PPP2R1A regulates migration persistence through the NHSL1-containing WAVE Shell Complex

The RAC1-WAVE-Arp2/3 signaling pathway generates branched actin networks that power lamellipodium protrusion of migrating cells. Feedback is thought to control protrusion lifetime and migration persistence, but its molecular circuitry remains elusive. Here, we identify PPP2R1A by proteomics as a protein differentially associated with the WAVE complex subunit ABI1 when RAC1 is activated and downstream generation of branched actin is blocked. PPP2R1A is found to associate at the lamellipodial edge with an alternative form of WAVE complex, the WAVE Shell Complex, that contains NHSL1 instead of the Arp2/3 activating subunit WAVE, as in the canonical WAVE Regulatory Complex. PPP2R1A is required for persistence in random and directed migration assays and for RAC1-dependent actin polymerization in cell extracts. PPP2R1A requirement is abolished by NHSL1 depletion. PPP2R1A mutations found in tumors impair WAVE Shell Complex binding and migration regulation, suggesting that the coupling of PPP2R1A to the WAVE Shell Complex is essential to its function.

Automated summary

The RAC1-WAVE-Arp2/3 signaling pathway generates branched actin networks that power lamellipodium protrusion of migrating cells. PPP2R1A is a protein that associates with the WAVE complex subunit ABI1 when RAC1 is activated and branched actin generation is blocked. PPP2R1A interacts with the WAVE Shell Complex at the lamellipodial edge and is required for migration persistence and RAC1-dependent actin polymerization. Mutations in PPP2R1A impair WAVE Shell Complex binding and migration regulation, suggesting its essential role in cell migration.