LASP1, a Newly Identified Melanocytic Protein with a Possible Role in Melanin Release,but Not in Melanoma Progression |
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| Authors: | Anjana Vaman V. S. Heiko Poppe Roland Houben Thomas G. P. Grunewald Matthias Goebeler Elke Butt |
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| Affiliation: | 1. Institute of Clinical Biochemistry and Pathobiochemistry, University Hospital Würzburg, Würzburg, Germany.; 2. Department of Dermatology, University Hospital Würzburg, Würzburg, Germany.; 3. Laboratory for Pediatric Sarcoma Biology, Institute of Pathology, Ludwig Maximilians University Munich, Munich, Germany.; Rutgers University, UNITED STATES, |
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| Abstract: | The LIM and SH3 protein 1 (LASP1) is a focal adhesion protein. Its expression is increased in many malignant tumors. However, little is known about the physiological role of the protein. In the present study, we investigated the expression and function of LASP1 in normal skin, melanocytic nevi and malignant melanoma. In normal skin, a distinct LASP1 expression is visible only in the basal epidermal layer while in nevi LASP1 protein is detected in all melanocytes. Melanoma exhibit no increase in LASP1 mRNA compared to normal skin. In melanocytes, the protein is bound to dynamin and mainly localized at late melanosomes along the edges and at the tips of the cell. Knockdown of LASP1 results in increased melanin concentration in the cells. Collectively, we identified LASP1 as a hitherto unknown protein in melanocytes and as novel partner of dynamin in the physiological process of membrane constriction and melanosome vesicle release. |
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