IQGAP1 modulates activation of B-Raf

JG Ren, Z Li, DB Sacks - Proceedings of the National …, 2007 - National Acad Sciences
JG Ren, Z Li, DB Sacks
Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, 2007National Acad Sciences
IQGAP1 modulates several cellular functions, including cell–cell adhesion, transcription,
cytoskeletal architecture, and selected signaling pathways. We previously documented that
IQGAP1 binds ERK and MAPK kinase (MEK) and regulates EGF-stimulated MEK and ERK
activity. Here we characterize the interaction between IQGAP1 and B-Raf, the molecule
immediately upstream of MEK in the Ras/MAPK signaling cascade. B-Raf binds directly to
IQGAP1 in vitro and coimmunoprecipitates with IQGAP1 from cell lysates. Importantly …
IQGAP1 modulates several cellular functions, including cell–cell adhesion, transcription, cytoskeletal architecture, and selected signaling pathways. We previously documented that IQGAP1 binds ERK and MAPK kinase (MEK) and regulates EGF-stimulated MEK and ERK activity. Here we characterize the interaction between IQGAP1 and B-Raf, the molecule immediately upstream of MEK in the Ras/MAPK signaling cascade. B-Raf binds directly to IQGAP1 in vitro and coimmunoprecipitates with IQGAP1 from cell lysates. Importantly, IQGAP1 modulates B-Raf function. EGF is unable to stimulate B-Raf activity in IQGAP1-null cells and in cells transfected with an IQGAP1 mutant construct that is unable to bind B-Raf. Interestingly, binding to IQGAP1 significantly enhances B-Raf activity in vitro. Our data identify a previously unrecognized interaction between IQGAP1 and B-Raf and suggest that IQGAP1 is a scaffold necessary for activation of B-Raf by EGF.
National Acad Sciences