WAFL, a new protein involved in regulation of early endocytictransport at the intersection of actin and microtubule dynamics

• We have previously identified a new gene with sequence homology to the WASP-family of actin regulators denoted WAFL (WASP and FKBP-like). Here we report a possible biological function for WAFL, by demonstrating an association to early endosomes via its central coiled-coil domain. Further we show by functional and structural studies that WAFL is associated with both microtubules and the actin filament system, the two means of transport of early endosomes. In addition, WAFL interacts with WASP-interacting protein (WIP) and actin, thus linking WAFL to actin dynamics. The use of RNAi depletion of WAFL shows that WAFL-deficient cells display delayed transport of endosomal cargo. Our findings are compatible with a model wherebyWAFL is involved in the transport of early endosomes at the level of transition between microfilamentbased and microtubule-based movement.

Nyckelord

Endocytosis

Transport

Actin

Microtubules

KIAA0674

FKBP15

FKBP133

WIP

MEDICINE

MEDICIN

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