CYRI (FAM49) proteins are local inhibitors of Scar/WAVE induced lamellipodia that bind directly to active Rac1

Abstract

Abstract Actin-based protrusions driving cell migration are reinforced through positive feedback, but it is unclear how the cell restricts the eventual size of a protrusion or limits positive signals to cause splitting or retraction. We have identified an evolutionarily conserved regulator of the protrusion machinery, which we name CYRI ( CY FIP - related R ac i nteracting) protein. CYRI shows sequence similarity to the Scar/WAVE complex member CYFIP in a D omain of U nknown F unction, DUF1394. CYRI binds specifically to activated Rac1 via a common motif shared with CYFIP, establishing DUF1394 as a new Rac1 binding domain. CYRI-depleted cells have broad, Scar/WAVE-enriched lamellipodia and enhanced Rac1 signaling. Conversely, CYRI overexpression suppresses spreading and dramatically sharpens protrusions into unproductive needles. CYRI proteins use dynamic inhibition of Scar/WAVE induced actin to focus positive protrusion signals and regulate pseudopod complexity. CYRI behaves like a “local inhibitor” predicted and described in widely accepted mathematical models, but not previously identified in living cells.

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