Alternative splicing of the mouse profilin II gene generates functionally different profilin isoforms

Citation
A. Di Nardo et al., Alternative splicing of the mouse profilin II gene generates functionally different profilin isoforms, J CELL SCI, 113(21), 2000, pp. 3795-3803
Citations number
33
Categorie Soggetti
Cell & Developmental Biology
Journal title
JOURNAL OF CELL SCIENCE
ISSN journal
00219533 → ACNP
Volume
113
Issue
21
Year of publication
2000
Pages
3795 - 3803
Database
ISI
SICI code
0021-9533(200011)113:21<3795:ASOTMP>2.0.ZU;2-K
Abstract
Profilins are a conserved family of proteins participating in actin dynamic s and cell motility, In the mouse, two profilin genes are known. Profilin I is expressed universally at high levels, while profilin II is expressed ma inly in the brain. Here we describe the occurrence of two mouse profilin II isoforms, A and B, which are derived by alternative splicing. They are ide ntical through residue 107 of the protein, but then have distinct C-termina l sequences. Profilin IIA binds to poly-L-proline and actin with high affin ity similar to profilin I. Profilin IIB on the other hand does not bind to actin and the affinity for poly-L-proline is greatly diminished. However, t ubulin was found to bind to GST-profilin IIB, and in vivo GFP-profilin IIB was recruited to spindles and asters during mitosis in HeLa cells. Our resu lts indicate unexpected diversity in the functions of the profilin family o f proteins, and suggest that in mouse profilin IIA is intimately involved i n actin dynamics, while profilin IIB associates with other cytoskeletal com ponents.