Wild-type but not mutant APC associates with the microtubule cytoskeleton.

Abstract

The adenomatous polyposis coli protein (APC) is mutated in familial adenomatous polyposis patients as well as in sporadic colorectal tumors. In an attempt to further understand the function of APC, the subcellular localization of APC was examined. Wild-type and mutant forms of APC were expressed in mammalian cells and protein detected by immunofluorescence using monoclonal and polyclonal antibodies. Staining of wildtype APC protein revealed a filamentous network which extended throughout the cytoplasm and colocalized with microtubules. In striking contrast, mutant APC protein gave a diffuse cytoplasmic staining pattern. Treatment with a microtubule depolymerizing agent, nocodazole, caused APC as well as tubulin to become diffusely cytoplasmic. In addition, immunoperoxidase staining of transfected APC protein followed by transmission electron microscopy revealed staining of microtubules. These results suggest that wild-type but not mutant APC protein may be associated with the microtubule cytoskeleton.

• Authors: K J Smith, D B Levy, P Maupin, T D Pollard, B Vogelstein, K W Kinzler
• Journal: Cancer research (Cancer Res) Vol. 54 Issue 14 Pg. 3672-5 (Jul 15 1994) ISSN: 0008-5472 [Print] United States
• PMID: 8033082 (Publication Type: Journal Article, Research Support, U.S. Gov't, P.H.S.)

Chemical References

• Adenomatous Polyposis Coli Protein
• Cytoskeletal Proteins
• Microtubule Proteins

Topics

• 3T3 Cells
• Adenomatous Polyposis Coli Protein
• Animals
• Cytoskeletal Proteins (analysis)
• Humans
• Mice
• Microtubule Proteins (analysis)
• Microtubules (chemistry)
• Mutation