VASP is a CXCR2-interacting protein that regulates CXCR2-mediated polarization and chemotaxis

NF Neel, M Barzik, D Raman… - Journal of cell …, 2009 - journals.biologists.com
NF Neel, M Barzik, D Raman, T Sobolik-Delmaire, J Sai, AJ Ham, RL Mernaugh, FB Gertler…
Journal of cell science, 2009journals.biologists.com
Chemotaxis regulates the recruitment of leukocytes, which is integral for a number of
biological processes and is mediated through the interaction of chemokines with seven
transmembrane G-protein-coupled receptors. Several studies have indicated that
chemotactic signaling pathways might be activated via G-protein-independent mechanisms,
perhaps through novel receptor-interacting proteins. CXCR2 is a major chemokine receptor
expressed on neutrophils. We used a proteomics approach to identify unique ligand …
Chemotaxis regulates the recruitment of leukocytes, which is integral for a number of biological processes and is mediated through the interaction of chemokines with seven transmembrane G-protein-coupled receptors. Several studies have indicated that chemotactic signaling pathways might be activated via G-protein-independent mechanisms, perhaps through novel receptor-interacting proteins. CXCR2 is a major chemokine receptor expressed on neutrophils. We used a proteomics approach to identify unique ligand-dependent CXCR2-interacting proteins in differentiated neutrophil-like HL-60 cells. Using this approach, vasodilator-stimulated phosphoprotein (VASP) was identified as a CXCR2-interacting protein. The interaction between CXCR2 and VASP is direct and enhanced by CXCL8 stimulation, which triggers VASP phosphorylation via PKA- and PKCδ-mediated pathways. The interaction between CXCR2 and VASP requires free F-actin barbed ends to recruit VASP to the leading edge. Finally, knockdown of VASP in HL-60 cells results in severely impaired CXCR2-mediated chemotaxis and polarization. These data provide the first demonstration that direct interaction of VASP with CXCR2 is essential for proper CXCR2 function and demonstrate a crucial role for VASP in mediating chemotaxis in leukocytes.
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