Characterization of IQGAP1-containing complexes in NK-like cells: Evidence for Rac 2 and RACK1 association during homotypic adhesion

IQGAP1 is a scaffolding protein that binds to a diverse array of signaling and structural molecules that are often associated with cell polarization and adhesion. Through interaction with its target proteins, IQGAP1 participates in multiple cellular functions, including Ca2+-calmodulin signaling, definition of cytoskeletal architecture, regulation of Cdc42 and Rac1 dependent cytoskeletal changes, and control of E-cadherin mediated intercellular adhesion. These analysis have been largely restricted to cells of epithelial and fibroblast origin. The present studies were initiated to examine the role of IQGAP1 in cellular interactions involving the lymphoid cells. A mass spectrometric based analysis of IQGAP1 containing complexes isolated from the human NK-like cell line, YTS, identified several known and new potential IQGAP1 interaction partners including receptor of activated C kinase 1 (RACK1) and the small GTPase, Rac2. Immunofluorescence analysis of YTS cells indicated that a minor component of IQGAP1 was localized at the cell membrane with the remainder diffusely distributed through out the cytoplasm. However, at sites of cellular contact, there was a marked accumulation of IQGAP1. Staining for RACK1 and Rac2 revealed that both of these proteins accumulated these contact sites. Antibody-based studies suggested that a subset of RACK1 was associated in an IQGAP1-containing complex, which prevented recognition of RACK1 by monoclonal antibody. These results suggest that RACK1, Rac2, and IQGAP1 are components of complexes involved in NK cell homotypic adhesion.