Akt-elicited phosphorylation of Acapin steers cell migration

Abstract

Cell migration requires the generation of branched actin networks and recruitment of vesicular membrane that power the protrusion of the plasma membrane in lamellipodia. However, the molecular mechanisms underlying dynamic recruitment of vesicular membrane during cell migration remain elusive. Here, we report a critical mechanism underlying EGF-elicited Akt signaling-steered cell migration. Using functional proteomics screen, we identified a novel ARF6–ACAP4 signaling regulator, Acapin, which inhibits the GAP activity of ACAP4 to activate ARF6 GTPase in vitro. In cells, EGF stimulation elicits Akt signaling, which recruits Acapin to the lamellipodium membrane via phosphorylation of Acapin at its Ser247 residue and enhances the binding of Acapin to ACAP4 to elevate the ARF6-GTP level. Therefore, Acapin is required for efficiently stimulating cell migration by EGF–Akt signaling. Together, our results demonstrate the role of Acapin in relaying the Akt signaling cascade during cell migration processes.

cell migration, EGF, Akt, ACAP4, Acapin, ARF6 activity

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Author notes

These authors contributed equally to this work.