Nuclear α-catenin mediates the DNA damage response via β-catenin and nuclear actin

J Cell Sci. 2017 May 15;130(10):1717-1729. doi: 10.1242/jcs.199893. Epub 2017 Mar 27.

Abstract

α-Catenin is an F-actin-binding protein widely recognized for its role in cell-cell adhesion. However, a growing body of literature indicates that α-catenin is also a nuclear protein. In this study, we show that α-catenin is able to modulate the sensitivity of cells to DNA damage and toxicity. Furthermore, nuclear α-catenin is actively recruited to sites of DNA damage. This recruitment occurs in a β-catenin-dependent manner and requires nuclear actin polymerization. These findings provide mechanistic insight into the WNT-mediated regulation of the DNA damage response and suggest a novel role for the α-catenin-β-catenin complex in the nucleus.

Keywords: DNA damage; Nuclear actin; WNT; α-Catenin; β-Catenin.

Publication types

  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Actins / metabolism*
  • Animals
  • Cell Line
  • Cell Nucleus / metabolism*
  • DNA Damage*
  • DNA Repair
  • Dogs
  • Humans
  • Polymerization
  • Protein Domains
  • Wnt Proteins / metabolism
  • Wnt Signaling Pathway
  • alpha Catenin / chemistry
  • alpha Catenin / metabolism*
  • beta Catenin / metabolism*

Substances

  • Actins
  • Wnt Proteins
  • alpha Catenin
  • beta Catenin