The core and conserved role of MAL is homeostatic regulation of actin levels

L Salvany, J Muller, E Guccione… - Genes & …, 2014 - genesdev.cshlp.org
L Salvany, J Muller, E Guccione, P Rørth
Genes & development, 2014genesdev.cshlp.org
The transcription cofactor MAL is regulated by free actin levels and thus by actin dynamics.
MAL, together with its DNA-binding partner, SRF, is required for invasive cell migration and
in experimental metastasis. Although MAL/SRF has many targets, we provide genetic
evidence in both Drosophila and human cellular models that actin is the key target that must
be regulated by MAL/SRF for invasive cell migration. By regulating MAL/SRF activity, actin
protein feeds back on production of actin mRNA to ensure sufficient supply of actin. This …
The transcription cofactor MAL is regulated by free actin levels and thus by actin dynamics. MAL, together with its DNA-binding partner, SRF, is required for invasive cell migration and in experimental metastasis. Although MAL/SRF has many targets, we provide genetic evidence in both Drosophila and human cellular models that actin is the key target that must be regulated by MAL/SRF for invasive cell migration. By regulating MAL/SRF activity, actin protein feeds back on production of actin mRNA to ensure sufficient supply of actin. This constitutes a dedicated homeostatic feedback system that provides a foundation for cellular actin dynamics.
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