Requirement of a dynein light chain in transforming growth factor β signaling in zebrafish ovarian follicle cells

We have previously reported that the dynein light chains km23-1 and km23-2 are required for TGFβ signaling in mammalian cells. Here we describe another member of the km23/DYNLRB/LC7/robl family of dynein light chains in zebrafish, termed zkm23, which is also involved in TGFβ signaling. zkm23 was rapidly phosphorylated after TGFβ stimulation. TGFβ RII kinase activity was absolutely required for zkm23 phosphorylation, whereas a constitutively active TGFβ RI did not induce phosphorylation. Further, TGFβ stimulated a rapid recruitment of the zkm23 dynein light chain to the dynein intermediate chain of the dynein complex, and the TGFβ RII kinase was required for this interaction. Finally, blockade of zkm23 using morpholino oligos resulted in an inhibition of TGFβ-mediated transcriptional responses. Thus, our results demonstrate for the first time that the dynein light chain zkm23 is required for TGFβ signaling in cultured zebrafish ovarian follicle cells.

► Endogenous zkm23 protein is expressed in zebrafish ovarian follicle cells. ► TGFβ stimulates the phosphorylation of zkm23. ► TGFβ stimulates the recruitment of zkm23 to the dynein intermediate chain. ► Morpholino oligos knockdown of zkm23 decreased TGFβ-mediated transcription. ► zkm23 is required for TGFβ signaling in zebrafish ovarian follicle cells.