PDGFR alpha signaling in the primary cilium regulates NHE1-dependent fibroblast migration via coordinated differential activity of MEK1/2-ERK1/2-p90(RSK) and AKT signaling pathways

Ditte L. Clement, Sabine Mally, Christian Stock, Mette Lethan, Peter Satir, Albrecht Schwab, Stine Helene Falsig Pedersen, Soren T. Christensen

57 Citations (Scopus)

Abstract

In fibroblasts, platelet-derived growth factor receptor alpha (PDGFRα) is upregulated during growth arrest and compartmentalized to the primary cilium. PDGF-AA mediated activation of the dimerized ciliary receptor produces a phosphorylation cascade through the PI3K- AKT and MEK1/2-ERK1/2 pathways leading to the activation of the Na+/H+ exchanger, NHE1, cytoplasmic alkalinization and actin nucleation at the lamellipodium that supports directional cell migration. We here show that AKT and MEK1/2-ERK1/2-p90RSK inhibition reduced PDGF-AA-induced cell migration by distinct mechanisms: AKT inhibition reduced NHE1 activity by blocking the translocation of NHE1 to the cell membrane. MEK1/2 inhibition did not affect NHE1 activity but influenced NHE1 localization, causing NHE1 to localize discontinuously in patches along the plasma membrane, rather than preferentially at the lamellipodium. We also provide direct evidence of NHE1 translocation through the cytoplasm to the leading edge. In conclusion, signals initiated at the primary cilium through the PDGFRαα cascade reorganize the cytoskeleton to regulate cell migration differentially through the AKT and the MEK1/2-ERK1/2-p90RSK pathways. The AKT pathway is necessary for initiation of NHE1 translocation, presumably in vesicles, to the leading edge and for its activation. In contrast, the MEK1/2-ERK1/2-p90RSK pathway controls the spatial organization of NHE1 translocation and incorporation, and therefore specifies the direction of the leading edge formation.

Original languageEnglish
JournalJournal of Cell Science
Volume126
Issue number4
Pages (from-to)953-965
Number of pages13
ISSN0021-9533
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 15 Feb 2013

Fingerprint

Dive into the research topics of 'PDGFR alpha signaling in the primary cilium regulates NHE1-dependent fibroblast migration via coordinated differential activity of MEK1/2-ERK1/2-p90(RSK) and AKT signaling pathways'. Together they form a unique fingerprint.

Cite this