G-Protein Gα<sub>13</sub> Functions with Abl Kinase to Regulate Actin Cytoskeletal Reorganization.

Overview

Heterotrimeric G-proteins are essential cellular signal transducers. One of the G-proteins, Gα₁₃, is critical for actin cytoskeletal reorganization, cell migration, cell proliferation, and apoptosis. Previously, we have shown that Gα₁₃ is essential for both G-protein-coupled receptor and receptor tyrosine kinase-induced actin cytoskeletal reorganization such as dynamic dorsal ruffle turnover and cell migration. However, the mechanism by which Gα₁₃ signals to actin cytoskeletal reorganization is not completely understood. Here we show that Gα₁₃ directly interacts with Abl tyrosine kinase, which is a critical regulator of actin cytoskeleton. This interaction is critical for Gα₁₃-induced dorsal ruffle turnover, endothelial cell remodeling, and cell migration. Our data uncover a new molecular signaling pathway by which Gα₁₃ controls actin cytoskeletal reorganization.