Syndecan-4 associates with alpha-actinin

Cell adhesion to the extracellular matrix influences many cellular functions. The integrin family of matrix receptors plays major roles in the formation of adhesions, but other proteins modulate integrin signaling. Syndecan-4, a transmembrane proteoglycan, cooperatively signals with integrins during the formation of focal adhesions. To date, a direct link between syndecan-4 and the cytoskeleton has remained elusive. We now demonstrate by Triton X-100 extraction immunoprecipitation and in vitro binding assays that the focal adhesion component alpha-actinin interacts with syndecan-4 in a beta-integrin-independent manner.