The Rac activator STEF (Tiam2) regulates cell migration by microtubule-mediated focal adhesion disassembly

EMBO Rep. 2010 Apr;11(4):292-8. doi: 10.1038/embor.2010.10. Epub 2010 Mar 12.

Abstract

Focal adhesion (FA) disassembly required for optimal cell migration is mediated by microtubules (MTs); targeting of FAs by MTs coincides with their disassembly. Regrowth of MTs, induced by removal of the MT destabilizer nocodazole, activates the Rho-like GTPase Rac, concomitant with FA disassembly. Here, we show that the Rac guanine nucleotide exchange factor (GEF) Sif and Tiam1-like exchange factor (STEF) is responsible for Rac activation during MT regrowth. Importantly, STEF is required for multiple targeting of FAs by MTs. As a result, FAs in STEF-knockdown cells have a reduced disassembly rate and are consequently enlarged. This leads to reduced speed of migration. Together, these findings suggest a new role for STEF in FA disassembly and cell migration through MT-mediated mechanisms.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Cell Line, Tumor
  • Cell Movement / drug effects
  • Cell Movement / genetics
  • Focal Adhesions / drug effects
  • Focal Adhesions / genetics
  • Focal Adhesions / metabolism*
  • Guanine Nucleotide Exchange Factors / genetics
  • Guanine Nucleotide Exchange Factors / physiology*
  • Mice
  • Microscopy, Fluorescence
  • Microtubules / drug effects
  • Microtubules / metabolism*
  • Nocodazole / pharmacology
  • RNA Interference / physiology
  • rac GTP-Binding Proteins / metabolism*

Substances

  • Guanine Nucleotide Exchange Factors
  • Tiam2 protein, mouse
  • rac GTP-Binding Proteins
  • Nocodazole