abLIM3 is a novel component of adherens junctions with actin-binding activity.
The interactions of adhesion molecules with dense actin filaments via cytoplasmic plaque proteins are crucial for the adhesive function of adherens junctions (AJs) in epithelial and endothelial cells. Using localization-based expression cloning, we identified abLIM3, a member of the actin-binding LIM (abLIM) protein family, as a component of the junctional complex. Immunolocalization studies revealed that abLIM3 was localized at AJs in limited cell types, including hepatocytes, bronchial epithelial cells, mesothelial cells and endothelial cells lining muscular tissues. Deletion mutant analyses in cultured cells showed that the C-terminal dematin-like domain of abLIM3, which bound to actin filaments in vitro, was colocalized with phalloidin-stained filamentous actin, whereas the N-terminal LIM domains of abLIM3 were sufficient for recruitment to cell-cell contacts. These results suggest that abLIM3 is involved in anchoring LIM domain-binding components of AJs to circumferential actin bundles in specific cell types.
Matsuda
Miho
M
Department of Cell Biology, Faculty of Medicine, Kyoto University, Kyoto 606-8501, Japan.
Yamashita
Jun K
JK
Tsukita
Shoichiro
S
Furuse
Mikio
M
D008841:Actin Cytoskeleton / Q000378:metabolism; D000199:Actins / Q000378:metabolism*; D022005:Adherens Junctions / Q000378:metabolism*; D000818:Animals; D015820:Cadherins / Q000378:metabolism; D002450:Cell Communication / Q000502:physiology; D002478:Cells, Cultured; D004285:Dogs; D004847:Epithelial Cells / Q000737:chemistry / Q000378:metabolism; D060588:LIM Domain Proteins; D051379:Mice; D008840:Microfilament Proteins / Q000096:biosynthesis / Q000235:genetics / Q000378:metabolism*; D041681:NIH 3T3 Cells; D011485:Protein Binding; D017434:Protein Structure, Tertiary; D012333:RNA, Messenger / Q000096:biosynthesis / Q000235:genetics; D013347:Subcellular Fractions / Q000378:metabolism; D014162:Transfection
C518896:Ablim3 protein, mouse; D000199:Actins; D015820:Cadherins; D060588:LIM Domain Proteins; D008840:Microfilament Proteins; D012333:RNA, Messenger