Villin induces microvilli growth and actin redistribution in transfected fibroblasts.
The function of villin, an actin-binding protein, has been investigated by transfecting fibroblasts with cloned human cDNAs encoding wild-type villin or functional villin domains. Synthesis of large amounts of villin induced the growth of numerous long microvilli on cell surfaces together with the redistribution of F-actin. These microvilli contained a cytoskeleton of F-actin, and their appearance was frequently accompanied by the disappearance of stress fibers. The complete villin gene sequence was required to exert its morphogenic effect. Villin lacking one actin-binding domain (113 amino acids), located at its carboxyterminal end, did not induce growth if microvilli or stress fiber disruption. Our results indicate that villin plays a key role in vivo in the morphogenesis of microvilli.
Friederich
E
E
Institut Pasteur, Département de Biologie Moléculaire, Paris, France.
Huet
C
C
Arpin
M
M
Louvard
D
D
D000199:Actins / Q000378:metabolism*; D000818:Animals; D002135:Calcium-Binding Proteins / Q000502:physiology*; D002352:Carrier Proteins / Q000096:biosynthesis / Q000235:genetics / Q000502:physiology*; D002460:Cell Line; D002462:Cell Membrane / Q000378:metabolism / Q000648:ultrastructure; D004247:DNA / Q000235:genetics; D005347:Fibroblasts / Q000378:metabolism / Q000648:ultrastructure; D005455:Fluorescent Antibody Technique; D015870:Gene Expression; D015151:Immunoblotting; D008840:Microfilament Proteins / Q000096:biosynthesis / Q000235:genetics / Q000502:physiology*; D008854:Microscopy, Electron; D008855:Microscopy, Electron, Scanning; D008871:Microvilli / Q000648:ultrastructure*; D009154:Mutation; D014162:Transfection
D000199:Actins; D002135:Calcium-Binding Proteins; D002352:Carrier Proteins; D008840:Microfilament Proteins; C026615:villin; D004247:DNA