CPEB1 regulates β‐catenin mRNA translation and cell migration in astrocytes

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Abstract
A crucial step in directed cell migration is the recruitment of cytoskeletal regulatory and signaling proteins to the leading edge of the cell. One protein localized to the leading edge of a migrating astrocyte is β‐catenin. Using an in vitro wound‐healing assay, we show that the localization of β‐catenin to the leading edge is dependent upon new protein synthesis at the time of wounding. We examined the mRNA encoding β‐catenin for potential regulatory elements and identified a conserved cytoplasmic polyadenylation element in the 3′‐untranslated region (UTR). We now show that the CPE‐binding protein (CPEB1) is expressed in astrocytes and that translation of β‐catenin mRNA is regulated by CPEB1. Further, expression of a mutant CPEB1 protein in astrocytes not only blocks β‐catenin protein localization, it also inhibits cell migration. These findings demonstrate a role for CPEB1‐mediated protein synthesis in the localization of β‐catenin protein to the leading edge of migrating astrocytes and in regulating directed cell motility.