The functional specificity of CDC42 isoforms is caused by their distinct subcellular localization

Abstract The small G-protein CDC42 is an evolutionary conserved polarity protein and a key regulator of numerous polarized cell functions, including directed cell migration. In vertebrates, alternative splicing gives rise to two CDC42 proteins: the ubiquitously expressed isoform (CDC42u) and the brain isoform (CDC42b), whose specific roles are not fully elucidated. The two isoforms only differ in their carboxy-terminal sequence, which includes the CAAX motif essential for CDC42 interaction with membrane. Here we show that these divergent sequences do not directly affect the range of CDC42’s potential binding partners, but indirectly influence CDC42-driven signaling by controlling the specific subcellular localization of the two isoforms. In astrocytes and neural precursors, which naturally express both variants, CDC42u is mainly cytosolic and associates with the leading-edge plasma membrane of migrating cells where it recruits the Par6-PKCζ complex to fulfill its polarity function. In contrast, CDC42b mainly localizes to intracellular membrane compartments, where it interacts with N-WASP. CDC42b does not participate in cell polarization but embodies the major isoform regulating endocytosis. Both CDC42 isoforms act in concert by contributing their specific functions to promote chemotaxis of neural precursors, demonstrating that the expression pattern of the two isoforms is decisive for the tissue-specific behavior of cells.