Asef2 functions as a Cdc42 exchange factor and is stimulated by the release of an autoinhibitory module from a concealed C-terminal activation element.

ABSTRACT: Asef (herein called Asef1) was identified as a Rac1-specific exchange factor stimulated by adenomatous polyposis coli (APC), contributing to colorectal cancer cell metastasis. We investigated Asef2, an Asef1 homologue having a similar N-terminal APC binding region (ABR) and Src-homology 3 (SH3) domain. Contrary to previous reports, we found that Asef1 and Asef2 exchange activity is Cdc42 specific. Moreover, the ABR of Asef2 did not function independently but acted in tandem with the SH3 domain to bind APC. The ABRSH3 also bound the C-terminal tail of Asef2, allowing it to function as an autoinhibitory module within the protein. Deletion of the C-terminal tail did not constitutively activate Asef2 as predicted; rather, a conserved C-terminal segment was required for augmented Cdc42 GDP/GTP

SUBMITTER: Hamann MJ 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC1800726 | biostudies-literature | 2007 Feb

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature