EDC3 phosphorylation regulates growth and invasion through controlling P‐body formation and dynamics

Regulation of mRNA stability and translation plays a critical role in determining protein abundance within cells. Processing bodies (P‐bodies) are critical regulators of these processes. Here, we report that the Pim1 and 3 protein kinases bind to the P‐body protein enhancer of mRNA decapping 3 (EDC3) and phosphorylate EDC3 on serine (S)161, thereby modifying P‐body assembly. EDC3 phosphorylation is highly elevated in many tumor types, is reduced upon treatment of cells with kinase inhibitors, and blocks the localization of EDC3 to P‐bodies. Prostate cancer cells harboring an EDC3 S161A mutation show markedly decreased growth, migration, and invasion in tissue culture and in xenograft models. Consistent with these phenotypic changes, the expression of integrin β1 and α6 mRNA and protein is reduced in these mutated cells. These results demonstrate that EDC3 phosphorylation regulates multiple cancer‐relevant functions and suggest that modulation of P‐body activity may represent a new paradigm for cancer treatment.     

Revision of the dolichoderine ant genus Axinidris Hymenoptera: Formicidae

Abstract. The Afrotropical ant genus Axinidris is revised. The pre viously known species A.acholli Weber is redescribed, as are A.tridens Arnold and A.denticulatum Wheeler, species newly transferred to Axinidris . Lectotypes are also designated for these species. Ten new species bidens, ghanensis, hylekoites, kakamegensis, kinoin, murielae, nigripes, occidentalis, palligastrion and parvus are described. The queen and male of the genus are described for the first time. A key for the separation of workers is presented, and the known biology and distribution are summarized.