Fig. 2. The FERM domain of PTPL1 is necessary and sufficient for its apical
localization and microvilli association in HeLa cells. (A-C) Full-length
PTPL1, (D-F) PTPL1-FERM domain, and (G-I) PTPL1
FERM with HA-epitope
tags were transiently expressed in HeLa epithelial cells (see
Fig. 1). Cells were treated for
(left) indirect FITC localization of PTPL1 constructs with anti-HA antibody
and (middle) F-actin with TRITC-coupled phalloidin. Images represent merges of
horizontal confocal sections. Vertical xz sections at the level of the dotted
lines are presented under each figure. Co-localizations of PTPL1 constructs
and actin are represented by yellow. Full-length PTPL1 is (A) located at the
apical face of cell membrane and (C) co-localized with F-actin at the level of
dorsal microvilli (arrow) and lateral cell membranes. (F) The PTPL1-FERM
domain displayed the same subcellular localization (arrow) as the full-length
enzyme. (D) Cell extensions were also observed (arrowhead). On the contrary,
(G) PTPL1
FERM was found mainly in the cytosol and enriched around the
nucleus (arrows). Bars, 20 µm.