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bioRxiv · 10.64898/2026.03.12.711275

Drebrin forms a cortical hub that connects actin, microtubules, and clathrin for endocytic transport of β2 integrin

Cervero, P.·Hey, S.·Weber, K.·Barcelona, B.·Herzog, R.·Linder, S.
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Abstract

Using primary human macrophages, we analyze the molecular machinery that enables direct contact of microtubule +tips with podosomes, and its connection to clathrin-based endocytosis. We show that the podosome cap protein drebrin, together with its +tip-localized binding partner EB3, regulates podosome-microtubule contact. Importantly, drebrin depletion leads to reduced endocytosis, particularly of {beta}2 integrin at podosomes. This is based on drebri[n]s interaction with {beta}2 integrin, and its direct binding of clathrin heavy chain via a canonical clathrin box and a novel box, which we identify also in other mammalian proteins. Our data enable a model of the molecular machinery that regulates direct contact between podosomes and microtubule +tips. Moreover, we provide evidence for spatial selectivity in endocytosis of {beta} integrins, while also revealing a more general principle of endocytic trafficking regulation, through drebrin working as a multivalent, actin-based hub that links the clathrin system with microtubule-based transport.

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Cervero, P., Hey, S., Weber, K., Barcelona, B., Herzog, R., Linder, S.. 2026-03-13. Drebrin forms a cortical hub that connects actin, microtubules, and clathrin for endocytic transport of β2 integrin. https://doi.org/10.64898/2026.03.12.711275

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