Figure 7. A model of DAAM1 involvement in directed cell migration.

Through its effects on F-actin assembly and the propensity to associate with myosin IIB, DAAM1 can directly affect the regulation of the acto-myosin network. Its upstream activator, Disheveled, is involved with activation of other polarity proteins through Cdc42 [30]. Cdc42 and MRCK are implicated in nuclear movement via effects on the sub-nuclear acto-myosin network [28], [34]. PAR3/PAR6/aPKC and dynein maintain the centrosome in the cell centroid via their effects on microtubule organization [29]. The ability of DAAM1 to interact with RhoA and Cdc42 could be a focus of cooperativity between the two GTPases in the polarity pathway. Full arrows indicate direct interaction, dashed arrows indicate indirect interaction, and dotted arrows indicate interaction yet to be established in this pathway.