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CPEB1 regulates β‐catenin mRNA translation and cell migration in astrocytes
Author(s) -
Jones Kendrick J.,
Korb Erica,
Kundel Mitchell A.,
Kochanek Ashley R.,
Kabraji Sheheryar,
Mcevoy Michael,
Shin Chan Y.,
Wells David G.
Publication year - 2008
Publication title -
glia
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 2.954
H-Index - 164
eISSN - 1098-1136
pISSN - 0894-1491
DOI - 10.1002/glia.20707
Subject(s) - biology , microbiology and biotechnology , untranslated region , catenin , messenger rna , translation (biology) , cell migration , three prime untranslated region , polyadenylation , astrocyte , signal transduction , cell , gene , genetics , wnt signaling pathway , neuroscience , central nervous system
A crucial step in directed cell migration is the recruitment of cytoskeletal regulatory and signaling proteins to the leading edge of the cell. One protein localized to the leading edge of a migrating astrocyte is β‐catenin. Using an in vitro wound‐healing assay, we show that the localization of β‐catenin to the leading edge is dependent upon new protein synthesis at the time of wounding. We examined the mRNA encoding β‐catenin for potential regulatory elements and identified a conserved cytoplasmic polyadenylation element in the 3′‐untranslated region (UTR). We now show that the CPE‐binding protein (CPEB1) is expressed in astrocytes and that translation of β‐catenin mRNA is regulated by CPEB1. Further, expression of a mutant CPEB1 protein in astrocytes not only blocks β‐catenin protein localization, it also inhibits cell migration. These findings demonstrate a role for CPEB1‐mediated protein synthesis in the localization of β‐catenin protein to the leading edge of migrating astrocytes and in regulating directed cell motility. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.