Inhibition of Cell Migration by Abl Family Tyrosine Kinases through Uncoupling of Crk-CAS Complexes

Abstract c-Abl and the Abl-related gene product (Arg) are nonreceptor tyrosine kinases that regulate the actin cytoskeleton of cells by direct association with F-actin and localization to focal contacts. However, the biological significance of this interaction is not known. We show here that transfection of COS-7 cells with a kinase-inactive form of c-Abl (Abl) promotes c-Crk II/p130CAS (Crk-CAS) coupling, enhancing cell migration. Moreover, embryonic fibroblast cells isolated from mice devoid of endogenous Abl and Arg (abl−/−arg−/−) demonstrate increased Crk-CAS coupling and motility. Conversely, expression of a kinase-active form of Abl or reconstitution of abl−/− arg−/− cells with wild-type Abl prevents Crk-CAS coupling and inhibits cell migration. Thus, Abl and Arg kinases play a critical role in preventing cell migration through regulation of Crk and CAS adaptor protein complexes, which are necessary for cell movement.