Dynamic reorganization of cytoskeletion by WASP family proteins

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It is already well known that a variety of cells rearrange cytoskeleton, prepare for cell division, and stimulate motility and migration in response to various stimuli. The directed migration of cells is one of fundamental phenomena of life, including migration toward inflammatory sites, and invasion and metastasis of cancer cells.We found WASP and WAVE proteins which are related to cytoskeleton reorganization and cell migration. All these proteins have VCA regions at C-terminal area in which V region binds actin and CA region binds Arp2/3 complex. As a result, these proteins nucleate actin filaments and enhance actin polymerization. On the other hand, at N-terminal area, there are regions to which regulatory molecules bind. N-WASP binds several molecules such as WIP, WISH, Cdc42 and PIP2, and WAVE binds IRSp53, followed by the exposure of VCA region of these proteins. Consequently, these proteins bind to Arp2/3 complex and polymerize actin filaments. Finally, N-WASP which is located downstream of Cdc42 induces filopodia formation. WAVE which is located downstream of Rac induces lamellipodia formation. These proteins are present at the leading edge of moving cells and generate driving force.