Characterization of lens fiber cell triton insoluble fraction reveals ERM (ezrin, radixin, moesin) proteins as major cytoskeletal-associated proteins.
Journal Article (Journal Article)
To understand lens fiber cell elongation- and differentiation-associated cytoskeletal remodeling, here we identified and characterized the major protein components of lens fiber cell Triton X-100 insoluble fraction by mass spectrometry and immunoblot analysis. This analysis identified spectrin, filensin, vimentin, tubulin, phakinin, and beta-actin as major cytoskeletal proteins in the lens fibers. Importantly, ezrin, radixin, and moesin (ERM), heat-shock cognate protein 70, and beta/gamma-crystallins were identified as major cytoskeletal-associated proteins. ERM proteins were confirmed to exist as active phosphorylated forms that exhibited intense distribution in the organelle free-zone fibers. Furthermore, ERM protein phosphorylation was found to be dramatically reduced in Rho GTPase-targeted transgenic mouse lenses. These data identify the ERM proteins, which cross-link the plasma membrane and actin, as major and stable cytoskeletal-associated proteins in lens fibers, and indicate a potential role(s) for the ERMs in fiber cell actin cytoskeletal and membrane organization.
Full Text
Duke Authors
Cited Authors
- Rao, PV; Ho, T; Skiba, NP; Maddala, R
Published Date
- April 11, 2008
Published In
Volume / Issue
- 368 / 3
Start / End Page
- 508 - 514
PubMed ID
- 18261459
Pubmed Central ID
- PMC2271176
Electronic International Standard Serial Number (EISSN)
- 1090-2104
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
- 10.1016/j.bbrc.2008.01.128
Language
- eng
Conference Location
- United States