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