GSBS Student Publications
Title
WHAMM is an Arp2/3 complex activator that binds microtubules and functions in ER to Golgi transport
UMMS Affiliation
Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences; Department of Molecular and Cell Biology
Date
7-11-2008
Document Type
Article
Medical Subject Headings
Actin-Related Protein 2-3 Complex; Actins; Animals; COS Cells; Cercopithecus aethiops; Endoplasmic Reticulum; Golgi Apparatus; Humans; Mice; Microtubules; NIH 3T3 Cells; Spodoptera
Disciplines
Life Sciences | Medicine and Health Sciences
Abstract
The Arp2/3 complex is an actin nucleator that plays a critical role in many cellular processes. Its activities are regulated by nucleation-promoting factors (NPFs) that function primarily during plasma membrane dynamics. Here we identify a mammalian NPF called WHAMM (WASP homolog associated with actin, membranes, and microtubules) that localizes to the cis-Golgi apparatus and tubulo-vesicular membrane transport intermediates. The modular organization of WHAMM includes an N-terminal domain that mediates Golgi membrane association, a coiled-coil region that binds microtubules, and a WCA segment that stimulates Arp2/3-mediated actin polymerization. Overexpression and depletion studies indicate that WHAMM is important for maintaining Golgi structure and facilitating anterograde membrane transport. The ability of WHAMM to interact with microtubules plays a role in membrane tubulation, while its capacity to induce actin assembly promotes tubule elongation. Thus, WHAMM is an important regulator of membrane dynamics functioning at the interface of the microtubule and actin cytoskeletons.
Rights and Permissions
Citation: Cell. 2008 Jul 11;134(1):148-61. Link to article on publisher's site
DOI of Published Version
10.1016/j.cell.2008.05.032
Related Resources
Journal Title
Cell
PubMed ID
18614018
Repository Citation
Campellone, Kenneth Geno; Webb, Neil J.; Znameroski, Elizabeth A.; and Welch, Matthew D., "WHAMM is an Arp2/3 complex activator that binds microtubules and functions in ER to Golgi transport" (2008). GSBS Student Publications. 1536.
https://escholarship.umassmed.edu/gsbs_sp/1536