FIGURE 6.

Phosphodegron mutants promote TAZ function. A, TAZ degradation mutants induce a stronger morphological change (upper panel) and altered actin organization in MCF10A cells (lower panel). Phase-contrast images of MCF10A cells expressing vector, TAZ and TAZ^S311A are shown. Cells were stained with rhodamine-conjugated phalloidin. B, TAZ degradation mutants are more potent in inducing EMT in MCF10A cells. Cell lysates from MCF10A cells expressing vector, TAZ and TAZ^S311A were probed for epithelial marker and mesenchymal marker as indicated. C, TAZ degradation mutants stimulate cell migration. MCF10A cells expressing vector, TAZ and TAZ^S311A were analyzed for migration by a wound healing assay. D, transformation of NIH 3T3 cells by TAZ degradation mutants. 5 × 10³ NIH3T3 cells stably expressing vector, TAZ and TAZ^S311A were cultured in soft agar for 14 days before colonies were counted. Colonies were then visualized by crystal violet staining and counted.