FGD2, a CDC42-specific exchange factor expressed by antigen-presenting cells, localizes to early endosomes and active membrane ruffles

J Biol Chem. 2008 Dec 5;283(49):34002-12. doi: 10.1074/jbc.M803957200. Epub 2008 Oct 6.

Abstract

Members of the Fgd (faciogenital dysplasia) gene family encode a group of critical guanine nucleotide exchange factors (GEFs), which, by specifically activating Cdc42, control cytoskeleton-dependent membrane rearrangements. In its first characterization, we find that FGD2 is expressed in antigen-presenting cells, including B lymphocytes, macrophages, and dendritic cells. In the B lymphocyte lineage, FGD2 levels change with developmental stage. In both mature splenic B cells and immature bone marrow B cells, FGD2 expression is suppressed upon activation through the B cell antigen receptor. FGD2 has a complex intracellular localization, with concentrations found in membrane ruffles and early endosomes. Although endosomal localization of FGD2 is dependent on a conserved FYVE domain, its C-terminal pleckstrin homology domain mediates recruitment to membrane ruffles. FGD2 overexpression promotes the activation of Cdc42 and leads to elevated JNK1 activity in a Cdc42- but not Rac1-dependent fashion. These findings are consistent with a role of FGD2 in leukocyte signaling and vesicle trafficking in cells specialized to present antigen in the immune system.

Publication types

  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Antigen Presentation
  • Antigen-Presenting Cells / metabolism*
  • Blood Proteins / chemistry
  • COS Cells
  • Cell Membrane / metabolism*
  • Chlorocebus aethiops
  • Endosomes / metabolism*
  • Guanine Nucleotide Exchange Factors / genetics
  • Guanine Nucleotide Exchange Factors / metabolism*
  • HeLa Cells
  • Humans
  • Macrophages / metabolism
  • Mice
  • Phosphoproteins / chemistry
  • Signal Transduction

Substances

  • Blood Proteins
  • FGD2 protein, human
  • Fgd2 protein, mouse
  • Guanine Nucleotide Exchange Factors
  • Phosphoproteins
  • platelet protein P47