Galectin-3 regulates intracellular trafficking of EGFR through alix and promotes keratinocyte migration

Wei Liu, Daniel K. Hsu, Huan Yuan Chen, Ri Yao Yang, Kermit L. Carraway, Roslyn R. Isseroff, Fu Tong Liu

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

85 Scopus citations

Abstract

The EGFR-mediated signaling pathways are important in a variety of cellular processes, including cell migration and wound re-epithelialization. Intracellular trafficking of EGFR is critical for maintaining EGFR surface expression. Galectin-3, a member of an animal lectin family, has been implicated in a number of physiological and pathological processes. Through studies of galectin-3-deficient mice and cells isolated from these mice, we demonstrated that the absence of galectin-3 impairs keratinocyte migration and skin wound re-epithelialization. We have linked this pro-migratory function to a crucial role of cytosolic galectin-3 in controlling intracellular trafficking and cell surface expression of EGFR after EGF stimulation. Without galectin-3, the surface levels of EGFR are markedly reduced, and the receptor accumulates diffusely in the cytoplasm. This is associated with reduced rates of both endocytosis and recycling of the receptor. We have provided evidence that this previously unreported function of galectin-3 may be mediated through interaction with its binding partner Alix, which is a protein component of the ESCRT (endosomal sorting complex required for transport) machinery. Our results suggest that galectin-3 is potentially a critical regulator of a number of important cellular responses through its intracellular control of trafficking of cell surface receptors.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)2828-2837
Number of pages10
JournalJournal of Investigative Dermatology
Volume132
Issue number12
DOIs
StatePublished - Dec 2012
Externally publishedYes

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Biochemistry
  • Molecular Biology
  • Dermatology
  • Cell Biology

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