoplasmic Reticulum / genetics
  • Endoplasmic Reticulum / metabolism*
  • Fibroblasts / metabolism
  • Humans
  • Membrane Proteins / genetics
  • Membrane Proteins / metabolism*
  • Mice
  • Mice, Knockout
  • Microfilament Proteins / genetics
  • Microfilament Proteins / metabolism*
  • Molecular Chaperones / genetics
  • Molecular Chaperones / metabolism*
  • Mutation
  • Nerve Tissue Proteins / genetics
  • Nerve Tissue Proteins / metabolism*
  • Nuclear Envelope / genetics
  • Nuclear Envelope / metabolism*
  • Nuclear Proteins / genetics
  • Nuclear Proteins / metabolism*
  • Plectin / genetics
  • Plectin / metabolism
  • Protein Structure, Tertiary / physiology
  • Vimentin / genetics
  • Vimentin / metabolism
  • Wound Healing / genetics

Substances

  • Actins
  • Cytoskeletal Proteins
  • Dyt1 protein, mouse
  • Membrane Proteins
  • Microfilament Proteins
  • Molecular Chaperones
  • Nerve Tissue Proteins
  • Nuclear Proteins
  • Plectin
  • SYNE1 protein, human
  • SYNE2 protein, human
  • SYNE3 protein, human
  • TOR1A protein, human
  • Vimentin
  • nesprin-3 protein, mouse