Dlg1 binds GKAP to control dynein association with microtubules, centrosome positioning, and cell polarity

Abstract

The small GTPase Cdc42 regulates interactions of dynein with microtubules through the polarity protein Dlg1 and the scaffolding protein GKAP.

Abstract

Centrosome positioning is crucial during cell division, cell differentiation, and for a wide range of cell-polarized functions including migration. In multicellular organisms, centrosome movement across the cytoplasm is thought to result from a balance of forces exerted by the microtubule-associated motor dynein. However, the mechanisms regulating dynein-mediated forces are still unknown. We show here that during wound-induced cell migration, the small G protein Cdc42 acts through the polarity protein Dlg1 to regulate the interaction of dynein with microtubules of the cell front. Dlg1 interacts with dynein via the scaffolding protein GKAP and together, Dlg1, GKAP, and dynein control microtubule dynamics and organization near the cell cortex and promote centrosome positioning. Our results suggest that, by modulating dynein interaction with leading edge microtubules, the evolutionary conserved proteins Dlg1 and GKAP control the forces operating on microtubules and play a fundamental role in centrosome positioning and cell polarity.