Bmcc1s, a novel brain-isoform of Bmcc1, affects cell morphology by regulating MAP6/STOP functions

PLoS One. 2012;7(4):e35488. doi: 10.1371/journal.pone.0035488. Epub 2012 Apr 16.

Abstract

The BCH (BNIP2 and Cdc42GAP Homology) domain-containing protein Bmcc1/Prune2 is highly enriched in the brain and is involved in the regulation of cytoskeleton dynamics and cell survival. However, the molecular mechanisms accounting for these functions are poorly defined. Here, we have identified Bmcc1s, a novel isoform of Bmcc1 predominantly expressed in the mouse brain. In primary cultures of astrocytes and neurons, Bmcc1s localized on intermediate filaments and microtubules and interacted directly with MAP6/STOP, a microtubule-binding protein responsible for microtubule cold stability. Bmcc1s overexpression inhibited MAP6-induced microtubule cold stability by displacing MAP6 away from microtubules. It also resulted in the formation of membrane protrusions for which MAP6 was a necessary cofactor of Bmcc1s. This study identifies Bmcc1s as a new MAP6 interacting protein able to modulate MAP6-induced microtubule cold stability. Moreover, it illustrates a novel mechanism by which Bmcc1 regulates cell morphology.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Amino Acid Sequence
  • Animals
  • Astrocytes / metabolism
  • Brain / metabolism
  • Cold Temperature
  • HeLa Cells
  • Humans
  • Mice
  • Microtubule-Associated Proteins / drug effects
  • Microtubule-Associated Proteins / metabolism*
  • Microtubules / drug effects*
  • Microtubules / physiology
  • Molecular Sequence Data
  • Neoplasm Proteins
  • Nerve Tissue Proteins / metabolism*
  • Neurons / metabolism
  • Protein Isoforms / metabolism*

Substances

  • Microtubule-Associated Proteins
  • Mtap6 protein, mouse
  • Neoplasm Proteins
  • Nerve Tissue Proteins
  • PRUNE2 protein, mouse
  • Protein Isoforms