Localization to the cortical cytoskeleton is necessary for Nf2/merlin-dependent epidermal growth factor receptor silencing.

ABSTRACT: Merlin, the product of the NF2 tumor suppressor gene, is closely related to the ERM (ezrin, radixin, moesin) proteins, which provide anchorage between membrane proteins and the underlying cortical cytoskeleton; all four proteins are members of the band 4.1 superfamily. Despite their similarity, the subcellular distributions and functional properties of merlin and the ERM proteins are largely distinct. Upon cell-cell contact merlin prevents internalization of and signaling from the epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) by sequestering it into an insoluble membrane compartment. Here we show that the extreme amino (N) terminus directs merlin biochemically to an insoluble membrane compartment and physically to the cortical actin network, with a marked concentration along cell-cell boundaries

SUBMITTER: Cole BK 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC2258752 | biostudies-literature | 2008 Feb

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature