Transducer of Cdc42-dependent actin assembly promotes epidermal growth factor-induced cell motility and invasiveness

Toca-1 (transducer of Cdc42-dependent actin assembly) interacts with the Cdc42·N-WASP and Abi1·Rac·WAVE F-actin branching pathways that function in lamellipodia formation and cell motility. However, the potential role of Toca-1 in these processes has not been reported. Here, we show that epidermal growth factor (EGF) induces Toca-1 localization to lamellipodia, where it co-localizes with F-actin and Arp2/3 complex in A431 epidermoid carcinoma cells. EGF also induces tyrosine phosphorylation of Toca-1 and interactions with N-WASP and Abi1. Stable knockdown of Toca-1 expression by RNA interference has no effect on cell growth, EGF receptor expression, or internalization. However, Toca-1 knockdown cells display defects in EGF-induced filopodia and lamellipodial protrusions compared with control cells. Further analyses reveal a role for Toca-1 in localization of Arp2/3 and Abi1 to lamellipodia. Toca-1 knockdown cells also display a significant defect in EGF-induced motility and invasiveness. Taken together, these results implicate Toca-1 in coordinating actin assembly within filopodia and lamellipodia to promote EGF-induced cell migration and invasion.