WHAMM functions in kidney reabsorption and polymerizes actin to promote autophagosomal membrane closure and cargo sequestration

Abstract

• The tissue-specific functions of mammalian actin nucleation factors are not well understood.

• Mice lacking the actin nucleation factor WHAMM show signs of a kidney disease resembling Fanconi Syndrome. Kidneys from WHAMM-deficient male mice display abnormalities in structure and reabsorption function. Cultured proximal tubule cells exhibit defects in autophagosome closure and autophagic cargo sequestration.

• WHAMM and the Arp2/3 complex are important for nutrient reabsorption in the kidney and autophagosome remodeling in proximal tubule cells.