Actin‐Binding protein, drebrin, accumulates in submembranous regions in parallel with neuronal differentiation

Drebrins are developmentally regulated actin‐binding proteins. In this study, we analyzed subcellular distribution of drebrin E in neuroblastoma cells (SHSY5Y) in culture, especially in terms of its relationship to actin filaments. In undifferentiated cells, drebrin E was scattered as flocculus small dots along the stress fibers and also accumulated at adhesion plaques. In parallel with the neuronal differentiation following retinoic acid treatment, drebrin E was accumulated, accompanying filamentous (F) actin, in the submembranous cortical cytoplasm. Similar submembranous localization of drebrins was observed in primary cultured neurons. In the presence of drebrin E F‐actin was more stable against cytochalasin D than F‐actin lacking drebrin E. These results suggest that drebrin E plays a role in neuronal morphological differentiation by changing its subcellular localization with stabilized F‐actin. © 1994 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.