No abstract

Dishevelled (DVL) is a key scaffolding protein and a branching point in Wnt signaling pathways. Here, we present conclusive evidence that DVL regulates the centrosomal cycle. We demonstrate that DVL dishevelled and axin (DIX) domain, but not DIX domain-mediated multimerization, is essential for DVL's centrosomal localization. DVL accumulates during the cell cycle and associates with NIMA-related kinase 2 (NEK2), which is able to phosphorylate DVL at a multitude of residues, as detected by a set of novel phospho-specific antibodies. This creates interfaces for efficient binding to CDK5 regulatory subunitassociated protein 2 (CDK5RAP2) and centrosomal Nek2-associated protein 1 (C-NAP1), two proteins of the centrosomal linker. Displacement of DVL from the centrosome and its release into the cytoplasm on NEK2 phosphorylation is coupled to the removal of linker proteins, an event necessary for centrosomal separation and proper formation of the mitotic spindle. Lack of DVL prevents NEK2-controlled dissolution of loose centrosomal linker and subsequent centrosomal separation. Increased DVL levels, in contrast, sequester centrosomal NEK2 and mimic monopolar spindle defects induced by a dominant negative version of this kinase. Our study thus uncovers molecular crosstalk between centrosome and Wnt signaling.Wnt signaling | centrosome | Dishevelled | NEK2 | linker proteins

Background: Phosphorylation of Dishevelled (Dvl) by casein kinase 1ϵ (CK1ϵ) is a key event in Wnt signal transduction.Results: Dvl3 residues phosphorylated by CK1ϵ were identified by proteomics and analyzed functionally.Conclusion: Individual phosphorylation events control different aspects of Dvl biology.Significance: CK1ϵ and Fzd5, a Wnt receptor, act on Dvl via distinct mechanism, suggesting that CK1ϵ is not directly downstream of Frizzled5.